Sparkplugs
| Sparkplugs | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Occupation | Zurg's minions |
| First appearance | Cars |
| Latest appearance | The World of Cars Online |
The Sparkplugs[1] are imaginary monsters in Lightning McQueen's fictional "Lightning Storm" universe, first appearing in his daydream in Cars. They are enormous, four legged, spider-like robot spark plugs that can (and do) disintegrate cars with blue laser beams. They appeared as enemies in the Lightning Storm Space Assault minigame in The World of Cars Online, and were at one point considered to be casted in Mattel's 1:55 die-cast toy line.[1]
History
Cars
In Cars, as Lightning McQueen zones out from The King's advice, he daydreams of winning the coveted Dinoco sponsorship and the fame that will follow. He imagines himself as a movie star, playing a superhero-esque character named "Lightning Storm McQueen," and battling a horde of ray-blasting spark plug monster robots, who are destroying a city and threatening civilians in the process. One particular creature zaps a civilian, turning them to ash before being successfully destroyed by "Lightning Storm McQueen's" own missile.
The World of Cars Online
The Sparkplug monsters returned in The World of Cars Online for the Lightning Storm Space Assault mini-game, a bonus "arcade"-esque feature based on the aforementioned Cars sequence. As Lightning Storm McQueen (and occasionally a Dinoco Pitty), the player must weave through space while avoiding legions of enemy Sparkplugs, who move erratically and inflict damage if collided with; They can also be destroyed using the Laser Cannon powerup. McQueen's goal is to reach and defeat Zurg, who is presumably the one in command of the ruthless Sparkplugs.
Two Tone Heroes
In "Two Ton Heroes", a four issue Story Arc written by Alan J. Porter, the Sparkplugs were going to appear in Lightning Storm universe against Mater and The Towminator.
Gallery
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The World of Cars Online
Trivia
- According to toy artist Martin Arriola, the lead project designer for Mattel's Cars brand from 2007 to 2009, the Sparkplug was planned to receive a "Mega Size" release in early concept; It was slated for a 2010 release on a preview list Arriola personally provided to Cars collecting blog Alternator Valley.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Orlandog Ken (January 12, 2009). "Disney Pixar Cars - Release Schedule of Oversized Cars for 2010". Alternator Valley. Retrieved 26 February 2024.