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Brigadoon

2010-06-05T16:23:25Z

201.83.144.252:

Autobot Spike
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That kid's gonna need a lot of therapy.
"Autobot Spike"
Production code #700-16
Production company Sunbow Productions
Airdate September 23, 1985
Written by Donald F. Glut
Continuity Generation 1 cartoon continuity

A wounded Spike is turned into an Autobot Frankenstein's monster to save his life.

Japanese title: フランケンシュタイン・スパイク (Frankenstein Spike)

Contents
[hide]

* 1 Synopsis
* 2 Featured Characters
* 3 Quotes
* 4 Notes
o 4.1 Animation and technical errors
o 4.2 Continuity errors
o 4.3 Continuity notes
o 4.4 Real-world references
o 4.5 Trivia
* 5 Home video releases
* 6 External links

[edit] Synopsis
In the future, Autobot X will be revived to systematically battle groups of eight animal-themed robots.
In the future, Autobot X will be revived to systematically battle groups of eight animal-themed robots.

The Autobots gather around Sparkplug's worktable in Autobot Headquarters for a demonstration. Using spare parts and human ingenuity, Sparkplug has cobbled together a large robot he has dubbed Autobot X, and with a flip of a switch sets him loose. He immediately runs amok—groaning, growling and smashing everything in sight. It takes Trailbreaker, Prowl and Ironhide to bring him down. Sparkplug apologizes to Optimus Prime for the mess and recommends Autobot X be put in storage.

Before this can be done, the party is interrupted by an alarm. Decepticons are attacking the new Air Force rocket base. The Autobots roll out to the base and engage the Decepticons. During the battle, the rockets and their fuel are inadvertently destroyed, and Megatron orders a retreat.

To cover their escape, Megatron creates a diversion for the Autobots; he blasts Bumblebee while Spike Witwicky is riding in him. The attack leaves Bumblebee damaged and Spike comatose. Spike is taken to Metro Hospital, where the doctors suggest that if Spike's mind could be transferred somewhere else, they would be able to operate on his fragile body.
This happens whenever you see certain things.
This happens whenever you see certain things.

Wheeljack and Sparkplug transfer Spike's mind into Autobot X's body. However, as a side effect of the transferral process, Spike's mind is in an extremely unstable state. Angry and confused about his new body, Autobot Spike rampages, destroying several computers and machines in Wheeljack's shop.

Optimus Prime is able to subdue Autobot Spike without damaging his mind. To keep Spike calm, Wheeljack tunes Teletraan I to a television station, where cruel Fate just happens to have scheduled an airing of a movie featuring Dr. Frankenstein's unholy attempt to create life. Spike is roused to anger, convinced that he, like the Doctor's creation, is a "monster." He again rampages throughout the Ark, then escapes.
At least he's not a Headmaster.
At least he's not a Headmaster.

Alone in the wilderness, Spike suffers from the conflict between his own mind and what there is of Autobot X. Will he use his new body and powers to help the world like Optimus Prime, or conquer all Humanity?

Laserbeak informs Megatron of Spike's new Autobot body and unstable mind, and Megatron forms a plan to trick Autobot Spike into destroying the Autobots. Megatron soon finds Spike with Reflector's help. Autobot Spike attacks, but Megatron has other plans. Spike's unstable mind makes it hard for him to think, and he is easily twisted by Megatron to side with him against the Autobots.

Bumblebee brings the Autobots to Spike's location, but they are unable to fight against the vengeful being for fear of destroying Spike's mind. Only after Autobot Spike shoots his father off the edge of a cliff does he realize what he has done. At once, he saves his father and turns on the Decepticons.

Finally, Spike's mind is returned to his human body after the surgical operation is successfully completed.

Spike will never be placed in a robot's body again. Never?
[edit] Featured Characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
Autobots Decepticons Humans Others

* Wheeljack (1)
* Optimus Prime (3)
* Bumblebee (5)
* Ratchet (6)
* Prowl (7)
* Autobot X (8)
* Trailbreaker (9)
* Ironhide (10)
* Windcharger (11)
* Brawn (12)
* Sideswipe (20)
* Sunstreaker (21)
* Huffer (25)
* Hound (26)
* Bluestreak (27)
* Jazz (28)

* Megatron (14)
* Thundercracker (15)
* Starscream (16)
* Soundwave (17)
* Skywarp (18)
* Laserbeak (22)
* Rumble (23)
* Reflector (24)

* Sparkplug Witwicky (2)
* Spike Witwicky (4)
* Air Force General (13)
* Spike's doctor (19)

On TV

* Doctor Frankenstein
* Igor
* Frankenstein's monster

[edit] Quotes

"Another Autobot? Even if it works, who needs it?"

—Ratchet is a 1984 purist.

"It's not supposed to do that!"

—Sparkplug referring to Autobot X destroying Autobot headquarters

"So you Decepticreeps like to fly, eh? Well, take off!"

—Brawn after kicking Soundwave

"Hmmm...if only there were a way of separating Spike's mind from his body while we work..."

—Spike's doctor clumsily moves the narrative along within earshot of Autobot X's creator.

"He wants a battle—let's give him one!"

—Starscream, referring to the now-mechanized Spike

"I must say, you've improved your appearance since our last encounter, Spike!"

—Megatron, upon meeting Spike in Autobot form

General: Aren't they a gorgeous sight?
Optimus Prime: Impressive. [To Ironhide] For primitive rocket technology.

—Only Optimus Prime could both praise and diss humanity at the same time.

"Hmmm, I wonder—I wonder what it would be like for a robot mind to be transferred to a human?"

—Bumblebee, being eerily prophetic

[edit] Notes
[edit] Animation and technical errors

All in all, remarkably few errors:

* The beginning of Sparkplug's line "It's not working" is cut off, as if the sound dropped out for a split second.

* Technically it's not an error, but Ratchet maintains his "who needs it?" arm gesture for a very long time after he finishes speaking.

* Bumblebee can be seen rolling out from Autobot Headquarters along with Prime's team, even though he wasn't called out by Prime to be part of the attack force. He does arrive at the rocket base after the battle is over, so... maybe he just fell behind?

* Skywarp has an all-yellow chest as the Decepticons prepare to retreat from the rocket base. Only his cockpit canopy should be yellow.

* Spike's hospital room is hilarious. Not only is it completely devoid of any medical equipment whatsoever (not even so much as an IV drip), but Spike's ancient-looking dormitory-style bed is placed directly in the middle of the room. Despite this, the ticking of a heart monitor can be heard.

* Sideswipe's voice is off as he and Sunstreaker rush to contain Autobot X. The delivery's a bit off, too: he sounds like he's discussing the weather, not rushing into battle.

* The docking tower for Decepticon Headquarters is right off of a rocky coast. Usually it's in open water.

* Spike's second round of fire on the Decepticons hits three Thundercrackers.

* Okay, it's a cartoon and all, but... when Spike blasts him off the cliff, Sparkplug falls for an incredibly long time.

* As he flies out of Spike's hand, Megatron's gun-mode handle is colored gray instead of black.

* Just before Megatron orders a retreat, Soundwave has Skywarp's colors, and Skywarp is firing a laser beam that somehow passes in front of Starscream's air intake, even though Starscream is in the foreground.

[edit] Continuity errors

* Throughout the episode, Spike struggles with unpredictable destructive urges and freaks out at the slightest provocation. Sparkplug and the rest repeatedly assume that this is a side-effect of the mental transfer process, rather than the fault of the body they put it in. Did they forget that the body itself goes on similar rampages even without Spike's mind in it? Spike even says himself that it feels like "something" is telling him to do "bad things."

[edit] Continuity notes

* The three Reflector components, while speaking in unison, refer to themselves as "I".

* It's also the last time Reflector has a speaking part in an episode. The rest of his appearances are silent cameos.

* Autobot X/Spike demonstrates a few abilities that his component parts have never shown. None of the 1984 Autobots shoot lasers from their fingertips; Trailbreaker's gun arm has never been shown to be an extendable grappling hook; Bluestreak has never fired lasers from the headlights on his chest.

* When Optimus Prime tries to subdue Autobot X/Spike, he fires his ion blaster from his shoulder, like an RPG launcher.

* Furmanism alert: The phrase "What's that?" is said not once ... not twice ... but three times in this episode alone - First by the rocket general, then by Bumblebee hanging from cliff, and then by Ironhide at the rocket base.

[edit] Real-world references

* Autobot Spike watches the movie Frankenstein. Nice going Wheeljack...have an unstable guy who's a patchwork of parts watch a movie about a monster who is a patchwork of parts. That won't cause problems.
* The scene he watches doesn't correspond to any film adaptation of Frankenstein. The writers scripted the scene from whole cloth.

[edit] Trivia
I'm shooting him gently!
I'm shooting him gently!

* While this episode originally aired in the United States on September 23, 1985, it aired in Japan on September 14, 1985, making it the only episode of the original series to be aired in Japan before the United States.

* The episode begins with a narrative voice-over from Victor Caroli. Most such narratives recap events from previous episodes; however, this one is solely to introduce the episode's opening events. After a couple more tries ("Day of the Machines", "Atlantis, Arise!"), this convention would be dropped entirely.

* Ratchet is standing behind Wheeljack when Wheeljack "volunteers" him to help improve Autobot X. Ratchet has a comical surprised reaction to the news. Wheeljack later looks visibly depressed that his mind transfer device has burned itself out.

* This episode features a curiously large amount of extreme close ups with the camera constantly going straight into characters' faces for no reason.

* The episode finally addresses that it's incredibly unsafe to bring a teenager to a battle between two factions of giant robot killing machines. Except that Spike continues to tag along in the future...

[edit] Home video releases
All releases listed are in English audio unless otherwise noted.

Laserdisc

Japan 1994 — Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers — Convoy Set (Takara) — Japanese audio only.
Japan 1998 — The Transformers — Autobot Edition (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.

DVD

Japan 2001 — The Transformers — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only.
United States of America 2002 — The Original Transformers — Season 2 Part 1 (Rhino Entertainment)
United States of America 2002 — The Original Transformers — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1 (Rhino Entertainment)
United Kingdom 2003 — Transformers — Season 2 Part 1 (Metrodome)
United Kingdom 2004 — Transformers — Bumper Collection Special (Metrodome)
Australia 2004 — Transformers — Collection 2: Series 2.1 (Madman Entertainment)
United Kingdom 2006 — Transformers — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome)
Australia 2007 — The Transformers — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment)
Italy 2008 — Transformers — Volume 03: Stagione Due Parte Prima (Medianetwork Communication) — English and Italian audio.
United Kingdom 2009 — Transformers — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome)
Australia 2009 — The Transformers — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment)
United States of America 2009 — The Transformers — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)
United States of America 2009 — The Transformers — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)
[edit] External links

* Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle

Retrieved from "http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Autobot_Spike"

Category: Generation 1 episodes

Brigadoon

2010-06-05T16:20:36Z

201.83.144.252:

[[Image:KidsCliff1.jpg|right|thumb|One of the greatest images in ''Transformers'' history.]]'''Earl Norem''' ([[April 17]], 1924-) is an artist who worked on many comic book projects throughout 1960s, 70s, and 80s. He is most known for fully-painted covers to comics such as ''The Savage Sword of Conan''. However, Norem has painted for a wide variety of genres and properties, including ''He-Man'' and ''Star Wars''.

Norem's ''Transformers'' work consists of four [[Marvel Books]] [[Big Looker]] storybooks, some of which were later adapted into read along storybooks by [[Kid Stuff]]:

*[[Battle for Cybertron]]
*[[The Great Car Rally]]
*[[Car

Elita One (G1)

2010-06-05T16:10:25Z

201.83.144.252:

{{disambig3|Elita One}}
{{factions|autobot|quintesson}}
:''Elita One is a [[Female Transformer|female]] [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]]. She was once known as '''Ariel'''.''

[[Image:MCA-ElitaOne.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Sexy posing is an important part of her characterization. (By "important," we mean "nonexistent.")]]

'''Elita One''' is a devoted Autobot and powerful warrior, fearless in the face of the enemy, but compassionate to those who need her help.

In some [[universal stream]]s, she's a renowned Autobot resistance leader, a female counterpart to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. She leads the [[Female Autobots]] in a desperate gamble to keep Cybertron out of the hands of the Decepticons. She is sometimes the wielder of a great special power: the ability to stop time through the creation of a field with a fifty foot radius around her. Sadly, this ability drains all of her [[Spark|life force]] and is thus almost assuredly fatal, leaving her to only use it in the most dire of situations.<ref>[http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3361592162_05cf8e1a7b_b.jpg Elita One's Diamond Select profile]</ref>

Some versions of Elita use their Female Autobots to aid the [[Quintesson]]s instead, as part of a grand scheme that may never be revealed.

In other timelines, she is a new Autobot recruit of unknown origin, trained in mastery of the [[martial arts]]. She is not a leader, but a skilled recon specialist, and the first Transformer of her gender. She continues to fight a war that by all appearances has ended, joining a special Autobot group that tasks itself with finding the last dregs of the Decepticon race.

Regardless, she's always very, very pink.

:''Italian name:'' '''Elita Uno'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil cartoon):'' '''Elita-1(Elita Um)'''
:''Chinese name:'' '''Elita''' / (艾莉塔 ''Aì Lì Tǎ'', literally "Mugwort Jasmine Tower")
:''Chinese name (Generation 2 cartoon, Taiwan):'' '''Jīn-yīn Yí-hào''' (精英一號, "Elite One")

__TOC__
{{--}}
==Fiction==
===Generation 1 Cartoon===
:''Voice actress:'' [[Marlene Aragon]] (English), [[Samantha Newark]] (Ariel, English); [[Kazue Komiya]] (Japanese), [[Eiko Hisamura|Eiko Yamada]] (Ariel, Japanese)

[[Image:ArielWarDawn1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Robots with plunging necklines and ponytails... somehow.]]
Nine million years ago, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was a [[Golden Age|peaceful, prospering world]], and within this era lived a young dockworker called Ariel. She had a boyfriend named [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Orion Pax]] and shared a good friend with him in their colleague [[Dion]]. Among the many developments brought forth during their lifetime was the invention of [[flight]], which fascinated Orion and Dion to no end. However, as mere dockworkers, they didn't have much expectation of seeing the results in action themselves anytime soon.

One day, Orion brought a [[Aerialbot (G1)|group of five visitors]] he just met into the [[storage yard 67|energy storage facility]] they were working at. Ariel was introduced to them, after which Orion was called outside by Dion and she and the visitors followed. It turned out that Dion had spotted "[[Decepticon|flying robots]]" travelling overhead, the sight of which prompting him and Orion to voice their wish to meet them. The visitor [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] gave his doubt that an impressive ability necessarily made for a person they would want to know, to which Ariel added she had heard that the flying robots had put together an army and attacked one of Cybertron's outer cities. Dion laughingly dismissed her as gullible, and Orion remarked that even if true, they had [[Guardian robot]]s to protect them, so it wasn't any of their concern. With that, the three left the Aerialbots and resumed work.

A short time later, Orion again brought a visitor along, this time no one less than one of the flying robots, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. Chaos followed soon after, when Megatron suddenly ordered for his [[Transport drone|transport drones]] to attack and aimed the first shot at Orion. In the midst of the assault, Ariel ignored Dion's plea to not interfere and tried to stop Megatron from further harming Orion, only to be gunned down herself by the Decepticon.

[[Image:TSFAT Elita One in headquarters.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Optimus Prime's sister from the same transistor.]]
Fortunately for her, the Aerialbots returned to help them. They picked up the deactivated Orion and brought him to [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]], who recreated the young robot as the first of Cybertron's new defenders — [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Optimus and the Aerialbots then asked Alpha Trion to try reconstructing Ariel too. Agreeing to send some droids for her, Alpha Trion mused to himself that "Elita One" would be a [[Renaming|good name]] for a female warrior. {{storylink|War Dawn}}

Elita One combatted her way through the next five million years of warfare, until the launch of an [[Ark (G1)|Autobot starship]] that would go in search for [[Energon (fuel)|energy]] for the starving planet. It would be captained by Optimus Prime himself. As [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] came under Decepticon attack during the launch, Elita tried to board the ship, wishing to be with her partner. While she and Optimus discussed the matter, the bombardment got a good hit near the ship, to all present seemingly destroying Elita One and several other soldiers.

[[Image:G1 Prime Elita energy transfer.JPG|left|thumb|250px|Waw chikka bow bow, chikka chikka...]]
In truth, she dodged [[death]] once more. In the next four million years, Elita One held command of a team of [[Female Autobots|six Autobots]] that continued the fight on Cybertron, utilizing their exaggerated deaths to work under cover of secrecy. [[Moonracer]]'s carelessness eventually revealed their continued existence, a piece of knowledge Megatron appreciatively used to set up a trap for Optimus Prime. He sent a unit consisting of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] to Cybertron to capture Elita One as soon as Shockwave would succeed in [[Sentinel (G1)|locating]] their base. Though Elita was already taking preparations to relocate after first winning advice from her mentor, Alpha Trion, the Decepticons arrived too soon. Elita subsequently fought three of them, forced into battle by Rumble's [[Earthquake (event)|actions]] that endangered her team still within the base and as a bonus to the Decepticons prevented them from coming to their leader's aid.

Elita One was taken captive and used as bait to lure Optimus Prime to Cybertron, where he easily was captured too. Upon seeing him, Elita attempted an escape, but was shot down by Starscream. The enemy [[Air Commander]] prepared to execute her on the spot, but Shockwave had "a better idea". Optimus was hung over a vat of acid while Elita would be spared only long enough to see her beloved perish. Desperate, Elita triggered her time-stopping power, which allowed her to save Optimus... but expended nearly all her life force doing so.

Following Elita's directions to bring her to Alpha Trion, Optimus begged the ancient Autobot to save her. Alpha Trion then revealed to Optimus that only ''he'' could save Elita by interfacing to her with his power filter. An astonished Optimus Prime stated that only his creator could know that, which Alpha Trion deemed an educated guess.

[[Image:ElitaVehicle01.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yeah, this is all you see.]]
After Elita One was re-energized, she and Optimus Prime arrived in time to save both a group of [[Earth]]-stationed Autobots who had followed Optimus to Cybertron plus Elita's own troops from certain death at the hands of the Decepticons. Elita shot down Shockwave, while Optimus scared off the Earth-stationed Decepticons. The two leaders were thanked with much jubilation by their troops.

Though sharing his regrets that they'd be apart again so soon, Elita elected to continue her duties in the war fought on Cybertron while Optimus and his troops returned to the battle on Earth. With their original secret base discovered and in ruins, Alpha Trion quickly set Elita's team up with a new, better one. Goodbyes were exchanged not much later, the situation not preventing Elita from telling her partner not to stay away TOO long... {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}

{{note|Elita One's appearance in The Search for Alpha Trion is slightly at odds with two other episodes. First of all, the events surrounding the Ark's takeoff in "The Search for Alpha Trion" do not match those of [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|the pilot episode]] and so constitute a [[retcon]]. Secondly, since "War Dawn" was written later, Elita's and Optimus's relation to Alpha Trion is portrayed differently. While a trusted mentor figure to both, neither apparently remembered Alpha Trion as their creator. Optimus Prime did seem to know that Alpha Trion created Elita One, making a subtle comment when Elita said that Alpha Trion was like a father to her, though it's unclear whether he had always known or only realized after his visit to Alpha Trion. This is really kind of creepy when you think about it.}}
{{--}}
===MC Axis Kit mini-comic===
Elita One and her team toppled a colossal Decepticon warrior. Though her team was jubilant at their victory, Elita knew that this one victory was far from enough to win the war, and longed for Optimus to return so they could re-take their homeworld. {{storylink|MC Axis (pack-in comic)|MC Axis pack-in comic}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:TheRouteOfAllEvil Elita One.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Optimus likes 'em with some armor-plating on their circuits.]]
Elita One and the other Female Autobots were an elite squad of warriors under the command of the [[Quintesson]]s, waiting for intel from their Autobot sleeper agent, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]. When she had provided the information needed, the rest of the team was called by their masters to prepare for departure to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. As the Quintessons were gloating about how smooth matters were proceeding, Elita One entered and aggressively threw her lance through the screen then displaying [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]. The Quintessons found this amusing. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

{{Note|[[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] filed for bankruptcy and stopped producing Transformers books right as the Female Autobots arc was beginning.}}
{{--}}
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Classics====
[[Image:Elita-1 Botcon 2007.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Elita WHAT?]]
Elita-1's {{sic}} existence was a surprise to everyone but [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], who quietly added the female Autobot to the crew aboard the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]''. Everyone has an idea about where she came from, but Grimlock keeps her origin a secret. Since the others know so little about her, Elita feels she has to work harder to gain their respect, and so she takes unnecessary risks. In battle, she carries a hyper-concussive missile launcher that converts into an EMP scrambler. She can blend into her surroundings due to her camouflaging skin made of mimetic alloy armor, which can also refract laser fire into blinding bursts of light. {{storylink|#BotCon 2009|Elita-1's toy bio}}

Elita-One {{sic}} was one of the ''Graviton'''s crewmembers that manned the controls as the team chased [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]'s [[Decepticon]]s to [[Earth]]. Reminding the others of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders to stay incognito on populated worlds, she and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were sent out to spy on the Bug Bite's crew up close while the rest remained on a safe distance. For a moment, her team was slightly worried she had been spotted when it seemed the Decepticons were looking for something, but it turned out to be [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] who had been found. As the Decepticons left with Mirage as their prisoner, Grimlock ordered Swoop and Elita to track them. Through this, the two stumbled upon [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s [[Ark (G1)|hideout]].

[[Image:AtFightsEnd-OverkillDragstripAcidStorm.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Grimlock? Mirage? You don't look so good."]]
Elita-One [[Circuit-Su|fought]] the sentry, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], to gain passage for the team. She was sent ahead again to the command center to check on the situation and the odds of saving Mirage. Upon her findings, the team burst in, saved Mirage and completely wrecked the place. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

Later, [[Acid Storm]], [[Drag Strip]], and [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] were waiting on a dusty planet when Elita-1 and the rest of [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]'s rogue team of Autobots attempted to hunt them down. {{storylink|At Fight's End}}
{{--}}
{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:MO3 EOOPAT funeral.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Aw, where's the ponytail?]]
Elita appeared with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|her boyfriend]], [[Alpha Trion (G1)|their father]], and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|a close friend/white clone of her boyfriend]] at [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback]]'s funeral. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}
{{--}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===BotCon 2009===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-Elita1WoH.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Barbie dream boat!]]
*'''Elita-1''' {{sic}} (BotCon attendee figure, 2009)
** ''Accessories'': Missile launcher, 2 missiles , Earth Cyber Planet Key

: A [[redeco]] of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]], Elita-1 transforms into a speedboat of undetermined model via [[Shellformer|shellforming]]. She has a small, rotating (non-firing) machine gun and a large missile rack on a rotating and elevating base in this mode. Inserting a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into the back of the missile rack opens it up to reveal a spring-loaded missile launcher, which uses the torpedoes mounted under her hydrofoils as ammunition. The rack becomes a hand-held weapon for her robot mode. She comes with a pink-bordered Cybertron-style key. Limited to 2000 sets, Elita-1 came bagged with [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]. In contrast to the previous few years' worth of attendee sets, Elita and Razorclaw did not sell out at [[BotCon 2009|BotCon]], and were available on the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] online store for several months after the convention.

: This mold was also used to make [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Chromia Minerva-Type]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/BCElita-One/elita-one.htm More information on Elita-1 at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===MC Axis Kit===
[[Image:ElitaOne-MCAxiskit.jpg|right|thumb|250px|So that's how it's spelled!]]
*'''Elita One''' (1996)

:This Japanese "garage kit", an unpainted resin model, was made by [[MC Axis (company)|MC Axis]], and was also the first official product made of Elita One. The packaging gave her [[Tech Spec]] numbers as well as an official spelling of her name. (The spelling/pronunciation was a point of contention in the early online fandom. See [[#Notes|Notes]] below.) It also included among the paperwork a [[MC Axis (pack-in comic)|single-page comic strip]] starring Elita One and the rest of her squad. It is not known for its exceptional quality control - numerous unsightly air bubbles in the plastic are not an uncommon thing to encounter.

:* ''[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/4512c7fd76f8e8ee Fan review of the Hot Rod and Elita One model kits]''
{{--}}
===Diamond Select Transformers===
*'''Elita-One''' {{sic}} (2009)

[[Image:G1Elita One DiamondSelect bust.jpg|right|150px|thumb|And Optimus thought Elita would be scared by [http://www.redshirt.co.uk/tall-tales/armada-the-real-story/ his lack of feet].]]
: Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2009, Elita-One was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 600 pieces. It was exclusive to [http://www.bigbadtoystore.com Big Bad Toystore.com]. The sculpt is based upon her cartoon appearance, though some creative liberties have been taken, such as the fact she carries a large rifle that is similar in design to Optimus Prime's instead of the small pistol she was most commonly seen with. The schematic of her [[Alternate mode|altmode]] on the back of the base of the bust is the [[#Notes|first time]] the vehicle has been seen in full, though it is equally not an accurate depiction of the cartoon version. The bust gives Elita-One a second tech spec, with numbers that drastically differ from the first set of numbers. Her attributes are as follows: Strength 8.5 Intelligence 9.0 Speed 8.0 Endurance 7.0 Rank 9.5 Courage 8.0 Firepower 9.0 Skill 9.0
{{--}}
==Notes==
[[Image:Generations-CybertronBattle.jpg|right|250px|thumb|All hell breaks loose!]]
*Elita One's name is one of the most troubled in all of ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' history. As it is intended, her name mirrors her male counterpart's in both spelling and root meaning as "Best First". Furthermore, "Elita" is derived from "elite", which comes from the Latin ''electa'', meaning "chosen". So her name also translates as Chosen One. It seems simple enough, but since the debut in 1985, the actual spelling and thus meaning of Elita One's name was the subject of much fandom debate for years to follow. The MC Axis kit was the first product to reveal an official spelling for the name, which was later confirmed by the episode scripts<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/5821789ca800431a/68758ddf3993e5ac Secrets of the Original Scripts, Part Five]</ref> and the [[production bible]]<ref>[http://transformers.winterchill.com/bible/biblepage85.html The original G1 cartoon bible, page 85.]</ref> to be correct. Despite this, younger canon continues to feature the name in alternative forms, most commonly as either "Elita-One" or "Elita-1", names by which her "namesakes" from other [[franchise]]s are known. In addition, more contrived varieties such as "Eleta-1"<ref>''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|Transformers: The Not-So-Ultimate Guide]]''</ref> and "Aleta-1"<ref>The episode description booklet of [[Shout! Factory]]'s ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition</ref> have also occasionally shown up.
* A Cybertronian battle scene in ''[[TV Magazine]]'' (reprinted in ''[[Transformers Generations]]'') depicts Elita One fighting the Decepticons alongside other pre-Earth Autobots.
* According to writer [[David Wise]], he did ''not'' intend for Ariel to be rebuilt as Elita One when writing "[[War Dawn]]".<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20040806162116/iesb.net/collecting/collecting63004.htm Interview with David Wise]</ref> In fact, he did not even know who Elita One was at that time! Ariel was originally supposed to die as a way of adding weight to the episode, her eventual survival being the result of other writers noticing the similarity between her and Elita One.<ref>[http://moonbase2.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=553015 Moonbase2 interview with David Wise]</ref>
* Elita One's [[alternate mode]] was never depicted in its entirety during the original cartoon. As shown above, only the very front end was seen, the rest hidden by Optimus Prime's truck mode. Her bust by [[Diamond Select Toys]] does display the entire vehicle, but it is an appearance the artist created himself, as the [[Character model|model sheets]] for all of the Female Autobots have yet to resurface.
* In "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]", the dancers shown in the post-[[Quintesson]] peace era share Elita's model.
[[Image:TWW4 ElitaOne.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Wouldn't that be a great opening line for Optimus though? "Hey, you look just like the sexy lady silhouette on my mudflaps."]]
* In the ''[[The War Within]]'' graphic novel, Elita One's silhouette is depicted on Optimus Prime's mudflap in vehicle mode, similar to the "[[Wikipedia:Mudflap girl|Trucker Lady]]" silhouette decal seen on modern vehicles. Optimus Prime also has a bobble-head of her inside his cab. [[Easter egg|Interestingly]], ''The War Within'' takes place long before he'd meet her.
* If we think about it, since Prime and One have the same creator, they are, in some way, brother and sister, which just makes their relationship look plain weird. (Well, maybe [[Jean Minakaze|not]] [[Patty Minakaze|in]] [[Solon Kitakaze (Victory)|Japan]].) The events of "War Dawn" show that Orion Pax and Ariel existed as non-siblings before they were remade into Optimus Prime and Elita One, though Transformers has demonstrated somewhat [[Relatives|puzzling definitions of siblings]].
{{--}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Martial artists]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Sea specialists]]

Unreleased toy

2010-06-05T14:24:40Z

201.83.144.252:

<div style="position:absolute; right:1.15em; top:1.3em; font-size:95%;" id="TemplateUserinfo" class="plainlinksneverexpand">
For more images, please visit the '''[[Unreleased toys/Gallery|Gallery]]'''.</div>

For every [[Toy|Transformer]] that makes it to store shelves, there are always some that fall by the wayside. Lines get canceled, retailers back off on exclusives, designs go over budget, focus groups pass on a concept, or maybe they just weren't cool enough. Regardless of the whys and wherefores, this article aims to document the '''unreleased toys''' that never quite saw retail.

Note that this list will likely never be "complete," as for every concept design that makes it into collectors' hands, a countless number wind up in the garbage can.

(Quick! Get to the landfill outside Providence and '''''START DIGGING'''''.)

==Notable examples==
===Regular releases===
====Generation 1====
;Concept

*[[Rock Bot]]s

;Concept art

[[Image:Concept-HeadmasterArcee.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Yup, they wanted to make me, but oh well.]]
*A [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] version of [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], based on a repainted [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]].

*[[:Image:TFGRodimus.jpg|New Rodimus]]

*[[:Image:Skywarpatron.jpg|Skywarp/Megatron]] Triple Changer.

*[[:Image:Megalvatron.jpg|Megatron/Galvatron]] Triple Changer.

*[[Big Bang]]

*A [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] figure with a strange design and transformation. It is believed that the Target exclusive transforming [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] gift card is based on this figure, as it is similar in design and transformation.

;Prototypes

[[Image:Unicron Proto.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Unicron wanted a toy, but his bargaining posture was highly dubious.]]
*Two [[Unicron]] prototypes were created during G1, neither saw full release.

*Diaclone Triple Changer - His design was later used for [[Dropshot (Armada)|Dropshot]].

*[[:Image:DoublePretenders.jpg|Double Pretenders]]

{{-}}

====Generation "1.5"====
[[Image:Buffalo-dump motorworld concept.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Hi, I'm the [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]-[[Bonecrusher (BW)|Bonecrusher]] fuzor!"]]
(This section is about the [[Turbomaster|line]] between the US G1 and G2.)

;Concept art

*Buffalo Dump

*[[Hyperdrive (Turbomaster)|Hyperdrive]]

====Generation 2====
;Prototypes
*[[:Image:Un autorollers.jpg|General Optimus Prime and Sgt. Hound]]

*Two additional [[Auto Roller]]s that eventually wound up as [[Beast Wars II (franchise)|BWII]] [[Autojetter]] and [[Autolauncher]].

*[[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]]

*[[Cyberjet]]s remolded with armored limbs and larger weapons.

*[[Block Town]] series

*Two new-mold [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]]

*[[Unproduced G.I. Joe Transformer|G.I. Joe Transformer]]

*A version of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in jungle colors. Whether this figure would have actually been Starscream or not is unknown.

*A version of [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] in desert colors. Whether this figure would have actually been Ramjet or not is unknown.

*[[Megatron (G1)/toys|Flipchanger Megatron]]
*Flipchanger Mirage
*The Flipchangers that became Machine Wars Mirage and Hoist.

*[[Motormaster]] (as hand-painted ''Generation 1'' toys)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (as hand-painted ''Generation 1'' toys)

;Packaged Samples (test packaging)

* The other four new-mold [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], packaged on [[High Beam]] cards.

;Packaged Samples (final packaging)

*Redecoes of the two G2 Hero molds: [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] in a dark-blue and red color scheme, and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] in a gray and black camouflage.

*[[Laser Cycle]] [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]

*[[Laser Cycle]] [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]

*[[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron ATB with Starscream]]

*All of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] limbs except for [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], who was released as a BotCon exclusive.

*All of the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]] limbs.

====Beast Wars====
;Concept art

*[[Dinobot (BW)|Transmetals Dinobot]]

;Prototypes

*[[Unicron/toys#Beast_Wars_Neo|''Beast Wars Neo'' Unicron]]

;Packaged Samples
*[[Ramulus]] (Green version)

====Beast Machines====
;Concept art

;Prototypes

*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]

====Transtech====
[[Image:TransCharge.gif|right|150px|thumb|It was not to be.]]
;Concept art

*Megatron, we don't know [[Megatron (G1)|which]] [[Megatron (BW)|one]] he was supposed to be.
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock?]] - Draxhall Jump's Website shows concept art for a character that looks a lot like him.
*[[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]
*[[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]
*[[Immorticon]]

;Prototypes

*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]

====Robots In Disguise====
;Concepts

;Prototypes

*[[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Hasbros RID Fortress Maximus Jet]] - It was still released in Japan by Takara.

====Armada====
;Concepts

;Prototypes

*[[Ramjet (Armada)|Build to Rule Ramjet]]

;Packaged Samples

*[[Adventure Mini-Con Team|Adventure Mini-Con Team repaint]]
*[[Space Mini-Con Team|Space Mini-Con Team repaint]]
*[[Street Speed Mini-Con Team|Street Speed Mini-Con Team repaint]]

====Alternators/Binaltech====
;Concepts

*[[Bumblebee (G1)|''VW New Beetle'' Bumblebee]]
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|''VW New Beetle'' Cliffjumper]]
*[[:Image:Blackwidowwildrider.jpg|''Honda S2000'' Blackwidow]]
*[[Soundwave(G1)| "Chevrolet Covette C5" Soundwave]]

;Prototypes

*[[Jazz (G1)|''Porsche'' Jazz]]
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|''Subaru Impreza WRC Mini'' Smokescreen]]

====Attacktix====
;Prototypes

*Uh... the entire second wave, pretty much.

====Universe====
;Concepts

*Menasor - a repaint of [[Thunder Clash]] as the Stunticon leader.

;Prototypes

*[[Seacon (G1)|Piranhacons]]
*[[Smokescreen (unreleased)|Smokescreen]]
*[[Drench (SG)|Drench]]
*[[Astrotrain (Timelines)|Spacewarp]]

====Energon====
;Concepts

;Prototypes

*[[Brakedown (Energon)|Brakedown]]
*[[Override (Energon)|Override]]
*[[Clocker (Energon)|Clocker]]

;Packaged Samples

*A version of the [[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]] was originally intended to come with [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|''Energon'' Ultra Magnus]], but was swapped out at essentially the last possible minute for a repainted Space Mini-Con Team (not the one described above.)

====Titanium Series====
;Concepts

*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] redeco of Soundwave with [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].

;Prototypes

*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]
*[[The War Within|War Within]] [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
*[[The War Within|War Within]] [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (unsurprisingly, a Bumblebee [[redeco]].)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

====Revoltech====
;Concepts

;Prototypes
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Energon Optimus Prime]]

====Cybertron====
;Concepts

*[[Landslide (Decepticon)|Landslide]]

;Prototypes

*More Minicon partners for [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]]
*A [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]] repaint.

====Classics====
;Concepts

[[Image:Classics Soundwave.jpg|right|180px|thumb|[[Non-vehicle non-beast alternate modes#Communications|Tapedeck]] superior [[Society of Ultimate Villainy|SUV]] inferior!]]
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]

;Prototypes

*A Deluxe class [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that looks a lot like the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Classics| Voyager class]] version, but closer to [[Don Figueroa]]'s original design. If this was intended to be the original release of the design or simply a scaled down version is unknown.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/classics-11/unreleased-deluxe-classics-optimus-prime-revealed-166943/ Transformer World 2005: Unreleased Deluxe Classics Optimus Prime Revealed!]</ref>

==Exclusives==
===Conventions===
====Wonder Festival====
;Packaged Samples

*A black [[Redeco]] of the Classics [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime mold]], but as a black version of the heroic Convoy character with [[Autobot]] [[Insignia|faction symbols]], not a [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime/Black Convoy]] character.

====BotCon====
;Concepts

*[[Albitron]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. These figures were advertised as convention exclusives by [[Men in Black|Men in Black Productions]], but never materialized.
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]
*[[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]]
*[[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (post-''Beast Machines'')
*[[Roadbuster]]

;Prototypes

*[[Defensor (OTFCC)|Defensor]]
*A limited repaint of [[Defensor (OTFCC)|Defensor]] as Midnight Shield Defensor
*[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]
*[[Fractyl]]
*[[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]]

====Store====
;Prototypes

*[[Megatron (Armada)|Target Exclusive Energon Megatron]]/[[Soundwave (G1)|WST Soundwave]] twopack.
*A [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] repaint and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|WST Optimus Prime]] twopack.

==Miscellaneous==
;Concepts

*A supposed [[Hooligan (G2)|Hooligan]]
*A supposed [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
*A supposed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
*A supposed [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]

;Prototypes

*[[Toxitron]]

==Statues/Busts==

;Prototypes
*Transformers vs GI. Joe [[Baroness]] and [[Ravage (G1)| Ravage]].
*A [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] bust that didn't work well once it was downscaled for release.

==Merchandise==

===Robot Heroes===

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

==See also==
* [[Pre-Transformer]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
Galleries provided by Blurrz

*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/alternators_yellow_tracks/ Gallery of Unreleased Alternators yellow Tracks]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/binaltech_black_widow/ Gallery of Binaltech Black Widow]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/drench_vs_smokescreen/ Gallery of unreleased Universe Drench vs Smokescreen]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/leatherhide_vs_blackarachnia/ Gallery of Unreleased Halloween Leatherhide vs Blackarachnia two-pack]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/nightprowler_vs_waspinator/ Gallery of Unreleased Halloween Nightprowler vs Waspinator two-pack]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/megatron_soundwave/ Gallery of unreleased Energon Megatron with WST Soundwave]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/optimus_prime_mini_optimus_prime/ Gallery of unreleased Energon Optimus Prime with WST Optimus Prime]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/mini-con_repaints/ Unreleased Mini-Con repaints]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/sea_team_repaints/ More Unreleased Mini-con repaints]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/spacewarp_space_team/ Gallery of Unreleased Spacewarp with Space Mini_Con team]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/piranhacons/ Gallery of Unreleased Universe Piranahcons]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/reissue_ramjet/ Gallery of Unreleased reissue G1 Ramjet]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/scrapmetal_repaint/ Gallery of Unreleased Cybertron Scrapmetal repaint]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/universe_menasor/ Gallery of Unreleased Universe Menasor]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/universe_ramjet_amt/ Unreleased Universe Ramjet with even more Mini-Con repaints]

*[http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/viewtopic.php?t=37634 Dairycon 2008 report featuring the concepts for the supposed Hooligan, Starscream, Megatron and Optimus Prime]

[[Category:Lists]]
[[Category:Unreleased toys]]
[[Category:Things that don't exist]]

Soundwave (G1)/toys

2010-06-05T14:19:40Z

201.83.144.252:

{{suite}}
'''[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]''': popular. Amount of merchandise: sufficient for its own page.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Soundwave toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Soundwave superior. 'Nuf said.]]
* '''Soundwave''' (Decepticon, 1984/1985, 2003, 2007)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''17''', '''TFC-10'''
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: Soundwave transforms into a realistically sized microcassette recorder of indeterminate manufacture and includes weapons that turn into imitation batteries to power his nonexistent circuitry. [[Takara]]'s release of Soundwave in the ''[[Transformers]]'' line was nearly identical to the ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "MC-10 Cassette Man" toy on which he was based. This meant that along with being packaged with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (previously a red "MC-01 Micross"), he came with a set of non-functioning headphones that allowed you not to listen to the silence not recorded on his non-functioning tapes with the non-functioning microphone. [[Hasbro]] packaged Soundwave with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] rather than Rumble and omitted the other non-functioning accessories.

: Soundwave was included in the VS-Y versus pack along with Rumble and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]].

: In 2003, Soundwave was reissued as part of Takara's [[Transformers Collection]] "book-box" series. This iteration of Soundwave was packaged with [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].

: Another reissue of Soundwave and Laserbeak was seen in 2007 with Takara's [[Encore|Transformers Encore]] series. This release featured significantly lighter blue and tweaked stickers to match this new shade.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Soundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Soundwave at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|SoundblasterG1}}
[[Image:G1Soundblaster toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Once you go black, you can never go b—]]
*'''Soundblaster''' (Decepticon, 1987, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-101''', '''TFC-18'''
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: As part of the Japanese ''[[The Headmasters (toyline)|Headmasters]]'' series, Soundwave was [[Redeco|redecoed]] and [[Retool|retooled]] so that he could hold two cassettes in his chest at once. Soundblaster's tape door was cast in transparent red plastic to allow the information on the "readout" decal to be seen, functioning in the same manner as the Tech Specs decoders. This was unique to the ''Headmasters'' decos of the cassettes. The readouts of the Decepticon cassettes showed the "weak points" of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw.

: Soundblaster saw reissue in the Transformers Collection series in 2005, packaged together with Buzzsaw and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]].

{{-}}{{anchor|ActionMaster}}
[[Image:G1 ActionMaster Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|—uh, never mind.]]
*'''Soundwave with Wingthing''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' "Photon Negator" rifle

: Part of the very first wave of [[Action Master|Action Masters]], Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure which combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new [[Action Master partner|partner]], [[Wingthing]].

{{-}}

===Transform Gōkin===
*'''Soundwave''' (1985)
{{charstubtoys}}

===Transform Jr===
*'''Soundblaster''' (1987)
{{charstubtoys}}

===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2 Gobot Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|The goggles, they do nothing.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Gearhead]], Soundwave transforms into a [[NASCAR]]-style Ford Thunderbird stock car with precision wheels and wire axles, compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" playsets and tracks (which he was properly sized to fit). Notably, his color scheme is very '''loud''', being bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue. This is one time fans can actually get away with describing a toy's color scheme as [[neon]].

[[Image:JG2 Soundwave.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Soundhead. Or Gearwave.]]
: In Japan, Soundwave was one of three Go-Bots releases, on a normal [[Hasbro]] card with stickers over key parts to add Japanese text to the mix. While this version uses the same bright yellow outer car shell, his internal parts are the same as the second-series all-opaque version of Gearhead. Interestingly enough, his giant "T" hood deco was also applied to the other two toys in the series, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[W.A.R.S.]] and the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' incarnation of [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]. It was planned to be used to make ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]], but that toy was canceled.

{{-}}{{anchor|LaserCycle}}
[[Image:LaserCycleSoundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|His bio actually says this isn't his favorite form. No foolin'.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Laser Cycle, 1995)

: A [[redeco]] of the [[Laser Cycle]] [[Road Pig (G2)|Road Pig]] was planned as Soundwave, but ultimately never released, one of many planned late-1995 ''Generation 2'' redecos that never made it to release. Interestingly, many of these — including Soundwave and fellow Laser Cycle redeco [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] — ''were'' solicited in various store catalogues, such as the Sears Wish Book. Some packaged samples of this toy do exist, but there are estimated to be less than a dozen in existence. Soundwave would have transformed to a blue and silver Honda Goldwing motorcycle, with an LED-lit tailpipe that becomes an arm-mounted weapon in robot mode.

: This mold was later [[Retool|retooled]] to make ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Axer]] and ''[[Robot Masters (toyline)|Robot Masters]]'' [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]].

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:MW Soundwave toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Not my scene, baby!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Mega, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Giant missile, radar dish

:Originally a [[KB Toys]] exclusive, ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Soundwave is a [[redeco]] of the [[Predator]] [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]], minus Stalker's handgun and its missiles. The slide for his missile's sighting gimmick has also been removed, but the small Predator jets can still be attached to it and their slides can still be viewed. In this incarnation, Soundwave transforms into a tracked ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) carrier of probably made-up model. His ICBM can mount on either shoulder or his back in robot mode, and features a see-through "scope" gimmick that is considerably neutered from Stalker's original version. The top panel slides open to allow the small Predator jets to attach to it via their [[Megavisor]] gimmicks.

: This mold was also used to make the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[#Universe (2003)|incarnation of Soundwave]].
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:SmallestTF Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Size: small. Taste: Big]]
*'''Soundwave and Ravage''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: Like all of the ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'', this version of Soundwave is a tiny replica of his Generation 1 form. He came with ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], who is probably ''the'' smallest Transformer ever.

{{-}}

===Universe (2003)===
[[Image:Universe Soundwave%26Space-Case toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Now, let's see Space Case jump out of Soundwave's chest!]]
*'''Soundwave & Space Case''' (Ultra, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Giant missile, radar

: The [[#Machine_Wars|''Machine Wars'' version of Soundwave]] was redecoed for release in the ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' line in an Ultra-level two-pack with [[Space Case]]. It retains basically all the same neutered gimmicks from the previous release of the mold.

: Due to the lack of fiction for either toy in the set, it is ''possible'' that this incarnation is in fact an alternate-universe version of Soundwave, or possibly even a new character altogether.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
{{anchor|TiCR}}
[[Image:Titanium CybHeroes Soundwave toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He's the "manliest" Soundwave ever!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: A new representation of his Generation 1 form, [[Titanium Series]] Soundwave transforms into a slightly redesigned version of his original microcassette player mode. Included is a VERY tiny Laserbeak that transforms into a black rectangle, vaguely resembling a microcassette, and is almost (but not quite) as small as ''Smallest TF'' Ravage. He can also fit inside of Soundwave's chest. Both of Soundwave's guns resemble batteries and fit into the battery compartment on his back. Some fans have complained that oddly-shaped crotch area makes it look like Soundwave is wearing a diaper, and that poor leg engineering makes it impossible for them to stay extended, and as a result unable to stand up ([http://www.reprolabels.com/Misc/babywave.php much like a baby].)

{{anchor|TiSoundblaster}}
*'''Soundblaster''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: A planned redeco of the transforming ''Titanium'' Soundwave in Soundblaster colors, this toy would have come with a new ''Titanium'' version of [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] instead of Laserbeak. However, this toy was ultimately canceled along with many other solicited 6" Cybertron Heroes. According to the packaging for Titanium [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], he would have been "also available" as of November 2008, as Hasbro was unwilling to spend the resources on altering the packaging for these already complete toy packages.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{anchor|Ti3inch}}
[[Image:Titanium-toy RMSoundwave.JPG|right|160px|thumb|]]
*'''Soundwave''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
**'' Accessories'': Decepticon stand

: Soundwave was also planned to be released as a 3" Robot Masters non-transformable figurine, though it never saw release.

{{-}}
{{canceledtoy}}

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics Commemorative Soundwave toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ravage, Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Reissue.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Commemorative Edition, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "Concussion Blaster" gun

: Despite having packaging that claims ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Soundwave is "identical to the original toy," this version is actually a redeco of the [[Transformers Collection]] Sound''blaster'' reissue in Soundwave's original colors. This is presumably due to reported mold degradation on the cassette door of the Soundwave mold. While later releases such as the [[Encore|Transformers Encore]] edition would feature a single-cassette bay, it is noteworthy that this release featured the much more rarely used Cassetteman version of the door mold. Like the Soundblaster reissue, ''Classics'' Soundwave is packaged with "Battle" Ravage, as well as Laserbeak, recolored from Soundblaster's Buzzsaw. In a move rare for a US release of this toy, the set included two [[Takara]] clear-plastic cassette cases.

: Exclusive to Toys 'R' Us stores, Soundwave had been intended for the [[Commemorative Series]], but after the cancellation of that line, he was added to ''Classics'', although the phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box.

: Sadly, in the Canadian markets, this version of Soundwave was pushed back over a year from the original release date, and very few Toys "R" Us' had them. Dang.

{{note|While the actual product uses the Soundblaster mold, the package photos show Soundwave with the single-tape door mold used for Takara's TFC-10 reissue.}}

===Universe (2008)===
*'''Soundwave''' (2009)

: In 2009, Hasbro released yet another reissue of Soundwave as part of the ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, this time as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive that was prominently offered at [http://www.comic-con.org/cci/ San Diego Comic-Con 2009]. This version of Soundwave features no less than ''four'' tapes: Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw and [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]. This edition actually uses the original cassette deck door, leaving only enough room for one cassette but making it more accurate to the G1 toy and cartoon.

===Music Label===
[[Image:Music label soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave finally enters the digital age after only what, twenty-three years?]]
*'''Soundwave Playing Audio Player''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Electric launcher, "Wave Bluster", 2 closed fists (left & right), 2 gun-holding pose fists (left & right), 2 eject-button pose fists (left & right), headphones

: Released by [[TakaraTomy]]'s [[Music Label]] (which also puts out a not-half-as-cool [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy iPod stand]]), Soundwave is an MP3 player which takes a miniSD card. The box says it can take up to 1 GB, but many claims have shown it can support up to 2 GB. The player uses 1 AAA battery. An optional accessory, sold separately, features headphones that transform into [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. The player also features a transformation almost entirely accurate to his ''Generation 1'' appearance. He also comes with two additional sets of hands (one pair for holding his rifle, the other to pose as if pushing his eject button), his shoulder cannon, and a sidearm. It's totally awesome to so many degrees.

: '''Controls'''
:* Play/Pause (Press and hold for three seconds to power on or off)
:* Next
:* Previous
:* Volume Up
:* Volume Down.

: It also treats Folders as Albums.

[[Image:MusicLabel Soundwave whiteblack.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Actually is Shattered Glass Soundwave]]
: An LED behind the "cassette" door turns on and flashes to indicate the power's on. The single AAA battery lasts for about 6 hours of continuous play. Soundwave was initially released in two color schemes: "Spark Blue", his normal blue and silver colors; and "Sonic White", a mostly white color scheme with some blue detailing, echoing the traditional iPod color scheme. While the "Spark Blue" version reappeared in a second production run, the "Sonic White" version was replaced with "Blaster Black". In this deco, the figure bears a deliberate resemblance to Soundblaster. However, the packaging and other materials still refer to it as "Soundwave".

: The "Sonic White" version was also later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the mirror-universe ''[[Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Soundwave (SG)|Soundwave]].

{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[Image:Attacktix G1Soundwave toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I like big blasters and I can not lie!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Booster, 2007)

: Part of a planned second series of ''Transformers [[Attacktix]]'' boosters, Soundwave was to be a 30-point "Leader" class piece.

{{canceledtoy}
{{-}}

===Alternators===(unrelased toy)
Acessories = Missele, gun,

soundwave is a toy relase canceled,

==Merchandise==

===Transformers Design Center===
* '''Design Center''' (1984)

:Manufactured by [[Arrow]], the Soundwave Design Center was a box in the general shape and likeness of Soundwave which contained various arts and crafts projects for young tykes to entertain themselves with. His head pulled out to reveal a ruler, one arm contains a hilariously dinky and useless pair of "scissors", his lower legs contained rubbing-transfer panels, and the entire back worked as a sort of pantograph machine - attaching a nib to one end of the large mechanical armature ostensibly allowed you to 'remote draw' designs on the included plates.

{{-}}
===Transformers Cassette Player===
[[Image:SoundwaveCassettePlayer.jpg|thumb|200px|Teddy Ruxpin comparisons: unappreciated.]]
* '''Cassette Player''' (1985)

:A non-Transforming cassette player in the shape of Soundwave in his robot mode (oh the irony!), made by Hasbro in 1985. It runs on 3 C batteries (not included, of course).

{{-}}
===Decoy===
*'''Soundwave''' (Decoy, 1986)
**''Decoy ID number'':

: Coming packaged at random on carded ''Transformers'' toys during 1986, [[Decoy]] Soundwave is a soft-rubber figure depicting his robot mode. Like all Decepticon Decoys, Soundwave was available in both purple and red, with the red version being considerably rarer.

===Super Collection Figure/Heroes of Cybertron===
[[Image:HOC-figure Soundwave.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
* '''Soundwave''' (2001)

: A three-inch tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Soundwave was available in the third wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a colorless clear plastic version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures. Additionally, in eight out of every ten cases, the color version of Soundwave came with the right arm of the wave's collectable [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] "build-a-figure".

* '''Soundblaster''' (2002)

:Soundwave's PVC was recolored into his black ''Headmasters'' incarnation, Soundblaster, for the sixth ''SCF'' wave. This time, the figure was available in a variant metallic silver "pewter" color scheme, at the same ratio of one each per standard case. Pewter Soundblaster came packaged with the right leg of this wave's [[Grand Maximus]] build-a-figure.

* '''Soundwave''' (2003)

:The original Soundwave ''SCF'' figure was later released by Hasbro as part of the third wave of the ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' series. Like all figures in the line, this release of Soundwave differed from his ''SCF'' counterpart by being cast entirely in translucent red plastic and then painted over, save for his eyes, allowing for a [[light-piping]] effect. Rather than being blindpacked, Soundwave was sold on an individual blister pack with a profile card included.
{{-}}

===Hard Hero===
[[Image:HardHero Soundwave bust.JPG|right|160px|thumb|]]
* '''Soundwave''' (2002)

:The fourth in [[Hard Hero]]'s series of ''Transformers'' busts, Soundwave is 6 inches tall and made out of cold-cast porcelain. 100 copies of the bust were signed by sculptor [[Jason Ray]].

{{-}}
===MyClone===
* '''Soundwave''' (2003)

:[[MyClone]] Soundwave is a small [[super deformed]] figure who, due to a generic base body, can be easily disassembled and have his parts swapped with other MyClones. He was released in the line's second wave.

{{-}}

===Transformers - Wall Plaque===
[[Image:Soundwave plaque.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Arrival: Imminent. Party: Started.]]
* '''Soundwave''' (Diamond Select, 2006)

Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2006, Soundwave was sculpted by [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces. He is seen emerging from the space bridge with Frenzy, Laserbeak, and Ravage in tow.
{{-}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Soundwave statue.jpg|right|175px|thumb|An elegant but succinct summation.]]
* '''Soundwave''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

: Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2007, Soundwave was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces. The sculpt features both his concussion blaster gun and shoulder cannon with Laserbeak perched on his left shoulder. His tape deck altmode is sculpted on the base of the bust.

{{-}}
[[Image:Soundblaster statue.jpg|right|175px|thumb|So this is what having your own mold feels like.]]
* '''Sound Blaster''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

:Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Sound Blaster was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]], limited to 1,000 pieces. He comes with Ratbat perched on his shoulder, and a scale version of Frenzy in tape mode that can be freely removed. This is Sound Blaster's first North American release. His name has been changed from "Soundblaster" to "Sound Blaster".

:His [[Tech Spec]] contains some interesting new information, notably that his body was reconstructed using technology stolen from [[Nebulos]] and his shoulder cannon is now an "electric launcher" capable of firing charged particles at 38,000 volts. His tech spec stats are STR 10 INT 7 SPD 8 END 10 RNK 9 CRG 10 FBL 10 SKL 8 and completely different from the ones on his original Japanese release. His motto reads "Volume the same, destructive power doubled."

{{-}}
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Bumblebee & Soundwave''' (2007)

[[Image:G1 RobotHeroes BumblebeeVsSoundwave.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Be vewy, vewy qwiet...]]
: ''[[Robot Heroes]]'' Soundwave is a soft-plastic figurine sculpted in a [[super-deformed]] style, with joints at his head and shoulders (although his shoulder cannon prevents his big head from turning to the right). He came in a two-pack with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}

===Mighty Muggs===
[[Image:MightyMuggs_Soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|Mass status:round. Solution: blame Starscream...]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: This [[super-deformed]], non-transformable Soundwave figure uses the standard [[Mighty Muggs]] body template, with swivel joints in his neck and arms. His colors are based on those of his original toy, including yellow eyes and even having a painted "screw" behind his head, and he comes with a super-deformed version of his concussion blaster.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* According to an interview in the magazine ''Otaku USA'' (issue 3, pg. 102-3), the original Microchange toy and the accompanying cassettes were at least partially designed by famed mecha designer and anime director [[Shinji Aramaki]]. He did not come up with the transformation scheme, but designed most of the outward appearance and details. He also worked on the toys that became the deluxe [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]], [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]].

* Including the ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "Cassette Man" version, the original Soundwave mold has sported at least four different tape doors:
** The original MC-10 version had a cassette door that had "Cassette Man" emblazoned on it and featured a hinge that was internal to the robot's body.
** For the initial ''Transformers'' release by Hasbro, the "Cassette Man" text was removed.
** When [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] released the ''Transformers'' version of Soundwave in Japan, they [[retool]]ed the hinge so the bottom of the door attached to the outside of the robot, on either side of the "buttons", which had also been retooled. Both versions of Soundwave were available in Japan, making the retool a running change [[variant]].
** The Soundblaster version had a door that retained the external hinge and added the capacity for holding a second cassette.

[[Image:Classics Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Pimp My Ride.]]
* The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head, or vice versa.

* Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)

* "Years ago", [[Don Figueroa]] created a concept drawing for a potential SUV-esque Soundwave toy — either for ''[[Alternators]]'' or ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'', he no longer remembers — which went unused.[http://www.unicron.com/news_item/1132/] Despite the [[fandom]]'s immediate assumptions, ''Transformers Animated'' character designer [[Derrick Wyatt]] has said that this particular design did ''not'' in fact influence the [[Soundwave (Animated)|Animated version of Soundwave]], meaning any resemblance between the two is coincidental.

* During one of Hasbro's designer panels at [[BotCon 2008]], an audience member questioned the feasibility of releasing the [[Soundwave (G1)|''Music Label'' Soundwave toy]] in the [[Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'']] toyline, but '''''without''''' the expensive MP3 player electronics. Bizarrely, Hasbro design director [[Aaron Archer]] gave a seemingly prepared statement that did not answer the question at all, and instead stated that Hasbro were unlikely to release ''Music Label'' Soundwave in their markets due to the obscurity of the MiniSD memory card format. (For what it's worth, Hasbro's [[Greg Lombardo]] had given an actual answer to the same question at [[BotCon 2007]], when he stated that ML Soundwave's innards are so devoted to electronics that removing them might adversely impact the leftover toy's appearance and stability.)

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Transformers: Alternators

2010-06-05T13:57:53Z

201.83.144.252:

[[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 [[Licensed vehicle alternate modes|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|150px|thumb|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]]. Even before the line was launched, though, new licenses were already pursued by Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy|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 (franchise)|Generation 1]] characters from the 1984-85 era that had originally transformed into cars. [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] started the line, with his extensive [[paint operation]]s and [[tampograph]]ed 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]]s/[[retool]]s 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]]s, it was later decided to release [[Decepticon]]s 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 (G1)|Sunstreaker]], and the intended [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] retool of [[Hound (G1)|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 (G1)|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 (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]. Interestingly, the first molds to ''start out'' as Decepticons rather than Autobots, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and a second [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] toy, would ultimately also be the last new molds of the line released by Hasbro.

==Alternators==
[[Image:MazdaRX-8.jpg|right|170px|thumb|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 having already been [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarmers]] (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)/toys|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 (G1)/toys|Ravage]], were released as Wal*Mart exclusives in Spring 2007. The last new release after that was [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|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, albeit only as store-initiated imports); and Europe got a borderline random selection of toys, with different toys being available in different countries (and some toys not being released ''anywhere'' in Europe). 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. Following the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 movie toyline]], the second ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, launched in 2008, partly filled the gap for "realistic vehicles", primarily by having unlicensed approximations of vehicles in the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' style.

In addition, at [[BotCon 2007]], Hasbro staffers (notably [[Greg Lombardo]]) said that many of the licenses they had acquired to make ''Alternators'' had expired. They were hoping 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 the New York International Toy Fair 2008, Hasbro stated that they might bring the Alternators line back. However, no news has come out of this thus far.

The [[Human Alliance]] assortment from the 2009 ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' movie toy line can be considered as a spiritual successor of the ''Alternators'' line: Licensed vehicle modes at a 1:24 scale with interiors that can even hold (included) figures of human characters from the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|movie]]''.

==Binaltech==
[[Image:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|left|180px|thumb|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 with the "regular" version 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 officially cancelled (or, to put it politely, put on "indefinite hiatus") in early 2006 after the release of [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], apparently due to slow sales. Reportedly two more releases were cancelled; "[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Black Widow]]" (a silver and purple redeco of [[Decepticharge]] as the ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' femme fatale, better known as Blackarachnia outside Japan) and [[Ginrai]] ([[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s ''[[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God 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]], whereas the Blackarachnia concept eventually evolved into ''Binaltech'' [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] much, much later (see below).

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 (G1)/toys|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'' toy that didn't contain any [[die-cast]] parts. Thus far, Takara have shown no indication of intending to release the new Rumble or Ravage molds; however, four new [[redeco]]s of older toys were released in 2008, all of them once again available at mass retail. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]] was released as the latest addition to this resurrected ''Binaltech'' line, featuring slightly different colouring from its previous Kiss Player Convoy counterpart.

Following this, Takara replaced ''Binaltech'' with a new toy line following a similar overall concept (licensed vehicle mode, diecast parts) at a smaller scale (1/32), under the new name ''[[Alternity (toyline)|Alternity]]''. At time of writing, one toy has been released and another is slated for a release in 2009, both in several color variants.

===Binaltech Asterisk===
In late 2005 (not too long before it went on "indefinite hiatus"), ''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 (toyline)|Kiss Players]]''.

==Fiction==
===Binaltech===
{{main|Story of Binaltech}}
''Binaltech'' has its own storyline written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] called simply ''[[Story of Binaltech]]'', though it is only told in small text chunks within each toy's instruction booklet (during the original run of the series) or on the toys' packaging itself (for the toys released in 2007 and 2008). Supplemental information was also included in the characters' [[bio]]s and [[Tech Spec]]s, also included in the books and on the packaging. The story of ''Binaltech'' later continued with the advent of the ''[[Alternity (toyline)|Alternity]]'' toyline.

===Alternators===
<strike>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.</strike> 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 Doctor 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===
:''Main article:'' [[Binaltech Asterisk (online comic)|Binaltech Asterisk online comic]]

''Binaltech Asterisk'' has its own fiction, a series of online comics, that are 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're simply listed ordered by number, even though some of them (notably Dead End/Tracks and Decepticharge/Swerve) were released in reversed order at general retail.}}
*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 (G1)|Autobot Tracks]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
*07. [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8)
*08. [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*09. [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]] (Ford Mustang GT)
*10. [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Battle Ravage]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*11. [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (Honda S2000)
*12. [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|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)/toys|Prowl]] (Acura RSX)

{{note|The mass retail Alternators line was officially released in two subsequent assortments in North America. 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. European releases, on the other hand, were a lot more complicated (if not to say outright confusing).}}
*17. [[Skids (G1)|Autobot Skids]] (Scion xB)
*18. [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*19. [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*20. [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*21. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10)
*22. [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (Ford GT)
*23. [[Camshaft (G1)|Autobot Camshaft]] (Acura RSX)
*24. [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10, Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive)

Unrelased

*25. [[Wildrider(G1 |Wildrider]]redeco a overdrive
*26 [[Bumblebee(G1) |Bumblebee]]
*27 [[Cliffjumper(G1) |Cliffjumper]]
*28 [[Soundwave(G1) |Soundwave]]

{{note|Nemesis Prime shipped all by himself and wasn't part of ''any'' assortment as such. He was was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, and as a Mr Toys Toyworld exclusive in Australia.}}
*24. (25.) [[Rumble (G1)|Decepticon Rumble]] (Honda Civic Si, Wal*Mart exclusive)

{{note|Rumble and Ravage were available in a Wal*Mart exclusive assortment of their own, although Rumble was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in some Asian countries. Also note that, while Rumble's official number on the packaging is 24, common consensus among fans is that this is an error, seeing as Nemesis Prime had aleady sported that number, and there is no ''Alternators'' toy numbered 25.}}
*26. [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] (Jaguar XK, Wal*Mart exclusive)

{{note|Ravage was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in several European countries (among them Germany, making him the ''first'' Alternators toy to be officially released there) and in some Asian countries, also in [[Multilingual packaging|European packaging]].}}
*27. [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus]] (Ford GT, Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive)

{{note|Rodimus shipped all by himself and wasn't part of ''any'' assortment as such. He was was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, and as a Mr Toys Toyworld exclusive in Australia.}}

===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 (G1)|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)

{{note|Blue ''Binaltech'' Tracks was the only "variant" version of a ''Binaltech'' toy (the yellow version was originally considered the "regular" version by Takara, which got retroactively changed later) that was ''not'' shipped together with the "regular" version in a 50:50 ratio per case. Instead, Blue Tracks was shipped several months after the release of the yellow version, at the same time Swindle was released.}}
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #1 version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #2 version)
*BT-08. [[Jazz (G1)/toys|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)/toys|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. Argent Meister (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*BT-21. [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (Honda S2000)
*BT-22. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10)

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

==Trivia==
===Pre-release development===
[[Image:PorscheMiniSubaru.jpg|right|200px|thumb|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 [of] carrying the Porsche trademark. They are war machines and the toyline in no way represents the lifestyle and ideas which Porsche represents."<ref>[http://www.tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24622 Former Porsche employee Addl recounting an informal inquiry with Porsche's licensing department at TF Archive]</ref> As a consequence, the toy ultimately never went into production. Photos of the prototype were depicted in the Japanese book ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'', and Hasbro later also displayed the prototype during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour.

* The 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://toyboxdx.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 drawing]]s 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|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. Silverstreak (the WRX street model) was originally designed first, with Smokescreen (the WRC rally model) being intended as the redeco, but Takara's marketing 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 (G1)|Tracks]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]], [[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]], [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], [[Overdrive]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Decepticharge]], [[Wildrider]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]], [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], [[Ginrai]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] and [[Bluestreak]].

* Hasbro originally intended to use real branded tires such as Bridgestone, Michelin or Goodyear (evidence can be found on early, "leaked" [[Prototype|test shots]] for Smokescreen, Side Swipe and Meister, and in the Japanese ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'' book). However, all the final ''Alternators'' and ''Binaltech'' toys either use the fictious brand [[Cybertronian Radial]] for their tires, or sport no brand markings on their tires at all.

* 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 convertible, was also planned. According to Hasbro at BotCon 2006, the toy would have been [[Megatron (G1)/toys|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. It would have had Oregon license plates.

* In early 2006, Wal-Mart store and website listings included another release of the Scion and Mustang molds, in addition to mass retail releases of Rumble, Jaguar Ravage, and the aforementioned Cadillac Megatron. The Mustang and Scion never got far enough along in development to be assigned characters.

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

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

[[Category:Alternators| ]]
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Transformers: Alternity

2010-06-05T13:44:19Z

201.83.144.252:

{{disambig2|the 2009—? Japanese toyline|the fictional human energy company|Alterenergy}}
[[Image:Alternity toyline logo.jpg|center]]
'''''Transformers: Alternity''''' is a toyline started by [[TakaraTomy]] in 2009. It is the successor to the ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toyline. It features [[licensed vehicle alternate modes]] in its toys, as well as a mixture of plastic and [[die-cast]] metal. Toys are scaled down from their previous ''Binaltech''/''Alternators'' proportions, now being 1:32 scale rather than 1:24, and roughly equivalent in size to the mainline "deluxe" [[size class]].

==Fiction==
Like ''Binaltech'', ''Alternity''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s continuity is established by pack-in fiction.
*[[From Here to Alternity]] (text story)
*[[To Mega Therion]] (text story)
*[[Arch-Nemesis!]] (comic)
*[[To Die Game!]] (comic)
*[[The World Is Flat!]] (text story)
*[[Ace of Swords]] (text story)
*[[Foreshadows]] (text story)
*[[Hunt for the Planicrons]] (text story)

==Toys==
*A-01 Nissan GT-R - [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]] - Vibrant Red
*A-01 Nissan GT-R - Convoy - Ultimate Silver
*A-01 Nissan GT-R - [[Nemesis Prime (Universe 2003)|Convoy]] - Super Black
*A-01U Nissan GT-R - [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] - Brilliant White Pearl ([[E-Hobby]] [[exclusive]])
{{comingsoontoy}}
*A-02 Nissan Fairlady Z - [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] - Blade Silver
*A-02 Nissan Fairlady Z - Megatron - Premium Le Mans Blue
*A-02 Nissan Fairlady Z - Megatron - Diamond Black
*A-03 Suzuki Swift - [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumble]] - Champion Yellow
*A-03 Suzuki Swift - [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliff]] - Red Pearl
*A-04 Mitsuoka Orochi - [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] - White Pearl
*A-05 Mitsuoka Orochi - [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] - Witch Purple Pearl
*A-06 Mitsuoka Orochi - [[Thundercraker (G1)|Thundercracker]] - Witch Ice Blue

==Notes==
[[Image:Alternity_Jazz_Pilot.jpg|thumb|200px|right|I AM ALL JAZZES. WHAT IS CRACKING SMALL FELLOWS?]]
*To pitch the Alternity line, [[Hironori Kobayashi]] enlisted the help of [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], who produced a concept image of an Alternity [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]. A large amount of the design was put to use on Alternity Convoy once the line was approved.

[[category:Alternity| ]]
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Japanese toylines]]