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Talk:Headmaster (technology)

2008-03-04T13:11:11Z

121.44.196.130:

There may be some need of continuity separation here. Daniel was never a headmaster in the comic. I'm not sure that's worth an entire rewrite, though. We could probably write around it. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 13:57, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

Yeah, it's a tricky thing to handle. Didn't want to leave it out (since both Arcee and Daniel's pages specifically mention the Headmaster thing), but at the same time I can see how it might be confusing. Ah, well, this is just the first draft. We'll tweak it as we go. --[[User:Dataraven|Dataraven]] 13:59, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

Under "technology"... there are the Headmaster Jr.s yet unaddressed. They certainly don't seem to have undergone any kind of cyborg-surgery, but they curl up into head modes just fine, and certainly aren't in any larger, bulkier armors. (At least that transformation as depicted in the cartoon isn't as painful-looking as the Godmasters... --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 18:05, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

== Fiction section ==

Given the presence of Headmasters in multiple continuities now, it really is time we gave this article a proper fiction section differentiated by continuity. After all, there are even differences between Marvel Comics and G1 animated here. Add in Headmasters/Masterforce and the IDW take on Headmasters and you've got enough grist for it I think.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]] 18:50, 28 October 2007 (UTC)

==Sentience==
Part of the article currently reads: "there have been cases where the head (such as Cerebros in the G1 Cartoon) [...] are non-sentient constructs controlled entirely by the other partner." Cerebros in the G1 Cartoon was sentient - he didn't stop complaining about fighting through the entirety of Rebirth. Maybe in the comics (I don't know, never read them), but it does specifically say the cartoon. (And his counterpart in the Japanese G1 cartoon was the very sentient Fortress.) RiD Maximus was obviously full of non-sentience. [[User:121.44.196.130|121.44.196.130]] 13:11, 4 March 2008 (UTC)<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Arcee (Movie)

2008-03-04T11:11:38Z

121.44.196.130: /* Deluxe Class toys */ removed stray ] character.

{{disambig3|Arcee}}

:''Arcee is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Arceemovie.jpg|right|thumb|250px|No girls allowed.]]

Though small compared to many of her peers and adversaries, '''Arcee''' compensates with speed and aggressive maneuvers, making her one of the most dangerous Autobots around. Moreover, Arcee is a born hunter. She honed her speed hunting [[turbofox|turbofoxes]] with other speedsters, challenging herself to get as close as possible before tagging them with her bow. She's a crack shot with said crossbow weapon, and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] has trained her to use her speed to her advantage in battle, striking suddenly and swiftly and then vanishing away again as fast as she appeared.

Arcee believes without question that the Decepticons must be stopped at any cost.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''The Official Movie Prequel'' comics===
[[Image:IDWPrequel_movieArcee_cvr.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Ever feel like you were the only ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' homage in a universe full of [[Generation 1|G1]] homages?]]

Arcee was one of a handful of Autobots under the command of [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] who desperately fought against [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s vast army at [[Tyger Pax]]. She was captured and interrogated by the Decepticons but survived the ordeal. She recounted to their Autobot rescuers Bumblebee's heroics in delaying Megatron, preventing Megatron from intercepting the wormhole-bound [[All Spark]].

===Target [[Robovision]] Bio===

Arcee was on [[Earth]] for a short time at the beginning of the conflict there, presumably arriving shortly after Bumblebee. When the situation on Earth began to ramp up into out-and-out combat, she was reassigned elsewhere, where her stealth skills would be of more use.

Now she fights in the [[Charii system]] against a Decepticon splinter cell working on a star-breaking weapon. If she has her way, the only things breaking will be their heads.

===Titan Magazines===
In a world where the Decepticons captured the All Spark and conquered Earth, Arcee is one of the six Autobot reinforcements hiding on the [[moon]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Scout Class toys====

*'''Arcee''' (Target exclusive Scout Class, 2007)
[[Image:Arceemoviescout.jpg|right|thumb|Not [[Chromia]].]]

: Arcee is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]], replacing her pinks and most of her whites and blacks with blue, and her translucent red with smoky brown plastic. She transforms into a "superbike"-type racing motorcycle. Unusually for a Transformer, she does not hold her weapon in her hands as most figures do. Instead, her Energon Bow mounts on a peg in her arms, with her hands being positioned to give the appearance of her using the bow. The bow itself is spring-loaded, firing a grey missile 'arrow'.

:Arcee (and the rest of the Scout wave) are [[exclusive]] to Target stores, where they are all part of a [[Robo-Vision]] promotion. Arcee comes with a [[Robo-Vision Decoder]] which allows you to see the Robo-Vision Code printed on her cardback. Starting June 2, 2007, Target's website allowed users to input those codes to access exclusive content, a concept similar to the online [[Cyber Planet Key]] info from the Transformers: Cybertron toyline. 

: This mold also was used to make ''Superlink'' Ariel Paradron Type, as well as [[BotCon 2005]] ''[[Descent into Evil]]'' set's [[Chromia]], [[Flamewar]], [[Flareup]], and the fellow Target-exclusive movieverse [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]].

====Deluxe Class toys====

*'''Arcee''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-11'''
**''Acessories:'' Launcher, missile
[[Image:Movie_Deluxe_Arcee_toy.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Pretty in...''purple''?]]

: Deluxe Arcee transforms into a purple 2006 Buell Firebolt XB12R motorcycle, genericised to get around licensing issues. Maintaining the high standard of vehicle-mode realism of the movie line, Arcee is perhaps the most realistic motorcycle Transformer released yet. As an off-screen design (though she originally was going to be an on-screen character), Arcee has references [[tampograph|tampographed]] on her vehicle mode, such as her motorcycle's model name, "RC 1100", and her number plate (from the state of Massachusetts) marked TF7407, the original release date of the movie.

: The transformation scheme for the character is essentially a scaled-up variation upon the original Energon mold used for the Scout release, with numerous improvements to upgrade the figure to Deluxe standards.

: In robot mode, Arcee is quite accurate to the final CG concept design, though with more solid limbs and and a more recognizably feminine appearance influenced by ''Energon'' Arcee's sculpt and general arrangement of parts. Reasonably articulated, Arcee features ball joints in her arms, hips and neck, with swivels rounding out her ankles, knees and wrists. Arcee's [[Automorph]]ing feature is located in her crossbow weapon (formed out of the seat/storage area of the bike), activated when the projectile (the bike's tailpipe) is inserted, which pushes out the recurved lath parts on the sides of the weapon. Amusingly, in robot mode, Arcee is one of the tallest of the Deluxe class figures released in the movie line thus far, which no doubt makes [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] feel even worse.

: The rectangular peg which is supposed to be used to attach her weapon to her forearm in robot mode is sometimes a poor fit, and the weapon may pop off. As an alternative, the round peg by which the weapon is attached in ''vehicle'' mode can also be used in robot mode, with a little rearranging of parts.

: A large misconception about the figure is that the two shoulder-mounted half-wheels do not stay in place properly in robot mode, and many owners either leave the wheels hanging loosely, or simply unfolded outwards revealing the figure's shoulders. However, close examination reveals that each of the half-wheels contain a small niche on the edge of the tires. By folding the wheels down with the hubcaps pointing towards the chest, and by turning the tires towards the shoulders, one can feel the wheels gently click into place via the tire niches and hidden tabs in the shoulders, allowing the wheels to remain in place and more closely resemble the figure as pictured on its packaging.

: As with most larger Transformers toys that become motorcycles, Arcee has a kickstand on the left side of the bike. Those seeking a good rider will find it can accommodate 3 3/4-inch [[G.I. Joe]] figures, [[Microman]] figures, and [[Revoltech]] figures with varying degrees of success.

{{-}}

*'''Battle damage three-pack''' (Sam's Club exclusive three-pack, 2007)

:A three-pack, exclusive to Sam's Club stores, consisting of redecos of Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and Deluxe Class Arcee, both with a battle damage deco, and an unchanged Voyager Class [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]].

{{-}}

*'''Black Arcee''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-20'''
**''Acessories:'' Launcher, missile
[[Image:Movie_Arcee_Black_toy.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Not [[Flamewar]], unfortunately. Come on, Hasbro! Let's see some movieverse Decepticon femmes!]]

:This Japanese [[redeco]] of Deluxe Class Arcee is cast in black in an attempt to match the look of the motorcycle [[Lennox]] rides near the end of the film. Surprisingly, it is not [[black repaint|evil]].

:Like all Japanese "Allspark Power" toys, black Arcee comes with a small Allspark cube accessory.

*'''Arcee Limited Special Color Version''' (Deluxe-sized toy, 2008)
**''Acessories:'' Launcher, missile
:This Arcee is decoed in pink and white, in homage to Generation 1 [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and is exclusive to the Wonder Festival 2008 Winter in Tokyo, Japan.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* Arcee was originally going to be a member of the live-action movie's Autobot cast, but was later replaced by [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. According to screenwriter Roberto Orci, they would have needed to explain the point behind female robots, which there wasn't any time for in the movie.<ref>[http://movies.ign.com/articles/801/801098p3.html Roberto Orci explaining the reasons for Arcee's removal from the script in an interview with IGN.]</ref> In another interview, Alex Kurtzman cited "scale issues" as an additional reason for dropping Arcee; allegedly, Michael Bay simply considered her too small as compared to the rest of the Autobots.<ref name="wizard">[http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/005082421.cfm?page=1 Wizard interview with Kurtzman and Orci]</ref> It's commonly assumed that Arcee's big part in the movie would have been the scene in which [[William Lennox]] starts his solo assault on [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] using an abandoned motorcycle. However, the screenwriters rejected that notion, stating that this scene wasn't written until ''after'' Arcee had already been dropped from the script{{m-}}but if she ''had'' remained in the movie, that scene ''would'' have featured her as the motorcycle.<ref name="arceelennox">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=38837&view=findpost&p=799042 Recount from the screenwriters Q&A, clearing up the story between Arcee and the motorcycle Lennox uses during the final battle]</ref>
* [[Image:Movie scale chart.jpg|thumb|right|''In the time before time...'']] As part of [[BotCon 2007]]'s Hasbro tour, fans viewed "Robot Scale Chart v03", dated 11.22.05, which showed Arcee's height as 9 feet. However, all of the designs on this chart were very early and later revised.
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Female Transformers]]
[[Category: Movie characters]]
[[Category: Target exclusives]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Transformers: Alternators

2008-03-03T17:10:59Z

121.44.196.130: /* Binaltech */ Added new BT-19 and BT-20, as they are confirmed and eHobby are taking orders (unlike false-starts like BT Ginrai and Black Widow)

[[Image:AlternatorsLogo.jpg|center]]
{{-}}
'''''Alternators''''' ('''''Binaltech''''' in Japan) is a line of Transformers that started in late 2003. The toys in this series transform into fully-licensed, 1:24-[[scale]] accurate representations of real cars from automobile manufacturers around the globe, complete with opening doors, hoods, trunks, plus "realistic" open driver/passenger compartments.

==Car licenses and character selection==
[[Image:BTSmokescreenRakuten.jpg|left|thumb|150px|This photo resulted in collective drooling.]]

At one point in 2003, [[Hasbro]] stated that the ''Alternators'' line would consist of "six 'hot' contemporary cars".<ref>[http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/3305.html Report about Hasbro's statements regarding the Alternators line from Wizard World Chicago 2003, at Internal Correspondence version 2]</ref> The first six models were based on a [[wikipedia:Subaru Impreza|Subaru Impreza]], a [[wikipedia:Dodge Viper|Dodge Viper]], a [[wikipedia:Jeep Wrangler|Jeep Wrangler]], a [[wikipedia:Chevrolet Corvette|C5 Chevrolet Corvette]], a [[wikipedia:Mazda RX-8|Mazda RX-8]] and a [[wikipedia:Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang GT]]. Even before the line was launched, though, new licenses were already pursued by Hasbro and [[Takara]], with the first new mold that was not part of the "original six" anymore being based on a [[wikipedia:Honda S2000|Honda S2000]]. More and more models and manufacturers joined the line over its run. Nearly all of these models are from either American or Japanese manufacturers, with the only exception being the [[wikipedia:Jaguar XK|Jaguar XK]], which is originally a European car.

Character-wise, Hasbro and Takara initially started out with better-known [[Generation 1]] characters from the 1984-85 era that had originally transformed into cars. [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] started the line, with his extensive [[paint application|paint applications]] and [[tampograph|tampographed]] sponsor logos meant to show the level of detail put into the line. For budget reasons, Hasbro and Takara decided very early on that [[redeco|redecos]]/[[retool|retools]] were necessary even more than they were in other lines, thus retools of the first three molds were already available by the time the last of the "original six" molds came out. Initially, Hasbro and Takara intended to keep the retools rooted in Generation 1 whenever possible, thus the retool of Smokescreen became [[Bluestreak]] (renamed into "Silverstreak" for [[trademark]] reasons). Though the line was originally meant to be just [[Autobot|Autobots]], it was later decided to release [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] as part of the line, which took the form of retools of existing Autobot toys, hence the [[Sideswipe (G1)|Side Swipe]] retool ended up as [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] rather than [[Sunstreaker]], and the intended [[Trailbreaker]] retool of [[Hound]] ultimately became [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] instead.

Over the time, the selection was expanded to include characters which had not originally transformed into vehicles (such as [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] aka "Shockblast", or [[Ravage]] aka "Battle Ravage"). The first character difference between the ''Alternators'' and ''Binaltech'' versions of the line occurred when Hasbro named a toy that was designed to resemble the Omnibot [[Overdrive]] (who the toy was released as in Japan) after the [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] instead, presumably due to [[trademark]] reasons (a constant thorn in the side). As the two lines progressed, they diverged more, both in terms of different decos and the addition of third-stringer characters (mostly on Hasbro's end). Even characters that had no root in Generation 1 at all would eventually be added, namely [[Decepticharge]] and [[Nemesis Prime (Alternators)|Nemesis Prime]]. Interestingly, the first molds to ''start out'' as Decepticons rather than Autobots, [[Rumble]] and a second [[Ravage]] toy, would ultimately also be the last new molds of the line released by Hasbro (as of this writing).

{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:MazdaRX-8.jpg|right|thumb|170px|Who is the Mazda RX-8 Transformer? Who? WHO?]]

In the USA, the '''''Alternators''''' line was launched in December 2003, with the toys being made entirely out of plastic (with the exception of the rubber tires). The first wave consisted ''only'' of Smokescreen, who shipped in a case all by himself. The second wave mixed Smokescreen and Side Swipe in a 50:50 ratio, with new toys being introduced in the following waves (but Smokescreen choked shelves like crazy). Over the time of its original run, the ''Alternators'' line was particularly notorious for including toys that were extremely hard to find due to only shipping in one or two waves (Meister, Tracks, Decepticharge, Swerve), whereas others shipped for multiple waves, despite already been [[shelfwarmer]]s (Swindle, in particular).

In 2005, Wal*Mart decided to drop the ''Alternators'' assortment due to poor sales. As a result, Hasbro relaunched the line with a new assortment in late 2005, featuring completely new packaging, a mix of new molds, redecos of older toys and re-releases of highly sought-after rarities such as Tracks or Meister, prompting Wal-Mart to pick the line up again. In a twist of irony, those "rare" toys re-released ended up as shelfwarmers this time around.

As sales for the second assortment were not particularly stellar either, Hasbro eventually decided to drop the ''Alternators'' as a mass retail line altogether. A Nemesis Prime redeco of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] mold was released as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] [[exclusive]] that was originally offered at San Diego Comic-Con 2006, with poor handling and limited availability resulting in a lot of frustrated fans. Meanwhile, the toy was warming shelves in Asia, where it had been released at mass retail. Following Nemesis Prime, the last two new molds that had been far into development at the time it was decided to discontinue the line, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage]], were released as Wal*Mart exclusives in Spring 2007. The last new release after that was [[Hot Rod|Rodimus]], a retool of [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], again available as a Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive.

Distribution in other countries was oftentimes even worse: Canadian stores already dropped the line after the first four or five waves and didn't really pick it up again until the launch of the second assortment; in New Zealand, Meister shipped in a solid case assortment (similar to Smokescreen before him), thereby almost killing the line there; Australian stores dropped the line during its second year, making it effectively an online retailer exclusive for the most part there from that point on (on the upside, Australia also got Nemesis Prime and Rodimus); and Europe got a borderline random selection of toys, with different toys being available in different countries (Meister, for example, only ever came out in Italy). However, as if Jaguar-Ravage wasn't already exceptional enough, the toy was also available in various European countries several months before he came out in the USA.

The future of the ''Alternators'' line is highly questionable right now, and not very bright. At [[BotCon 2006]], Hasbro staffers said the line was going on "hiatus" during the [[Movie_(toyline)|2007 movie toyline's]] run (which also happens to include licensed representations of real-world vehicles) takes the spotlight. The upcoming second ''[[Universe (2008)|Universe]]'' line --revealed at [[BotCon 2007]]-- is said to fill the gap for "realistic vehicles" during the run of ''[[Transformers Animated]]'', primarily by having unlicensed approximations of vehicles in the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' style (and possibly even Movie style as well).

Also at BotCon 2007, Hasbro staffers (notably [[Greg Lombardo]]) said that many of the licenses they'd acquired to make ''Alternators'' had expired. They hoped to make a few more exclusive redecoes using the remaining licenses (like Rodimus) before those expired in 2008, but were unsure of the available venues, noting that future retail releases --even as exclusives-- was unlikely.

{{-}}

==Binaltech==
[[Image:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|left|thumb|180px|Hasbro vs. Takara - can you guess which one is which?]]

In Japan, the line was known as '''''Binaltech''''', with the primary difference being that ''Binaltech'' figures are more "collector"-oriented, featuring fully-painted car bodies and die-cast metal parts, in comparison to ''Alternators''' color-molded plastic construction. In return, a ''Binaltech'' toy also costs twice or thrice as much as a standard ''Alternators'' figure. Additionally, various ''Binaltech'' figures have same-character variants, usually released concurrently in a 50:50 ratio per case (as Japanese toys usually ship in solid cases), that Hasbro did not release (though there are numerous redecoes and remolds in ''Alternators'' that never saw release in ''Binaltech'').

The mass retail ''Binaltech'' line was effectively canceled (or, to put it politely, put on "indefinite haitus") in early 2006 after the release of [[Skids]], apparently due to slow sales. Reportedly two more releases were canceled; "[[Blackarachnia|Black Widow]]" (a silver and purple redeco of [[Decepticharge]] as the ''[[Beast Wars]]'' femme fatale, better known as Blackarachnia outside Japan) and [[Ginrai]] ([[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s ''[[Masterforce]]'' look-alike) had been solicited, but only the first was shown in any capacity. The latter would ultimately end up as the first release of Takara's short-lived replacement for the ''Binaltech'' line, ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys|Convoy]].

In 2007, the ''Binaltech'' line got resurrected in a way similar to the state Hasbro's version was in at that point. The two new molds that had previously been intended to be released prior to the cancellation of the mass retail line were now released as redecos of the ''Kiss Players'' toys, with Black Convoy (exclusively available at the Wonder Festival 2007 Winter convention, and later at [[e-Hobby]]) being Takara's counterpart of the Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con Nemesis Prime redeco of Optimus Prime/Convoy, whereas "Rijie" (Mirage), a redeco of the Ford GT mold which Takara had previously released as ''Kiss Players'' [[Hot Rod|Hot Rodimus]], was only released as a clear e-Hobby exclusive variant, using the same head sculpt as Hasbro's Alternators Mirage version. Therefore, Rijie was the only Binaltech that didn't contain any diecast parts. Thus far, Takara have shown no indication of intending to release the new Rumble or Ravage molds.

===Binaltech Asterisk===
In late 2005 (not too long before it went on "indefinite haitus"), ''Binaltech'' gained a sub-series called '''''Binaltech Asterisk''''', using old molds in new decos as previously-unreleased Autobots, but also including small PVC figurines of human girls, each one based on a female human character from a previous ''Transformers'' series. These figurines had alternate arms and lower bodies so they could "drive" the Autobots in car mode. These toys were also packaged in robot mode as opposed to the normal car mode (presumably to encourage transformation to car mode so the girls could drive). Reportedly, the addition of the PVCs was to try and reach a broader market to help the line's flagging sales... though the ''higher price tag'' probably didn't help. This series only had three releases before it was canceled; a "Black Convoy w/ [[Marissa Faireborn|Marissa]]" (spelled "Melissa") set was solicited as the fourth set but never released as originally planned... it got changed for the latest incarnation of the 1:24 line, ''[[Kiss Players]]''.

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==Fiction==
''Binaltech'' has its own storyline written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], though it is only told in small text chunks within each toy's instruction booklet (or, in the case of the exclusives from 2007, on the toys' packaging itself). Taking place during the 'lost years' between the [[Generation 1]] cartoon's second season and [[The Transformers: The Movie]], the story heralds the return of the [[Cosmic Rust]] virus unleashed by the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] on the [[Autobot|Autobots]], forcing them to team up with various name-brand car companies to create new bodies for the infected, which would be immune to the plague. Following the rebuilt Autobots' counter-offensive, an evil conspiracy group named the "[[Concurrence]]", consisting both of human villains from season 2 of the original ''Transformers'' cartoon and obscure villains from ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' spin-offs from the 1990s, hijacks several bodies originally intended for Autobots that fell victim to the Cosmic Rust and uses them as new bodies for damaged Decepticons instead. Another plot of the story involves [[Ravage|Ravage's]] ''Beast Wars'' incarnation returning in another attempt to change history, and the Autobots' attempts to stop him and reverse the damage, ultimately resulting in a timeline-branch. The story ends with Rijie (Mirage) pulling the lever that instantly freezes all Transformers (originally introduced in [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]), which mostly affects the Decepticons due to a recent Binaltech-related upgrade employed by most Autobots. As the Autobots seemingly win the war, only [[Shockwave (G1)|Laserwave]] (Shockwave) and [[Nemesis Prime (Alternators)|Black Convoy]] (Nemesis Prime) remain active, with the latter being revealed to be an avatar of [[Unicron]].

Unlike ''Binaltech'', there is no actual fiction for the ''Alternators'' line, and it is highly unlikely there ever will be, the line's questionable future regardless. According to [[Hasbro]] representatives, they never pursued the licensing rights for "2D" representations of the car models. Though the reasons were never stated, it is not hard to extrapolate numerous reasons not to; additional costs for securing rights for an indefinite period, debatable ability to utilize those rights in a timely manner, plus clearing whatever fictional portrayal is made with every car company involved (see [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]'s page for more on ''that''), which would massively bog down any publication.

However, a few chunks of Takara's ''Binaltech'' story have made it to the Western market nonetheless: A promotional website set up by Mazda's USA branch in early 2004, offering the first hint at what would ultimately end up as the Alternators Meister toy, featured a brief summary of the original setting for the Binaltech story, including mention of the Cosmic Rust. More than two years later, a bio for the Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Nemesis Prime toy, written by [[Forest Lee]], directly referred to the Binaltech story, including the names of [[Dr. Arkeville]] and his employer, the "[[Concurrence]]". For reasons unknown, though, the story was never officially released, and only found its way to the public through websites with access to Hasbro's official library for promotional material intended for retailers, later also to be featured by [[Ben Yee]] in his review for the toy. Interestingly enough, the story for Takara's Black Convoy version of Nemesis Prime, as well as a related revelation from the final chapter that came with the e-Hobby exclusive Rijie toy, appear to be based around the bio for the Alternators toy.

''Binaltech Asterisk'' has its own fiction that is largely unconnected to any other Transformers timeline, or even itself, being mostly short vignettes free of Decepticon troubles; however, the official [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Japanese G1 timeline]] places it within the same fiction and period of time as Binaltech.

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==Toys==
===Alternators===
{{note|Although most ''Alternators'' ''did'' come out in waves, the number of actually new toys was limited to two or three per season; as a result, they'll simply be listed in order of release without differentiation as to when that release happened.}}

*01. [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003)
*02. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (Dodge Viper SRT-10)
*03. [[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]] (Jeep Wrangler Sport)
*04. [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*05. [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*06. [[Tracks|Autobot Tracks]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
*07. [[Jazz|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8)
*08. [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*09. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (Ford Mustang GT)
*10. [[Ravage|Battle Ravage]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*11. [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (Honda S2000)
*12. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockblast]] (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*13. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (2005 Ford Mustang Street Tuning)
*14. [[Decepticharge]] (Mugen Honda S2000)
*15. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
*16. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (Acura RSX)
*17. [[Skids (G1)|Autobot Skids]] (Scion xB)
*18. [[Sunstreaker]] (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*19. [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*20. [[Ricochet (G1) (Autobot)|Ricochet]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*21. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10)
*22. [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (Ford GT)
*23. [[Camshaft (G1)|Autobot Camshaft]] (Acura RSX)
*24. [[Nemesis Prime (Alternators)|Nemesis Prime]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10, Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive)
*25. [[Rumble]] (Honda Civic Si, Wal*Mart exclusive)
*26. [[Ravage]] (Jaguar XK, Wal*Mart exclusive)
*27. [[Hot Rod|Rodimus]] (Ford GT, Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive)

{{note|The mass retail Alternators line was officially released in two subsequent assortments. The first one ran from Smokescreen to Prowl, whereas the second one ran from Prowl (who was carried over from the first assortment) to Autobot Camshaft, including re-releases of Autobot Tracks and Meister. Rumble and Ravage were available in a Wal*Mart exclusive assortment of their own, whereas Nemesis Prime and Rodimus weren't part of ''any'' assortment as such.}}

===Binaltech===
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #7 version)
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #8 version)
*BT-02. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Lambor]] (Dodge Viper SRT-10)
*BT-03. [[Bluestreak|Streak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-04. [[Hound]] (Jeep Wrangler Sport)
*BT-05. Dead End (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 yellow version)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 blue version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #1 version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #2 version)
*BT-08. [[Jazz|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8 white version)
*BT-08. Meister "Velocity Red Mica Edition" (Mazda RX-8 red version, aka [[Zoom-Zoom]])
*BT-09. Swindle (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*BT-10. Grimlock (Ford Mustang GT)
*BT-11. Ravage (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*BT-12. [[Overdrive]] (Honda S2000)
*BT-13. [[Shockwave (G1)|Laserwave]] (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*BT-14. Wheeljack (2005 Ford Mustang Street Tuning)
*BT-15. Prowl "Patrol Type" (Honda Integra Type-R police version)
*BT-15. Prowl "Vivid Blue Pearl Edition" (Honda Integra Type-R blue version)
*BT-16. Skids (Toyota bB)
*BT-17. [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Black Convoy]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10, Wonder Festival 2007 Winter exclusive)
*BT-18. [[Mirage (G1)|Rijie]] "Electro Disrupter Mode" (Ford GT, e-Hobby exclusive clear version)
*BT-19. [[Bluestreak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-20. Meister (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)

===Binaltech Asterisk===
*BTA01. [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]] meets [[Ai Kuruma|Ai]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BTA02. [[Sunstreaker]] meets [[Junko Shiragami|Junko]] (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*BTA03. [[Blaster|Broadblast]] meets [[Lumina Hoshi|Lumina]] (Toyota bB)

{{-}}

==Trivia==
===Pre-release development===

[[Image:PorscheMiniSubaru.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You'll never ever find us in stores.]]It's not certain what exactly originally led Hasbro and Takara to the concept of a line of Transformers based on licensed vehicles. An interview with Takara's development team<ref>[http://tfarchive.com/fandom/interviews/alternators_binaltech/takara_binaltech_interview_translation.php interview with Takara's Binaltech development team, English translation at TF Archive]</ref> confirmed that both companies initially had different ideas (for example, a different intended scale for the toys) that ultimately resulted in a compromise. It's possible that Hasbro's motivation stemmed from the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' line, where they were required to alter [[X-Brawn]]'s headlights in order to avoid legal trouble with Mercedes, and had to acquire a license from Dodge for all iterations of the [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] mold beginning with the "Super Side Burn" redeco.

* The first toy planned for the line was Jazz (probably to be named "Autobot Jazz" for [[trademark]] reasons) as a Porsche 986. A prototype was made, but Porsche refused to grant Hasbro and Takara the license, stating that "Transformers are not worthy carrying the Porsche trademark. They are war machines and the toyline in no way represents the lifestyle and ideas which Porsche represents."<ref>[http://www.tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24622 Former Porsche employee Addl recounting an informal inquiry with Porsche's licensing department at TF Archive]</ref> As a consequence, the toy ultimately never went into production. Photos of the prototype were depicted in the Japanese book "The Transformers: [[Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]", and Hasbro later also displayed the prototype during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour.

* The second prototype produced was Tracks as a Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Although the toy eventually came out, Chevrolet initially denied Hasbro and Takara the license as well, presumably fearing that "having these car panels that separate apart conveys an image of being broken".<ref>[http://toyboxst.inwards.com/phorum/read.php?3,97799,97800 interview with Binaltech designer Hironori Kobayashi, English translation at the Toybox DX forums]</ref> This led Hasbro and Takara to conceive an alternate concept for Tracks as another "well-known American sports car", namely a Dodge Viper. Ultimately, though, Chevrolet would later have a change of mind, which allowed Hasbro and Takara to start production on Corvette-Tracks after all, whereas the Viper ended up as Side Swipe instead.

* The third design was for [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] as a [[wikipedia:Volkswagen New Beetle|Volkswagen New Beetle]], with [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] as the redeco. Unfortunately, VW had similar concerns as Porsche, what with not wanting to be associated with "war toys", therefore the design never made it past the control drawing stage. Control drawings for both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper have been published in the aforementioned Japanese BT guide book.

* Another prototype, which was apparently created before the final scale for the line was settled on, was a smaller version of [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], displayed by Hasbro as part of the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour. <ref>[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-gallery/convention-photographs/238/convention-photographs/BotCon+2007+Hasbro+Tour.html Photos from the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour at Transformers @ The Moon]</ref> Oddly enough, though, the prototype is a different scale than the one Takara claimed having initially pursued in their interview in the ''Binaltech'' guide book; furthermore, the small Subaru prototype was stated to be the second prototype after the Porsche version of Jazz (which was displayed next to him), which also appears to contradict the Takara interview; and lastly, the Subaru prototype mixes a Smokescreen head sculpt and a WRC (Smokescreen) front bumper with a WRX ([[Bluestreak (G1)|Silverstreak]]) rear spoiler.

* The 1:24 scale Subaru Impreza mold was apparently the first design that went without any major difficulty at any stage in its production process, if one ignores the smaller scale prototype. It should be noted, though, that Silverstreak (the WRX street model) was originally designed first, with Smokescreen (the WRC rally model) being intended as the redeco, but Takara's licensing department decided to reverse the release order of the two versions, thinking that the rally model would have "more visual impact" as the first release of the line.

===Other changes===

* Many other toys later down the line also went through various changes prior to being released. More details can be found on the individual pages for [[Tracks#Trivia|Tracks]], [[Sideswipe (G1)#Trivia|Sideswipe]], [[Hound (G1)#Trivia|Hound]], [[Sunstreaker#Alternators/Binaltech Asterisk|Sunstreaker]], [[Dead_End_(G1)#Alternators|Dead End]], [[Camshaft#Trivia|Camshaft]], [[Jazz (G1)#Trivia|Jazz]], [[Trailbreaker#Other attempts|Trailbreaker]], [[Swindle (G1)#Alternators|Swindle]], [[Grimlock (G1)#Trivia|Grimlock]], [[Freeway#Trivia|Freeway]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], [[Overdrive#Binaltech|Overdrive]], [[Wheeljack (G1)#Trivia|Wheeljack]], [[Decepticharge#Trivia|Decepticharge]], [[Wildrider#Trivia|Wildrider]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)#Unreleased|Blackarachnia]], [[Prowl (G1)#Trivia|Prowl]], [[Red Alert (G1)#Trivia|Red Alert]], [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys#Alternators Optimus Prime|Optimus Prime]], [[Ginrai#Trivia|Ginrai]], [[Hot Rod toys#Trivia|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)#Binaltech|Mirage]], [[Nemesis Prime (Alternators)#Trivia|Nemesis Prime]] and [[Bluestreak#Trivia|Bluestreak]].

* In early 2004, a trade publication named ''Brandweek'' reported that Hasbro was negotiating with Dodge about the licenses for a Dodge Ram pickup truck and a Dodge Neon. While the former ultimately ended up as Optimus Prime, the latter vehicle was never actually turned into an Alternator.

* In mid-2004, several online stores solicited an upcoming ''Binaltech'' toy based on a MINI Cooper alongside the newly confirmed Swindle and Grimlock. The preorders were later canceled, which, coupled with conflicting statements from Hasbro and MINI prior to that, resulted in quite a lot of confusion among fans. To this day it's not certain whether the preorders were premature and solely based on an advertising campaign MINI had been running during that time, or whether such a ''Binaltech''/''Alternators'' toy was actually in the works. Rumors of an existing prototype could never be verified.

* In late 2004, store listings revealed an entry for an upcoming Alternators toy based on an unspecified Mitsubishi vehicle, listed alongside an Acura which would later turn out to be Prowl. Ultimately, the Mitsubishi would never materialize, and the only other concrete piece of information was a rumor that ''predated'' the store listing, suggesting that an Alternators toy based on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was in the pipeline.

* Another new mold, a Cadillac XLR, was also planned. According to Hasbro at BotCon 2006, the toy would have been [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], but when it was decided to put the Alternators line on an indefinite hiatus, the Cadillac Megatron plans never went beyond the early planning stages.

{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.oafe.net/articulation/0602.php English translation of the Binaltech story, with images and footnotes] (up to and including BT-18)
* [http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?threadid=41133 English translation of the BT-18 chapter] (from BT-18 Rijie)

[[Category: Alternators| ]]
[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category: Toys]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Jazz (G1)

2008-03-03T17:03:17Z

121.44.196.130: /* Alternators */ Added BT-20.

{{disambig3|Jazz}}

:''Jazz is an [[Autobot]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''Meister'''.''

[[Image:Jazzg1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Eat floor, dig?]]

'''Jazz''' is [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Sub-Commander|right-hand man]]. Unlike [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], Prime's military strategist, Jazz responds well to change and improvisation. Whatever surprises the Decepticons spring, Jazz can deal with it. His position as Special Operations Agent calls for all the skills he possesses, yet he still has time to add some style to everything he does.

An admirer of Earth music of every kind, Jazz loves culture. More than most other Autobots, he has his finger on the pulse of Earth trends and lingo. Chances are, Jazz could tell you the status of almost any reality television show and each week's Top 40 list.

Jazz's personality makes him well-liked among the others of the ''Ark'' crew, especially [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find an Autobot who ''doesn't'' like or admire Jazz. Except perhaps [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], who doesn't like anyone anyway.

:''Nickname'': '''Coolsville'''
:''Preliminary name'': '''Jazzz'''<br>
:''Japanese name'': '''Meister'''<br>
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Saxo'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Tigre'''<br>
:''RTM1 dub name'': '''Marshall'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
:''(Events from UK-only stories are in italics.)''
[[Image:Jazzg1marvelfirst.jpg|left|thumb|100px|Hey, man, this is not my scene!]]

''Before Optimus became leader, Jazz was part of the self-styled Magnificent Six, a team of Autobot warriors who would be tortured and humiliated by the sadistic [[Megadeath]].'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}

Jazz was one of the Autobots who crashed on [[Earth]] four million years ago, waking up in 1984. Jazz showed an affinity with human pop culture almost immediately, responding to [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s non sequitur assertion that his "logic center dictates the most advantageous course of action in any situation" with "Well, that is neat-o, Prowl."

Jazz's first foray into action came when the [[Decepticon]]s attacked him and his fellow Autobots at [[Witwicky Auto Repairs]], resulting in the kidnapping of [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]. Later, when Sparkplug was rescued and it was learned that the auto repairman had devised a way for the Decepticons to convert [[Earth]] fuel into a usable resource, the Autobots were enraged. Jazz shot a stream of fire to prevent Sparkplug's escape, causing the [[human]] to suffer a heart attack.

''It was discovered that after the Autobots crash-landed on Earth, a rescue ship was sent after them which was buried somewhere in England. The [[Man of Iron]], one of its crew, had awakened a number of times in England's history and had become a local legend. Jazz, along with [[Trailbreaker]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Bluestreak]], were dispatched to England under [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s supervision. Jazz befriended (and kidnapped) a young boy, [[Tommy Harker]], whose dad worked at the castle where the Autobot rescue ship had been partially unearthed. After questioning the boy, it became apparent that the rescue ship must be destroyed. At the climax of a battle with the Decepticons over the buried ship, Jazz fired his weaponry down into it, and it was pulverized. {{storylink|Man of Iron}} Possibly at the same time, Jazz took part in a mission in England to find a power source that reversed Transformers' personalities. Jazz eventually ended up destroying the Core of Pard during a battle with [[Starscream]].'' {{Storylink|To a Power Unknown!}}

[[Image:G1_Jazz_ChristmasBreaker.jpg|thumb|right|150px|She's not a material girl.]]

Jazz spent three weeks in a shipping container in order to get to Skagway, Alaska unnoticed by the Constructicons. [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] then became stuck while scouting the base, and Jazz suffered brain damage while coming to his aid. Hoist was forced to drag the uncooperative, bewildered Jazz to through hostile territory to safety. ''The damage was repairable.'' {{Storylink|The Mission}}

''When Galvatron time-jumped to 1986, Jazz was sent to scout out Decepticon territory and was captured. He was then used as bait to draw the Autobots into an ambush and was told of Galvatorn's origin before his brain was operated on to turn him into a murderous [[zombie]]-soldier. He was used against his fellow Autobots and needed severe repairs afterwards.'' {{storylink|Target 2006}}

Jazz was one of dozens killed in the [[Underbase]] battle {{storylink|Dark Star!}} and would later be resurrected by Ratchet as a [[Classic Pretender]]. {{storylink|Skin Deep}} He, Bumblebee and Grimlock emboldened the Autobot resistance before being sent back to Earth, but the actions of the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] caused them to end up in the center of Cybertron, at the face of the sleeping [[Primus]]. The end result was Primus being awoken and, as a result, Unicron heading for their world. {{storylink|Primal Scream}} Jazz was part of the team sent to [[VsQs]] to retrieve the Creation Matrix during the [[Matrix Quest]] but was defeated by [[Thunderwing]]. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} He fought in the battle against Unicron, and was briefly rear-ended by a speeding [[Siren]] {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

''In a parallel timeline, Jazz was one of the members of the [[Earthforce]] unit and served in it with distinction. Jazz, along with Silverbolt and the remaining Magnificent Six, was sent in 1990 to recover any traces of the Underbase in Yuss, where they'd run afoul of Megadeath. They re-encountered their old enemy and were tortured by their memories, and it was up to Silverbolt to convince them to fight on. Jazz helped beat Megadeath to death, exorcising his demons.'' {{storylink|The Magnificent Six!}}''

====Generation 2====

Jazz played a significantly minor role in the Autobots' war with the second generation [[Cybertronian]]s. He was not seen among their forces until Grimlock rescued Prime from the Decepticons on Earth, and even afterwards was only seen briefly, if at all.

====Generation 2 (UK)====

When [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] began his assault on Earth, Optimus Prime was summoned back to the planet by Grimlock and brought Jazz, [[Skram]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] with him. While Prime confronted Bludgeon directly, Jazz and his operatives engaged another detachment of Decepticons. Despite their small numbers, Jazz's team defeated their more plentiful opponents thanks to the fact that the 'Cons were operating on reduced power levels. Too much prolonged death and destruction takes its toll. They then joined up with Optimus and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s to drive off the returning Megatron as well.

===Animated continuity===
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Scatman Crothers]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (US), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japan)

[[Image:cybertronjazz.jpg|thumb|Spoiler Alert. HAW!]]

Blacker than the inside of a drive shaft—that's how Jazz described the north side of Cybertron. The slang-talking operations specialist was on a recon mission to ascertain Cybertron's bleak energy reserves, and his reports are what prompted the Autobot mission to search for new sources of energy outside of their home world. Jazz served as pilot for the ''[[Ark]]'' until severe asteroid turbulence knocked him from his seat. The Decepticons took advantage of the confusion and attacked, and both vessels and parties crash-landed on Earth.

Four million years later, in 1984, the Autobots and Decepticons awoke reformatted to fit in on the planet. Jazz traded in his sleek Cybertronian form for an even sleeker Porsche 935 Turbo mode. As a lieutenant to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Jazz was charged with assembling task forces and special mission teams to counter the Decepticon threat. Jazz accompanied the first mission to an offshore oil rig, where his wrist-mounted grappling hook and winch came in handy saving Optimus Prime. He used the same line to stop Prime from riding the rapids at [[Sherman Dam]] and to pull [[Bluestreak]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] from an unscheduled lake swim.

[[Image:Jazz_and_music.jpg|left|thumb|Jazz likes disrupting motor functions!]]

Throughout their stay on Earth, Jazz was seen giving orders and accompanying Optimus Prime on almost any mission they undertook. He also actually used his light and sound show attack on at least two occasions. In addition, he helped liberate the people of Titan from subjugation by Decepticons pretending to be gods and appeared particularly horrified at the Decepticons' use of religious enslavement. {{storylink|The God Gambit}}

By 2005, those dang Decepti-jerks had overtaken all of Cybertron, forcing the Autobots to operate on [[Moonbase One]], [[Moonbase Two]] and [[Autobot City]] on Earth. Though most of the Autobots' senior command staff were killed as a result of the Decpeticons' [[Battle of Autobot City|attack on the city]], Jazz remained on Moonbase One, where he and Cliffjumper survived. Bad new was, the ginormous [[Unicron]] arrived, and subsequently ate both moons. Fortunately, Jazz, Cliffjumper, Spike, and Bumblebee were spared when Spike's son [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] saved them from being dropped in an acid pit. Jazz and the other Autobots drove out of Unicron (and through space) and arrived on Cybertron, where he joined in the chanting of "[['Til all are one]]" as Unicron's severed head orbited Cybertron. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

===Dreamwave comic continuity===
8.2 million years ago, Jazz and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] met [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] in the remains of [[Praxus]]'s [[Helix Gardens]] to discuss the worthiness of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optronix]] to lead the Autobots. Jazz later attended the [[Matrix]]-transfer ceremony at the [[Chamber of the Ancients]]. He attempted to save Optronix—now Optimus Prime—when Prime was attacked by [[Decepticons]], but was restrained by Grimlock. When Prime defeated the assassins, Jazz was convinced of his worth.

Soon afterwards, Jazz questioned Prowl's decision to allow Prime to explore the depths of the planet alone, but was prevented from pressing the issue any further when [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] attacked [[Iacon]] with an army of Decepticons. Jazz helped direct the battle from the [[Decagon]], but the defenders were soon overwhelmed. Jazz was forced to begin evacuating important artifacts and hardware from the city, but was unable to finish before the Decepticons overran the Decagon. He and a handful of Autobots made a desperate last stand, but were saved from extinction when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] activated the planetary engines, devastating the city and forcing Shockwave's army to retreat.

7.4 million years ago, Jazz witnessed the [[space bridge]] explosion that seemingly killed Prime and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. After the subsequent fragmentation of the Autobot faction, Jazz remained with the Prowl-led Autobots. He accompanied a group of Autobots to investigate a [[Trypticon (G1)|new mobile battle base]] at the [[Praetorus Wharf]], only to learn that the base was fully operational. Despite the arrival of reinforcements, the titan was too much for Jazz and his cohorts; only when Shockwave recalled Trypticon to the [[Neutral Territories]] were they saved them from certain doom.

Battered, Jazz and the others limped back to Iacon, only to be forced to repel an attack on [[Autobase]] by [[The Fallen]]. Although Jazz, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] fought valiantly, the mysterious entity defeated them and achieved his objective: freeing [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] from captivity.

Jazz was among the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. After years of fighting, Jazz and the other Autobots took part in [[Operation Liberation]] in 1998, a joint human/Autobot operation that defeated and captured the Earth-bound Decepticons. However, the ''[[Ark II]]'', which was meant to convey the Autobots, the captured Decepticons, and a number of humans back to Cybertron, was sabotaged by General [[Robert Hallo]], sending Jazz and his comrades to the bottom of the [[Arctic Ocean]].

A few years later, Optimus Prime awoke Jazz and a number of other Autobots to combat the sinister [[Lazarus]]. He aided in the cleanup of Lazarus's latest target, the [[SmitCo]] oil refinery, and then moved on to Lazarus's base, which had been taken over by a revived Megatron and his deadly "metal virus". Jazz and the others briefly battled the Decepticons, but were stopped in their tracks when Hallo dropped a nuclear bomb on them. The virus absorbed most of the blast, leaving the Transformers unharmed, but continued to expand across the countryside. Jazz remained behind with a team to combat the virus, while Optimus Prime took a contingent of warriors to combat Megatron in [[San Francisco]]. Armed with [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]-designed blasters to combat the virus, Jazz and his squad fought bravely, despite the blasters draining their energy and the well-meaning interference of the Canadian Army. But soon the virus overwhelmed them, forcing Wheeljack to sacrifice himself to destroy it. Jazz mourned over Wheeljack's fallen form.

Some time later, Jazz participated in a battle in [[Alaska]] over possession of an escape pod containing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], only to be forced to flee with the other Autobots when Shockwave arrived from Cybertron, proclaiming a new era of peace. While Optimus Prime and a number of other Autobots surrendered to Shockwave's lieutenant, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], Jazz was left behind on Earth to command a small team of Autobots. After Magnus and Prime had departed, Jazz, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] returned to the battlefield, but found no trace of the pod or Scourge.

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. Transformers'' comics continuity===

===Binaltech===

When the Decepticons began to infiltrate the Binaltech project, Jazz volunteered to uncover how the enemy had managed to co-opt several new Autobot bodies for themselves. Working with several members of [[Earth Defense Command]] on this counter-intelligence endeavor, nicknamed "Operation: Carwash", Jazz decided to undergo the Binaltech process in secret himself in order to keep an eye on the programs better. To aid him on his special operations missions, Jazz also adopted a variation on the [[GT System|Genetronic Translink]] tech into his new body, enabling him to communicate with and direct a second autonomous body. Gifted with a self-developing artificial intelligence based on his own personality, this secondary Transformer was nicknamed "[[Zoom-Zoom]]" by Jazz, and the two began operating as a highly skilled combat duo on Earth.

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
What appears to be a pre-war Jazz was a member of the Kaon Security Services, where he spent many an hour being bored to death by Prowl. How little things change. {{storylink| Megatron_Origin_issue_2|Megatron Origin issue 2}}
[[Image:IDW_Jazz.jpg|right|thumb|170px|Whoops! I better wind down my woofers!]]

Jazz is part of a detachment of Autobots that has operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, attempting to foil a Decepticon insurgency. His role within the Autobot detachment has not been revealed as of yet. He got a crash course in Earth culture from [[Verity Carlo]] and her friends, and was surprised to find the emotionless, dead-eyed fixed smile on his [[holomatter]] avatar creeped people out. {{storylink|Escalation issue 1}} He and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] were attacked by [[Machination]] agents when trying to locate (what was thought to be at the time) [[Sunstreaker]]'s remains, but survived.{{storylink| Escalation issue 2|Escalation issue 2}} He later participated in the battle with Decepticons at [[Brasnya]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4}}

Jazz was aboard the ''[[Ark-19]]'' when it was shot down by [[Sixshot]] and he was seriously injured by the Decepticon "living weapon" during the subsequent battle - Sixshot tore off his left arm with apparent ease. {{storylink| Devastation_issue_4| Devastation issue 4}} He was still injured when Optimus Prime ordered the Autobots to leave Earth for [[Garrus-9]].
{{-}}
{{charstub}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Jazz''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1985/2002/2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-06''', '''TFC-01'''

[[Image:G1_Jazz_toy.jpg|right|thumb|At least he doesn't like music as much as [[Blaster]].]]

:Jazz was part of the original assortment of Autobots released in 1984. He transforms into a Martini Racing Porsche 935 Turbo. In robot mode, he is armed with a silver "photon rifle" and a shoulder-mounted, spring-loaded rocket launcher that can fire three silver missiles.

:A slight variation of this toy, with different decals on the car doors, was available as a mail-away [[exclusive]] offer from Cookie Crisp cereal.

:This mold was also used to make the pre-Transformers ''Diaclone'' Porsche 935 Turbo and [[Ricochet (G1) (Autobot)|Ricochet]].

* '''Jazz''' ([[Pretender Classic]], 1989)

* '''Jazz''' ([[Legends (G1)|Legend]], 1989)

* '''Jazz w/ Turbo Board''' (Action Master, 1990)

[[Image:Actionmaster_Jazz.jpg|left|thumb|Now he can shred the streets on his board.]]

: [[Action Master]] Jazz's sculpt was based upon his cartoon model, but with some of the toy details added in. As with most Action Master figures, he cannot transform, but his [[Turbo Board]] partner can transform from a skateboard into a large blaster weapon. Jazz was part of the first wave of individual Action Master figures.

: There are reportedly several minor variations of this figure, all regarding the color of his headlights. Some have them unpainted, while others are light blue or greenish-blue.

{{-}}
* '''Meister''' (2003)
[[Image:Ehobby_Meister.jpg|right|thumb|Looks like someone's been sneaking out to the [[electrum]] pool again. Bling bling~!!!]]

: An [[E-Hobby|e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]], sold with the "anime version" of [[Bluestreak]], this version of reissue Jazz is almost entirely constructed of vacuum-metalized gold plastic, based on Jazz's [[electrum]]-covered appearance in "[[The Golden Lagoon]]". Fingerprints and chipping, ahoy!

{{-}}
===Generation 2===
*'''Jazz''' (Autobot Car, 1993)

[[Image:G2_Jazz.jpg|left|thumb|Promoted!]]

:Generation 2 Jazz is a slight retool and redeco of the original toy. His face (apparently degraded from mold usage) now has a strange smirk. His roof has been retooled with a small hole to accommodate his new bright green, spring-loaded missile launcher. The launcher was not created for the Generation 2 line, but came from the [http://www.yojoe.com/action/91/snowserpent2.shtml Snow Serpent] from the [[G.I. Joe]] toyline. All of his Martini racing stickers have been replaced with various new stickers depicting his name and the number '1' laid over a rainbow-colored musical note.

:This mold became the basis for future reissues of Jazz, complete with his smirk.

====Unreleased====

*'''Jazz''' (Laser Cycle)

===Universe===
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Spy Changer, 2004)

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''Meister''' (2004)
[[Image:WSTF_Meister.jpg|right|thumb|Tiny Jazz]]

:World's Smallest Transformers Jazz is a tiny replica of the original toy. His wheels do not roll, and he has a simplified transformation scheme.

===Alternators===
*'''Meister''' Mazda RX-8 (Alternator, 2004/2006)
:''Alternator ID number:'' '''7'''
:''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-08'''
"''Do it with style or don't do it at all''"

[[Image:Alternators_Meister.jpg|right|thumb|Zoom zoom zoom!]]

:Alternators Meister transforms into a highly accurate 1:24 scale Mazda RX-8. He features an opening hood with engine, opening "suicide" doors and trunk with a realistic interior. In robot mode, he is sculpted to resemble both the original G1 Jazz toy and the G1 cartoon model. He is armed with a rifle that transforms from his muffler.

: This mold was also used to make [[Zoom-Zoom]] and was retooled into a Mazdaspeed RX-8 as [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockblast]] and Meister

*'''Meister''' (Binaltech, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-20'''
**''Accessories:'' Muffler-blaster

: This version of Meister utilizes the "Mazdaspeed Version II" remolded RX-8 body introduced with Shockblast (Laserwave), but using the original Meister head and a traditional left arm. It is touted as a "Movie Version", somewhat resembling the look of [[Transformers (2007)|Movie]] [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], due to its silver paint job, and is slated for introduction in June 2008.
{{comingsoontoy}}

===Titanium===
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Robot Masters, 2006)

[[Image:Titanium_RM_Jazz.jpg|right|thumb|120px|Eat floor,dig?]]

:Titanium Jazz is a small, 3" non-transformable die-cast metal figurine based upon his Alternators design. He has articulation in his waist, shoulders and head.

===Attacktix===
*'''Autobot Jazz'''

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Heroes of Cybertron, 2003)

This PVC figure was based on the cartoon rendition of Jazz.

==Trivia==
[[Image:LiveActionJazz-Skywarp01.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Not cosplay—cos'''work'''.]]

*A commercial for Transformers reflective iron-on patches advertised the "Prizes in Disguise" competition. When the iron-on patch was used, it was possible to instead find an instant win ticket for a Transformers voice changer (of the [[Enemy]] variety) or to have a party with "life-size" Transformers! Among the "life-size" Transformers shown were Jazz and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. If you actually did party with Jazz and Skywarp, please let us know. So far, only a certain "Starscreamer89" has reported going partying with them.
* Jazz is one of the main characters in the series up to season three, when he started making only a few cameos with no lines. This is because [[Scatman Crothers]], who voiced Jazz, died not long after ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' (which takes place between seasons 2 and 3) finished production. He is given speaking lines and more on-screen time, however, in the Japanese-exclusive ''[[The Headmasters]]''. A character from the first episode of the third season, named [[Munka Spanka]], has Jazz's likeness. Many fans affirm that this strangely named robot was probably initially Jazz, but was renamed after the death of Crothers.
* Scatman Crothers (as Jazz) is often credited as having coined the term "ginormous" (a combination of "gigantic" and "enormous") when using it to describe [[Unicron]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', a term which was officially added by the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary in 2007<ref>[http://www.m-w.com/info/newwords07.htm Merriam-Webster adding the word "ginormous]</ref>; however, the term has actually been around for much longer, being listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as a "British informal" word that has existed since at least the mid-20th century. <ref>[http://www.mtannoyances.com/?p=327 Mother Tongue Annoyances—Origin of "Ginormous"]</ref>
* In recent years, toys sporting the name "Jazz" require an additional "Autobot" prefix for [[trademark]] reasons, hence making the official name "'''Autobot Jazz'''".
* The first toy planned for the [[Alternators]] line was Jazz as a Porsche 986. A prototype was made, but Porsche refused to grant Hasbro and Takara the license, stating that "Transformers are not worthy [of] carrying the Porsche trademark. They are war machines, and the toyline in no way represents the lifestyle and ideas which Porsche represents."<ref>[http://www.tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24622 Former Porsche employee Addl recounting an informal inquiry with Porsche's licensing department at TF Archive]</ref> As a consequence, the toy ultimately never went into production. Photos of the prototype were depicted in the Japanese book ''The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide'', and Hasbro later also displayed the prototype during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour.
* The [[Alternators]] Mazda RX-8 (which ultimately ended up as Meister) was originally intended to be named "[[Camshaft]]", according to various early store listings and a premature reply from Hasbro's customer service. This would also fit with the early idea of making the Alternators toys "direct updates" of their characters' G1 predecessors. A prototype was leaked to the public in early 2004 sporting the same basic colors as the later Alternators "Autobot Camshaft" toy (the Acura RSX), although it's uncertain whether the prototype colors for the RX-8 were supposed to be indicative of the proposed colors for Camshaft (since the Acura redeco was originally intended as a G1 Bluestreak homage before being renamed into "Autobot Camshaft"). The reason why the RX-8 Alternator was ultimately not named "Camshaft" was apparently because the real-life Mazda RX-8 car doesn't ''have'' a camshaft. The irony is staggering, as [[Camshaft]]'s original toy was an RX-7, which ALSO lacks a camshaft.
* Furthermore, there have been at least two different reasons stated why the Hasbro toy was named "Meister" rather than "Autobot Jazz": For once, Hasbro was still hoping that Porsche would have a change of mind and grant them the license after all, like Chevrolet had done; also, Aaron Archer has been quoted stating that he thought a third toy named "Autobot someone" following "[[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]]" and "[[Tracks|Autobot Tracks]]" would have been somewhat "redundant".
* Jazz went through a slight redesign in IDW's G1 comics, going from more G1-looking legs in ''Infiltration'' (car kibble mainly on the back and sides) to more Alternators-like legs in ''Escalation'' (with the rear bumper forming the feet and such).

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Jazz ToyBin Jazz Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Jazz/jazz.htm Jazz at TFU.info]

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[[Category: MyClone]]
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