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Megaplex

2009-05-07T07:17:59Z

121.44.211.155:

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Megaplex is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Machine Wars]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:MegaplexArt1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I hear the new Cybertron Megaplex has over 30 screens!]]
'''Megaplex''' is one of a series of specially constructed clones of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. He exists to foment confusion in the [[Autobot]] ranks and protect against traitors among the Decepticons. He has led many battles in Megatron's stead.

While Megaplex is ideally endowed with the same power as the original Megatron, the Decepticons' true leader is no fool. Realizing that a being based so closely on his own nature and with equal power would be quite likely to make a play to permanently replace him, Megatron thus had his clones constructed with a failsafe device that significantly restricts their abilities. Thus, though Megaplex is easily able to pass as Megatron for short periods of time, his intelligence, strength, firepower, and skill are capped at levels significantly below those of the ''real'' Megatron. The Deception is likely to work best on the battlefield, from a distance, or when Megaplex is following a strict script set by the original.

Megaplex prefers close-quarters combat, tearing into his opponents with electron sword and energy flail. For artillery he prefers liquid helium "Freeze Shells".

==Toys==
===Machine Wars===
[[Image:MachineWars Megaplex toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dr. Doom will sue Megatron for stealing his idea.]]
*'''Megaplex''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories'': 2-piece rifle

: Megaplex was one of two original characters introduced in the ''[[Machine Wars]]'' line. His mold was originally designed, but unused, for the end of ''[[Generation 2]]''. He transforms from a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor]] fighter jet to robot mode with a spring-loaded one-step transformation. The two halves of his rifle store in the back of his robot-mode legs.

: This mold is also used by [[Air Hunter]], ''Machine Wars'' Megatron, ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' [[Thrust (BWII)|Thrust]] and ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Wind Sheer (RID)|Wind Sheer]].

{{-}}
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Megaplex toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Primus help us all when the Megaplex army clashes with Starscream's clones.]]
*'''Megaplex''' (Decepticon, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''93'''
**''Accessories'': "Megasight" scope/"fusion cannon", two-part silencer ("focusing barrel" and "accelerator"), three-part stock ("death charge unit", "saddle", "cannon base"), "energy flail", "high-density infra-red ray laser gun", "electron sword", 20 "Freeze Shell/particle beam" bullets

: Released as an [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]], Megaplex is a [[redeco]] of the original Megatron Walther P-38 pistol toy in the same colors as its original [[Takara]] ''Transformers'' release, itself a coloration used in the ''[[Microman]]'' line the mold originated in. The spring-loaded firing mechanisms inside both the toy's main body and the stock have has also been restored, letting the toy launch [[For safety reasons|choking-hazard-sized projectiles]] in both pistol and robot mode.

: Based on the "[[Transformers Collection]]" [[reissue]] of Megatron, this version comes with ''all'' of Megatron's accessories. (The original Takara version lacked all of the gun's add-on parts, having only the chromed rifle and sword, and of course the flail is new to the "bookbox" Megatron.) His scope, stock and silencer can combine to form a large "particle beam cannon" artillery mode, or attach to his robot mode to make a huge shoulder-mounted "telescopic laser cannon formation". Both of these modes can fire the small plastic bullets the toy comes with thanks to the spring-loaded "death charge unit" portion of his stock. This piece can also connect to the back of his pistol barrel in robot mode, letting him "shoot from the hip", as it were.

{{-}}
==Trivia/Notes==
* Megaplex's ''Machine Wars'' packaging art is in fact a color-altered version of the card-art for the [[Predator]] jet [[Falcon (Predator)|Falcon]].

* The ''Machine Wars'' stock photos (and even the boxart) have Megaplex as the blue jet and Megatron as the gray one, meaning either the package designers got ''everything'' wrong, or the toys were put on the wrong cards. The latter is more likely since gray is more associated with Megatron than blue is.

* The e-Hobby Megaplex's "Particle Beam Cannon" accessory configuration is actually a slight adaptation of a mode used in the original ''Microman'' line; the "saddle" extension that raises the cannon up to robot-height actually plugged into the ''back'' of the cannon vertically. This made a backed seat that Micromen figures could sit on, making it a (Micro-)manned piece of field artillery; the back of the scope even has little flip-out handles for them to hold. The seemingly-nonsensical peg on the side of the "saddle" piece plugs into the back of the ''New Microman''-era figures to secure them. (Modern Micromen are too big.)

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Decepticon/Megaplex/megaplex.htm Megaplex at TFU.info]

[[Category:Clones]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category:Toy-only characters]]

Optimus Prime (G1)/toys

2009-05-07T06:56:22Z

121.44.211.155: /* Alternators Optimus Prime */

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.

==Toys==

===Generation 1===
{{anchor|G1v1}}
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1984, 1985, 1991, 2000, 2008, until the end of time)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
**''Period of activity:'' [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Cartoon]], [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|Marvel Comics (US)]] [[The Transformers (comic issue)|1]]–[[Afterdeath!|24]]
[[Image:G1_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|left|200px|From the Diaclone Convoy came Optimus Prime and all his subsequent incarnations.]]

: The original Optimus Prime toy, as well as Diaclone Battle Convoy that it based upon, transformed into a late 1970s red Freightliner FL86 Cab-over-Engine triple-axle semi trailer truck. His cab is partially constructed of die cast metal with rubber tires. The windscreen section can open to reveal ultimately-unused chairs that were originally designed for Diaclone's driver figures.

:His trailer opens up into his [[Combat Deck]], which features a missile-armed repair drone pod (with seating for one) mounted upon a boom lift arm. Situated in the base of this boom is a spring-loaded launcher that can be used to launch [[Roller]] out of the Combat Deck. Roller himself has seating for 4 passengers, and can be equipped to carry Optimus Prime's rifle or a fuel pump. The interior space of the trailer allows storage room for one Autobot car.

:He is armed with a black laser rifle, that, due to design, cannot be held straight. His fists are actually inserted into his headlights and must be stored elsewhere while in vehicle mode (there are pegs to store them in the trailer).

:The design of this toy would go on to influence a legion of subsequent Transformers toys. All later toys of Optimus Prime would show its influence, as would the various [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]]s of other continuities. Redecos of those toys as new characters spread Prime's iconic look to various other characters, including [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]], and [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]. The second ''Beast Wars'' Optimus Prime figure, retaining the classic head design, was repurposed as the new character [[Optimus Primal]]. In Japan, this began a tradition of Beast Era leader characters adopting Optimus Prime's visual stylings, spreading the original toy's look to still more characters (most prominently, [[Lio Convoy]] and [[Big Convoy]].)

: Optimus 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]] in 1986. 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 23 years, there have been many, many releases and variants of this mold. [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys #Trivia|See the list here]]. The cab robot was also used, with a different trailer, as the cab for G1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]].{{anchor|1985Jnr}}

* '''Convoy Jnr.''' (1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TF Jnr-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer
[[Image:Convoy_Junior_toy.jpg|right|thumb|130px|Prime's kid brother.]]

: Convoy Jnr. was a smaller, simplified version of G1 Convoy. He featured a very similar transformation sequence, but had no clear windows nor rubber tires. He was intended as a low-cost alternative for younger children.

:He did not have a plastic trailer included, but did have a cardboard trailer that the owner was supposed to construct themselves.
{{anchor|VSX}}
* '''Convoy vs. Megatron''' (Versus set, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-X'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

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

* '''Good-Bye Convoy''' (Multipack, 1986)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
: This set contains a special version of Convoy with blue windows and was packed with [[Mirage (G1)|Ligier]] and [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]].{{anchor|PMOP}}

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Powermaster, 1988, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head
**''Accessories (2003 reissue only):'' 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), Armour chest/trailer front, 2 wings (left & right)
**''Period of activity:'' [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|Marvel Comics (US)]] [[People Power!|42]]–[[Still Life!|76]]
[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|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.

:Optimus Prime is composed of two parts, his truck cab and his trailer. His new truck cab is reminiscent of the original Optimus Prime truck cab, but is constructed entirely of plastic, lacks vacuum-metalized plastic and has no clear windows. It also transforms differently in that the front of the truck is no longer the robot mode's chest. His chest is now formed out of the truck's cabin rear, styled after his cartoon appearance. He is armed with two long black rifles, based in part upon his cartoon rifle.

:Prime's new trailer is essentially a heavily armed version of the original, with two double-barreled heavy laser cannons mounted on two arms with visible fists. The rear has a fold-down ramp to allow the storage of a smaller transformer, or perhaps spare accessories. The trailer can be transformed into a Powermaster battlestation that can allow other Powermaster engine figures to man the heavy laser cannons.

[[Image:GodGinrai_toy.jpg|right|thumb| And bigger boots, too.]]

:The main selling point of the toy is the ability of the truck cab to combine with the trailer to form Super Optimus Prime. The cab portion folded in half and sat in the chest cavity of the trailer's torso, giving him the classic Optimus Prime truck-chest appearance. The two double-barreled cannons were attached to his shoulders and a large, separate head piece was mounted onto the hole on top of the truck cab.

:The Japanese release actually represented a new character named [[Ginrai]] and had a cab that was partly constructed out of die-cast metal, vacuum-metalized plastic and had clear blue windows. The trailer was retooled so the super robot's fists could slide in and out of the arms. This Japanese version was eventually used for Hasbro's own reissue in 2003 as part of the Commemorative Reissue collection (with some minor adjustments to his missiles due to safety concerns). This set also included the originally Japanese-exclusive God Bomber drone trailer that attached onto the back of Ginrai's trailer in vehicle mode, and could become extra armour in super robot mode.

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

:There were several different prototypes made for this toy. [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys #Trivia|See a list here]].{{anchor|AM}}

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' 2 Laser Guns, Galactic Pulverizer Gun Barrels, 4 Blaster Cannons, 2 Energon Exhaust Stack, Photon Bazooka
**''Period of activity:'' [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|Marvel Comics (US)]] [[End of the Road! (US)|80]]
[[Image:ActionMasterPrime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Eastbound and Down.]]

: The largest ''[[Action Master]]'' set, Optimus Prime came with extended hood truck pulling the [[Armored Convoy]], a large, heavily armed trailer. Optimus Prime could sit in the cab of the truck, while other Action Master figures could stand on the guard rails or sit in the turret in the trailer.

:As with all ''Action Master'' toys, Optimus Prime himself could not transform. His sculpt is based heavily upon the Generation 1 cartoon model, though the colour scheme may be based upon his Powermaster (pre-supermode cab robot only) body, with blue forearms as opposed to just blue fists, although unlike the Powermaster cab robot it has blue thighs as well. His truck cab vehicle and the trailer do transform, though neither have robot modes. The truck cab can transform into a small plane, while the trailer transforms into a battle station with turrets that several Action Masters can man.

:Action Master Optimus Prime's figure and rifle was included with the Japanese-exclusive "New Year" reissue of G1 Convoy in 2002, sporting a more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] repaint. (To compare the two; both versions are featured in the large collage image at the head of the article in the right and left-hand corners.)

{{-}}

*'''JAFCON Black Convoy''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

* '''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 release of the God Ginrai tooling was a Toys ''R'' Us Japan [[exclusive]] black repaint, made to represent the original Convoy/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' colour schemes.{{anchor|OrionPax}}

* '''Orion Pax''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''67'''
**''accessories:'' Barrellroller partner, laser rifle
[[Image:OrionPaxDion_toys.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"Welcome to The Past!"]]

: This Japanese e-Hobby exclusive was a redeco of [[Targetmaster]] [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], made to represent the character [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon|Orion Pax]] from the G1 television series episode [[War Dawn]]. He came with a re-deco of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] as [[Dion]].

{{-}}

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

* '''Star Convoy''' (Powered Master, 1991, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-372'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, Micromaster Trailer, Roller, small cannon, cannon turret stand, radar, connector, ramp 1, ramp 2
[[Image:StarConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|"... and that's why you're my Micromaster now, [[Hot Rod (G1)|bitch]]"]]

: A Japanese-exclusive, the final new-design G1 Convoy toy was a departure from previous versions. He now transformed into a small extended hood cab truck of made-up model pulling an implausibly large trailer equipped with motorized caterpillar treads. The trailer could additionally pull along the auxiliary trailer transformer [[Grandus (G1)|Grandus]], on which the shuttle [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]] could land, forming the spaceship '''"Battlestars"'''. Even without combining, Star Convoy's truck mode was a behemoth, including a [[Micro Trailer]] semi as a small accessory and an upgraded [[Roller]] that was now patterned after a tracked ballistic missile carrier.

:Unlike previous Convoy toys, the cab section did not separate from the trailer, instead forming the arms of his imposing 12-inch tall robot mode. He lacks any sort of leg articulation in this mode, but his battery powered treads can provide him with locomotion. Star Convoy's chest can open to reveal a control center for [[Micromaster]] figures such as his partner figure [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rodimus]] to ride in.

:He can also form a Micromaster base, that is more like his legs opened up, with his upper torso more or less staying exactly the same. Like [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]], his base mode can connect with other Micromaster base sets.

:Star Convoy was reissued by Takara in 2005, with notable paint deco and sticker improvements, such as his white parts being painted metallic silver and the star crest on his chest painted with plated gold chrome paint.{{anchor|Nucleon}}

===Generation 2===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1993, 1994)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, sound and lights module
**''Period of activity:'' [[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|Generation 2]]
[[Image:G2Prime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.]]

:The first ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy was largely identical in sculpt to the original release. However, his trailer was cast in black plastic, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one that had "Optimus" in large block letters on it. The trailer also featured a soundbox attachment with a sculpted Autobot symbol on the front. The soundbox could activate a truck engine noise, a laser gun sound effect and a (badly) garbled voice that said "I am Optimus Prime!". This soundbox could also be attached onto Optimus Prime's back and be used as a sort of backpack.

:The other new additions were two black spring-loaded missile launchers that fire red projectiles. In vehicle mode, these attached to the soundbox (an echo of Powermaster Optimus Prime's cannons, perhaps), and could be held in Optimus Prime's fists in robot mode. These launchers were not created for Prime; they were retooled versions of the launcher from [http://www.yojoe.com/action/92/barricade.shtml Barricade] of the [[G.I. Joe]] line.{{anchor|G2Hero}}

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Combat Hero, 1994)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun, 2 air power missiles
**''Notable appearances:'' {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}
[[Image:CombatheroPrime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|BE A HEEEERO]]

: Combat Hero Optimus Prime was the first new-mold Optimus Prime toy in the ''Generation 2'' line. He transformed into a Kenworth truck of unknown model. The truck and trailer form his robot mode, but cannot disconnect.

:In robot mode, the front halves of his truck cab become his feet, with the bottom of the trailer section becoming his chest and arms. His primary gimmick is an air-powered missile launcher that can fire one of three foam missiles, using an air bellows.

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

{{anchor|LaserOptimusPrime}}
* '''Laser Optimus Prime''' (1995, 2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-13'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, sword, 5 discs, 3 air power missiles, ripple rocket launcher, 10 rockets
**''Notable appearances:'' None yet identified.
[[Image:LaserOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|Not cast in the 2007 movie.]]

: Laser Optimus Prime was another new-mold toy that transformed into mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX, pulling a grey and black fuel tank trailer. On the sides of the trailer is a humourous sticker depicting Laser Optimus Prime using a flamethrower to burn down a forest, with the words "Optimus Prime Octane" over the image.

:In robot mode, like Combat Hero Prime, the bottom of the truck became his familiar windowed chest based upon the original Optimus Prime toy. His main gimmick was light up LED headlights, and a [[lightpipe]] in the bottom of his right fist, illuminated by an LED in his right forearm, that would illuminate his clear sword or his double-barreled rifle if they were used in that hand. All three LEDs were activated simultaneously by pressing the sunroof-like depression on the roof of the truck.

:The trailer unfolds to form a battle station bristling with many firing weapons. Primarily, it can fire an air-powered missile launcher, a ripple rocket launcher with 5 missiles that can be launched individually (this turret can also be mounted in Laser Prime's hand) and a 'disc launcher', that fired several blue plastic discs adorned with the ''Generation 2'' Autobot sigil. This disc launcher is the only weapon that can be used in vehicle mode.

:This mold was redecoed in 2000 as [[Car Robots]] [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]], and slightly retooled as Scourge. After Scourge, the next use of this mold was planned to be [[Toxitron]], which ended up being canceled. The slightly retooled version of this mold was released in 2006 in Japan as reissue Battle Convoy, which was the name of this toy during the Japanese ''Generation 2''. The reissue used the [[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] modified tooling, with a slightly modified deco using silver vacuum-metalized plastic on his chest and trailer sides along with additional paint applications and G2 symbols. The mold was also redecoed to create a new G2 version of Ultra Magnus as an [[E-Hobby]] exclusive (unusual in that the character was killed in the course of Japan's G1 fiction).

:In addition to being probably 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. The launch of the [[Armada]] and [[Alternators]] line, along with ''Masterpiece'' Prime, saw Laser Prime drop down that list distinctly.

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun
**''Notable appearances:'' None yet identified.
[[Image:G2GobotsPrime.jpg|right|thumb| Sweet ride, Prime]]

: Gobots Optimus Prime transforms into a red Hot Wheels-sized Lamborghini Diablo. In robot mode his transformation and headsculpt greatly resemble [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. 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 toy 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.

===Machine Wars===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Ultra, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, 2 missiles
**''Notable appearances:'' None yet identified.
[[Image:MachineWarsPrime.jpg|left|thumb|Minus mouthplate]]

: Available only at Kay-Bee toys (well, at first), ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Optimus Prime is a redeco and slight modification of the European Generation 1 exclusive [[Turbomaster]] leader [[Thunder Clash]], transforming into a Cybertronic truck cab. The Trailer unit unfolds to become a missile-launching assault tower. The tower's gravity-feed missile launchers were retooled to accommodate the new, longer spring-loaded missiles in lieu of the much smaller original projectiles due to projectile choke-gate [[For safety reasons|safety testing]].

{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''G1 Convoy''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF-01A (truck) and GTF-01B (trailer)'''
[[Image:WSTF_Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|You didn't find my trailer, did you? Haw haw.]]

: ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' Convoy is the smallest fully transforming Optimus Prime toy yet. He features an accurate transformation sequence based on the original full-sized toy, but understandably has no detachable hands, and has little articulation. His sculpt is based upon his cartoon appearances. He comes with a tiny version of his laser rifle.

:His [[Combat Deck|trailer]] was available separately as a shortpacked figure.

:This mold was repainted in wave 2 of ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'', this time in cartoon colours and as a limited 'chase' variant based upon Ultra Magnus' colours. In wave 2.5 he was again available in cartoon colours, with the chase figure being the trailer painted in cartoon colours.

===20th Anniversary/Masterpiece===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, Megatron (gun mode), Energon Axe, cardboard trailer (Japanese release only)
[[Image:20thAnniversary_OptimusPrimesm.jpg|left|thumb|And the fandom rejoiced.]]

: ''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime is the most successful attempt to have a somewhat authentic 1980s Freightliner cab-over truck transform into a cartoon-proportioned robot mode of Optimus Prime.

:Sculpted with detail, Optimus Prime is loaded with non-obtrusive gimmicks such as working spring-loaded suspension, a 'talking' movable [[mouthplate]], flip-up communications panels and a light-up Matrix chamber with a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.

:In robot mode, he is able to assume many poses, yet limited to the top-heavy design of the robot mode. In vehicle mode, he has a hitch for a trailer, but none was included due to cost. He is partially constructed of die cast metal and features rubber tires.

:Optimus Prime features many accessories including the aforementioned Matrix, his [[Ion blaster]], a transparent orange energon axe, and Megatron in gun mode, with stock, silencer and scope accessories. This small Megatron can be held in his hand, but cannot transform.

:The initial Hasbro release of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime featured his Ion blaster cast in grey plastic, with later assortments cast in black plastic. Further releases included a small poster featuring artwork by [[Pat Lee]].

:The main differences between the US and Japanese releases are the application of "battle damage" paint applications to the US version, and fact the US release has much smaller smokestacks, while the Japanese release has full-size stacks. Hasbro reported that the smokestack change was due to safety concerns.

:The Japanese Takara release of this toy, dubbed ''"Masterpiece'' Convoy", has a cardboard trailer that the owner must construct himself.

:A very limited number of Gold Masterpiece Convoy figures were given away in a [[Lucky Draw]] contest in Japan. The figure uses the same design as Masterpiece Convoy, but every piece, including the windows and weapons, is cast in a gold color, reminiscent of his [[electrum]] coating from the episode ''[[The Golden Lagoon]]''. The only exception is the tires, which remain black rubber. It comes packaged in the usual Masterpiece Convoy box, with the only telltale sign being the gold lettering in the "Master Piece" label. It's not clear how many were made, but it is thought to be no more than 10 or 20.<ref>[http://www.goldoptimusprime.com/ Gold Optimus Prime.com]</ref>

:ToyFare Magazine named the US release "Best Toy Ever".<ref>[http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/toyfare/000054376.cfm ToyFare Magazine Best Toys Ever]</ref>

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''Masterpiece'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], then tweaked to make the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed "DVD" release (see below).

{{-}}

* '''Convoy Perfect Edition''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leader, Megatron (gun mode), Energon Axe
[[Image:MP04Convoy2.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.]]

: For the re-release of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy, Takara packed him with a proper full-size, fully transforming plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer can open up to reveal his Combat Deck, with storage for his accessories and a functional repair drone. The interior has enough room to accommodate one [[Alternators]] toy in vehicle mode.

:[[Roller]] is conspicuously absent from this 'Perfect' edition. Additionally, there have been reports that this release of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy has much poorer quality control, as the paint on his chest chips more easily.

:In continuation of their previous release of ''Masterpiece'' Ultra Magnus in 2005, in 2008 Hasbro Australia released Convoy Perfect Edition as a Target Australia exclusive.

===Robot Masters===
* '''G1 Convoy''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, missile launcher, missile
[[Image:RMConvoy_toy.jpg|left|thumb|120px|My vehicle mode is dangerous and unroadworthy!]]

: Robot Masters G1 Convoy is essentially a heavily simplified version of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, featuring a similar sculpt and a similar (though significantly easier) transformation sequence. However, due to its size and pricepoint, it does not feature a Matrix chamber or the number of gimmicks in his larger toysake.

:Included is a Ion blaster and a small missile launcher.

* '''G1 Convoy with DVD''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-10'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, missile launcher, missile
[[Image:RM_DVDConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|120px|I'm shiny!]]

: This special edition release of G1 Convoy is decked out in metallic paint and the Ion blaster is painted black. In addition to the sculpted Autobot sigil on its left shoulder, another Autobot sigil is tampographed onto the right shoulder. Otherwise it is the same toy.

:It comes packed with a DVD containing a short cartoon detailing the Robot Masters storyline up to that point.

* '''G1 Convoy Limited Black Version''' (2005)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, missile launcher, missile
: This release is simply a black repaint of Robot Masters G1 Convoy.

: Available only via mail-order through ''Dengeki Hobby'' magazine

===Universe===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Spychanger, 2004)
[[Image:SpychangerG1Prime.jpg|right|thumb|Why won't they repaint my full-size toy in these colours?!?]]

: Universe G1 Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] of the ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]'s [[Spychanger]] 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.

===Hybrid Style===
*'''G1 Convoy''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''THS-02'''
**''Accessories:''
[[Image:THS02Convoy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Expensive and tiny.]]

: THS-02 G1 Convoy is a finely detailed, partially die-cast metal transforming toy of G1 Optimus Prime. As with most modern G1 Optimus Prime toys, he is based somewhat upon 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, but is a totally new designed created under the supervision of famed Macross mecha designer [[Shoji Kawamori]].

:Standing at 3 3/4" inches tall in robot mode, THS-02 Convoy features possibly the most complex transformation sequence ever seen on a Transformers figure this small. However, the small size also works against the design, as concessions from the vehicle mode truck cab had to be made to accommodate the proportions of the robot mode.

:He comes with a fully transforming and highly detailed trailer that opens up into his Combat Deck/repair bay, with a functioning repair drone and Roller, who features four-wheel steering. His other accessories include his ion blaster (with adjustable grip), his energy axe, Sideswipe's jet pack, and several different hands, all of which can be stored in individual compartments within the trailer.

*'''Hybrid Style Convoy Black Version''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''THS-02B'''
**''Accessories:''
[[Image:THS-02B_G2Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Yanigerlicious!]]

:Released by e-Hobby in a limited edition black version, this is one black & teal Convoy redeco who is most decidedly NOT Nemesis Prime; he's just a black Optimus Prime/Convoy. They even included some fiction to justify its existence. Although identical to the THS-02, Black Version Convoy comes with some additional accessories.

:These include two large guns, patterned after the new weapons included with the G2 version of the classic Optimus Prime toy, which can be attached to the trailer in a similar fashion to those of Powermaster Prime. Also included are two additional (blue) Prime heads, sculpted explicitly in the style of [[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|G2 comic]] artist [[Derek Yaniger]]'s interpretation of Prime, especially as seen on the cover of [[War Without End!|the first issue]], one pristine and the other battle-damaged.

: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 red THS-02 Prime into a comic-accurate G2 version, complete with a G2-style black trailer, trailer-mounted G2 guns and your choice of G2-alicious Yaniger heads.

{{-}}

===Alternators===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''21'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/Ion Blaster
[[Image:Alternators_OptimusPrime.jpg|left|thumb|I don't come with a creepy girl...]]

: [[Alternators]] Optimus Prime transforms into an accurate 1:24th scale Dodge Ram SRT-10. The vehicle mode features rubber tires, functional steering, opening hood, tail gate and doors with a detailed cabin interior. His robot mode body sculpt details are based upon the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime toy. However, his headsculpt is based upon Powermaster Optimus Prime. He is armed with a small pistol that is formed from his engine.

: This mold was later redecoed into [[Kiss Players]] Convoy and Alternators [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].

===Kiss Players===
* '''Convoy X Melissa''' (2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine/Ion Blaster
[[Image:Kiss_Convoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|150px|...And yet, I do!]]

: Kiss Players Convoy is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Optimus Prime. Unlike the Alternator's bare red plastic, he is covered in a deeper red paint. Some of his body parts are cast in different colours, such as his shins, and has a much more intricate paint deco based upon Masterpiece Convoy. He is armed with his small engine pistol and a pink surfboard that can be reconfigured into either two small blades or a large double-bladed sword.

:He comes with a small figurine of [[Marissa Faireborn]](with no pants) and a Kiss Players CD featuring recordings of the radio play.

{{-}}

===Binaltech===
* '''Convoy''' (2008)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BT-22'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/Ion Blaster

===Titanium===
* '''War Within Optimus Prime''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
[[Image:TitaniumRMWWPrime.jpg|left|thumb|90px|Squattie]]

: War Within Optimus Prime is the first toy representation of Optimus Prime as he appears in the popular [[War Within]] comic book series. Constructed partially of die-cast metal, this three inch version cannot transform and has some articulation, limited to his shoulders, head and waist.

* '''Optimus Prime''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
[[Image:TitaniumRMG1Prime.jpg|right|thumb|90px|Drop and give me twenty, soldier!]]

: The first Titanium representation of G1 Optimus Prime has a well-proportioned sculpt based on his 20th Anniversary toy. Constructed partially of die-cast metal, this three inch version cannot transform and has some articulation, limited to his shoulders, head and waist.

* '''War Within Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
[[Image:TitaniumHeroes_WWPrime.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Well he ''is'' a car... in a car ''crash''.]]

: The second War Within Optimus Prime toy in the Titanium series, but also the first official transforming toy from the War Within series. Personally designed by comic artist [[Don Figueroa]] (who created much of the War Within comic designs), Optimus Prime transforms into a cybertronic truck. He is armed with a silver painted Ion blaster, on which the words 'DON' can be clearly seen sculpted into the body.

:He is partially constructed out of die-cast metal and plastic, but some design flaws lead to relatively weak plastic joints holding up heavy die-cast parts.

{{-}}

* '''Optimus Prime (Battle Damaged)''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
: This is a repaint of the 3" G1 Optimus Prime titanium figurine, with a 'battle-damaged' deco.

*'''Optimus Prime & Bumblebee''' (2-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
: A Toys 'R' Us [[exclusive]] two-pack, this set features "Supermetal Finish" (read: shiny) versions of the "Robot Master" ''Titaniums'' Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.

* '''War Within Optimus Prime Vs. War Within Megatron Battlepack''' (Multipack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
: A Toys R Us-exclusive item, this ''Titanium'' two-pack features the previously released ''War Within'' Optimus Prime and the upcoming ''War Within'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] figures. Also included is an exclusive variant cover ''War Within'' comic book. Missing, however, is the unique base that comes with all single-pack 6-inch Titaniums (including the original release of War Within Optimus). The Megatron figure is also lacking its base, this despite bases for ''both'' figures being depicted on the instruction sheet.

===Classics===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2006/2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Laser Cannon, wind vane/Ion Blaster
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|210px|Rub my symbol, Marissa. Oops, wrong toyline.]]

: ''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 aero fairing on his roof. He was not designed to pull a trailer, and subsequently does not come with one.

:In robot mode, his aero fairing transforms into a large ion blaster, and his smokestacks transform into a smaller blaster. Additionally, both can combine together to form a back-mounted shoulder weapon.

:As with most ''Classics'' toys, he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:This mold was repainted into ''Classics'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[BotCon 2008]] "[[Shattered Glass]]" [[Optimus Prime (Shattered Glass)|Optimus Prime]] and the San Diego ComicCon 2008 exclusive [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].

{{-}}

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Vs.jpg|left|thumb|200px|They did me right, [[#20th_Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|once]].]]

: This ''Classics'' Optimus Prime is a smaller, deluxe-class toy bearing a greater resemblance to the original G1 toy. He was only available in a special Versus pack with a similarly unique ''Classics'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] toy. Later releases of this toy had him individually packed in some European countries. His vehicle mode and robot mode is based upon the original toy, but due to limitations in design, budget and gimmick, does not succeed very well. His thighs cannot collapse into his lower legs, meaning they are exposed in vehicle mode, as is his head. Although to be fair, you wouldn't really notice the leg thing if he had a trailer.

:He comes armed with a small machine gun that can be mounted on the back of his truck like a turret. Oh, and he can throw a wild punch with a push of the button on his back.

{{-}}

* '''Optimus Prime''' (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leader, Megatron (gun mode), Energon Axe, display stand
[[Image:DVD_20thPrime.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Discounted at a Walmart near you.]]

: This is a redeco of the 2004 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, released to coincide with the 20th Anniversary of the original Transformers animated movie and DVD release. He is painted in flatter, non-metallic colours to more closely resemble the original cartoon model, as well as the Voyager-class ''Classics'' Optimus Prime figure. The color of the light of his feet has changed too. As a cost-cutting measure, all vacuum-metalized plastic has been replaced with with silver and gold paint. Confusingly, his Ion blaster is now cast in blue plastic.

:He comes with all the accessories he was packed with in his previous release, but includes a display base that can say phrases and sound effects from the movie. However, original actor [[Peter Cullen]] was unavailable, forcing Hasbro to use an in-house voice that sounds nothing like Optimus Prime and a lot like Christopher Walken.

{{-}}{{anchor|PepsiPrime2007}}
[[Image:PepsiOptimusPrime.JPG|thumb|250px|Subservience to Corporate America is the duty of all servile beings.]]
*'''Pepsi Optimus Prime''' (Autobot, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, rifle, trailer

: Sold by [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] at various conventions, Pepsi Optimus Prime is a repackaging of a mostly-unaltered 2005 Japanese [[Pepsi Convoy]]. (His stacks are shortened [[for safety reasons]], plus the Pepsi logo on his right shoulder has a different layout.) However, this U.S. release is, officially, a different character. Whereas the Japanese release's bio explicitly identifies the product as a separate character from [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Convoy]] (created with help from NASA, no less), the U.S. bio conversely indicates that their version of the character most definitely ''is'' Optimus Prime. His motivation for schilling Pepsi is, apparently, that he wanted a new disguise but basically couldn't be arsed to actually reformat into a new [[altmode]].

: Inspired by a 1985 special limited release of Optimus Prime with bonus Pepsi decals for his trailer in the US market, Pepsi Optimus Prime sports an egregious number of new new Pepsi-themed paint masks and decals, as well as an entirely new trailer unit, specially designed to carry a single 500ml-size bottle (a common size in Japan), three 350ml cans, or 12 bottle caps (bottle cap figurines being a common and popular collectible item in Japan).

===Takara Sport Label===
:This rather unusual product line, thus far comprising only three entries, entirely utilizes the same body mold with different heads, marking this the first time Optimus Prime and Megatron have had identical bodies.

*'''Convoy Nike Free 7.0''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster
[[Image:NikemusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Comfortable ''yet stylish'' jogging is the right of all fashionable beings.]]

:Having already tainted his spark in a dubious deal with PepsiCo, Prime enters an unholy alliance with Nike, perhaps in the hopes of fighting fire with fire in combating Megatron's bid to exploit the energy potential of sweatshops...

:Something of a [[shellformer]], Convoy Nike Free is colored primarily white and red in his alt mode of a realistic-looking, scaled-down Nike sneaker, complete with (gratuitously long) real fabric shoelaces. In robot mode he incorporates some additional blue and silver in predictable areas and has a somewhat uniquely-shaped yet instantly recognizable G1-inspired head.

:An undocumented aspect of his transformation is that his gun, which splits in two halves and secrets inside his [[kibble]] when transforming (much like [[Rattrap]]'s) has two handle pegs on opposite sides, so that it can be held either at its far end or halfway along its length. The former position makes the weapon look (''charitably'') more like his traditional ion blaster—or [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus']] rifle. Additionally, the gun halves can be plugged together in two different ways, theoretically allowing you to create an infinitely long weapon (or at least one of ridiculous proportions).

:Somewhat perversely, Convoy Nike Free's feet are sculpted in the likeness of his own sneaker alt mode, so in effect ''he is wearing himself!'' Creepy.

*'''Convoy Nike Free 7.0 Marine Version'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster
:A redeco of the first Convoy Nike Free in white and blue, which would make you think it's [[Authorial intent|''obviously intended'']] to represent [[Ultra Magnus]]. However, the packaging declares it to be Convoy, so officially...

: (As an odd postscript to this tale of footwear-induced madness, although the promo pictures all showed the shoeformer as a white and navy blue sneaker that transforms into a white and aqua blue robot, the product actually released sported [''geddit?''] much darker colors for all the robot-mode parts, with a deep teal instead of aqua, and almost all the white replaced by an [[Neon|icky]] tan/cream/grey color, including the head. Basically, the figure looks like the promo picture viewed through really dark sunglasses. Although this certainly doesn't make it look any more like Prime, you might argue that it looks a little less like Magnus. Sorta. Maybe. Not really.)
{{-}}

===Revoltech===
*'''Convoy''' (2007)
**''Series number:'' '''019'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, 2 sets of hands
[[Image:Revoltech_Convoy.jpg|left|thumb|100px|Windowbra!]]

:A non-transforming but ''highly'' articulated Optimus Prime action figure(ine), ''[[Revoltech]]'' Convoy uses the ''Revoltech'' "revolver joints" for maximum poseability. Prime comes with a Matrix and ion blaster accessories, as well as a few alternate hands. His sculpting is explicitly in the style of [[Pat Lee|Pat "serfdom" Lee]]'s interpretation of Prime, but due to physical constraints has no lack of perspective.

:This figure was (surprise, surprise) also redecoed into an [[Ultra Magnus]] variant.

{{-}}

===Transformers Music Label===
* '''Convoy iPod Docking Bay''' (2007)
**''Accessories:''
[[Image:IPodimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You just paid 140 bucks for a new headsculpt, didn't you? I bet you don't even ''own'' an iPod...]]
: Not content with the delicious PR of being associated with Pepsi or the bitchen' street cred garnered by his Nike cross-promotion, Japan's wacky, endorsement-addicted version of Optimus Prime set his sights on getting a slice of that sweet, sweet Apple™ pie.

: iPodimus Prime pulls an all-white trailer of similar proportions to his vintage G1 load, with rear wheels and discreet propping feet so it can also stand alone. The trailer transforms (sorta), by rotating a substantial wedge of its full length 90 degrees, kinda like a rectangular Rubik's Cube. This exposes two small speakers and "reveals" an alcove (although a huge gap is still clearly evident in trailer mode) featuring an electronic port in which to plug an iPod or iPod nano, thus becoming a working iPod dock. 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.
{{note|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.}}

: The cab is yet another iteration of the original Optimus Prime/Convoy toy, based on the [[Ultra Magnus]] retool, as distinguished by the elongated hubcap pegs on the front wheels. Indeed, the iPod-aesthetic, all-white deco would make you think this figure ''should be'' Magnus, but no, the packaging clearly says "Convoy", making it twice in one year that Takara has released a white-[[redeco]] Prime that ''isn't'' Magnus.

: The figure comes with the snub-nosed variation of Prime's ion blaster rifle (in black) and no sticker sheet, as even the silver "rib stripe" is painted on rather than the traditional factory-applied sticker. The Trailer has discreet peg holes on its underside to store Prime's fists when in boom-box hauler mode.

:Of particular note to manic Prime [[completist]]s is that this otherwise traditional reissue of the G1 Prime cab has a brand-new head sculpt which is essentially a miniaturisation of the Masterpiece/20th Anniversary Prime's noggin. Not only does this give the "classic" Prime toy a more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] head, it's also the first iteration of this familiar mould in which the head is actually poseable. Being one of the better-articulated early G1 toys, Prime can finally look in any direction he can aim.

:Cue inevitable [[redeco]] in 3... 2... 1...

* '''Optimus Prime iPod Docking Bay''' (2008)
**''Accessories:''
[[Image:Musiclabelprimewithdock.jpg|thumb|left|230px|I'm gonna call you Peanut.]]
:Apparently designated "Optimus Prime" rather than the traditional Japanese "Convoy", this Japanese-exclusive is essentially identical to the previous release, including a reissue of the original G1 Prime cab toy featuring the new poseable, Masterpiece-inspired head sculpt and a trailer that "transforms" into a working iPod dock.

:The main difference is an extensive [[redeco]], rendering Prime in his traditional colours instead of the iPod-inspired white. (Yes, it actually had more to do with iPods than [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Magnus]], believe it or not.) The silver-grey trailer has a fairly elaborate deco, featuring detailing that resembles the outward appearance of the traditional Prime trailer, including the doglegging blue stripe and Autobot symbol, an effect 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, count 'em, ''three'' logos proclaiming the name "Optimus Prime". The recessed space also features a stylised, almost Frank Milleresque, high-contrast portrait of Prime's face, although this would be largely covered by the intended insertion of an iPod.

===Transformers (2007)===
*'''Softimus Prime''' (2007)
[[Image:Softimus Prime.jpg|left|thumb|100px|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings... in bed.]]

:Softimus Prime is, as his name suggests, a plush G1 Optimus Prime toy. Obviously, he has no problems with articulation and passes the drop test with flying colors. His main draw is the ability to "transform" into his Freightliner FL86 vehicle mode by turning the plush toy inside out, his transformation roughly similar to the Powermaster cab Prime's. He is love.

{{-}}

===Attacktix===

*'''Optimus Prime''' (Starter Set, 2007)
[[Image:Attacktix_Optimus_Prime.jpg|right|thumb|He shoots sideways(The direction, not the character.)]]
{{attacktix
|ID=TF2-19
|faction=Autobot
|class=Leader
|special=Last Stand - 13/26 (50%) success ratio
|cost=40
|speed=6
|attacktype=Shooter (Force Blast)
}}
{{-}}
:Optimus Prime will shoot you down. He was released as part of the 2007 Starter Set along with ''[[Generation 1]]'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Landquake (Energon)|Landquake]]) and ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]].

:Optimus' Last Stand special allows him to stand up if he's the only figure in your team left in play. If you're down to two men you might even be tempted to shoot your own man just to keep Optimus Prime in play. Don't though. [[Peter Cullen]] wouldn't approve.

:Sadly you can't bring him into play with the ''Cybertron'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Super Optimus Prime]] vehicle mode because he's not ''Super'' Optimus Prime.
{{-}}

===Diablock===
*'''Diablock Convoy''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''01''' ('''Mecha Builder Vol.03''')
**''Accessories:''

[[Image:DiablockPrime.jpg|right|thumb|200px| We have the technology. We can ''rebuild him''. Except, uh.. for his face.]]

:Rounding out a bumper year of Japanese-[[exclusive]] G1 Primes, the Takara-lisenced Kawada brand Diablock Convoy is a Lego-style block building figure similar in premise to the earlier American ''[[Built to Rule]]'' sets. However, Diablock Convoy differs significantly from his ''Built to Rule'' predecessors in two crucial regards:

:*Unlike prior ''Built to Rule'' figures, Diablock Convoy is an accurate (albeit obviously stylised) representation of the toy on which it is based.

:*Also unlike ''Built to Rule'', once fully-built Diablock Convoy is capable of completely transforming to his truck cab altmode ''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, using 12 ball-jointed block pieces, giving him a range of motion similar to Masterpiece Prime, with the exception of the head, which can only move up and down, not side-to side. Speaking of the head, it is by far the most stylised aspect of the figure, with no real attempt to approximate Prime's face or mouthplate inside a simplified helmet, mainly 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 sideways-opening windows, akin to Masterpiece Prime. A "laser rifle" in the shape of his ion cannon can be built from black bricks, and stickers bearing the Autobot [[faction symbol]] can be placed on Diablock Convoy's 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! Transformers===
*'''Convoy''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''C-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Laser Cannon, wind vane/Ion Blaster

:''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers'' Convoy is a redeco of ''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.

*'''Clear Convoy''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Laser Cannon, wind vane/Ion Blaster

===Universe (2008)===
*'''Optimus Prime 25th Anniversary Pack''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, sound effects module

:Yet another re-release of the original toy mold, this gift set of course includes the cab, combat deck trailer, and Roller. Hasbro stock photography of the set depicts Prime with full-length smokestacks, but this would not be the first time that stock photography does not accurately represent the final product. The set also includes a reprint of the first issue of the [[Marvel Comics]] series, as well as a DVD containing the entire "[[More than Meets the Eye]]" pilot. The set also features a battery-powered Autobot symbol that plays transforming sound effects, part of the first version of the Transformers theme song, and voice clips done by, fittingly enough, Peter Cullen.

:Hasbro assures you that this one ''is'' the toy you had as a kid, unlike the one you [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|thought you had]].

===Alternity===
*'''Convoy''' (2009)

{{charstubtoys}}

==Merchandise==
===Gold Convoy Trophy===

: A gold chrome [[Gold Convoy Trophy|trophy]] in the likeness of Optimus Prime was given as an award to an unknown number of distinguished [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] employees and as a [[Lucky Draw]] item way back in the 1980s. If you're an Optimus Prime merchandise completist, good bloody luck finding this one.

===Metalforce===
* '''Convoy''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MFC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, alternate hand, unpainted rifle, Matrix, helmet and hand
[[Image:MetalforceConvoy.jpg|right|thumb|180px|I'm expensive!]]

: ''Metalforce'' Convoy is a large vinyl figurine sculpted to very closely resemble Optimus Prime as he appeared in the original television series, and at the time was the most accurate product depiction of Optimus Prime's cartoon appearance.

:The figure has useful swivel joints at the shoulders and neck, and not-so-useful ones at the wrists and knees. It comes fully painted and pre-assembled, but true to his garage figure origins his Ion blaster must be cut free using a hobby knife, then assembled. His clear blue chest window piece is removable to allow the installation of his [[Matrix of Leadership]], as is a ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Movie]]''-style Matrix cover (not pictured). He also comes with an alternate hand that allow him to hold his accessories, as well as unpainted and uncut duplicates of his Matrix, hands and helmet, for some reason...

:Metalforce Prime was available in both a matte-paint "anime" version that more precisely echoed the colours of the actual series, and a metallic-paint version (pictured), which is less [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] but more shiny. The plain-colours version was the first release and has an Autobot symbol tampograph on his shoulder as per [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|the cartoon]], while the later metallic-finish version instead came with a decal sheet.

{{-}}

===Heroes of Cybertron===
The ''Heroes of Cybertron'' PVC figurine line is an adaptation by Hasbro of Takara's own ''Super Figure Collection'' line. The main differences between the two lines is that Hasbro cast Autobot and Decepticon figures in clear blue or clear red PVC respectively, then completely painted the figurines. This allowed the eyes to 'glow' when placed in front of the light source.

* '''Optimus Prime''' (2002)
: This figurine of Optimus Prime is sculpted based upon his television appearances. He is armed with his black Ion blaster and his articulation is limited to his shoulders and neck.

* '''Optimus Prime with Plasma Weapon''' (2002)
: The second third HOC Optimus Prime figure is a modification of the first - replacing his right hand/rifle with his energon axe, and replacing his left pointing hand with a closed fist.

* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime Apex Armor''' (2002)
: Actually a repaint of SFC God Ginrai, this figurine's sculpt is based upon Ginrai's television appearances in the series [[Masterforce]]. The figure is depicted as fully combined with both his trailer and Apex Bomber.

* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime Spark Attack''' (2002)
: This figure was based upon the "[[Ginrai|God Ginrai]] Fire Guts repaint".

<center><gallery>
Image:HOCPrime.jpg|Hey Spike, pull my finger.
Image:HOCPrime_axe.jpg|Energon Axe: Only used in [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|one episode]]. Ever.
Image:Aaoptimus.jpg|Don't tell anyone, but this crap is HEAVY!
Image:Pmoptimus.jpg|This can't be [[Spark Attack]]! His is so energetic that... he BURNS.
</gallery></center>

{{-}}

===KT Figure Collection - The Transformers===
*'''Convoy''' (KT Figure Collection, 2004)
: This figure was designed by [[Yūki Ōshima]] and produced by [[KT Figure Collection]]. The figure is actually a mini bust of Optimus Prime, which includes the head and the upper body without arms. The chest design comes with translucent blue windows and a grill on the midsection. There is also a button in the back. Pushing the button will open the chest and cause the Matrix to emerge, similar to the scene in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*'''Convoy "Revival version"''' (''Figure-Oh'' exclusive, 2004)
: The 82nd issue of the hobby magazine ''Figure-Oh'' <small>(meaning ''Figure King'' in Japanese)</small> came with a [[redeco]] version of Optimus Prime's mini bust. It is painted completely silver, making him appear to be coated with the special alloy from [[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]].

<center><gallery>
Image:Optimus_Prime_KT.jpg|Thanks for helping me... [[City of Steel|pull myself together]].
Image:Optimus_Prime_ex_KT.jpg|No, I am [[redeco|NOT]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]! I'm silver, not [[:Image:Magnuslongshot.jpg|white]].
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Optimus Prime Mini-bust.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Autobots, Roll Out!!]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Diamond Select, 2007)
A mini-bust of Optimus Prime based on his appearance in the comic was released by Diamond Select in 2007. The figure includes the upper body of Optimus Prime, carrying his laser rifle and posed as if preparing to charge. The Matrix of Leadership is sculpted into the base of the statue.

{{-}}

===Transformers (2007)===
*'''Optimash Prime''' (2007)
{{main|Optimash Prime}}
{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RH_Optimus_vs_Ravage.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Mini-Me!]]
*'''Optimus Prime Vs Ravage''' (2007)

: Packed with [[Ravage]], Optimus Prime is one of the first figures in the Transformers segment of the ''Heroes'' franchise. As with all ''Heroes'' figures, Optimus Prime is a simple, yet well-detailed two-inch tall figurine with exaggerated, cartoony proportions. He is sculpted holding his Ion Blaster rifle in his right fist and his left arm in a pointing pose. He is also love, and demands that you pull his Finger of Doom.

[[Image:Robot_Hero_Supermetal_Optimus_Prime.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Cuteness is the right of all sentient beings.]]
*'''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (2007)

: "Supermetal Finish" Optimus Prime is a special shiny [[redeco]] of the previous Robot Hero. He came in a Wal-Mart exclusive multipack also including "Hologram" [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], "Supermetal Finish" [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]].

{{-}}

[[Image:RH_Prime_vs_Unicron.jpg|right|thumb|150px|'Til all are cute.]]
*'''Optimus Prime Vs Unicron''' (2007)

: Packed with [[Unicron]], a second SD Optimus Prime for the Transformers segment of the ''Heroes'' franchise. This version of the Chibimus Prime has him opening the Matrix of Leadership to shine the Autobots' darkest hour. Better him than [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]].

{{-}}

===Mighty Muggs===
[[Image:MightyMuggs_OptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|175px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)
:''Accessories:'' Ion rifle

: This [[super-deformed]], non-transformable Optimus Prime figure uses the standard [[Mighty Muggs]] body template, with swivel joints in his neck and limbs. He comes with a similarly super-deformed version of his ion rifle.

{{-}}

[[Image:MightyMuggs_MetallicOptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|175px|Optimus, did you polish your head in the Shine-O Ball-O?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Ion rifle

: An [[exclusive]] to the [http://www.comic-con.org/cci/ 2009 San Diego Comic-Con], this Optimus Prime Mugg will have a shiny metallic finish.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[image:PrototypeTHB.jpg|100px|rightt|thumb|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.

*At [[BotCon 2005]], [[Hideaki Yoke]] revealed that Optimus Prime (or more accurately, ''Diaclone'' Battle Convoy) was not designed by a single person, but rather a team of [[Takara]] designers as the one who was originally assigned the job had fallen behind. It is said that a young [[Shoji Kawamori]] was also a member of this team at some point, who would design '''THS-02 Convoy''' over 20 years later. The patent for the toy, however, lists Hiroyuki Obara as the designer.

*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 (Euro)|Classic]] line of reissues in 1991;

*Hasbro released a [[#Generation_2|redecoed version with additional accessories]] as part of their ''[[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 necklage 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.

*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.

===Powermaster Optimus Prime===

[[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]], and triple changer. The Headmaster also would have been a triplechanger, 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.

'''Minor note:''' 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.

===Alternators Optimus Prime===
Originally, the [[Alternators]] Dodge Ram mold was intended by Hasbro to be a completely different character altogether than Optimus Prime (which character is unknown), but Takara reportedly demanded the Ram be made into Optimus out of fear that the toy (whose vehicle mode is scarce in Japan as a real vehicle) wouldn't sell as well in their market if it wasn't a popular and easily recognized figure; as the figure reportedly cost twice as much to build as the others, Hasbro had to agree in order for Takara to continue fronting part of the production cost. In an ironic turn of events, the Dodge Ram was prematurely solicited by Takara not as "Convoy" (Optimus Prime), but as his Masterforce look-alike [[Ginrai]]. As a matter of fact, the head sculpt for the Alternators Oprimus Prime toy ''is'' based on the Super Ginrai (Powermaster Optimus Prime's "super mode") toy's head sculpt. Ultimately, however, Ginrai was cancelled, with only Hasbro releasing Optimus Prime as originally planned. Eventually, Takara released the Dodge Ram as as part of the [[Kiss Players]] line, and a Binaltech version appearing some time later to close out the line, both of them named "Convoy" (Optimus Prime).

===Masterpiece Optimus Prime===
[[Image:Optimus prime nokia 6820.JPG|thumb|right|125px|Wait...I'm sure this is from Finland. But why did [[Reggie 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: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Autobot leaders]]
[[Category: Beast Wars characters]]
[[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: Kiss Players]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Powermasters]]
[[Category: Return of Convoy characters]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Toys "R" Us exclusives]]

Roulette (Universe)

2009-05-02T09:41:02Z

121.44.211.155: /* Universe */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{picsneeded|Toy and vehicle mode}}

:''Roulette is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Roulette.jpg|right|250px|thumb|She'll shoot yer eye out, kid.]]
At an early age, '''Roulette''' and her sister [[Shadow Striker]] watched as their sister was destroyed at the hands of nomadic invaders. This traumatic event gave Roulette her passion for law enforcement, in the hopes that she could prevent such tragedies from happening to others. She placed second in the [[IntraFormers Sharpshooting Competition]] behind [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], but she was forgotten amongst the cheers for the winner. Her incredible marksmanship is dismissed even by her fellow Autobots, mostly because the more pigheaded of them could never believe a fembot could outshoot them. She doesn't mind; she knows they're jealous.

==Fiction==
===3H ''Universe'' comics===
[[Image:Roulettepreuniverse.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Unicron would soon rebuild her to be more kibbly.]]
Roulette, her sister, and fellow Autobots [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] returned to Cybertron after a long absence. The planet's [[Maximal|Maximals]] welcomed them home, but the celebration was interrupted by [[Unicron]], who abducted all five Autobots, as well as the Maximals [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. {{storylink|Abduction}} After she and many other prisoners were freed by [[Optimus Primal]], Roulette was turned on by Shadow Striker, who had become corrupted by the influence of Unicron. She was forced to leave her sister behind when Primal led the escapees back to Cybertron. {{storylink|Escape (Universe comic)|Escape}}

===Fun Publications ''Cybertron'' comics===
[[Image:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Oh, carry me back to the lone prairie...]]
The end of the ''Universe'' conflict was told by ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], who described the defeat of [[Unicron]] and his [[Minions of Unicron]]. As Unicron folded in on himself, [[Optimus Primal]] led the survivors through a portal that he assumed would bring them back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Roulette was carried away to safety by [[King Atlas]], though her downcast expression may hint at her turncoat sister's fate.

===Timelines===
Roulette is a croupier at [[The Blue Deployer]], [[Cryotek (TransTech)|Cryotek]]'s bar of ill repute in the trans-dimension hub city of [[Axiom Nexus]]. [[Jackpot]] attempted to hit on her and apparently failed to impress. {{storylink|Gone Too Far|Gone Too Far}}

{{note|Roulette is not explicitly named in this story, but Jackpot's description of the croupier is a dead match... plus she's running the roulette table.}}

==Toys==
===Universe===
*'''Roulette & Shadow Striker''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
*''Accessories'': Spring-loaded missile launcher/bumper, tailpipe/missile, blaster.

: A [[retool]] of the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] toy with a new head mold, Roulette transforms into a Dodge Viper with exposed engine block. Her rear bumper becomes a spring-loaded missile launcher. She also features a small hand-blaster, cast in silver plastic rather than the chromed plastic of the original releases.

: She shares the same plastic colors as her sister Shadow Striker; they simply have different color [[Paint application|paint applications]], making them one of the very few instances of true [[Repaint|repaints]] in ''Transformers''.

: She was available only in a two-pack with Shadow Striker. The set was an [[exclusive]] to [[OTFCC 2003]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/Roulette/roulette.htm More information on Roulette at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-toys/toy-gallery/684/Extended+Universe/Roulette.html Roulette toy gallery at Transformertoys.co.uk]''

==Trivia==
* Roulette's color scheme was based on [[wikipedia:Sakuyamon|Sakuyamon]], as convention organizer [[Glen Hallit]] was also a big ''[[Wikipedia:Digimon|Digimon]]'' fan.

* Roulette and Shadow Striker are the first convention-exclusive toys to have parts made from entirely new tooling. Previously, the only one to have any alterations to their [[mold]] was [[BotCon 2001]]'s [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], which removed some peg-holes in her chest.

* Roulette is one of the few non-''[[Alternators]]'', non-[[Movie (franchise)|live-action-movie]] ''Transformers'' toys to be an officially-licensed vehicle. Each iteration of the Side Burn toy since the [[Hasbro]] US "super" version has had Dodge's "Viper" logo and the hood and trademark information on the packaging.

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]

Thundercracker (G1)

2009-05-01T17:17:49Z

121.44.211.155: /* Masterpiece */

{{factions|decepticon|decepticong2}}
{{picsneeded|fictional appearances}}
{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}
:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1guido.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The blue one. No, the other blue one.]]
'''Thundercracker''' claims the skies as his arena. He looks down in contempt on those who cannot leave the ground — he considers them lesser beings. He will often attack the flightless beings below him for no other reason than to satisfy his scorn.

His superiority in this realm is the only thing he is sure of. Thundercracker is not entirely committed to the Decepticon cause, and even has some seemingly contradictory sympathy for the [[human]]s they terrorize. Fear of retribution from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the influence of his peers is usually enough to bury these doubts. Regardless, he needs constant reassurance that he's where he needs to be. Sometimes, his [[Spark|heart's]] just not in the job.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Coup de Tonnerre''' (Thunderclap)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Lìeh Léi''' (裂雷, "Cracking Thunder") / '''Léi-gōng''' (雷公, "[[wikipedia:Lei Gong|Duke of Thunder]]")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Villámcsapás''' ("Lightning strike")
:''Italian name:'' '''Vampiro''' ("Vampire")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics)'': '''Grande Trovão'''
:''Portugese name (Brazil comics)'': '''Arrasador'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{note|Events from the [[The Transformers (Marvel Comics)|UK-only]] comic stories are in italics.}}
[[Image:Skywarpthundercrackerintroduction.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Thundercracker is the one that is not Skywarp.]]
Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Thundercracker was given a new [[alternate mode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Thundercracker, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobots]], though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!|Prisoner of War!}}

''On another occasion, he and Skywarp made a strafing run on two Autobot spies, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. Jazz was deafened and blasted off the road, but Sunstreaker led them into a human military zone, prompting Megatron to call them back to base. {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}}''

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Thundercracker and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter, and nursed Thundercracker and his comrades back to full health. Thundercracker may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Skywarp. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Like Starscream and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], he revived early and soon quickly escaped from the Ark. He, Frenzy and Shockwave were then temporarily displaced to [[Limbo]] when [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] time-jumped from 2006. {{storylink|Target 2006}}''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] and subsequently brought back on-line. {{storylink|Totalled!}} Much later, Thundercracker attacked an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Skywarp were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star (comic issue)|Dark Star!}}

====''Generation 2''====
Thundercracker was active on Earth during the Decepticons' major offensive against the human population, and was present when Megatron stole the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] from Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} He later served in the Tykos raid, albeit in a menial role.

Starscream thinks he's a moron. {{storylink|New Dawn}}

====''Classics''====
After being revived from a state of near death, Thundercracker couldn't bring himself to serve with Starscream, the bot who killed him, and so he joined [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon's]] Decepticon faction instead of his old leader Megatron's group. Of course, he ended up unable to control himself due to the [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shells]] of his latest maniacal boss, [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]], so...tough break. To make matters worse, he had to listen to [[Weirdwolf]]. Even under Bug Bite's control, he threatened bodily harm if Weirdwolf didn't shut up.

Under Bug Bite's control, he fired a cerebro-shell at Skywarp, and was forced to help enslave Megatron and his forces. He was liberated by the interference of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], but there is no proof that he survived the battle. {{storylink|Games of Deception|Games of Deception}}

[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] thinks he survived, and is probably being punished. Dreadwind was only able to bring Weirdwolf and Bug bite with him, so Thundercracker, Dirge and Thrust were out of luck. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

===Cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (English), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (on the right). Out of all the pre-earth alt modes, these pyramid jets seem to be the only ones anyone really cares about.]]
Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] elite warriors, participating in the attack on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and joining the rest of the Earth-bound Transformers in their several-million-year nap under an inactive volcano. He awoke when the rest of the Decepticons did, and took part in their attempts to gather [[Energon (G1)|energon]] and escape the planet [[Earth]], which he loathed for being too "flat". It was he and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] who spotted the first "potential Autobot", when in fact they had discovered the planet's native inhabitants, two [[human]]s, in an unliving vehicle. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|FLINTSTOOOOONE!!!]]
One of the few things he seemed to loathe even more than the world he was stranded on was the attitude of his commander, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Thundercracker often started fights with the [[Air Commander]], usually over whether or not Megatron's latest plan was a waste of time (Thundercracker took Megatron's side). At one point, Thundercracker's distaste for "that geeky Starscream" became so strong that he was willing to let [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] destroy one of the Decepticons' greatest weapons, just in the hopes that Starscream would get blamed for it! {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Despite these brushes with treachery, however, Thundercracker just never had it in him to do anything more than complain about his fellow Decepticons.

Thundercracker was present for the Decepticon assault on [[Autobot City]] in 2005. After the battle, the injured Thundercracker was tossed out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] with the rest of the injured and weakened warriors, who were jettisoned for ballast in order to preserve fuel.

[[Image:TFTM Thundercracker.jpg|right|250px|thumb|NAZGUUUUL!!]]
That was not, however, entirely the end of Thundercracker's story. [[Unicron]] was waiting in space for a chance like this, and when the newly reborn [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] needed some new troops to command, Thundercracker was among the old Decepticons chosen to use as raw materials. His body was used to create [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and was thus given a new lease on life. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

Later [[Octane]] would show concern when he ran into a [[Decepticon Crypt]] to hide from Cyclonus, the Sweeps and Scourge and found a statue of Thundercracker there. After paying his respects and apologizing for the intrusion, Octane decided it would be better to hide behind someone else's statue. It is funny to note he may have visited his own grave. {{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}
{{-}}

====''Robot Masters'' online comic====
{{charstub}}

===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
[[Image:PackIn HaveTheDecepticons Inside1.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Somebody told him the femmebots are all into vampires these days.]]
A [[S.T.A.R.S. continuity|series of recruitment messages]] sent by the Autobots to [[human]] allies featured Thundercracker as a recurrent bogeyman. He first appeared in the story of [[Johnny]], a member of [[S.T.A.R.S.]] who spotted Thundercracker draining the energy from the boy's town. Despite all other power being knocked out, Johnny was able to activate his [[Command Center]] and summon an Autobot squad. {{storylink|Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?|Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?}} However, even they were somewhat affected by Thundercracker's siphoning, and just as Johnny was preparing to issue orders, his Command Center went dead and the walls around him began to shake. {{storylink|Can one boy, alone, hold back the evil Decepticons?}}

[[Image:PackIn RodimusPrimeRemembers Inside2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Greatest battle of all time, and Reflector takes the picture when my damn wings are still down. Thanks, buddy."]]

The Autobot messages ended that story there, leaving the outcome unknown. But in later messages, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] would recall what he considered [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction|the Transformers' greatest battle on Earth]], in which the only enemy combatants were Megatron and Thundercracker. The two Decepticons set up an ambush for an Autobot convoy searching for a site on which to build [[Autobot City]]. As the battle erupted, Thundercracker again employed his energy-draining attack (described here as a "[[force field]]"). {{storylink|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.}} Optimus Prime ordered [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] to retreat out of the weapon's range and get help, but as they left, Thundercracker pursued. {{storylink|Transformers Combat Data}}

[[Image:Theautobotsareunderattack.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The match-up no one demanded!]]

Again, the story was cut short, but it would not be the last time Thundercracker was said to tangle with that particular group of Autobots. The final S.T.A.R.S. recruitment message told of [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] discovering that the squad was out scouting for new energy sources, and Thundercracker was sent on a sneak-attack run. The message warned that if the recipient failed to help out by joining S.T.A.R.S., the Autobots might be destroyed. {{storylink|The Autobots Are Under Attack!}}

{{note|Thundercracker's consistent use of an energy-draining weapon is unique to this [[micro-continuity]]. It seems to make him an incredibly dangerous foe; however, given that all of this is literally Autobot propaganda, the "[[Wikipedia:Unreliable narrator|unreliable narrator]]" factor is worth consideration.}}

{{-}}

===''Machine Wars'' toy bio===
The mysterious [[Machine Wars]] were a tumultuous time for Thundercracker. At long last he was convinced of and committed to the truth of the Decepticon cause, but Thundercracker now ironically found himself in open rebellion against Megatron's leadership of the faction. It is unknown what events lead to his reversal of heart about the Decepticons and his being branded a "Rebel Warrior."

{{note|Since no fictional backstory has ever been established for the Machine Wars line it is possible that it is set in some alternate reality where this was simply Thundercracker's nature, but given that the rest of the characters are clearly their classic G1-selves unrevealed events/character development seem more likely explanations.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{note|Events from the [[Keepers Trilogy]] novels are in italics.}}
One of the first Decepticons recruited by Megatron. Early in Megatron's scheming, Thundercracker was sent to Sector Zero-Six with Skywarp and Starscream. On the way, Starscream unintelligently leaked the plan to Grimlock. {{storylink|DW Preview Special 2002}} During the war, Thundercracker served under Shockwave during the Dark Ages, when Megatron was missing and believed dead. {{storylink|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Thundercracker was one of several Decepticon invaders on-board the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron. He was reactivated in 1984 with the rest of the Transformers, and fought at Megatron's side until the Decepticons were ultimately defeated. In 2002, he was captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]] alongside many other Cybertronians. Lazarus intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. In a demonstration of their power to a group of prospective clients, Thundercracker participated in an attack on the Arctic division of the Smitco Oil Refinery by blowing something up. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}}

After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] team. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3}} Thundercracker later participated in Megatron's attack on San Francisco, where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] to split into their separate component robots. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}} Thundercracker stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Thundercracker was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]]. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

''Oddly enough, Thundercracker turned to weapons smuggling after Megatron vanished and the Decepticons were left leaderless, working with Mexican arms dealers south of the border. He was moored at [[Atahulpa Aeropuerto de Mesa Verde]], getting his cargo hold loaded with guns, when [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] sieged the tiny airport. As his human allies scattered, Thundercracker transformed and engaged the Autobots with his drone missile launchers. One of the guided projectiles nearly blasted Prowl in the back, but Bumblebee knocked it off course...right into a tanker filled with jet fuel. The resulting explosion was catastrophic, and threw the Autobots for a loop. Thundercracker was prepared to finish off Prowl when the renegade [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] named [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] arrived on the scene. Fresh for battle, Grimlock easily defeated Thundercracker, battering him from head to toe before knocking him into the airport terminal. {{storylink|Hardwired|Hardwired}}''

{{note|Thundercracker's smuggling operation may have been connected to Starscream supplying advanced weapons technology to his human servants in [[Las Vegas]], but this was never made clear.}}
''Recovering from his injuries, Thundercracker joined up with Starscream and his forces in "[[Las Vegas|New Centurion]]" (formerly Las Vegas) some time before Megatron returned to Earth with the nigh-invincible aliens known as the [[Keepers]] in tow. He got another chance at Prowl and Bumblebee while fighting on the Strip, but the Autobots were better prepared this time and Thundercracker was brought down by Prowl's wire-guided missiles and crashed in front of Caesar's Palace. He revived in time to join Soundwave in double-teaming Grimlock, who had also come in the assault on Las Vegas. Unfortunately, Thundercracker once again fell before the Dinobot's superior might after only a few blows. He stayed under Starscream's command after Megatron returned, remaining in Las Vegas while the former Decepticon leader and those loyal to him quit the city. This only led to Thundercracker being captured with the rest of Starscream's Decepticons when their leader was killed by the Keepers and reanimated as a host body for their awesome power. Thundercracker, Skywarp and the others were trapped beneath a massive energy field, like mice in a cage to the god-like aliens.''

''The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] eventually dug a tunnel to freedom, and Thundercracker's group of Decepticons reunited with Megatron, working with the Autobots against the Keepers. Thundercracker joined [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and the Autobot [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] on air patrol during the fight with the Keepers, strafing the aliens and their puppets, [[Bluestreak]] and Starscream. He survived the battle with the Keepers (not to mention the nuclear missile launched by the American government) thanks to Optimus Prime super-charging the [[Matrix]] with a pool of newly discovered energon. {{storylink|Annihilation}}''

''Thundercracker began working for Megatron again, and was present in the Nevada desert when the Autobots and Decepticons confronted the United States military. Thanks to their airborne tactics, Thundercracker and Skywarp did significant injury to the troops and survived the [[deconstructionite]] assault virtually unscathed. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had defeated Megatron and brought the Decepticons back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Thundercracker and Skywarp spent their time relaxing and bathing, though Thundercracker was skeptical of Shockwave's new order, and compared its promised benefits to the benefits originally promised by Megatron. {{storylink|Cold War}}

Starscream eventually brought the Nemesis crew back to Earth and led them in a battle against the Autobots who had stayed behind there. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} Thundercracker was among those captured by the Autobots, but was eventually freed in exchange for Starscream's assistance in fighting against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. They were only given half-power, though, and had to stumble out of the Autobot camp in an extremely weakened condition. {{storylink|Skyfire (comic issue)|Skyfire}} Hardly the sort of leadership they had in mind, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons eagerly re-accepted Megatron as their leader when he returned to Earth and chastised Starscream for his incompetence and treachery. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
{{-}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MegatronOrigin4 Thundercracker Skywarp.jpg|left|450px|thumb|"When I joined this murderous terrorist group, I wasn't ever intending to shoot at anyone!"]]
Thundercracker and his fellow Seekers were recruited into Megatron's [[Gladiatorial combat|underground fights]] when Soundwave was sent to recruit flight capable warriors. However, Megatron did not intend for them to be pit fighters, but his new warriors. After being given [[weapons systems]] by [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], the Seekers went and kidnapped [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], who was to be executed at Megatron's recruitment rally. However, the [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and the Autobots arrived and arrested the whole of them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}. After Starscream killed the [[Kaon Council]] and liberated them, Megatron launched his new "Decepticons" in an "Everything burns" offensive on Kaon. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to target a ship carrying the wealthy and elite. Thundercracker expressed some reservations about attacking the ship, but Skywarp gave him simple advice: "Don't think. Just do it." {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

[[Image:Infiltration0 Thundercracker.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Tha-Boom, I want you in my room...]]
Millions of years later, Thundercracker operated as part of a Decepticon [[Infiltration protocol|insurgent cell]] that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. He was known to the Autobots as a professional soldier, in contrast to the likes of the Battlechargers.

He, [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] were assigned by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to intercept the human [[Stoker]] and retrieve his [[SM-40]] palmtop PC, containing data on their [[Nebraska]] operation. The team caught up with and killed Stoker outside Phoenix, AZ, but the [[SM-40]] was missing. Thundercracker tracked the device to [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Verity Carlo]], but was driven off by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], {{storylink|Infiltration issue 0}} who managed to temporarily lose him and the two [[Battlecharger|Battlechargers]]. After picking Ratchet up again, Thundercracker was later shot down by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 2}} When Megatron arrived on Earth to take command of Starscream's infiltration team, Thundercracker, along with the other Decepticons, were unwilling to stand against him when the Decepticon leader ordered them to stand down. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

After Megatron trashed Starscream, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons were only all too willing to accept Megatron's leadership once again. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to destroy the El Jira power plant in the middle east to inflame global tensions and spark a global energy shortage. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2}} During the battle of [[Brasnya]], the sorely-pressed Skywarp teleported Thundercracker in to try and stop [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] from escaping with the [[Georgi Koska]] facimile. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

[[Image:Devastation1 Ruining Everything.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Megatron's lost it! It must be a Tuesday.]]
Thundercracker was among the concerned Decepticons who feared that Megatron had made a serious error in judgement by bringing the destructive [[Sixshot]] to Earth, and so conspired to bring Starscream back into the fold to talk some sense into their leader. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1}} Though outnumbered and outgunned, the Decepticons fought valiantly when the [[Reapers]] attacked, and with a little help from [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious combatant]], they managed to defeat the alien invaders. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

Sometime after that (we think), Thundercracker was on Cybertron watching the experiments to create [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. He was outraged by the existence of the [[Insecticon swarm|Swarm]], freakish monsters created as a side-effect, and demanded Megatron euthanised them rather than allowing fellow Decepticons to endure such torturous existence. Megatron, shockingly, didn't give a toss. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}

A year on from the Reaper battle, Thundercracker was part of the Decepticon attack on [[New York City]]. Unlike his comrades, he showed no enthusiasm for mindless slaughter and could be seen staring at the devastation Megatron left in his wake. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1}} When Megatron later made his propaganda speech, Thundercracker looked unimpressed. (Having to stand outside when it was pissing down probably didn't help) {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}
{{-}}

Thundercracker came to the aid of Skywarp when the latter was being threatened by Bombshell. While Skywarp enjoyed working with his pal Thundercracker again, he also noted that Thundercracker hadn't actually participated in any of the fighting since the initial strike. Thundercracker for his part looked about as depressed as a robot CAN look, suggesting he was unhappy about the invasion plan, or at least the gratuitous death and destruction some of the others had caused. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles

: {{note|For some reason, the stats on Skywarp's, Starscream's and Thundercracker's tech specs were switched around. Thundercracker was given Skywarp's numbers.}}

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Thundercracker is the cheap and lazy redeco on the right.]]
: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $10 and two [[Robot Point|robot points]].

: In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by [[Takara]] as a convention-[[exclusive]] item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the [[Hasbro]] [[Commemorative Series]] line, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long.

: In August, 2008, Thundercracker was reissued with Skywarp as number 11 in Takara's [[Encore|Transformers Encore]] line. This version used a slightly different shade of blue and had painted stripes and symbols instead of using stickers.

: This mold is also used by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].

{{-}}

* '''Thundercracker (Action Master)''' (Action Master Exo-suit, 1991)
**''Accessories'': "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Do not look directly at him, unless you have sunglasses and/or Pepto Bismol handy.]]
: Released only in European and Australasian markets, once again Thundercracker was a [[redeco]] of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all [[Action Master|Action Masters]], Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory — in his case, a Solo Mission Jet Plane vehicle that converted into [[Action Master Exo-suit| Exo-suit]] battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in [[Neon|magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green]]. ''(Oy.)''

{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Two-part rifle

[[Image:MWThundercracker toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|No, seriously, this guy is Thundercracker.]]
: Sharing a mold once again with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toys, Thundercracker was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wing Stun]], and the "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" version of [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''Thundercracker''' (2004)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is ''again'' a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a [[chase figure]], one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).

: The same mold is used by ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' Skywarp and Thrust.

{{-}}

===Robot Masters===
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles, 2 missile pods

[[Image:RobotMastersThundercracker.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Light blue? Totally neon.]]
: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "''Robot Masters''" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I don't think I have enough little wings on my shoulders.]]
* '''Thundercracker''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)

: [[Titanium Series]] Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in [[Dreamwave]]'s ''[[The War Within]]''. He transforms into a Cybertronian 'tetrajet', as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

: This mold was redecoed into ''[[War Within]]'' Starscream, Sunstorm and Skywarp.

: Yes. Thundercracker was here first.
{{-}}

[[Image:Titanium-toy RMThundercracker.JPG|right|150px|thumb|Complete with rocket exhaust. Or possibly Goo. Or possibly oh dear god please let it be rocket exhaust or Goo.]]
* '''Thundercracker''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Display stand

: A redeco of "Robot Masters" Starscream, Thundercracker is a small, non-transforming die-cast metal figurine based on his cartoon [[character model]]. He is sculpted holding a gun in his left hand and stretching out his right arm, while using his feet-jets to fly up.
{{-}}

===Timelines===
*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right launchers, 2 missiles

[[Image:Classics Thundercracker Toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You want me, but you can't have me!]]
: Thundercracker is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bugbite]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.

: ''Classics'' Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His color scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original [[Diaclone]] version.

: In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two null-ray missile launchers which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

: There were only 1500 ''Classics'' Thundercracker figures produced.

:This mold was used for Henkei! Thundercracker.

{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Thundercracker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Rejoice! Oh no wait, complain.]]
*'''Thundercracker''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles

: ''[[Henkei]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of ''Henkei'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. He features a metallic flake blue version of his cartoon clour scheme, rather than his darker blue ''Generation 1'' toy colour scheme. ''Henkei'' Thundercracker and his fellow [[Seekers|Seeker]] ''Henkei'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] was released in September 2008 as an exclusive through Ganbo Store.

:Soon after release, there were numerous complaints from both Japanese and Western collectors about the poor quality control for both Thundercracker and Skywarp. Thundercracker in particular suffered from a widespread issue where his missile launchers did not fit into the holes in his shoulders, due to the holes being too big. Some reported both toys suffering misassembly issues such as having two left or two right thighs.

{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
[[Image:MP Thundercracker toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Hey, at least I'm ''meant'' to be [[Starscream (G1) toys#Masterpiece|blue]].]]
* '''Thundercracker''' (2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-7'''

:A redeco of Masterpiece Starscream, [[Masterpiece]] Thundercracker was released in Japan in November 2008. He comes with all the accessories of the previous Seekers including the display stand, [[Doctor Arkeville]] (cast with [[wikipedia:Mystique_(comics)|blue skin]]), stickers and the clip to hold gun-mode Megatron that came with Masterpiece Convoy while in jet-mode. Also like Starscream and Skywarp, Thundercracker features two swappable faces; the normal emotionless face which is retooled from Starscream's original one, and a new growling one which appears to be an attempt to make him seem very angry... very angry indeed. Unfortunately the effect leaves him looking like he's on a trip to the dentist. He is covered with a glossy finish just like Skywarp.

:Masterpiece Thundercracker features an assembly error: His left and right pectorals are flipped. This misassembly does not affect transformation at all, and is really only noticeable when compared to prior Masterpiece Seekers. The 2008 pressing of Masterpiece Skywarp also features this part swap.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroesjazzthundercracker.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Now who's geeky?]]
* '''Jazz Vs Thundercracker''' (2007)

: A redeco of Robot Heroes Starscream, Thundercracker is a two inch high figure sculpted in a [[super deformed]] style and articulated at the shoulders. He was available in a two-pack with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. This mold was later redecoed as Skywarp in the "Decepticon Sneak Attack" set.

{{-}}

===Palisades===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Palisades, 2007)

:A redeco of the Starscream statue, Thundercracker is a six inches tall statue with articulated head and arms. He could stand normally or use a stand to take on a "hovering" pose.

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

:An NYCC [[exclusive]], Thundercracker was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 400 pieces.

==Notes==
* The mold for ''Machine Wars'' Thundercracker was originally developed for ''[[Generation 2]]'', but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later [[Redeco|redecoed]] into a recurring character if the former was true.
*Despite his profile data, there are no documented cases of Thundercracker being sympathetic towards humans. Unless [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|this]] counts.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Thundercracker at TFU.info]

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

*[http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Decepticon+Thundercracker ToyBin Thundercracker Toy Gallery]

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