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Sparkplug (Armada)

2009-04-02T17:55:48Z

128.46.5.35: /* Dreamwave comics continuity */

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Sparkplug}}
:''Sparkplug is a [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Armada (franchise)|Armada]] section of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Sparkplug-AR-DVD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAAAAY!]]
'''Sparkplug''' is a good-natured, energetic young [[Mini-Con]] who through the fates of war has become partnered with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], leader of the [[Autobot|Autobots]]. Through this and his heroic actions, he's become something of a leader to his fellow Mini-Cons. He is also one of the few Mini-Cons to advocate siding with the Autobots. While most Mini-Cons view the differences between the Autobots and the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] with apathy at best, Sparkplug is firmly aware of what those differences mean to Mini-Cons. He's seen the way [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] treats [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] compared to the way Optimus Prime treats him. Given the choice, Sparkplug gladly prefers the Autobots.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Prime'''
:''Polish name:'' '''Liderus'''

==Fiction==
===''Armada''===
===Cartoon continuity===
[[Image:Carnival Sparkplug.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Sparkplug, Decepticons have red eyes!]]
Soon after arriving on [[Earth]], both the Autobots and Decepticons detected a Mini-Con signal located in the [[Grand Canyon]]. The Autobots were at a considerable disadvantage during the inevitable confrontation due to the Decepticon strength in numbers and the fact they had to protect their human passengers. But with the help of the kids, Optimus Prime managed to find the Mini-Con panel, whose occupant turned out to be Sparkplug, Optimus Prime's old Mini-Con ally and friend. Together, they [[Powerlinx|Powerlinxed]], activating Optimus's powerful Maximum Blast, which sent the Decepticons into retreat. {{storylink|Comrade|Comrade}}

While exploring a forest for other Mini-Cons, Optimus Prime left Sparkplug to guard his trailer. Later when the trailer was needed to stop a forest fire, Sparkplug drove it to the Autobots by sitting atop of it in vehicle mode. {{storylink|Jungle|Jungle}}

Sparkplug stood in front of Optimus Prime to protect him from [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]. He then '''spoke English''' and summoned the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] for Optimus to use to fend off Megatron. {{storylink|Decisive Battle|Decisive Battle}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Having miraculously avoided capture by [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1|Armada #1}}, Sparkplug was instrumental in helping the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] free his Mini-Con brethren from their initial imprisonment by the Decepticons (by getting strapped to a rocket pack by [[Runway]] and drawing fire from the laser-based security system). {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}} After the escape ship broke up and crashed on Earth, he was with [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] when [[Rad White|Rad]] accidentally reactivated the Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}}

Later, he convinced the [[Space Mini-Con Team|Space Mini-Con Team ]] to help rescue Rad, who was himself strapped in a space mine in a mine field surrounding the Mini-Con moon base. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}}

In the Arctic soon after, when one of the escape pods from the [[Moon Base]] had been tracked there, he powerlinxed with Optimus Prime, without holding back power, in order to stop Cyclonus (who'd been driven mad by the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] because they were overloading him with ''their'' power). Optimus then confronted Sparkplug, asking why he'd held power back even though the two trusted each other. Sparkplug explained the lore about their power and that it could save or destroy the universe, only to discover Optimus had mysteriously vanished. Power. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

Sparkplug accompanied the dimension-traveler, [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], and [[Comettor]] in Over-Run's travel pod to find Optimus (who had been sent to a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] about to be eaten by [[Unicron]]), and was upgraded along with Optimus by the [[Mini-Con Matrix]]. {{storylink|Worlds Collide|Worlds Collide}} He was last seen standing with Optimus after the Chaos Bringer had been dealt a crippling blow by the Mini-Con Matrix. {{storylink|The End|The End}}

===Transformers Playstation 2 Game===
He is Optimus Prime's Mini-Con partner. You can run him over!

===''Timelines''===
With the [[Unicron Singularity]] forcing the evacuation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Sparkplug and a number of Autobot leaders were summoned to the ''[[Iron Hope]]'', where [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] dispatched them across the galaxy to locate the lost Autobot colony worlds. Sparkplug was given command of the ''[[Valiant]]'' and sent to the [[Betelgeuse]] region. {{storylink|Force of Habit|Force of Habit}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
* '''Optimus Prime with Sparkplug''' (Super, 2002/2003)

: ''Japanese ID Number:'' '''MC-01'''

: Sparkplug transforms into a Lamborghini Diablo sports car. His robot mode bears a passing resemblance to the [[Generation 1]] [[Autobot]] [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s cartoon model. He was only available with his larger partner Optimus Prime. The [[Takara]] release made a minor change to Sparkplug's deco, giving him medium-gray windows rather than the dark purple of the [[Hasbro]] version.

: This mold was redecoed to make [[Atlas]] and [[Drop-Test]].

* '''Prime Super Mode''' (Mini-Con, 2003)

: The August 2003 issue of ''TV-kun'' magazine in Japan included a special promotional "powered up" [[redeco]] of the Sparkplug toy in green. Also included was a little cardboard roadway and punch-out "targets" of various Decepticons for him to knock over.
: According to the brief ''Transformers'' section of the magazine, Sparkplug takes on this coloration when the other Mini-Cons give him their strength. When Powerlinxed to Super Optimus Prime in this mode, he causes Prime's cannon to fire a powerful energy blast that takes the shape of Sparkplug's robot mode.

* '''Powerlinx Optimus Prime with Corona Sparkplug''' (Super, 2003)

: For the "Powerlinx" redeco of Optimus Prime, the original Sparkplug was [[Retool|retooled]] into a Cybertronian sports car with roof-lights and given a gold-chrome finish. (This finish seems to be a lot more durable than the chrome found on the [[Transmetal]] toys, being very resistant to flaking.) It is the only part of the set that was retooled, possibly because the yellow parts of Sparkplug are on their own mold tree (i.e., there are no other yellow-plastic parts to Super Optimus Prime), meaning an easy change to make.

: This mold was used to make [[Chrome]], [[Synapse]] and [[Road Rebel]].

*'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, 2003)

: Released on "[[Black Friday]]" (the day after Thanksgiving), this K-Mart store [[exclusive]] bundled together Super Optimus Prime, Sparkplug, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], [[Comettor]], the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]] and (oddly enough) [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]]. This release of Sparkplug is identical to the original; out of the entire set, only Optimus received a deco change.

* '''[[Built to Rule]]''' (2003)

:Optimus Prime with Sparkplug

===''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''===
*'''Optimus Prime and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] with Corona Sparkplug and [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]]''' (Multi-pack, 2004)

: Part of a very large CostCo exclusive set, this release of Corona Sparkplug is near-identical to the original release, despite the extensive color changes made to Optimus.

==Trivia==
* Sparkplug's robot mode design appears to be an homage to [[Bumblebee (G1)|G1 Bumblebee]]'s cartoon model, with a similar head, "pipe" biceps, hood-feet and roof-chest. Well, and being yellow. His own cartoon model kind of downplays the similarity of the noggin. The [[Dreamwave]] comic changed his head design practically every issue, with some being more Bumblebee-esque than others. Some people think he looks like Sunstreaker due to his exotic car mode and his roof chest.
* Due to bad American dubbing of ''Armada'', Sparkplug has been called Leader-1 several times through the course of the series. In fact, the first episode he appeared in, EVERYONE was calling him Leader-1. Talk about an identity crisis.

==External Links==
*[http://tfu.info/2002/Mini-Con/Sparkplug/sparkplug.htm Sparkplug at TFU.info.]

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[[Category:Articles in need of images]]
[[Category:Armada characters]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Energon characters]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Stub]]

Protoform

2009-04-02T17:27:56Z

128.46.5.35: /* Transformers Animated */

:''Protoforms are part of a Transformer's [[life cycle]] in many Transformers continuities.''

[[Image:Protoforms2.jpg|right|300px|thumb|TeH Nekkid AiRrazzer!1! L@@K]]

'''Protoforms''' consist of an unspecified, free-flowing, metallic matter layered over basic robotic systems. In many continuities, a protoform is the first stage in a [[Transformer]]'s [[life cycle]]. These protoforms only await a life-giving [[spark]] and the alt-form information necessary to transform them into fully functional, living Transformer beings. Often, protoform modes are used to transport Transformers on intergalactic journeys.

Protoforms are transported or stored in [[stasis lock]], in which state they look like smooth, robotic humanoids (right). When not in stasis lock, protoforms are a roiling mass of liquid metal around their internal frame.<ref>Protoform states seen in "[[The Spark]]".</ref>

:''Japanese name:'' '''Prototype''' (''Beast Wars''), '''Cyberdrone''' (''Car Robots'')

==Fiction==
{{cleanup|March 2009|Needs storylinks for all the stuff mentioned here))
===Generation 1===
====''Beast Wars''====
Protoforms are often contained within [[Stasis pod|stasis pods]] and dropped into unexplored worlds. The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' carried many such stasis pods for exploration reasons. When a protoform lands, it scans for compatible life-forms. When a suitable lifeform is found, the protoform is reformatted by hitherto unknown means.

====''Beast Wars II''====
[[Image:Protoforms1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Pretty spry for globs of pudding]]
[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] protoforms were shown moving about the Predacon warship using their own power, though they were not shown to speak or have any kind of personality. After the Predacons had gathered enough information about the machines of [[Gaea]]'s past, they then fed the information into the protoforms via energy waves. The protoforms were then altered into the [[Autoroller|Autorollers]].

The atmosphere of the Planet Gaea could have caused the protoforms to rust.

{{Note|Given that the Autorollers were apparently extant veterans, this would be a case similar to that of [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]] in "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", in which an already living Cybertronian had been downloaded into a new protoform body.}}
{{-}}

====Dreamwave comics continuity====
Protoforms are the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals are sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the [[Combaticon|Combaticons]]. {{Storylink|Revelation (comic issue)}}

===''Robots in Disguise''===
Autobots (and possibly Predacons) can change into a protoform state during long journeys, presumably to conserve energy. Attributes of an Autobot's original form remain in whatever new form the being takes. For instance, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] retained the ability to detect [[O-Parts]].

A downside to the protoform process is that it leaves the Autobots vulnerable to tampering. [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] was able to use his [[Spark]]'s energy to turn Autobot protoforms into [[Decepticon|malevolent entities]]. {{storylink|The Decepticons|The Decepticons}}

===Unicron Trilogy===
====''Cybertron''====
Protoforms are established as the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by [[Primary programming]].

===Live-action movie franchise===
====''Transformers'' (2007)====
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Optimus Prime's protoform]]
Protoforms in this continuity are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists down inside each robot. Protoforms are made of an ultra-dense, liquid metal material and are extremely hard to damage.

In the rare case they are not actively practicing their natural proclivity for chameleon-like disguise (usually only when engaged in interstellar travel), Transformers shed their exo-structure and return to their protoform state. This protoform is capable of transforming into its [[transition form]]: an armored, cometary shape capable of interstellar travel. Upon landing on a new world and transforming back into a protoform, the Transformer immediately begins [[Trans-scan|trans-scanning]] for new alternate forms to adopt. When one is chosen, the protoform draws on its own ultra-dense substance and any extraneous matter nearby to generate a new exostructure disguise. {{Storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}}

{{Note:|"Protoform" is used as a term for the movieverse Transformers' Cybertronian forms, although this is also a chosen appearance for the [[self-regenerating molecular armor]] formed by the protoform.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Animated''===
[[Image:TransWarpedProtoform.jpg|thumb|right|My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!]]
According to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] eats them for breakfast. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out!|Transform and Roll Out!}} Also, [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] refers to [[Sari]] as a protoform, suggesting that protoforms are an early stage in a Cybertronian's life cycle that is similar to childhood. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}} Ironically, this would later turn out to be true, indicating that Transformers can become technorganic in ''Animated'' merely by transcanning an organic form.{{storylink|Transwarped}} Apparently, different Transformers could also be created by the same protoform templates, a fact that could explain similarities in body form and transformation schemes (or, in real life terms, retools and redecos.) {{storylink|Autoboot Camp|Autoboot Camp}}

"Protoform" seems to be a derogatory nickname amongst Cybertronians, translating roughly to "baby" or "kid". The word "protoform''ed''" has been used, presumably in reference to a protoform's coming into existence.
{{-}}

==Toys==
Toys representing transitional protoform modes have been made for several characters from the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action Movie]] universe:
===Transformers (2007)===
[[Image:Movie ProtoformOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Munkytruck feet!]]
*'''Protoform [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]''' (Deluxe Class, 2007), later [[Redeco|redecorated]] as Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Optimus Prime's pre-Earth body in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics.

*'''Protoform [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]''' (Deluxe, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Starscream Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Starscream's pre-Earth body in IDW's ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics.

* '''Trans Scanning [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]''' (2008)
* '''Trans Scanning Optimus Prime''' (2008)

:Both Trans-Scanning Bumblebee and Optimus Prime feature a highly articulated protoform robot mode that can transform into its comet-like transition mode. Snap-on armour based on their Earth robot and vehicle modes represent the character after they have trans-scanned a vehicle.

===Robot Heroes===
*[[Robot Heroes]] [[Jazz (Movie)| Protoform Autobot Jazz]] vs. [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]]
:

==Trivia==
* A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?" <ref>"[[Black Horizon, Part 1]]", ''G.I. Joe vs. Transformers'' Volume 4</ref>

* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s Cybertronian form depicted in ''Transformers'' comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

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[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Cybertron]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise]]