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An Explosive Situation

2010-05-19T12:32:35Z

109.224.132.23: /* Animation or technical errors */

{{episode|
|series=RiD
|ep=2
|title="An Explosive Situation"
|japanese=高速バトル! ゲルシャーク
|romaji=Kōsoku Battle! Gelshark
|translation=High Speed Battle! Gelshark
|image=Explosive Situation Skybyte bomb.jpg
|caption=Nom nom nom
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]], [[Studio Gallop]]
|written by=[[Junki Takegami]] (Japanese) [[Tom Wyner]] (English)
|director=[[Yoshiaki Tsutsui]], [[Akira Katō]]
|animation studio=Studio Gallop
|airdate=[[April 12|12 April]] 2000 (Japanese) [[September 10]], 2001 (English)
|continuity=
}}
'''Predacons need fuel.''' 
'''So they steal it from a car.''' 
'''[[Buster Witwicky and the Car Wash of Doom|Sound familiar?]]'''

==Synopsis==
A nighttime delivery of a power cell is ruined by [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]], who devours the truck and steals away the cargo. But the energy he consumes doesn't satiate the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacon]]'s hunger.

[[Image:Explosive Situation Kojitai.jpg|left|200px|thumb|No Koji, this doesn't count as sex.]]
[[Koji Onishi]] receives a message from [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and rushes outside to be retrieved by the [[Autobot]] leader, who brings Koji to the Autobots' secret underground headquarters. Prime introduces Koji to the "proactive cybernetic interface program" called [[T-AI]], the Tactical Artificial Intelligence. The two become quick friends, despite T-AI's lack of a solid body. Optimus explains that the Predacons have been responsible for various battery thefts. The three [[Autobot Brothers|Autobot brothers]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]], [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], and [[X-Brawn]], patrol around in hopes of discovering a crime in progress (although Side Burn is easily distracted by his need to "rev up his engine").

[[Image:Explosive Situation Predaconbatteries.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They had to visit five Wal-Marts to collect this many.]]
Underwater, in his own hidden base, [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] mulls over his energy concerns. The Predacon trio arrives with a proposed solution: flashlight batteries. Megatron is unimpressed at how small his henchmen have been thinking. Sky-Byte uncloaks and presents his own, much better idea for powering the Predacons' base: They simply need to recover an energy bomb that some terrorists have hidden in a red sports car in [[Metro City]].

[[Image:Explosive Situation Kellyprowl.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Have you considered buying a hybrid?]]
At the docks, [[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] is taking delivery of the last red sports car, which naturally contains the bomb. She takes it for a test drive, and before long is located by Sky-Byte. Unsurprisingly, Side Burn quickly arrives to hit on the car, prompting Sky-Byte to begin his attack. Prowl and Side Burn block the fish, but he swims/flies away and meets with the Predacon trio, who are trying to take the credit for recovering the bomb for themselves. Sky-Byte bites into the car to take it from [[Dark Scream]], shattering the car's structure. Trying to save the automobile, Side Burn unintentionally saves Kelly from certain death. Prowl apologizes to Kelly for letting the Predacons ruin her day.

With the explosive device in his teeth, Sky-Byte gradually floats back towards the Predacon command center, but X-Brawn steals the bomb right out of Sky-Byte's mouth. The rough handling causes the device to arm, and Sky-Byte warns X-Brawn of the impending explosion. Koji suggests taking the bomb somewhere high up, and X-Brawn uses his grappling hook to swing from building to building to the radio tower where he begins his ascent.

[[Image:Explosive Situation Skybyteinspace.jpg|right|200px|thumb|His bosses didn't like him so they shot him into space!]]
Realizing that the blast radius would be larger than the tower is tall, Optimus Prime rushes out of the base. In the city, X-Brawn tosses the bomb from the top of the tower as far upwards as he can. Using his "Power Stream" attack, Prime fires a blast of water at the bomb, carrying the explosive (and Sky-Byte) out of the Earth's atmosphere. Miles above the Earth, Sky-Byte triggers the explosive. The explosion fills the city's sky with a yellow glow, but no buildings are destroyed.

Once he's recovered, Sky-Byte begins a study of human culture but is frustrated by the combined power of the works of [[wikipedia:Charles_Dickens|Charles Dickens]] and [[wikipedia:William_Shakespeare|William Shakespeare]].

{{--}}
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[T-AI]] (6)
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] (7)
*[[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] (9)
*[[X-Brawn]] (10)

|h2=[[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]]
|c2=
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] (3)
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (11)
*[[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] (12)
*[[Dark Scream]] (13)
*[[Gas Skunk]] (14)

|c3=
*Truck Driver (1)
*Truck Passenger (2)
*[[Koji Onishi]] (4)
*[[Kelly (RID)|Kelly]] (8)
*[[Dorie Dutton]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"Here's a tip for you: Never ignore a warning from a shark!"
:—'''Sky-Byte'''

"Sorry, ma'am. I do apologize for the inconvenience. Are you all right?" 
"For someone who's been attacked by a giant flying squirrel and a huge toad, a maniacal shark and a monstrous skunk...sure, I'm just fine."
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Kelly'''

"What sort of nonsense is this? 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'? Best or worst, make up your mind!"
:—The subtleties of human literature are lost on '''Sky-Byte'''.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Car Robots''===
*As Koji comes running out of his house at the start of the episode, ''Car Robots'' has him calling Optimus Prime on his communicator, while ''Robots in Disguise'' flips the scene, and has Koji responding to a summons from Prime.
*''Robots in Disguise'' extends Koji's introduction to T-AI by looping some footage of the characters talking, thereby allowing the show to make its well-known "daughter of [[Teletraan I (RID)|Teletraan I]]" reference.
*''Car Robots'' is set in [[Tokyo]], while ''Robots in Disguise'' is set in the fictional [[Metro City]]. As such, ''Robots in Disguise'' has to refrain from naming the tower X-Brawn scales, which is quite plainly the famous [[wikipedia:Tokyo Tower|Tokyo Tower]]. Later in the episode, T-AI gives the tower's height as 500 feet; Tokyo Tower is actually 1093 feet tall (333 meters).
*In ''Robots in Disguise'', X-Brawn merely scales the tower to get a better vantage point, and grumbles about his shocks as he takes the stairs in vehicle mode. In ''Car Robots'', on the other hand, he is actually just goofing around, and ''enjoys'' the "rough terrain" of the stairs. This is just how X-Brawn is in ''Car Robots'', as shown as early as last episode.
*''Robots in Disguise'' gives Sky-Byte some more time to explain himself by looping the shot of him holding the energy source just before he plays Dorrie Dutton's news report.
*''Car Robots'' explicitly identifies the nationality of the terrorists. They're Korean.
*In ''Car Robots'', Slapper, Gas Skunk and Darkscream are worried about human police. In ''Robots in Disguise'', they're more concerned with the bomb going off prematurely, and the show loops some footage to extend their fretting dialogue.
[[Image:Rid_ep2_cutscene.jpg|right|thumb|200px|G-G-G-G-Ghost shark!]]
*''Robots in Disguise'' cuts out two shots of Sky-Byte pursuing Kelly, probably because they involve the slightly confusing use of a "ghostly" image of Sky-Byte, to show the audience that he is underneath the bridge. A few moments later, though, the show extends the chase scene by repeating footage of him chomping at Kelly's car's tail.
*In ''Car Robots'', Sky-Byte doesn't realize Prowl and Side Burn are Autobots until they transform. In ''Robots in Disguise'', he reocgnizes them on sight.
*''Robots in Disguise'' loops some footage to extend Sky-Byte's warning dialogue to Prowl.
*In ''Car Robots'', Side Burn extends his arm to catch Kelly and her sportscar ''before'' they fall. ''Robots in Disguise'' reorders the scene to place this shot after the she starts plummeting.
*Looped footage again, as ''Robots in Disguise'' extends Kelly and Prowl's exchange after she catches him, and X-Brawn and Sky-Byte's argument over the bomb. Reused footage is also used by ''Robots in Disguise'' to create a new scene of Prowl telling X-Brawn to take the bomb to the top of the tower; in ''Car Robots'', X-Brawn comes up with this plan on his own initiative.
*''Car Robots'' has X-Brawn turn his head and spot Optimus Prime just after Prime rolls up. ''Robots in Disguise'' moves the scene to just before the audience sees Prime arrive.
*In ''Robots in Disguise'', the Predacons make fun of Sky-Byte for reading human books and not understanding them. In ''Car Robots'', however, they're actually quietly impressed at his ability to survive the explosion, but they then giggle when Darkscream points out he's still a show-off (the implication being that Sky-Byte reading books is nothing new, and the failure to comprehend them being a creation of the dub). ''Robots in Disguise'' also extends the scene by repeating the shot of Sky-Byte leaning over his book and grumbling in the middle of the Predacons' whispered exchange.

===Animation or technical errors===
* Megatron pronounces the Transformers' preferred [[energon (fuel)|fuel source]] as "ener-gone."
* The colors of most of Prowl's Autobot [[insignia]] are inverted when he catches Kelly, and full-on miscolored yellow-orange when tries to think what to do about the bomb.

===Real-world references===
*As Sky-Byte approaches the rear of the truck and begins to take bites out of it, the soundtrack starts playing ''Jaws'' music.
* The book Sky-Byte reads from is ''A Tale of Two Cities'' by Charles Dickens. It's also ''Hamlet'' by William Shakespeare. Even the book can't make up its mind!

===Transformers references===
* T-AI introduces herself as the daughter of the [[Teletraan I (RID)|Teletraan I]] program. She mispronounces it "Teletron" in typical [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] style.
* The Predacon base is powered by [[Transwarp]] cells.
* Megatron requests that the batteries be converted into [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]].

===Trivia===
* This episode about terrorist bombs in cities first aired the day before 9/11. It SO never aired again.
* Sky-Byte's dramatic entrance inside the Predacon base suggests a power of invisibility or teleportation, or both. Whatever it was, he never used it again.
* The truck delivering the fuel cell has a license plate G39-20.
* Kelly's car which is destroyed at the beginning of the episode has a license plate J38-57.
* Kelly's custom XZ-12 sportscar, which she seems surprisingly willing to drive considering it's "the only one left that hasn't been searched" for a bomb, has a plate number J-68-85 (and sometimes J68-85).
* Side Burn is able to extend his arm while in vehicle mode.
* Optimus Prime's "[[Super Mode|battle mode]]" debuts in this episode, though he announces "Optimus Prime, Optimize!". For future episodes it's standardised to "Battle mode!"
*The highway damaged by Sky-Byte's entrance mysteriously disappears.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2000 — ''Transformers: Car Robots'' — Vol. 1 ([[Pony Canyon]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Volume One ([[Maximum Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Three-Disc Box Set: Part 1 of 2 (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Battle Protocol (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Special Edition 2-Disc Set (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise / RoboCop: The Animated Series / M.A.S.K.'' (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Season One (Maximum Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Robots in Disguise'' — Ultimate Collection (Maximum Entertainment)

==External links==
*[http://www.ridforever.info/transformers-transcripts/rid-episode-02-an-explosive-situation.php "An Explosive Situation" transcript on RiDForever.info]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Explosive Situation}}
[[Category:Robots in Disguise episodes]]

Japanese Generation 1 cartoon timeline

2010-05-17T11:16:27Z

109.224.132.23: /* 2005a */

{{picsneeded}}
A translation of two official Japanese timelines for the events of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] animated universe, incorporating the original Japanese series, ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'', ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'', ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'', ''[[Micromaster Collection]]'', ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'', ''[[Binaltech]]'', ''[[Binaltech Asterisk]]'', ''[[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]]'' continuities and more. Along with linking existing events from these series the timelines also recorded several new events and retconned several others to make all the material fit (roughly) together.

Prepare for a headache.

Unless otherwise indicated, names used are English versions.

{{Messagebox|image_name=Ravage_casette.png
|image_width=80px
|mouseover=Now you know what Japan feels like when we introduced The One via guidebooks. Not a very nice feeling, is it?
|message_text=In 2006-07 [[TakaraTomy]] produced two extensive chronologies of [[Generation 1]] which merged many new elements from the last decade into a single timeline that is significantly different from the [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline|American]] version of events. 

A translation of those 2006-07 chronologies can be found '''[[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)/src|here]]'''.
}}

==15,000,000,000 years ago==
* The Big Bang. The universe is born through the power of [[Zodiac]].

==12,000,000,000 years ago==
* The galaxy is born. The alien scientist [[Primacron]] is born.

* Primacron creates a sentient, planet-sized robot life form called [[Unicron]] that feeds on mechanical planets and robot life forms, but it rebels against him. Primacron is injured. Primacron's Assistant, [[Oracle (G1)|Oracle]], flees.<ref name="primitives">"[[Call of the Primitives]]"</ref>

* Oracle reaches a desolate planet in the center of the galaxy and changes it into a verdant world.

* Oracle senses that in the far future, Primacron will create [[Tornedron]], which can absorb all energy. Oracle summons [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and other beast [[Transformer|Transformers]] from the future to tell them how to destroy the threat.<ref name="primitives">"[[Call of the Primitives]]"</ref>

{{note|In its original English and Japanese versions, the events of this episode do not suggest any time travel to have occurred, but the new merged Japanese timeline retconned it in to prevent a conflict with the new idea that the Oracle has become Vector Sigma by the modern day.}}
* The [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] immigrate to Oracle's green planet. They obtain Oracle's shell, the [[Matrix]]. Oracle, who has the ability to give robots life, is turned into the ultra computer [[Vector Sigma]]. His safety key has the power to make organic life into machines, and is used by the Quintessons to transform his world into the machine planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].<ref>Combination of facts from "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]", "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]", and "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]".</ref>

* The Quintessons attempt to create [[Trans-Organic|Trans-Organics]] as a fusion between robotic and organic life, but fail and seal them up deep within the planet.<ref name="dweller">"[[The Dweller in the Depths]]"</ref>

* The Quintessons mass-produce civilian and military robot life forms, the ancestors of the [[Autobot|Autobots]] and [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], as slaves. The first of these is named [[Alpha Trion (G1)|A3]].<ref name="ffod4">"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]"</ref>

==11 million years ago==
* The intelligent robots of Cybertron develop emotions and revolt, with A-3 as their leader. They chase the Quintessons from the planet. The [[Golden Age]] of Cybertron arrives.<ref name="ffod4" />

* The military Decepticons (who desire dictatorship) and civilian Autobots (who are against it) war against each other.<ref name="ffod4" />

* The Autobots, who lack combat capabilities, are massacred. Many flee their home planet.<ref name="ffod4" />

* The Matrix is passed on as a symbol of Autobot leadership. The holders' memory and wisdom are collected within it.<ref name="ffod4" />

* In order to fight the Decepticons, the Autobots develop the technology to transform their bodies. However, several centuries later, the Decepticons gain the same technology. This is the birth of the [[Transformer|Transformers]].<ref name="ffod4" />

* The scientists [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] visit [[Earth]] for research purposes. Skyfire crashes into the Arctic and goes missing.<ref name="fireinthesky">"[[Fire in the Sky]]"</ref>

==9 million years ago==
* Deep within Cybertron, the [[Emperor of Destruction]] [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] is created and becomes leader of the Decepticons.<ref name="ffod4" />

* Megatron kills the Autobot leader. The Matrix is guarded by the elder Alpha Trion (formerly A-3).<ref name="ffod4" />

* Cargo hauler [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Orion Pax]] is badly injured by Megatron and, through Alpha Trion's aid, is reborn as Commander [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], bearer of the Matrix.<ref name="wardawn">"[[War Dawn]]"</ref>

* War breaks out between Megatron's Decepticons and Prime's Autobots.

* Megatron uses the brainwashing machine [[Robo-Smasher]] to bolster his ranks. Its victims include the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]].<ref name="tsoos-6">"[[The Secret of Omega Supreme]]"</ref>

* As the war intensifies, civilians who lack transformation abilities ([[Cyberdroid]]s) flee, searching for a new home. These include the immigrants to Planet [[Paradron]] in the Fourth [[Great War (G1)|Great War]].

==The ancient past==
* God Messenger ([[Devil Z]]) and [[Godmaster]] come to Earth. Godmaster breaks into 8 pieces and falls into a deep sleep.

* The independent Decepticon team called the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] arrives on Earth and decides to live there permanently, using food and elements as their fuel.<ref name="apoi">"[[A Plague of Insecticons]]"</ref>

==4 million years ago==
* A group of Transformers led by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] escape Cybertron in search of a new haven. They travel to the desolate planet [[Master (planet)|Master]].

* The starship [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], which has been traveling through time, crashes on planet Master. Fortress uses it to refine his [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] theory and builds the massive [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]].<ref name="kissplayers">''[[Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players Position]]''</ref>

* The resources on Cybertron dry up. An Autobot space exploration team aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] led by Optimus Prime and their Decepticon pursuers aboard the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], led by Megatron, are pulled in by the planet [[Earth]]'s gravity and crash. The Transformers enter a long period of [[stasis lock]].<ref name="mtmte1">"[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"</ref>

==3 million years ago==
* Next-generation Autobots and Decepticons ([[Maximal|Maximals]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]) come from the future via [[Transwarp]] and scan the animals of the planet in order to transform into them. The [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] begin.<ref name="bw1">"[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]"</ref><ref name="bw2">"[[Beast Wars (Part 2)]]"</ref>

* The immortal life force of Starscream, who died in the future of 2005, crosses time and space to reach Earth. He possesses a [[Waspinator (BW)|Predacon]] and attempts to take over, but fails. He returns to being a ghost and vanishes into the far reaches of time and space.<ref name="possession">"[[Possession]]"</ref>

* Autobots and Decepticons traverse dimensions and battle the Beast Warriors.<ref>''[[Beast Wars Diorama Story]]''</ref>

{{note|While the factions are traditionally called 'Cybertrons' and 'Destrons' in Japan, these dimensional travelers are explicitly identified as Autobots and Decepticons, names that have only been used in Japan for the [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]].}}

* A dimensional fissure, the [[Blasty Zone]], forms. [[Optimus Primal]] and the Predacon [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] are transported to the year [[Robot Masters (franchise)|2004]].

* Due to the Maximals' and Predacons' interference in the [[Vok]] experiment on Earth, the Vok begin to terraform the planet. Optimus Primal sacrifices his life to stop this. As a result, Earth loses its second, mechanical moon, and a [[quantum surge]] is generated.<ref name="othervoices1">"[[Other Voices, Part 1]]"</ref><ref name="othervoices2">"[[Other Voices, Part 2]]"</ref>

* Humanity's ancestors are born. The Maximals assist in their evolution.<ref name="codeofhero">"[[Code of Hero]]"</ref>

* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] is sent from the future to kill everyone. He captures the Predacon Megatron, but fails in his mission and is destroyed.<ref name="agenda1">"[[The Agenda (Part 1)]]"</ref><ref name="agenda2">"[[The Agenda (Part 2)]]"</ref><ref name="agenda3">"[[The Agenda (Part III)]]"</ref>

* In the volcano later to be known as [[Mount St. Hilary]], the Predacon Megatron unearths the Ark and attacks the original Optimus Prime in an attempt to change history. As a result, a [[Time Storm]] occurs, but Optimus Primal stops it.<ref name="agenda3" /><ref name="optimalsituation">"[[Optimal Situation]]"</ref>

* The Maximals capture the Predacon Megatron and return to the future.<ref>"[[Nemesis Part 2]]"</ref>

==Several million years ago==
* The [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]] travel back from 2007 and attempt to release Unicron's [[Angolmois]] energy, which was scattered in 2005. They are followed by [[Primus]] (a.k.a. Oracle), who seals them and the energy inside the Earth. He creates [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] to stand guard and devises several layers of safeguards to control Maximus' activation.<ref name="kissplayers" />

==500,000 years ago==
* The Decepticon [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] uses a giant fortress in his quest to become the next Emperor, but the young Autobot [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and others seal it up in the gravity well of the [[Dark Nebula]].

==Several thousand years ago==
* The Stone Age.

* The Headmaster [[Grand Maximus|Grand]] of Planet Master meets up with the Autobot [[Pretender]]s. After a battle with the Decepticon Pretenders, they crash on Earth and take the form of [[Human|humans]]. They seal up the Decepticon Pretenders, who have taken the form of demons, in a pyramid in Egypt, the Nasca Lines in Peru, and the undersea city of [[Atlantis]].

* A team of Autobots from the future come to Earth to activate [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], but their spaceship crashes on [[Castle Peak]]. Later, this becomes the basis for human legends of U.F.O.s.<ref name="thedecepticons">"[[The Decepticons]]"</ref>

* The energy life form [[Devil Z]] steals the [[Godmaster]]s' [[Transtector]]s from the [[G Nebula]] and brings them to Earth. He falls into a deep sleep. Among the Transtectors he has stolen is one created for Optimus Prime.

{{note|The above point contradicts the earlier account of Devil Z as the "God Messenger" and the Godmasters originating as a singular being known as "Godmaster." The earlier account is the one used in the animated series itself, but was later apparently retconned, replaced with the version of the story noted here. This version appeared in the later timeline and may be assumed to take precedence in canon.}}

==543==
* A human from the future year of 1985 and several Autobots and Decepticons including Starscream arrive through a time-space transportation system left in an ancient ruin on Earth. They are drawn into a territorial battle, but with the assistance of an old man claiming to be a wizard, they return to their original era.<ref name="adrikac">"[[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court]]"</ref>

==14th Century==
* Humanity unearths a spaceship that crashed on Earth several million years before, and discovers a Cybertronian weather control unit called the [[Power Core]]. The Power Core's activation causes a great disaster, but the King of Persia seals it inside a golden shell. Renamed the [[Pearl of Bahoudin]] ''("Jehudin" in Japan)'', it is buried in the ground once more.<ref name="transeurope">"[[Trans-Europe Express]]"</ref>

==Early 1980s==
* The Great War on Cybertron settles down. A team of [[Cyberdroid]]s comes from Cybertron to look for Optimus Prime or the Matrix that he holds. A dimensional shockwave causes them to gain transformation abilities as [[Micromaster|Micromasters]] and travel to Earth. As a side effect of the shockwave, some become Decepticons.

* The divided Micromasters begin a conflict on Earth. The Autobots unearth a fragment of Cybertronian metal and a Predacon emblem in Mount St. Hilary. They set up [[Metrobase]] to protect the site.

* The Autobot Micromasters find a pod in the ground. A plasma released from the pod opens a dimensional rift and [[Multiforce]] arrives from the future.

{{note|No further explanation as to what happened to the Micromasters and Multiforce afterwards is provided.}}
==1985==
* The eruption of Mount St. Hilary activates [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] after 4 million years. Teletraan I awakens and repairs the sleeping Autobots and Decepticons, making them resemble the machines of Earth. The restored Megatron leads his forces to concentrate [[Energon Cube|energy]] and send it back to their homeworld. Optimus Prime opposes this, and a conflict arises, sweeping humans into the battle.<ref name="mtmte1" /><ref name="mtmte2>"[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"</ref><ref name="mtmte3">"[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"</ref>

* The Decepticon Air Commander Starscream unearths his old friend Skyfire from the polar ice. Even as Skyfire is reborn, they come into conflict and Skyfire joins the Autobots.<ref name="fireinthesky" />

* Megatron makes a deal with the human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]] and uses the [[Hypno-chip|hypno-chip]] that Arkeville has developed to brainwash and enslave many humans. Megatron uses them to construct a large [[Space Bridge]] and pulls Cybertron into Earth orbit. The gravitational pull causes major disasters on Earth, but he is stopped by Optimus Prime and the Autobots.<ref name="ultimatedoom1">"[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]"</ref><ref name="ultimatedoom2">"[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2]]"</ref><ref name="ultimatedoom3">"[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]"</ref>

* [[Doctor Fujiyama]] ''(Dr. Hamada in Japan)'' creates the robot [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]. Due to Decepticon tampering, she goes berserk and is sealed up, but is considered a major step in the history of Earth-made robots.<ref name="nightbird">"[[Enter the Nightbird]]"</ref>

* Starscream manipulates a time and space transportation system left in an ancient ruin on Earth and is transported to [[Europe]] in the year 543. He returns along with the Autobots who followed him.<ref name="adrikac" />

* In order to bolster the ranks of the outnumbered Autobots, Alpha Trion becomes the activation key for Vector Sigma and merges with it.<ref name="tktvs2">"[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2]]"</ref>

* The Autobot [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], created by Vector Sigma, are transported by Decepticon Defense Commander [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s time machine to the Cybertron of 9 million years before. There, they assist in the birth of Optimus Prime and return.<ref name="wardawn" />

* Three [[United States of America|American]] students create the robot [[B.O.T. (robot)|B.O.T.]]. Because they used the [[personality component]] of the Decepticon [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]], it goes berserk.<ref name="bot">"[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]"</ref>

* Megatron tampers with the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] aboard the planetary exploration machine Voyager that was launched in 1977 and gives directions for changing history and destroying Optimus Prime on the Ark in the past if the Decepticons lose the war in the future.<ref name="agenda2" />

==Latter 1980s==
* The [[Scramble City]] plan is activated through cooperation between Autobots and humans. The giant city robot [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] is completed. The Decepticons build [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]].<ref name="scramblecity">''[[Scramble City]]''</ref>

==Early 1990s==
* In the [[United States of America]], an expert [[G.I. Joe (team)|team]] including [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|D.R. Faireborn]] is formed to combat a massive [[Cobra|international terrorist organization]] led by the man who would later be known as [[Cobra Commander|Snake]].

* The Chinese restaurant run by [[Shaoshao Li]]'s parents moves to [[New York City|New York]]. Shaoshao spends many lonely days there until she meets the young [[Marissa Faireborn]].<ref name="kissplayers" />

==1996==
* During one of D.R. Faireborn's missions, he and his daughter Marissa are saved by Optimus Prime. From then onwards, Marissa is increasingly involved with Prime and the other Autobots. However, Shaoshao, who feels that her only ally has been taken away from her by Prime, begins to mistrust all Transformers.<ref name="kissplayers" />

* Shaoshao's parents relocate their restaurant to [[Japan]]. Shaoshao is forced to leave without ever reaching an understanding with Marissa or Prime.<ref name="kissplayers" />

==Latter 1990s==
* The U.S. government officially announces their intent to coexist with the Autobots, the existence of Decepticons, and their intention to join in the battle.<ref name="superrobotmaga">''[[Super Robot Magazine]]''</ref>

* The U.S. army works with the Autobots to develop and produce the military strategy robot [[C-X]]. However, Starscream's ghost, which has come from the future, tampers with it. It goes berserk and is destroyed.

* The Japanese government makes a deal with the Decepticons, agreeing to allow them to gather energy in exchange for Japan's safety. However, [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] ''(who took [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s place in the Japanese cartoon)'' causes an artificial earthquake, leading to mass casualties.

* The humans and Autobots work together to develop the interstellar teleportation gate known as the [[Warp Gate|Trigger]].

* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] fuses with the Trigger. He attempts a coup, but is defeated by Optimus Prime and Megatron. In the battle, many on both sides are badly damaged, and Prime and Megatron go missing.<ref name="superrobotmaga" />

==2000==
* An elite team of large [[Megatron (RID)|Predacons]] ''(a.k.a. "Destrongers")'' from the future cross the dimensions to Earth.<ref name="battleprotocol">"[[Battle Protocol!|Battle Protocol]]"</ref> They attempt to control [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], who was left on Earth several million years before. They are opposed by an Autobot [[Dimensional Patrol Team]] from the future, led by a new [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]. The Autobots secretly construct a Space Bridge and remain undercover. The Dimensional Patrol Team is made up of new-generation Transformers, including the [[Spy Changers]], who were born from the addition of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]].

* The Autobot space ship that had crashed on [[Castle Peak|Angel Mountain]] several millennia ago is unearthed by the Predacons. Its crew are reformatted into Decepticons.<ref name="thedecepticons" />

* The Autobots activate Fortress Maximus. Borrowing Maximus's power, Prime defeats the leader of the Predacons and Decepticons, [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]].<ref name="finalbattle">"[[The Final Battle (RID)|The Final Battle]]"</ref>

==2003a==
{{note|It is in this year that the timeline splits in two, the events following the Binaltech story will be list in under "200Xb", while the regular timeline events will be under "200Xa".}}
* On Earth, with the help of Autobot ambassador [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], construction begins on [[Autobot City]], which uses [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] as its core. The [[Earth Defense Command]] (E.D.C.) is created with humans and Autobots working together.

* The members of the Autobot Dimensional Patrol Team that remained on Earth sense a new threat and upgrade the Spy Changer team to [[Super Mode]].

* The Autobots sense that Megatron is preparing for a war to take over Cybertron. They prepare by moving most of their forces from Earth to Cybertron.

==2003b==
* On Earth, with the help of Autobot ambassador [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], construction begins on [[Autobot City]], which uses [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] as its core. The [[Earth Defense Command]] (E.D.C.) is created with humans and Autobots working together.

* The members of the Autobot Dimensional Patrol Team that remained on Earth sense a new threat and upgrade the Spy Changer team to [[Super Mode]].

* The Autobots sense that Megatron is preparing for a war to take over Cybertron. They prepare by moving most of their forces from Earth to Cybertron.

* Using the [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] virus, the Decepticons sabotage the Autobot forces, causing massive damage. The E.D.C., having lost most of their defenses, activate the [[Binaltech]] Project, a plan to create man-made Transformers.

==2004a==
* Megatron begins the war to take over Cybertron. The Autobots cannot send reinforcements to Earth.

* The Autobots use the element [[Solitarium]] to continue construction of Scramble City. They rewrite [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]] (a.k.a. [[Cybertron Base]])'s central systems accordingly.

* Dimensional fissures called the [[Blasty Zone]] appear, and Transformers from various eras are transported to the year 2004. The Predacon Megatron arrives and defeats Starscream, taking over command of the Decepticons on Earth.

* Optimus Prime and the other Autobots on Earth are attacked by the Decepticons led by the Predacon Megatron. Prime remembers having met a future Transformer aboard the Ark 3 million years before. A timestorm occurs, and Optimus Primal is summoned from prehistoric Earth.

* [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] and [[Victory Leo]] arrive from the future, having pursued the Strong Attack Captain Decepticon [[Gigant Bomb]], who came through the Blasty Zone.

==2004b==
* Megatron begins the war to take over Cybertron. The Autobots cannot send reinforcements to Earth. The Binaltech warriors born on Earth are very effective. The E.D.C. and Autobots, working together, remove the Decepticons from the solar system.

* Through an introduction by Dr. Arkeville, the Decepticon Earth Attack Commander Starscream allies with a secret organization, the [[Concurrence]], made up of dangerous elements on Earth. Using advanced brainwashing techniques, they brainwash humans and take over several industrial cities across the world, creating Binaltech Decepticons.

* In order to bolster their ranks on [[Earth]], the Autobots develop the [[GT System]], which creates same-personality duplicates. However, its side effects are unknown.
* Under the E.D.C.'s leadership, a replica [[Zoom-Zoom|automaton]] with artificial intelligence is created in Japan. This is the birth of man-made Transformers.

* In order to find the truth about the "Bad Production Incident" that created the Binaltech Decepticons, an expert team led by D.R. Faireborn works with Autobots including [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] to enact [[Operation: Carwash]].

==2005a==
* [[Lio Convoy]] comes through the Bloody Zone ''(possibly a typo for [[Blasty Zone]])'' from a future in which humans are extinct on Earth.

* Ravage from another point in the future makes contact with [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] in order to use the Transformers' "[[Bio]] and [[Tech Spec]]" data to manipulate the timestream and create a future without needless battles. He is stopped by the humanoid computer Mobile [[Teletraan 15]], who has traveled back in time from 2007. As a result, Teletraan I is damaged and the data is lost.

* In order to regain the lost data, Ravage takes on the identity of "Black Panther Man" and infiltrates the Autobots. He instructs the Teletraan 15 of 2005 to travel to different eras via [[Transwarp]] and creates an Information Control Center based on the record satellite [[Nana]].

* Megatron, who has been missing, is reborn as Rebirth Megatron through the black hole connection system possessed by the [[Reverse Convoy]] of planet [[Vehicon (planet)|Vehicon]].

* Injured in the battle over solitarium, Optimus Prime gains the power of the [[Energon Matrix]] possessed by the many Prime-type warriors gathered from different eras. He rids Earth of Decepticons. The Autobots use the last of the solitarium to return the time-lost Autobots and the captured Decepticons to their original eras.

* [[Unicron]] the Great Devourer appears and the [[Unicron War]] begins. Optimus Prime dies in battle, the heavily-wounded Megatron is reborn as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] through the power of Unicron, and Starscream is executed by Galvatron.<ref name="tftm">''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''</ref>

* The Matrix is passed on to the new Autobot leader, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], and the young Autobot [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] releases its power, maturing into [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and becoming the Autobots' new leader. He throws Galvatron toward Planet [[Thrull]] and lights the darkness, destroying Unicron.<ref name="tftm" /> But the [[Angolmois]] energy within Unicron traverses time and space and parasitizes Autobot leaders from various time periods. Unicron's servants, the [[Sparkbot|Sparkbots]], secretly alter Galvatron's trajectory so that he will land on Earth.<ref name="kissplayers" />

* Galvatron crashes on Earth, creating a historically unparalleled disaster and transforming Tokyo into a sea of fire. His cells are scattered, and the Unicron cells within them multiply using humans and machines as their hosts. The machines become [[Legion]] and the biological organisms (humans) become [[Kiss Player|Kiss Players]].<ref name="kissplayers" />

* Due to the disaster, humans begin to see Transformers as an enemy, with anti-Transformers sentiment centering on Japan. To combat this, key aid groups and Autobots work on rescue operations in Tokyo. Among them is a [[Pepsi Convoy|sentient metallic being]] who takes on the form of an Autobot to soothe the thirst of the people of Japan.

* Despite the Autobots' best efforts, the Japanese people's anti-Transformers sentiment continues unabated and spreads throughout the world. Eventually, the Tokyo E.D.C. is at the center of a movement to force Transformers off the Earth. There are some who believe that the Concurrence is behind this sudden change in direction, but it is not known for certain.

* The E.D.C. summons Kiss Players from across the country and begins to remove Cybertronians using white artificial Transformers called [[Autorooper]]s.<ref name="kissplayers" />

* The E.D.C. develops an [[Anti-electron|anti-electron]] field that greatly lowers the life functions of Cybertronians and covers the planet with it, thus driving all remaining Transformers off the Earth.

* [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], devastated by the thought that his actions caused humanity and Transformers to go to war with each other, returns both the Matrix and the title of Commander to Ultra Magnus and becomes Hot Rod once more.

* Some civilians oppose the unilateral actions of the E.D.C. to remove the Transformers and form a resistance movement. Marissa Faireborn is seen among them.

==2005b==
* The remaining members of the disbanded American intelligence agency [[Intelligence and Information Institute|Triple-I]] succeed in analyzing the flight recorder of a future Transformer's spaceship, which they had unearthed and safeguarded since the previous century. They discover the future Decepticon [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]'s "Central Consciousness File X-9." Using the life force of the current Ravage, who had been captured by the E.D.C., he is reborn as the Binaltech Ravage. However, sensing that his plan to change history 3 million years before had failed, Ravage once again begins to try to alter the timeline.

* Ravage repairs Shockwave's [[Chronosphere]] time machine. He traps the on-the-verge-of-victory Megatron and the other Decepticon forces around Cybertron between dimensions, their mobile fortress and all. He intends to protect the Decepticons from Unicron's imminent arrival and to allow the Autobots to exhaust themselves battling Unicron. Then the Decepticons will reemerge and reign supreme.

* The Autobot technician [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] discovers through information gathered from Ravage that in the near future, he and many other Autobots will die in the Unicron War. He sees a way to avoid this fate in the GT System, which makes it possible to replicate personalities. He initiates [[Project Bodyshop]], creating replicas of himself.

* The [[Interplanetary Personnel Exchange Program]], highly praised due to the excellent work of Autobot police officer [[Clamp Down]], is expanded to include [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], and other Binaltech Autobots. They attempt to promote peaceful co-existence by [[Binaltech Asterisk|partnering]] with humans and taking on jobs.

{{note|This event could take place in either timeline, but since the Autobots here are in Binaltech bodies, it's placed in this timeline for the sake of continuity.}}
* The Autobots attempt to undo the change in history that the Binaltech Ravage caused. Autobot theoretician [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] directs "[[Operation: Distant Thunder]]" in an attempt to send a warning to the past. If it succeeds, history will return to normal, but the Autobots will lose to the Decepticons, Cybertron will be conquered by Megatron, and the great darkness of Unicron will arrive.

* Operation: Distant Thunder fails. A mysterious entity called the "[[Optimus Primal|Protector]]" creates a bypass, creating two parallel worlds: one with the true progression of events, and the other with the altered history of the Binaltech Project. The world where the altered history continues will eventually lead to the great [[Alternity]].

{{note|It is at this point that the Binaltech story ends, though it continues on in the [[Alternity]] fiction.}}

==2006==
* "Over-Technology" is used to rebuild the city of Tokyo at a fever pitch.

* In May, just as peace is restored, hordes of an unknown Transformer species called Legion appear. The Legion creatures roam cities and attack a small number of humans, as though there is some special quality that they are looking for.

* To fight the Legion forces, the E.D.C. uses Galvatron's cells to mass-produce black-and-white Autoroopers. When fused with Kiss Players, they can fight on equal footing with Legion creatures.

* In June, [[Atari Hitotonari]]'s parents are killed by Legion.

* Atari is attacked by a Legion and fuses with Shaoshao Li's Ne-04 Autorooper. She shows berserker-type abilities and destroys the Legion. She is identified as a Kiss Player.

* Atari joins the E.D.C. Tokyo Autorooper Team.

* Starscream's ghost possesses Atari and uses her Kiss Player abilities to fuse with a new body that he forces Dr. Arkeville to make for him. His plans end in failure, and he returns to being a ghost.

* The body of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], who died in the Unicron War, is transported from Autobot City in America to Tokyo via [[Narita Airport]]. The convoy carrying his corpse is attacked by the resistance and the plan to move him fails. An out-of-control Autorooper unit engages in a [[ParasiTech]] fusion with Prime's body. With the assistance of a Kiss Player from the resistance, Prime regenerates into a new body and is restored to life.

* Shaoshao Li is held captive in the underground experimentation facility beneath the Tokyo E.D.C. headquarters. A Legion attempts to fuse with her, but she is saved by the sudden appearance of Hot Rod. Hot Rod has a ParasiTech fusion with the Legion, but is reformatted by Shaoshao's Kiss Player abilities. From this day forward, Shaoshao is forced to spend her life fleeing from the E.D.C.<ref name="kissplayers" />

* Prime, Marissa, Hot Rod, Shaoshao and Atari stop the human experimentation being carried out by the E.D.C.'s Commander [[Hitoshizuku Amaō|Amaō]] and the scattered cells are returned to Galvatron. He is once more sent on a trajectory to land on [[Thrull]]. Prime, who has finally awakened from his nightmare, returns to death.<ref name="kissplayers" />

==2007==
* Former Kiss Players [[Atari Hitotonari]], [[Marissa Faireborn]] and [[Shaoshao Li]] join with the Cassetrons as idols to promote friendship between Transformers and humanity.

* The Sparkbots attempt to collect the Angolmois energy that has spread through various eras by tricking Atari and the others. They time travel with [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Fortress Maximus]], but the awakened [[Primus]] stops them and they are sealed several million years ago on Earth along with the Angolmois energy.<ref name="kissplayers" />

* The Decepticon [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who had been silent until now, uses his [[Music Label|clones]] to secretly brainwash humans.

==2010==
* Hot Rod reclaims the Matrix and becomes Rodimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, once more.

* The [[Quintesson|Quintessons]] start to try to take back their ancestral home of Cybertron.<ref name="ffod1">"[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1]]"</ref>

* Galvatron awakens from his slumber on Planet Thrull.<ref name="ffod1" />

* Starscream, who had been active as a ghost, is restored to life by Unicron and goes missing.<ref name="gitm">"[[Ghost in the Machine]]"</ref>

* In the wake of Unicron's destruction, [[Primacron]] creates the life form [[Tornedron]], which absorbs all energies. In the distant past, his former assistant Oracle senses this and summons Grimlock and the other beast Transformers, informing them how Tornadron may be destroyed.<ref name="primitives">"[[Call of the Primitives]]"</ref>

* Due to the threat of the [[Hate Plague]], [[Quintessa]] is used to restore Optimus Prime to life.<ref name="troop1">"[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]]"</ref> He uses the [[Wisdom of the Ages]] within the Matrix to cleanse the fear. The Matrix is emptied.<ref name="troop2">"[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]"</ref>

* The last of the Quintessons, who had captured a time-traveling [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|vessel]] and put its crew on trial, are defeated by the Autobots led by Optimus Prime and are swallowed up in a dimensional maelstrom, disappearing.<ref name="kissplayers" />

* Unicron's head and remains, floating in orbit around Cybertron, are sealed up in the [[Triple Z Point]].

==2011==
* The [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], who have come from planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], join both armies.<ref name="fourwarriors">"[[Four Warriors Come out of the Sky]]"</ref>

* The release of the Matrix's energy causes [[Vector Sigma]] to destabilize. Optimus Prime sacrifices his life to stop it.<ref name="doubleprime">"[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]"</ref>

* Partially recharged by the energy of Earth, the Matrix is fully restored by the ghost of [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], and Hot Rod becomes Rodimus Prime again.<ref name="doubleprime" />

* The war worsens. Cybertron is destroyed. Rodimus Prime leaves to seek out a new homeworld, and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] becomes the new Autobot commander.<ref name="gravedanger">"[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2]]"</ref> The planet [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] is destroyed in an explosion.<ref name="megazarakappears">"[[Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears]]"</ref>

* Ultra Magnus dies in battle.<ref name="magnusdies">"[[Ultra Magnus Dies!!]]"</ref> Galvatron disappears into a glacier.<ref name="emperoriceberg">"[[The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg]]"</ref>

* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] stops Emperor of Terror [[Scorponok (G1)|MegaZarak]]'s plan to blow up the Earth and drives the Decepticons from the Earth. Afterwards, the Cybertrons leave Earth to rebuild space.<ref name="showdownearth2">"[[The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)]]"</ref>

==Several years after 2011==
* [[Devil Z]], who had been asleep at the bottom of Earth's ocean, awakens and attempts to destroy all of humanity.

* The Autobots in space cannot send assistance to Earth due to the worsening battle. Instead, they send the [[Masterforce System]], allowing humans to fuse with [[Transtector|Transtectors]]. However, the humans who have sided with Devil Z use this for evil.

* The human [[Ginrai]], who has fused with the body intended for Optimus Prime, eliminates Devil Z.<ref name="abattleandthen">"[[A Battle... and Then...]]"</ref>

==2025==
* Under the leadership of [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], the Autobots create the [[Galactic Peace Alliance]] and establish the [[Galactic Defense Force]] to fight the Decepticons. They use [[Victory (planet)|Planet V]] as their base.

* The Decepticon Emperor of Destruction [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] reactivates his giant fortress and attacks Earth. [[Victory Saber]] stops him and destroys the fortress.

* In the far reaches of space, Starscream, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s battle continues.<ref name="pretenderpackaging">Packaging blurb on four-pack of Pretender inner robots.</ref>

==After 2025==
* Deathsaurus is reborn as the Dark Emperor. He leads all Decepticons in pursuit of the new energy form [[Energon Z]]. {{storylink|Zone (story page)#Catalogue story page 1|Zone Project Story}}

* In response, the Autobots follow [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]'s [[Plan Z]] to terraform the planet [[Micro]] into [[Zone (planet)|Planet Z]].

* The new Emperor of Destruction, [[Violen Jiger]], appears. His true identity is a fusion of the ghosts of Decepticons who died in battle.

* On [[Saturn]]'s moon [[Titan (moon)|Titan]], where a [[Titan (species)|civilization]] exists that worships robots as gods, [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] is born from within the ground. He assists the Decepticons and performs sabotage activities like blocking transmissions.

* Violen Jiger steals the Super Element [[Zodiac]] from Earth and returns to his birthplace, the [[Tenth Planet]] of the solar system. He is destroyed by the new commander Dai Atlas and his warriors. The rainbow of Zodiac, which is the energy of constructing the universe, fills the 10th planet with life.

* [[Victory Saber]] pursues the Decepticon [[Gigant Bomb]], breaks through the Bloody Zone, and ends up in the year 2004.

{{note|This is the second mention of the "Bloody Zone," which from its context appears to be the same as the [[Blasty Zone]]. It may be a typo.}}
* The Great Emperor [[Dark Nova]], who looks very similar to Unicron, appears. In response, Dai Atlas orders the [[Battlestars]] to seek out Optimus Prime's body, which had been stolen by Decepticons.

* Dark Nova revives Galvatron as [[Megatron (G1)|Super Megatron]].

* On the satellite base [[Lucifer]], Optimus Prime is discovered and reborn as [[Star Convoy]] using the power of Zodiac.

* Super Megatron evolves into Ultra Megatron, then fuses with Dark Nova to become [[Dark Nova|Star Giant]]. Star Convoy destroys him from within.

* The new leader of the Decepticons, [[Scrash]], leads [[Flashwing]], [[Deathplay]], [[Darkfly]] and [[Sharp Edge (OC)|Sharp Edge]] to invade Earth, but is stopped by [[Sixbuilder]] and the other new defenders of the Earth.

* Planet Cybertron is revived, but suffers a deadly energy shortage. Optimus Prime becomes a [[Powermaster]], fuses with a [[Nebulan]], and protects himself with a phase modulation shield. He enters a black hole to get the super energy [[Nucleon]].

* Optimus Prime is reborn as an [[Action Master]] and creates the [[Cybertron Alliance]] with Megatron, who lost his violence circuits in the previous war. However, Megatron, who has lost his underlings to humans, begins planning to invade Earth once more.

* Optimus Prime and Megatron, who have upgraded to new forms, follow "[[The Law of Cybertron]]" and have a one-on-one duel in the 17th District of the [[Merton Nebula]]. Prime is defeated and destroyed, but is rebuilt into [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Battle Convoy]] by the power of the Matrix. Megatron joins with [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] and others, and a battle begins. In the end, the Autobots triumph and the Decepticons flee to the far reaches of the universe.

* [[Galvatron II]], who has come from a parallel world, threatens the galaxy with his [[Warworld|mobile battle fortresses]]. In response, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Laser Ultra Magnus]], who was revived by Battle Convoy's [[Reconfiguration Matrix]], establishes a mobile combat team and prepares for battle.

* Battle Convoy equips himself with a new secret weapon and updates himself to a form that resembles his original body. Through a special coating, he gains a "[[black body]]" to absorb sunlight. He uses his twin special missile launchers and engages Galvatron II in battle.

==Approximately 300 years later==
* The long war ends with victory by the Autobots, and the Decepticons sign a cease-fire.

* The next-generation Autobots (Maximals) create a clone of Starscream, who has an indestructible spark. They try to use him as an immortal warrior, but fail.<ref name="badspark">"[[Bad Spark]]"</ref> This "[[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]]" massacres [[Colony Omicron]] and is captured 4 [[Stellar cycle|stellar cycles]] later.<ref name="deepmetal">"[[Deep Metal]]"</ref>

* The next-generation [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] steals the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], which the Maximals have been safeguarding. With his underlings, he travels to the Earth of 4 million years ago. [[Optimus Primal]] and his crew, who have been engaged in deep-space exploration with the captured Protoform X aboard their ship,<ref name="badspark" /> are assigned to chase down Megatron.<ref name="bw1" /> Colony Omicron's former chief of security, [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], follows in pursuit of Protoform X.<ref name="deepmetal" />

* The Predacon [[Tripredacus Council]] view Megatron's independent actions as dangerous, and send Ravage 4 million years into the past to assassinate all Maximals and Predacons involved with the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]].<ref name="agenda1" /> Their plan ends in failure.<ref name="agenda2" />

* While Optimus Primal's Maximals return to Cybertron with the captured Megatron, Megatron escapes into an earlier period and uses a virus bomb to conquer the planet before the Maximals return to the planet.<ref name="revelations2">"[[Revelations Part II: Descent]]"</ref>

* Primal and his crew are affected by the virus bomb and lose their memories and ability to transform, but through the guidance of Oracle, they are reformatted into new bodies.<ref name="reformatting">"[[The Reformatting]]"</ref> It is revealed that Primal was sent into the past to bring organic beast bodies back to Cybertron as part of Oracle's plan. Primal takes Megatron with him as he throws himself into the core of Cybertron, a fountain of organic energy. They die. The captured sparks are all freed, and Cybertron is reformatted into a verdant world with a balance of organic and machine.<ref name="endgame3">"[[Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future]]"</ref>

* Primal and Megatron, despite having died, are [[Beast Wars Reborn|reborn]] on a parallel world through the power of the ancient Transformer [[Soundblaster (Cybertron)|Logos Prime]], who resides there. They descend to [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] and gain new bodies. They cause the [[Cyber Key|Ignition Effect]] on the planet for the first time.<ref name="bwreborn">''[[Beast Wars Reborn]]''</ref>

==Era unknown==
* The ancient Gaeans, who live on [[Gaea]] (Earth in the future), succeed in obtaining [[Angolmois]] energy. However, they discover that the energy could potentially destroy the entire universe if it responds to an evil heart, and so they leave an [[Artemis|observation system]] on the moon and abandon their planet, leaving for space.

==Tens of thousands of years later==
* An armored platoon led by the next-generation [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]] seeks to possess the Angolmois energy dormant within Gaea, and [[Lio Convoy]]'s team attempt to stop them.

* Lio Convoy travels through the [[Blasty Zone]] to the year 2005.

* Galvatron summons the artificial planet [[Nemesis (BWII)|Nemesis]]. Lio Convoy and his crew use the power of the [[Energon Matrix]] to seal the Angolmois energy into capsules and release them into space. Galvatron is destroyed.

* After Nemesis explodes, Lio Convoy is swallowed up by the ensuing wormhole and is transported to the planet [[Dinosaur (planet)|Dinosaur]] in the past.

==Several years after the battle on Gaea==
* [[Magmatron]], who is obsessed with vengeance for Planet Dinosaur, which was attacked by Unicron in the past, attempts to collect the Angolmois capsules. Meanwhile, military instructor [[Big Convoy]] and his new recruits learn of the capsules via a message from Lio Convoy and make the capsules' collection their mission.

* The [[Blendtron|Blendtrons]], servants of Unicron, steal the capsules. Unicron resurrects as an energy being, and the second [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] begins. Unicron attacks [[Vector Sigma]] and is reborn as Vector Sigma Unicron, using Cybertron as his new body.

* Big Convoy, aided by Lio Convoy, uses the [[Matrix Buster]] to defeat Unicron, who has returned to being an energy being, and thus brings peace to the universe. Afterwards, Lio Convoy becomes [[Great Convoy]] and is promoted to the ruling body. After the graduation ceremony for the recruits, the Maximals and Predacons stop fighting and cooperate to rebuild Cybertron.

==References==
*''Transformers KissPlayer Chronological Table'' printed on ''Autorooper X Atari'' toy packaging (2006)
*Timeline featured in ''Kiss Players/Teletraan Go! Go! Collection'' (MediaWorks, 2007)

==Original fiction==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Chronologies]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]

The Transformers: Best of UK

2010-04-29T11:39:12Z

109.224.132.23: /* Items of note */

Following along the same lines of ''[[Generations (comic reprints)|Generations]]'', [[IDW Publishing]] next began a series of [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] reprints focusing on collections of stories similar to those previously published by [[Titan Books]]. The first of these was ''[[Target: 2006]]'', immediately followed by several series under the moniker '''''Best of UK'''''. The ''Best of UK'' series, along with ''Target:2006'', were much like ''Generations'', in that they featured brand new covers that were either recreations of the original cover or a depiction of some important scene in the issue. However, '''unlike''' ''Generations'', these comics were sold at full price ($3.99 U.S.)

Six series have been produced so far.

* '''''[[Target: 2006]]''''' (published 04/2007–08/2007)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Dinobots]]''''' (published 09/2007–04/2008)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Space Pirates]]''''' (published 03/2008–07/2008)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Time Wars]]''''' (published 08/2008–12/2008)
* '''''[[Best of UK: City of Fear]]''''' (published 02/2009–06/2009)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Prey]]''''' (published 08/2009–12/2009)

==Items of note==
These collections are '''not''' necessarily the same as their Titan counterparts.
* IDW's ''Dinobots'' collection included a [[Repeat Performance!|story from the Marvel U.S. series]] to round out the pattern of containing two stories (or parts) per issue. The issue was not in the trade paperback, however.
* IDW's ''Space Pirates'' started with the "[[Space Pirates!]]" arc (issues #182–187), followed by "[[Worlds Apart!]]" (issues #130–131, part of Titan's ''Time Wars'' collection) and "[[Wrecking Havoc]]" (issues #172–173). The Titan reprint began with "[[Salvage!]]" (issues #160–161, and not in IDW's version), followed by "Wrecking Havoc", the "Space Pirates!" arc and "[[Ark Duty]]" from the ''[[Transformers Annual 1988]]'' (also not in IDW's collection).
* IDW's ''Time Wars'' started with "[[Dry Run!]]" (issue #189), followed by "[[Altered Image!]]" and "[[All in the Minds!]]" (Both in ''[[Transformers Annual 1989]]''), "[[Firebug!]]" (issue #188, part of Titan's ''City of Fear'' collection) and the "[[Time Wars]]" arc (issues #199–205). Titan's collection starts with "World's Apart!" (from IDW's ''Space Pirates''), followed by "Dry Run!", "Altered Image!", "All in the Minds!" and the "Time Wars" arc.
* IDW's ''City of Fear'' collection coincides with Titan's for the first three stories: "[[City of Fear!]]", "[[Legion of the Lost!]]" and "[[Meltdown!]]". "[[Enemy Action!]]" was not in Titan's, but rather in their ''[[Legacy of Unicron]]'' collection. "[[Deadly Games!]]" was in both collections and concluded IDW's. The Titan collection instead included "[[Firebug!]]", "[[The Fall and Rise of the Decepticon Empire]]" and "[[Kup's Story!]]".
* IDW's ''Prey'' included: "[[Prey!]]", "[[The Harder They Die!]]", "[[Under Fire!]]", "[[Distant Thunder!]]", "[[Resurrection!]]" and "[[Grudge Match!]]", while the Titan collection also included "[[What's in a Name?]]"

==Collections==
* ''Best of UK Omnibus'' ([[September 23]], 2009) ISBN 1600104894 / ISBN 978-1600104893
:* Contains ''Best of UK: Dinobots'', ''Best of UK: Space Pirates'', ''Best of UK: Time Wars''
:* Bonus material: cover gallery

[[Category:IDW titles]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]

The Transformers: Best of UK

2010-04-29T11:37:49Z

109.224.132.23: /* Items of note */

Following along the same lines of ''[[Generations (comic reprints)|Generations]]'', [[IDW Publishing]] next began a series of [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] reprints focusing on collections of stories similar to those previously published by [[Titan Books]]. The first of these was ''[[Target: 2006]]'', immediately followed by several series under the moniker '''''Best of UK'''''. The ''Best of UK'' series, along with ''Target:2006'', were much like ''Generations'', in that they featured brand new covers that were either recreations of the original cover or a depiction of some important scene in the issue. However, '''unlike''' ''Generations'', these comics were sold at full price ($3.99 U.S.)

Six series have been produced so far.

* '''''[[Target: 2006]]''''' (published 04/2007–08/2007)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Dinobots]]''''' (published 09/2007–04/2008)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Space Pirates]]''''' (published 03/2008–07/2008)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Time Wars]]''''' (published 08/2008–12/2008)
* '''''[[Best of UK: City of Fear]]''''' (published 02/2009–06/2009)
* '''''[[Best of UK: Prey]]''''' (published 08/2009–12/2009)

==Items of note==
These collections are '''not''' necessarily the same as their Titan counterparts.
* IDW's ''Dinobots'' collection included a [[Repeat Performance!|story from the Marvel U.S. series]] to round out the pattern of containing two stories (or parts) per issue. The issue was not in the trade paperback, however.
* IDW's ''Space Pirates'' started with the "[[Space Pirates!]]" arc (issues #182–187), followed by "[[Worlds Apart!]]" (issues #130–131, part of Titan's ''Time Wars'' collection) and "[[Wrecking Havoc]]" (issues #172–173). The Titan reprint began with "[[Salvage!]]" (issues #160–161, and not in IDW's version), followed by "Wrecking Havoc", the "Space Pirates!" arc and "[[Ark Duty]]" from the ''[[Transformers Annual 1988]]'' (also not in IDW's collection).
* IDW's ''Time Wars'' started with "[[Dry Run!]]" (issue #189), followed by "[[Altered Image!]]" and "[[All in the Minds!]]" (Both in ''[[Transformers Annual 1989]]''), "[[Firebug!]]" (issue #188, part of Titan's ''City of Fear'' collection) and the "[[Time Wars]]" arc (issues #199–205). Titan's collection starts with "World's Apart!" (from IDW's ''Space Pirates''), followed by "Dry Run!", "Altered Image!", "All in the Minds!" and the "Time Wars" arc.
* IDW's ''City of Fear'' collection coincides with Titan's for the first three stories: "[[City of Fear!]]", "[[Legion of the Lost!]]" and "[[Meltdown!]]". "[[Enemy Action!]]" was not in Titan's, but rather in their ''[[Legacy of Unicron]]'' collection. "[[Deadly Games!]]" was in both collections and concluded IDW's. The Titan collection instead included "[[Firebug!]]", "[[The Fall and Rise of the Decepticon Empire]]" and "[[Kup's Story!]]".
* IDW's ''Prey'' included: "[[Prey!]]", "[[The Harder They Die!]]", "[[Under Fire!]]", "[[Distant Thunder!]]", "[[Resurrection!]]" and "[[Grudge Match!]]", while the Titan collection also included "[[Victory!]]" and "[[What's in a Name?]]"

==Collections==
* ''Best of UK Omnibus'' ([[September 23]], 2009) ISBN 1600104894 / ISBN 978-1600104893
:* Contains ''Best of UK: Dinobots'', ''Best of UK: Space Pirates'', ''Best of UK: Time Wars''
:* Bonus material: cover gallery

[[Category:IDW titles]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]

Susume! ChÅjin Masterforce

2010-04-23T12:12:02Z

109.224.132.23: /* Lyrics */

{{song
|title=Susume! Chōjin Masterforce
|japanese=進め!超神マスターフォース
|translation=Push On! Super-God Masterforce
|image=
|caption=
|series=[[The Headmasters (cartoon)|Transformers: The Headmasters]]
|position=image song
|composer=[[Masahiro Kawasaki]]
|lyrics=[[Machiko Ryū]]
|arrangement=Masahiro Kawasaki
|performer=[[Toshiya Igarashi]]
}}

{{TOCclear}}
==Lyrics==
{{note|The lyrics on this page have been translated more idiomatically than literally.}}
{|width=100%|
|valign=top|
====Original Japanese====
Come on! 
熱い砂けむり大地を蹴って 
倒せ！かかれ！奴等をつぶせ 
Come on! Come on! Come on! 
君は君は選ばれた戦士だから

:進め進め超神マスターフォース
:史上最強誰にも負けない
:進め進め超神マスターフォース
:痛みを超えてはばたけ今こそ

Come on! 
走る地平線うなりをあげて 
燃えろ！吠えろ！命を賭けて 
Come on! Come on! Come on! 
君は君はすばらしい戦士になれ

:進め進め超神マスターフォース
:君の勇気は誰にも負けない
:進め進め超神マスターフォース
:明日をつかめその手で今こそ

:進め進め超神マスターフォース
:史上最強誰にも負けない
:進め進め超神マスターフォース
:痛みを超えてはばたけ今こそ

|valign=top|
====Rōmaji transliteration====
Come on! 
Atsui suna kemuri daichi wo kette 
Taose! Kakare! Yatsura wo tsubuse 
Come on! Come on! Come on! 
Kimi wa kimi wa eraba reta senshi dakara

:Susume susume Chōjin Masterforce
:Shijō saikyō dare ni mo make nai
:Susume susume Chōjin Masterforce
:Itami wo koete haba take ima koso

Come on! 
Hashiru chiheisen unari wo agete 
Moero! Hoero! Inochi wo kake te 
Come on! Come on! Come on! 
Kimi wa kimi wa subarashii senshi ni nare

:Susume susume Chōjin Masterforce
:Kimi no yūki ha dare ni mo make nai
:Susume susume Chōjin Masterforce
:Ashita wo tsukame sono te de ima koso

:Susume susume Chōjin Masterforce
:Shijō saikyō dare ni mo make nai
:Susume susume Chōjin Masterforce
:Itami wo koete haba take ima koso

|valign=top|
====English translation====
Come on! 
Hot dust rises from the Earth 
Throw down! Engage! Crush them! 
Come on! Come on! Come on! 
Because you are, you are the chosen warriors

:Push on, push on, Super-God Masterforce 
:You won't lose even to the strongest in history, not to anyone 
:Push on, push on, Super-God Masterforce 
:Overcome the pain, now is the time to fly off

Come on! 
A roar is rising towards the escaping horison 
Burn! Roar! Risk your lives 
Come on! Come on! Come on! 
You will, you will become a wonderful warrior

:Push on, push on, Super-God Masterforce 
:Your courage will not lose out to anyone 
:Push on, push on, Super-God Masterforce 
:Grasp the tomorrow with this hand right now

:Push on, push on, Super-God Masterforce 
:You won't lose even to the strongest in history, not to anyone 
:Push on, push on, Super-God Masterforce 
:Overcome the pain, now is the time to fly off

|}

==Album releases==
*2004 — ''[[History of Music: 1984-1990|Transformers — History of Music: 1984-1990]]'' ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]])
*2007 — ''[[Song Universe|Transformers — Song Universe]]'' (Columbia Music Entertainment)

==References==
*Original Japanese taken from [http://otakebihonpo.cool.ne.jp/lib/robots/transformers/index.html Otakebihonpo].

{{stub}}
[[Category:Image songs]]

Fortress Maximus (G1)

2010-04-19T12:06:24Z

109.224.132.23: /* Transformers Gum */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Fortress Maximus}}
:''Fortress Maximus is an [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[City-bot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:FortMax1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Nobuyuki Hiyama|Link]] called. He wants the [[Master Sword]] back.]]
Despite his great power, size, and rank, '''Fortress Maximus''' is a weary and reluctant warrior. Fighting is against his pacifist nature, even for the most noble of causes. Over time, the endless conflict on Cybertron has worn him down, to the point that he's willing to walk away from the war entirely to preserve himself and his ideals.

Fortress Maximus is big. ''How'' big generally depends on the continuity, but often as not he's binary-bonded to a smaller robot named [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] who forms his head; Cerebros's own head is formed by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]].

{{note|Fortress Maximus is one of those fun characters whose English comic, English cartoon and Japanese cartoon incarnations were very different. See individual fiction entries below for continuity specific profiles.}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Cerebros''', '''Fortress''' (see below)
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Forteresse Maximus'''
:''[[Omni Productions]] dub name:'' '''Spaceship Bruce''' (starship mode only)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Ford''' / '''Fort''' (福特 ''Fú Tè'')
:''Chinese name (Taiwan version of RTM dub):'' '''Furmon''' (福蒙 ''Fú Méng'')

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Ringofhate-evilstain.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He is mad as hell and he's not gonna take it anymore!]]
Fortress Maximus was an architect in his early career, designing and even constructing many works on Cybertron. When the war came, he reluctantly turned his talents to fighting. {{storylink|Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Transformers Universe profile}}

During the long absence of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and their respective troops from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], unit commander Fortress Maximus established a headquarters in the [[Manganese Mountains]] and continued the fight against Scorponok's Decepticon contingent.

One fine day on Cybertron, Fort Max's troops staged an ambush on Scorponok's Decepticons, who had just leveled an Autobot city and were marching their prisoners toward the [[Smelting pool|smelting pools]]. Maximus's troops cut a swath through the Decepticon ranks, quickly driving them into retreat.

{{bigquote|Whether I am a hero or a coward is ''not'' the issue! I am ''weary!'' My joints creak from the corrosion of ''war without end!'' I... cannot break this ring of hate that surrounds us all -- but I can remove myself from it. No matter what you decide... I am leaving.|Fortress Maximus announces his decision to quit the war|"[[Ring of Hate!]]"}}

[[Image:Ringofhate-pangalactic.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"...And that, prospective investors, is why GoogleSaturn will make a million dollars per month."]]
Though his troops were jubilant at their victory, the battle was the last straw for Fortress Maximus. He had become so sick of the war that he decided to leave it. He didn't care if it made him a coward or not, he simply believed that the war would go on regardless of whether or not he was in it. Maximus declared that no matter what the others decided, he was leaving for the planet of [[Nebulos]], a world he had long studied and which seemed to be at peace. His stunned troops agreed, and together constructed a starship dubbed the ''[[Steelhaven (G1)|Steelhaven]]'' to propel them across the void.

Fortress Maximus immediately sent [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] as an messenger to the Nebulan natives; however, an accident made it appear that the giant robots from outer space came with hostile intent. Some of the more reactionary elements among the Nebulan leadership conspired to make Fort Max's envoy [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] also appear to have hostile intent, and thus were able to incite their fellow Nebulans to arms.

[[Image:Fortmaxgiveshead.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Dibs on the off-color jokes!]]
Fortress Maximus and his troops thus found themselves under a full attack from the Nebulans. Max ordered his troops to not fight back, despite complaints from the likes of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], and covered them as they retreated into the woods.

Faced with a newly hostile enemy, Fortress Maximus resolved to wage peace, not war. Gathering ten of his followers, he marched up to the Nebulan capital of [[Koraja]], begged to be heard out, and had his group discard their weapons. When that didn't work, he did the next logical thing and pulled his head off. Four other Autobots also resorted to this grotesque stunt before [[Galen]], head of the Nebulan [[World Watchers]], was convinced they weren't a threat. {{storylink|Ring of Hate!}}

[[Image:Brokenglass-autobotstorage.jpg|left|200px|thumb|My honey my baby, don't put my head upon no shelf.]]
The five Autobots' heads were stored in a warehouse, and Galen occasionally consulted with Fortress Maximus, keeping him up to date on outside events as anti-robot protests rocked the capital city.

Soon after, a horde of the Autobots' Decepticon foes appeared before the city gates. Max advised Galen that turning the Autobots over to Scorponok would not prevent him from attacking, and under the Autobot-Nebulan peace agreement, Galen could not simply restore the five Autobots to their bodies. But together with [[Arcana]], the pair came up with another plan. Five volunteer Nebulans were bio-engineered to combine with special armor, and transform into likenesses of the Autobots heads, connecting with and controlling them through the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster process]]. Galen himself became Fortress Maximus's new partner. Fortress Maximus led his newly-enhanced troops against Scorponok, and soundly defeated his numerically superior squad. {{storylink|Broken Glass!}}

[[Image:Loveandsteel-runfortmaxrun.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I'm just a-runnin' down the road, trying to loosen my load, got a world of troubles on my mind.]]
Fortress Maximus remained inert while Galen performed his various duties. He came back online to lead the Headmasters to the [[Grax Communications Facility]], where a number of Nebulan leaders were apparently being held hostage by the Decepticons. It turned out to be a trap, however, as the Decepticons had also become Headmasters, with Galen's rival Zarak now bonded to Scorponok himself. Using several Nebulans as a distraction, Scorponok's troops overpowered Fort Max and the others, taking them hostage. {{storylink|Love and Steel!}}

Max remained out of commission until Zarak, briefly overcoming Scorponok's influence on his mind, freed Galen and the other Autobot-allied Nebulans. Fort Max and company smashed their way out of the holding facility, then ran straight into the newly-formed Decepticon Targetmasters. Max briefly led his troops against the Decepticons, but opted to retreat rather than fight it out. To spare Koraja the carnage of a full-scale fight to the finish, he covered their retreat with the time-honored technique of smashing his enemies with Koraja's metal sculpture of the planet Nebulos. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

''Scorponok and Zarak challenged Fortress Maximus and Galen (here called "Kord") to a duel to settle their differences. Kord/Maximus won by cheating, but it didn't matter because the duel was a ruse to distract the Autobots while [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] stole Autobot fuel converters. The Deceptions had bugged the Autobot base and learned of Earth. They needed the converters to travel there. The Decepticons left for Earth and the Autobots followed.'' {{storylink|The Final Conflict}}

{{note|The events in this UK story differ in significant ways to the [[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]] mini-series.}}

Returning to the Autobot camp, Max/Galen decided to lead the troops away from Nebulos, knowing that Scorponok would follow. {{storylink|Brothers in Armor!!}}

[[Image:Trialbyfire-fortmax-disassemble.jpg|left|200px|thumb|He does seem to have trouble staying in one piece, doesn't he?]]
During their voyage to Earth, Fortress Maximus underwent a radical reconstruction to alter his size considerably, increasing himself from a slightly tall dude to a ''very'' tall dude, about twice the height of the average Transformer. Of course, with his larger scale, Fortress Maximus needed a new head (Galen still being stuck at roughly human size). For this reason, another Autobot, [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], was added to serve as a secondary stage between Galen and Maximus. As the head of Cerebros, Galen could transform Cerebros into the larger head of Fortress Maximus.

Arriving on Earth, Fortress Maximus led his fellow Headmasters to [[Mount St. Hilary]], source of the Autobot distress call that had drawn them to Earth. After recovering the damaged [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]], the group encountered [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], who had come in search of his missing younger brother [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]. Spike asked for the Autobots' help in finding his brother, but Fortress Maximus was more interested in their primary mission of locating the Autobots of Earth, and he led his troops off to follow the fuel trail of the missing [[Ark (G1)|Ark]].

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-trialbyfire-rollout.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The usage of "roll out" gets stranger and stranger.]]
Scorponok's crew soon followed Maximus to Earth, however, and to the same cave. When Spike replayed Goldbug's distress message, Fortress Maximus and company returned to the cave, apologizing to Spike for his failure to consider the danger he had brought to Earth's natives by leading the Decepticons there.

In the ensuing battle, Spike retreated further into the volcano's caves to seek shelter. Scorponok followed, seeking a hostage, and Fortress Maximus pursued him. As the caves narrowed down, Maximus was forced to send Cerebros onward, and eventually Galen himself had to leave Cerebros to cross a fragile rock bridge. Scorponok used the distraction to blast rocks down on Galen, killing him. As the Decepticon leader left, laughing, Galen passed on his control helmet to Spike, allowing the Earthling to assume control of Fortress Maximus and drive the Decepticons off. {{storylink|Trial by Fire!}}

Spike soon underwent the full binary bonding process and became the leader of the ''Steelhaven'''s crew of Autobots. With his new partner, Fortress Maximus led the Autobot [[Targetmaster]]s in an effort to locate Buster, first visiting his father at a shady motel, then heading to a spot in the tropics where the Decepticons had set up an island base.

[[Image:Clubconpalmtreespear.jpg|left|300px|thumb|The purpose of Club Con is to flip out and spear people.]]
With Kup worried about the inexperience of Fortress Maximus's new partner, Max held back while the Targetmasters landed on the island. They were driven back by automated defenses, however, and the island revealed itself to be a rocket ship, launching into the atmosphere with Buster still aboard. Maximus resolved to take matters into his own hands, and took off after the rocket (who knew he could fly?) Unfortunately, once in space, the ship's defenses made shishkabob out of him, forcing Spike to resort to using Cerebros instead. Cerebros was likewise trashed by an attack from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], though Spike was able to use Maximus's guns to send Shockwave falling to his apparent demise. Maximus and his partners were subsequently rescued by the Targetmasters, and for his gusto, Spike was welcomed as the group's new leader. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}}

As Fortress Maximus underwent repairs, his crew caught wind of a [[floppy disk]] in possession of one [[Ethan Zachary]], which contained the memories and personality of Optimus Prime. With the aid of a computer-generated version of Prime, Fortress Maximus gathered a lot of data from Scorponok's [[Pretender]] experiments and gave that ability to some of his own crew. {{storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}}

With the disk in their possession, Fortress Maximus oversaw efforts to build a new body for Optimus Prime's mind. However, the ''Steelhaven'''s resources were depleted after creating the Pretenders, causing the effort to fail explosively. Thus when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] located the Ark nearby, Fortress Maximus was eager to contact its Autobots and forge an alliance.

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-totalled-worthlesshuman.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It begs the question of why Grimlock didn't just step on him.]]
Unfortunately, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] developed an immediate dislike for Fortress Maximus, partially because he was a possible threat to Grimlock's leadership, partially because he was part human, and partially because he had a fugitive (Goldbug). He challenged "Fruitloop Multipuck" to a duel for leadership on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. Faced with the prospect of a divided Autobot force, Fortress Maximus agreed, though his unhealed injuries made victory an unlikely prospect. Luckily for Max, the imprisoned [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] agreed to fill in for him.

[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] led a Decepticon assault on the Autobots during the duel. While fighting off the attackers, Fortress Maximus ordered Goldbug, [[Joyride (Autobot)|Joyride]], [[Getaway]], and [[Slapdash]] to take the disk to Nebulos to restore Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

With Optimus Prime restored, Maximus accepted a subordinate role in the Autobot ranks. ''He was among those Autobots present as Optimus Prime briefed the troops about the threat of the time-displaced [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. When Optimus and five other Autobots spontaneously and explosively vanished into thin air, only to be replaced by six Transformers claiming to be Autobots from the future, Fortress Maximus immediately assumed command, freaked out, and ordered his troops to destroy the "imposters". (Apparently, his memory was a little rusty, since said "imposters" included his own present-day troops Kup and Blurr.) Maximus sparred with Rodimus Prime until the words of Goldbug, as well as a Matrix-linked Optimus Prime, convinced him that Rodimus was telling the truth when he claimed to be a future Autobot leader. Maximus participated in the subsequent battle against Megatron and Galvatron; he attacked Megatron alongside Grimlock and Swoop, but was quickly put down by the battle-crazed Decepticon.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

[[Image:Fortmaxboat.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Contrary to what's advertised here, the toy will sink if you put it in the bathtub.]]
Fortress Maximus provided a floating search platform for Optimus and Blaster as they searched the ocean for the Decepticons' [[Club Con]] base. Spike expressed frustration that they still had not located his brother, though Optimus vowed to keep searching. {{storylink|Cold War!}}

Fort Max was among the many Autobots who responded to an Autobot emergency signal in the Arctic... which turned out to be sent by none other than Buster Witwicky, who was dying of hypothermia. Maximus took his human sibling into a special thermal compartment, restoring his body temperature to normal.

When the Decepticons attacked soon after, Maximus came under attack from the [[Horrorcon]]s, followed by [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], who clung to him tenaciously and eventually caused Buster to spill out of the warming compartment. This turned out to be a lucky break, as Buster reminded Ratbat that the battle was nothing but a ruse engineered by Starscream. Ratbat and Maximus together called for all the combatants to lay down their arms.

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-maninthemachine1.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Cast in the name of God, Ye not guilty]]
After Starscream seized the power of the [[Underbase]], Fortress Maximus and Soundwave led a team to [[Buenos Aires]] to try and stop him. As their troops fell en masse, Maximus attacked Starscream, only to receive a debilitating energy blast in return. His organic component, however, allowed him to survive the first attack. Omega Supreme intervened just then, preventing Maximus from being crushed by a monument hurled by Starscream. Starscream disposed of Omega, and was on the verge of finishing off Maximus, when he was lured away by a radio signal from Buster aboard the Ark. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-maninthemachine2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|So why couldn't he have just kept Cerebros attached to him and gone on with his life?]]
With Buster rescued and the threat of Starscream removed, Spike and Fortress Maximus's tumultuous relationship came to light. Feeling his work with the Autobots was done, Spike tried to go his own way and resume his life, going so far as to pitch his control helmet into a junkyard, but his binary bond could not be left behind so easily. Strange nightmares plagued him, visions of falling into a void. Nor would the Decepticons relent; while on a skiing expedition, he found himself hunted by Carnivac and Snarler. Turning inwards, he found his link to Fortress Maximus remained even without the control helmet and that he could summon the giant warrior from afar. Max left his storage space aboard the Ark and descended to Earth. Despite Carnivac's dirty fighting, Fort Max easily disposed of the two attackers and their Pretender shells, once he and Spike physically recombined. With the battle over, Spike sent Fortress Maximus back to the Ark. {{storylink|The Man in the Machine!}}

Despite Spike's reconciliation, Fortress Maximus was subsequently out of action for many months or even years. He was still stored aboard the Ark just before the great battle with Unicron, when Grimlock and his Dinobots had returned from [[Hydrus Four]]. They had come looking for the rest of the Autobots, but the Ark's scanners were only picking up one Transformer. Weirder still, this Transformer was in ''two'' parts! {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}}

{{note|It's kind of odd that [[Primus]] didn't warp Fortress Maximus with every other Transformer on Earth, but it's implied that it's because half of him was on the Ark. Odder still is that the Dinobots didn't notice or mention that half of this Transformer was on the Ark with them.}}

[[Image:Fortressmaximus-thelastautobot1.jpg|right|125px|thumb|]]
After Unicron was defeated, the Ark plummeted to Earth and crashed in the northern tundra of Canada. When [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] emerged from the wreckage to wreak havoc, it fell to Fortress Maximus to stop him. He called to Spike, who came. He and Spike went through some mental wrangling before Max convinced Spike to reunite with him once more. Anxious and desperate after so long out of the war, Maximus immediately suppressed his hesitating partner and took full control upon regaining his head. This proved not to be such a wise idea. Fortress Maximus alone wasn't quite ready to deal with the totally insane Galvatron, who started smashing and biting(!) him to pieces. Realizing the power of their combined strength, Spike and Fortress Maximus managed to unite in thought and deed, and defeated the crazed Decepticon. Fortress Maximus stood alone at the battle's end, the last Autobot, guardian of Earth. {{storylink|The Last Autobot?}}

{{-}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Fortressmaximus-allornothing2.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Let me demonstrate just how much you don't have a [[To sell toys|toy on the shelves]] anymore.]]
It was ultimately [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] who would prove to be the undoing of this giant warrior. The reborn and reconditioned Decepticon leader stole the Ark from its crash site in Canada, and used it as his personal flagship. {{storylink|Realignments}} While establishing control over the ship, Megatron found and disabled Fort Max's dormant form. Spike sneaked aboard the ship and rejoined with Maximus, but the damage inflicted by Megatron meant they had virtually no chance to win.

Brutally beaten in combat with an upgraded and super-charged Megatron, the pair dragged themselves to the heart of the ship and threw themselves into the anti-matter containment unit at the core of its power supply, killing them both and causing the Ark to explode. {{storylink|All or Nothing!}}

Though it kept the Ark out of Megatron's hands, and nearly derailed his plans entirely, their effort was ultimately not successful: Megatron escaped aboard a shuttle and lived to fight again, and even had time to take the convalescent Starscream with him. {{storylink|New Dawn}} {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Stephen Keener]] (English), [[Yasui Kunihiko]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Fortressmaximusg1rebirth.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]

When a battle for possession of the [[key to the Plasma Energy Chamber]] led a group of Autobots and Decepticons to be stranded on the planet [[Nebulos]], partnership between the Transformers and the native Nebulans led to the development of Headmaster and Targetmaster technology. The planet's evil ruling council, the [[Hive (G1)|Hive]], took the technology to its most powerful extreme when its leader [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Zarak]] created the massive city-sized Scorponok to serve as his Headmaster partner and used his power to steal back the chamber key. The Decepticons departed for Cybertron, and the Autobots were poised to give chase when Spike Witwicky announced that he and the pacifistic Cerebros would be staying behind. While the other Autobots left in pursuit, Spike had Cerebros lead him to the ruins of the Hive's original city, which they had lived in before moving underground. Taking control of the various abandoned machines there, Spike rebuilt the city, Cerebros and even himself into a Headmaster robot that could stand up to Scorponok's power: Fortress Maximus!

[[Image:Rebirth3_fortmax_battlestation.jpg|left|250px|thumb]]

The completed Fortress Maximus quickly flew to Cybertron and made a dramatic entrance, setting down in city mode and then transforming to battle station mode to bombard Scorponok and the Decepticons with a hail of weaponsfire. When Zarak transformed Scorponok to robot mode, Spike did likewise with Fortress Maximus, and the two titans battled, with Maximus on the losing end until Zarak threatened the life of Spike's son, Daniel. With a burst of strength, Fortress Maximus took Scorponok down, causing him to collapse with such force that he transformed back to city mode. Spike and Cerebros then disconnected from Maximus and headed inside Scorponok to recover the captive Daniel and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], leaving Maximus to keep the other Decepticons at bay with his many weapons. The Decepticons were able to get through Maximus's firestorm and got Scorponok airborne, but not before Spike succeeded in his rescue.

Subsequently, with the Plasma Energy Chamber back under Autobot control, Fortress Maximus flew the Autobot Headmasters and Targetmasters back to Nebulos. There, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] announced that after they had eradciated the Hive's evil from the planet, Cerebros would live on the planet as its guardian, presumably meaning that Fortress Maximus would be staying there too. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 3}}

{{note|It is unclear if Fortress Maximus had any sentience of his own; he did speak once in his own voice, but for the most part, even Cerebros's will seemed to be pushed aside so Spike could run the whole thing himself.}}

===Japanese animated continuity===
{{note|In Japan, Fortress Maximus's mental functions are housed in a small robot who transforms into a head and connects to a larger, lifeless Transtector body. This larger body in turn becomes the head of a ''giant'' Transtector, forming the robot known as Fortress Maximus. The ''Headmasters'' toyline referred to the smallest robot as '''Cerebros''', who formed the head of the intermediate robot '''Fortress''', but this distinction was never actually made in fiction, and the character was always referred to as "Fortress" regardless of whether he was in small or intermediate form.}}

====''The Great Transformer War'' comic====

[[Image:Hmmanga battered headmasters.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

In the year 2010, while significant Transformer battles were being waged throughout space and on Earth, Fortress was active on the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]]. After the younger Headmaster warriors under his command were defeated in battle by [[Sixshot]] and the Decepticon Headmasters, Fortress quickly roused his fallen comrades and ordered them to board his battleship, the Maximus, so that they could pursue the villains. Their destination: Cybertron! {{storylink|The Great Transformer War issue 3|The Great Transformer War #3}}
{{--}}
====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Ikuya Sawaki]]

[[Image:Hm ep2 cyberdroids flee.jpg|left|thumb|200px|He's not actually supposed to look like that yet.]]

Four million years ago, Fortress was a [[Cyberdroid|diminutive Cybertronian]] who had not yet mastered the art of transformation, and was a friend of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s. He was among the many Transformers that fled Cybertron in an attempt to escape the corrosion of war without end, and led a group of his fellow small Cybertronians in search of a new peaceful world they could call home. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Alas, engine trouble caused their ship to crash on the inhospitable world of planet Master, whose hazardous environmental conditions began threatening the lives of Fortress and his men almost as soon as they departed the wreckage of their ship and began trekking through a desert of shifting sands. The need for survival fostered many technological advancements, however, and helped in part by technology recovered from a [[#Kiss Players/15 Go! Go!|crashed spaceship]], Fortress and his people endured. Fortress was responsible for many of the technological quantum leaps, the most significant of which was the invention of "[[Transtector]]s", larger, lifeless Transformer bodies to which the small Cybertronians could connect as heads. After a rigorous training program that allowed them to finally master transformation, Fortress and nine other warriors bonded with these Transtectors to become "Headmasters". {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}} Fortress even took the process one step further, creating a ''huge'' Transtector that could transform into the battleship Maximus. Fortress's own Transtector was engineered to also transform into a head, which could control the many functions of the Maximus from a special docking bay on the battleship's bridge, {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beast}} and which could form the head for the battleship's own colossal robot mode, known as "Fortress Maximus". {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

Unfortunately, half of the Headmasters eventually rebelled against Fortress's leadership, siding with a traitor named Scorponok against him. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Eventually, Scorponok forged an alliance with the Decepticon leader [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] through the Decepticon ninja, Sixshot.

{{note|The events of the ''Great Transformer War'' manga occur at this point.}}

[[Image:G1FortressMaximus HMstockfootage.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"...But it's the pelvic thruuuuuust / that really drives you in-sa-a-a-ane / Let's do the Time Warp again!"]]

In the year 2011, when Galvatron launched his latest attack on Cybertron with the added power of his new Decepticon Headmasters, Fortress Maximus brought the Autobot Headmasters back to their homeworld aboard the Maximus. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} Even the mightiest of the Decepticons' [[combiner]]s could not stand against Battleship Maximus's firepower, and the evil robots were forced into retreat.

[[Image:FortMax THM.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Ginsu Head: Slices and dices, makes thousands of julienned Decepticons.]]

Upon meeting again with the Autobots, Fortress quickly became a lead figure not only to his own troops, but to most of the other Autobots in the ongoing war, though he loyally answered to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]. Primarily, he led the other Headmasters into battle, often working away from the other Autobots and handling overly dangerous situations.

When Cybertron was destroyed, Rodimus Prime vowed to search the universe for a new home for the older, non-headmaster Autobots. He passed [[Supreme Commander|supreme command]] of the Autobots—but, interestingly, not the [[Matrix of Leadership]], which he kept on his travels—to Fortress Maximus. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

Fortress wasn't entirely confident that he was the best choice for leader, not because of any discomfort or indecision performing the duties, but due to a certain [[Optimus Prime (G1)|common]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|tendency]] to feel like he wasn't worthy. Nevertheless, he led the Autobots against Galvatron and Scorponok decisively and was popular as a leader. While some of the other Headmasters had trouble getting along with humans, Fortress proved himself reasonably friendly, or at least good at making silly faces to amuse [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|children]] (and talking them into [[Approach of the Demon Meteorite|dangerous missions]]). Fortunately, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was around to help smooth relations on both sides, as well as to help Fortress personally to coordinate and present plans.

In Scorponok's final campaign against the Autobots, Fortress Maximus battled his arch enemy, and thanks in part to Sixshot's intervention, the work of the Autobots as a team, and all the present Autobot troops—along with [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]—lending him their energy and the power of friendship via a [[Head Formation]], he was able to overcome and destroy Scorponok's transtector, as well as his plan to destroy the Earth, sending the Decepticons into retreat once and for all.

Fortress continued to lead the Autobots as they left Earth for good to travel around the galaxy, trying to repair all the damages dealt in the war and to remain vigilant should the Decepticons return. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{charstubfiction}}

====''Kiss Players/15 Go! Go!''====
[[Image:KPBraveMax.jpg|right|thumb|100px]]
{{note|Fortress's cameo appearance in ''Kiss Players'' is set shortly after his arrival on Master.}}

Slumped miserably on the barren surface of Master in their smallest robot forms, Fortress, Chromedome and Highbrow's attention was caught when a [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|time-travelling spaceship]] materialized over their heads and crashed nearby. By studying and reverse-engineering the technology found in this spaceship, Fortress and the scientists of Master invented Transtectors and the Headmaster process. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #48}}/{{storylink|15 Go! Go!|15 Go! Go! Sparkbot Chapter 3}}

====''The Headmasters'' comic====

{{note|The events of the Headmasters manga take place concurrently with the Headmasters cartoon.}}

[[Image:Manga fort max.jpg|left|thumb|275px]]

Soon after Optimus Prime died stabilizing Vector Sigma, the Decepticons staged an attack on Athenia, and Fortress and the Autobot Headmasters quickly took off in Battleship Maximus to intercept them as they approached the planet. Daniel opined that the Decepticons were "a lot like parasites", to which Fortress murmured an agreement. At that point, the Decepticons appeared in front of them, and the Autobots realized that they had played into the villains' hands: they intended to destroy Fortress's battleship with a bomb. Luckily, Chromedome moved quickly enough to snatch the bomb away and save the Maximus. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1|The Headmasters #1}}

Responding to an SOS from their Beastformer comrades, Fortress escorted the Autobot Headmasters to planet Beast to investigate. No sooner had the young warriors left Battleship Maximus to search, Rodimus Prime radioed Fortress for an update. Fortress didn't have anything to tell him, but assured Rodimus that the Headmasters would get to the bottom of the mystery. {{storylink|Great Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}} Later, once they were back on Earth, Fortress sent the Headmasters on their next mission, to respond to a Decepticon attack on an Alaskan energy plant. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 2|The Headmasters #2}}

When a fire tore through [[Shinjuku]], Chromedome, [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] and [[Artfire (Headmasters)|Artfire]] responded, but their rescue effort was impeded by the Decepticon Targetmaters. Luckily, Fortress soon arrived to extinguish the fire by dumping a massive amount of water on it from above using Battleship Maximus, freeing up the others to deal with the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 7|The Headmasters #7}}
{{-}}
====TV Magazine ''Master File''====
Following the expulsion of the Decepticons from Earth after the battle at the North Pole, the Transformers' war shifted into a series of space-based exchanges between Athenia and Chaar, with the advanced technology of Master forming the backbone of the conflict. With the space bridge destroyed, interstellar transportation was severely limited, and it fell to Fortress and the Maximus to patrol space for the Decepticons. While on one such patrol, Fortress received a transmission from Sixshot alerting him to the existence of a [[Devil Z|new shadowy puppet master]] who had taken control of the Decepticons. This news came at the same time as a report from the Trainbots which indicated that Scorponok had constructed a new Transtector for himself, and so Fortress had no choice but to focus on dealing with this mystery. With access to the ever-important Earth now greatly reduced and his attentions now focused elsewhere, Fortress left guardianship of the planet in the hands of [[Metalhawk]] and his [[Pretender]]s.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/730/37/ Master File #1]</ref>

{{note|Following the end of the ''Headmasters'' franchise, Japanese cartoon continuity branches off in two separate directions. One version of the story is told through the [[Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon]], the other is told through the [[Super-God Masterforce (manga)|''Masterforce'' manga]]. Fortress plays much the same role in both, but gets up to a bit more in the manga.}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon====
[[Image:Masterforce ep23 FuzzyFortress.JPG|right|thumb]]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Ikuya Sawaki]] (Japanese)

Following the commands of Devil Z, the space-based Decepticon forces orchestrated the bombardment of Earth with meteors. Although they were able to carry out this assault without the direct knowledge of Fortress's Autobots, Fortress did become suspicious when he observed that the Decepticons had broken their usual formation. Worried, Fortress sent a message to Metalhawk's Autobots on Earth, but alas, by the time the distorted missive arrived, the meteors had already struck the planet and caused massive collateral damage. {{storylink|Expose the Decepticons' Dark Deception!}}
{{--}}
====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic====

[[Image:Mfmanga fortress meets ginrai.jpg|left|thumb]]

When a new and powerful Autobot warrior named [[Ginrai]] rose to prominence on Earth, he distinguished himself to the point that Fortress decided to step down as Supreme Commander and appoint Ginrai in his place. The Trainbots brought Ginrai and his [[Headmaster Junior]] allies to Athenia, where Fortress formally handed over leadership, then departed to take care of some business on Master. In his absence, the united forces of the Earth- and space-based Decepticons attacked Athenia, but Ginrai was able to repel them. Fortress arrived back just as the Decepticons were pulling out, and announced that the Autobots must pool their resources as their enemies had, uniting their forces on Earth and space to commence the [[Godbomber|Bomber Project]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
Fortress Maximus served as transport when Ultra Magnus lead a mission to a small asteroid in search of a new source of [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]. The Autobots discovered a [[Observer|small alien]], and [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] utilized Maximus's laboratory to determine that the creature turned its food into Energon. A later fracas with the Decepticons resulted in Fort Max getting involved, leading to a fight with Scorponok. {{storylink|The Test (issue)|The Test}}
===''Transformers PD Type''===
[[Image:Pdtype_fortmax_manga.jpg|right|thumb|275px]]
While casually minding his own business one day, Fortress Maximus was suddenly shocked to see a wave of Decepticons led by Galvatron bearing down on him. He immediately transformed into robot mode...but he had completely forgotten that he had been in city mode, leaving all the poor Autobots who had been inside him squished and thinking there had been an earthquake. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type|Bigger Than Life! Fortress Maximus!}}

Fortress Maximus later met Scorponok in battle, vowing to never surrender. All the other Transformers would probably have preferred that he ''did'' surrender, though, since the battle put them ''all'' in danger when the two towering titans toppled over, threatening to accidentally crush them all! {{storylink|Transformer PD Type|Watch Out! MegaZarak!}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
A normal-sized Fortress Maximus was a co-leader of the Autobot forces on Cybertron, along with Ultra Magnus. As Cybertron's resources ran low, they struggled to hold the Autobot army together. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}} The war continued despite their best efforts, though, and after a fruitless and disastrous skirmish with the Micromaster [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] and the Decepticons, Fortress Maximus gave up on the war. He left the Autobot army in order to seek a new path. {{Storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

A gargantuan Fortress Maximus was also seen in a [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced vision of future [[Nebulos]] by Optimus Prime and Megatron. {{Storylink|The War Within issue 4}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:Ironclaw artofwar.jpg|right|150px|thumb|]]
While imbued with the wisdom of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]] had a vision of Fortress Maximus and [[Sgt. Savage]] fighting against [[Iron Klaw]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:SpotlightArcee FortressMaximus.jpg|left|300px|thumb|You wanna argue with him?]]
A somewhat less pacifistic Fortress Maximus (Seriously, he repeatedly threatened to kill his prisoners or otherwise "strip them down to their spark cores") was the warden in charge of [[Garrus-9]], an Autobot-run penitentiary where both Autobot and Decepticon prisoners were kept in containment. As the ultimate imprisonment, most inmates were reduced down to their [[spark]] and [[laser core]] alone, held inanimate in a storage center known as "The Rig" until such a time as Fort Max deemed to rebuild and release them, if ever. Astoundingly, this method was deemed too "merciful" for at least one [[Impactor|prisoner]].

Fortress Maximus was one of many Autobots across the galaxy who watched a news report heralding the miraculous return of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

After [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] encountered the [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]] [[Combiner|combiners]] on [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]'s asteroid bunker, he sent them to Garrus-9 with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], hoping the science team could help the six recover from [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]'s experimentations. Fortress Maximus was dubious of the possible results, but allowed Jetfire and his team to run their tests at Garrus-9. Things changed for the worse, however, once word of the gestalt technology got out, and agents of the [[Decepticon Secret Service]] came to claim the remarkable new tech for themselves. Faced with an incredible amount of orbital bombardment and ground warfare, Fortress Maximus and his defensive crew were at serious risk of being overrun.

In order to maintain control of his base, Max reactivated the only Autobot inmate classified as Threat Level-9: [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]. Knowing Arcee had strong feelings about Jhiaxus and his work from personal experience, Fortress Maximus felt confident she would do anything to prevent the Decepticons from laying claim to the "[[Pretender Monster|Monstructor Six]]." In case he was wrong, though, Fort Max made it clear to Arcee she was lowjacked with synchronized G-forces that would crush her spark if she stepped out of line. Despite Arcee's help, the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] still managed to make off with the gestalt robots. Against his better judgment, Fortress Maximus allowed Jetfire to convince him that Arcee was the best available to track and intercept the Secret Service ships and retrieve or destroy the gestalt robots. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

When Optimus Prime and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] met with Fortress Maximus and Jetfire on Garrus-9 to discuss the prisoners' breakout, also mentioned was that a surviving Decepticon had been tortured. Maximus and Jetfire exchanged guilty glances. Prime left Maximus in charge and returned with Prowl and Jetfire to the ''[[Ark-32]]''. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}}

With the death of [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]] was forced to enter the living universe and confront Optimus Prime at Garrus-9. Fortress Maximus and the other Autobots were hunkered down in The Last Resort, the best-defended, highest-security section of the penitentiary, and he believed that not even a [[Cortynivian Shadow Worm]] could get in. He was wrong, as Nemesis effortlessly forced his way in, killed [[Manta Ray (G2)|Manta Ray]] and [[Drench (Autobot)|Drench]] and shrugged off all Autobot weapons fire. Maximus called in reinforcements until Optimus convinced him that conventional tactics would not work with the undead Prime and went to deal with Nemesis Prime himself. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

During Megatron's massive push against the Autobots, an annoyed Maximus led the defense of the prison against the [[Predator]] forces. However, when the sociopathic [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] took control of the Decepticon forces, the prison was overrun and Fortress Maximus beaten down by the monster. And then, to keep the liberated prisoners on his side, Overlord tossed them their former warden to have some fun... so long as they kept him alive. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}
{{spoiler|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|April 24, 2010}}
[[Image:LastStandoftheWreckers3-Fort Max the cabbage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|]]
The inmates apparently followed Overlord's instructions, as one half of the [[Wrecker]]s eventually came across Maximus's barely-alive body. Rendered comatose and with his optics and limbs pulled off, he had been plugged into the lock of the door to [[Aequitas]]'s chamber, and put to use entering in code after code in a Decepticon attempt to break in. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] removed Maximus's connection to the lock, then [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] and [[Pyro]] pulled his body from the door to carry him. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 3|Last Stand of the Wreckers #3}}
{{note|Though thickly built, Fortress Maximus is a normal-sized Transformer in [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]], about the same size as Jetfire.}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1FortressMaximus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|If I hear somebody ask "how's the weather up there" one more time, Primus help them...]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (Headmaster Base, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-114'''
**''Accessories:'' Spike Headmaster unit, Cerebros large Headmaster unit, [[Cog (G1)|Gasket]], [[Cog (G1)|Grommet]], Photon Rifle, Dual Laser Cannon, Cerebros's Mini Laser Rifle, [[Cog (G1)|Cog]]'s Laser rifle, Radar Scope, Master Sword (Japanese release only), Cerebros's sword (Japanese release only)

: Fortress Maximus is, by far, the largest Transformers toy ever produced. In robot mode it stands 22" (or 56 cm) tall, nearly 8" (20 cm) taller than its in-fiction rival Scorponok. The original retail price was over $100USD. Taking into account ongoing trends in toy pricing and retail shelf space jockeying, it is highly doubtful any other Transformers even close to this size will ever be made again.

: The toy has multiple alt mode configurations, transforming into a relatively compact "city" mode, and also a secondary mode described in the US instruction as a "battle station." That mode was rebranded as a starship for the Japanese instructions, and is the "default" mode for Fortress Maximus in the ''Headmasters'' animated series. Additionally, the 1987 Hasbro toy catalog features a mis-transformed Fortress Maximus in a mode referred to as an "impenetrable fortress," essentially consisting of his city mode with the legs splayed outwards.

: In all modes, Maximus has a wide array of pop-out (non-firing) guns and gimmicks. Its left leg hides a small prison cell, plus has a swing-out cannon/helipad. Its right leg has a small storage compartment. Its torso has a gear-activated spinner for the detachable radar array accessory, a "control socket" for [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]]' "communications tower" mode, and a working elevator that can lift small toys up to its central ramp to be launched in its altmodes. (The crank for this elevator ends up in a very unfortunate position in robot mode.) Each arm had a long ramp on the back with sliding launchers for small vehicles.

: Its robot-mode head is formed by Cerebros, who does not actually need Spike to attach to the upper body. It came with both Headmaster units, plus the Gasket and Grommet mini-vehicles.

: The Japanese release of Fortress Maximus came with a pair of [[Master Sword]]s; one for Fortress, a ''large'' one for Maximus. It is currently unknown if the swords were originally planned for the [[Hasbro]] version but dropped for price or [[For safety reasons|safety concerns]], or if they were a [[Takara]]-initiated addition to their release of the toy.

: This mold was used to make ''[[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' [[Grand Maximus]], ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Car Robots]]'' [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Brave Maximus]], and ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' "[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Cybertron Base]]".
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/FortressMaximus/fortressmaximus.htm More information on Fortress Maximus at TFU.info]

{{-}}

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:G1 FortressMaximus Jnr toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|We represent the Lollybot guild]]
* '''Fortress Maximus''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-114'''
**''Accessories:'' Fortress Headmaster unit, Photon Rifle

: ''[[Transform Jr]]'' Fortress Maximus is a smaller rendering of the character, scaled down to regular Transformer size, and with only one head. Fortress Maximus could only transform from his starship mode to his robot mode, as his legs lack the joints to fold into city mode. Much of his detail and accessories have been simplified into stickers, such as his shin cannons. He comes with only one weapon, his large blue photon rifle.

:This toy was also available in a leaders three-pack with [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]]

::*''[http://www.cliffbee.com/reviews/fortmaxjr.php More information of Transform Jr Fortress Maximus at Cliffbee.com]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum_fortmax.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (1987)
**''Accessories:'' Head, Photon Rifle, Dual Laser Blaster
:Released in the seventh wave of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' line of snap-together "[[candy toy]]" model kits, this version of Fortress stands at about four inches tall and is cast in grey, white and blue plastic. Unlike the Headmaster figures from the previous ''Transformers Gum'' wave, this version of Fortress Maximus does away with his Headmaster gimmick, and by sheer necessity of size, also lacks the guns in his forearms and fists and the prison cell in his left leg. He does include both of his hand-held weapons and swing-out waist cannons, however, and he can still transform into both starship and city modes. As a ''Transformers Gum'' kit, he featured no paint applications, but came with stickers for detail, and a piece of terrible gum.

::*''[http://bowbowdaijin.blog96.fc2.com/blog-entry-27.html More information on Transformer Gum Fortress Maximus at a Japanese fansite]''
{{--}}

===Parody Deformed===
[[Image:Pdtype_fortmax.jpg|right|thumb|]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (1990)
**''Accessories:'' Master Sword

:A small, blue and white non-transforming [[super deformed]] model kit of Fortress Maximus was available as part of Kabaya's "[[Parody Deformed]]" line of candy toys. The twelfth figure in the series, he came with a "Transformer PD Type" comic about himself, "Bigger Than Life! Fortress Maximus!", and more of that alleged "gum".
{{--}}
===Super Collection Figure/Heroes of Cybertron===
[[Image:Fortmax_scf_hoc.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (2001)

:Fortress Maximus was the collectible "Build-A-Figure" from the third ''Headmasters''-centric wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s line of ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' PVC figurines. He was divided into six parts, each one packaged with one of the other six figurines in the line: His head and sword came with [[Raiden]], his torso with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], his left arm with [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], his right arm with [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]], his left leg with [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]] and his right leg with [[Sixshot]].

:As the first collectible figure from the line, Fortress Maximus was much rarer than those that would come later, with his parts only coming in two out of every ten cases. Like all the other figures in the wave, his parts were available in two color schemes; of the two cases he was available in, one contained a full-color figure, while the other contained a colorless translucent version.

*'''Fortress''' (2002)

:A standard 3" PVC figurine of Fortress was available in the eighth and final ''SCF'' wave line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a metallic silver "pewter" version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures. Additionally, in eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version of Fortress came packaged with head and torso of the wave's collectible [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] figure.

*'''Fortress Maximus''' (2003)

: The Fortress Maximus PVC was later revisited by [[Hasbro]] for their domestic release of the ''Super Collection Figure'' series, ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]''. Like all the ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figures, this version of Fortress Maximus was cast entirely in clear-blue plastic and then painted over, save a small spot on his head to give him a "light-pipe" glowing-eyes effect. He remained available only as a collectible pack-in, one part in each of the six releases in the line's fourth wave. His head and sword came with [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], his torso with [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], his left arm with [[Powermaster]] [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Gigatron]], his right arm with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], his left leg with [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Autobot Jazz]] and his right leg with the Autobot Espionage Team ([[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]).

==Trivia==
* "Fortress Maximus" was an early name for the characters that eventually became [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. The [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel Comics)|comic adaptation]] of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 Movie]] even refers to [[Autobot City]] as "Fortress Maximus" in a caption.

* Fortress Maximus was the first toy to be released with a bona-fide Earthling figure. All of the other Headmasters' companions were from Nebulos. (Although Maximus's on-package [[bio]] refers to "the Nebulan leader, Spike", the general consensus is that it was supposed to be the popular figure from TV and other media, who is almost certainly an Earthling.)

* Both Scorponok and Fortress Maximus suffer from the writers struggling to reconcile the characters' high rank with their size. In their comic appearances, they are portrayed as commanders in some capacity but are shrunk down to interact with other Transformers, and their city modes pretty much don't exist. Conversely, the cartoons have opted to portray them as giant city Transformers, though they seem to be merely extensions of the smaller beings that bond with them, with no real life or will of their own.

[[Image:FortMaxReds.jpg|thumb|250px]]

*Fortress Maximus appeared in an unusual red-accented color scheme on the cover of Marvel's [[Ring of Hate!|''The Headmasters'' #1]]. This color scheme was repeated in the corner box for [[Love and Steel!|''The Headmasters'' issue #3]] and on the cover of [[The Man in the Machine!|''The Transformers'' issue #51]]. Its origin is unknown.

* The Battleship ''Maximus'' bears a slight resemblance to the [[Wikipedia:White Base|White Base]], a battleship from the [[Wikipedia:Gundam|''Gundam'' franchise]].

* When Spike transforms to join Fortress Maximus for the last time in the ''Generation 2'' book, Cerebros is not shown, and Spike transforms directly into Fortress Maximus's head. Maximus is shown to be no larger than Megatron. In real-life terms, it's an obvious series of art errors; in the context of the story, one might wonder if Maximus was reduced back to his original, smaller, size. It seems improbable, considering that Spike had been retired for years by that point.

* Fortress Maximus has the distinction of having one of the most well known Transformers [[Knockoff|bootleg]] versions in existence. While Cerebros has been omitted, the Spike figure is the same, and the body has been scaled down to match, effectively making the body compatible with any other Headmaster head. It also fetches absurd prices for a bootleg.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Fortress_Maximus Fortress Maximus's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:City Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 locations]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Masterforce characters]]
[[Category:Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category:Starships]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Title sequence

2010-04-03T16:22:57Z

109.224.132.23: /* Japanese version */

[[Image:Targetmasters.jpg|right|300px|thumb|''Mooooooom!'' Crosshairs and Pinpointer are making a title sequence!]]

A '''title sequence''' is the animation that accompanies the [[theme song]] or opening narration of a television series, introducing the audience to the show's characters and storyline on a visual level. Title sequences are usually comprised of original animation commissioned solely for the sequence, a collection of clips from actual episodes, or a mixture of both. Oftentimes, the original animation commissioned for the title sequence is of vastly superior quality to the animation seen in the actual program. ''Oftentimes'', but not always. These sequences can range from thirty seconds to a minute and thirty seconds, depending on the length of the theme song or opening narration.

==Generation 1 (US)==

:'''Theme song:''' ''The Transformers'' by [[Anne Bryant]] and [[Ford Kinder]].

Each season of the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|Generation 1]] cartoon boasted an original title sequence with varying performances of the original ''Transformers'' theme song. Seasons 1 and 2 each offered original performances of the theme song, while from season 3 onward, a third and final version was performed and used exclusively.

===Season 1===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''

[[Image:G1season1intro01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime at perhaps his wussiest.]]

The [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] insignias fly by as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and several of his troops transform. After the title flips to different faction colors, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s transform and fire upon several Autobot cars. Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] join the battle. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] clashes with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and judo-flips him, but Jazz transforms to car mode, lands, drives back and returns to robot mode, punching Skywarp in the face. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] unleashes several of his cassette troops while Megatron transforms to gun mode and fires on the Autobots. Both sides then fly into the air and behind a mountain, where the title pops out.
{{--}}
===Season 2===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''

[[Image:G1season2IntroGrid01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hand-drawn version of computer-generated grids. How ironic!"]]

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias come flying out from space and across the landscape of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] before the scenery changes to that of [[Earth]]. The "Transformers" title then appears and is snatched in the jaws of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], where it morphs into [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Grimlock releases Thrust as the rest of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s transform and fire upon [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. Blitzwing transforms to tank mode and makes the mistake of firing upon [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who transforms to robot mode and squashes him beneath his heel. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] picks up the remains of Blitzwing, and Omega fires on the approaching [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], who transforms to space shuttle mode just as the tracks drop off into a pit of lava. Down in the lava, the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s are swimming about for some reason. The lava then changes into a ''Tron''-like grid where Optimus Prime and Megatron clash before sinking into a wormhole as the title explodes onto the screen.
{{--}}

===Season 3 ("Five Faces of Darkness")===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[AKOM]]''

:''This title sequence was used only for the "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" episodes.''

[[Image:Season3AlternateIntro01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The valiant Springer leaves Rodimus to die.]]

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias glide across the landscape of Cybertron, passing over several battered Decepticons dogpiling on top of a single [[Energon cube]]. As the Decepticons fight over the Energon, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] choose this strategic time to blast their helpless foes with laser fire. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] then drives up and transforms to robot mode within a wall of flames as the title appears on his chest. The scene shifts to [[Thrull]], where [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] emerges from his plasma bath and fires on a nearby planet, destroying it. Beneath the planet, back on Cybertron, [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] is confronted by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], only to be rescued by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Then, on [[Quintessa]], Ultra Magnus, Kup and Spike are dropped into a [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] pit and swim away in fear from one of the approaching beasts. The faction insignias then go racing again through space, this time to the planet [[Goo]], where the Autobots are stuck in slime. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] transforms to helicopter mode and rescues everyone but Rodimus Prime, who gets sucked into a giant spaceship. Rodimus blasts his way out of the ship as several letters scramble together to form the title.
{{--}}
===Season 3===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[AKOM]]''

[[Image:Intro3 4 with error.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Remember that bit about title sequences having ''better'' animation than the show itself...?]]

A vector grid forms the disembodied head of [[Unicron]], orbiting Cybertron. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] flies through his eye as the scene shifts to the landscape of Cybertron and [[Overcharge (G1)|an entire army of Blitzwings]] in tank mode. One of them fires a blast at the audience which blows up the title. Out in space, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] is chasing a unit of [[Sweep]]s and a miscolored [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] through a field of space debris. Amid the debris is a TV set that shows Metroplex battling Trypticon. Grabbing Trypticon by the shoulders, Metroplex whirls him around into a crudely drawn tornado. That tornado then becomes the rings of Saturn, upon which are driving [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. Wheelie's spinning tire becomes the barrel of Galvatron's cannon, aimed directly at the audience. The Decepticon insignia on his chest then rises up, becomes an Autobot insignia and then situates itself onto the chest of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who is engaged in a battle on Earth. Blaster transforms to boom box mode and emits several ripples representing sound or radio waves. Those waves then become the ripples in a pool of water filled with Sharkticons. A Sharkticon swims toward the audience, and the darkness in its mouth becomes a space background and a platform. Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Kup (with Springer's head) come running over the platform and toward the audience. The platform is then revealed to be the title.
{{--}}
===Season 4===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]], [[AKOM]]''

:''This title sequence is comprised of animation commissioned for several Transformers toy [[commercial]]s as well as a few clips recycled from the season 3 title sequence.''

[[Image:Scorponok-Rebirth.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille."]]

Rodimus Prime and Blurr race across a wall and through an electrical field, where they meet a distraught Kup. [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] then unites beautifully with his head. Elsewhere, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s unite into [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. [[Flywheels]] then transforms to robot mode and fires. Blitzwing appears with the title in front of his cannon in tank mode and blows it up (''recycled season 3 footage''). Above Cybertron, [[Triggerhappy]] and [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]] fire and land on the ground. Triggerhappy is immediately tackled by [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]. [[Spoilsport]] and Blowpipe transform out of gun mode and clash. As they do, [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] arrive in vehicle mode and transform, only to be immediately tackled by [[Misfire]] and [[Aimless]]. On another planet, ship-mode [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] blasts the approaching [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s. The scene shifts to the barrel of Galvatron's cannon as his Decepticon insignia rises and becomes Blaster's Autobot insignia (''recycled season 3 footage''). Back on Cybertron, Sureshot and Triggerhappy are still going at it. On Earth, Metroplex transforms from battle station mode to robot mode as he's fired upon by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The scene shifts to the platform in outer space, as Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Kup (with Springer's head) run across it, revealing it to be the title (''recycled season 3 footage'').
{{--}}
===Generation 2===
:'''Animation:''' ''?''

:''Rather than sport a theme song, the ''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' series featured new CG animation accompanied by narration.''

[[Image:G2CartoonIntro01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|G2 Prime was too extreme for his own good sometimes.]]

Optimus Prime drives over a bridge on some alien planet with two moons in the sky and transforms to robot mode as the narrator describes him as "More than meets the eye, he's a robot in disguise!" Optimus is then strafed by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] in jet mode. The narrator describes him and the Decepticons as "going ballistic to destroy the Autobots". Ramjet transforms to robot mode and fires a missile into Prime's chest, damaging it, and then shoves him against the side of a cliff. Prime kicks Ramjet away and punches the fallen Ramjet square in the face before he can stand back up. (Way to fight fair, Prime.) Prime then begins stomping on the defeated Ramjet repeatedly with his foot while triumphantly firing his rifle into the sky. (''Jeez, man''.) The narrator then explains to the audience the "Magic of the [[Cybernet Space Cube]]" and introduces the "computer-enhanced stories of the Transformers".
{{--}}

==Generation 1 (Japan)==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]]''

:''The Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers title sequence consisted of the animation used for the US season 1 sequence with additional clips from "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]" to pad out the full minute-and-twenty-second length.''

[[Image:FSRLTitleSequence01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias fly by as Prime, atop the Autobot one, transforms from truck to robot mode. The Japanese title then appears floating in space. The Seekers fly down and transform to robot mode, attacking several Autobot cars who transform to robot mode and fire back. Prime and Megatron join the battle as the two sides clash. Skywarp judo-flips Jazz, who transforms to car mode as he lands, drives back, transforms to robot mode and punches Skywarp in the face. Soundwave unleashes several of his cassette warriors as Megatron transforms to gun mode and fires upon the Autobots (recycled from US season 1 title sequence). Prime then commands a full line-up of Autobots to transform, and they roll out over the desert (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"). Underwater, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] causes an earthquake that begins destroying a dam. On top of the dam, Prime and Megatron battle with [[Energon-axe]] and [[Energon mace]], only for Prime to be knocked off the ledge (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). At the ruby crystal mines of [[Burma]], an explosion sends truck-mode Prime tumbling down the side of a mountain (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). Out in the desert, Prime transforms from truck mode to robot mode and rushes toward the audience. Megatron transforms to gun mode and is caught by Skywarp as Soundwave unleashes several of his cassette warriors (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"). A trio of [[Air Warrior]]s transform to jet mode and fly off (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). On Cybertron, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] transforms to his pre-Earth saucer mode (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). In the desert, Soundwave and Rumble watch as [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] transforms to jet mode and flies off into the distance (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). The Autobots and Decepticons then go flying behind a mountain. Where the words creating the title would have popped out from behind the sides of the mountain in the US version, the Japanese title pops out from over top of the mountain (recycled from US season 1 title sequence).

===''Scramble City''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]]''

:''The [[Scramble City]] title sequence consisted of the animation used for the US season 2 sequence with additional clips from "More than Meets the Eye" to pad out the full minute-and-twenty-second length.''

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias fly across the landscape of Cybertron, which becomes the landscape of Earth. The English title appears and is bitten by Grimlock, then morphs into Thrust. Grimlock releases Thrust as the Dinobots transform and fire upon Blitzwing. Blitzwing transforms to tank mode and fires on Omega Supreme, who squashes him beneath his foot. As Scrapper hauls off Blitzwing's remains, Omega fires on Astrotrain, who transforms to shuttle mode above a pit of lava. Down in the lava, the Insecticons are swimming around for no apparent reason (recycled from US season 2 title sequence). On Cybertron, three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s (including [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]) attack Bumblebee and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] with a flamethrower (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). On Earth, a quake rumbles the crashed [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and knocks Optimus Prime into the repair beam of [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], who converts him into a truck (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). Soundwave ejects [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who chases after [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], blasting the former off of a cliff (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). A vector grid then appears with both Autobots and Decepticons charging over top of it. Prime and Megatron clash and sink into a pit as the English title explodes onto the screen (recycled from US season 2 title sequence).

===''Transformers 2010''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer 2010|TRANSFORMER 2010]]" by [[Shō Hirose]]''

:''Rather than recycle any of the crude animation from the US season 3 title sequence, the ''Transformers 2010'' title sequence was cobbled together from multiple toy [[commercial]]s and clips from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Oddly, ''The Transformers: The Movie'' would not be released in Japan until 1989.''

[[Image:TF2010TitleClip01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It was a choice between "Cross of heat" or "BURNING HEART!" This won out.]]

Unicron's head orbits Cybertron as the Japanese title pops out of his broken eye (recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''). On an Earth highway, Ultra Magnus and several Autobots appear. Magnus transforms and fires his missiles at the approaching Galvatron and multiple Decepticons. Galvatron flies right through the flames, only to be socked in the jaw by Magnus. Galvatron transforms to cannon mode and returns fire. Elsewhere, Trypticon is approached by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s, who transform and open fire on the city. Trypticon transforms first to battle station mode, then dinosaur mode. The Protectobots combine into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] as Trypticon breathes fire in their direction. Metroplex arrives in mobile battle station mode and is attacked by Bruticus. Metroplex transforms to robot mode and returns fire (footage from the Metroplex commercial, also used in the US season 4 intro). In some other desert, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Standstorm]] show off their three transformations as they battle Blitzwing and Astrotrain. And yet elsewhere, the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s mow down [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and then pose on a cliff before combining into [[Predaking]]. Inside Unicron, Rodimus Prime gives Galvatron the "end of the road" speech, picks him up and hurls him out into space. On Cybertron, Rodimus rallies a line-up of Autobots as the Japanese title appears (recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'').
{{--}}

===''The Headmasters''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[The Headmasters (song)|The Headmasters]]" by [[Hironobu Kageyama]]''

:''The first completely original title sequence commissioned by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. Beginning with "[[Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger]]", the Decepticons in the sequence would flash on and off as a tie-in with the light-gun game [[Video Challenger]].''

[[Image:HeadmastersTitleSequence01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Apply directly to the footage!]]

As the sun is eclipsed by a planet, the title appears on the screen. [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s head-on and fly toward the audience. Above Earth, the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] transforms and deploys [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] and the [[Trainbot]]s. On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Spike and Daniel Witwicky hop along the surface in their [[Exosuit]]s as [[Sixshot]] and the Decepticon Headmasters fly up behind them. In space, Galvatron, [[Scorponok (G1)|Mega Zarak]] and the Decepticon Headmasters open fire on the Trainbots, who combine into [[Raiden]]. The Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters then engage in a massive outer space firefight with lasers flying all over the place. Rodimus Prime is struck by a laser and injured, but is quickly shielded by Chromedome, who then blasts [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] in the chest and sends him flying. [[Skullcruncher]] then attacks Chromedome with his sword, but is immediately deflected. The Terrorcons then arrive on the scene but are all blown up by the combined efforts of Raiden and the recovered Rodimus Prime. Sixshot and the remaining Decepticons are then driven back by a blast from [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. The Autobot insignia then appears, and every Autobot that matters lines himself up in front of it, with Chromedome taking center point.
{{--}}

===''Super-God Masterforce''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Chōjin Masterforce no Theme]]" by [[Toshiya Igarashi]]''

====Title sequence #1====

[[Image:Masterforce_opening_1.jpg|right|225px|thumb]]

At a drive-in movie theater, [[Shūta Gō]] and [[Minerva]] prepare a computer, which projects the rest of the opening sequence onto the big screen for the theater's patrons. The title is revealed, standing atop a pedestal with spotlights illuminating it, before cutting away to a blue-tinged shot of human-mode [[Metalhawk]] racing across a field of anime speed-lines. The image is soon replaced with one of him in his [[Pretender]] armor, quickly joined by [[Phoenix]], [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] and [[Lander]] in theirs. The four Pretenders transform into robot mode and then fly into the screen. Jet-mode Metalhawk and Phoenix fly around [[Ginrai]]'s [[trailer]] in battle station mode as the [[Trainbot]]s soar by in the background, all in the sky above the Autobots' mountain headquarters. [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] and [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] fly by a dark castle in jet mode, and inset boxes appear onscreen revealing their names, ages and nationalities, before they engage Metalhawk and Phoenix in a dogfight. As Shūta and Minerva look on, worried, the two Decepticons merge into [[Darkwings]]. On the ground below, [[Lightfoot]], [[Ranger]] and [[Road King]] come speeding into action, as an inset gives Lightfoot's details to the audience. Lightfoot races into a tunnel, where he is confronted by Pretender-mode [[Dauros]], [[Gilmer]] and [[Blood]], the latter transforming to robot mode and opening fire. As Minerva cheers, Lightfoot transforms into robot mode and fire back, nailing Blood. Elsewhere, humans run in panic as a [[Tentakil (Masterforce)|Tentakil]] rampages through their city before combining with its fellow [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacons]] to form [[King Poseidon]]. Ginrai comes rolling onto the scene with the requisite inset box, transforms into robot mode and leaps into the air, avoiding King Poseidon's cannon fire and flattening the combiner with a kick. The projection ends with Ginrai and the four Autobot Pretenders standing on Ginrai's battle station, and the camera pulls back out to show Minerva and Shūta watching. The five Transformers onscreen leap towards the camera, and the two kids fall over as they come ''out'' of the screen and land in front of them. Shūta and Minerva right themselves and cheer.
{{-}}
====Title sequence #2====

[[Image:Masterforce_opening_2.jpg|left|225px|thumb]]

Ginrai and the [[Headmaster Junior]]s come running towards the audience on a white field ([[Cab]] swings in on a rope), which dissolves to reveal the image of the Autobots' mountain headquarters. The quartet turn stage-left and jump into the air as flames fill the screen, segueing to the title on a background of green spotlights. Ginrai very dramatically dons his [[Godmaster]] armor just before King Poseidon comes bursting through a field of ice and shoots at him, prompting him to leap into the air and merge with his [[Transtector]] to become Super Ginrai. [[Mega]] and [[Giga]] appear against a black field, surrounded by rainbow-colored energy, then combine with their Transtectors into [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]. Human-form Road King, Lightfoot and Ranger slide across a sparkly green background, and their vehicle-mode Transtectors roll by below them. Each one of the three fades away as his Transtector lines up below him, transitioning into close-ups of their cockpits, with their armored drivers now behind the wheel. The three Godmasters drive off the top of waterfall and transform into robot mode before they hit the ground below. Back at the battle, Ginrai flips King Poseidon and slams him into the tundra, where he explodes dramatically. Ginrai then turns, and the scene changes to a city, where Overlord shields himself against a blast from Ginrai's cannon. Overlord unleashes his own weapons, but Ginrai leaps over the volley and kicks Overlord in the face. Overlord spins and launches his "Mega Child" jet-shield to pursue Ginrai, but the Autobot whips around and knocks it out of the air before blasting Overlord some more, then finally bringing him down with a rain of punches and kicks. Cab, Shūta and Minerva are then seen driving [[Godbomber]] into action, and the drone launches into the air, linking up with Ginrai to form God Ginrai. A long pan up God Ginrai's body concludes with the Headmaster Juniors jumping from Godbomber's cockpit and being joined by Ginrai. They all join hands and run forward, with the images of God Ginrai and their mountain base in the background.
{{-}}

===''Victory''===
[[Image:Victory_title_sequence.jpg|right|thumb]]
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer V]]" by [[Kōji Kaya]] and Morinoki Children's Chorus''
The [[Brainmaster]]s roll across a blue grid and transform into robot mode, quickly followed by the [[Breastforce]] doing the same, only on a red grid. A glowing "V" descends into shot, and the scene transitions to the show's title, with the V in place as part of the logo. [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] flies in space above the [[Earth]], as [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] wreaks havoc in a city down on the planet's surface. Star Saber [[stock footage|transforms to robot mode]] and lunges into battle with Deathsaurus, while the Brainmasters clash with the Breastforce. Elsewhere, the [[Dinoforce]] attack the Autobots' [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]], but are repelled by [[Galaxy Shuttle]]. [[Jean Minakaze]]'s face then fills the screen, and the camera zooms out to show him standing on a green grid, with an image of Earth hanging in space in the background. Galaxy Shuttle and the Brainmasters jump down from off-screen to join him, and then Star Saber's face fills the whole screen. The camera zooms out again, and the grid and other characters are gone, leaving only Star Saber standing before the Earth. He swings his sword and poses dynamically.
{{--}}

===''Zone''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer Z no Theme]]" by [[Ichirō Mizuki]]''

[[Image:Zone_title_sequence.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Is he union?]]

[[Emusa]] cues the beginning of the sequence by popping up with a clapperboard. The [[Jet Patrol Team]] and [[Sunrunner]] come flying out of the sunset, over the ocean, followed by the huge form of [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], who fills the whole screen. By the time Dai Atlas has passed, the scene has changed to a shot of [[Micro|Planet Zone]] from space, before the title card appears. [[Violen Jiger]] whirls in space, and from the folds of his cloak, the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]] emerge. Dai Atlas transforms from jet to robot mode, while [[Sonic Bomber]] destroys some kind of flying monster, then transforms to robot mode himself. The [[Rescue Patrol Team]], [[Battle Patrol|Battle Patrol Team]] and [[Race Car Patrol|Race Car Patrol Team]] prepare for action. The [[Rocket Base]]'s Galaxy Rocket flies through space, flanked by the Jet Patrol Team, while on Zone's surface, the other [[Micromaster]]s ride the Rocket Base itself into battle. [[Moon Radar]] and [[Rabbicrater]] pose in front of a large "Z", then drive through a field, just behind [[Cain]] and [[Akira Serikawa]], who are hand-in-hand. [[Zone Base]] transforms into battle mode as Cain, Akira and Emusa leap through the air excitedly, while Dai Atlas dodges his way around a series of explosions. He emerges from the dust of the explosions in drill tank mode and lunges towards the monster that is attacking him, drilling right through and destroying it. Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber land in front of Zone Base, Cain and Akira pop up in front of them, and then Emusa reappears with his clapperboard to signify that it's all over.
{{--}}

==Beast Wars (US)==
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''

===Season 1===

===Season 2===

===Season 3===

==Beast Wars (Japan)==

===Beast Wars===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[War War! Stop It|WAR WAR! STOP IT]]" by [[Banana Ice]], [[Shitamachi Kyōdai]]''

===Beast Wars Metals===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Tamashī no Evolution]]" by [[Hironobu Kageyama]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Sen'nen no Soldier]]" by Hironobu Kageyama''

===Beast Wars II===
====Title sequence #1====
:'''Animation:''' [[Production Reed|Ashi Productions]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Get My Future|GET MY FUTURE]]" by [[Cyber Nation Network]]''

:''Most of the first ''Beast Wars II'' title sequence is composed of clips from "[[The New Forces Arrive!]]", along with [[stock footage]] of transformations and special attacks.''

[[Image:Bwii_title_sequence1.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]

Glowing yellow outlines of the individual letters of the ''Beast Wars II'' logo fall into shot in front of the silhouette of [[Gaea]], shifting to full color as a large "II" rises up behind them, followed by the "Super Lifeform Transformers" logo. Light dawns on [[Lio Convoy]], who turns around to face the approaching vehicle-mode [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. [[Megastorm]] fires a blast that sends [[Bighorn]] sprawling off the top of the ''[[Galvaburg II]]'', and Lio Convoy unleashes his wrist cannons and fires back before jumping down to a rocky shoreline and looking up to watch the ''[[Gung Ho]]'' fly by overhead. Scenes of the ''Gung Ho'' coming under fire when it arrived on Gaea and the Maximals escaping the damaged craft in escape pods play, followed by shots of Lio Convoy in lion mode posing heroically, the ''Galvaburg'' drifting in front of the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], and [[Scuba]] carrying [[Diver (BWII)|Diver]] and [[Tasmania Kid]] through a body of water. [[Moon (BWII)|Moon]] and [[Artemis]] appear, and when Moon tries to crowd Artemis out of shot, she clobbers him with her hammer. Stock footage of [[Apache]], Bighorn, Diver, Scuba and [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]]'s transformations follow, after which Starscream rides tank-mode [[BB]] into battle and the Maximals return fire. The heroes are then bombarded by bolts of purple lightning fired by the ''Galvaburg II'', and Lio Convoy leaps to their aid. The camera pans out on a still shot of the assembled Predacons, Scuba and Diver unleash their special attacks, and the camera pans out on a still shot of the Maximals.

====Title sequence #2====
:'''Animation:''' [[Production Reed|Ashi Productions]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Super Voyager|SUPER VOYAGER]]" by Cyber Nation Network''

===Beast Wars Neo===
:'''Animation:''' [[Production Reed|Ashi Productions]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Love For Ever: Kimi o Mamoru Tame ni|Love For Ever —Kimi o Mamoru Tame ni—]]" by [[M.C.R.]]''

==Beast Machines==
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Phat Planet]]" by [[Leftfield]]''

==Robots in Disguise==
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio Gallop]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''Robots in Diguise'' theme by [[Shuki Levy]]

:''The ''Robots in Disguise'' opening is composed entirely of clips taken from the series. The only new material is superimposed on existing footage: the show's logo and two pairs of inset windows.''

[[Image:Rid_titlesequence.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

The ''Robots in Disguise'' logo unfolds as the camera zooms through the subterranean tunnels of the [[Global Space Bridge]]. [[R.E.V.]], [[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] and [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] transform and drive forward. The [[Autobot Brothers]] drive through a loop on the Global Space Bridge roadway. [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobot Brothers transform to robot mode one after the other, and [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] runs towards the camera. [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] swoops out of the sky, scattering the [[Commando]]s, followed anachronistically by the Commandos transforming to robot mode. Stock footage of [[X-Brawn]] and [[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]]'s transformation sequences play in small windows overlaid on top of a shot of Optimus Prime posing. R.E.V. emerges from his billboard hiding place and transforms to robot mode. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] transforms to shark mode and grabs up the [[Plutonium Energy Generator]] in his jaws. [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] transforms to dragon mode and shoots bolts of flame at Optimus Prime. Inset windows containing clips of [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] and [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]'s transformation stock footage appear over footage of Megatron's transformation to bat mode. [[Gas Skunk]] fires his left laser, and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] and X-Brawn dodge it. Optimus Prime fires his shoulder-mounted missile launchers, then launches his [[Flying Fist]] over Koji's head, and a blast sends Megatron sprawling. Optimus Prime stands behind the show's logo, as the three Autobot Brothers jump down to stand beside him and they all pose together.
{{-}}
===Car Robots===
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio Gallop]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Honō no Overdrive: Car Robot Cybertron|Honō no Overdrive ~Car Robot Cybertron~]]" by [[Kōji Wada]]''
[[Image:Carrobots titlesequence.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]
Silhouettes of [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], [[X-Brawn]], [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] and [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] scroll past a pair of wailing red siren strobe lights. A shot of Optimus Prime in vehicle mode speeding down a city street towards the camera is followed by a slow pan across the rooftops of the city, on top of which the ''Car Robots'' logo appears. Optimus Prime continues on his way, coming face to face with a [[CGI]] dragon-mode [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]], while the [[Autobot Brothers]] zoom into the [[Global Space Bridge]] on their way to join him. Prime (briefly rendered in CGI himself) transforms to robot mode and opens fire on Megatron, then is attacked by the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]] and retaliates by blasting [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] with his "Blaze Baster" attack. Prime transforms into [[Super Mode]] and holds [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] and [[T-AI]] in his hand, while CGI versions of the Autobot Brothers arrive on the scene and transform. [[Team Bullet Train]] are shown driving along, and the CGI Megatron transforms into robot mode, before the sequence ends on a group shot of Prime, the Autobot Brothers and Team Bullet Train standing on a starfield, with Super Mode Prime superimposed on the background.

{{note|A slightly modified version of this opening was introduced later in the series that [[:Image:Carrobots_cgi_intromod.jpg|replaced the cel-animated renditions of Team Bullet Train]] towards the end of the sequence with CGI counterparts.}}
{{-}}

==Unicron Trilogy (US)==

===Armada===

===Energon===

===Cybertron===

==Unicron Trilogy (Japan)==

===''Micron Legend''===
====Title sequence #1====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer: Dream Again|TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-]]" by [[Psychic Lover]]''

====Title sequence #2====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki|Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~]]" by [[Hideaki Takatori]]''

===''Super Link''===
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Taiyō no Transform!!|Taiyō no transform!!]]" by [[Hiroshi Kitadani]]''

===''Galaxy Force''===
====Title sequence #1====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai|CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai]]" by [[Shinji Kakijima]]''

====Title sequence [[Savage (episode)#Trivia|#2]]====

====Title sequence [[Ice#Miscellaneous trivia|#3]]====

====Title sequence [[Critical#Trivia|#4]]====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Ignition!|IGNITION!]]" by [[CHINO]]''

====Title sequence [[Titans#Trivia|#5]]====

==Animated==
===US version===
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Studio 4°C]]

===Japanese version===
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Barnum Studio]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformers Evo.|TRANSFORMERS EVO.]]" by [[JAM Project]]''

[[Image:TheHoodedClaw01.jpg|left|thumb|300px|I'll get you, Penelope Pitstop!]]

The camera swoops through the depths of space, panning past planet after planet, finally settling on a view of [[Earth]] from space. The spectral form of a [[cloaked mystery villain]] appears over the planet, spreading its arms and then vanishing, leaving the planet surrounded by a glowing red miasma. Bolts of lightning strike the planet, dispelling the glow, and from the bolts the title appears. It moves forward into the camera, and the sun rises over Earth.

[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (in jet mode) and [[Lugnut]] fly over an ocean. Tank-mode [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] bursts out of the ground, and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] speeds in front of him. [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] descends into shot in spider-mode, supporting by a net of webbing, which she promptly rips through, transforming to robot mode and landing neatly. The image of Elita-1 is superimposed over her with a bolt of red lightning, and then she gestures, prompting the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] to burst out of the scenery behind her and charge forward.

[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] appear side-by-side in front of [[New York City]]'s Flatiron Building, transform, and drive into the camera. In [[London]], [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] enters stage right and also transforms, driving past Big Ben, followed by [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] and [[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]], who fly alongside him. [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]], [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] and [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] appear one after the other against streaky blue anime speed lines, the shot ending on a close-up of Sentinel as he deploys his battle mask. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] stomps his foot and poses dramatically on a highway, then transforms to truck mode after still shots of the other Autobots appear. The camera pans over the silhouetted form of [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]], only shining a little light on him as it passes over his head, to reveal a teasing glimpse of [[Teletran-1|the Autobot spaceship]].

[[Image:Japanese_animated_intro.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Wildest graduation photo shoot ever.]]

Starscream appears in [[France]] and transforms to robot mode, revealing the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] fragment in his forehead. He dogfights with Bumblebee (who is using his [[turbo booster]]s) in front of the Eiffel Tower, while Prowl and Lockdown duel close to the Tsūtenkaku tower in Osaka, [[Japan]]. Lugnut fires missiles in front of the Kremlin, Bulkhead unleashes his wrecking ball on the Great Wall of [[China]], and Blitzwing flies through the skies of [[Egypt]], firing a volley of ice missiles before switching to tank mode, landing in front of the [[pyramid]]s, and launching a flame blast. This blast, er, apparently makes it to [[Australia]], where it harmlessly bounces off Ironhide's steel skin as he jumps in front of the Sydney Opera House. Arcee and Blackarachnia grapple underwater, as do Ratchet and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Longarm]], and then out of a water spout, Starscream's army of [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]] emerges. The clones fly into the sky in jet mode, then descend back into shot in robot mode, over a red sky with a Decepticon symbol in it, with [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]] getting a close-up. The male clones gesture dramatically as the towering form of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] mode appears, and Slipstream lands on his shoulder. Megatron's face fills the screen, and red lightning from his eyes lances out, striking the assembled [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] in front of the [[Washington Monument]]. With the White House in the background, Optimus Prime blocks the blast with his hand, and then dons his battle mask. Ultra Magnus activates his [[Magnus Hammer]], creating a surge of energy that surrounds Optimus. [[Burning justice|Glowing with blue energy]], Optimus flies into the sky and collides with the silhouetted, glowing form of Megatron (now in his Earth body). The resultant flash of light fills the screen, and the sequence ends with a still shot of the assembled Autobots (now including [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]]) standing on a different version of the logo.

[[category:Media]]

Title sequence

2010-04-03T12:46:07Z

109.224.132.23: /* Japanese version */ Phew!

[[Image:Targetmasters.jpg|right|300px|thumb|''Mooooooom!'' Crosshairs and Pinpointer are making a title sequence!]]

A '''title sequence''' is the animation that accompanies the [[theme song]] or opening narration of a television series, introducing the audience to the show's characters and storyline on a visual level. Title sequences are usually comprised of original animation commissioned solely for the sequence, a collection of clips from actual episodes, or a mixture of both. Oftentimes, the original animation commissioned for the title sequence is of vastly superior quality to the animation seen in the actual program. ''Oftentimes'', but not always. These sequences can range from thirty seconds to a minute and thirty seconds, depending on the length of the theme song or opening narration.

==Generation 1 (US)==

:'''Theme song:''' ''The Transformers'' by [[Anne Bryant]] and [[Ford Kinder]].

Each season of the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|Generation 1]] cartoon boasted an original title sequence with varying performances of the original ''Transformers'' theme song. Seasons 1 and 2 each offered original performances of the theme song, while from season 3 onward, a third and final version was performed and used exclusively.

===Season 1===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''

[[Image:G1season1intro01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime at perhaps his wussiest.]]

The [[Autobot]] and [[Decepticon]] insignias fly by as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and several of his troops transform. After the title flips to different faction colors, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s transform and fire upon several Autobot cars. Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] join the battle. [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] clashes with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and judo-flips him, but Jazz transforms to car mode, lands, drives back and returns to robot mode, punching Skywarp in the face. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] unleashes several of his cassette troops while Megatron transforms to gun mode and fires on the Autobots. Both sides then fly into the air and behind a mountain, where the title pops out.
{{--}}
===Season 2===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''

[[Image:G1season2IntroGrid01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hand-drawn version of computer-generated grids. How ironic!"]]

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias come flying out from space and across the landscape of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] before the scenery changes to that of [[Earth]]. The "Transformers" title then appears and is snatched in the jaws of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], where it morphs into [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Grimlock releases Thrust as the rest of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s transform and fire upon [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. Blitzwing transforms to tank mode and makes the mistake of firing upon [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who transforms to robot mode and squashes him beneath his heel. [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] picks up the remains of Blitzwing, and Omega fires on the approaching [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], who transforms to space shuttle mode just as the tracks drop off into a pit of lava. Down in the lava, the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s are swimming about for some reason. The lava then changes into a ''Tron''-like grid where Optimus Prime and Megatron clash before sinking into a wormhole as the title explodes onto the screen.
{{--}}

===Season 3 ("Five Faces of Darkness")===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[AKOM]]''

:''This title sequence was used only for the "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" episodes.''

[[Image:Season3AlternateIntro01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The valiant Springer leaves Rodimus to die.]]

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias glide across the landscape of Cybertron, passing over several battered Decepticons dogpiling on top of a single [[Energon cube]]. As the Decepticons fight over the Energon, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] choose this strategic time to blast their helpless foes with laser fire. [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] then drives up and transforms to robot mode within a wall of flames as the title appears on his chest. The scene shifts to [[Thrull]], where [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] emerges from his plasma bath and fires on a nearby planet, destroying it. Beneath the planet, back on Cybertron, [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] is confronted by [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], only to be rescued by [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. Then, on [[Quintessa]], Ultra Magnus, Kup and Spike are dropped into a [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] pit and swim away in fear from one of the approaching beasts. The faction insignias then go racing again through space, this time to the planet [[Goo]], where the Autobots are stuck in slime. [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] transforms to helicopter mode and rescues everyone but Rodimus Prime, who gets sucked into a giant spaceship. Rodimus blasts his way out of the ship as several letters scramble together to form the title.
{{--}}
===Season 3===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[AKOM]]''

[[Image:Intro3 4 with error.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Remember that bit about title sequences having ''better'' animation than the show itself...?]]

A vector grid forms the disembodied head of [[Unicron]], orbiting Cybertron. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] flies through his eye as the scene shifts to the landscape of Cybertron and [[Overcharge (G1)|an entire army of Blitzwings]] in tank mode. One of them fires a blast at the audience which blows up the title. Out in space, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] is chasing a unit of [[Sweep]]s and a miscolored [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] through a field of space debris. Amid the debris is a TV set that shows Metroplex battling Trypticon. Grabbing Trypticon by the shoulders, Metroplex whirls him around into a crudely drawn tornado. That tornado then becomes the rings of Saturn, upon which are driving [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]. Wheelie's spinning tire becomes the barrel of Galvatron's cannon, aimed directly at the audience. The Decepticon insignia on his chest then rises up, becomes an Autobot insignia and then situates itself onto the chest of [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], who is engaged in a battle on Earth. Blaster transforms to boom box mode and emits several ripples representing sound or radio waves. Those waves then become the ripples in a pool of water filled with Sharkticons. A Sharkticon swims toward the audience, and the darkness in its mouth becomes a space background and a platform. Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Kup (with Springer's head) come running over the platform and toward the audience. The platform is then revealed to be the title.
{{--}}
===Season 4===

:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]], [[AKOM]]''

:''This title sequence is comprised of animation commissioned for several Transformers toy [[commercial]]s as well as a few clips recycled from the season 3 title sequence.''

[[Image:Scorponok-Rebirth.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille."]]

Rodimus Prime and Blurr race across a wall and through an electrical field, where they meet a distraught Kup. [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] then unites beautifully with his head. Elsewhere, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s unite into [[Computron (G1)|Computron]]. [[Flywheels]] then transforms to robot mode and fires. Blitzwing appears with the title in front of his cannon in tank mode and blows it up (''recycled season 3 footage''). Above Cybertron, [[Triggerhappy]] and [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]] fire and land on the ground. Triggerhappy is immediately tackled by [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]. [[Spoilsport]] and Blowpipe transform out of gun mode and clash. As they do, [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] arrive in vehicle mode and transform, only to be immediately tackled by [[Misfire]] and [[Aimless]]. On another planet, ship-mode [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] blasts the approaching [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s. The scene shifts to the barrel of Galvatron's cannon as his Decepticon insignia rises and becomes Blaster's Autobot insignia (''recycled season 3 footage''). Back on Cybertron, Sureshot and Triggerhappy are still going at it. On Earth, Metroplex transforms from battle station mode to robot mode as he's fired upon by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. The scene shifts to the platform in outer space, as Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus and Kup (with Springer's head) run across it, revealing it to be the title (''recycled season 3 footage'').
{{--}}
===Generation 2===
:'''Animation:''' ''?''

:''Rather than sport a theme song, the ''[[Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' series featured new CG animation accompanied by narration.''

[[Image:G2CartoonIntro01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|G2 Prime was too extreme for his own good sometimes.]]

Optimus Prime drives over a bridge on some alien planet with two moons in the sky and transforms to robot mode as the narrator describes him as "More than meets the eye, he's a robot in disguise!" Optimus is then strafed by [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] in jet mode. The narrator describes him and the Decepticons as "going ballistic to destroy the Autobots". Ramjet transforms to robot mode and fires a missile into Prime's chest, damaging it, and then shoves him against the side of a cliff. Prime kicks Ramjet away and punches the fallen Ramjet square in the face before he can stand back up. (Way to fight fair, Prime.) Prime then begins stomping on the defeated Ramjet repeatedly with his foot while triumphantly firing his rifle into the sky. (''Jeez, man''.) The narrator then explains to the audience the "Magic of the [[Cybernet Space Cube]]" and introduces the "computer-enhanced stories of the Transformers".
{{--}}

==Generation 1 (Japan)==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]]''

:''The Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers title sequence consisted of the animation used for the US season 1 sequence with additional clips from "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]" to pad out the full minute-and-twenty-second length.''

[[Image:FSRLTitleSequence01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias fly by as Prime, atop the Autobot one, transforms from truck to robot mode. The Japanese title then appears floating in space. The Seekers fly down and transform to robot mode, attacking several Autobot cars who transform to robot mode and fire back. Prime and Megatron join the battle as the two sides clash. Skywarp judo-flips Jazz, who transforms to car mode as he lands, drives back, transforms to robot mode and punches Skywarp in the face. Soundwave unleashes several of his cassette warriors as Megatron transforms to gun mode and fires upon the Autobots (recycled from US season 1 title sequence). Prime then commands a full line-up of Autobots to transform, and they roll out over the desert (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"). Underwater, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] causes an earthquake that begins destroying a dam. On top of the dam, Prime and Megatron battle with [[Energon-axe]] and [[Energon mace]], only for Prime to be knocked off the ledge (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). At the ruby crystal mines of [[Burma]], an explosion sends truck-mode Prime tumbling down the side of a mountain (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). Out in the desert, Prime transforms from truck mode to robot mode and rushes toward the audience. Megatron transforms to gun mode and is caught by Skywarp as Soundwave unleashes several of his cassette warriors (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]"). A trio of [[Air Warrior]]s transform to jet mode and fly off (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]"). On Cybertron, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] transforms to his pre-Earth saucer mode (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). In the desert, Soundwave and Rumble watch as [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] transforms to jet mode and flies off into the distance (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). The Autobots and Decepticons then go flying behind a mountain. Where the words creating the title would have popped out from behind the sides of the mountain in the US version, the Japanese title pops out from over top of the mountain (recycled from US season 1 title sequence).

===''Scramble City''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]" by [[Satoko Shimonari]]''

:''The [[Scramble City]] title sequence consisted of the animation used for the US season 2 sequence with additional clips from "More than Meets the Eye" to pad out the full minute-and-twenty-second length.''

The Autobot and Decepticon insignias fly across the landscape of Cybertron, which becomes the landscape of Earth. The English title appears and is bitten by Grimlock, then morphs into Thrust. Grimlock releases Thrust as the Dinobots transform and fire upon Blitzwing. Blitzwing transforms to tank mode and fires on Omega Supreme, who squashes him beneath his foot. As Scrapper hauls off Blitzwing's remains, Omega fires on Astrotrain, who transforms to shuttle mode above a pit of lava. Down in the lava, the Insecticons are swimming around for no apparent reason (recycled from US season 2 title sequence). On Cybertron, three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s (including [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]) attack Bumblebee and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] with a flamethrower (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). On Earth, a quake rumbles the crashed [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and knocks Optimus Prime into the repair beam of [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], who converts him into a truck (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). Soundwave ejects [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who chases after [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], blasting the former off of a cliff (recycled from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]"). A vector grid then appears with both Autobots and Decepticons charging over top of it. Prime and Megatron clash and sink into a pit as the English title explodes onto the screen (recycled from US season 2 title sequence).

===''Transformers 2010''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer 2010|TRANSFORMER 2010]]" by [[Shō Hirose]]''

:''Rather than recycle any of the crude animation from the US season 3 title sequence, the ''Transformers 2010'' title sequence was cobbled together from multiple toy [[commercial]]s and clips from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Oddly, ''The Transformers: The Movie'' would not be released in Japan until 1990.''

[[Image:TF2010TitleClip01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It was a choice between "Cross of heat" or "BURNING HEART!" This won out.]]

Unicron's head orbits Cybertron as the Japanese title pops out of his broken eye (recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''). On an Earth highway, Ultra Magnus and several Autobots appear. Magnus transforms and fires his missiles at the approaching Galvatron and multiple Decepticons. Galvatron flies right through the flames, only to be socked in the jaw by Magnus. Galvatron transforms to cannon mode and returns fire. Elsewhere, Trypticon is approached by the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s, who transform and open fire on the city. Trypticon transforms first to battle station mode, then dinosaur mode. The Protectobots combine into [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] as Trypticon breathes fire in their direction. Metroplex arrives in mobile battle station mode and is attacked by Bruticus. Metroplex transforms to robot mode and returns fire (footage from the Metroplex commercial, also used in the US season 4 intro). In some other desert, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Standstorm]] show off their three transformations as they battle Blitzwing and Astrotrain. And yet elsewhere, the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s mow down [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and then pose on a cliff before combining into [[Predaking]]. Inside Unicron, Rodimus Prime gives Galvatron the "end of the road" speech, picks him up and hurls him out into space. On Cybertron, Rodimus rallies a line-up of Autobots as the Japanese title appears (recycled from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'').
{{--}}

===''The Headmasters''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[The Headmasters (song)|The Headmasters]]" by [[Hironobu Kageyama]]''

:''The first completely original title sequence commissioned by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. Beginning with "[[Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger]]", the Decepticons in the sequence would flash on and off as a tie-in with the light-gun game [[Video Challenger]].''

[[Image:HeadmastersTitleSequence01.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Apply directly to the footage!]]

As the sun is eclipsed by a planet, the title appears on the screen. [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s head-on and fly toward the audience. Above Earth, the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] transforms and deploys [[Blaster (G1)|Twincast]] and the [[Trainbot]]s. On the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], Spike and Daniel Witwicky hop along the surface in their [[Exosuit]]s as [[Sixshot]] and the Decepticon Headmasters fly up behind them. In space, Galvatron, [[Scorponok (G1)|Mega Zarak]] and the Decepticon Headmasters open fire on the Trainbots, who combine into [[Raiden]]. The Autobot and Decepticon Headmasters then engage in a massive outer space firefight with lasers flying all over the place. Rodimus Prime is struck by a laser and injured, but is quickly shielded by Chromedome, who then blasts [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] in the chest and sends him flying. [[Skullcruncher]] then attacks Chromedome with his sword, but is immediately deflected. The Terrorcons then arrive on the scene but are all blown up by the combined efforts of Raiden and the recovered Rodimus Prime. Sixshot and the remaining Decepticons are then driven back by a blast from [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]]. The Autobot insignia then appears, and every Autobot that matters lines himself up in front of it, with Chromedome taking center point.
{{--}}

===''Super-God Masterforce''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Chōjin Masterforce no Theme]]" by [[Toshiya Igarashi]]''

====Title sequence #1====

[[Image:Masterforce_opening_1.jpg|right|225px|thumb]]

At a drive-in movie theater, [[Shūta Gō]] and [[Minerva]] prepare a computer, which projects the rest of the opening sequence onto the big screen for the theater's patrons. The title is revealed, standing atop a pedestal with spotlights illuminating it, before cutting away to a blue-tinged shot of human-mode [[Metalhawk]] racing across a field of anime speed-lines. The image is soon replaced with one of him in his [[Pretender]] armor, quickly joined by [[Phoenix]], [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]] and [[Lander]] in theirs. The four Pretenders transform into robot mode and then fly into the screen. Jet-mode Metalhawk and Phoenix fly around [[Ginrai]]'s [[trailer]] in battle station mode as the [[Trainbot]]s soar by in the background, all in the sky above the Autobots' mountain headquarters. [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] and [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] fly by a dark castle in jet mode, and inset boxes appear onscreen revealing their names, ages and nationalities, before they engage Metalhawk and Phoenix in a dogfight. As Shūta and Minerva look on, worried, the two Decepticons merge into [[Darkwings]]. On the ground below, [[Lightfoot]], [[Ranger]] and [[Road King]] come speeding into action, as an inset gives Lightfoot's details to the audience. Lightfoot races into a tunnel, where he is confronted by Pretender-mode [[Dauros]], [[Gilmer]] and [[Blood]], the latter transforming to robot mode and opening fire. As Minerva cheers, Lightfoot transforms into robot mode and fire back, nailing Blood. Elsewhere, humans run in panic as a [[Tentakil (Masterforce)|Tentakil]] rampages through their city before combining with its fellow [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacons]] to form [[King Poseidon]]. Ginrai comes rolling onto the scene with the requisite inset box, transforms into robot mode and leaps into the air, avoiding King Poseidon's cannon fire and flattening the combiner with a kick. The projection ends with Ginrai and the four Autobot Pretenders standing on Ginrai's battle station, and the camera pulls back out to show Minerva and Shūta watching. The five Transformers onscreen leap towards the camera, and the two kids fall over as they come ''out'' of the screen and land in front of them. Shūta and Minerva right themselves and cheer.

====Title sequence #2====

[[Image:Masterforce_opening_2.jpg|left|225px|thumb]]

Ginrai and the [[Headmaster Junior]]s come running towards the audience on a white field ([[Cab]] swings in on a rope), which dissolves to reveal the image of the Autobots' mountain headquarters. The quartet turn stage-left and jump into the air as flames fill the screen, segueing to the title on a background of green spotlights. Ginrai very dramatically dons his [[Godmaster]] armor just before King Poseidon comes bursting through a field of ice and shoots at him, prompting him to leap into the air and merge with his [[Transtector]] to become Super Ginrai. [[Mega]] and [[Giga]] appear against a black field, surrounded by rainbow-colored energy, then combine with their Transtectors into [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]]. Human-form Road King, Lightfoot and Ranger slide across a sparkly green background, and their vehicle-mode Transtectors roll by below them. Each one of the three fades away as his Transtector lines up below him, transitioning into close-ups of their cockpits, with their armored drivers now behind the wheel. The three Godmasters drive off the top of waterfall and transform into robot mode before they hit the ground below. Back at the battle, Ginrai flips King Poseidon and slams him into the tundra, where he explodes dramatically. Ginrai then turns, and the scene changes to a city, where Overlord shields himself against a blast from Ginrai's cannon. Overlord unleashes his own weapons, but Ginrai leaps over the volley and kicks Overlord in the face. Overlord spins and launches his "Mega Child" jet-shield to pursue Ginrai, but the Autobot whips around and knocks it out of the air before blasting Overlord some more, then finally bringing him down with a rain of punches and kicks. Cab, Shūta and Minerva are then seen driving [[Godbomber]] into action, and the drone launches into the air, linking up with Ginrai to form God Ginrai. A long pan up God Ginrai's body concludes with the Headmaster Juniors jumping from Godbomber's cockpit and being joined by Ginrai. They all join hands and run forward, with the images of God Ginrai and their mountain base in the background.

===''Victory''===
[[Image:Victory_title_sequence.jpg|right|thumb]]
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer V]]" by [[Kōji Kaya]] and Morinoki Children's Chorus''
The [[Brainmaster]]s roll across a blue grid and transform into robot mode, quickly followed by the [[Breastforce]] doing the same, only on a red grid. A glowing "V" descends into shot, and the scene transitions to the show's title, with the V in place as part of the logo. [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] flies in space above the [[Earth]], as [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] wreaks havoc in a city down on the planet's surface. Star Saber [[stock footage|transforms to robot mode]] and lunges into battle with Deathsaurus, while the Brainmasters clash with the Breastforce. Elsewhere, the [[Dinoforce]] attack the Autobots' [[Rocket Base|Shuttle Base]], but are repelled by [[Galaxy Shuttle]]. [[Jean Minakaze]]'s face then fills the screen, and the camera zooms out to show him standing on a green grid, with an image of Earth hanging in space in the background. Galaxy Shuttle and the Brainmasters jump down from off-screen to join him, and then Star Saber's face fills the whole screen. The camera zooms out again, and the grid and other characters are gone, leaving only Star Saber standing before the Earth. He swings his sword and poses dynamically.
{{--}}

===''Zone''===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Toei]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer Z no Theme]]" by [[Ichirō Mizuki]]''

[[Image:Zone_title_sequence.jpg|left|225px|thumb|Is he union?]]

[[Emusa]] cues the beginning of the sequence by popping up with a clapperboard. The [[Jet Patrol Team]] and [[Sunrunner]] come flying out of the sunset, over the ocean, followed by the huge form of [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]], who fills the whole screen. By the time Dai Atlas has passed, the scene has changed to a shot of [[Micro|Planet Zone]] from space, before the title card appears. [[Violen Jiger]] whirls in space, and from the folds of his cloak, the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]] emerge. Dai Atlas transforms from jet to robot mode, while [[Sonic Bomber]] destroys some kind of flying monster, then transforms to robot mode himself. The [[Rescue Patrol Team]], [[Battle Patrol|Battle Patrol Team]] and [[Race Car Patrol|Race Car Patrol Team]] prepare for action. The [[Rocket Base]]'s Galaxy Rocket flies through space, flanked by the Jet Patrol Team, while on Zone's surface, the other [[Micromaster]]s ride the Rocket Base itself into battle. [[Moon Radar]] and [[Rabbicrater]] pose in front of a large "Z", then drive through a field, just behind [[Cain]] and [[Akira Serikawa]], who are hand-in-hand. [[Zone Base]] transforms into battle mode as Cain, Akira and Emusa leap through the air excitedly, while Dai Atlas dodges his way around a series of explosions. He emerges from the dust of the explosions in drill tank mode and lunges towards the monster that is attacking him, drilling right through and destroying it. Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber land in front of Zone Base, Cain and Akira pop up in front of them, and then Emusa reappears with his clapperboard to signify that it's all over.
{{--}}

==Beast Wars (US)==
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''

===Season 1===

===Season 2===

===Season 3===

==Beast Wars (Japan)==

===Beast Wars===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[War War! Stop It|WAR WAR! STOP IT]]" by [[Banana Ice]], [[Shitamachi Kyōdai]]''

===Beast Wars Metals===
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Tamashī no Evolution]]" by [[Hironobu Kageyama]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Sen'nen no Soldier]]" by Hironobu Kageyama''

===Beast Wars II===
====Title sequence #1====
:'''Animation:''' [[Production Reed|Ashi Productions]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Get My Future|GET MY FUTURE]]" by [[Cyber Nation Network]]''

:''Most of the first ''Beast Wars II'' title sequence is composed of clips from "[[The New Forces Arrive!]]", along with [[stock footage]] of transformations and special attacks.''

[[Image:Bwii_title_sequence1.jpg|left|thumb|200px]]

Glowing yellow outlines of the individual letters of the ''Beast Wars II'' logo fall into shot in front of the silhouette of [[Gaea]], shifting to full color as a large "II" rises up behind them, followed by the "Super Lifeform Transformers" logo. Light dawns on [[Lio Convoy]], who turns around to face the approaching vehicle-mode [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]. [[Megastorm]] fires a blast that sends [[Bighorn]] sprawling off the top of the ''[[Galvaburg II]]'', and Lio Convoy unleashes his wrist cannons and fires back before jumping down to a rocky shoreline and looking up to watch the ''[[Gung Ho]]'' fly by overhead. Scenes of the ''Gung Ho'' coming under fire when it arrived on Gaea and the Maximals escaping the damaged craft in escape pods play, followed by shots of Lio Convoy in lion mode posing heroically, the ''Galvaburg'' drifting in front of the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], and [[Scuba]] carrying [[Diver (BWII)|Diver]] and [[Tasmania Kid]] through a body of water. [[Moon (BWII)|Moon]] and [[Artemis]] appear, and when Moon tries to crowd Artemis out of shot, she clobbers him with her hammer. Stock footage of [[Apache]], Bighorn, Diver, Scuba and [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]]'s transformations follow, after which Starscream rides tank-mode [[BB]] into battle and the Maximals return fire. The heroes are then bombarded by bolts of purple lightning fired by the ''Galvaburg II'', and Lio Convoy leaps to their aid. The camera pans out on a still shot of the assembled Predacons, Scuba and Diver unleash their special attacks, and the camera pans out on a still shot of the Maximals.

====Title sequence #2====
:'''Animation:''' [[Production Reed|Ashi Productions]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Super Voyager|SUPER VOYAGER]]" by Cyber Nation Network''

===Beast Wars Neo===
:'''Animation:''' [[Production Reed|Ashi Productions]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Love For Ever: Kimi o Mamoru Tame ni|Love For Ever —Kimi o Mamoru Tame ni—]]" by [[M.C.R.]]''

==Beast Machines==
:'''Animation:''' ''[[Mainframe Entertainment]]''
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Phat Planet]]" by [[Leftfield]]''

==Robots in Disguise==
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio Gallop]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''Robots in Diguise'' theme by [[Shuki Levy]]

:''The ''Robots in Disguise'' opening is composed entirely of clips taken from the series. The only new material is superimposed on existing footage: the show's logo and two pairs of inset windows.''

[[Image:Rid_titlesequence.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]

The ''Robots in Disguise'' logo unfolds as the camera zooms through the subterranean tunnels of the [[Global Space Bridge]]. [[R.E.V.]], [[Crosswise (RID)|Crosswise]] and [[Ironhide (RID)|Ironhide]] transform and drive forward. The [[Autobot Brothers]] drive through a loop on the Global Space Bridge roadway. [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobot Brothers transform to robot mode one after the other, and [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] runs towards the camera. [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] swoops out of the sky, scattering the [[Commando]]s, followed anachronistically by the Commandos transforming to robot mode. Stock footage of [[X-Brawn]] and [[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]]'s transformation sequences play in small windows overlaid on top of a shot of Optimus Prime posing. R.E.V. emerges from his billboard hiding place and transforms to robot mode. [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] transforms to shark mode and grabs up the [[Plutonium Energy Generator]] in his jaws. [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] transforms to dragon mode and shoots bolts of flame at Optimus Prime. Inset windows containing clips of [[Slapper (RID)|Slapper]] and [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]'s transformation stock footage appear over footage of Megatron's transformation to bat mode. [[Gas Skunk]] fires his left laser, and [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] and X-Brawn dodge it. Optimus Prime fires his shoulder-mounted missile launchers, then launches his [[Flying Fist]] over Koji's head, and a blast sends Megatron sprawling. Optimus Prime stands behind the show's logo, as the three Autobot Brothers jump down to stand beside him and they all pose together.
{{-}}
===Car Robots===
:'''Animation:''' [[Studio Gallop]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Honō no Overdrive: Car Robot Cybertron|Honō no Overdrive ~Car Robot Cybertron~]]" by [[Kōji Wada]]''
[[Image:Carrobots titlesequence.jpg|right|thumb|225px]]
Silhouettes of [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], [[X-Brawn]], [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]] and [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] scroll past a pair of wailing red siren strobe lights. A shot of Optimus Prime in vehicle mode speeding down a city street towards the camera is followed by a slow pan across the rooftops of the city, on top of which the ''Car Robots'' logo appears. Optimus Prime continues on his way, coming face to face with a [[CGI]] dragon-mode [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]], while the [[Autobot Brothers]] zoom into the [[Global Space Bridge]] on their way to join him. Prime (briefly rendered in CGI himself) transforms to robot mode and opens fire on Megatron, then is attacked by the [[Predacon (RID)|Predacons]] and retaliates by blasting [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] with his "Blaze Baster" attack. Prime transforms into [[Super Mode]] and holds [[Koji Onishi|Koji]] and [[T-AI]] in his hand, while CGI versions of the Autobot Brothers arrive on the scene and transform. [[Team Bullet Train]] are shown driving along, and the CGI Megatron transforms into robot mode, before the sequence ends on a group shot of Prime, the Autobot Brothers and Team Bullet Train standing on a starfield, with Super Mode Prime superimposed on the background.

{{note|A slightly modified version of this opening was introduced later in the series that [[:Image:Carrobots_cgi_intromod.jpg|replaced the cel-animated renditions of Team Bullet Train]] towards the end of the sequence with CGI counterparts.}}

==Unicron Trilogy (US)==

===Armada===

===Energon===

===Cybertron===

==Unicron Trilogy (Japan)==

===''Micron Legend''===
====Title sequence #1====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformer: Dream Again|TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-]]" by [[Psychic Lover]]''

====Title sequence #2====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki|Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~]]" by [[Hideaki Takatori]]''

===''Super Link''===
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Taiyō no Transform!!|Taiyō no transform!!]]" by [[Hiroshi Kitadani]]''

===''Galaxy Force''===
====Title sequence #1====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai|CALL YOU... Kimi to Boku no Mirai]]" by [[Shinji Kakijima]]''

====Title sequence [[Savage (episode)#Trivia|#2]]====

====Title sequence [[Ice#Miscellaneous trivia|#3]]====

====Title sequence [[Critical#Trivia|#4]]====
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Ignition!|IGNITION!]]" by [[CHINO]]''

====Title sequence [[Titans#Trivia|#5]]====

==Animated==
===US version===
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Studio 4°C]]

===Japanese version===
:'''Animation studio:''' [[Barnum Studio]]
:'''Theme song:''' ''"[[Transformers Evo.|TRANSFORMERS EVO.]]" by [[JAM Project]]''

The camera swoops through the depths of space, panning past planet after planet, finally settling on a view of [[Earth]] from space. The spectral form of a [[cloaked mystery villain]] appears over the planet, spreading its arms and then vanishing, leaving the planet surrounded by a glowing red miasma. Bolts of lightning strike the planet, dispelling the glow, and from the bolts the title appears. It moves forward into the camera, and the sun rises over Earth.

[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (in jet mode) and [[Lugnut]] fly over an ocean. Tank-mode Blitzwing bursts out of the ground, and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] speed in front of him. [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] descends into shot in spider-mode, supporting by a net of webbing, which she promptly rips through, transforming to robot mode and landing neatly. The image of Elita-1 is superimposed over her with a bolt of red lightning, and then she gestures, prompting the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] to burst out of the scenery behind her and charge forward.

[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] appear side-by-side in front of [[New York City]]'s Flatiron Building, transform, and drive into the camera. In [[London]], [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] enters stage right and also transforms, driving past Big Ben, followed by [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] and [[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]], who fly alongside him. [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]], [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] and [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] appear one after the other against streaky blue anime speed lines, the shot ending on a close-up of Sentinel as he deploys his battle mask. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] stomps his foot and poses dramatically on a highway, then transforms to truck mode after still shots of the other Autobots appear. The camera pans over the silhouetted form of [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]], only shining a little light on him as it passes over his head, to reveal a teasing glimpse of [[Teletran-1|the Autobot spaceship]].

Starscream appears in [[France]] and transforms to robot mode, revealing the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] fragment in his forehead. He dogfights with Bumblebee (who is using his [[turbo booster]]s) in front of the Eiffel Tower, while Prowl and Lockdown duel close to Tokyo's Tsūtenkaku tower. Lugnut fires missiles in front of the Kremlin, Bulkhead unleashes his wrecking ball on the Great Wall of [[China]], and Blitzwing flies through the skies of [[Egypt]], firing a volley of ice missiles before switching to tank mode, landing in front of the [[pyramid]]s, and launching a flame blast. This blast, er, apparently makes it to [[Australia]], where it harmlessly bounces off Ironhide's steel skin as he jumps in front of the Sydney Opera House. Arcee and Blackarachnia grapple underwater, as do Ratchet and [[Shockwave (Animated)|Longarm]], and then out of a water spout, Starscream's army of [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]] emerges. The clones fly into the sky in jet mode, then descend back into shot in robot mode, over a red sky with a Decepticon symbol in it, with [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]] getting a close-up. The male clones gesture dramatically as the towering form of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] mode appears, and Slipstream lands on his shoulder. Megatron's face fills the screen, and red lightning from his eyes lances out, striking the assembled Autobots in front of the [[Washington Monument]]. Optimus Prime blocks the blast with his hand, and then dons his battle mask. Ultra Magnus activates his [[Magnus Hammer]], creating a surge of energy that surrounds Optimus. [[Burning justice|Glowing with blue energy]], Optimus flies into the sky and collides with the silhouetted, glowing form of Megatron (now in his Earth body). The resultant flash of light fills the screen, and the sequence ends with a still shot of the assembled Autobots (now including [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] standing on a different version of the logo.

[[category:Media]]

Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)

2010-03-31T13:16:11Z

109.224.132.23: /* Meijer/Kmart */

{{nav-universe2008}}

'''''Universe''''' was the name of a Transformers toy line by [[Hasbro]] that was launched in mid-2008 and ran as a mass retail line until early 2009, but continued throughout the year with various [[exclusive]] releases. It was the ''second'' Transformers toy line to bear the ''Universe'' name; the first one was launched in 2003, with the last new toy of the line being released in early 2008. The main way to distinguish between the two ''Universe'' lines accepted among fans are the different title logos.

The "main" focus of the second ''Universe'' toyline are the [[Size class|price points]] Legends Class, Deluxe Class, Voyager Class and Ultra Class, which consist of new molds for "classic" characters from various previous lines, as well as redecos of existing toys from older lines (such as ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' and the 2006 ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' line). In addition, there are also numerous store exclusive single and multi-packs, which also consist of redecos of toys from older lines.

Many of the new-mold toys are meant to feature "realistic" vehicle modes (a niche left otherwise unfilled after the end of the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 movie line]]), although that aspect has since been muddled with the introduction of Legends Class toys for characters from the current ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' line (which have not-so-realistic vehicle modes) and ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters (which have animal forms as their [[alternate mode]]s, not vehicles). The ''G1 series'' also causes trouble, as suitcase-sized microcassetes aren't really that common, and flying spaceships aren't masters of disguise. Unless you're on Cybertron or something.

And just to break the vehicle-mode-based pattern completely, ''Universe'' also continues the non-transforming, super-cute ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' line.

In 2009, the packaging gained a "25 Years" corner logo to commemorate ''Transformers''' 25th anniversary, as the toyline's offerings expanded to include updates of key characters from every franchise.

Many of the toys were [[redeco]]ed for release in the Japanese [[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei! toyline]].

==Toys==
===General retail===
====Legends Class====
=====Wave 1=====
[[Image:Universelegendsredalert.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Red Alert, a Legends Class toy.]]
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (Classic Series)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (Classic Series)
*[[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 2=====
*[[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]] (Classic Series)
*[[Jazz (G1)/toys|Autobot Jazz]] (Classic Series)
*[[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron (G2)]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 3=====
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (''Animated'' Series)
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (''Animated'' Series)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (''Animated'' Series)

=====Wave 4=====
*[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] (''Animated'' Series)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (G1 Series)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (G1 Series)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] (G1 Series)

=====Wave 5=====
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Autobot Cosmos]] (G1 Series)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (G1 Series)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus]] (G1 Series)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Autobot Wheelie]] (G1 Series)

====Deluxe Class====
=====Wave 1=====
[[Image:Universe AcidStorm toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Acid Storm, a Deluxe Class toy.]]
*[[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]] (Classic Series)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (Classic Series)
*[[Octane|Tankor]] (Classic Series; an update of Octane, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])

=====Wave 2=====
*[[Acid Storm]] (Classic Series)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 3=====
*[[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]] (Classic Series)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (Classic Series)
*[[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]] (Classic Series, an update of Bluestreak, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])

=====Wave 4=====
*[[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] (Generation 1 Series; minor redeco of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] Deluxe Starscream)
*[[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]] with [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] (Generation 1 Series)
*[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]] (Beast Wars Series)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]] (Generation 1 Series)

=====Wave 5=====
*[[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (Beast Wars Series)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (Generation 1 Series)

=====Wave 6=====
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Hot Shot]] with [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (Armada Series)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Autobot Ratchet]] (Generation 1 Series)

====Voyager Class====
=====Wave 1=====
[[Image:Heavydutyuniversetoy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Heavy Load, a Voyager Class toy.]]
*[[Blaster (G1)|Autobot Blaster]] with Mini-Con [[Blockrock]] (Classic Series)
*[[Heavy Load (Universe)|Decepticon Heavy Load]] with Mini-Con [[Drill Bit (Universe)|Drill Bit]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 2=====
*[[Blades (G1)|Autobot Blades]] (Classic Series)
*[[Dropshot (Universe)|Dropshot]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 3=====
*[[Tread Bolt]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 4=====
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (Generation 2 Series)
*[[Vector Prime]] (Cybertron Series)
{{Note|This wave had minimal retail distribution, and as a result, Vector Prime was a very rare sight at US stores. Inferno shipped again in the subsequent [[wave]]. Vector Prime finally showed up in somewhat larger quantities many, many months after his initial retail sighting.}}

=====Wave 5=====
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] (Cybertron Series)
*[[Lio Convoy|Leo Prime]] (Beast Wars Series)

====Ultra Class====
=====Wave 1=====
[[Image:Onslaughtuniversetoy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Onslaught, an Ultra Class toy.]]
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (Classic Series)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 2=====
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 3=====
*[[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]] (Classic Series)

=====Wave 4=====
*[[Bruticus (RID)|Predacon Bruticus]] (Robots in Disguise Series)

====Robot Heroes====
=====Wave 1=====
[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Robot Heroes Megatron and Rattrap.]]
*[[Rattrap]] & [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]] & [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] & [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] & [[Blitzwing (G1)| Blitzwing]] (''Generation 1'' Series)

=====Wave 2=====
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] & [[Rumble (G1)| Decepticon Rumble]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] & [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]] & [[Tarantulas|Predacon Tarantulas]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)

=====Wave 3=====
*[[Blaster (G1)|Autobot Blaster]] & [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]] & [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] & [[Megatron (BW)/toys|(Transmetal) Megatron]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)

=====Wave 4=====
*[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]] & [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] (''Beast Machines'' Series)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] & [[Bombshell (G1)|Hardshell]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Slag (G1)|Snarl]] & [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] (''Generation 1'' Series)

=====International release=====
*Australia/Singapore, United Kingdom/Germany
**[[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] & [[Predaking]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
**[[Tigatron]] & [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)

=====''Canceled''=====
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Super Optimus Prime]] & [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (''Robots in Disguise'' Series)
*[[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]] & [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] (''Beast Machines'' Series)
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Victory Saber]] & [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Dessaras]] (''Generation 1'' Series)

====More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Pack====
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|25th Anniversary Optimus Prime Pack]] (G1 Series)

===Exclusives===
====Costco exclusives====
*Ultra Twin-Pack (Cybertron Series) contains:
**[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] (unchanged ''Cybertron: Galaxy Force'' Leader Class Optimus Prime)
**[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Voyager Class Crumplezone)

====Hasbro Toy Shop exclusives====
*[[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] (Classic Series)

{{Note|This toy was originally sold at the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2008, and was later offered on the online store's website. It was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia.}}

*SE-01 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] (Special Edition)
*SE-02 [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] (Special Edition)
*SE-03 [[Drag Strip]] (Special Edition)
*SE-04 [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] (Special Edition)

{{Note| According to Hasbro, the "Special Editions" were originally intended for the non-Japanese Asian market, but were also made available to Western fans via the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] website as well. They have also been released at general retail in Australia and New Zealand. In early 2010, they were also found at Marshalls and TJ Maxx stores in the USA.}}

====Kmart exclusives====
[[Image:Kmart suppressor toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Suppressor, an exclusive Armada Series Mini-Con.]]
*Mini-Con 12-Pack (Armada Series), contains:
**[[Safeguard Team]]
***[[Flatfoot]]
***[[Heavytread]]
***[[Makeshift (Universe)|Makeshift]]
**[[Overcast Team]]
***[[Boltflash]]
***[[Cloudraker (Universe)|Cloudraker]]
***[[Skyhammer (Universe)|Skyhammer]]
**[[Landslide Team]]
***[[Backstop (Universe)|Backstop]]
***[[Bodyblock]]
***[[Knockdown (Universe)|Knockdown]]
**[[Ransack Team]]
***[[Blight (Universe)|Blight]]
***[[Brimstone (Universe)|Brimstone]]
***[[Suppressor|Supressor]]

{{Note|This twelve-pack was also available as a Woolworths exclusive in the United Kingdom - before Woolworths went bankrupt and closed down - and a Zellers AND Toys R' Us exclusive in Canada. The Mini-Cons are also being sold individually on Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary cards at Big Lots stores in the United States. They finally received an Australian release - as a Big W exclusive - in December 2009.}}

====Sam's Club exclusives====
*Battle for the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] Deluxe five-pack, (Cybertron Series) contains:
**[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] (minor ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' homage [[redeco]] of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con Optimus Prime)
**[[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] (unchanged ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Deluxe Class Blurr)
**[[Longrack (Cybertron)|Longrack]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Longrack)
**[[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runamuck]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Runamuck)
**[[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Buzzsaw)

====Target exclusives====
=====Voyager class=====
*[[Lio Convoy|Leo Prime]] (redeco in ''[[beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' colors)

=====Legends 5-packs=====

*Aerial Rivals (Classic Series), contains:
**[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]
**[[Blades (G1)|Autobot Blades]]
**[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
**[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]
**[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]

*Special Team Leaders (Classic Series), contains:
**[[Hot Spot (G1)|Autobot Hot Zone]] (an update of Hot Spot, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])
**[[Hun-Gurrr]]
**[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]
**[[Scattershot|Scattorshot]] (an update of Scattershot, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])
**[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]

{{Note|Both five-packs were also available as possible Farmers exclusives in New Zealand.}}

[[Image:Universe 2008 Ratbat toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ratbat, an exclusive War Within Series Deluxe toy.]]
=====Voyager Deluxe Comic 2-packs=====

*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] vs. [[Roadbuster|Autobot Roadbuster]] (G1 Series)
*[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] vs. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (War Within Series)

{{Note|Both two-packs were also available as Zellers exclusives in Canada, and as [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusives in Australia.}}

=====Titanium Series=====
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Zone]] (redeco of ''Robots in Disguise'' Optimus Prime)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (redeco of ''War Within'' Optimus Prime)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (redeco of ''War Within'' Thundercracker)

{{note|These three figures were released in 2009, well after ''Transformers'' product had ceased being released in the Titanium Series proper. The packaging co-brands them as both ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' and Titanium Series toys.}}

{{-}}

====Toys"R"Us exclusives====
=====Ultra Class=====
* [[Countdown (G1)|Autobot Countdown]] (Generation 1 Series)
* [[Darkwing|Darkwind]] (Generation 1 Series)

=====Supreme Class=====
* [[Unicron]] (unchanged Supreme Class ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Unicron in new packaging) (Armada Series)

=====Commemorative Edition=====
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
* [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] ([[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]], [[Shrapnel (G1)|Sharpshot]] and [[Bombshell (G1)|Hardshell]])

====Walmart exclusives====
* ''[[Masterpiece]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]

=====Ultra Class=====
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] ([[redeco]] in ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' colors) (Generation 1 Series)
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] (Generation 1 Series)
* [[Skyjack|Skyfall]] (Generation 2 Series)

=====Scout Class two-packs=====
*War of the Waves ([[Air Raid (Universe 2008)|Air Raid]] vs. [[Storm Surge (Universe)|Storm Surge]]) (Cybertron Series)
*The Data War ([[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] vs. [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]]) (Cybertron Series)
{{Note|These two-packs contain unchanged versions of the Scout Class toys from the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 ''Movie'' toyline]] of the same name, which were available exclusively at [[Target]] stores in the USA, and (at least some of them) as mass releases in Europe. The ''Universe'' two-pack versions were also found at [[Walmart]]-owned Asda stores in the United Kingdom and at Target stores in Australia.}}

====Shared exclusives====
=====Market Six=====
*Warriors From Three Worlds 3-Pack (Cybertron Series) contains:
**[[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack GTS]]
**[[Repugnus (Cybertron)|Repugnus]]
**[[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Scattorshot]]
{{Note|This three-pack has been sighted at Christmas Tree Shop, Family Dollar and Walgreens stores in the United States, in Sainsburys stores in the United Kingdom and in Canadian Tire stores in (where else?) Canada for the 2009 holiday period.}}
{{-}}

=====Meijer/Kmart=====
*Mini-Con 10-Pack (Armada Series) contains:
**[[Battle Support Team]]
***[[Windrazor (Universe)|Windrazor]]
***[[Ransack (Universe 2008)|Ransack]]
***[[Stockade (Universe 2008)|Stockade]]
***[[Overcharge (Universe)|Overcharge]]
***[[Sky Shadow (Universe)|Sky Shadow]]
**[[Ground Surveillance Team]]
***[[Scavenger (Universe 2008)|Scavenger]]
***[[Longview (Universe)|Longview]]
***[[Snow Cat (Universe)|Snow Cat]]
***[[Treadshot (Universe 2008)|Treadshot]]
***[[Crosshairs (Universe)|Crosshairs]]

{{note|This set was available in the United Kingdom as a Tesco exclusive.}}

===International releases===
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (G1 Series) five-pack, contains:
**[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]
**[[Airazor (Universe)|Airazor]]
**[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]
**[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
**[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]

*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus Maximus]] (G1 Series) five-pack, contains:
**[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]
**[[Brawl (G1)|Decepticon Brawl]]
**[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]
**[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]
**[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]

{{Note|These two five-packs have thus far only been released in Australia and Singapore. In North America, they were released in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging instead, as [[Target]] [[exclusive]]s.}}

== Footnotes ==
<references/>

[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)| Universe (2008 toyline)]]

Punch (G1)

2010-03-29T13:10:13Z

109.224.132.23: /* Timelines */

{{factions|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the heroic Autobot double-agent|his evil undercover journalist counterpart|Punch (SG)}}
:''Counterpunch is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. His [[Autobot]] counterpart, Punch, is nearby. Real nearby.''
[[Image:G1 PunchCounterpunc art.jpg|right|350px|thumb|He takes his energon shaken, AND stirred.]]
'''Punch''' possesses a unique transformation ability that allows him to adopt a second robot mode. Using this secondary form, he poses as a Decepticon named '''Counterpunch''', in order to infiltrate the villains' ranks and spy on them as a double agent.

On the surface, Punch is a silent, stoic individual who is able to easily take command in a crisis by virtue of the fact that his cool head keeps those around him calm by extension. But in truth, this calm, quiet personality is an act Punch puts on, and sadder still, he lies even to himself about his reasons for doing so. Although Punch would like to believe that he keeps silent because his job means that saying too much is a danger to his life, in truth, his real reason is that he is completely paranoid, distrusting everyone around him. Switching repeatedly from Punch to Counterpunch and venturing into the dark heart of the Decepticon camp has had an adverse effect on Punch, leaving him a twisted bundle of neuro-circuits. So complete a disguise has he made of the change from Autobot to Decepticon that Punch’s entire personality changes when he becomes Counterpunch. Although Counterpunch retains his Autobot sensibilities—at least enough to carry out his duties as a double agent, acquiring information for the Autobots while feeding the Decepticons just enough to maintain cover—the other aspects of his personality switch completely. The urges Punch holds in restraint all find savage, violent release as Counterpunch. Constantly walking the knife’s edge, Punch is suspicious of all those around him, seeing potential Decepticon spies where he should Autobot allies, fearing that there could be a double agent among them, operating as easily as he does among the Decepticons.

Punch is armed with a twin mortar launcher that fires highly-combustible firebombs. Conversely, as Counterpunch, he wields a photon cannon which fires a high-density stream of energy that can scramble a Transformer’s circuits. Luckily for the Autobots, all among their ranks are outfitted with damper devices that reduce the cannon’s effect, but produce enough pyrotechnics to keep Punch’s cover from being blown.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Pugilil'''/'''Contrecoup'''
:''Japanese name:'' '''Spacepunch'''/'''Counterpunch'''
:''Italian name'': '''Spy'''/'''Ultraspy'''

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Moschitta]] (English), [[Hōki Takashi Hisa]] (Japanese)
[[Image:Rebirth punch and counterpunch.jpg|left|thumb|250px|You deal with my Autobot counterpart then! I heard he's nearby...]]
In 2007, when the Decepticons attacked [[Autobot City]] after the end of a [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2|short-lived truce]], Punch observed [[Pounce]] and [[Wingspan]] breaking into the city while the other Autobots were occupied with the battle. Seeking to discover their objective, he transformed into Counterpunch and caught up to them when they were breaking into a vault within the city. Informing them that [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] had told him to check up on them, Counterpunch's offer of help was rebuffed by the two clones, and Counterpunch departed, making a big noise about how he had heard his "Autobot counterpart" was "nearby... real nearby."

[[Image:TheRebirth pt1 Punch FAILS.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Look I found James Bond! Punch him!]]

Naturally, Punch promptly transformed back to Punch as soon as he had stepped out of the clones' line of sight, and opened fire on them from behind. Wingspan was able to get behind Punch and grabbed him, holding him so that Pounce could savage him in puma mode. Punch collapsed, and the two clones made off with the contents of the vault – the [[key to the Plasma Energy Chamber|key]] to the [[plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] soon discovered Punch's unconscious body and roused him, but Punch could only silently point to the empty vault, confirming Prime's worst fear.

Punch was subsequently part of an Autobot contingent led by Prime who pursued the Decepticons to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. At Prime's order, Punch, [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]] and [[Fastlane]] began searching the planet for the key, but unbeknownst to them, it had already been been used to briefly open the Plasma Energy Chamber. The resulting energy discharge blasted a group of Autobots led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] across the galaxy to the planet [[Nebulos]], and the key with them. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 1}} Punch and the Autobot clones soon reported back to Prime that there was no sign of Kup's team or the key, prompting Prime to consult [[Vector Sigma]] for answers. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Masaharu Satō]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Headmasters_cartoon_punch.jpg|left|thumb]]

When Punch made his debut, he was already installed within the Decepticon ranks as Counterpunch and serving as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s closely-trusted informant. Among the true information Counterpunch fed the Decepticon leader in order to maintain his cover were details of the movements of the Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] when they attempted an impassioned attack on [[Chaar]] after the destruction of [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. Using the information, Scorponok repelled their attack, much to the chagrin of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]], who was particularly infuriated that Counterpunch had "somehow" turned up information that his own spying had failed to. Soon thereafter, Punch returned to the Autobot base on [[Athenia]], and informed Autobot [[Supreme Commander]] [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] that Scorponok was about to hold a ceremony on [[Earth]]'s [[moon (moon)|moon]] to coronate himself emperor of the Decepticons. During the ceremony, Galvatron returned from his prior apparent demise, and retook leadership of the Decepticons from Scorponok. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}}

When both the Autobots and Decepticons received an SOS signal from the energy-deprived planet [[Sandra]], Fortress was unsure how to proceed. Punch arrived to with information to help him come to a decision, as he let him know that the Decepticons had chosen to ignore the signal. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

[[Image:Headmasters_cartoon_counterpunch.jpg|right|225px|thumb]]

Later, Punch informed the Autobots on Athenia of the arrival of the newest Decepticon warriors, the [[Horrorcon]]s, on Chaar. Not long after, when Galvatron departed for Earth to conduct potential peace talks with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], Punch soon received a nasty surprise when he discovered that Spike was actually debating with a disguised [[Sixshot]], and that the true Galvatron was still on Chaar, preparing to lead the Decepticons on an interplanetary energy raid while the Autobots were distracted. Punch snuck away from the crowd to radio the Autobots on Athenia and clue them in, but unfortunately, even with Punch's inside information, the Autobots were unable to stop the Decepticons from departing on their mission of evil. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

As Counterpunch, Punch stayed with the Decepticons as they hopped from planet to planet. He met up with his Autobot comrades again when the Decepticons set down on the planet [[Darhos]], informing them that Scorponok had sent the Decepticon Headmasters to kill a local [[Beastformer]] that knew of the location of Scorponok's secret weak spot. Punch informed the Autobot Headmasters that he believed the Beastformer, [[Tekna]], to be hiding in the [[North-South Caves]], and [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] set off to search for him. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}}

[[Image:Punch_sneakity_sneak.jpg|left|thumb|Turn around! Your cover's blown!]]

Eventually, the Decepticons returned to Chaar with a huge stockpile of [[energon cube]]s, and it was Punch's duty to find out what Galvatron's master plan for the amassed energy was. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} Punch had little luck at first, bluffing his way through a carelessly-worded conversation with Galvatron and failing to learn anything more about the Decepticon leader's plan, other than that he was about to depart for Earth. Despite his lack of information, Punch raced to Earth to report his finding to Fortress with such speed that he almost forgot to transform out of his Counterpunch form before entering Autobot City. Completing his report, he then headed for the Decepticons' Earth base, in hopes of listening in on the schemes Galvatron was cooking up there. Again, he bumbled his way through an altercation with Scourge, claiming that he had been kneeling by a door because he had dropped something and quickly crawling off around a corner in search of this phantom object. He even considered switching out of his Counterpunch disguise, before he realized how foolish he was being. Finally, Punch found success with the time-honored tradition of listening through an air-vent, and discovered that Galvatron's master plan was to use the energy to fuse himself with the Earth itself. In the course of the conversation, Galvatron revealed that his head was his weakest point, and Punch quickly returned to Autobot City to reveal all he had discovered to Fortress. Fortress flew Punch to Alaska, where a battle was currently raging between Galvatron and the Autobot Headmasters, and Punch called out to inform them of Galvatron's weak spot. Enraged to discover that Punch was a spy, Galvatron soon found insult added to injury, as the Headmasters used Punch's information to finally defeat him and entomb him beneath the polar ice. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}
[[Image:Punch_and_fortress.jpg|right|thumb|He's been caught red-handed!]]
With the demise of Galvatron, Scorponok once again seized Decepticon leadership, a fact which Punch quickly passed along to the other Autobots. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} When Scorponok took the Decepticons back to planet Master, Punch, as Counterpunch, went with them, then returned to Earth after Scorponok successfully forged his [[Zarak Shield]]. Setting down in the [[Straits of Gibraltar]], Scorponok instructed Counterpunch to observe the Autobots movements for him. Counterpunch leapt from Scorponok to the shore, but before he could even turn around, Scorponok had vanished beneath the waves, leaving Punch unable to inform Fortress of the evil emperor's whereabouts. Punch vowed to locate Scorponok for his commander. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} Little could Punch have known that Scorponok was operating out of the sub-oceanic ruins of [[Lemuria (G1)|Lemuria]], and was using the sunken continent's [[Crysmag metal]] to forge "Death Towers" that would rip the Earth apart. Punch soon discovered that Scorponok was planning to outfit the Death Towers with energy induction boosters that would magnify their destructive effects, and informed Fortress and the Autobots that the villain was on his way to [[Egypt]] to do so with the Death Tower there. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}
{{-}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic====

Years later, Punch was among the Autobots on Athenia when the Autobot [[Godmaster]] [[Ginrai]] was brought to the planet so that Fortress could pass the mantle of Supreme Commander on to him. Unfortunately, this led to an attack by the Decepticons under the command of [[Devil Z]]. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Outwardly, Punch is the consummate undercover man, but internally, he's a nervous wreck too paranoid of exposure even to open up with his fellow Autobots. That's a problem, as Punch has been under so long, his invented persona of Counterpunch is gaining an increasing life of its own, with Punch suffering worrying blackouts during his actions while masquerading as a Decepticon. {{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (G1)|More Than Meets The Eye #5}}

==Commercial appearances==
[[Image:PunchCounterpunchCommercial.jpg|thumb|300px|Unfortunately for the Autobots, Counterpunch was TWICE as loyal to the Decepticons.]]
Punch/Counterpunch appeared in at least one [[commercial|television commercial]]:

* Within a mechanical room, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] handed Punch an unknown device while [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] looked on. Saluting, Punch assured Rodimus that he could trust him. He then transformed and drove off, speeding to a rocky area where [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] awaited him. Changing from vehicle mode into Counterpunch, he gave Galvatron the device. Saluting, Counterpunch assured Galvatron that he could trust him.

{{--}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1toy-Punch.jpg|right|300px|thumb|One toy, twice the fun!]]
*'''Punch/Counterpunch''' (Doublespy, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-111'''
**''Accessories:'' "Twin Mortar Launcher", "Photon Cannon"
: Punch transforms into a blue Pontiac Fiero. He has two distinct robot modes, with separate guns and [[Rubsign|rubsigns]] for each. They have separate arms, but the backs of Punch's torso, legs, and even head are the fronts of Counterpunch's and vice versa. The top of their shared head tilts to disguise the face not currently being used.

: The transformation for Punch's robot mode depicted in the toy's instructions and animation is, in fact, not the intended transformation for the toy. As illustrated in the inset of the image at right, rather than extend all the way, as they do for Counterpunch, the legs are supposed to fold back at the "knee" with Counterpunch's feet folded out 180 degrees to become Punch's own (this, then, gives a purpose to the otherwise-pointless ridges on his feet, which now serve to keep the robot stable). This transformation—depicted in the toy's box art and on the front of his instruction booklet (sans feet)—creates a much smaller robot mode for Punch, more in-line with the proportions of the 1984 and 85 Autobot Cars, that serves to further distinguish him from Counterpunch.
::* ''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/Punch/punch.htm More information on Punch at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-Punch.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Headlights are painted over for extra G1 accuracy!]]
*'''Punch/Counterpunch''' (2010)
:This will make use of the [[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]] [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] mold. It will have a new head with flipping cap to cover up the unused face in either robot form, just like the original toy's did, but Punch's face now has a mouth like his "The Rebirth" appearance, rather than a [[mouthplate]] like his original toy. Punch's face does retain the separate eyes, however, rather than the goggles seen in "The Rebirth."

: Punch went up for pre-order on the Club site on the evening of [[March 26]], 2010 at at price of $59. Despite pictures of his robot mode remaining unseen throughout, all 1800 units sold out by the morning of [[March 29]], the biggest and fastest sell out of a club exclusive yet. Punch is due to ship around July 15.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

==Notes==
The Doublespy concept seems to have been kicking around for a while before actually being executed:

* A concept sketch exists that depicts Punch/Counterpunch as a hi-tech jet more in line with the 1986+ aesthetic which transforms in a way somewhat similar to the final car version.<ref>[[Transformers Generations|Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p97.</ref>

* Not one but two early patents were filed for a car Doublespy. The first patent depicts the car that can turn into a large robot or split straight across the middle, with the front and back ends of the car each transforming into a separate robot. It uses a car model identical to the final Punch/Counterpunch.<ref>[http://v3.espacenet.com/origdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=JP61106187&F=0&QPN=JP61106187 Patent #JP61-106187]</ref>

* The second patent keeps the car as a single unit, however the car now folds along the center from the front bumper to the rear windshield. One robot mode is formed when the car is transformed normally, the other is formed when the car is transformed and folded to reveal a new head, chest, and arms. This model has an identical leg transformation to the final version.<ref>[http://v3.espacenet.com/origdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=JP63038484&F=0&QPN=JP63038484 Patent #JP63-038484]</ref>

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Punch Punch/Counterpunch's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Masterforce characters]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Waspinator (BW)

2010-03-22T14:20:19Z

109.224.132.23: /* Fast Action Battlers toyline */

{{factions|predacon|vehicon}}
{{disambig2|the ill-destined wasp robot from the Beast Era|the ill-destined wasp robot from ''Transformers Animated''|Wasp}}
:''Waspinator is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Waspinatorbw.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Waspinator: chew-toy of fate.]]
'''Waspinator''' is the universe's whipping boy. If something goes wrong, it happens to him. If something blows up, he's usually at the epicenter of the explosion. He has been blasted, burned, shot down, torn up, crushed, slashed, smashed, bashed, and otherwise reduced to his component parts times beyond counting. Disturbingly, [[Rattrap]] has taken to collecting his severed components.

Waspinator's not the brightest 'bot in the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. Megatron has classified the harebrained Predacon as expendable, much to Waspinator's dismay; he doesn't get much more respect from anyone else, either. His speech quirks don't help: he tends to refer to himself in the third person and to most other people by nicknames like [[Cheetor (BW)|"cat-bot"]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|"two-head"]]. He's also a bit too fond of the letter "Z". (Those prone to witticisms might say he has a "lizzzzp".)

Waspinator may be dumb, but he's not stupid. He has caught on to his lot in life and tries to avoid his fate as often as possible... but fate always finds him. Thankfully, he's almost supernaturally durable and has survived the most devastating and humiliating of defeats.

{{quote|[[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] blow up, Waspinator must salvage. Waspinator blow up, ''nobody'' salvage! Why universe hate Waspinator?|Waspinator laments his lot in life, "[[Deep Metal]]"}}
:''Japanese name:'' '''Waspeeter''' (ワスピーター ''Wasupītā'')<ref>This particular [[romanization]] was first used on a Japanese ''Beast Wars'' [http://www18.tok2.com/home/jackhama/transformers/bwtcard_1/img/015.jpg trading card], and later reappeared in the opening sequence for the Japanese version of the PSX ''[[Beast Wars: Transmetals]]'' fighting game.</ref> 
:''Bulgarian name:'' '''Osinator''' (Осинатор)
:''French name:'' '''Bourdon''' ("Bumblebee", original toy, Canada), '''Bizznator'''<ref>It is unknown at this time if Waspinator was "Bizznator" in both Quebec and France, or if there were even two separate French dubs of ''Beast Wars'' to begin with. However, it ''is'' definitely known that only Canada got packaging with actual French names on it.</ref> (cartoon, Transmetal, Canada)
:''Chinese name:'' '''Hú-fēng''' (胡蜂, "Wasp", Taiwan), '''Tsāng-yíng''' (蒼蠅, "Fly", Taiwan)
:''Italian name:'' '''Punginator'''
:''Polish name:'' '''Osator''' (Beetor)
:''Russian name:'' '''Ospinator''' (Оспинатор)
:''Spanish name:'' '''Avispaneitor''' (cartoon, spelling uncertain), '''Avispón''' ("Hornet", toy)

==Fiction==
===First wave toy bios===
The Waspinator is a fearsome warrior of monstrous appearance, striking fear with the eerie sound of his ominous buzzing. He strikes down helpless victims using his secret wing missiles, poisoning them with his cyber-sting.{{storylink|Waspinator (BW)#Toys|Waspinator bio}}
He also likes to gang up on his victims with his partner, [[Buzz Saw]]. {{storylink|Buzz Saw#Toys|Buzz Saw bio}}

{{note|The on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the first wave of Beast Wars toys, predate the development of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon and its backstory. They seem to present the characters as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal actually being a new form of Optimus Prime and Megatron being his Generation 1 counterpart, and their battles taking place on present day, [[human]]-inhabited Earth, rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched, the toyline adjusted itself to match that continuity instead, relegating this one to an aborted [[micro-continuity]].}}
===Cartoon continuity===
====Dawn of Future's Past====
[[Image:Waspinatordawn.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Waspy is mi kopilot, but hoo on Sibertron is mi spelcheker?]]
While [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], his [[Dinobot (BW)|lieutenant]], and [[Scorponok (BW)|another underling]] stole a Maximal relic, the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]], the Predacon who would later name himself Waspinator stole a ship with the help of an accomplice he nicknamed "[[Terrorsaur (BW)|Beakbot]]." The two had a contest to name the ship, but "Waspinator" lost, and thus the stolen ship was dubbed the ''[[Darksyde]]''. "Waspinator" believed ''Buzzerbot'' would have been a better name. For reasons known only to [[Primus]], Megatron agreed.

After escaping [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the ''Darksyde'' was intercepted by the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' and the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', but after an intense space battle, only the ''Darksyde'' and the ''Axalon'' remained. Megatron ordered "Waspinator" to ''excecute'' their planned [[transwarp]] jump, opening up a portal which both ships entered. {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}

====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
''Voice Actor'': [[Scott McNeil]] (English), [[Kensō Katō]] (Japanese), [[Ivo Roberto]] (Portuguese), [[Diego Sabre]] (Italian)

[[Image:BeastWars1 Waspinator robotmode.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Waspinator, part of Megatron's rogue band of Predacons, landed on an unknown planet with dangerous levels of unstable [[Energon (fuel)|energon]]. To protect themselves from the energon, the Predacons took organic beast modes. In Waspinator's case, he now transformed into a large, green wasp. The first conflict between the stranded Predacons and their Maximal pursuers came when the Maximal [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] stumbled across Waspinator. In a stark contrast to his later career, he actually proved to be a serious threat and had the advantage over the inexperienced Cheetor, pinning the young Maximal down in a canyon. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}

The Predacons pursued the Maximals and interrupted a fight between [[Optimus Primal]] and [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]. When a stray shot exposed a cache of energon atop a nearby mountain, the Predacons headed for it. Waspinator was teamed with [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] for the first time, in an attempt to slow the Maximals down. They were chased off by a missile from Primal and rejoined the others for a mountaintop battle, wherein Cheetor attempted to have a rematch with Waspinator. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

He helped [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and Terrorsaur install some perimeter defenses around the Predacon base. {{storylink|The Web}} When Cheetor ended up in the Predacon base through some sort of freak teleportation system, Waspinator and Scorponok tried to kill him, but only succeeded in blowing themselves up with their own missiles. Little did Waspinator know that he would be blown up numerous times in the adventures to come. {{storylink|Equal Measures}}

[[Image:ChainOfCommand Waspinator gets shot up.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"...and here we see a wild Waspinator in its natural state."]]
Waspinator was part of an attack on the Maximals at the [[Standing Stones]]. He survived that battle, but when an [[Vok Probe|alien probe]] appeared at the circle, he and Megatron attempted to take possession of it, and a pulse of energy zapped them. They turned up, badly damaged, back at the Predacon base. After repairs, Megatron sent Waspinator and Scorponok to guard the circle. The Maximals soon turned up to try and extract Primal from the probe, and Waspinator attempted to sneak up on [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], only for the Maximal to ventilate him with a chaingun. Waspinator fell backwards against a standing stone, activating a sequence which freed Primal from the probe. {{storylink|Chain of Command}}

After Terrorsaur managed to slag Megatron and take leadership of the Predacons, Waspinator and Scorponok promptly fixed Megatron. {{storylink|Power Surge}} When a stasis pod crashed, Waspinator and Terrorsaur went directly to the ''Axalon'' and ambushed Optimus Primal when he emerged to look for the pod. Though they succeeded, Dinobot dropped a huge rock on Waspinator, and Terrorsaur had to help his fellow. Waspinator was still healthy enough to report to Megatron, who sent the pair to capture the pod. On the way, they managed to slow down the Maximals by destroying an ice bridge, but by the time they reached the pod, [[Tigatron]] had already been activated. The new Maximal fought them off. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

[[Image:Better_Mousetrap_Waspinator.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Wazzzzpinator not want to know "who'zzzz there?"]]
In one of Waspinator's few victories, he managed to retrieve the stasis pod which gave birth to [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. When Terrorsaur again deposed Megatron, Waspinator seemed happy to follow his fellow Predacon. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} Perhaps that was why he was subsequently assigned with Blackarachnia and Terrorsaur to deliver a [[sonic emitter]] to a location below the ''Axalon''. Dissatisfied with the task, he went to fly around for a bit and mutter to himself, only to give away their position accidentally. Though he returned to the other two Predacons, they were discovered by Tigatron, who destroyed the sonic emitter. {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} After Primal was inadvertently turned into a berserker by Scorponok's [[cyberbee]], Waspinator attempted to track down Optimus in the Predacon base, but found himself pulled through a wall and blasted. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}}

Waspinator acted as bait for the first test of [[Tarantulas]]'s [[transformation lock lens]]. The test was a success, but Waspinator was slagged by Tigatron. {{storylink|The Probe}} He was later one of the trio who mounted a mock revolt against Megatron to fool the Maximals. The Predacons concealed themselves in a crevasse (where Waspinator apparently spent his nights cuddling Tarantulas like a soft toy) while the Maximals repaired the ''Axalon''. They were discovered by Dinobot, who dropped a large rock on Waspinator and Terrorsaur. Though the latter survived to battle on, Waspinator apparently didn't. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}

[[Image:DarkDesigns Waspinator is nuts.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dancing Queen Bee]]
When [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] had his personality program converted to that of a Predacon, he started surreptitiously taking out the various Predacons. He swung a cargo crate into Waspinator, giving him a concussion. As a result, Waspy flew around in a daze, claiming to be the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] as well as the great [[Ben Yee|Wonko the Sane]]. This dementia was apparently reversed when Cheetor later got annoyed at his yattering and shot him down. One of Waspinator's stray shots subsequently hit the [[Transmuter]], causing it to explode. {{storylink|Dark Designs (episode)|Dark Designs}}

Terrorsaur and Waspinator were hanging around outside the Predacon base during Megatron's experiment to create a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}} The pair attacked Cheetor when the young Maximal was protecting a stasis pod. Cheetor managed to lure Waspinator into flying over an energon geyser, frying his circuits. {{storylink|The Spark}} Perhaps a sign that they hadn't learned their lesson, Waspinator and Terrorsaur attacked Tigatron, only to be blasted by the defense system of a strange [[Brigadoon|flying island]]. Though injured, they were able to return to base to report the find. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} Following another bout of repairs, the duo headed back for the island, only to run into Primal and [[Rattrap]], who were headed in the same direction. Eventually they did each the island...only for Blackarachnia to trick them into triggering the island's defenses again, resulting in them both being blasted. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}}

Tigatron was ambushed on his way to another stasis pod by Waspinator, who managed to get a drop on the tiger. Waspinator's victory was short-lived, as [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] promptly shot his wings off, and he crashed to the ground. {{storylink|Spider's Game}} Waspinator and Terrorsaur stole the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals remain in their beast modes. Once the Maximals had gone feral and wandered off into the jungle, the Predacons mounted a hunting expedition. The Maximals were able to overcome their programming block, and during the subsequent fight, Rhinox swatted Waspinator out of the air with a ''tree''. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}}

[[Image:Possession_Waspinator.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Give him an orange parka and call him Kenny.]]
After an apparently victorious battle, Waspinator and Scorponok returned to base. However, the Maximals they had attacked were not dead, merely blinded, and Waspinator was soon sent out again, teamed with Terrorsaur, to eliminate them. Unfortunately, even four blind Maximals were more than enough match for them, and both Predacons were sent packing. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} Things continued to go badly for Waspinator, as during a violent storm, he was possessed by the immortal [[spark]] of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. It took a major [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] explosion to dislodge Starscream's immortal [[spark]] from Waspinator's body. It also had the after-effect of giving Waspinator a headache in his ''whole body''. {{storylink|Possession}}

Waspinator was part of a diversionary attack while Tarantulas tried out his new weapon, an [[energon discharge virus]]. Later on, the Predacons attempted to stop the Maximals getting the antidote and were blasted by Rhinox's enormous fart. {{storylink|The Low Road}} Waspinator teamed up with [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] and Terrorsaur for a fight, only to be roundly trounced by Tigatron. The trio were later able to defeat Dinobot, with Waspinator dealing the final blow, but Optimus Primal turned up and blew both him and Terrorsaur away with one shot. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}}

[[Image:OtherVoices1 robonoogie.jpg|thumb|200px|right|"Wazzzzpinator having flashbacks to grammar zzzzzchool!"]]
Waspinator caught Tarantulas stealing a [[transwarp cell]] from the ''Darksyde'', but he was unable to stop the spider from leaving, as Tarantulas tossed him a bomb. Waspinator was soon in a multitude of separate pieces. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Recovered and ready to take revenge on Tarantulas, he was instead sent by Megatron to secure a new alien site. Unfortunately, once he got there, he encountered Rattrap, who saw him off with a "robonoogie" and a kick to the unmentionables. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} He retired to the ''Darksyde'', where the Predacons monitored the situation with the [[Planet Buster]] weapon which had been revealed from the planet's second moon. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[Image:ComingFuzors1 Waspinator cubed.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Rube-ik's Cube]]
After the Planet Buster was destroyed, the strange energies of a [[quantum surge]] saturated both ships. Waspinator lost control of his hoversled and was tipped into one of the restoration pools. Bathed in the regenerative fluids, he was prevented from becoming a [[Transmetal]]. He and his newly upgraded leader mounted an attack on the ''Axalon'', but once Waspinator faced a similarly upgraded Cheetor, he soon retreated. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Waspinator was the first to realize that the seemingly unknown planet on which they'd landed was, in fact, [[Earth]]. Dinobot had made the same realization and stole into the ''Darksyde'' to retrieve both of Megatron's disks. Waspinator proposed the two work together to steal the disks, and much to his surprise, Dinobot agreed...and threw him into the security shield. Waspinator was crushed into a cube by the disks' security contraption, leaving Dinobot free to steal the disks unharmed while Waspinator crawled away to the CR chamber using two fingers.

He got himself repaired in time to join Megatron's forces on the battlefield, where they outnumbered Dinobot, Cheetor and Rattrap. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} He was teamed up with new recruit [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] to attack the ''Axalon'' by air. After asserting his authority over the [[Fuzor]], he was promptly knocked out of the air by Cheetor. He joined the other Predacons as they prepared to finish off the Maximals for good...but was the first victim of a reborn Transmetal Optimus Primal. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}}

Waspinator and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] were tasked with constructing a new jamming tower. They constructed it successfully, but while Waspinator proudly reported their success to Megatron, Inferno playfully knocked the tower over on him. {{storylink|Tangled Web}} Another of Waspinator's rare victories came when he shot Silverbolt from behind, causing the Maximal to crash into Dinobot, effectively taking both out. While Inferno took off with Dinobot's prone form, [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] refused to help Waspy carry Silverbolt. A short time later, Rattrap mimicked Quickstrike's voice, tricking Waspinator into picking up a gas mine, and Waspinator's victory was no more. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}}

Waspinator and the rest of the Predacons installed shield generators around another alien site, but the [[Metal Hunter|alien construct]] which appeared zapped everyone, sending him into stasis lock. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} Megatron took control of the construct and restored all of the Predacons to working order. Waspinator and Inferno retrieved transwarp cells to give the ship transwarp capability. They were later sent out to defend the construct against the Maximals. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}}

[[Image:BadSpark Waspinator defeated.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Not quite what "stick the landing" means.]]
Sent with Blackarachnia to claim another pod, Waspinator didn't last long before he was shot down by Cheetor and landed head first. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} He also took part in the attack on the valley where the [[protohuman]]s were living, but his contribution ended when Dinobot stuffed him head-first into [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]'s main cannon and Rampage exploded. {{storylink|Code of Hero}}

As by Megatron's calculations, the [[transwarp wavefront]] from the Planet Buster explosion would soon be reaching [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the Predacons mounted an attack on the ''Axalon''. The Maximals received reinforcements in the form of Predacon covert agent [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], whose [[transwarp cruiser]] saw the Predacons off. Waspinator was subsequently given a new solo mission by Megatron, and he departed when the Maximals next attacked. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Just as he arrived at his [[Mount St. Hilary|destination]], Blackarachnia accidentally hit him with her hoversled, knocking him apart. Waspinator once again started gathering himself together. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

Waspinator pulled himself together in time to aid Megatron's escape, after the Predacon leader badly damaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. He, Megatron and Inferno headed for the ''Axalon'', but Cheetor and Primal caught up with them, and Waspinator was downed by one shot from Cheetor. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}} After Inferno was blown to bits while attacking the Maximal base, Megatron sent Waspinator to salvage him. Waspinator was less than happy, complaining that no one ever salvaged ''him''. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} He was able to get the drop on Silverbolt when the Maximals were attempting to salvage [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], and he happily flew off with the module.

{{Quote|Waspinator having good day! Not get shot once!}}

[[Image:Waspinatorigor.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Igor needs to file his nails.]]
Sadly, he didn't get very far before Silverbolt and Rattrap caught up, blasting him out of the air so they could reclaim Sentinel. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} After Megatron developed [[cyber raptor]]s, Waspinator and Tarantulas were sent out with a group of them to attack Cheetor and Blackarachnia. The Maximals soon discovered that destroying the raptors' control components sent them wild, and Waspinator was stomped into the ground by an out-of-control dinosaur. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} Another of Waspinator's increasingly few victories came when he managed to snatch a stasis pod from under the Maximals' noses. He acted as lab assistant as Megatron utilised the [[blank]] [[protoform]] contained in the pod, plus a [[transmetal driver]], to create a new [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]]. Unfortunately, even this victory was short-lived, as a short time later, the device Megatron was using exploded, and Waspinator was caught in the blast. After getting repaired, he made his way to where Megatron was interrogating [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]...only to be blasted by his own trigger-happy leader. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

After Megatron discovered that Cheetor had upgraded himself into a [[Transmetal 2]], he sent Waspinator and Dinobot out to find and capture the kitty. The pair located him in a cave, but as Dinobot began to move in, Waspinator asserted his own leadership...and was shredded by Dinobot. Following another bout of repairs, Waspinator rejoined the hunt, and they eventually found Cheetor again. Waspinator was offhandedly slagged by the Maximal while trying to sneak up. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}}

[[Image:Go with the Flow Waspinator Una.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]
Requiring someone organic to complete the [[disruptor cannon]], Megatron sent Waspinator and Inferno to pick up a protohuman. Waspinator was able to capture [[Una]], but she did quite a bit of damage to him on the flight back. On reaching the mountain hideout, Waspinator reported success and promptly collapsed into a collection of parts. At some point, he got repaired and was able to join in the pursuit of Rattrap and Una as they escaped. He was hit in the face by mud, sending him out of control, crashing into first Inferno, then Dinobot, and allowing the Maximals to escape. The three Predacons were called back to the mountain, where Megatron attempted to use the disruptor cannon, which promptly exploded. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}} Waspinator's next glorious mission was an attack on the Maximal base. Unfortunately for him, his expected backup wasn't there, and he was swatted by Optimus Primal. It had all been a ploy to draw Primal out so that Tarantulas could deliver a device to take control of the Maximal leader. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}

After the destruction of the ''Darksyde'' at [[Tigerhawk]]'s hands, Megatron sent Waspinator, [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] on an errand to find a new base, which was really nothing more than pointless busywork while Megatron went to do more important things. As the trio staked out an early [[human]] tribe that had taken up residence in a series of caves, Waspinator decided he'd finally had enough and ripped off his [[insignia|Predacon symbol]], declaring himself out of the Beast Wars.

[[Image:Waspinatorhappyatlast.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Wazzzzpinator happy at last! ...until the [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|next series]].]]
{{quote|I said '''no!''' [[Megatron (BW)|Dragon-Bot]] command '''you,''' [[Sub-Commander]] [[Inferno (BW)|Kiss-Butt]]! Dragon-Bot not command Waspinator! Not any more! Waspinator sick of being evil! Sick of being Predacon! And Waspinator especially sick of getting blown to '''scrap''' all the time! Sooo, Waspinator '''quit!''' As of '''now,''' which means [[Inferno (BW)|Ant-Bot]] and [[Quickstrike (BW)|Two-Head]] can just pucker their mandibles and plant [[Kiss|big, wet, juicy one]] right here on Waspinator's big...fat..stripy...}}

At this point, Waspinator was interrupted by getting blown to scrap by Inferno and Quickstrike. Also, note that this is the first (and only) time that he refers to himself as "I". {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}

His parts recovered by the protohuman tribe, Waspinator remained on Earth while all the other surviving Transformers set off for Cybertron, and led the tribe, declaring that he was finally...happy. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

For a bit, at least.
{{--}}

====Fast Action Battlers toyline====

{{note|This fiction takes place shortly after the events of ''[[Possession]]''.}}

Waspinator eventually met up with several [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s from [[Transformers (2007)|another dimension]]. A battle broke out between the Maximals, Predacons, Autobots and Decepticons. The other-dimensional Transformers eventually returned to their place of origin and the Beast Wars continued as they were. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story}}

====''15 Go! Go!''====

[[Image:Atari meets optimus primal.jpg|125px|thumb|right]]
The time-traveling [[human]] [[Atari Hitotonari]] and the [[Sparkbot]] [[Star Dust]] witnessed a battle between Waspinator and Optimus Primal. However, the two interlopers could not be seen by either of the warriors.

====''Tales of the Beast Wars''====
[[Antagony]] threatened to blast Waspinator if Megatron did not back down. Waspinator's warranty had expired, but it didn't matter as Antagony accidently wasted her last shot when she sneezed. Do we even need to guess what happened to Waspinator? {{storylink|Visitations}}

Later, to his credit, Waspinator was the only Predacon aside from Megatron to not be paralyzed in fear at the sight of a [[Unicron]]-possessed [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]]. Of course, Waspinator had just been blown up for the umpteen millionth time. None of the Maximals expressed satisfaction. They always got Waspinator. Always. {{storylink|Herald, Covenant, Schism, Paradox|Paradox}}

{{charstubfiction}}

====Transmetal Toy Bio====
Even though the quantum surge has upgraded Waspinator physically, his personality remains the same. He has however found a renewed drive to eliminate the Maximals, accompanied by enhanced speed.
{{storylink|Waspinator (BW)#Toys|Transmetal Waspinator Bio}}
{{note|The on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the Transmetal sub-line presented a micro-continuity where all of the characters receiving a new toy were transmetalized due to the initial quantum surge, instead of a select few.}}

====''Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals''====
{{note|This game takes place in an alternate version of the second season of the [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] cartoon.}}
[[Image:N64Waspinators.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Neon]] Camo Waspinator and Transmetal [[Buzz Saw]]! In stores now!]]
[[Image:TMWaspinator-Render.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Full Metal Yellowjacket]]
''Voice Actor:'' [[Scott McNeil]] (English), ??? (Japanese)

[[Transmetal]] Waspinator joins his fellow Predacons in distributing various one-on-one beat downs to the Maximals. Eventually he got fed up, quit, and became god to early humanity. He did this after ''kicking everyone's ass''. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals (N64)|Transformers: Beast Wars Transmetals}}

{{Note|Waspinator is only available for game play in the Nintendo 64 game. His model was also used to represent the hidden character [[:Image:N64Starscream.jpg|Starscream]].}}

{{note|Each character possessed an alternate ending, displayed if the Nintendo 64 game was beaten with said character. Each character has only their own ending listed on their pages, see the other characters' pages for Waspinator's fate in those outcomes.}}
{{-}}

====IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics====
An alternate timeline's Waspinator was possessed by Starscream's immortal spark after the later's defeat at the hand of the Maximals. This time around, Starscream was able to hold possession of Waspinator until the Quantum Surge hit Prehistoric Earth, and was able to influence Waspinator's transmetalisation so that the Predacon's third mode would ressemble Starscream's own original fighter jet mode. The two of them bicker constantly over control of the shared body, their two distinct voices audible to whoever hears them argue. {{storylink|Beast Wars Sourcebook}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
''Main article: [[Thrust (BM)]]''
[[Image:Wazzpinator.jpg|right|thumb|180px|Why [[Vector Sigma#Beast_Era|Oracle]] hate Wazzzzpinator?]]
Waspinator grew bored of being a god to the Protohumans and started flicking rocks at their heads. The Protohumans he had ruled over grew tired of his presence and evicted him from their settlement by catapulting him from a tree. After this, Waspinator returned to Cybertron, which "took forever."
{{note|It is unclear just ''how'' Waspinator traveled from prehistoric Earth to future Cybertron, presumably under his own power. Perhaps if he somehow managed to reach escape velocity and traveled to Cybertron at sub-light speed, it would have taken long enough that he would have "caught up" to the main timeline. A concrete explanation would have been provided in the [[Primeval Dawn]] comics, with Waspinator (among many other Earth-bound characters) traveling back to Cybertron via transwarp portal. However, the bankruptcy of [[3H]] meant these final issues were never fully written, much less published, and all we really know about [[authorial intent|what they were going to say]] came from messageboard posts from author [[Dan Khanna]]. Since the material was never completed or published, fans [[personal canon|may not necessarily accept them as storyline facts]] and could thus leave the mechanics of Waspinator's return an unsolved mystery.}}

Once home, his spark was removed and used to power the [[Vehicon general]] [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]. He ''loved'' being a cool biker-bot as he now got respect and was finding [[Blackarachnia (BW)|chicks]] dig the new brooding bad boy schtick!

Influences from his inner spark caused Thrust to save Blackarachnia's life several times, causing her to believe he carried [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]'s spark. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery}} She later tried to bring his original mind back and discovered, to her disgust, that she'd spent all her effort getting Waspinator back. Poor Waspinator was rather upset to find Blackarachnia no longer wanted to "go steady" with him, and briefly had a punch-up with a revived Silverbolt over her honour. {{storylink|The Catalyst}}

Following Blackarachnia's unambigious rejection of him, Waspinator remained in the "background" and let Thrust run the show, until [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] used an [[Spark extractor|extractor]] to remove Waspinator's spark from the body shell. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall}} After Cybertron's [[technorganic]] reformatting (thanks to Optimus Primal, through the cost of his and Megatron's lives) Waspinator returned in his beast mode with Thrust's head, now the size of a standard wasp. He complained to Rattrap about how much he wanted glory and power and never gets what he wants... at which point Rattrap swatted him away. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future}}

{{note|While the suggestions that Thrust was really Silverbolt turned out to be a red herring, his actions raise the question of ''how'' Waspinator's spark could influence Vehicon programming, seemingly due to having a crush, but her true love Silverbolt's ''didn't''.}}

====''Universe'' comic====
After the reformatting of Cybertron, Waspinator came under the command of [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]]. His tiny size and great speed made him an excellent scout and messenger, and he reported to Galvatron that the invading Quintessons had entered a particular canyon that the Predacons had booby-trapped. He seemed very giddy to have a commander who actually found him useful for once. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

Later, Waspinator was part of a team sent to rescue victims of [[Unicron]] who had been transported to an isolated, icy planetoid. {{storylink|OTFCC 2004 Live-Action Script Reading}}
{{-}}
===''Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars'' Video Game===
Megatron was capable to summon Waspinator forth to the battlefield in his attempts to acquire the super-powerful [[energon crystal]]. {{storylink|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
The Predacons crashed on Earth in [[Mexico]] around 1,000 BC. Acting on Megatron's orders, Tarantulas and Waspinator enslaved the local [[Natiltec]] tribe, who saw Waspinator as some sort of "wasp-god", and forced them to mine energon. Silverbolt mounted a heroic rescue, struggling with Waspinator as the humans escape. The Natiltec later immortalised the event on a cave wall, which was uncovered some three thousand years later by a team of archaeologists. {{storylink|Fire in the Dark}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Waspinatorjbwtoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The Japanese version is more [[Playskool]].]]
* '''Waspinator''' (Deluxe, 1996/1997)
** ''Japanese ID number'': '''D-3'''
** ''Accessories'': Launcher, 2 missiles

:Waspinator transforms into a large organic wasp. His stinger separates to become a hand-held spring-loaded missile launcher for his robot mode; the bolts are stored on the underside of his insect-wings. His head is on a vertical column that rotates around a horizontal axle; each end has a different head, one "mutant", one "robot". The "mutant" head was used as the base for his CGI model, and thus the norm for his fictional portrayals. The [[Takara]] version of Waspinator uses slightly brighter, more primary colors than the [[Hasbro]] version.

:This mold was later [[redeco]]ed for a "[[Fox Kids]]" version, as well as [[Beast_Wars_10th_Anniversary|both the Hasbro and Takara 10th anniversary versions]] of the character.

:This mold was also used to make [[Buzz Saw]] and [[retool]]ed into [[Dirge (BWII)#Mutant|Dirgegun]].

{{-}}
[[Image:VS3-CheetorWaspinator.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Catbug is a cat but he's got bugness in his veins.]]
* '''Showdown of the Quickest: Cheetus VS Waspeeter''' (VS pack, 1997)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-3'''
** ''Accessories:'' Launcher, 2 missiles

:In Japan, Waspinator was available both separately and in a VS pack with [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Dx1|Cheetor]]. Both toys are identical to their original releases.

:Currently, it is unknown if the latter "show-like" version of the two toys were ever released in the VS set.

{{-}}
[[Image:Waspinator-TMtoy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Contains a tiny bit of Starscream in every mold.]]
* '''Waspinator''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 1998)
** ''Japanese ID number'': '''D-42'''
** ''Accessories'': Stinger-rifle

:Now an almost completely robotic figure, [[Transmetal]] Waspinator transforms into a robotic wasp. He features a [[transportation mode|F-15-like jet mode]], flipping and folding his wings into a fighter-jet configuration as well as flipping a cockpit/nosecone between his insect-head mandibles. Though he appears solid black at first glance, he is actually made of very dark transparent-black/green plastic.

:The Takara version of this toy is almost completely identical, except the "WASPINATOR" [[tampograph]] on his wing was replaced with "DESTRON" and the Predacon sigil.

:This mold was later [[redeco]]ed for a "[[Fox Kids]]" version of the character. It was slated for a ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Waspinator (BW)#Universe_.282003.29|version of Waspinator]], but that set was canceled.

{{-}}
* '''Hurricane Showdown: Metals Cheetus VS Metals Waspeeter''' (VS pack, 1999)
** ''Japanese ID number'': '''VS-42'''
** ''Accessories'': Stinger-rifle

:In Japan, Transmetal Waspinator was available both individually and in a two-pack with [[Cheetor (BW)#TM1|Transmetal Cheetor]]. The two-pack version was unchanged from the normal individually-packaged one.

{{-}}
[[Image:Waspinator-FKtoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Do be a blue bee.]]
* '''Waspinator''' (Deluxe, 1999)
** ''Accessories'': Launcher, 2 missiles

:This toy is a [[redeco]] of the first Waspinator toy. A "[[Fox Kids|FoxKids!]]" sticker on the packaging promoted the cartoon, which was playing on Fox at the time. Like most of the other Fox Kids redecoes, his color scheme was altered significantly, consisting primarily of slate blue and green-gold plastic, with dark blue (barely) translucent parts.

:Hasbro solicitations for this toy gave it the name "Power Flight Waspinator", but this name never made it to final packaging.

:This toy's deco was later used to create the non-toy character [[Buzzbomb]].

{{-}}
[[Image:BW_FoxKidsTransmetal_Waspinator_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Why FoxKidzzzz hate Waspinator?]]
* '''Waspinator''' (Deluxe Transmetal, 2000)
** ''Accessories'': Stinger-rifle

:This toy is a [[redeco]] of the Transmetal Waspinator toy. A "Fox Kids!" sticker on the packaging promoted the cartoon, which was playing on Fox at the time. The toy's new deco bears more than a passing resemblance to [[Buzz Saw]].

{{-}}

===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:Waspinator_unreleased.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Wazzpinator... purple?]]

For a brief time, [[Hasbro]]'s official website checklist featured listings for two "Halloween [[Horrorcon (Universe)|Horrorcon]] Value Packs" that were to be Wal-Mart [[Exclusive|exclusives]]... which also likely explains why they were canceled. (Wal-Mart had taken a good half-dozen exclusives and released them more-or-less simultaneously, leading to a huge glut. A lot of other ''Transformers'' exclusives were canceled during the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' era.)

In 2004, several test-shots appeared on eBay in a group, among them the Transmetal Waspinator toy with opaque-salmon wings and lavender insect legs. This, presumably, was to have been the ''Universe'' incarnation of Waspinator, as the other toys in the group line up with the names given for the two Halloween sets. He was to come in a "Vs." two-pack with the presumably-[[Autobot]] character [[Nightprowler]].
{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:Waspinatortenthtoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Finally Waspinator come with pieces that aren't Waspinator's!]]
* '''Waspinator''' (Deluxe, 2006)
** ''Accessories:'' Launcher, 2 missiles, Transmutate's head

:This toy is a slight [[redeco]] of the first Waspinator toy to make it closer to Waspinator's cartoon appearance, replacing the gray with green and adding extra gold [[Paint operation|paint applications]]. He came with the head to [[Transmutate (character)|Transmutate]] plus a DVD with the episode "[[Possession]]".

{{-}}
===Timelines===
[[Image:Waspinator-BC06toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|This works surprisingly well on many levels.]]
* '''Darksyde Megatron and Darksyde Waspinator''' (Bagged set, 2006)
** ''Accessories'': 2-part rifle

:Available [[Exclusive|exclusively]] at the [[BotCon 2006]] event itself, this two-pack represents Waspinator and Megatron before the events of the ''Beast Wars'' show. "Darksyde Waspinator" is a Basic-sized figure, originally used for ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)#MW|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)#MW|Thundercracker]], which autotransforms to robot mode from a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Dassault_Rafale|Dassault Rafale fighter jet]]. (One can surmise, however, that it is meant to represent a Cybertronic design in this case.) His rifle splits into two pieces, which store in the backs of his lower legs.

:This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], and ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wingstun]].

{{-}}
===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
[[Image:Waspinatortelemocha.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Otherwise known as Dr. Wasp Itor.]]
* '''Waspeeter''' (Deluxe, 2007)
** ''Japanese ID number'': '''TM-04'''
** ''Accessories'': Launcher, 2 missiles

:This toy is a ridiculously-extensively-painted redeco of the first Waspinator toy to make it almost completely [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] to Waspinator's cartoon appearance (forgiving mold issues and [[unpaintable plastic]], of course). Due to a manufacturing error, Waspinator's crotch piece is backwards.

:He came with a DVD of the episode "The Aerial Mountains Explode", the Japanese dub of "[[Power Surge]]".

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Waspinator was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].

[[Image:Robotheroesrhinoxwaspinator.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Do we ''want'' to know what that is gushing out of his butt?]]
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Rhinox vs Waspinator''' (2008)
:Waspinator was released in the second wave of [[Universe (2008 franchise)|''Universe'']] ''[[Robot Heroes]]'' packed with [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] as part of the "Beast Wars Series." An amalgam of toy and television show depictions, Waspinator has articulation at the neck and shoulders. He suspends himself in the air on a strong stream of fluid launching from his butt. (Okay, it's probably supposed to be a compressed air jet or something, but look at it. Eyuw.)
{{--}}

==Trivia==
* Ironically, in the original toyline's continuity (which was created before the animated series), Waspinator was profiled as a cruel, cunning, highly skilled warrior who was greatly feared by the Maximals.
* Ever wonder ''why'' Waspinator became the whipping boy of ''Beast Wars''? Early in the series, his buzzing, drawling method of speaking frustrated story editors [[Larry DiTillio]] and [[Bob Forward]], as they found it was taking up too much time out of the episodes. To get around this, but still meet with the requirement that he appear regularly, they took to blasting him to bits so that he wouldn't ''have'' to talk! Of course, this only wound up endearing him to the writers and the fans, and his frequent brushes with destruction became a running gag done for fun, rather than a script requirement. <ref>[http://www.infinitefrontiers.0catch.com/AutoAssembly/BobForward.htm Auto Assembly interview with Bob Forward]</ref>
* Waspinator uses neither of his original toy's heads but rather a made-up one borrowing a few elements from his toy's mutant head while still being very different.
* Waspinator was originally chosen by [[Hasbro]] to be one of the characters killed off for the second season of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon to help make way for new characters ([[To sell toys|read: product]]). However, Forward and DiTillio convinced them to spare Waspinator on the grounds of his popularity with the online fan-base, so [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] and [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] took the plunge instead.
* Waspinator was originally slated to appear in the very first [[Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|''Beast Wars'' video game]], and even had a character model built. However, he was ultimately unused and only appeared in footage taken from the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon.
* Waspinator appears to be the inspiration for [[Buzzer-Bot]] from the ''[[Go-Bots (toyline)|Playskool Go-Bots]]'' line, as well as the obvious [[Wasp]] character from ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]''.
* As a side note, Waspinator's original toy contains a high number of [[Ball joint|ball]] and [[Swivel joint|swivel joints]], which more than easily separate. Makes him a little more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]], after all.
* When Waspinator is hit from behind by a stasis pod ship made by Blackarachnia, a toilet is seen falling from Waspinator's smashed body. Now Waspinator need new waste disposal unit!
* According to Waspinator's profile in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]'', he likes flying and nectar.
[[Image:Waspinatortongue.png|thumb|200px|right|Waspinator's special tongue, there is no other like it!]]
* Waspinator has a yellow [[tongue]] in robot mode.
* While Waspinator ''usually'' refers to other characters by nicknames, he is fairly consistent about calling Megatron and Optimus Primal by their real names. ([[Nemesis Part 1#Quotes|Fairly.]]) He also refers to Inferno by name at least twice, and Tarantulas at least once.
* Waspinator is the only member of the Beast Wars [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] lineup who was there from the beginning and remains alive and unchanged for the entire course of the show.
* Waspinator never once makes a proper landing while in his beast form. However, there are plenty of instances for which he makes ''improper'' landings while in beast form, usually when he's being blasted out of the sky.
* Technically, Waspinator's beast mode is that of a female wasp, given that males do not possess a stinger. He would probably find this objectionable, along with everything else in his life.
* Somebody give this guy a hug.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Waspinator/waspinator.htm Waspinator at TFU.info]
* [http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/nightprowler_vs_waspinator/ Gallery of Nightprowler vs. Waspinator test-shots]

[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Pilots]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Optimus Prime (G1)/toys

2010-03-16T12:45:35Z

109.224.132.23: /* Hybrid Style */

{{suite}}
[[Image:G1 OptimusPrime boxart.jpg|thumb|350px|Awwwwww yeah......]]
Since 1984, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Generation 1 '''Optimus Prime''']] has received the largest number of toys for any single ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' character, a testament to the character's enduring popularity and status as a hero to many fans.

==Generation 1==
{{anchor|G1v1}}
[[Image:G1_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|From the ''Diaclone'' Convoy came Optimus Prime and all his subsequent incarnations.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1984, 1985, 1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), [[Trailer]]/[[Combat Deck]], [[Roller]], 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

: The original Optimus Prime toy started life as the ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy, "Battle Convoy", created by a team of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] designers who came on board when the original designer fell behind. This team included [[Hiroyuki Obara]] (listed as the sole creator on the toy's patent) and famed mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]]. The toy transforms into a late 1970s red Freightliner FL86 Cab-over-Engine triple-axle semi trailer truck formed from two major components: a red and blue cab partially composed of [[die-cast]] metal and a large silver trailer.

:The cab transforms into the robot mode of Optimus Prime himself, with the addition of a pair of removable blue fists that plug into his headlights. The fists themselves do not store anywhere in vehicle mode, but can fit easily in Prime's opening chest compartment (originally designed to accomodate two ''Diaclone'' driver figures). Prime is armed with a black laser rifle that, due to design, he cannot hold straight.

:Prime's trailer opens up into his [[Combat Deck]], containing the scout drone, [[Roller]]. The interior of the Combat Deck features three pegs that can accomdate Prime's laser rifle, fuel pump and nozzle accessories, and seating for two ''Diaclone'' drivers. As its central feature, the Combat Deck features a missile-armed repair drone pod mounted upon a boom lift arm (featuring another cockpit for a ''Diaclone'' driver), which can also be extended through holes in the trailer's roof and front-end when it is closed. Situated in the base of the boom arm is a spring-loaded launcher that can launch Roller out of the Combat Deck and into action. Roller himself has seating for four ''Diaclone'' passengers, and features a port that can accomdiate either Prime's rifle or the fuel pump. The interior space of the trailer allows storage room for one standard Autobot car, which can also be shot forward by the launcher.

[[Image:G1toy_optimus_prime_variants_and_running_changes.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Most people would be happy with just ''one'' Optimus Prime, but noooooo...]]

:Optimus Prime was subject to several molding and color variations in his early days. The earliest release of the figure featured larger fists, a gun with a thick, round barrel, a slightly-differently shaped gas pump, grey rockets, a grey Roller, a grey launcher in his Combat Deck, and metal plates in the floor of the Combat Deck (a holdover from the ''Diaclone'' version of the toy, to which the magnetic feet of the pilots could cling). In short order, his fists were slimmed down, the gun's barrel was pared down to a more slender form, the gas pump's shape was altered, the rockets and launcher were recast in black plastic, the metal plates were removed from the Combat Deck, and Roller's color was changed to a light blue. Along with Roller's color change, however, the Combat Deck's drone pod also became light blue, and a third running change soon followed that saw it restored to its original darker blue, and Roller changed along with it. These modified components would would become the default accessories used by subsequent reissues of the Prime toy would take, though Roller stills fluctuates back and forth between grey and dark blue, depending on how [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] each reissue wants to be.

:The Japanese release of the figure also underwent the changes in weapon shapes, but never featured a silver Roller; instead, their original release of Prime featured a ''Diaclone''-style Roller without the two rear pegs, and the differently-shaped launcher that accomodated him, before a running change switched over to the Hasbro version of the mold. Finally, in some European countries, Prime sported red feet, as opposed to his traditional blue.

:Having been removed from toy store shelves after 1985, Optimus Prime was made available as a mail-away toy in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" offer in the US in 1986 to coincide with the [[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers movie]] premiering that year. He cost $21.50 and 5 [[Robot Point]]s, and came with a special "Movie Edition Certificate" and a round sticker that read " Movie . Edition . Transformer" with the Autobot symbol in the middle. (This item is considered ''rare''.)

:Over twenty-plus years, there have been a ''bajillion'' releases of this mold, some identical to the original toy, and some featuring significant variants with notably different paint jobs, color schemes, accessories and other pack-ins. We have striven to list all these variants on this page under their respective series; for a quick-reference list of all variants and releases [[#Notes|check here]]. The cab robot has also been used sparingly to represent different characters; outfitted with different trailers, it has become Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Pepsi Convoy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Generation 1 Optimus Prime at TFU.info]
{{-}}{{anchor|PepsiPrime}}
[[Image:1985_pepsi_prime_trailers.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Pespibots, roll out!]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Limited edition promotional variant, 1985)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:A limited edition of the Optimus Prime toy sold as a mail-away exclusive by [[PepsiCo]] was made available in North America in 1985. This version of the figure came with a small fold-out leaflet glued to the top-right of the packaging, which contained two Pepsi logo stickers for the buyer to attach to Prime, mid-way through the traditional silver-and-blue stripe on his trailer. [[Canada]] also got a version of this promotional figure, but with much larger stickers that were the full length and height of the trailer. This promotion would go on to serve as the inspiration for the Japanese character of [[Pepsi Convoy]], who would in turn be released by Hasbro as a new "[[#Classics|Pepsi Optimus Prime]]" in 2007.
{{-}}{{anchor|VSX}}
[[Image:Convoy_megatron_vsx.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy vs. Megatron''' (Versus set, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VSX'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

: This Japanese-[[exclusive]] release of Optimus Prime came with the Japanese release of [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]. There are no differences between this release of Convoy and the individually released toy.

{{-}}{{anchor|goodbye}}
[[Image:Goodbye_convoy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|He's not leaving! He's right behind you!]]
* '''Good Bye Convoy''' (Multipack, 1986)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
: Commemorating the death of Optimus Prime in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', this set contains a special version of the original Optimus Prime figure with show-inspired translucent blue windows. It was packaged with [[Mirage (G1)|Ligier]] and [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]], in an apparent homage to the similar ''Diaclone'' "Powered Convoy DX" giftset that packaged the "Powered Convoy" version of the Optimus mold with figures using the molds of Ligier and Alert.

{{-}}{{anchor|PMOP}}
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Powermaster, 1988)
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head
[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|My Japanese release has a lot more bling.]]
:Powermaster Optimus Prime was the first new toy of the Autobot leader since the original toy's release in 1984. He is an all-new design, utilizing the [[Powermaster]] gimmick of requiring the partner figure, who transforms into an engine module, to be inserted into a special area on the main toy before it is able to transform.

:Like the original figure, Powermaster Prime is composed of two major components: his truck cab, which transforms into Prime himself, and his trailer, which is essentially a heavily-armed version of the original. The trailer has a fold-down ramp to allow the storage of a smaller Transformer, or perhaps spare accessories. The trailer transforms into a battle station armed with two long black rifles and two grey double-barreled cannons (featuring seating for Powermaster engine figures), all of which Optimus Prime can also wield in his fists.

:Aside from the Powermaster feature itself, the main [[gimmick]] of the toy is the ability of the truck cab to combine with the trailer to form the larger "Super Optimus Prime" figure. This is essentially accomplished by standing the trailer up, folding the cab in half and inserting it into the empty cavity in the trailer's torso, forming an imposing—if almost entirely unposeable—robot form armed with all four weapons. The head of this super robot form is a separate piece which can be stored in the rear of Prime's trailer when not in use.

:The Japanese release of Powermaster Optimus Prime actually represented a new character named [[Ginrai]], and featured several retools: the cab featured die-cast metal, shortened smokestacks, vacuum-metalized plastic and clear blue windows, while the trailer was given retractable super robot fists. This Japanese version was eventually issued by Hasbro in 2003 as part of the [[Commemorative Series]] collection ([[#Commemorative Series|see below]]).

:This toy was later redecoed into the Japanese-exclusive Nucleon Quest Super Convoy.

:There were several different prototypes made for this toy. [[#Trivia|See a list here]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optmiusprime.htm More information on Powermaster Optimus Prime on TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AM}}
[[Image:ActionMasterPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Eastbound and Down.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' 2 Laser Guns, Galactic Pulverizer Gun Barrels, 4 Blaster Cannons, 2 Energon Exhaust Stack, Photon Bazooka

: The largest ''[[Action Master]]'' set, this incarnation of Optimus Prime is a non-transforming action figure which comes with the "[[Armored Convoy]]", a large, heavily armed tractor trailer. The cab of the truck transforms into a small jet that can seat one Action Master figure, while the trailer itself converts into a larger battle station with turrets that several Action Masters can man. The sculpt of the Prime figure itself is closely based on his [[character model]], albeit with a coloration that seems to have been based at least partially on the small robot form of his Powermaster body.

:The Action Master Optimus Prime figure was later redecoed with a more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] color scheme and included in the Japanese-exclusive "New Year" reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in 2002.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Action Master Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}[[Image:Euro_classics_optimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Original Optimus Prime''' (Original Autobot Leader, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:This straight reissue of the original Optimus Prime figure was released in Hasbro's European markets in the early 1990s, at the same time as many other Generation 1 figure were being re-released as "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]". Oddly, although he shares their golden packaging, Prime is not actually ''identified'' as a "Classics" figure anywhere on his box, but is generally considered to be part of the sub-line for simplicity's sake.
{{-}}
*'''Convoy''' (reissue, 2000)[[Image:2000 japanese prime reissue.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:The first in what would be a deluge of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure in the 21st century, this Japanese release sported a golden sticker on his packaging announcing the celebration of the Transformers' 15th anniversary in the country. It featured slightly modified fists to help hold the gun better.

:Simultaneously, this figure was available as a black convention-exclusive redeco, and a golden-chromed "[[Lucky Draw figure]]" (see below).
{{-}}{{anchor|JAFCON}}
[[Image:Jafcon_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy Black Version''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (black), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this [[black repaint|black redeco]] of the original Prime was available exclusively at the Japanese convention JAFCON. ''Everything'' about it is black, including all of the Combat Deck and Roller.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Cybertron/JAFConvoy/jafconvoy.htm More information on JAFCON Black Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LuckyDrawPrime}}
[[Image:G1toy_convoy_gold_version.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy Gold Version''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (gold), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this "[[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]]" redeco of the original Prime replaced all of the figure's silver chromed parts and stickers with golden ones, and even included a blinged-out Roller. The figure is extremely rare; apparently only 25 are known to exist.
{{-}}{{anchor|NucleonQuest}}
[[Image:Nucleon_quest_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Nucleon Quest Super Convoy''' (2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-307X'''
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head

:This redeco of the Ginrai tooling of the Powermaster Optimus Prime figure (released concurrently with the 2001 reissue of the Ginrai figure) was a Toys ''R'' Us Japan [[exclusive]] black repaint, made to represent the original Optimus Prime equipped for a special mission. All of his red and blue plastics were changed to black, his clear blue windows were now tinted red, making his overall colour scheme very reminiscent of the now-familiar 'Black Convoy' color schemes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/NucleonQuestConvoy/nqconvoy.htm More information on Nucleon Quest Super Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|NewYearConvoy}}
*'''New Year Special Convoy''' (2002)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''[[Image:New_year_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
**''Accessories:'' 2 Laser Blasters, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, Action Master Optimus Prime figure, [[Matrix of Leadership]], chain, Autobot sticker sheet, mouse pad

:This Japanese-exclusive reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure featured tinted blue windows, like those sported by the "Goodbye Convoy" edition of the toy, as well as show-accurate blue eyes. Prime came with all his original accessories, including ''both'' versions of his rifle, as well as a new die-cast metal Matrix of Leadership accessory, which could be looped around his neck on a removable chain. Additionally, the set included a show-accurate redeco of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure, a sheet of Autobot [[insignia]] stickers of varying sizes, and a mouse pad decorated with the Autobot symbol.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/NewYearsConvoy/nyconvoy.htm More information on New Year Special Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|OrionPax}}
[[Image:OrionPaxDion_toys.jpg|thumb|300px|"Welcome to The Past!"]]
* '''Orion Pax''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''67'''
**''accessories:'' Barrelroller partner, laser rifle

: This Japanese [[e-Hobby]] exclusive was a redeco of [[Targetmaster]] [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], released in conjunction with the 2006 reissue of Kup and designed to represent the character [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Orion Pax]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 television series]] episode "[[War Dawn]]". Orion transforms into a Cybertronic pickup truck and came with both a gun and [[Roller|Barrelroller]], a redeco of [[Recoil]]. He has full shoulder rotation, though the way his elbows are set up means he cannot make full use of their joints. His legs feature no articulation whatsoever.

: Just as the reissued Kup came with a reissue of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], this set also included a redeco of Wheelie as Orion's best friend, [[Dion]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/OrionPax/orionpax.htm More information on Orion Pax at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Transform Jr==
{{anchor|1985Jnr}}
[[Image:Convoy_Junior_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Prime's kid brother.]]
* '''Convoy''' (1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 fists (left and right), head, Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer

: As one of the first ''Transform Jr'' toys, this version of Optimus Prime was released under the early name for the series, ''Tranform Gōkin''. As a smaller, simplified version of the original Generation 1 Prime figure intended as a low-cost alternative for younger children, Prime features a similar transformation, with a removable head in addition to fists, but lacks rubber tires and translucent windows. As with most other ''Transform Jr'' figures, he lacked any of his major accessories, coming only with his rifle and a cardboard replacement for his trailer that the buyer assembled themselves.

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroSet}}
[[Image:Transformjr_hero_set.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''3 Hero Set''' (multipack, 1987)
**''Accessories:'' 2 fists (left and right), head, Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer

:The ''Transform Jr'' version of Prime was re-released a few years later in a "Hero Set" alongside the ''Jr'' versions of [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]].
{{-}}

==Return of Convoy==
{{anchor|StarConvoy}}

[[Image:StarConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"... and that's why you're my Micromaster now, [[Hot Rod (G1)|bitch]]"]]
* '''Star Convoy''' (Powered Master, 1991, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-372'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, [[Micro Trailer]], Microcarrier, small cannon, cannon turret stand, radar, connector, 2 ramps

: As the final new-design Optimus Prime toy from the original Generation 1 era, the Japanese-exclusive Star Convoy was a significant departure from previous versions. This incarnation of Prime transforms into an extended-hood cab truck of made-up model pulling an implausibly large trailer, incorporating the motorized "Microcarrier," an updated version of Roller. Powered by four AA batteries, the Microcarrier drives Star Convoy either forward or backward, spinning a radar dish mounted on the rear of his trailer as he rolls along. Prime's teammate in the [[Battlestars]], [[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]], can link up to the rear of Star Convoy's vehicle mode and be pulled along behind him; [[Sky Garry (ROC)|Sky Garry]] can then land atop Grandus, forming a giant vehicle.

:Unlike previous Prime toys, the cab section does not separate from the trailer for transformation, instead forming the arms of his imposing 12-inch tall robot mode. He lacks any sort of leg articulation in this mode, but the Microcarrier comes into play again, allowing Prime to roll either forward or backward into action.

:Additionally, Star Convoy transforms into a large battle station that interacts with the [[Micromaster]]s that made up the vast majority of the ''Transformer'' toyline at the time. His chest contains a peg that allows Micromaster figures to stand inside it in either robot or base modes, and he comes with a unique Micromaster version of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] not available on its own. He features storage space in his legs for two spring-loaded figure-launching [[Micro Trailer]]s, and comes with one of his own, decorated in a unique black and orange color scheme. In this mode, two ramps are connected to the Microcarrier; when the carrier's treads are set rolling, they do not move the base, but instead act as conveyor belts that carry Micromaster figures down the ramps. The Microcarrier also spins a gun turrent mounted between the conveyors, on which Micromaster figures can stand. Finally, a special connector packaged with Star Convoy allows the Microcarrier to be connected up to Grandus's base mode, powering his moving elevator.

:Star Convoy was reissued by Takara in 2005, with some notable alterations to his deco: his white plastic became silver, and the yellow star on his chest was replaced with golden chrome.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Cybertron/StarConvoy/starconvoy.htm More information on Star Convoy at TFU.info]''

==Generation 2==
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1993, 1994)[[Image:G2Prime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.]]
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (light blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, sound and lights module

:The first ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy was largely identical in sculpt to the original Generation 1 figure release. While his cab robot retained his original red and blue color scheme, his trailer was recast in black, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one displaying Optimus's name. The traditionally dark blue internal components of the trailer are a lighter blue, as is Roller, and a running change later made to the toy saw the dark blue of the cab robot changed to match this lighter shade. A bright yellow "Optimus" [[tampograph]] was also added to the back of his right leg.

:''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime comes with all his original accessories, as well as two major new play features. To increase his arsenal, he is armed with a pair of black missile launchers that fit in his fists and fire red spring-loaded missiles; these launchers were retooled from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' figure [http://www.yojoe.com/action/92/barricade.shtml Barricade]. Secondly, he comes with an electronic "sound and lights module" that can either plug into the front of the trailer, or hook onto Optimus's back in robot mode (via a new slot sculpted into the cab robot). The soundbox features a large, [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] Autobot symbol on its front, and three grey buttons which trigger two flashing red LEDs on either side of the module, and [[:Image:G2OptimusNoises.ogg|a trio of sound effects]]: a truck engine noise, a laser gun sound effect and a garbled voice that said "I am Optimus Prime!". The module also features ports on either side into which the missile launchers can peg.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Generation 2 Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|HeroOptimusPrime}}
[[Image:CombatheroPrime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|BE A HEEEERO]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Hero, 1994)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun, 2 rockets

:"Hero" Optimus Prime was the first new-mold Optimus Prime toy created for the ''Generation 2'' line. He transforms into a Kenworth truck of unknown model which defies Optimus convention by being one continuous unit, rather than the traditional cab-and-trailer combo. In addition to a small gun, he is armed with a large missile launcher, which can fire a rubber-tipped rocket by means of a bellows which you slam your fist down on to produce a puff of air. The launcher is accessible in both modes, ending up mounted on his right forearm in robot mode; the bellows is attached via a rubber hose and cannot be disconnected, but stores on the figures's back when not in use, as do the rockets. A similar air-launching system with identical missiles was used by the simultaneously-released [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Hero Megatron]], and by Laser Optimus Prime the following year (see below).

: This mold was also used to create [[Sureshot (G2)|Sureshot]] and the [[KB Toys]]-exclusive [[Destructicon]] [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Hero Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|LaserOptimusPrime}}
* '''Laser Optimus Prime''' (1995, 2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-13'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser cannon", "saber weapon", missile launcher, 10 missiles, 5 discs, 2 rockets
[[Image:G2toy laser optimus prime.jpg|right|thumb|400px]]

: Laser Optimus Prime transforms into a mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX, pulling a grey and black fuel tank trailer. The sides of the trailer are decorated with an unintentionally humourous sticker depicting Prime using a flamethrower to burn down a forest, with the words "Optimus Prime Octane" over the image. Not an especially Primey thing to do! The truck is armed with a disc launcher on the roof of its trailer, which launches five blue discs bearing the ''Generation 2'' Autobot insignia as a knob is turned. Like the other "[[Laser Rod|Laser]]" toys released this year, Prime features electronics powered by two button-cell batteries; in truck mode, pressing the button on the cab's roof causes his headlight to light up with yellow LEDs.

:In the grand Optimus tradition, the cab of Laser Optimus Prime disconnects to become the highly poseable robot mode of Prime himself. Like Powermaster Prime and Hero Prime, the toy features the iconic windshield pecs and grill abs, despite not actually being formed from the actual truck components they emulate. In robot mode, pressing the button on Prime's cab (now on his back) activates a red LED in his right fist which illuminates his clear-plastic sword (which stores beneath his legs in truck mode).

:Prime's trailer unfolds via a spring-loaded transformation mechanism in a battle station that is positively ''bristling'' with varied weaponry. In addition to the disc launcher, it is armed with a "ripple-fire" missile launcher that fires five missiles, an air-powered rocket launcher like the one previously seen on Hero Optimus Prime, and a small laser cannon that mounts on the base's main tower. Both the missile launcher and laser cannon can disconnect and be held by Prime; his LED-fist will illuminate the laser cannon like it does his sword. Additional missiles and a second rocket are stored in grooves inside the sides of the trailer.

:This mold was redecoed by Takara in 2000 as ''[[Car Robots]]'' [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]]. The following year, it was released by Hasbro as Black Convoy's ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' counterpart, Scourge, with retooled discs that lacked the Autobot insignia. Following this, the next use of the mold was planned to be [[Toxitron]], which ended up being canceled. Laser Prime was then reissued by Takara in 2006, using the modified tooling from ''Robots in Disguise'' with insignia-less discs, as well as a [[:Image:LaserOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|slightly modified deco]] that replaced the flat grey plastic on the chest and trailer sides with vacuum-metalized silver, replaced the chest sickers with new ones featuring the Matrix, and added Autobot insignia tamographs to his doors and trailer. Concurrent with this reissue, the toy was also redecoed into a [[e-Hobby]]-exclusive "[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Laser Ultra Magnus]]". The following year, the reissued Laser Prime toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] within the ''[[Beast Wars Reborn]]'' text story as a temporary form for [[Optimus Primal]].

:In addition to being the most popular Generation 2 figure, Laser Optimus Prime was, prior to 2003, a regular contender for most popular Transformers toy ''ever'', back in the days of the annual Transformers fan awards, "The Trannies." The toy won twice, and actually lost once to his repaint, Scourge.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Laser Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:G2toy_gobot_prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Sweet ride, Prime]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] Optimus Prime transforms into a red Hot Wheels-sized Lamborghini Diablo. Like most Go-Bots, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. He is armed with a small red laser rifle.

:The Japanese release of this toy swapped out the orange plastic for neon yellow, and had a large tampograph on the car's hood that was shaped like a stylized letter 'T', with the Transformers logo in it. Going against the grain, this toy was released in Japan with the name "Optimus Prime" instead of "Convoy".

:This mold was redecoed from the ''Generation 2'' Gobot [[Firecracker]]. The plastic colors are a "solid" version of Firecracker's color layout, substituting opaque red for transparent red plastic. It was redecoed again for the third wave of Go-Bots to become [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (who Prime ''really'' looks a lot like), and would later be used to created ''Robots in Disguise'' [[R.E.V.]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/OptimusPrimeGobot/optimusprime.htm More information on Go-Bot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:CombatHeroPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Combat Hero, 1995)
** ''Accessories:'' Gun, 2 rockets

: Combat Hero Optimus Prime was to be a redeco of Hero Optimus Prime in dark blue and red. A packaged sample of this toy was produced, but it was ultimately never released.

:A finished sample of Combat Hero Optimus Prime was among the rare toys auctioned off for charity at [[BotCon 1996]], along with several other unreleased ''Generation 2'' items.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
* '''General Optimus Prime''' (Auto Roller, 1995)
** ''Accessories:'' Four missiles
[[Image:Un autorollers.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]

: "General" Optimus Prime would have been a redeco of the Decepticon [[Auto Roller]] [[Dirtbag]] in green, ironically bearing a closer resemblance to [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s color scheme than the also-unreleased "Sgt. Hound" Auto Roller. General Optimus Prime would have transformed into a dump truck, and would've had an [[autotransformation]] gimmick.

: This mold was also used to make [[Autostinger]].

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
* '''Optimus Primal vs Megatron!''' (Basic versus two-pack, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-6'''[[Image:BWtoy-Primalbat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm Batman, and I can breathe in space.]]
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:The first ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Optimus Primal]] is a Basic size class blue bat which could autotransform into a robot by pulling the tail. Two swords were removable from under its wings for use as weaponry in robot mode. It was packaged along with an alligator version of Megatron and a ''Beast Wars'' mini-comic.

:This figure was released during the short-lived period when Hasbro was treating the Beast Wars as an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was presented as being the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of [[micro-continuity]] when the ''Beast Wars'' animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.

:This mold was also used to make the [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Prime-recolored Convobat]] (who may or may not be a separate character to either Prime or Primal), and [[Onyx Primal]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimalBat/optimusprimal.htm More information on Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

[[Image:Optimusprimaltoyultraape.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Well, that's just Prime.]]
* '''Optimus Primal''' (Ultra, 1996/1997/1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
: The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. This gimmick was shown to be an effort to simulate a gorilla beating its chest while Optimus was in beast mode, but could also be used in robot mode, making him swing his weapons wildly before himself. And finally, like many first-year ''Beast Wars'' toys, a battle mask/"[[mutant head]]" could be deployed over his robot head.

:Takara released the toy as part of their ''Beast Wars'' line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. The missiles for the Takara version are thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the mold.

:Just like Optimus Primal's basic bat toy, this figure was released during the short-lived period when the Beast Wars was still considered to be an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of [[micro-continuity]] when the ''Beast Wars'' animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Optimus Primal and [[Beast Wars Telemocha]] DX Convoy, and [[retool]]ed into ''Beast Wars Reborn''/''Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary'' versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from ''Tele-V Magazine'', only ten awarded), red and gray (''Tele-V'' again, but only ''one'' awarded), and blue-fur (a ''Comics Bom Bom'' design-contest prize, only five awarded).

[[Image:BW-toy OptimusPrimalCDROM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Freedom is the right of all superstitious, cowardly lots. Wait, no, that's not right...]]
*'''Convobat vs Megaligator''' (multipack)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''S-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
: Available only in a special CD-ROM two-pack with a [[Megatron (BW)/toys|purple redeco of "Megalligator"]], this version of Optimus Primal (maybe) retains its previous gimmickry. his back features a silver Maximal [[faction symbol]] plus "C-ROM", as in "Cybertron", get it? Huh? And Megatron has the "D-ROM"? See what they did there?

: Just what character this toy represents is up for debate. The toy's [[bio]] claims he used to turn into a tractor-trailer (indicating [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]), but considering the timeframe of when they were written and the whole lack of a stance on who Primal "was" before the show and bla bla bla... it's just easier to file this under the same iffiness as the original toy bios set on modern [[Earth]] and leave it at that.

: This mold was also used to make [[Onyx Primal]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Cybertron/ConvoyBat/convoybat.htm More information on CD-ROM Convobat at TFU.info]''

==Machine Wars==
[[Image:MachineWarsPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Minus mouthplate]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Ultra, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, 2 missiles

: Available only at [[KB Toys]], ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Optimus Prime is a redeco and slight retool of the European Generation 1 exclusive [[Turbomaster]] leader [[Thunder Clash]], transforming into a Cybertronic truck cab. It's easy to see why Thunder Clash was chosen to become the new Optimus Prime, given his adherence to Prime tradition: the cab disconnects to become the robot, while the trailer unfolds to become an assault tower with twin missile launchers. On the original Thunder Clash version of the mold, the launchers operated on a gravity-feed system that saw a new missiles drop into the launcher from above each time one was fired, allowing for twelve to be fired in rapid succession, but for ''Machine Wars'' Prime, this featured had to be dialled back [[for safety reasons]]. The missiles had to be lengthened to prevent choking hazards, and so toy's launchers were modified to accommodate them, becoming straightforward spring-loaded single-firing weapons.

: This version of the mold was planned to be [[redeco]]ed into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] for the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, but the release was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Machine Wars Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Choro-Q Robo==
[[Image:ChoroQOptimus.jpg|thumb|300px]]

* '''Convoy TV Version''' (2001)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''Q/01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:''[[Choro-Q|Choro-Q Robo]]'' Convoy is a small, cutesified transforming figure of Optimus Prime that changes from trailer-pulling truck directly to robot mode. The toy features a working pull-back motor, and is decorated in a color scheme based on Prime's appearance in the original Generation 1 cartoon, with blue eyes and windows and a grey stripe on the trailer.

* '''Convoy Metallic Version''' (2001)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''Q/02'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:This version of ''Choro-Q Robo'' Convoy is a redeco of the first, featuring glittering metallic plastic, and a deco based upon the original toy, with yellow eyes, black windows and a silver-and-blue stripe on the trailer.
{{-}}
==Commemorative Series==
[[Image:Commemorative_series_optimus_prime_modifications.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The snip that launched a thousand snits.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:The first reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in North America since the Generation 1 toyline reached its end, this "Commemorative Series" edition of the figure was a Toys R Us exclusive. It was ''mostly'' identical to the original figure, save for some necessary modifications made [[for safety reasons]]: In the first instance of what would become a recognizable alteration to the mold, the toy's smokestacks were shortened, while the Combat Deck's firing missiles were elongated to prevent potential choking, as was the case with all other Commemorative Series figures' firing missiles.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Commemorative Series Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ApexArmorPrime}}
[[Image:GodGinrai_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime with Apex Armor''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head, missile launcher, 2 missiles, [[Apex Bomber]] chest/trailer top, 2 legs (left & right), 2 arms (left and right), Armor chest/trailer front, 2 wings (left & right)

:Marketed as a reissue of Powermaster Optimus Prime, this Toys R Us-exclusive Commemorative Series figure is in truth based on the Ginrai tooling on the toy that had previously been exclusive to Japan. It features a die-cast metal cab with translucent blue windows, and shortened, chrome smokestacks, and comes packaged with the drone [[Apex Bomber]] (formerly Ginrai's partner [[Godbomber]]), who splits into several components and combines with Prime to form "Apex Armor". As with all other Commemorative Series figures, Prime's new spring-loaded missile launcher featured an elongated missile.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/ApexPrime/apexprime.htm More information on Powermaster Prime with Apex Armor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Transformers Collection==
[[Image:Tf_collection_0_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''0'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, [[energon-axe]]

:As yet another in an increasingly large number of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this entry in the Japanese-exclusive ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues added a few extra goodies to spice things up. Chiefly, the figure was armed with a new [[energon-axe]], based on the weapon used by Prime in the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]", which plugs into either of the headlight-holes that normally accommodate Prime's fists. Additionally, Prime came packaged with a ring binder folder designed to hold the pull-out character file sheets that were included with all the other ''Transformers Collection'' reissues. Notably, this figure reinstated the original, thick version of Prime's rifle as the standard for all future Japanese reissues.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Transformers Collection Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Tfcollection_prime_fist.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Starscream''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''9'''

:This redeco of the original Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] [[Starscream (G1)/toys|toy]] came packaged with a remolded right fist for Optimus Prime. This fist featured additional pegs that allowed it to hold the pistol-mode [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] accessory which was also included with Starscream.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/AnimeStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Transformers Collection Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Smallest Transforming Transformers==
[[Image:WSTF_Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You didn't find my trailer, did you? Haw haw.]]
* '''Convoy''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF 01A'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:Standing only two-and-a-quarter inches tall, ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Optimus Prime is the smallest fully transforming G1 Optimus toy. He features an accurate transformation sequence based on the original full-sized toy, and he even comes with a tiny version of his laser rifle, but understandably has no detachable hands, and has little articulation. His trailer and Roller were also available as a separate set in the same wave, as a rare [[shortpacking|shortpacked]] figure with the ID number "GTF-01B".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/SmallestPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Wstf_anime_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy (Anime Version)''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF 06'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:''Smallest Transforming'' Prime was redecoed the following year for the second wave of the line, into a color scheme based on his Generation 1 cartoon appearance featuring brighter reds and blues, white thighs, yellow details on his bumper, and blue eyes and windows. This version of the figure was made available for a second time in the next wave ("Wave 2.5"), with a new anime-decorated version of the Combat Deck now available as a rare "chase" figure.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestAnimePrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Convoy (Anime Version) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Wstf_white_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy (White)''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF X-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:Another version of Prime was also available in the second wave of the ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' series as a chase figure. This almost entirely white version of the figure is clearly based on the version of the original Prime cab robot used in the Generation 1 Ultra Magnus figure, but was nonetheless sold as Optimus Prime for the ''Smallest'' line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestConvoyWhiteMode/convoy.htm More information on Convoy (White) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Wstf vsx.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy vs Megatron''' (multipack, 2004)
** ''Japanese ID Number:'' '''VSX'''
** ''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:Available exclusively through [[Dengeki Hobby]] magazine, this ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' two-pack contains both Optimus Prime and Megatron, in homage to the original 1984 "VSX" giftset containing the original versions of the two leaders.
{{-}}

==20th Anniversary/Masterpiece==
[[Image:20thAnniversary_OptimusPrimesm.jpg|right|thumb|400px|And the fandom rejoiced.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer (Japanese release only)

: As the name suggests, this impressive incarnation of Optimus Prime was produced in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ''Transformers'' brand. So successful was the figure that ''ToyFare'' magazine ultimately ranked it #1 in their quest for "Best Toy Ever".<ref>[http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/toyfare/000054376.cfm ToyFare Magazine Best Toys Ever]</ref>

:Created with the specific purpose of producing an Optimus Prime as accurate to the original animated series as possible, the toy is exceptionally poseable, partially constructed from die-cast metal, features rubber tires and vacuum-metalized plastic and is heavily detailed, with sliding pistons in its joints and working spring-loaded suspension in vehicle mode. The figure also contains multiple non-intrusive gimmicks, such as a moving [[mouthplate]] to emulate Prime's traditional method of speech, flip-up communications panels on the forearms depicting images of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and an opening, light-up Matrix chamber in the chest, which contains a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.

:Optimus Prime comes with many accessories in addition to the aforementioned Matrix, including his traditional laser rifle, now termed (and henceforth known as) an [[ion blaster]]. The initial release of the figure cast the ion blaster in grey plastic, but later assortments recast it in its more familiar black coloration. Other accessories include a transparent orange energon-axe that plugs into either wrist when Prime's fist is retracted, and even a non-transforming gun-mode Megatron weapon, with removable stock, silencer and scope accessories, in homage to [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|several]] [[The Insecticon Syndrome|instances]] in the Generation 1 cartoon when Prime was forced to wield his enemy. Pack-in bonuses that came with the figure included an inner cardboard tray illustrated to resemble the interior of Prime's Combat Deck, and in later releases, a small poster drawn by [[Pat Lee]].

:Takara released the figure in their markets soon after, as the first of what would come to be several installments in their "[[Masterpiece]]" line. In addition to coming with a cardboard trailer that the buyer could assemble to "complete" Prime's truck mode, Takara's release differed from Hasbro's by featuring longer smokestacks (kept short on the Hasbro version [[for safety reasons]], but incorrectly shown to be long in the stock photography shown at right), and lacking the black scorch-marked "battle damage" paint applications Hasbro included on the figure's shoulders, wrists and abdomen.

:This mold was redecoed by Takara into a golden Lucky Draw figure and later released in its original coloration with a trailer as a "Perfect Edition" (see below for both), while Hasbro would later redeco it into their ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-branded "[[#Classics|DVD Edition]]". The mold was also used to make ''Masterpiece'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] and "[[Eldedroid|Masterpiece Convoy Black Version]]", representing one of many drones built in Prime's image, rather than Prime himself.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/20thPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Gold masterpiece prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|We salute the brave soul who transformed this thing in order to photograph it.]]
* '''Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer

:Offered as part of a Lucky Draw campaign in August 2004, this extremely rare version of Masterpiece Convoy is almost entirely vacuum-metalized gold, lacking any other painted detail or stickers. The parts which are not viable are molded in a flat golden plastic; the only exceptions are his rubber tires, the core of his Matrix and his energon-axe, which remain black, blue and orange, respectively. Whether or not the figure was intended to evoke Prime's [[:Image:Goldenlagoon_prime_perceptor.jpg|entirely-golden appearance]] in the cartoon episode "[[The Golden Lagoon]]", when he was coated with [[electrum]], is unknown; given that entirely chroming a figure gold is a fairly standard deco for Lucky Draw figures, it may just be happy coincidence more than anything else.

:The figure comes packaged in the standard Masterpiece Convoy box, with the only telltale sign of its fabled contents being the replacement of the traditionally silver foil lettering on the box with gold. It's not clear how many were made, but it is thought to be no more than 10 or 20.

::*''[http://www.goldoptimusprime.com/ More information on gold Masterpiece Convoy at GoldOptimusPrime.com]''
{{-}}[[Image:MP04Convoy2.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.]]
* '''Convoy Perfect Edition''' (2006, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe

: For this re-release of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy, Takara submitted to the biggest desire fans had for the figure and produced a full-size, fully transforming plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer opens up into Prime's Combat Deck, with storage for his accessories and a functional repair drone, though Roller is conspicuous by his absence. Like the original Combat Deck, the drone can extend through holes in the roof and front of the closer trailer, and the interior has enough room to accommodate one ''[[Alternators]]'' figure in vehicle mode. Some reports suggest that the paint on this figure's chest chips more easily than past editions.

: Continuating the trend begun by their previous release of ''Masterpiece'' Ultra Magnus in 2005, Hasbro [[Australia]] released Convoy Perfect Edition as a Target Australia [[exclusive]] in 2008. Takara themselves then made the figure available for a second time in October 2009.

{{-}}
==Robot Masters==
[[Image:RMConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|My vehicle mode is dangerous and unroadworthy!]]
* '''G1 Convoy''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

: ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' "G1 Convoy" (as he is amusingly referred to even in fiction) visibly takes its cue from ''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime, featuring a similar sculpt, but sharing few to none of the larger toy's other attributes, least of all anything that could be described as a successful transformation.

:G1 Convoy comes with two sets of fists, each pair featuring differently-shaped fist holes: one pair with square holes to hold the figure's "Convoy Gun" (as his ion blaster is called), and the other with round holes to hold the spring-loaded translucent blue missile launcher (a generic accessory also available with ''Robot Masters'' [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Beast Megatron]] and [[Optimus Primal/toys|Beast Convoy]]). The fists are swapped out by simply popping them out of the wrist-hinge that holds them in place; the figure also includes an energon-axe that can be inserted into the wrist instead of a fist.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Convoy/convoy.htm More information on G1 Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:RM_DVDConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm shiny!]]
* '''G1 Convoy + DVD''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-10'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

: This special edition release of G1 Convoy is decked out in metallic paint, with an extra Autobot insignia tampographed onto his right shoulder, and a black Convoy Gun. The figure comes packed with a DVD containing the first episode of the ''Robot Masters'' cartoon, "[[Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!]]".
{{-}}[[Image:Rmblackconvoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm blacky!]]
* '''G1 Convoy Limited Black Version''' (2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right), Calamity Defenser

: Available only via mail-order through ''Dengeki Hobby'' magazine, the "Limited Black Version" of G1 Convoy is just that: a straight [[black repaint]] of the G1 Convoy toy. He comes with all his original accessories, appropriately redecoed (including a silver version of his axe), as well as a gold-chromed version of the "Calamity Defenser" [[Solitarium]] weapon that came with [[Psycho-Orb]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/HHG1Convoy/convoy.htm More information on G1 Convoy Limited Black Version at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Crayola_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The third one is totally ''Shattered Glass'' Prime!]]
* '''G1 Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

:When ''Robot Masters'' G1 Convoy was turned into a Lucky Draw figure, the color scheme into which he was redecoed was chosen through a children's coloring contest held in the pages of the December 2004 issue of ''[[TV Magazine]]''. The winning entry was a... ''startling'' mixture of blue, orange and two shades of green, earning the toy the [[fandom|fan]]-appointed nickname of "Crayola Convoy". As with all Lucky Draws, it is extremely rare, with only ten units produced.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/transformers+robot+masters+-+lucky+draw+custom+colour+g1+convoy/1594/transformers+robot+masters+-+lucky+draw+custom+colour+g1+convoy.html More information on "Crayola Convoy" at LuckyDrawTransformers.com]''
{{-}}

==Universe (2003)==
[[Image:SpychangerG1Prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Why won't they repaint my full-size toy in these colours?!?]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Spy Changer, 2004)

: ''Universe'' Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] of the ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]'s [[Spy Changer]] toy. He replaces most of the black plastic with predominantly red and blue, with silver for detailing, with an overall deco making him resemble the original Optimus Prime. Like most Spychangers, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly.

: Originally a KB Toys exclusive, the first release of this toy (and the others in the assortment) did not have any sub-line designation at all, but later releases for other chains, most notably "budget" chains like Family Dollar, marked them as ''Universe'' product.

:This mold would later be redecoed into a Spy Changer version of the live-action movie [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/SpyPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Universe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Hybrid Style==
*'''Convoy''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''T.H.S.-02'''[[Image:THS02Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Expensive and tiny.]]
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand

: ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime is an ''insanely'' detailed and complex transforming toy, created under the supervision of famed mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]]. Standing only three and three-quarter inches tall in robot mode, the figure is partially constructed from die-cast metal and features one of the most complex transformation sequences ever seen on a ''Transformers'' figure of its size. Alas, the small size of the figure also works against it, as it required several design concessions that resulted in (if we're being nice about it) an unimpressive cab mode.

:Prime is loaded with a ridiculous number of features and accessories. The robot itself is highly poseable, and both the smokestacks on Prime's shoulders and the fuel tanks on his legs can be rotated forward to act as guns, even featuring sculpted detail to this effect. As ever, he comes with a trailer that opens up into his crazy-detailed Combat Deck, featuring more action features than ever before. In trailer mode alone, it features a flip-down support stand so it can stand alone, a spring-loaded pop-out ramp instead of a fold-down one, and when the trailer is split for transformation, the traditional support legs underneath automatically swing out into place. The trailer houses most of Prime's accessories, including his ion blaster (with a moveable ammo clip to allow for multiple poses) and energon-axe, as well as his classic gas pump accessory, now with a poseable wire instead of a rubber hose. Two fold-out compartments provide storage space for six of Prime's interchangeable fists, while the other two remain attached the robot: two clenched, two open, a pointing right fist, a tilted left fist (for holding the ion blaster's ammo clip), and two fists with slots to grip the miniscule Matrix of Leadership that fits in a tiny chamber in Prime's chest. The Combat Deck's artillery robot features two flip-out handles that Prime can grip as if aiming the drone's guns, and Roller is also included, with three different ports to hold Prime's gun and gas pump. Lastly, Prime comes with a rocket pack like those used by the Autobots in such Generation 1 cartoon episodes as "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Dinobot Island]]", and a stand shaped like the Autobot insignia that allows him to be displayed in mid-air, as if in flight. The rocket pack also has ports for Prime's weapons, and stores on the front of the trailer in vehicle mode.

:Purchase of a ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime at a Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] store allowed the buyer the option of also purchasing the exclusive ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Smallest Transforming Transformers|Hot Rod]] toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Cybertron/HybridConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Hybrid Style Convoy on TFU.info]''
{{-}}
*'''Convoy Black Version''' (2006)[[Image:THS-02B_G2Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Yanigerlicious!]]
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''T.H.S.-02B'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand, 2 missile launchers, 2 heads

:Available exclusively through e-Hobby, this black and teal repaint of ''Hybrid Style'' Convoy features the traditional "[[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]" color scheme, but represents a version of Optimus Prime himself. In addition to all the original accessories, the toys also includes several more deliciously metatextual goodies, themed around the ''Generation 2'' toy and comics: two new large guns patterned after the new weapons wielded by the ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy, and two additional (blue) Prime heads that can be swapped with the figure's regular noggin, sculpted explicitly in the style of [[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|''Generation 2'' comic]] artist [[Derek Yaniger]]. One head is pristine, the other decorated to match the battle damage seen on the cover of the [[War Without End!|first ''Generation 2'' issue]].

:As the more franchise-savvy TransFans may realise, these extra parts, plus the black trailer of Convoy Black Version, can all be used to modify the original, red ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime into a comic-accurate ''Generation 2'' version, complete with a black trailer, trailer-mounted guns and your choice of Yaniger-style heads.

:This figure came in a unique box, packaged with a [[Hybrid Style Convoy Black Version|mini-comic]], both illustrated by [[Hidetsugu Yoshioka]].
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Alternators_OptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I don't come with a creepy girl...]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''21'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun
: ''[[Alternators]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into an accurate 1:24 scale Dodge Ram SRT-10. The vehicle mode features rubber tires, functional steering, opening hood, tail gate and doors with a detailed cabin interior. Several of the details of his robot mode body are based on the sculpt of the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime figure, but the head itself shares more similarities with the Powermaster mold. He is armed with a small pistol which transforms into his vehicle-mode engine.

:This figure was originally conceived by Hasbro to be another character (exactly who is unknown), rather than Optimus Prime, but Takara insisted that the toy be made into Optimus to help it sell well in their markets, as the vehicle mode was no particular draw, given its scarcity in Japan. Reportedly, the figure cost twice as much as other Alternators to construct, so Hasbro had to bow to this demand so Takara would help fund it. Ironically, Takara eventually wound up soliciting the figure ''not'' as Prime, but as his ''[[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' lookalike, [[Ginrai]] (perhaps connected to the Powermasteresque headsculpt), before its Japanese release was cancelled and moved over into the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' toyline (see below).

: It took two further years, but this figure was eventually released as part of the Japanese counterpart to the ''Alternators'' line (''Binaltech'') in 2008. [[:Image:Convoy_BT.jpg|''Binaltech'' Prime]] features some additional paint details, like his silver pelvis, additional patterns on his shoulders, and red paint on his engine-gun, and like all ''Binaltech'' figures, he also includes die-cast metal pieces.

:This mold was also used to create ''Alternators'' [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Alternators/Binaltech Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
==Kiss Players==
[[Image:Kiss_Convoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|...And yet, I do!]]
* '''Convoy X Melissa''' (2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, "[[Surfblade]]" surfboard/sword weapon, [[Marissa Faireborn]] figurine with stand and 2 pairs of arms and legs

: ''[[Kiss Players]]'' Convoy is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Optimus Prime. While the figures may appear similar at first glance, given that ''Kiss Players'' Prime is still red, blue and black, there are many subtle differences, not least of all the replacement of the ''Alternators'' figure's bare, flat red plastic with a deep metallic red paint. Several of his body parts are cast in different colors of plastic (for example, his shins, formerly black, are now blue, while his formerly-blue hands are now black), and he features more intricate paint applications on his shoulders, and especially his pelvis, which is decorated to look like Prime's traditional bumper.

:In addition to the small engine-pistol of his ''Alternators'' figure, Prime comes with the "Surfblade", a pink surfboard that can be reconfigured into either two small knives or a large double-bladed sword. As with all the ''Kiss Players'' figures, Prime also comes with a [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of a cute girl: in this case, Marissa Faireborn, who can perch upon his shoulder or sit in his driver's seat, and comes with two pairs of interchangeable arms and legs. Additionally, the set includes a CD featuring the first five episodes of the [[Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama]], as well as the exclusive bonus audio adventure, "[[Kiss_Players_(radio_drama)#CD_collections_and_special_episodes|Someday, Under the Sun]]."

:This set was originally intended to be released under the ''[[Binaltech Asterisk]]'' line, as "Black Convoy meets Marissa", but this release was cancelled before it was officially even announced.

{{-}}

==Titanium Series==
[[Image:TitaniumHeroes_WWPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Well he ''is'' a car... in a car ''crash''.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, display stand

: Based on Optimus Prime's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] form as seen in the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic book "[[The War Within]]", this version of Prime tranforms into Cybertronian truck. The figure was personally designed by comic artist [[Don Figueroa]], who created the original comic design in the first place, and his signature is left on the figure in the most literal way: the word "DON" can be seen sculpted into the barrel of his silver ion blaster.

:As a ''Titainum'' figure, Prime is made in large part from die-cast metal, but like so many of the other toys in the ''Titainum'' line, his plastic joints have trouble supporting his heavy metal weight. He comes with the generic display stand shared by all of the 6" "Cybertron Heroes", with a unique removable nameplate.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitTWW6OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Titanium Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Titanium_war_within_2pack.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''War Within Optimus Prime vs. War Within Megatron Battlepack''' (Multipack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
: A [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive item, this ''Titanium'' two-pack includes the previously-released ''War Within'' Optimus Prime along with the ''War Within'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] figure (which had not seen individual release at the time of this pack hitting shelves), and the [[The War Within issue 5|fifth issue]] of the ''War Within'' comic book, featuring an exclusive variant cover. Despite being mentioned in joint instruction leaflet for the set, neither figure includes their display base.
{{-}}

==Classics==
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Rub my symbol, Marissa. Oops, wrong toyline.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/laser cannon, wind vane/ion blaster

: ''Classics'' Optimus Prime is an all-new modern Optimus Prime design based upon the original Optimus Prime, as is the intention for the ''Classics'' toyline. He transforms into a modern cab-over style truck of made up model, dominated by a large wind vane on his roof. As with most ''Classics'' toys, he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:In robot mode, his wind vane transforms into a large ion blaster, and his smokestacks transform into a smaller laser cannon. Additionally, both weapons can combine together to form a double-barrelled over-shoulder weapon.

:Unfortunately, it also had a tendency for the yellow paint to flake off his forearms.

:This mold was slightly redecoed to make Prime's ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (franchise)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' [[#Henkei! Henkei!|counterpart]]. It was also used to create ''Classics'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]], [[BotCon 2008]] "[[Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] and the San Diego ComicCon 2008 exclusive [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Classics Voyager Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Vs.jpg|right|thumb|300px|They did me right, [[#20th_Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|once]].]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

: This ''Classics'' Optimus Prime is a smaller, deluxe-class with a noticeable physical resemblance to Takara's ''[[#Robot Masters|Robot Masters]]'' Prime figure, and a transformation that is about as successful. The figure is armed with a tommy gun-shaped laser rifle that transforms into a turret-like configuration and mounts on the rear of his truck mode, and features a spinning "power punch" action that sees the whole upper half of his torso spin when a button on his back is pressed. Pressing the button "unlocks" the spinning mechanism; pull ''hard'' on the button, and you can lock the torso back into place.

:In the United States, Prime was only available in a special two-pack with a similarly unique ''Classics'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron toy]], and the specially-produced "[[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle|The Ultimate Battle]]" DVD (which is, inappropriately enough, entirely about the [[Unicron Trilogy]]). In Mexico and some European countries, however, the two figures were available individually.

:This figure was later made availale as part of the "Leader for the Ages" two-pack released under the [[#Transformers (2007)|live-action movie line]], then redecoed slightly to create the 2008 [[#Universe (2008)|''Universe'']] "Special Edition" Optimus Prime.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsDVDOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Classics Deluxe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}[[Image:DVD_20thPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Discounted at a Walmart near you.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leader, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, display stand

: Produced to coincide with the 20th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and its release on DVD by [[Sony]], this edition of Prime is a redeco of his [[#20th Anniversary|20th Anniversary]] figure. It replaces the original's metallic paint with flatter colors and does away with any and all vacuum-metalized plastic, as well as altering several other small details across the body, like the color of the lights on his feet and chest.

:Prime comes with all the accessories of his previous release, although his ever-changing ion blaster is now somewhat confusingly cast in blue plastic. He features one major additional accessory: an electronic display base sculpted with the image of the Matrix and the Autobot insignia. Pressing the insignia's crest triggers a series of electronic soundbytes, mostly quotes from the movie recited not by original actor [[Peter Cullen]], but by Hasbro's in-house actor, [[Ron Hayden]]: "Autobots, transform and roll out!", "I want you to make a special run to Autobot City," "Megatron must be stopped!", "All we need is a little energon, and a lot of luck," and two samples of the classic transformation sound effect, one ascending, one descending.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/20thDVDOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on DVD Edition Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|PepsiPrime2007}}
[[Image:PepsiOptimusPrime.JPG|thumb|300px|Subservience to Corporate America is the duty of all servile beings.]]
*'''Pepsi Optimus Prime''' (Autobot, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, ion blaster, trailer

:Inspired by the [[#Generation 1|1985 promotional version]] of Optimus Prime that featured Pepsi stickers on his trailer, this outlandish incarnation of Prime is a slightly altered version of Takara's 2005 [[Pepsi Convoy]] figure (which represented a different character to Prime). The figure was only sold by [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] at various conventions, and given away as a promotional prize by Pepsi, via their [[Mountain Dew]] brand.

:A redeco of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime cab robot sporting an egregious number of Pepsi-themed paint masks and details, Pepsi Prime's differences from Pepsi Convoy are minimal: he features the shortened smokestacks previously seen on the [[#Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] release of the mold, and also has a different layout for the Pepsi logo on his right shoulder. Like Pepsi Convoy, he comes with an entirely new trailer unit, specially designed to carry either a single 500ml-size soft drink bottle, three 350ml cans, or 12 bottle caps (bottle cap figurines being a common and popular collectible item in Japan). In a first for the Prime mold, the figure's fists store in holes on the underside of the trailer while he is in vehicle mode. His ion blaster (which also stores under the trailer) is the first Hasbro reissue to feature the original, thick-barrel sculpt, which was reinstated to the mold by the ''[[#Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' release of Prime a few years prior.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/PepsiPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Pepsi Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
==Sports Label==

[[Image:NikemusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Comfortable ''yet stylish'' jogging is the right of all fashionable beings.]]
*'''Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster

:Surely one of the strangest examples of licensed ''Transformers'' products, ''Sports Label'' Convoy transforms into a ''shoe''. Something of a [[shellformer]], this baffling incarnation of Prime is colored primarily white and red in his alt mode of a realistic-looking (if notably undersized) Nike Free 7.0 sneaker, complete with gratuitously long real fabric shoelaces. In robot mode, he is made instantly recognizable by his incorporation of some additional blue and silver in predictable areas, and a traditionally Prime-styled head. Less traditionally, and somewhat perversely, Prime's feet are sculpted in the likeness of his own sneaker mode, making it seem like he's wearing himself!

:His gun splits into two halves and stores inside his [[kibble]] in shoe mode; in an undocumented features, it has two handle pegs on opposite sides, so that it can be held either at its far end or halfway along its length. The gun halves can also be plugged together in two different ways.

:This figure was, in fact, the ''only'' mold in the ''Sports Label'' line. It was redecoed into the "Marine Free" version of Prime himself (see below), and given a new head to create ''Sports Label'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Sports Label|Megatron]]''

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Cybertron/SLConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Sport Label Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Sportslabel_convoy_marine_version.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0 Marine Version'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
:A redeco of the first ''Sports Label'' Convoy, this figure transforms into a white, navy and grey sneaker. Promotional images for the figure depicted its robot mode as white and aqua-blue, but the finished product was visibly darker, produced in shades of off-white and dark teal robot mode. In either coloration, it sure as heck ''looks'' like it should be [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], but for whatever reason... it ain't.
{{-}}
==Encore==
[[Image:Encore_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:A new series of reissues means a new release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure, and Takara's ''[[Encore]]'' series proved no different. This edition of the figure featured no extra accessories, but it did include the original, thick-barrelled version of Prime's rifle, as reinstated to the mold by the ''[[#Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' version of the toy a few years prior. The blue plastic is lighter than the standard blue used on most versions of this mold, but not as light as the Generation 2 or 25th Anniverary releases.
{{-}}

==Music Label==

* '''Convoy {{m-}}playing iPod speaker{{m-}}''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster
[[Image:MusicLabel-toy iPodConvoy.JPG|thumb|300px|You just paid 140 bucks for a new headsculpt, didn't you? I bet you don't even ''own'' an iPod...]]
: Hot on the heels of their lisencing deals with Pepsi and Nike, TakaraTomy got themselves a slice of Apple™ pie and released Convoy {{m-}}playing iPod speaker{{m-}} as part of their small, musically-themed ''[[Music Label]]'' line. This version of Prime is an all-white redeco of the original Generation 1 cab robot, which (much like the "Marine Version" of Prime from the ''[[#Sports Label|Sports Label]]'' line) makes it seem like he ought to be Ultra Magnus. The figure is actually even derived from the retool of the mold created for the original Ultra Magnus figure, as distinguished by the elongated hubcap pegs on the front wheels. Like Pepsi Prime before it, the figure's fists now store in peg holes on the under side of its trailer. The toy lacks any of the original Prime's stickers (even the silver stripe on his chest is now a [[paint operation]]) and includes the original thick-barrelled version of Prime's blaster. The toy features a brand new headsculpt based on the [[#20th Anniversary|20th Anniversary]] Prime figure, given additional poseability not previously seen on the figure by being mounted on a [[ball joint]].

:This, of course, is all secondary to the main draw of the figure: it pulls an all-white trailer, which transforms into a working iPod speaker dock by rotating a substantial wedge of its full length 90 degrees . The dock features three working buttons; power, volume up and volume down, as well as an Autobot sigil indicator light. Included is a wall-plugging (Japanese) A/C adaptor with a long lead that plugs into the reverse of the trailer. Although American importers shouldn't have too much trouble, those living in parts of the world using higher strength A/C current outlets should be warned NOT to simply plug the A/C adaptor in with only a socket adapter, as this will overload the device and fry it completely. Buying the appropriate kind of universal A/C adaptor with advice from an electronics specialty shop is recommended.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Cybertron/MLConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Music Label Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Musiclabelprimewithdock.jpg|thumb|right|300px|I'm gonna call you Peanut.]]
* '''Optimus Prime {{m-}}speakers for iPod{{m-}}''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster
:Designated "Optimus Prime" rather than the traditional Japanese "Convoy", this figure is a redeco of the previous ''Music Label'' Convoy figure into the character's traditional red, blue and silver color scheme. This includes his trailer, though the effect is somewhat marred by the large, visible gap on one side. When reconfigured into dock mode, the interior surfaces surrounding the speakers are decorated with black-on-silver techno-patterns as well as three "Optimus Prime" logos. The recessed space also features a stylised, almost [[Frank Miller]]esque, high-contrast portrait of Prime's face, although this is largely covered when an iPod is inserted. The figure comes in identical packaging to the original ''Music Label'' Convoy, save for the addition of a sticker illustrating the different color of its contents.
{{-}}[[Image:ExileTransformersSpeakers.jpg|thumb|300px|The right of all sentient beings is... um... what am I promoting now? Wait, a [[wikipedia:Exile_(Japanese_band)|Japanese pop band]]? Are you kidding me? I need a new agent.]]
*'''EXILE x TRANSFORMERS {{m-}}speakers for iPod{{m-}}''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster

:Exclusive to [http://www.ldhshop.jp/ LDH Shop], this redeco of the ''Music Label'' Convoy toy is utterly ridiculous and was created as a promotion for the Japanese pop band [[wikipedia:Exile_(Japanese_band)|EXILE]]. While Convoy himself has EXILE written on his right forearm, his trailer sports the "Love Dream Happiness" tagline of LDH Inc.[http://www.ldh.co.jp/shopping/index.html], as well as the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008" logo of the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008 Ultimate Best Box" boxset, which was released some months after he was.

:Categorically, it was at this point we learned that neither Takara nor Optimus Prime possess shame.
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie LeaderfortheAges 2pack.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The more things change, the more they, uh, get bigger guns.]]
* '''Leader for the Ages''' (Wal*Mart exclusive two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

: This Wal*Mart-[[Exclusive|exclusive]] two-pack pairs the deluxe-size ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' Optimus Prime figure with [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] line's ''[[Fast Action Battler]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Power Hook Optimus Prime]] toy. Both toys are identical to their original releases, and together represent the Optimus Primes of the oldest and newest generations (at the time) of ''Transformers'', respectively. The movie Prime is designated "2007 Optimus Prime", while the ''Classics'' figure is dubbed "1984 Optimus Prime" (referring not, of course, to the toy, which was produced in 2006, but to the character).
{{-}}

==Diablock==
*'''Diablock Convoy''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''01''' ('''Mecha Builder Vol.03''')[[Image:DiablockPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px| We have the technology. We can ''rebuild him''. Except, uh.. for his face.]]
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster

:Rounding out a bumper year of Japanese-[[exclusive]] Generation 1 Optimus Primes, the Takara-licensed Kawada brand ''Diablock'' Convoy is a fully transformable Lego-style block building figure similar in premise to the earlier American ''[[Built to Rule]]'' sets. The ''Diablock'' figure, however, easily outstrips the ''Built to Rule'' sets by both being an accurate representation of the toy on which it is based, and being able to transform between modes ''without'' having to be partially disassembled and put back together first.

:Forming a roughly 11-inch figure when fully assembled, ''Diablock'' Convoy is highly articulated, save for his head, which is only able to move up and down. Said head is also by far the most stylised aspect of the figure, with no real attempt to approximate Prime's face or mouthplate, instead featuring only a reversed block that gives the odd impression of a cycloptic eye. It is possibly intended to actually represent his forehead grill, as a yellow block inside his head construction remains barely-visible through a slit in his face, possibly intended to represent the classic toy's yellow eyes.

:The figure's transformation scheme is based on the original G1 figure, the only differences being that the fists are not removed but become the headlights, and instead of flipping backwards inside the chest, ''Diablock'' Convoy's noggin flips forwards with the aid of opening chest windows. A "laser rifle" in the shape of his ion cannon can be built from black bricks, and stickers bearing the Autobot [[Insignia|faction symbol]] can be placed on his shoulders, although this is not recommended as it is designed to permanently stick to multiple tiles which dislodge easily and may damage the sticker.

==Henkei! Henkei!==
[[Image:Henkei_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''C-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers'' Convoy is a redeco of ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' Optimus Prime. He features a significantly altered colour scheme, generally to make the toy more closely resemble his appearance in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon and the original toyline. His truck mode features less silver paint striping, but compensates by vacuum-metalizing the entire grill/fender area silver chrome. In robot mode all of his previously grey plastic is replaced with red plastic, with a majority of it being painted silver, chromed, or painted gunmetal gray. He features a different shade of red, blue, and clear blue plastic than the Classics version. Since ''Henkei!'' toys do not feature a heat-sensitive rubsign, ''Henkei'' Convoy has two Autobot sigils tampographed onto his shoulders.
{{-}}
[[Image:Henkei clear convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy Clear Version''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:This redeco of ''Henkei'' Convoy is cast almost entirely in translucent colored plastic. Also known by the nickname "Crystal Convoy" among fans, it was first released as an exclusive for the Japanese convention Tokyo Toy Fair 2008, limited to 1000 pieces at the event, but was later made available through [[e-Hobby]]. It was sold in a monochrome-blue version of ''Henkei'' Convoy's regular packaging.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act491/index.php More information on Convoy Clear Version at TFkenkon.com]
{{-}}
[[Image:Lucky draw gold henkei prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:Chromed entirely in gold like many other [[Lucky Draw figure]]s before it, this version of Prime was available only through a TV Magazine mail-in promotion held in December 2008, and was limited to only five units, making it one the rarest officially available Transformers toys in the world.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+convoy/2079/gold+convoy.html More information on Gold Convoy at LuckyDrawTransformers.com]''
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
===Generation 1 Series===
[[Image:Universetoy 25th anniversary optimus prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, sound effects module, comic, DVD

:Sold at the rather exorbitant price of $75, this re-release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy is actually one of the most visually different from the other "straight" reissues of the mold, despite Hasbro's assurance that this is the toy you had as a kid. Positively ''anemic'' in comparison with the original toy, this Prime's red parts are visibly paler than usual, while his blue parts are much lighter. This shade of blue extends to both Roller (a lighter blue than his traditional dark shade, yet darker than the lightest the figure has been in its history) and the internal workings of his Combat Deck, which is itself a much flatter shade of light grey, compared to its normal dark, swirled metallic silver color. In addition, the toy features the now-customary shortened smokestacks, and the elongated missiles seen on the [[#Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] release. While all reissues of the Prime mold since 2003 have used the original thick-barrelled mold for his ion blaster, this version includes the slender sculpt instead.

:As a 25th anniversary set, Prime includes several new pack-in bonuses: a reprint of the [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue]] of the original [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comic book]], a DVD containing all three parts of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|animated series]] pilot [[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|"More than Meets the Eye"]], and three desktop wallpapers, and a battery-powered Autobot symbol that plays transforming sound effects, part of the first version of the ''Transformers'' [[theme song]], and three voice clips performed by Peter Cullen: "I am Optimus Prime!", "Autobot, transform and roll out!" and "Megatron must be stopped, no matter the cost."

:Initially a Myer exclusive, but later finding its way to Toys R US and finally (at roughly 70% off the initial $100 price tag) K-Mart, the Australian release was repackaged in a thinner rectangular box. It contained all the original accessories from the American release, but interestingly NOT the DVD. In addition, there are some reports that the Autobot symbol could be worn out or damaged during the time of purchase.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/25thOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Uni2008-toy_SEOptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe Class: Special Edition, 2008)
**''ID Number:'' '''SE-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:"Special Edition" Optimus Prime is a redeco of the ''Classics'' multi-pack toy, featuring some minor detail changes. He came in special "book box" style packaging with black-and-white boxart, and was only availabe at retail in Australian and Asian markets. North American customers could later buy him via [[Hasbro Toy Shop]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/HTSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Special Edition Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Titanium-toy_Target_OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Yawn.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, display stand

: A [[Target]]-exlusive [[redeco]] of War Within Optimus Prime in [[Transformers (2007)|live-action film]]-inspired colors. The bio on the back of the packaging only fills up half of the allotted space, as if the [[Forest Lee|writer]] were tired of describing Optimus Primes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TitOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Target-exclusive Titanium Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Alternity==
*'''Convoy Ultimate Silver''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''A-01'''[[Image:AlternityConvoy VibrantRed.jpg|300px|thumb]]

:''Alternity'' Convoy transforms into a 1:32 scale Nissan GT-R, featuring die-cast metal parts and an opening hood, trunk and doors. This complex figure stands at 6.5" tall, and is armed with a pair of blasters on each arm. In the hyper-dimensional world of the oft-confusing ''Alternity'' fiction, this figure specifically represents the Optimus Prime of [[universal stream]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Binaltech|Primax 903.0 Beta]].

:''Alternity'' Convoy was simultaneously available in both this silver coloration, and a deco based on his traditional appearance termed "Vibrant Red" (see below). The figure was later redecoed to create "Convoy Super Black", representing not Optimus Prime, but ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Universe 2003)|Nemesis Prime]].

:All three versions have a minor design oversight where the rear Nissan badge collides with another part during transformation, often causing the clear plastic socket directly below to crack.

*'''Convoy Vibrant Red''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''A-01'''

:"Vibrant Red" ''Alternity'' Convoy is a redeco of the "Ultimate Silver" figure in the much more traditional red and blue Prime color scheme, representing the Optimus Prime of universal stream [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Alternity|Primax 109.0 Beta]]. The figure was available simultaneously with the Ultimate Silver version, sharing the same packaging and pack-in materials, save for the color of the illustration on the front of the box, and a sticker that identified the figure within.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[image:PrototypeTHB.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Not so Optimus Prime.]]

*The first prototype for Battle Convoy, the ''[[Diaclone]]'' originator of Optimus Prime, was vastly different from the final version, complete with an entirely different transformation and a car carrying trailer. The head lacked the faceplate.

*The toy that would ultimately end up as the original Optimus Prime toy was originally released in August 1983 as No.17 Battle Convoy from Takara's Diaclone Car Robo toyline in Japan. In 1984, [[Joustra]] released their own version (still with ''Diaclone'' sticker on the trailer) as part of their Diaclone line in Europe, either simply called ''Truck'' (according to the pack-in catalog) or ''Diaclone'' (in the pack-in comic). It's possible that GiG also released a version called ''Camion Convoy'' as part of their Trasformer line in Italy, but to this day no packaged sample has surfaced.
{{-}}
===The many releases of Optimus Prime===
[[Image:SeveralG1Convoy.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Too much Prime on my hands.]]
Over the years, the [[#G1v1|original Optimus Prime]] has been repackaged and reissued multiple times:

*In the USA and Canada, limited edition promotional versions were available sporting Pepsi stickers;

*In addition to the standard Japanese 01 Convoy release, Takara also released the toy as part of the [[#VSX|VSX Convoy vs. Megatron]] two-pack in 1985;

*Takara released a variant sporting clear blue windows and as part of the "[[#goodbye|Good Bye Convoy]]" set (packaged with [[Red Alert (G1)#Toys|Alert/Red Alert]] and [[Mirage (G1)#Toys|Ligier/Mirage]]) in 1986;

*French company Ceji Revell released a version with red feet in the UK in 1984;

*Milton Bradley (MB) released the toy in Europe in late 1985, following [[trademark]] issues;

*Hasbro re-released the toy in Europe in 1986, including another red feeted variant;

*[[GiG]] released the toy as ''Commander'' as part of their ''Transformers'' line in Italy in 1985, including an all-plastic variant in 1986;

*Hasbro reissued the original toy as part of their European [[Classics (Europe)|Classic]] line of reissues in 1991;

*Hasbro released a [[#Generation_2|redecoed version with additional accessories]] as part of their [[Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' line]] in 1993;

*Takara reissued the original toy in its original 1985 Japanese packaging in 2000, with an all-black recolor being available from assorted Japanese conventions and another variant with gold instead of silver parts, stickers, and paint as a [[Lucky Draw figure|lucky draw]] prize;

*Takara reissued the toy again as ''New Year Special'' version in January 2002, sporting clear blue windows (similar to Good Bye Convoy) and featuring additional accessories such as a Matrix necklace and a [[Show-accuracy|show accurate]] recolor of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure;

*Hasbro reissued the toy in the USA and the UK as part of their ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues in 2002, sporting shortened down smokestacks [[for safety reasons]];

*Takara reissued the toy once again in 2003, as part of their ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues, numbered 00 and featuring additional accessories such as an energon axe;

*Takara released a recolored version featuring a new trailer in December 2005, called ''[[Pepsi Convoy]]''.

*Hasbro released their own version of Pepsi Convoy, named "[[#PepsiPrime|Pepsi Optimus Prime]]", as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive in 2007, featuring the familiar [[For safety reasons|safety]]-shortened smokestacks of the Commemorative Series reissue.

*In August 2007 TakaraTomy yet again did a rerelease similar to the 2000 Convoy rerelease, this time as part of the "[[Encore|Transformers Encore]]" line. This version has a new rifle with a longer handle so Optimus can finally hold it straight.

*TakaraTomy released [http://seibertron.com/advertisement.php?id=8 "Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers"] in September 2007. It is an iPod speaker/dock in the shape of a truck, featuring an all-white version of Convoy with a new head sculpt reminiscent of Masterpiece Convoy as the cab, and a trailer housing a pair of speakers and a docking point for an iPod.
*In March 2008, TakaraTomy released a G1-colored version of the iPod Convoy set.

* Hasbro released the ''25th Anniversary'' gift set edition detailed above in 2008, as part of the 2008 ''Universe'' line, once again with [[For safety reasons|shortened smokestacks]].

===Powermaster Optimus Prime design history===

[[Powermaster]] Optimus Prime, being the grand toy rebirth of Optimus Prime post-movie, apparently received a lot of thought during the design process. Prime went through an inordinate number of design changes from concept to final with at least three very major revisions:

[[image:EarlyPMPrime1.jpg|220px|right|thumb|Overcompensating.]]

*The earliest version, as shown in the first patent application for the toy, was to have the Prime cab be a triplechanger, turning from truck cab to jet or robot<ref>[http://v3.espacenet.com/origdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=JP63132686&F=0&QPN=JP63132686 Patent #JP63-132686]</ref>. The nosecone of the jet and robot legs were released by the Powermaster lock in the same fashion as the legs in the final version. Optimus would have had winged arms in non-super robot mode. The super robot mode's head was also integrated into the trailer's hitch... and lacked a faceplate.

[[image:EarlyPMPrime2.jpg|100px|right|thumb|Blockhead.]]
*The second known version <ref>''[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]]'', p22, p106</ref> ditched the triplechanging gimmick on the cab and simplified things a good bit. This Powermaster Prime has several distinct characteristics only seen in the second design, such as the wider "block head" and two faux smokestacks on top of either shoulder as opposed to one. Also, in a rather odd twist, this design features a black head and fists for both super and regular modes rather than the traditional blue. It also had yellow eyes in either mode a la the original Optimus Prime.

*The third version <ref>''[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]]'', p106</ref> would quite possibly have been the most gimmick loaded Transformer in the history of the line, simultaneously being a Powermaster, [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and [[Triple Changer]]. The Headmaster also would have been a Triple Changer, turning into a sort of armored four-wheeled rover (Roller II?) and robot as well as a rather silly looking Optimus Prime head with four vertically aligned wheels jutting off the sides. It seems that when the extra Headmaster gimmick was scrapped, the super mode head remained separate rather than being reintegrated into the trailer hitch such as on the earliest design. Notably, the body of this design is extremely close to the final design.

*A fourth version is shown in the 1987-88 Transformers product catalog that has several minor differences from both Powermaster Prime and [[Ginrai|God Ginrai]], such as having God Ginrai's sliding fists but in red, a completely different trailer hitch assembly partially based on the third design, an offset Autobot symbol in base mode, extended feet also based on third design, far more detailed super mode outer leg panels, completely different front bumper, and the first instance of single faux shoulder smokestacks rather than two. It is still unknown as to why Powermaster Prime has completely different arms from God Ginrai or all earlier concept versions.

Powermaster Prime's animation model as used in the commercials and as a character guide for the Marvel comics is a composite of the second and third designs. The body of the model is actually a straight tracing of the concept lineart for the third version (including its different rifles and twin faux shoulder stacks), with a slightly simplified drawing of the second version's head drawn on top.

===Miscellaneous Primes===
[[Image:PMHeroTrace.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Stealing purses across the ages.]]
*G2 Hero Optimus Prime's card art is rather blatantly traced from G1 Powermaster Prime's lineart.
*On a similar note, Machine Wars Optimus Prime's card art is merely edited from G2 Laser Optimus Prime's card art, keeping it mostly intact save for the removal of shoulder kibble and the addition of a non-windowed chestplate.
[[Image:Optimus prime nokia 6820.JPG|thumb|right|125px|Wait...I'm sure this is from Finland. But why did [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] say...]]
*The Masterpiece Optimus Prime toy was featured in a print ad for [[Wikipedia:Nokia 68xx series#Nokia 6820|Nokia 6820]] phones. He is posed bent over to look at the phone and scratching his head. Pleasantly, ''most'' of the pose pictured is perfectly possible with an un-[[kitbash]]ed, un-Photoshopped version of the toy. (The real toy can't bend forward at the waist like that, alas.)

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Optimus+Prime ToyBin Optimus Prime Toy gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime on TFU.info]
* [http://www18.big.or.jp/~m-kaz/nanan/images/kaku/586.html Revoltech Optimus Prime and Megatron Gallery]

== Footnotes ==
<references />

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Alternators]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Autobot leaders]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Contest prizes]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: E-Hobby]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Go-Bots]]
[[Category: Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category: Kiss Players]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category: Powermasters]]
[[Category: Return of Convoy characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category: Universe (2008)]]

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