MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Commercial bumper

2012-07-01T15:54:16Z

67.238.237.132: /* Generation 1 */

{{disambig2|the bits between the show and the ads|the television advertisements|Commercial}}
{{picsneeded|RID}}
[[Image:G1CommercialBumper01.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Still not as catchy as ABC's "Aaaafter theeese messages, we'll be riiiight back!"]]
'''Commercial bumpers''' are short segments used to mark the start and end of a commercial segment during a television show. They have been used in many Transformers cartoons.

In Japan, commercial bumpers are referred to as '''eyecatch''' (アイキャッチ ''aikyatchi'').

==Generation 1==
The original ''Transformers'' cartoon featured a rotating series of commercial bumpers which changed by season. The music for all seasons remained the same, however, with [[Victor Caroli]] narrating "[[Media:G1-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|''The Transformers'' will return after these messages]]" and "[[Media:G1-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|We now return to ''The Transformers'']]", while a character transformed. The animation for the season 1 and 2 bumpers was provided by [[Toei]] while the animation for the season 3 and 4 bumpers was provided by [[AKOM]]. Amusingly, at the end of each episode, it was announced the Transformers would return, only to come back to the end credits.

The commercial bumpers were among the many aspects of the cartoon subjected to aural desecration by [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]]. Whereas the original bumpers featured only music and the narrator's voice, the Rhino DVD releases included lasers, squealing tires, revving engines, swooshing sounds, and [[transformation]] sound effects, none of which were present in the original.
On [[Dark Awakening]] and [[[[Starscream's Ghost]]]] the music is extended[[Link title]]

The Japanese dub replaced [[Victor Caroli]] with [[Issei Masamune]] yelling "Exciting Transformer!", and had sound effects added to them. During the 2010 series, the regular music in the bumpers was replaced with "[[Transformer 2010|TRANSFORMER 2010]]".

[[Image:G1CommercialBumperOptimus01.jpg|thumb|200px|This image can also be found on every vintage trapper keeper, pencil case and paper party cup you'll ever find.]]
[[Image:G1CommercialBumperShockwave01.jpg|thumb|200px|Little known fact: Shockwave invented [[:Image:G1 Vol.2 Issue6 2.jpg|disco]].]]
[[Image:G1CommercialBumperTrypticon01.jpg|thumb|200px|Trypticon destroy obnoxious text!!]]
[[Image:G1CommercialBumperHighbrow01.jpg|thumb|200px|Featuring everyone's favorite... this guy!]]

;1984
''The Transformers'' will return:
*Optimus Prime transforms to robot mode.
*Jazz drives out from behind an Autobot symbol, spins out while transforming to robot mode, and backs off-screen while firing.

We now return to ''The Transformers'':
*Starscream flies over Earth, transforms to robot mode and lands.
*Laserbeak flies under cam in cassette mode; a passing Decepticon symbol hides his transformation to condor mode.

;1985
The Season Two commercial bumpers are distinguished by their bright, solid-color backgrounds.

''The Transformers'' will return:
*Cosmos transforms and lands on an upside-down planetoid, which then rotates so he's upright.
*Omega Supreme transforms from base to robot and fires.
*Shockwave transforms from gun to robot and fires at the camera
*Devastator forms, raises his fists together and is enveloped by an energy glow.
*Blitzwing

We now return to ''The Transformers'':
*Thrust transforms to robot mode and lands.
*Warpath transforms to tank mode and drives under the camera.
*Astrotrain flies past in shuttle mode, changes to robot mode and fires, then changes to locomotive form and drives into the camera.
*Grimlock changes to dino mode and uses his tail to smash a rock outcrop with the Decepticon emblem.
*Hook, in crane mode, lifts a sign declaring "We now return to the Transformers".

;1986
''The Transformers'' will return:
*Rodimus Prime, dodging fire from Cyclonus before changing to vehicle mode.
*Blurr flies past camera, transforms and fires.
*Base-mode Trypticon fires, then transforms to dinosaur mode.

We now return to ''The Transformers'':
*Ultra Magnus, discharging two passengers before transforming to robot mode.
*Sharkticon, transforming to shark mode and walking into the camera.

;1987
''The Transformers'' will return:
*Scorponok transforms from base to scorpion, scuttles at the camera, and transforms to robot.

We now return to ''The Transformers'':
*Highbrow transforms from helicopter to robot over a planet.

;1988
''The Transformers will return''
*The Optimus Prime puppet telling audiences not to go away.
*[[Tommy Kennedy (G1)|Tommy Kennedy]] leaning up against the giant Prime puppet's face, telling audiences not to go away.

We now return to ''The Transformers''
*The Optimus Prime puppet welcoming everyone back.
*Tommy Kennedy announcing, "Now back to the story!"

{{-}}

==''The Headmasters''==
Every bumper for ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' featured the same [[Media:HM-Commercial-Bumper-Sting.ogg|musical sting]], followed by a cry of "Head On!" from one of the cast.

[[Image:Headmasters bumpers.jpg|thumb|250px|"Apply directly to the command module!"]]
Into first commercial:
*Gun-mode [[Sixshot]] leaps from [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s hand, transforms to robot mode and fires a volley of shots from his blasters.

First return to show:
*Jet-mode [[Brainstorm]] flies and spins through space, then transforms to robot mode and fires a blast.

Into second commercial:
*Vehicle-mode [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] dodges two blasts from offscreen, then transforms to robot mode and fires back.
*Scorpion-mode [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] transforms to robot mode, materialises his shield and ends with a mighty pose.

Second return to show:
*Tank-mode [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] comes under fire from behind, and turns to return fire before transforming to robot mode.
*Ship-mode [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transforms to robot mode.
{{-}}

==''Super-God Masterforce''==
Every ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' bumper was accompanied by [[Media:MF-Commercial-Bumper-Sting.ogg|a musical sting]] featuring a drawn-out cry of "Mastaaaaa-FORCE!"

;First rotation
[[Image:Masterforce bumper 1.jpg|thumb|200px|You'd better not touch that dial!]]
Into first commercial:
*Jet-mode [[Metalhawk]] flies over a polar wasteland, then transforms to robot mode and fires two shots.

First return to show:
*The [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacons]] burst out of the ocean and combine into [[King Poseidon]].

Into second commercial:
*Jet-mode [[Blood]] flies over a city and shoots at a building, then transforms to robot mode.

Second return to show:
*[[Shūta Gō|Goshooter]] transforms to robot mode.

Before closing credits:
*Truck-mode [[Ginrai]] drives across a rocky landscape, and transforms to robot mode.

;Second rotation
[[Image:Masterforce bumper 2.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
Into first commercial:
*Jet-mode [[Metalhawk]] flies over a polar wasteland, then transforms to robot mode and fires two shots.

First return to show:
*The [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacons]] burst out of the ocean and combine into [[King Poseidon]].

Into second commercial:
*[[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] and [[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] combine into [[Darkwings]].

Second return to show:
*[[Shūta Gō|Goshooter]] transforms to robot mode.

Before closing credits:
*Super Ginrai bursts out of a volcano in vehicle mode and transforms into robot mode.

;Third rotation
[[Image:Masterforce bumper 3.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
Into first commercial:
*Ship-mode [[Grand Maximus]] flies through a smokey battlefield, fires off a shot, and transforms to robot mode.

First return to show:
*Super Ginrai tears through a wall of strange organic material, then combines with [[Godbomber]] into God Ginrai.

Into second commercial:
*Scorpion-mode [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]] scuttles through a dark canyon and transforms to robot mode.

Second return to show:
*The [[Giga|Gigatank]] drives through some water as the [[Mega|Megajet]] flies overhead, then the pair combine into [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]].

Before closing credits:
*Super Ginrai tears through a wall of strange organic material, then combines with [[Godbomber]] into God Ginrai.

The final episode of the series, "[[You Too Use the Masterforce to Transform]]" featured a unique final bumper, starring [[Cab]]'s pet [[Cab|parrot and armadillo]]. The parrot rode around on top of the rolled up armadillo, then fell off as the armadillo uncurled.
{{-}}

==''Victory''==
[[Image:Victory bumpers.jpg|thumb|250px|When your room looks kinda weird, and you wish that you weren't the-ere...]]
[[Image:Roadcaesar bumper.jpg|thumb|125px|ANIMAL DANCE!]]

''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'''s bumpers were distinguished by their use of cutesy "[[super deformed]]" characters, who would destroy the opposing faction's [[insignia]] to the tune of [[Media:Victory-Commercial-Bumper-Sting.ogg|a short musical sting]].

After opening credits:
*[[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]] flies in and transforms, then slashes the Decepticon insignia, which falls apart to reveal the Autobot insignia beneath.

Into commercial:
*[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] falls into shot in beast mode, transforms and smashes the Autobot insignia with his mace, which crumbles away to expose the Decepticon insignia.

Back to show:
*The [[Dinoforce]] combine into [[Dinoking]], who jumps on the Autobot insignia, then cheerfully plucks the Decepticon insignia from rubble.

Before closing credits:
*[[Holi]] destroys the Decepticon insignia by bursting out of it in car mode, then transforms to watch [[Jean Minakaze|Jean]] as he pushes the Autobot insignia into shot. Holi leans against it and Jean salutes.
*The [[Brainmaster|Brainmasters]] combine into [[Road Caesar]] and kick the Decepticon logo and the camera follows it as it rolls off to the right, past the Autobot logo, and falls over. Road Caesar jumps on it and dusts his hands off. Curiously, this bumper was only featured in "[[Attack! Leozack]]".
{{-}}

==''Generation 2''==
[[Image:G2commercialConstructiconsDinobots.jpg|thumb|125px|]]
''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' incorporated [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] clips from the line's toy [[Commercial|commercials]], each one featuring a piece of unique narration.

Into commercial:
*The Constructicons transform and start smashing stuff as the narrator appeals to the audience: "Hey, don't trash the place! ''Transformers: Generation 2'' will be right back!"
*Jazz drives off a ramp and transforms to robot mode with a flip. "Hey, don't flip out! ''Transformers: Generation 2'' will be right back!"
*Optimus Prime drives down a road for a while before transforming. "Don't hit the road! ''Transformers: Generation 2'' will be right back!"

Back to show:
*Ramjet swoops down and transforms to robot mode as the narrator requests: "Don't go ballistic! ''Transformers: Generation 2'' is back!"
*Devastator smashes a chasm into the ground, out of which emerge the Dinobots. "And now, back to ''Transformers: Generation 2''!"
{{-}}

==''Beast Wars''==
''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' featured a standardized short commercial bumper, with the show's logo from the opening credits accompanied by the "BEAST WARS!" cry, and [[Garry Chalk]] proclaiming either "We'll be right back!" or "We're back!" as appropriate.

[[Image:Beast Wars bumper.jpg|thumb|left|200px|]]
After the final act of the episode and before the final commercial, there would be an additional bumper, with a narrator urging viewers to continue watching the series as a montage of action clips and quotes played quickly in the background.

[[Image:BeastWarsJapanBumperConvoy01.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
:''Garry Chalk'': "BEAST WAAAARS!"
:''Narrator'': "More exciting action--"
:''Chalk'': "MAXIMIZE!"
:''Narrator'': "--from your favorite 3-D Transformers!"
:''Chalk'': "Prime jets, ON!"
:''[[Ian James Corlett|Ian Corlett]]'': "Whoaaaaah, cool!"
:''Narrator'': "On the next exciting adventure of ''Beast Wars''! With 3-D action!"

Meanwhile, for the Japanese version of the series, the commercial bumpers were slightly more elaborate. Each bumper featured a framed image of a chosen character, showing off their transformation while screaming the name of the show. Laid over their narration was a clip of the theme song: "[[War War! Stop It|WAR WAR! STOP IT]]" by [[Banana Ice]].
{{-}}

==''Beast Wars II''==
[[Image:BWII Lio Convoy bumper.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
The Japanese ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' series used two different types of bumpers.

The first featured an over-the-shoulder, close-up shot of [[Lio Convoy]] on a plain black background. This would reveal itself slowly with an adjustment of the screen's lighting, followed by the series' logo materialising in the bottom right corner, all to the tune of [[Media:BWII-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|a strange "whoosing" synth sting]].

The second type of bumper used in ''BWII'' featured a character's stock transformation footage on a plain black background, again ending with the show's logo slowly appearing in the corner. When the featured character had a beast mode, they were shown transforming to robot mode, but those without ended up in vehicle mode. The exceptions to this rule were [[Moon (BWII)|Moon]], [[Scuba]], and [[Ikard]], who were each shown to transform both to robot mode in a pre-break bumper and then back to beast mode after the break. [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]] also transformed to robot mode when he was featured. Instead of the "whoosing" synth, this style of bumper was accompanied by [[Media:BWII-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|its own short musical sting]].

The first Lio Convoy-style bumper was used almost exclusively for the first fifteen episodes, with the sole exception of episode twelve. Between the episodes sixteen and forty-two it only turned up in four episodes, and then shared the final episode with a [[Lio Junior]] transformation bumper.
{{-}}

==''Beast Wars Neo''==
''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' also used bumpers that each featured the series' characters' transformation footage as ''BWII'' had. This was accompanied by one of two musical stings, depending on whether the bumper was positioned [[Media:BWN-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|before]] or [[Media:BWN-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|after]] the ad break.

[[Image:Beast Wars Neo bumpers.jpg|thumb|280px|left|Wonkey <s>donkey</s> giraffe.]]
Approximately half of the episodes featured a different character either side of the ad break, whereas the other half kept the same character for both bumps. Occasionally they also mixed things up a bit by showing a single character transforming from beast mode to robot mode before the break and back again afterwards.

Of the twenty-two characters featured in the series' bumpers, only six were given more than one piece of transformation footage. Of those, [[Big Convoy]] is special in that he was shown in three separate clips; one transforming to beast mode, and two transforming to robot mode.

The familiar [[Lio Convoy]] over-the-shoulder bumper from ''BWII'' also made a cameo appearance in this series. It was used as both the pre- and post-break bumpers in [[Illusion? Lio Convoy|episode twenty-nine]]. The only difference was that it now featured the ''Neo'' logo and stings, naturally.

With this series, Lio Convoy also finally got his own transformation-style bumper, something that managed to elude him throughout the whole of ''BWII''.
{{-}}

==''Robots in Disguise''==
[[Image:Car Robots bumpers.jpg|right|280px|thumb|]]
;''Car Robots''
The Japanese ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Car Robots]]'' series featured bumpers that each re-used one of the [[computer-generated imagery|CGI]] character transformations seen in the show's [[title sequence|opening titles]], except taking place on a plain black background and with the series logo overlaid onto the bottom right corner. These were accompanied by one of two different musical stings, depending on whether they were [[Media:CR-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|leading into]], or [[Media:CR-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|returning from]] the ad break.

;''Robots in Disguise''
Into commercial:
*CGI animation of a superdeformed [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] transforming into the [[Fox Kids]] logo. [[Neil Kaplan]] narrates "We'll be right back, on Fox Kids!"
*The [[Spy Changer]]s run towards the screen and transform, as [[Wally Wingert]] implores "Don't speed up--we'll be transforming back to the show!"
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] transforms as a narrator taunts him with "Here, sharky, sharky, sharky... Don't bite. ''Transformers'' will be right back on Fox kids!"

Back to show:
*CGI clip of Optimus Prime's transformation from the original ''Car Robots'' opening credits. Kaplan: "Shift--shape--and ready to roll--back to ''Transformers'' on Fox Kids!"
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]]'s face appears on his own car-mode viewscreen. Wingert: "Dude! We're cruising the fast track, back to ''Transformers'' on Fox Kids!"
*[[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] transforms between robot and dragon modes as a narrator retorts, "Not so fast, Megatron! ''Transformers'' is back, on Fox Kids!"
{{-}}

==''Armada''==
[[Image:Armada Optimus Prime bumper.jpg|thumb|150px|]]
;''Armada''
The ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' series featured bumpers that were very similar in part to the show's [[scene transition]]s.

The first bumper of the episode would start by showing [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s vehicle mode driving down a dirt road for a couple of seconds before transitioning via a screen full of customised [[Autobot]] [[insignia]]-shaped [[wikipedia:wipe (transition)|iris wipes]] to a shot of him in robot mode in front of a vaguely mechanical looking background. Optimus would then twirl around, flailing wildly, before settling on a pose on the right side of the screen. This was accompanied by either [[Media:Armada-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|a short musical sting taken from the show's theme song]], or [[Media:Armada-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|a second sting that, like, totally rocks out loud]].
[[Image:Armada bumpers.jpg|thumb|280px|left|Winners don't use drugs. Transfans don't need them.]]
The bumper leading into the mid-episode commercial break would start by fading up on the familiar swirling green background as pieces of the Autobot insignia quickly tumbled from behind the camera towards the middle of the screen. Once the pieces had met in the middle-ground and joined together to form the Autobot symbol, they would perform a quick flip while a glowing yellow monochrome Optimus suddenly appeared out of the flare effect. All of this was accompanied by the same first musical sting taken from the theme song.

The bumper that led the return to the show was basically the same, except with the [[Decepticon]] symbol, a glowing white [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], and [[Media:Armada-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1-Short.ogg|a slightly shorter version of the first sting]].
{{-}}

[[Image:Micron Legend bumpers.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Transfans DEFINITELY don't need drugs. The franchise itself is addicting enough as it is.]]
;''Micron Legend''
The Japanese version ''Micron Legend'' used multiple bumper sets, changing to new ones in the later half of the series. Almost all feature the accompanying music sting that is the initial cries of [[Media:ML-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|"Transform! Transform!" and guitar riff]] from the first opening song "[[Transformer: Dream Again|TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-]]".

The previously mentioned bumper of Prime driving, and transforming, at the start of each episode, which was used as bumper for the start of ''Armada'' episodes, instead served as the title cards for each episode in ''Micron Legend''.

The first set is more or less identical to ''Armada'''s mid-episode commercial break, although they're accompanied with the ''Micron Legend'' logo and instrumentals that play slightly extended versions of the [[scene transition#The Unicron Trilogy|scene transitions']] stings: [[Media:ML-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|the "heroic" guitars]] for Optimus, and [[Media:ML-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-3.ogg|the more ominous horns]] for Megatron.

[[Image:Micron Legend Unicron bumper.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Now do an "OM NOM NOM" pose!]]
The second eye catch variation leading into commercial shows Jet Optimus firing a shot while flying back, followed with [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] driving by in vehicle form before cutting to a yellow monochrome of them all combined against the similarly styled green background.

Returning from commercial has more than one variation. One shows [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] standing on Cybertron with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] popping up behind him and a starry backdrop. Cut to them combined and the green background with the ''Micron Legend'' logo, but not in silver monochrome

Another version of returning from commercial features Unicron in planet mode zooming close to the screen before his planet-mode's "jaws" transitions the screen over to him in robot mode hovering over Cybertron with the ''Micron Legend'' logo.
{{-}}

==''Super Link''==
[[Image:Super Link bumpers.jpg|thumb|280px]]
The Japanese version of the ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' cartoon featured still shots of various characters over the top of one of two musical stings, one for [[Media:SL-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|either]] [[Media:SL-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|side]] of the break. In addition, the featured character would announce the show's title, often taking the opportunity to introduce themselves to the audience or give their characteristic rallying cry ("[[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]—hyper mode!" for example).

Rather than follow a fixed pattern across the series or be chosen randomly, the bumpers would often relate to the events of the episode during which they appeared, and characters would sometimes make references to what was happening in the show at the time. The special episode "[[Distribution]]" featured an abundance of original commercial bumpers which didn't actually lead into commercials, but were just included for "fun" in the middle of the show.

''Super Link'''s commercial bumpers didn't make it into ''Energon'' (because it took commercial breaks more frequently and at different times), but the fake bumpers from "Distribution" did, since they were actually part of the episode. Naturally, the joke (weak as it was in the first place) was met with [[dull surprise|dull bemusement]] by the ''Energon'' audience, since viewers who had not seen ''Super Link'' (i.e. most of the viewing audience) had no idea what they were or where they came from.
{{-}}

==''Galaxy Force''==
The bumpers for the Japanese ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]'' series featured a harmonised cry of "[[Media:GF-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|To-ran-su-for-MAAAAA!]]" taken from the end of [[Call You... Kimi to Boku no Mirai|the main theme tune]]. When the theme changed at episode twenty-eight the show's bumpers switched to using two different versions of the cry, neither from the main theme, each with slightly different timing for the pre- and post-break bumpers; "[[Media:GF-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|To-ran-su... fo-or-MAAAAA!]]" and "[[Media:GF-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-3.ogg|To-ran-su-FORRR-maaaaa!]]" respectively.

[[Image:Galaxy Force bumpers.jpg|thumb|280px|left|It's 8:13... Do you know where your children are?]]
[[Image:Galaxy Force bumpers ep51.jpg|thumb|190px|right|Up and below!]]
For the first half of the series, each bumper would start by showing the series' logo on a light blue star field, from which the planets would break away and fly around a bit as the title glowed white and phased-out. This would then quickly cross-fade into a close-up still of a character, on top of which said character would then phase-in with the same white glow seen earlier (together with their name and faction's insignia) and strike a pose with a mighty ''clunk''.

From episode twenty-seven (the series' half-way point), the bumpers would start with a close-up silhouette of a character on a star field background, overlaid with the series' logo in the bottom corner. The logo would then phase-out as the silhouette moved away from the camera, usually turning around, as the lighting adjusted to reveal the character and the background cross-faded into said character's close-up still. Each bump would still end with the same pose-striking ''clunk'' as before, together with the character's name and insignia phasing into view.

For the first thirteen episodes, the bumper leading into the ad break was also used to return to the show, whereas from episodes fourteen to twenty-five, most (but not all) episodes featured different characters either side of the break. From episode twenty-six onwards they were always different, and occasionally displayed two or three characters on the same screen.

A notable exception is [[Unfinished|episode fifty-one]], which is the only episode to feature no commercial bumpers; instead, the ''Galaxy Force'' logo scrolls on and off the screen to signal the beginning and the end of the commercial break, as pictured right.
{{-}}

==''Animated''==
[[Image:Animated Japan bumpers.jpg|250px|thumb|right|]]
In America, the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' cartoon series did not have any unique bumpers, simply going with whatever generic bumpers [[Cartoon Network]] was using at the time.

In Japan, however, new commercial bumpers were crafted for the series. These bumpers use one of two musical stings, depending on whether the character featured is [[Media:Animated-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-1.ogg|an Autobot]] or [[Media:Animated-Commercial-Bumper-Sting-2.ogg|a Decepticon]], with said character shouting their name followed by the "Transform!" command. The Autobot sting is based on [[Transformers Evo.|the show's opening theme song]].

Visually, each bumper starts with a blank screen showing a colour gradient, in front of which the featured character quickly moves in from off-screen in their vehicle mode. They then flip in a manner similar to a [[scene transition]] to reveal the same character in robot mode, flanked by a mirrored pair of monochrome versions of themselves in an action pose, set at a jaunty angle and overlaid with their name in a unique font. This art then moves towards the camera slightly before straightening up and shrinking back to the middle-ground as the series' logo positions itself in front of them.
{{-}}

==''Prime''==
In the US, ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' initially had no separate bumpers, simply using [[The Hub]]'s generic bumpers. However, ''Prime''-themed bumper were eventually created later on.

Into commercial:
* We see [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] explode out of the Hub logo. We then see a picture of [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]], which then goes into the background as Bumblebee punches the screen.

Back to the show:
* We see [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] transform into truck mode, the Bumblebee is aiming his gun at something, then we see Optimus Prime's face, and finally we see the Hub logo.

In Japan, there is a circling 3D image of a Transformer in alternate mode accompanied by his/ her name, rank (e.g. Optimus is Autobot Commander, Megatron is Decepticon Emperor of Destruction) and the various tech specs (e.g. Strength, Intelligence, etc) set to the familiar 'Robots in Disguise!' refrain used since G1. The image speeds up as the character calls out, "(name), Transform!" at which point there is a flash of light and the image is replaced with the character in robot mode.

[[Category:Commercials]]

Call of the Primitives

2012-05-20T01:24:19Z

67.238.237.132: /* Transformers references */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=91
|series2=2010
|ep2=26
|prev2=Grimlock's New Brain
|next2=The Face of the Nijika
|image=PrimitiveCall.jpg
|caption=Prim and Proper
|title="Call of the Primitives"
|production code=700-112
|airdate=[[November 18]], 1986
|written by=[[Donald F. Glut]]
|directed by=[[Masami Obari]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=See ''Notes'' section
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''All Transformers with animal modes are summoned to battle a being called Tornedron, the little brother of Unicron.'''

:''Japanese title:'' 原始の呼び声 (''Genshi no Yobigoe'', "Primeval Call")
:''German title:'' '''Das geheimnisvolle Orakel''' ("The Mysterious Oracle")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:AutobotsCall.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Having your energy drained changes your paint job.]]

Somewhere, an energy creature begins feeding off other forms of energy—slowly, at first. Then his creator gives him an [[energon cube]]. The creature grows and spreads out into the universe. Soon, it attacks [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. The [[Autobot]]s attack it, but it simply drains their energy from them. The creature's creator is pleased with him, saying he's done better than his predecessor, [[Unicron]].

[[Image:Ejectcall.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ravage, why are you running away?]]

On [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] is leading a group of Autobots against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]]. However, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], and the animal-form [[Mini-Cassette]]s are all summoned by a mysterious voice. They leave the battle, and [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] orders a retreat. Suddenly, the energy creature arrives and drains the energy from both Autobots and Decepticons (including Rodimus Prime and Galvatron), as well as Earth and the Moon and Cybertron.

Most of the departed Transformers are riding Trypticon. Naturally, tempers flare after [[Headstrong]] picks a fight with the Dinobots by insulting [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]], so [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] suggests they stomp him. The Preds stick with their teammate and fight the Dinobots, and the Terrorcons decide to fight everyone. At Sky Lynx's suggestion, Trypticon shakes himself and causes his passengers to stop fighting. They arrive on an ancient planet near the center of the galaxy. After touching down, Sky Lynx assumes command of the group, despite the objections of [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] and [[Hun-Gurrr]]. Finding a cave, they encounter [[Oracle (G1)|a strange entity]]. He explains that he summoned the [[Primitive|Primitives]], all animal-based Transformers, to come to fight [[Tornedron]], the energy being who was created by [[Primacron (G1)|Primacron]]. The entity, who was once Primacron's assistant, explains how Primacron created Unicron but was nearly destroyed by his creation. After Unicron's defeat, Primacron created Tornedron as a replacement. Primacron's assistant hopes that the Primitives' simple instincts will allow them to defeat Primacon's complex plans.

[[Image:Terrorconcall.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ptooie]]

Suddenly, Tornedron arrives and drains Trypticon of his energy. Trypticon crashes, and Grimlock is believed destroyed. Sky Lynx attacks, only to have his energy drained as well. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] leads the Dinobots in retreat, while the other Primitives split up, believing that Tornedron can't catch up to all of them if they go separate ways. Unfortunately, they prove to be wrong, as Tornedron separates into four parts to track them all down. He easily dispatches the Mini-Cassettes, chewing on [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] in the process. Headstrong declares that it would be better to [[Furmanism|fight and die]], and the Predacons form [[Predaking]], only to have their energy sucked away as well. The Terrorcons try to fight back, but are also drained. The Dinobots ambush Tornedron, but they too are dispatched. Declaring victory against the Primitives, Primacron orders Tornedron to return home back to his lab. Unknown to Tornedron and Primacron, however, Grimlock has survived his impact from Tyrpticon, and he secretly follows them.

[[Image:Tornedroncall.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Two scoops of raisins]]

At his base, Primacron is having trouble controlling Tornedron, ordering him to stop. Tornedron refuses to take any more orders and declares that he intends to feed on Primacron, and that all of Primacron's failsafes have failed, realizing that Tornedron is rebelling against him. Grimlock breaks into Primacron's lab to find that Primacron is a tiny little monkey-like alien...thing. Grimlock grabs Primacron and orders him to reverse his damage, but Primacron declares that he's tried everything. Grimlock fixes things easily: He throws the reverse switch, which reverses Tornedron's energy polarity, destroying Tornedron and restoring the life energy to the drained Transformers and planets of the galaxy. In celebration, Grimlock destroys Primacron's lab, declaring it the smartest thing he's ever done.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] (15)
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (16)
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] (17)
* [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (19)
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (20)
* [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (21)
* [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (22)
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (23)
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] (25)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (26)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (27)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (28)
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (29)
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (30)
* [[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (31)
* [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (32)
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (36)
* [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] (42)
* [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (43)
|c2=
* [[Sweep]]s (3)
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]] (4)
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (5)
* [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (6)
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] (7)
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] (8)
* [[Hun-Gurrr]] (9)
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (10)
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (11)
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (12)
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (13)
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]] (14)
* [[Tantrum]] (18)
* [[Headstrong]] (24)
* [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (33)
* [[Predaking]] (34)
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] (35)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (37)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (38)
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (39)
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] (40)
* [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] (41)
|c4=
* [[Primacron (G1)|Primacron]] (1)
* [[Tornedron]] (2)
* [[Oracle (G1)|The Oracle]] (44)
* [[Unicron]] (45)
}}

==Quotes==
''Soundwave's chest opens and all of his cassettes eject, much to his surprise.'' 
"I'm malfunctioning! Ejection is self-activated!"
:—'''Soundwave''' deals with a very common problem among male bots.

''Blaster's chest opens and his cassettes leap out.'' 
'''Blaster''':"Hey, something's happened to me too, and it's not on the top 40!"
:—See! It wasn't ''just'' an inappropriate joke!

"Now remember, before you do anything, think, 'Is this what Sky Lynx would do in my position?', and you will not go far wrong."
:—'''Sky Lynx's''' sensible instructions to the rest of the Primitives.

"I have summoned you here to tell you a tale of long ago." 
"Oh, me Grimlock love long ago tale!" 
"Then allow me to tell it."
:—The '''Oracle''' slaps '''Grimlock''' into place.

"Suffer my rage, monster! I will show you no mercy! You will rue the day you crossed Sky—aaahhh!"
:—'''Sky Lynx'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s righteous fury at the deaths of Trypticon and Grimlock.

'''Headstrong''': Sky Lynx is destroyed! Who will lead us now? 
'''Slag''': I, Slag, lead Dinobots away, till I get better idea. 
'''Hun-Gurrr''': Best idea yet! We run too!
:—Strategy is not their strong suit.

'''Headstrong''': I detest fleeing, I would rather die fighting! 
'''Razorclaw''': He is right! Predacons, unite! 
''[The Predacons combine.]'' 
'''Predaking''': Tornedron... face Predaking! To the end!
:—The Predacons decide that [[Furmanism|it is better to fight and die than live with the knowledge that they ran]].

"Only you can save the world now, Grimlock." 
"Me Grimlock feel important!"
:—The '''Oracle''' rests the fate of... erm, the universe, on '''Grimlock's''' shoulders.

'''Grimlock''': ''[chuckles]'' "''You'' are creator?" 
'''Primacron''': "Unfortunately....yes." 
'''Grimlock''': "Grimlock laugh at little wimp who cause big trouble!"
:—'''Grimlock''', about to give '''Primacron''' a wedgie.

'''Primacron''': We are ''finished''!! I've amplified the energy parameters, minimized the drivormenter, redirected the ion flow! I've tried EVERYTHING! 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock solve problem! Wuh! 
''[Reaches over and pushes switch]'' 
'''Primacron''': Of course, the '''reverse switch!''' Why didn't ''I'' think of that?!
:—The universe's greatest genius gets one-upped by....'''Grimlock'''. Wait. What?!

'''Grimlock''': Grimlock saved universe! Grimlock hero! [Grimlock stomps in victory, causing the place to begin to collapse] 
'''Primacron''': Stop it! You stupid—! 
'''Grimlock''': Why you call Grimlock stupid? 
'''Primacron''': You've ruined my lab! 
'''Grimlock''': Me Grimlock think that is smartest thing I ever done!
:—You know, that probably ''is'' the smartest thing he's ever done.

==Notes==
[[Image:Unicroncall.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Where am I from?]]
* The art style in this episode is very different from all others in the Generation 1 series, with highly stylized "anime-like" [[character model]]s and proportions. Although popularly claimed to be, the models are most assuredly ''not'' those designed by [[Studio OX]]; they're simply more stylized versions of the standard animation models, lacking the additional toyetic touches and copious mecha-greeblies found in the OX designs. It is widely believed that this lone episode was animated by [[Tokyo Movie Shinsha]], though little evidence has been found to confirm this. [[wikipedia:Masami Obari|Masami Obari]] is credited as the animation director.<ref>[[wikipedia:ja:大張正己]]</ref>
*In Japanese continuity, the scene where the Primitives encounter the [[Oracle (G1)|Oracle]] is set in the past; apparently, the Primitives arrived there via time travel. This is done to accommodate the idea that the Oracle later evolved into [[Vector Sigma]] and later [[Primus]].

===Animation or technical glitches===
*In the second overhead shot of the Autobots during the opening battle, Rodimus is missing his (freakin' huge) spoiler.
*When we first see him, Wheelie is missing his Autobot logo.
*When Blades, Slingshot and Wheelie open fire on Tornedron, the first shot is fired before they even raise their weapons.
*As Tornedron in the form of a giant bug steps over the bodies of Blades, Slingshot and Wheelie, its glowing aura is on a lower cel than their bodies, making it appear to pass under them, despite the fact they're lying on the ground.
*When the Dinobots are being summoned, [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] is referred to as [[Sweep]].
*Galvatron's sporting a red Decepticon [[insignia]] when he calls in Trypticon.
*In the scene when Ravage and the other animal Mini-Cassettes eject from Soundwave, Cyclonus looks bigger than Galvatron due to wrong cel stacking (Galvatron should be on the background).
*Grimlock's whole neck is supposed to be gold, but the back of it is gray in several shots.
* As Sky Lynx tracks the signal, we see waves of energy expanding out towards him. In the next shot, they're flowing out'' from'' him.
*As the Predacons start firing on the Dinobots while inside Trypticon, one of the glowing effects doesn't quite match up with Headstrong's horn as it should (he moves his horn to the right position a moment later).
*Some of the Decepticon Primitives' lasers have the sound effect of Galvatron's cannon. So does Trypticon's laser laser later on.
*When Grimlock drops off the cliff, the other Autobots "slide" into the picture.
*When Grimlock gets out from under Trypticon, his forearms are huge and his chest looks more boxy than usual.
*Restoring the energy to the Moon also appears to rearrange all the craters.
*When Rodimus' team is restored, Rodimus is lying face up (he was face down), Ultra Magnus' shins are blue instead of white, and Blaster's chest is missing its detailing, switches and Autobot logo.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:TVMagazineOverkill.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Eject—operation: Understudy."]]
[[Image:Windcharger-COTP01.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Look alive, people! Uh, no offense, Windcharger."]]
*The depressions on Rodimus's shoulders are white again in this episode.
*Rodimus also carries a gray gun (instead of red) that doesn't have the usual Prime rifle sound effect.
* Unicron's head is gray (like a rock) during a camera pass. [[Grimlock's New Brain|The last time we saw it]], it was in bad shape, but still had the usual coloring.
* When summoning the Primitives, they forgot all about[[Laserbeak (G1)| Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]! Instead, Soundwave unleashes two new cassette Decepticons: [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] and [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]]...who are then never seen again. Gee. This didn't stop [[TV Magazine]] from proudly displaying them as if they were the stars of the episode though.
* Sky Lynx asks Grimlock if he's all right ''as he's falling down a cliff.''
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] is seen running around on Cybertron, despite having been killed in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. But hey, that [[Carnage in C-Minor|happens]] [[Wheeljack (G1)|all]] [[Prowl (G1)|the]] [[Ironhide (G1)|time]].

===Transformers references===
* This episode marks the last appearance of the Dinobots, Trypticon, Ravage, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Unicron]] in the western cartoon...bummer.
* A part of [[Oracle_(G1)|Primacron's assistant]] becomes the [[Autobot_Matrix_of_Leadership|Matrix of Leadership]]. How he ended up on Cybertron remains a mystery.

===Trivia===
[[Image:Firecall.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Me Grimlock like Predacons and Terrorcons Cajun style]]
* Unicron's origin is a bit...random.
* When Grimlock uses his [[flame breath]] on the Predacons and Terrorcons, they start to ''[[Humanization#Coughing|cough]]''...cause that's what you do when you're being hit with fire reaching several hundred degrees.
* This is the first and only time in the cartoon Swoop fires his wing blasters.
* One of Grimlock's two [[packaging|on-packaging]] [[bio]] weaknesses comes into play in this episode: His lack of speed. He is unable to get clear of Trypticon's falling body even at his top speed. It ends up being a blessing in disguise, though, as it obscures him from Tornedron's vision.
* This episode seems to resolidify the Dinobots' position as freakishly powerful (which took a beating in Season 3), as Grimlock alone seems to be a match for three Terrorcons and two Predacons, and the only Autobot sent flying is Swoop, who takes a blast to the chest early on. Also, the Dinobots seem to handle Tornedron with the most finesse.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''Transformers'' — Call of the Primitives / The Girl Who Loved Powerglide ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Fight or Flee / Call of the Primitives (Tempo Video) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1992 — ''Transformers'' — Super Video (Tempo Video)
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/call_of_the_primitives.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]