Along with several other Transformers, the dormant Sideswipe was found on the crashed Ark by Cobra, who soon reprogrammed the alien robots to serve them. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were rebuilt into Stingers and sent to assault the SPS Research Facility alongside Soundwave and his minions. The two brothers didn't succeed in their mission, though, as they were rammed aside by Wheeljack while charging at the building and were eventually ordered to retreat. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3 Wheeljack later freed Sideswipe and the others from Cobra's control, and he helped Sunstreaker and Cliffjumper fight back against the similarly freed Decepticons and their former captors. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5