Knockscream

Knockscream
GENERAL
Transformers
Character	Knock Out
Character	Starscream
Canonical?	Fanon
Status of Relationship	Enemies, former friends (Aligned) Allies/Mutual Disdain; Starscream is dead (2005 IDW Comics) Allies (IDW 2019)
IN FANDOM
Type (?)	Slash
Also Known As	KnockStar, KOSS

Knockscream is the slash ship between Knock Out and Starscream from the Transformers fandom.

Canon

Knock Out was originally called to Earth by Starscream after Megatron was severely injured. They initially had a terse relationship, Starscream disapproving of Knock Out's affinity with street racing.

However, Starscream eventually decided he wanted to kill an injured Megatron and lead the Decepticons. He offered Knock Out the position of second-in-command, which he accepted. Though they were unable to complete the coup, it was the first time the two Decepticons got along.

After Megatron recovered, Starscream was injured and tended to by Knock Out, the ship's medic. When Starscream got more injured trying to retrieve a new arm, Knock Out showed concern and asked him to take care of himself.

The two's quippy relationship continued until the arrival of Shockwave, which got Knock Out demoted. He agreed to help Starscream with Dark Energon experiments, despite disagreeing with his intent. They accidentally set a Terracon loose on the Nemesis and were forced to hide. It was during this scene that Starscream admitted Knock Out was a friend and the medic complimented him on his finish.

Knock Out was assigned to work under Shockwave after the Terracon incident, lessening his interactions with Starscream. Their relationship worsened as a result, which came to a head during Predacons Rising. Starscream attempted to take over the Nemesis (which had been acquired by the Autobots) and insulted Knock Out when he made a quip. This caused him to knock out Starscream (no pun intended) and officially join the Autobots.

Quotes

Knock Out – “ I find it rather ironic that after battling Autobots all these years, getting smacked down, shot at, blown up, this is how our lights go out?”

Starscream – “Drained of our precious fluids. If this is indeed the end, if we are to become Terrorcon-chow, it has been an honor serving Lord Megatron with you.”

Knock Out – “You're no Breakdown. Though I must confess, I have always admired your lustrous finish.”

— Thirst

Arcee – “Why'd you do it, Knock Out? Why'd you turn against Starscream?”

Knock Out – “Even if I had helped him seize this ship, he would probably have just fired me out of the first airlock. Oh. And he's rude.”

— Predacons Rising

Fanon

While not the most popular ship in the Transformers: Prime fandom, Knockscream has gained a steady following. This following increased during Seasons 2 and 3, the latter of which featured the Terracon incident.

It was confirmed by the producers that Knock Out is gay. Starscream's sexuality has not been mentioned, which had lead people to wonder if Knock Out was actually flirting with him and if he returned it.

On AO3, Knockscream is the second most written ship for Knock Out and the ninth most written ship for Starscream. It is the sixth most written ship in the Transformers: Prime tag.

Fandom

FAN FICTION

Knock Out/Starscream tag on AO3

TUMBLR

Knockscream posts on Tumblr