MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Titanium Series

2008-04-26T04:02:37Z

122.105.50.141: /* Releases */

The '''Titanium Series''' is a [[Hasbro]] toyline of partially [[die-cast]] toys produced by their [[Galoob]] branch. Originally consisting entirely of [[Star Wars]] vehicles of various sizes, it has since expanded into ''[[wikipedia:Battlestar Galactica|Battlestar Galactica]]'' vehicles, [[Marvel Comics]] characters and ''Transformers''.

''Transformers Titaniums'' are produced in two size classes:
* '''Robot Masters''' are 3-inch, non-transformable, die-cast figurines of Transformers characters from various past and present toy lines.
* '''Cybertron Heroes''' are 6-inch, transformable, partially die-cast toys, representing both pre-existing toy designs as well as all-new models by [[Don Figueroa]].

It is worth noting that since the Titaniums are developed by a separate branch of Hasbro from the normal ''Transformers'' team (who only has ''some'' input into character choices and looks), they do not take away "slots" from other Transformers lines. They are also not engineered or "mech-designed" by [[Takara]].

They are also not actually made of [[wikipedia:titanium|titanium]].

==Cancellation==
In [[BotCon 2007|July of 2007]], Hasbro announced that no new Titanium figures would be produced, and that the line would end after the upcoming release of figures already completed: [[Primal Prime]], [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Grimlock (G1)|''War Within'' Grimlock]], and [[Prowl (G1)|''War Within'' Prowl]]. But as of six months later, none of those figures had been released, and Hasbro announced that they no longer had any plans to mass-produce or release them.

Several other 6" figures were canceled at much earlier stages in development: Hasbro showed unfinished prototypes of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Cosmos]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|''War Within'' Bumblebee]] (with an additional [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] head), purely for informational purposes, as they were very clear that they no longer had plans to complete development on those figures. However, the [[Transformers Collectors Club]] roundtable has suggested there "may still be hope" for these figures to be produced in some form as part of other toylines.

==Releases==
===8cm (3") Robot Masters===
* The ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' (Autobot Shuttle)
* [[Movie]] [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
* [[Generation 1]] [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
* Generation 1 Bumblebee (Super metal finish; packaged with Optimus Prime)
* Movie [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ('74 Camaro body)
* Generation 1 [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]
* Generation 1 [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
* Movie [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]
* ''[[Alternators]]'' [[ Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
* Movie [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]
* ''[[Beast Wars]]'' [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (Ultra body)
* ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* Movie [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Primal]] (Ultra body)
* Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
* Generation 1 Optimus Prime (battle-damaged redeco)
* Generation 1 Optimus Prime (super metal finish; packaged with Bumblebee)
* ''[[The War Within]]'' Optimus Prime
* Movie [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Predaking]]
* Generation 1 [[Hot Rod|Rodimus]]
* ''Energon'' [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]
* ''Alternators'' [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]
* ''Alternators'' [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
* Generation 1 [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]
* Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
* Generation 1 [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (redeco of Starscream)
* [[Unicron]] (holding a moon of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]])

===15cm (6") Cybertron Heroes===
====Mainstream Releases====
'''Wave 1'''
* [[Transformers/G.I. Joe]]/''[[Generation 2]]'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (re-imagined design)
* ''The War Within'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]

'''Wave 2'''
* ''The War Within'' [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]
* ''The War Within'' [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]

'''Wave 3'''
* [[Optimus Primal|Optimal Optimus]]
* Generation 1 [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]

'''Wave 4'''
* Generation 1 [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]]
* Generation 1 [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]

'''Wave 5'''
* ''[[Beast Machines]]'' [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]
* "''War Within''" [[Fallen]]

'''Wave 6'''
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
* ''The War Within'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (redeco of Thundercracker)

'''Wave 7'''
* ''The War Within'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
* Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]

'''Wave 8'''
* ''The War Within'' [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] (redeco of Thundercracker)
* ''The War Within'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (redeco of Optimus Prime)

====Exclusives====
* [[Toys R Us]] exclusive 2-pack of ''The War Within'' Megatron and Optimus Prime with exclusive ''The War Within'' #1 variant-cover comic.

*San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Generation 1 [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (redeco of Rodimus Prime)

==Unreleased==
===Robot Masters===
====Pictured====
* Generation 1 [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (redeco of Bumblebee)
* ''The War Within'' [[Nemesis Prime]] (redeco of ''The War Within'' Optimus Prime)
* ''Alternators'' [[Sunstreaker]] (redeco of Sideswipe)
* Generation 1 Soundwave (new mold)

====Solicited only====
*''War Within'' Megatron (probably a new mold)
* Jetfire (probably a new mold, version unknown)
* Soundblaster (probably a redeco of Soundwave)
* Skywarp (probably a redeco of Starscream)
* [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]] (probably a redeco of ''Alternators'' Smokescreen)
* [[Black Rodimus|Black RODIMUS]] (probably a redeco of Rodimus)
* Shockwave (probably a new mold)
* Ultra Magnus (unknown; could have been an Optimus Prime redeco OR a new mold)
* Grimlock (unknown; could have been a G2 themed repaint of original mold, or a new mold entirely)

===Cybertron Heroes ===
====Solicited/Pictured====
* ''The War Within'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (new mold)
* [[Primal Prime]] (redeco of Optimal Optimus)
* ''The War Within'' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (new mold)
* ''The War Within'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (redeco of ''The War Within'' Thundercracker)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] with [[Ravage]] (redeco of Soundwave with new-mold Ravage)

====Resin hardcopies only====
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]
* ''The War Within'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (with an additional [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] head, perhaps a planned [[retool]]?)
* [[Cosmos]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

==External links==
* [http://www.hasbro.com/titaniumseries/default.cfm?page=action Hasbro's Titanium Series website]

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

Titanium Series

2008-04-26T04:02:24Z

122.105.50.141: /* Releases */

The '''Titanium Series''' is a [[Hasbro]] toyline of partially [[die-cast]] toys produced by their [[Galoob]] branch. Originally consisting entirely of [[Star Wars]] vehicles of various sizes, it has since expanded into ''[[wikipedia:Battlestar Galactica|Battlestar Galactica]]'' vehicles, [[Marvel Comics]] characters and ''Transformers''.

''Transformers Titaniums'' are produced in two size classes:
* '''Robot Masters''' are 3-inch, non-transformable, die-cast figurines of Transformers characters from various past and present toy lines.
* '''Cybertron Heroes''' are 6-inch, transformable, partially die-cast toys, representing both pre-existing toy designs as well as all-new models by [[Don Figueroa]].

It is worth noting that since the Titaniums are developed by a separate branch of Hasbro from the normal ''Transformers'' team (who only has ''some'' input into character choices and looks), they do not take away "slots" from other Transformers lines. They are also not engineered or "mech-designed" by [[Takara]].

They are also not actually made of [[wikipedia:titanium|titanium]].

==Cancellation==
In [[BotCon 2007|July of 2007]], Hasbro announced that no new Titanium figures would be produced, and that the line would end after the upcoming release of figures already completed: [[Primal Prime]], [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]], [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Grimlock (G1)|''War Within'' Grimlock]], and [[Prowl (G1)|''War Within'' Prowl]]. But as of six months later, none of those figures had been released, and Hasbro announced that they no longer had any plans to mass-produce or release them.

Several other 6" figures were canceled at much earlier stages in development: Hasbro showed unfinished prototypes of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Cosmos]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|''War Within'' Bumblebee]] (with an additional [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] head), purely for informational purposes, as they were very clear that they no longer had plans to complete development on those figures. However, the [[Transformers Collectors Club]] roundtable has suggested there "may still be hope" for these figures to be produced in some form as part of other toylines.

==Releases==
===8cm (3") Robot Masters===
* The ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' (Autobot Shuttle)
* [[Movie]] [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
* [[Generation 1]] [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
* Generation 1 Bumblebee (Super metal finish; packaged with Optimus Prime)
* Movie [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ('74 Camaro body)
* Generation 1 [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]
* Generation 1 [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
* Movie [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]
* ''[[Alternators]]'' [[ Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
* Movie [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]
* ''[[Beast Wars]]'' [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (Ultra body)
* ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* Movie [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Primal]] (Ultra body)
* Generation 1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
* Generation 1 Optimus Prime (battle-damaged redeco)
* Generation 1 Optimus Prime (super metal finish; packaged with Bumblebee)
* ''[[The War Within]]'' Optimus Prime
* Movie [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Predaking]]
* Generation 1 [[Hot Rod|Rodimus]]
* ''Energon'' [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]
* ''Alternators'' [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]
* ''Alternators'' [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
* Generation 1 [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]
* Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
* Generation 1 [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (redeco of Starscream)
* [[Unicron]] (holding a moon of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]])

===15cm (6)" Cybertron Heroes===
====Mainstream Releases====
'''Wave 1'''
* [[Transformers/G.I. Joe]]/''[[Generation 2]]'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (re-imagined design)
* ''The War Within'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]

'''Wave 2'''
* ''The War Within'' [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]
* ''The War Within'' [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]

'''Wave 3'''
* [[Optimus Primal|Optimal Optimus]]
* Generation 1 [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]

'''Wave 4'''
* Generation 1 [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]]
* Generation 1 [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] with [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]

'''Wave 5'''
* ''[[Beast Machines]]'' [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]
* "''War Within''" [[Fallen]]

'''Wave 6'''
* ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
* ''The War Within'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (redeco of Thundercracker)

'''Wave 7'''
* ''The War Within'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
* Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]

'''Wave 8'''
* ''The War Within'' [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] (redeco of Thundercracker)
* ''The War Within'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (redeco of Optimus Prime)

====Exclusives====
* [[Toys R Us]] exclusive 2-pack of ''The War Within'' Megatron and Optimus Prime with exclusive ''The War Within'' #1 variant-cover comic.

*San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Generation 1 [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (redeco of Rodimus Prime)

==Unreleased==
===Robot Masters===
====Pictured====
* Generation 1 [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (redeco of Bumblebee)
* ''The War Within'' [[Nemesis Prime]] (redeco of ''The War Within'' Optimus Prime)
* ''Alternators'' [[Sunstreaker]] (redeco of Sideswipe)
* Generation 1 Soundwave (new mold)

====Solicited only====
*''War Within'' Megatron (probably a new mold)
* Jetfire (probably a new mold, version unknown)
* Soundblaster (probably a redeco of Soundwave)
* Skywarp (probably a redeco of Starscream)
* [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]] (probably a redeco of ''Alternators'' Smokescreen)
* [[Black Rodimus|Black RODIMUS]] (probably a redeco of Rodimus)
* Shockwave (probably a new mold)
* Ultra Magnus (unknown; could have been an Optimus Prime redeco OR a new mold)
* Grimlock (unknown; could have been a G2 themed repaint of original mold, or a new mold entirely)

===Cybertron Heroes ===
====Solicited/Pictured====
* ''The War Within'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (new mold)
* [[Primal Prime]] (redeco of Optimal Optimus)
* ''The War Within'' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (new mold)
* ''The War Within'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (redeco of ''The War Within'' Thundercracker)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] with [[Ravage]] (redeco of Soundwave with new-mold Ravage)

====Resin hardcopies only====
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]
* ''The War Within'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (with an additional [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] head, perhaps a planned [[retool]]?)
* [[Cosmos]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

==External links==
* [http://www.hasbro.com/titaniumseries/default.cfm?page=action Hasbro's Titanium Series website]

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

Transformers: Alternators

2008-04-26T02:28:06Z

122.105.50.141: /* Binaltech */ Binaltech figures do NOT cost 2-3 times as much as Alternators for each domestic market. Import prices for Binaltechs may be more expensive, but that's not the actual cost of the toy.

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At Toy fair in New York in 2008 Hasbro stated that they might bring the Alternators line back.

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

===Binaltech===
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #7 version)
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #8 version)
*BT-02. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Lambor]] (Dodge Viper SRT-10)
*BT-03. [[Bluestreak|Streak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-04. [[Hound]] (Jeep Wrangler Sport)
*BT-05. Dead End (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 yellow version)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 blue version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #1 version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #2 version)
*BT-08. [[Jazz|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8 white version)
*BT-08. Meister "Velocity Red Mica Edition" (Mazda RX-8 red version, aka [[Zoom-Zoom]])
*BT-09. Swindle (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*BT-10. Grimlock (Ford Mustang GT)
*BT-11. Ravage (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*BT-12. [[Overdrive]] (Honda S2000)
*BT-13. [[Shockwave (G1)|Laserwave]] (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*BT-14. Wheeljack (2005 Ford Mustang Street Tuning)
*BT-15. Prowl "Patrol Type" (Honda Integra Type-R police version)
*BT-15. Prowl "Vivid Blue Pearl Edition" (Honda Integra Type-R blue version)
*BT-16. Skids (Toyota bB)
*BT-17. [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Black Convoy]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10, Wonder Festival 2007 Winter exclusive)
*BT-18. [[Mirage (G1)|Rijie]] "Electro Disrupter Mode" (Ford GT, e-Hobby exclusive clear version)
*BT-19. [[Bluestreak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-20. Meister (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*BT-21. [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (Honda S2000)
*BT-22. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Convoy]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10)

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Other changes===

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

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

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

Arcee (Movie)

2008-04-26T01:01:42Z

122.105.50.141: /* Trivia */

{{disambig3|Arcee}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===Titan Magazines===
In a world where the Decepticons captured the All Spark and conquered Earth, Arcee was one of the six Autobot reinforcements hiding on the [[moon]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9}} When [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] attacked them, the quick-thinking Arcee was the one who took command and rallied the troops. When this still failed to work, she ordered them to Earth (following [[Strongarm (Movie)|Strongarm's]] initiative) and their prearranged targets. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 11}}

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

====Deluxe Class toys====

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

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

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

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

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

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

: As with most larger Transformers toys that become motorcycles, Arcee has a kickstand on the left side of the bike; unfortunately it's mounted so low that she will fall in the opposite direction if it is fully extended. Those seeking a good rider will find it can accommodate 3 3/4-inch [[G.I. Joe]] figures, [[Microman]] figures, and [[Revoltech]] figures with varying degrees of success.

{{-}}

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* Arcee was originally going to be a member of the live-action movie's Autobot cast, but was later replaced by [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. According to screenwriter Roberto Orci, they would have needed to explain the point behind female robots, which there wasn't any time for in the movie.<ref>[http://movies.ign.com/articles/801/801098p3.html Roberto Orci explaining the reasons for Arcee's removal from the script in an interview with IGN.]</ref> In another interview, Alex Kurtzman cited "scale issues" as an additional reason for dropping Arcee; allegedly, Michael Bay simply considered her too small as compared to the rest of the Autobots.<ref name="wizard">[http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/005082421.cfm?page=1 Wizard interview with Kurtzman and Orci]</ref> It's commonly assumed that Arcee's big part in the movie would have been the scene in which [[William Lennox]] starts his solo assault on [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] using an abandoned motorcycle. However, the screenwriters rejected that notion, stating that this scene wasn't written until ''after'' Arcee had already been dropped from the script{{m-}}but if she ''had'' remained in the movie, that scene ''would'' have featured her as the motorcycle.<ref name="arceelennox">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=38837&view=findpost&p=799042 Recount from the screenwriters Q&A, clearing up the story between Arcee and the motorcycle Lennox uses during the final battle]</ref>
* [[Image:Movie scale chart.jpg|thumb|right|''In the time before time...'']] As part of [[BotCon 2007]]'s Hasbro tour, fans viewed "Robot Scale Chart v03", dated 11.22.05, which showed Arcee's height as 2.7m. However, all of the designs on this chart were very early and later revised.
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

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

Optimus Primal (BW)

2008-04-09T06:53:00Z

122.105.50.141: /* Beast Wars II */ the events of the BWII did occur in Canadian continuity - during the episode when Primal's spark was abducted by the Vok in Season 1

{{Template:Disambig3|Optimus}}
:''Optimus Primal is a [[Maximal]] and an [[Autobot]] in the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] continuity family. He is also sometimes known as '''Optimal Optimus''' (not to mention Boss Monkey, Bigbot, Fearless Leader, etc.).''

[[Image:Optimusprimalbw.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Next one of you says "[[trukk not munky]]" gets it in the FACE.]]

Young and untested, '''Optimus Primal''' was a mere captain of an exploration ship when he and his crew were diverted off-course to pursue a stolen Predacon ship under the leadership of some crook named [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]. The rest, they say, is (literally) history.

Though he does have a penchant for stuffy speeches, Optimus Primal is much more down-to-earth than his legendary [[Optimus Prime (G1)|namesake]]. He is committed to the Maximal codes of honor and moral judgment, but he does view them with some irreverence, and is not above finding loopholes or administering unorthodox solutions if necessary. ("Sometimes, crazy works," he says.) He is eternally loyal to his friends and respectful to his enemies. He is brave and selfless in battle. However, he is so committed to helping others that he can withdraw into a deep depression when he feels he has let them down. This is the only time he is self-absorbed.

Optimus Primal is extraordinary for not only being able to distinguish himself despite living in the shadow of Optimus Prime, but for perhaps even surpassing him, seeing as he [[Optimal Situation|saved the life of his namesake]] and ushered in a new [[technorganic]] [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. It is possible Optimus Primal is the greatest Cybertronian hero who has ever lived.

{{quote|Come on, let's hear it, the usual destiny and honor speech.|Megatron|"[[Nemesis Part 2]]"}}
{{quote|Speech this!|Optimus as he punches Megatron in the face|"[[Nemesis Part 2]]"}}

:''European-market name:'' '''Blackjack'''
:''Japanese name:'' '''[[Convoy]]/Beast Convoy''', '''Convobat/Conbobat''' (Bat version), '''Metals Convoy''' (Transmetal version), '''Powered Convoy''' (Optimal Optimus), '''Ybonco''' (Joke name from Beast Machines<ref>This joke name is first seen in the intro part from Japanese dub version of the episode "[[Fallout]]". "Ybonco" (イボンコ) is the reverse of "Convoy" (コンボイ). </ref>)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Jin-gang Wang''' ("King King Kong")
:''Cantonese name:'' '''SingSing Jeungwan''' ("General Gorilla")

==Fiction==
===Optimus Primal vs Megatron!===

Under the eerie shadows of a full moon Optimus Primal, a gigantic bat, [[Cheetor]], a swift-stalking cheetah, and [[Razorbeast]], a fearsome wild boar, hunt purposely through the depths of a jungle. Soon Optimus detects the thermal emissions and fusion activity from a building, which mean they've found their target. His motion sensors register what appears to be a harmless [[Earth]] creature below.

Before Optimus realizes his mistake the alligator lashes out with as smashing swipe of its tail, knocking Optimus into the swampy waters. The beast transforms and [[Megatron]] towers above him. The building ahead is the Predacons' genetics lab and he'll never let Optimus reach the secrets inside. He orders his troops to attack and everyone transforms to robot mode. The gigantic arthropods Tarantulas and Waspinator engage Razorbeast and Cheetor respectively while Optimus and Megatron face off.

Optimus brags that the Maximal "[[bio-genetic morphing process]] has allowed us to create the perfect fusion of organic musculature and Transformers technology!" Megatron responds that his side did all that too, so nan-neh, but used the DNA of Earth's most vicious predators. When Optimus notes that the Maximals seem to be getting the upper hand, Megatron immediately detonates the lab and escapes, vowing to return with new forms and new plans when the Maximals least expect it. The Beast Wars have just begun! {{storylink|Optimus Primal vs Megatron!}}

{{note|This comic, along with the on-package [[Bio|bios]] of the first wave of Beast Wars toys, predate the development of the Beast Wars cartoon and its backstory. Instead they seem to present the characters as a direct continuation of the previous Autobot/Decepticon conflict, with Optimus Primal actually being a new form of Optimus Prime and Megatron being his Generation 1 counterpart, and their battles taking place on present day, [[human]]-inhabited Earth, rather than in the distant past. Once the cartoon launched, the toyline adjusted itself to match that continuity instead, relegating this one to an aborted [[micro-continuity]].}}

===American cartoon continuity===
====''Timelines: Dawn of Future's Past''====
[[Image:Optimusprimalbwtimelines.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Pre-fur Optimus Primal, Maximal nobody.]]
Optimus solemnly watched over the crew's stasis pods as they were loaded into the ''Axalon''.

{{charstubfiction}}

{{-}}

====''Beast Wars''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Gary Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese), [[Guilherme Lope]] (Brazil)

[[Image:OptimusPrimal_BW1.jpg|left|thumb|250px|I don't need no stinkin' shadows!]]

Optimus Primal was the captain of the exploration ship [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] when his crew got word that the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] criminal [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] had stolen the [[Golden Disk]] and a [[Darkside|ship]] with [[transwarp]] capabilities. Primal's was the closest vessel that also possessed a transwarp drive, so the ''Axalon'' was sent to engage them. Primal followed the Predacons through a transwarp portal and appeared above a mysterious planet, but both ships were damaged in the ensuing space battle, and before both ships crashed into the planet's surface below, Primal ordered that the [[stasis pod]]s carrying the rest of his crew to be ejected into orbit.

The planet was rich with [[energon]] — so much so that prolonged exposure would short out their bodies, so the Maximals and Predacons were forced to take organic forms from the local creatures. Primal took the form of a silverback gorilla. Primal remarked that his new form was "interesting" upon exit from the [[CR chamber]]. Estranged from his comrades, the Predacon [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] challenged Primal to a duel soon after their arrival, seeking command of the Maximals so he could, in turn, defeat Megatron. However, the Predacons saw the duel and tried to kill them both. Dinobot joined the Maximals after Optimus risked his life to stop him from dropping to his death. Dinobot later repaid him by saving him from a missile fired at him by Megatron. (That did cause the energon-laced mountain where they were to explode, but nobody got killed). Optimus earned Dinobot's respect, but the ex-Predacon would never admit to respecting him out loud. {{Storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{Storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}}

Both sides entrenched themselves on their new world, and the "[[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]" began. Strange unnatural sites and artifacts were discovered, leading Primal and the others to believe that aliens had seeded the primitive planet with experiments and traps. One such trap, the [[Standing Stones]], ensnared Primal's body for a short time, during which the Maximals scrambled to ascertain their chain of command. In his absence, the Maximals squabbled and fought over leadership, until finally his core consciousness was able to speak to them and name [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] as his replacement. Primal's body was subsequently retrieved from the Standing Stones, and he resumed command.

[[Image:OptimusPrimal_Transmetal.jpg|righ|thumb|250px|Transmetal Rippedimus Primal]]

When [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] discovered evidence of the [[Vok]]'s imminent arrival, Megatron called a truce, to which Primal reluctantly agreed. While investigating a newly-created Vok installation, Primal was tortured and captured by the aliens, who spoke to him (in the form of [[Unicron]]) and told him of their plans to "sterilize" the planet. Barely escaping the Vok base, Primal returned to the ''Axalon'' to find it overrun by [[Tarantulas]] and [[Blackarachnia]], who had turned a space stasis pod into an escape ship in order to flee the doomed planet. As the planet's second moon was converted into a [[Planet Buster]], Primal took the ship to do battle with the superweapon, against the objections of his crew. Primal planned to detonate the ship's [[transwarp cell]] when in range of the weapon, after ejecting to safety. The plan worked—with the exception of the "ejecting" part. Megatron remotely seized control of the vessel, overriding Primal's ejection commands. The Predacon commander taunted Primal as he futilely beat his fists against the pod, until the detonation obliterated the pod, the Planet Buster, and Primal, reducing them all to so much space junk. {{Storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}

[[Image:OptimalOptimus_Opsituation_feralscream1.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Trukk ''and'' munky...and playne.]]

Primal's [[Spark]] journeyed to the [[Allspark (dimension)|Matrix]], where it was soon recovered by [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and placed in a [[blank]] [[protoform]], which became his new [[Transmetal]] body. Primal now transformed into a mechanical gorilla with a gorilla-on-a-hoverboard third mode, which he used to kick the crap out of the Predacons. {{Storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}}

[[Image:OptimusPrimal_OpSit_Matrixspark.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Continuity error!]]

Later on, Primal was captured and imprisoned in [[Metal Hunter|yet another Vok base]], this one controlled by his archnemesis Megatron. During a daring rescue attempt by the Maximals and Tarantulas, Optimus engaged in a furious battle with Megatron, destroying both the Metal Hunter and the alien disc. The Maximals then suffered a number of setbacks, including the death of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], the destruction of [[Transmutate]], and Megatron's acquisition of the deadly [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]. However, the Maximals were soon greeted with good news: the realization that the [[transwarp wavefront]] created by the destruction of the Planet Buster would lead Cybertron to them, making a rescue operation possible. Help arrived soon enough, but in the unexpected form of the rebuilt [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who had come to arrest Megatron for his crimes against the [[Pax Cybertronia]]. In the midst of this, Primal was forced to chastise new recruit [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] for his dangerous relationship with Blackarachnia. Primal assisted Ravage in arresting Megatron, but was soon betrayed by the ex-[[Decepticon]], allowing Megatron to escape and reach the ''[[Ark]]'' in an attempt to assassinate [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{Storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}

Primal was forced to take the great Autobot's spark inside himself to keep it protected. This caused his body to grow larger and stronger, gaining ground and air vehicle modes along with his previous gorilla form. Megatron sardonically dubbed him "Optimal Optimus" (ironically, no one else ever used that name). In his new form, he successfully protected Prime's spark until it could be returned to his repaired body, thus saving history and the future from destruction. {{Storylink|Optimal Situation}}

With the location of the ''Ark'' revealed and Megatron now desperate to end the war at any cost, Primal was forced to move his Maximals into the volcano where the ''Ark'''s hull lay. This new, defensive war was much more difficult to fight, and disadvantaged the Maximals severely, even with his new four-mode body and enhanced firepower. With the loss of their defense system, [[Sentinel]], the arrival of the rebellious and embittered [[Depth Charge]], the awkward and violent maturation of Cheetor, proto-humans to guard, the theft of the original Megatron's spark and the ensuing mutation of Megatron II, the introduction of the previously treacherous and morally ambiguous Blackarachnia into their ranks and her imminent Transmetallization, Optimus Primal had more than his share of problems to deal with.

The tide was finally turned when the Vok resurrected and combined [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]] into the mighty [[Tigerhawk]], who obliterated the Predacon base. In the end, Primal's forces defeated Megatron's, and with the captured Predacon leader strapped to the roof of a borrowed Autobot shuttle, the Maximals at last headed home. Leaving the planet and memorializing his fallen comrades, Optimus Primal declared that the Beast Wars were over. {{Storylink|Other Victories}} {{Storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

However, Primal had just traded a war for a nightmare worse than he could imagine.

{{-}}

====Beast Machines====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Gary Chalk]] (English), [[Takehito Koyasu]] (Japanese), [[Guilherme Briggs]] (Brazil)

[[Image:Optimusprimalbm.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Release the warrior! Also, um, the jetpack.]]

Seemingly minutes after the shuttle departed for transwarp space, Optimus Primal suddenly found himself back in his original, organic gorilla body and thrust into a dangerous situation on an eerily deserted [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], unfamiliar with how he arrived there and pursued by an army of [[tank drone]]s. Cornered by the mechanical terrors, Primal attempted to Maximize, but his parts only shifted painfully and his body was tortured by electric shocks. Using his ape-mode body's agility, he swung out of reach, and suddenly received a vision of a monorail-vehicle nearby. Swinging into the train car, he found [[Rattrap]], afflicted by the same [[transformation lock virus]] as Primal. Rattrap suggested "taking off these fur suits", but there was not time, for another squadron of tank drones caught them. It would have been the end for Primal and Rattrap, had the timely arrival of [[Cheetor]] not saved them. Once again, Primal received a vision, showing a pit. Heading (well, falling) into the hole, he and his companions were caught on a familiar spiderweb, courtesy of [[Blackarachnia]], who was back in her Season 1 spider form and severely weakened. Heading underground, Primal led the weakened Maximals to the depths of ancient Cybertron on Blackarachnia's webs. Falling into darkness, Primal threw a piece of scrap metal and discovered what appeared to be a wall of fire. He had, in reality, awakened the powerful and legendary [[Vector Sigma|Oracle]]. As the other three Maximals watched, Primal entered into the bowels of the computer, within which he was granted visions he could not yet comprehend, including the prophetic statement that "the seeds of the future lie buried in the past." The Oracle then began to "[[reformat]]" Primal. Primal emerged in a new, [[technorganic]] beast mode and urged the other dying Maximals to complete their "reformatting" as well. Shortly after this was achieved, the group was attacked by an underground army of Cycle Drones. During the ensuing fight, Primal was the first to master the "art" of transformation as he plunged into a deep pit. Flying out, Primal grabbed the nearest drone and demanded answers, but lost his concentration, causing him to revert to beast mode. {{Storylink|The Reformatting}}

Primal began to teach the three other Maximals the lost art of transformation, which was mastered by achieving an inner calmness and finding their spiritual centers. Though Cheetor and Blackarachnia were successful off the bat, [[Rattrap]] badgered him just to "give us the command codes." Primal and the others were attacked by a [[mole drone]], which broke their concentration and caused them to revert to their beast modes, so they fled. Primal also had to save Cheetor and Blackarachnia from a squadron of Aero-drones shortly after. {{Storylink|Master of the House}} Eventually, Primal and his allies learned that Megatron had broken free during their transwarp flight home and so arrived on Cybertron before them. Megatron had then conquered the planet and laid a trap for Primal's crew and any other Transformers returning to Cybertron.

A short time later, Primal's crew came across the bat-mode Cybertronian [[Nightscream]], who seemed to suffer from the same transformation lock virus that Primal had upon arrival. Nightscream led them to an underground tree, where Primal, Rattrap, and Blackarachnia ate the fruit and began to revert to their animal instincts. When Nightscream was injured in a Vehicon attack, Primal showed a new talent granted by the Oracle, reformatting the youth into a new, techno-organic body. However, Optimus was critically weakened by this and requested the over-eager Cheetor to take command in his absence. {{Storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}. No longer the inexperienced scientist of his youth, Primal was constantly haunted by the losses of [[Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], and many of Rattrap's quips would send him into despair. During the events that followed, Optimus Primal came to be much more in touch with his spiritual side than he ever was before, due to an almost mystical connection to the Oracle. This granted him visions and intuitions, guiding him to complete its designs, though he had some trouble at first comprehending just what the Oracle wanted and how to go about it. However, Rhinox/Tankor would exploit this weakness and separate Optimus from the Oracle, which weakened him and left him lost.

Optimus Primal and the Maximals began to probe deeper into Cybertron and discovered a chamber of fossils and a strange, organic liquid. As the liquid flowed through the chamber, palm-like plants sprang up, revealing Cybertron's organic roots. When Tankor gained control of the Key to Vector Sigma, he infected the verdant orchard, transforming it and Nightscream into "technomatter". While Blackarachnia kept Nightscream under control, the others searched for a mole drone to drill deeper into the core and produce enough liquid to reverse the transformation. {{storylink|The Key}}

Primal later found the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], a device lethal to technological beings. While Megatron readied the planetwide pulse of Vector energy, Primal began to harness the energies of the Chamber to destroy all technological life on Cybertron. As the two forces clashed, Primal's spirit was transported into the Matrix, the Transformers' afterlife. {{storylink|End of the Line}} As he and Megatron fought in the void, he pondered if this was his destiny, to fight his nemesis for eternity. Before him, he saw the faces of his comrades, the Maximals, berate him for his poor leadership and near-genocidal behavior. He then found himself back on prehistoric Earth, where a red-eyed copy of Primal attacked him, scolding him for his fanatical behavior. Finding himself back in space, he saw the collective sparks of Cybertron.

[[Image:Optimalmegatronoptimusprimal.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Yesss, I've skinned you and I'm wearing your head as a hat."]]Meanwhile, the other Maximals journeyed downwards once more, speaking to Primal via the Oracle. Although Primal originally refused to lead the Maximals, he relented and returned. Around him, a forest of techorganic trees sprang up as he realized that his mission was not to destroy technology, but to create a balance, in the same way the Oracle had done for him.

As the [[Battle for the Spark]]s continued, the Maximals cultivated an orchard around the Oracle, but the plants fared poorly and began to wither. Worried, Primal wondered if the orchard was to be in vain. When an extraterrestrial shuttle crashed into Cybertron, it was Primal who led the Maximals toward the site. Discovering organic matter inside, the team was attacked by a strange plant-creature. Pursuing the beast towards the Oracle, Optimus reformatted the creature into a techno-organic plant. The plant introduced itself as [[Botanica]], a fellow Maximal scientist, and tended to the dying orchard, restoring it to vigorous life.

In the ultimate conflict between Primal and Megatron, Optimus sacrificed his life, plunging with Megatron into the heart of Cybertron and ushering in the reformatting that returned the deactivated population to life and gave birth to the new, technorganic Cybertron. As the surviving Maximals looked out over their new home, Primal and the Oracle spoke to [[Cheetor]], and Primal departed with the words "Transform, and Transcend", as his Spark joined the Matrix. {{Storylink|Endgame Part 3: The Seeds of the Future}}
{{-}}

====''Robots in Disguise''====
When a spirit guide was needed to counsel the [[Optimus Prime (RiD)|Optimus Prime]] of a past, alternate reality, Optimus Primal rose to the task.

====''Universe CD-ROM''====
Optimus Primal leads an assault squad of Autobots against [[Reptilion]]'s forces. After Primal defeats him, a strange ship abducts the fallen Decepticons, leaving Primal pondering what would happen next. {{storylink|Universe CD-ROM}}

''('''Note:''' It's fairly obvious that this story doesn't take place in any established continuities.) ''

====''3H Universe Comics''====
[[Image:Csoptimusprimalu2.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Look, up in the sky! It's... an ''ape?'']]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Garry Chalk]] (English, script reading)
His sacrifice to end Megatron's evil and restore Cybertron was not the final battle for Optimus Primal. When the machinations of [[Unicron]] led to a new conflict, with Transformers abducted from across the multiverse forced to fight for Unicron's benefit, [[Vector Sigma]] and [[Alpha Trion]] chose Optimus Primal to lead the [[Children of Primus]] against this threat. Primal was returned to life, and chose his old comrades [[Depth Charge]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] to return as well and aid him. (Returning Primal to life, however, also resulted in the resurrection of his old foe Megatron.)

====''Cybertron'' comic====
[[Image:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|left|thumb|It's 11pm -- do you know where your Beast Wars cast is?]]

[[Optimus Prime (RiD)|Optimus Prime]] recalled the end of the ''[[Universe]]'' conflict, where Optimus Primal led an assault on the [[Minions of Unicron]]. But due to [[Unicron]]'s sudden instability, Primal was victorious, and was able to escape back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with his troops and rescue a number of Unicron-corrupted innocents. Unknown to Primal, Unicron's dispersion was caused by the [[Unicron Singularity|Grand Black Hole]] in an alternate universe.

{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars II''====
[[Image:Burningconvoy.jpg|thumb|right|All these compliments are making me blush.]]

Optimus Primal was summoned across time by [[Lio Junior]] to help [[Lio Convoy]] destroy [[Majin Zarak]]. Optimus Primal became '''Burning Convoy''' by joining the power of his matrix with Lio Convoy's.

After Majin Zarak's destruction, Optimus Primal returned to ancient [[Earth]]. {{Storylink|Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger}}
=====Manga=====

When Lio Convoy goes nuts and grows to giant proportions, wreaking havok across the landscape, Optimus Primal is summoned across time by the power of the Matrix to heal him.

====''Robot Masters''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Yuto Kazama]] (Japan)

Optimus Primal chased Megatron in yet another time warp into the Generation 1 era. There, he met and joined forces with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Together, their special attack was a massive energon tornado called Double Convoy Tornado. The Double Convoy Tornado would come to be countered by [[Megatron (BW)|Beast Megatron]]'s and [[Megatron (G1)|Rebirth Megatron]]'s Double Megatron Tornado, but emerge victorious with the addition of Lio Convoy's Lio Typhoon Arrow, creating Triple Convoy Tornado Link attack.

He also had a temporary virus-induced Black Body form.

''('''Note''': Since both were known as simply "Convoy" in their respective Japanese series, Optimus Prime was designated "G1 Convoy" while Optimus Primal was designated "Beast Convoy".)''

====''Beast Wars Reborn'' text story====

''('''Note''': This story takes place after the events of Beast Machines.)''

[[Image:BeastWarsRebornMegatronArtwork1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Rebirth control.]]

Both Megatron and Optimus Primal awoke inside a bizare temple-like spaceship which was hurtling through space. Neither had any memory of who they were or how they got there, only their own names and a feeling of discomfort between one another. The pair went about investigating the ship in search of answers. While Megatron's memory was lost, his personality remained mostly intact: he was more concerned with seizing control of the ship before Primal did in order to gain the upper hand.

They eventually found a data log and discovered that their sparks had been taken and they were reborn into new bodies (unbeknownst to them, bodies identical to their original forms). However, their memories were intentionally not uploaded into their new bodies. While searching the log they discovered that the ship's main power source was a [[Golden Disk]] lodged within a giant pillar. Megatron immediately raced to obtain the Disk and Primal followed him. The closer they got to the disk the more the ship attempted to thwart their advance by manipulating its atmosphere conditions.

Once they reached the chamber, the ship's environment suddenly morphed to that of a decaying planet littered with the corpses of robots. The corpses came to life and began shambling toward them, intent on eating their sparks. They made short work of the zombies, leaving Megatron to obtain the Golden Disk and Primal with a feeling that he shouldn't entirely trust Megatron.

From another dimension beyond time and space, [[Primus]] recognized that something was amiss and sent one of his messengers to meet Primal and Megatron within the spaceship.

===''Beast Wars Metals'' manga continuity===

Optimus Primal, who was killed while destroying the Vok Planet Buster, is resurrected as a sparkless monster using a voodoo ceremony. Rhinox rescues Primal's spark from Transwarp Space and restores him to his body.

Later, he eats Optimus Prime's spark.

''The Metals manga takes Primal's manic action hero side to the next level. He once put a bomb in his mouth and tricked the cannibalistic [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] into eating his head. "I have a spare," he says casually, transforming to beast mode.''

===3D Battle-Card Game===
====Energon Wars expansion====
Optimus Primal leads a motley crew of Autobots from (potentially) disparate timelines against the forces of Megatron. He is probably getting tired of having to do this.

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
* '''Optimus Primal vs Megatron''' (Basic versus two-pack, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords

:The first Optimus Primal was a Basic size class blue bat which could autotransform into a robot by pulling the tail. Two swords were removable from under its wings for use as weaponry in robot mode. It was packaged along with an alligator version of Megatron and a ''Beast Wars'' mini-comic.

:Whether this toy can be considered the Optimus Primal character is a matter of debate. Released before the animated series began, which established Optimus Primal as a separate entity from Optimus Prime, the accompanying profiles and mini-comic seem to assume that the Beast Wars are a progression of the same characters from the Autobot/Decepticon war. Whether the animated series's [[retcon]] affected this set of toys is probably a matter of personal preference. It can be interpreted as representing one of the more interesting [[Micro-Continuities|micro-continuities]].

:The ''[[Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' has asserted that, in [[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)|IDW's version of the ''Beast Wars'' continuity]], Primal's bat form was suggested by the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s computer as a potential alt-mode, but he rejected it in favour of the more powerful gorilla without ever actually reformatting into it. Thus, this [[micro-continuity]] posits bat-mode Primal as an essentially theoretical alt-form that never actually came to be.

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

* '''Optimus Primal''' (Ultra, 1996/1997/1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
[[Image:Optimusprimaltoyultraape.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Yes, missiles come out of his butt.]]

: The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. And finally, like many first-year ''Beast Wars'' toys, a battle mask/"[[mutant head]]" could be deployed over his robot head.

[[Image:prizeprimals.jpg|100px|thumb|right|Brass monkeys.]]

: Takara released the toy as part of their ''Beast Wars'' line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. In January of 1998, they re-did many of the toys with a few alterations; for Optimus, they changed the black to dark gray and the blue to metallic blue. The missiles for the Takara version are also thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the mold.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Universe]]'' Optimus Primal, and [[retool]]ed into ''Beast Wars Reborn''/''Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary'' versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from ''Tele-V Magazine'', only ten awarded), red and gray (''Tele-V'' again, but only ''one'' awarded), blue-fur (a ''Comics Bom Bom'' design-contest prize, only five awarded), and colorless-clear with silver paint details (Toys 'R' Us retail [[exclusive]]).

*'''Convobat vs Megaligator'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''S-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:This figure is a red [[redeco]] of Primal's first bat form, and was sold with a purple redeco of Gator Megatron.

*'''Orcanoch''' ([[Microverse]], 1997)
: Part of the Microverse toyline, this orca transforms into a Maximal base. It came with tiny, non-transforming versions of Optimus Primal and Tarantulas.

* '''Optimus Primal''' (Mega Transmetal, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun, two clubs/missiles
: [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal is a mechanical gorilla that transforms into a partially organic robot. Like all Transmetals, it featured chromed plastic and a third vehicle-inspired mode. In Primal's case, his gorilla mode could transform into a gorilla on a hoverboard. Two maces were stored on his back and could double as missiles for his hip-holstered blaster.

: [[Takara]]'s version of the toy exchanged the brown plastic for translucent maroon, and was also available in a set with Transmetal Megatron.

: This mold was used to make [[Apelinq]].

* '''Optimal Optimus''' (Super Transmetal, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-47'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun, four missiles
: Transmetal Optimal Optimus was the first toy in the Super size class, featuring electronics and four transformations: robot, ape, jet, and armored transport. When a back section of the cannon module was pulled, the eyes and shoulder-mounted missile launchers lit up and the launchers fired. It came with four missiles, two of which stored on its legs. Its forearms featured blast-away armor plates that could also be pegged to its upper arms.

:Optimal Optimus's on-package [[bio]] states that he has Cybertronian "air guardian" technology and twin scramjet modules. [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'s function was Air Guardian, and his Tech Specs said he had these same scramjet modules.

: This mold was used to make [[Primal Prime]].

===Beast Wars II===
* '''Burning Convoy'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
:Clear-red redeco of Primal, with gold "flame" markings also included. Was released as a limited edition figure to promote the ''Beast Wars Special'' movie alongside the ''Flash LioConvoy'' toy.

===Beast Machines===
*'''Optimus Primal''' (Deluxe, 2000)
**''Accessories:'' Energy star
: The first Beast Machines Optimus Primal was a dark bronze and translucent blue technorganic gorilla that transformed into a technorganic robot. Its arm was spring-loaded to throw the shuriken that stored in its shoulder. Like all ''Beast Machines'' toys, it had a hidden "spark crystal" that displayed his faction allegiance. Had a transformation reminiscent of [[Optimus Minor]].
*'''Blast Punch Optimus Primal''' (Mega, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-01'''
:His second toy incarnation, which unlike the previous toy (which had been designed prior to the series) actually looked mostly like the character.

===Robots in Disguise===
* '''Air Attack Optimus Primal''' (Supreme, 2002)
:Intended for release in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toyline, this delayed figure is by far the most show-accurate version of BM Optimus. Unfortunately, being a supreme-class toy he is grossly, indeed ''uselessly'', out of [[scale]] with his fellow Maximal figures. Or pretty much anyone for that matter. Still, he looks swank, and he talks! With [[Gary Chalk]]'s voice!!!

===Universe===
*'''Optimus Primal''' (Ultra, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail

===Robot Masters===
*'''Beast Convoy'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-11'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords

*'''Beast Convoy Limited Black Version'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
: Available only via mail order through ''Hobby Japan'' magazine.

* '''Burning Beast Convoy'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-21'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:This toy refers to the ''Beast Wars II'' movie form where he partnered with Lio Convoy, turning them into Burning Convoy and Flash Lio Convoy respectively.

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
* '''Optimus Primal''' (2006)
**''Accessories:'' Surfboard, assault blade, missile, Jungle Planet Key
[[Image:Optimusprimalbwx.jpg|left|thumb|200px|''Surf monkey/ that funky monkey'']]

: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary (BWX) Optimus Primal is a new toy design based loosely on his original ultra ape action figure and pulling some elements from other figures, including a transformation very similar to the Playskool Go-Bot [[Gorillabot]], which itself was a nod to Optimus Primal's Beast Machines form. Similar to his Transmetal form, BWX Optimus Primal also comes with a hoverboard that fires a missile when a [[Cyber Planet Key]] is inserted. The board also features a spring-loaded extending "assault blade" (or "ass lt blade" as the directions call it). Though it is not intended to be removed, the blade can be popped off and held in Primal's hand thanks to his posable thumbs.

[[Image:PrimalXsword.jpg|100px|thumb|Opposable thumbs!]]

: He is also packaged with a mini-comic-sized reprinting of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Gathering]]'' #1, a small [[Axalon (BW)|''Axalon'']] ship figurine, and a [[Jungle Planet]] style Cyber Planet Key without a [[Cyber Key Code]] stamped on it.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed and released as [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. It's worth noting that the sculpt for both BWX leader toys were intentionally designed to blend in with the Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" they didn't get a Beast Wars Anniversary release (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

* '''Optimus Primal vs Megatron''' (Toys "R" Us, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
:Identical to the ''Beast Wars Reborn'' set as detailed below, but in new packaging with a DVD of the ''Beast Wars'' episode "[[Possession]]".

===Beast Wars Reborn===
[[Image:Optimusprimaltoybwrebornheads.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Staring contest -- go!]]
* '''Convoy vs Megatron''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BWR-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
[[Image:Optimusprimaltoybwreborn.jpg|left|thumb|100px|The eighth Optimus of the world... PRIMAL!]]

: This release is a [[retool]] of the original 1996 Ultra toy, with new heads and robot chest sculpted to match the television series's portrayal. The color scheme was also altered to be show-accurate, changing the black to dark gray, much of the light gray to medium gray with hints of bronze, primary red to crimson, and blue to a more dull steel blue.

:This figure came packaged with a similarly-remolded [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and a [[Golden Disk]] CD-ROM that contains control art for a number of ''Beast Wars'' toys.

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
* '''Optimus Primal''' (3" Robot Master figurine)
:Features Primal in his Beast Wars Season 1 appearance, with swords drawn in an action pose.

* '''Optimal Optimus''' (6" Transformable figure)

:For undetermined reasons, this incarnation of Optimal Optimus does not include the beast mode. This does have precedent in the fiction: When [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] built a copy of that body for himself at the end of ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', his version didn't have a beast mode either.

===Timelines===
* '''Dawn of Future's Past''' (Boxset, BotCon 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles
:A [[redeco]] and [[retool]] of ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]]. Available only in a multi pack with the [[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] versions of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap]], as well as the [[Darksyde]] version of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].

===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
*'''Convoy''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:An extensive redeco of the Robot Masters Beast Convoy figure in a similar style to the ''Beast Wars Reborn'' retool of the Ultra-class figure.

*'''DX Convoy''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-SP'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
:An extensive show-accurate redeco of the original Ultra-class Optimus Primal mold ''without'' the recently remolded head and chestplate. Oh TakaraTomy, you so crazy.

==Merchandise==
===Metal Monument===
* '''Metal Monument Convoy''' (TAKARA, 1999)
: As the name suggests, the product is a [[die-cast]] statue of Optimus Primal. The head is convertible/removable in order to change the normal one with the battle mask/mutant head. The [[box art]] and the design of the product are both done by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]].

===3D Battle-Card Game===
*'''Optimus Primal''' (2007)

: A 52-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Optimus Primal "transforms" into a black ape. He uses the same parts layout as [[Cheetor]], [[Ravage]] and [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]], although the figure's beast mode is assembled differently. Optimus Primal is nominally the leader of the Autobots in the set.

===Robot Heroes===
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Trivia==
* Primal's gorilla mode, paired against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s t-rex mode, was inspired by the showdown in [[wikipedia:King Kong|King Kong]]. 

* Indeed, gorilla Primal's original tech specs (which belong to the [[micro-continuity]] that takes place on modern-day Earth) seems to strongly imply that Primal is a building-scaling ape of Kong-like stature. As speculated in the ''Beast Wars'' volume of the ''[[Cybertronian: The Unofficial Transformers Recognition Guide|Cybertronian]]'' action figure guide, this may have been intended to explain why he is [[Scale|in the same scale]] as Megatron, a Tyrannosaurus Rex. This would also make somewhat greater sense in the context of the toyline itself, wherein the leader characters were of a much larger "Ultra" size-class than their minions, unlike their eventually much smaller depictions in [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|the CG cartoon]].

* According to a guide book published in conjunction with the ''[[Beast Wars II]]'' theatrical film, Optimus Primal's original body had the following technical specifications. The veracity of these numbers in relation to anything actually featuring Primal, of course, is questionable.

:Height: 2.8m (9.19 feet).
:Weight: 2 tons.
:Running Speed: 60km (37.28 mph, beast mode), 50km (31.07 mph, robot mode).
:Airspeed: Mach 7.
:Maximum Power Output: 1,000,000 horsepower.

* According to his [[bio]] in the end of the comic "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", Optimus Primal graduated near the top of his class at the Maximal Military Academy.

* In his Transmetal form, Optimus Primal's spark chamber is on a hinge in his chest to swing down to the opening in his abdomen. In his Optimal Optimus form, he stored Prime's spark in his vehicle mode [[cockpit]].

* According to the control art of Optimus Primal's toy, his chest originally seemed to be a kind of launcher instead of being an homage to the [[Autobot Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]].<ref>Toy database section in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>

* According to the diagram of Optimus Primal on the catalog packed with "TM-SP DX Convoy", his spark chamber is Matrix-shaped. <small>''[[Optimal Situation#Continuity errors|Oh lord]].''</small>

==Reference==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm Optimus Primal at TFU.info]

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Autobot leaders]]
[[Category: Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category: Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category: Beast Wars II characters]]
[[Category: Children of Primus]]
[[Category: Contest prizes]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category: Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category: Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category: Maximal leaders]]
[[Category: Maximals]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category: Timelines characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category: Transmetals]]
[[Category: Universe characters]]
[[Category: Universe (2008)]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>