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Perhaps I missed this somehow when reading through the IDW Transformers comics but what is the reason for Red Alert's current character design? I recall reading issue 5 of MTMTE where there's a flashback of Red Alert's sessions with Rung and we see both a more G1 inspired look in the past along with the current look for the character.

Is this change of design explained? I like the look but it deviates significantly from the original design, unlike most other IDW updated character designs that I've seen.

I thought the same thing with Chromedome when he was sharing his backstory about Shadowplay. But I think it's just that as they grew older, they wanted to upgrade and change their appearance. That's how I'm lookin at it at least.

I think it's cool how when the do flashback, their designs are more G1 inspired and shaped as opposed to their newer and updated looks. It's a nice nod to the G1 franchise

Ah, yes, Chromedome is another character I noticed that has the same deal going on. I've been re-reading MTMTE and noticed a few other cases like Ratchet and Skids.

I definitely enjoy the updates to the designs. Red Alert's update was drastic enough to catch my attention and make me think "What's up with the makeover?". If I wasn't told it was Red Alert, I would have never guessed if someone simply showed me a drawing of the character's current look.

I cannot for the life of me remember where I saw it, but I seem to recall an interview or a couple of sketches by either Milne or Roche (that's how foggy it is, I'm sorry), explaining the redesigns.

I do like MSB's theory, and I don't think it's out of line for the current continuity, seeing that Empurata and Relinquishment clinics are big parts of the plot.

I can try asking people, but I doubt there'll be one answer!

Yea this confuses me as well, at first I thought it might be the WFC/FOC design, but he doesn't exist in Aligned yet, and it's neither the Sideswipe design.

But then again, Roche did state in Spotlight Kup that Cybertronians update their bodies to stay up-to-date on technology which is why Kup couldn't be fixed back then.
Then I think there was the implication that Red Alert kept upgrading his body due to the his paranoia, and I believe in those flashback sessions with Rung his body changed a little in almost every scene.

Still think the design is fugly though.