Transformers Universe MUX
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A device of Dr. Mindbender's (Originally developed by Dr. Venom) that allows him to scan brainwaves, reading people's mind and potentially probing their memories. The last version on the MUX was built into modified dentist's chair; its current version is built into an electric chair with the scanner itself built into a customised dental X-ray housing. Mindbender has also built a less-powerful portable version operated by X.

Brainwave Scanner

Brainwave Scanner in use

Functioning[]

The Brainwave Scanner can be used for two basic functions, interrogation and brainwashing.

The Interrogation part works by flashing a series of images in the mind of the subject and recording their reaction. Soon the Scanner will have a "library" of the subject's thinking patterns. The Scanner then reads the subject's mind and projects the images on a monitor.

When the Scanner brainwashes a subject, it creates a computerized landscape of the subject's mind, representing it as a maze filled with images and items from the subject's life. Representations of the person running the Scanner then run through the maze, altering what they choose. Once the alterations are complete, the subject's new personality is cemented with a massive jolt of electricity.

In both cases the Scanner is a painful experience for the one being scanned, even more so if they resist. Also, Dr Mindbender modified the Scanner so that those who are brainwashed by it get addicted to the Scanner despite the pain and feel a constant need to undergo sessions in the Brainwave Scanner.

Most of the time, only one person is subjected to the Scanner at one time. However, there are variations of the Scanner that can affect two or more people in one sitting. One of these types can be concealed in a structure the size of a small trailer.

History[]

Canon History[]

The Brainwave Scanner's first use was by Dr. Venom, who uses it to interrogate the captive Snake-Eyes. Despite the pain it causes him, Snake-Eyes resists Venom's attempts to extract the location of G.I. Joe headquarters from his mind. Venom does manage to get snippets of Snake-Eyes' personal history and a few fleeting glimpses of some Joe personnel. Snake-Eyes uses techniques to fake his death and escapes when Venom and a guard unstrap him from the machine.[1] Venom uses technology from the Scanner in the creation of the SNAKE robots. This enables Venom to control anyone who wears the armor. He is able to control Snake-Eyes and Kwinn and use them in battle with the Joes. However, Snake-Eyes uses his prior experience with the Scanner to break free.[2]

After Venom's death, the Scanner is not seen again until Cobra Commander uses it to probe his son Billy's mind to find out who aided him in a foiled attempt to kill the Commander. Like Snake-Eyes, Billy is able to resist the Scanner and Cobra Commander is forced to call off the interrogation when Billy starts remembering watching the Commander start Cobra.[3]

When Dr Mindbender joined Cobra, he borrowed the Brainwave Scanner to use in the creation of Serpentor. Mindbender had his own brain scanned so that Serpentor would be familiar with modern tactics and politics. He was not aware of the pain associated with being scanned and passed out. No sooner was he unstrapped then the Joe Ripcord was placed in the Scanner so they could find out if he warned the Joes where Cobra headquarters is. They confirmed Ripcord had alerted the Joes just as the attack on Springfield began.[4]

Mindbender later redesigned the Scanner, debuting the new design in a Terror Drome in Sierra Gordo. Ironically, Snake-Eyes is subjected to the Scanner when he infiltrates the Terror Drome disguised as Flint. A team of Joes led by Stalker try to rescue Snake-Eyes but fail when Stalker is injured.[5] Scarlett teams with a reformed Storm Shadow to rescue Snake-eyes when he is transferred to the Cobra Consulate Building in New York. While there, Snake-Eyes once again uses his ninja techniques on the Scanner, this time overloading it.[6]

In the Cobra town of Broca Beach, Baroness and Zarana use the Brainwave Scanner to brainwash Clutch and Rock & Roll.[7] Cobra Commander uses multiple copies of the Brainwave Scanner to brainwash the residents of the town of Millville.[1] The Baroness herself is subjected to the Scanner when Cobra Commander captures her during an attempt to kill Destro.[8] Firefly uses another Scanner to brainwash both Joe and Cobra ninjas in an attempt to overthrow Cobra Commander.[9]

After Dr. Mindbender returns, he and Cobra Commander use the Scanner to brainwash Storm Shadow, Baroness, and Billy into rejoining Cobra.[10]

MUX History[]

In recent history, Mindbender has used the Scanner to make backups of the minds of most members of Cobra Command, in case they are killed and he decides to resurrect them as clones. The effects of the Scanner have slowly worn off on Storm Shadow, Baroness, and Billy, leaving Mindbender paranoid about their true alliances.

Shattered Glass[]

In the Shattered Glass universe, the Brainwave Scanner was developed and is used by Psych-Out.

Notable Victims (In No particular Order)[]

Snake-Eyes

Snake-Eyes

Snake-Eyes

Baroness

Storm Shadow

William

Clutch

Ripcord

Rock'n'Roll

The entire town of Millville

Destro 

G.I. Joe World[]

In the G.I. Joe World universe, Psyche-Out has constructed his own version, which he calls his Neural Oscillation Monitor (NOM).

References[]

Brain-scanner-1-credit-wellcome-768x512

Brainwave Scanner

  1. 1.0 1.1 G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#10
  2. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#19
  3. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#35
  4. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#49
  5. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#54-55
  6. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero Annual#3
  7. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#90
  8. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#115
  9. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#127
  10. G.I. Joe: a Real American Hero (vol.1)#150
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