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The many deaths of Optimus Prime

2012-05-19T18:09:09Z

67.77.216.171:

[[Image:Afterdeath-gameoverman.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh, he's gone and died again. Botheration! Most inconvenient.]]
Across the various continuities, '''Optimus Prime dies a lot.''' This happens for various reasons:

* It allows for him to be replaced by [[Hot Rod (G1)|a new character]] (and thus [[To sell toys|a new toy]]).
* It allows for him to come back from the dead in a new body (again, a new toy).
* It's dramatic (in theory).
* It makes him into something of a [[Jesus|Christ]]-figure.
* It allows for numerous [[Optimus Prime memorial|memorials]] to be constructed in his honor (though they're some times built even ''before'' he dies, morbidly enough).

Nearly every continuity family has featured Prime dying at least once; the only exceptions are the Optimus Primes from ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' (though [[The Final Battle (RID)|only just]]), ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' (since in that case, it's [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]'s job), and [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]] (if one does not count the loss of his memories in the [[One Shall Rise, Part 3|Season 1 finale]] ).

Some examples:

==Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===''Generation 1 cartoon''===
[[Image:Wardawn_orion_dies.jpg|right|210px|thumb|Dying before he's even Optimus Prime (he's that good).]]

* Orion Pax died (or was at least severely damaged by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]) and had to be rebuilt into Optimus Prime by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]. It's possible that if Orion had not been repaired, Optimus Prime would have ceased to exist. Pax's girlfriend Ariel was also heavily damaged, and rebuilt into [[Elita One]]. They were with their friend [[Dion]] when they were attacked by Megatron, although it is unknown if he was likewise rebuilt.

===''The Transformers: The Movie''===
[[Image:TFTM dead gray Prime.jpg|left|180px|thumb|[[:wikipedia:Oscar Wilde#Release and death|"Either that wallpaper goes, or I do."]]]]
* The best-known example is from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] dies of wounds from his battle with Megatron. Famously, his body turns gray as he dies. ([[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|Urban legend]] says his body also ''crumbles,'' but no such footage is known to exist.) Being the first time he died, it was actually unexpected.
{{-}}

===''Kiss Players''===
*Sometime between [[The Transformers: The Movie|2005]] and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|2010]], [[Marissa Faireborn]] revives Optimus using the Galvatron cells in her body. Ultimately, all the cells are put back into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and without them, Optimus promptly dies again.

===Season 3===
[[Image:Optimusg1zombie.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Mind if I smoke?"]]
* He returns from the dead twice; first as a [[zombie]] under [[Quintesson]] control in "[[Dark Awakening]]" as part of a plan to destroy the [[Autobot]]s, only to die again when he overcomes the Quintesson control through the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and possibly the strength of his will, and sacrifices himself to save the Autobots.

* He then was brought to life again (and stayed alive) in "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]]".
{{-}}

===''The Headmasters''===
[[Image:Headmasters-primedies.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"...I'm dead." "YES, you are!" "You think that's funny, Jennings?!"]]

* In ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'', Prime's death in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was sort-of recreated in a flashback montage at the beginning of "[[Four Warriors Come out of the Sky]]", but not really. Rather than die while taking down his ultimate nemesis in a one-on-one struggle to the death to defend his city, his comrades, the planet [[Earth]], and freedom itself, he just kind of gets randomly shot while in the middle of an ordinary battle outside of the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], and turns gray. Nobody else seems to notice this. It's not clear that Prime himself notices it. It's about the most half-hearted death ever.

* Optimus Prime later died again—in another act of self sacrifice, of course—when he walked into [[Vector Sigma]] and tried to bring it back under control directly in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]". His body turned gray as he died, followed by a (likely only symbolic) scene of him telling [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] that it would be his responsibility to keep leading the Autobots and to continue his work, seen as a transparent, light-haloed figure against the sky and heard in third person narration as Rodimus stared into the sky. (Then again, given the [[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime|proven]] existence of [[Starscream (G1)|gho]][[Alpha Trion (G1)|sts]]...)
{{-}}

===''Return of Convoy''===
*The [[Battlestars]] managed to restore Optimus's life with the power of the [[Zodiac]], evolving him into Star Convoy in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars]]''.

===''Generation 2''===
* In the Japanese version of ''Generation 2'', Optimus Prime was badly wounded by Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] and almost died, but was resurrected and evolved yet again, this time into [[Laser Rod]] Optimus Prime, by the power of the [[Reconfiguration Matrix]]. {{storylink|Transformers: G-2 (pack-in manga)##13 Battle Convoy (2-pages)|G-2 #13}}

==Marvel Comics continuity==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:Pmoptimusprimedeath.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Give me my face!"]]

*In "[[Afterdeath!]]", Prime, after failing to live up to his moral principles while playing a video game, volunteers to be killed. The Autobots launch his [[Transformer funerary practices|funeral]] bier into space. Fortunately, the creator of the video game, [[Ethan Zachary]], saves a backup copy of Prime's mind on a [[floppy disk]]. We first meet this virtual Prime sixteen issues later in "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]". He gets his new [[Powermaster]] body two issues thereafter, in "[[People Power!]]".

*A previous attempt was made at making virtual Prime a new body in "[[Totaled!]]". The body ''spontaneously blew up''.

*About thirty issues later, Prime sacrifices himself to defeat [[Unicron]], in "[[On the Edge of Extinction!]]". But he didn't actually die until "[[Still Life!]]". However, his Powermaster partner, [[Hi-Q]], survives, and almost immediately begins babbling about how he's ''really'' Optimus Prime. This turns out to be true, and the [[Last Autobot]] metamorphoses Hi-Q into Prime (with a new [[Action Master]] body) in [[End of the Road! (US)|the last issue of the original Marvel US series]].
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[Image:Swarmoptimus.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Unleashing the light of the Matrix upon a great evil. Again.]]
*This Prime wasn't done dying yet. His adventures continued in the G2 comics, and he died defeating the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] in the final issue of that series, "[[A Rage in Heaven!]]". The Swarm reconstituted him three pages later (in a body based on his then-current [[Hero (G2)|Hero]] toy).
{{-}}

==IDW Comics continuity==

*In his first battle with the [[Ore-13]] powered Megatron, Optimus was killed. {{storylink|Escalation issue 5}} Or at least, his ''main body'' was: by quickly downloading his consciousness into [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] (and then back again), Optimus was able to survive. Being that close to death meant he briefly existed in a [[infraspace|limbo]] state, which got him noticed by [[Nova Prime]] in the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

*He then spends the first half of [[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]] badly damaged and near death. He is revived however when [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and his crew arrive.

*A rare metaphorical version occurs when he leaves Cybertron to appease the anti-Autobot [[NAIL]]s. With no duties or lives to mind but his own, he claims that Optimus Prime is dead, but Orion Pax has been reborn. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

*It looks like Optimus made a habit of dying even before he became a Prime - Megatron shoots him in the back in Autocracy 8, and one issue later every autobot believes Orion Pax is dead... but is he?

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Smelt Prime.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"I'm not quite dead yet! I feel happy!"]]
In ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', you could mark the end of a season by the near-death experience of one [[Optimus Primal|Optimus]] or [[Optimus Prime (G1)|another]]...

*At [[Other Voices, Part 2|the end of the first season]] of ''Beast Wars'', [[Optimus Primal]] piloted a bomb-equipped [[stasis pod]] in an attempt to destroy the [[Planet Buster]]. Unfortunately, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] had sealed the pod's hatch, and Optimus blew up with it. [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)|Early in the second season]] (a few hours later as far as the characters were concerned), [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] managed to unite Optimus's drifting [[spark]] with a [[blank]] [[protoform]], thus bringing him back to life (and in a new [[Transmetal]] body, too).

*At [[The Agenda (Part III)|the end of second season]], the ''Beast Wars'' Megatron came very close to killing the original Optimus Prime. But [[Optimal Situation|Prime didn't ''quite'' die]], so we really shouldn't count it.

===''Beast Machines'' cartoon===
*At [[End of the Line|the end of the first season]] of ''Beast Machines'', Optimus and Megatron had a cataclysmic battle, using the energies of [[Vector Sigma]] and the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. This would have destroyed [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but Optimus took the warring energies into himself and disintegrated. However, his spark was trapped within the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and the other [[Maximal]]s convinced him to return to the real world at [[Fallout|the start of second season]]. The Oracle kindly gave him a new body (which, believe it or not, was ''not'' a new toy).

*At [[Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|the end of the series]], Optimus gave his life to defeat Megatron once and for all, pushing him into the [[technorganic]] core of the planet. In assorted ancillary media ([[Transformers: Universe (comic)|convention comics]], [[Beast Wars Reborn|text]] [[Transformers: Alternators|stories]]), he comes back to life yet again.

(Strangely, the end of the third season of ''Beast Wars'' had no Optimus deaths whatsoever! A half-dozen ''[[Depth Charge (BW)|o]][[Tigerhawk|t]][[Dinobot II|h]][[Inferno (BW)|e]][[Quickstrike (BW)|r]][[Rampage (BW)|s]]'' died, but not Optimus.)

==Robots in Disguise==

[[Optimus Prime (RID)#Notes|He]]'s one of the only Primes that ''didn't'' die! However, it came ''very'' close in [[The Final Battle (RID)|the final battle]], when he planned to sacrifice himself to stop [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]].

==Unicron Trilogy==
===''Armada'' cartoon===
[[Image:Sshot-arm-39-4.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Now Optimus, don't go all to pieces. You say you have to split? Well, you're a chip off the ol' block.]]
* In the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' episode "[[Crisis]]", [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] used his body to block the blast of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s [[Hydra Cannon]], protecting the [[Earth]]. When the cannon's energy is spent, we see Optimus turn grayish-white, then ''actually'' crumble to bits. A bunch of [[Mini-Con]]s use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] to resurrect him [[Miracle|three episodes later]].
{{-}}

===''Armada ''comic===
* The corpse of an [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (killed by Unicron) from an alternate universe appeared in the ''[[Armada (comic)|Armada]]'' comic issue titled "[[Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4]]". Yep, practically all we know about this Optimus is that he died. He doesn't turn gray, but his colors are faded.

==''Universe''==
[[Image:Nemesisprimetfuclone.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Technically, this is the clone.]]
* The corpse of an [[Optimus Prime (Balancing Act)|Optimus Prime]] (killed by [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]]) from an alternate universe was cloned by Unicron to create [[Nemesis Prime (Universe)|Nemesis Prime]]. The clone, before he became Nemesis, appeared in ''Cybertron'' comic issue "[[Balancing Act, Part 2]]". Once again, practically all we know about this Optimus is that he died.
{{-}}

==Movie continuity==
{{Note|Though Optimus Prime doesn't die in the first [[Transformers (film)|movie itself]], he does consider fusing the [[AllSpark]] into his own spark, an action that would destroy them both, if necessary to keep it out of Decepticon hands.}}

===''Transformers The Game''===
In Decepticon mode storyline, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was beaten to the ground, and as he crawled for the [[AllSpark]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] smashed his head with his flail ... poor Prime, he gets the most violent death. {{Storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{notetitantlg}}
Optimus was left in a frozen, ''near''-death state. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
[[Image:ROTF Optimus death.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Shot through the heart, and [[Megatron (Movie)|you're]] to blame, you give love a bad name!]]

Perhaps the most brutal Prime death to date. To protect [[Sam Witwicky]], Optimus Prime engaged in a brutal battle with [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]. Despite ''literally'' disarming Starscream and destroying Grindor, Optimus is run-through from behind by Megatron and killed. While dead, Optimus' body is depicted with faded colours in reference to his history of turning grey upon death. This event causes Sam to follow the symbols the AllSpark sliver placed in his mind to find the ancient [[Matrix of Leadership#Live-action film series|Matrix of Leadership]], the only thing that could restore life to Optimus. Unfortunately, it crumbled into dust upon touching it in the [[Tomb of the Primes]] on the border between [[Egypt]] and [[Jordan]]. During the climactic battle in Egypt between [[NEST]] and the Decepticons, Sam was seemingly killed by Megatron, only to be taken to another plane of existence where he met [[Dynasty of Primes|the Primes who died]] to prevent [[The Fallen]] from achieving victory, and they bestowed upon him the true Matrix, which allowed Sam to revive Optimus. {{Storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Image:TFAnimated transformandrollout DEATH.jpg|right|150px|thumb| It's a new record!]]
In the third part of the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' movie, "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] dies after his battle with [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]. Like the Generation 1 Prime before him, he turns gray upon dying. Seventy-five seconds later - for us AND for the characters - [[Sari Sumdac]] uses the mysterious [[AllSpark Key]] to revive him. It's a new record, Primey!
{{-}}

===''The Cool'' comic===
During their final battle on earth, [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] fired a devastating blast from his [[fusion cannon]] which was super charged by Starscream's [[AllSpark]]-fragment-powered head before driving one of his swords straight through Optimus' chest and [[spark]]. However this, somehow, did not completely kill him as [[Burning justice|his cries of justice and heroics caused his spark to shine and made a reaction]] from the shard in Starscream's head, which flew at Optimus giving him new power and a new body. {{storylink|The Cool Episode Final}}

==''Henkei!'' manga==
{{storylink|A Nightmare, Once Again}}

==''Prime'' cartoon==
When [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] confronted Unicron at the Earth's core, he was forced to use the Matrix of Leadership to extinguish Unicron's spark. In the process, though, the "Optimus Prime" part of Orion Pax's personality was destroyed. Orion had forgotten everything past discovering the Matrix. Obviously, this is a metaphorical death rather than a literal one, as his Orion Pax persona lived on inside his still-intact body. {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 3}} His memory was later restored by [[Jack Darby]]. {{storylink| Orion Pax, Part 3}}

[[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]], a evil clone of Optimus controlled by [[Silas]], was destroyed after battle with Optimus Prime. {{storylink| Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime}} U.S. government misidentified the body of him as Optimus Prime, but Agent [[William Fowler|Fowler]] explained to General [[Bryce]] that the deceased was Nemesis Prime, and Optimus Prime was alive and well. {{storylink|Grill}}

==See also==
* [[Primus apotheosis]]

* [[Death]]

* [[Prime Spark]] - The short story explores the question of where <s>all</s> [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|most]] of those Optimus-es go when they die. (Answer: someplace dull.)

* [[Ginrai#Victory_cartoon|God Ginrai]] - Often erroneously put in this category.

* [[Dirge (G1)]] - The appropriately named, yet very unlucky guy who gets [[:Image:Dirge DeathSerpentor.jpg|killed]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathSwarm.jpg|off]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathTimelines.jpg|in]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathUnicron.jpg|many]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathArmada.jpg|continuities]] (but less than [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]]).

* [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] - The [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] [[:Image:Sentinel prime lou.jpg|who]] [[:Image:Sentinel prime dw.jpg|must]] [[Megatron Origin issue 4|always]] [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|die]] ([[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Usually]]).

* [[Cy-Kill (disambiguation)|Cy-Kill]], who is repeatedly killed COS HE SUCKS LOLOLOLOL.

* [[Starscream (disambiguation)|Starscream]] - [[Starscream (G1)|He]] [[Starscream (Armada)|dies]] [[Starscream (Animated)|a]] [[Starscream (Movie)|lot]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Many deaths of Optimus Prime}}
[[Category:Stories]]

The many deaths of Optimus Prime

2012-05-19T18:08:17Z

67.77.216.171:

[[Image:Afterdeath-gameoverman.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Oh, he's gone and died again. Botheration! Most inconvenient.]]
Across the various continuities, '''Optimus Prime dies a lot.''' This happens for various reasons:

* It allows for him to be replaced by [[Hot Rod (G1)|a new character]] (and thus [[To sell toys|a new toy]]).
* It allows for him to come back from the dead in a new body (again, a new toy).
* It's dramatic (in theory).
* It makes him into something of a [[Jesus|Christ]]-figure.
* It allows for numerous [[Optimus Prime memorial|memorials]] to be constructed in his honor (though they're some times built even ''before'' he dies, morbidly enough).

Nearly every continuity family has featured Prime dying at least once; the only exceptions are the Optimus Primes from ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' (though [[The Final Battle (RID)|only just]]), ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' (since in that case, it's [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]'s job), and [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]] (if one does not count the loss of his memories in the [[One Shall Rise, Part 3|Season 1 finale]] ).

Some examples:

==Generation 1 cartoon continuity==
===''Generation 1 cartoon''===
[[Image:Wardawn_orion_dies.jpg|right|210px|thumb|Dying before he's even Optimus Prime (he's that good).]]

* Orion Pax died (or was at least severely damaged by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]) and had to be rebuilt into Optimus Prime by [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]]. It's possible that if Orion had not been repaired, Optimus Prime would have ceased to exist. Pax's girlfriend Ariel was also heavily damaged, and rebuilt into [[Elita One]]. They were with their friend [[Dion]] when they were attacked by Megatron, although it is unknown if he was likewise rebuilt.

===''The Transformers: The Movie''===
[[Image:TFTM dead gray Prime.jpg|left|180px|thumb|[[:wikipedia:Oscar Wilde#Release and death|"Either that wallpaper goes, or I do."]]]]
* The best-known example is from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] dies of wounds from his battle with Megatron. Famously, his body turns gray as he dies. ([[Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers|Urban legend]] says his body also ''crumbles,'' but no such footage is known to exist.) Being the first time he died, it was actually unexpected.
{{-}}

===''Kiss Players''===
*Sometime between [[The Transformers: The Movie|2005]] and [[The Transformers (cartoon)|2010]], [[Marissa Faireborn]] revives Optimus using the Galvatron cells in her body. Ultimately, all the cells are put back into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], and without them, Optimus promptly dies again.

===Season 3===
[[Image:Optimusg1zombie.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Mind if I smoke?"]]
* He returns from the dead twice; first as a [[zombie]] under [[Quintesson]] control in "[[Dark Awakening]]" as part of a plan to destroy the [[Autobot]]s, only to die again when he overcomes the Quintesson control through the power of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and possibly the strength of his will, and sacrifices himself to save the Autobots.

* He then was brought to life again (and stayed alive) in "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1]]".
{{-}}

===''The Headmasters''===
[[Image:Headmasters-primedies.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"...I'm dead." "YES, you are!" "You think that's funny, Jennings?!"]]

* In ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'', Prime's death in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was sort-of recreated in a flashback montage at the beginning of "[[Four Warriors Come out of the Sky]]", but not really. Rather than die while taking down his ultimate nemesis in a one-on-one struggle to the death to defend his city, his comrades, the planet [[Earth]], and freedom itself, he just kind of gets randomly shot while in the middle of an ordinary battle outside of the [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], and turns gray. Nobody else seems to notice this. It's not clear that Prime himself notices it. It's about the most half-hearted death ever.

* Optimus Prime later died again—in another act of self sacrifice, of course—when he walked into [[Vector Sigma]] and tried to bring it back under control directly in "[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime]]". His body turned gray as he died, followed by a (likely only symbolic) scene of him telling [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] that it would be his responsibility to keep leading the Autobots and to continue his work, seen as a transparent, light-haloed figure against the sky and heard in third person narration as Rodimus stared into the sky. (Then again, given the [[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime|proven]] existence of [[Starscream (G1)|gho]][[Alpha Trion (G1)|sts]]...)
{{-}}

===''Return of Convoy''===
*The [[Battlestars]] managed to restore Optimus's life with the power of the [[Zodiac]], evolving him into Star Convoy in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars]]''.

===''Generation 2''===
* In the Japanese version of ''Generation 2'', Optimus Prime was badly wounded by Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] and almost died, but was resurrected and evolved yet again, this time into [[Laser Rod]] Optimus Prime, by the power of the [[Reconfiguration Matrix]]. {{storylink|Transformers: G-2 (pack-in manga)##13 Battle Convoy (2-pages)|G-2 #13}}

==Marvel Comics continuity==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:Pmoptimusprimedeath.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Give me my face!"]]

*In "[[Afterdeath!]]", Prime, after failing to live up to his moral principles while playing a video game, volunteers to be killed. The Autobots launch his [[Transformer funerary practices|funeral]] bier into space. Fortunately, the creator of the video game, [[Ethan Zachary]], saves a backup copy of Prime's mind on a [[floppy disk]]. We first meet this virtual Prime sixteen issues later in "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]". He gets his new [[Powermaster]] body two issues thereafter, in "[[People Power!]]".

*A previous attempt was made at making virtual Prime a new body in "[[Totaled!]]". The body ''spontaneously blew up''.

*About thirty issues later, Prime sacrifices himself to defeat [[Unicron]], in "[[On the Edge of Extinction!]]". But he didn't actually die until "[[Still Life!]]". However, his Powermaster partner, [[Hi-Q]], survives, and almost immediately begins babbling about how he's ''really'' Optimus Prime. This turns out to be true, and the [[Last Autobot]] metamorphoses Hi-Q into Prime (with a new [[Action Master]] body) in [[End of the Road! (US)|the last issue of the original Marvel US series]].
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[Image:Swarmoptimus.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Unleashing the light of the Matrix upon a great evil. Again.]]
*This Prime wasn't done dying yet. His adventures continued in the G2 comics, and he died defeating the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]] in the final issue of that series, "[[A Rage in Heaven!]]". The Swarm reconstituted him three pages later (in a body based on his then-current [[Hero (G2)|Hero]] toy).
{{-}}

==IDW Comics continuity==

*In his first battle with the [[Ore-13]] powered Megatron, Optimus was killed. {{storylink|Escalation issue 5}} Or at least, his ''main body'' was: by quickly downloading his consciousness into [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]] (and then back again), Optimus was able to survive. Being that close to death meant he briefly existed in a [[infraspace|limbo]] state, which got him noticed by [[Nova Prime]] in the [[Dead Universe]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

*He then spends the first half of [[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]] badly damaged and near death. He is revived however when [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and his crew arrive.

*A rare metaphorical version occurs when he leaves Cybertron to appease the anti-Autobot [[NAIL]]s. With no duties or lives to mind but his own, he claims that Optimus Prime is dead, but Orion Pax has been reborn. {{storylink|Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime}}

*It looks like Optimus made a habit of dying even before he became a Prime - Megatron shoots him in the back in Autocracy 8, and one issue later every autobot believes Orion Pax is dead... but is he?

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Smelt Prime.JPG|right|200px|thumb|"I'm not quite dead yet! I feel happy!"]]
In ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', you could mark the end of a season by the near-death experience of one [[Optimus Primal|Optimus]] or [[Optimus Prime (G1)|another]]...

*At [[Other Voices, Part 2|the end of the first season]] of ''Beast Wars'', [[Optimus Primal]] piloted a bomb-equipped [[stasis pod]] in an attempt to destroy the [[Planet Buster]]. Unfortunately, [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] had sealed the pod's hatch, and Optimus blew up with it. [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)|Early in the second season]] (a few hours later as far as the characters were concerned), [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] managed to unite Optimus's drifting [[spark]] with a [[blank]] [[protoform]], thus bringing him back to life (and in a new [[Transmetal]] body, too).

*At [[The Agenda (Part III)|the end of second season]], the ''Beast Wars'' Megatron came very close to killing the original Optimus Prime. But [[Optimal Situation|Prime didn't ''quite'' die]], so we really shouldn't count it.

===''Beast Machines'' cartoon===
*At [[End of the Line|the end of the first season]] of ''Beast Machines'', Optimus and Megatron had a cataclysmic battle, using the energies of [[Vector Sigma]] and the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. This would have destroyed [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but Optimus took the warring energies into himself and disintegrated. However, his spark was trapped within the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and the other [[Maximal]]s convinced him to return to the real world at [[Fallout|the start of second season]]. The Oracle kindly gave him a new body (which, believe it or not, was ''not'' a new toy).

*At [[Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|the end of the series]], Optimus gave his life to defeat Megatron once and for all, pushing him into the [[technorganic]] core of the planet. In assorted ancillary media ([[Transformers: Universe (comic)|convention comics]], [[Beast Wars Reborn|text]] [[Transformers: Alternators|stories]]), he comes back to life yet again.

(Strangely, the end of the third season of ''Beast Wars'' had no Optimus deaths whatsoever! A half-dozen ''[[Depth Charge (BW)|o]][[Tigerhawk|t]][[Dinobot II|h]][[Inferno (BW)|e]][[Quickstrike (BW)|r]][[Rampage (BW)|s]]'' died, but not Optimus.)

==Robots in Disguise==

[[Optimus Prime (RID)#Notes|He]]'s one of the only Primes that ''didn't'' die! However, it came ''very'' close in [[The Final Battle (RID)|the final battle]], when he planned to sacrifice himself to stop [[Megatron (RID)|Galvatron]].

==Unicron Trilogy==
===''Armada'' cartoon===
[[Image:Sshot-arm-39-4.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Now Optimus, don't go all to pieces. You say you have to split? Well, you're a chip off the ol' block.]]
* In the ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' episode "[[Crisis]]", [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] used his body to block the blast of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s [[Hydra Cannon]], protecting the [[Earth]]. When the cannon's energy is spent, we see Optimus turn grayish-white, then ''actually'' crumble to bits. A bunch of [[Mini-Con]]s use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] to resurrect him [[Miracle|three episodes later]].
{{-}}

===''Armada ''comic===
* The corpse of an [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (killed by Unicron) from an alternate universe appeared in the ''[[Armada (comic)|Armada]]'' comic issue titled "[[Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4]]". Yep, practically all we know about this Optimus is that he died. He doesn't turn gray, but his colors are faded.

==''Universe''==
[[Image:Nemesisprimetfuclone.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Technically, this is the clone.]]
* The corpse of an [[Optimus Prime (Balancing Act)|Optimus Prime]] (killed by [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]]) from an alternate universe was cloned by Unicron to create [[Nemesis Prime (Universe)|Nemesis Prime]]. The clone, before he became Nemesis, appeared in ''Cybertron'' comic issue "[[Balancing Act, Part 2]]". Once again, practically all we know about this Optimus is that he died.
{{-}}

==Movie continuity==
{{Note|Though Optimus Prime doesn't die in the first [[Transformers (film)|movie itself]], he does consider fusing the [[AllSpark]] into his own spark, an action that would destroy them both, if necessary to keep it out of Decepticon hands.}}

===''Transformers The Game''===
In Decepticon mode storyline, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] was beaten to the ground, and as he crawled for the [[AllSpark]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] smashed his head with his flail ... poor Prime, he gets the most violent death. {{Storylink|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{notetitantlg}}
Optimus was left in a frozen, ''near''-death state. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
[[Image:ROTF Optimus death.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Shot through the heart, and [[Megatron|you're]] to blame, you give love a bad name!]]

Perhaps the most brutal Prime death to date. To protect [[Sam Witwicky]], Optimus Prime engaged in a brutal battle with [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]. Despite ''literally'' disarming Starscream and destroying Grindor, Optimus is run-through from behind by Megatron and killed. While dead, Optimus' body is depicted with faded colours in reference to his history of turning grey upon death. This event causes Sam to follow the symbols the AllSpark sliver placed in his mind to find the ancient [[Matrix of Leadership#Live-action film series|Matrix of Leadership]], the only thing that could restore life to Optimus. Unfortunately, it crumbled into dust upon touching it in the [[Tomb of the Primes]] on the border between [[Egypt]] and [[Jordan]]. During the climactic battle in Egypt between [[NEST]] and the Decepticons, Sam was seemingly killed by Megatron, only to be taken to another plane of existence where he met [[Dynasty of Primes|the Primes who died]] to prevent [[The Fallen]] from achieving victory, and they bestowed upon him the true Matrix, which allowed Sam to revive Optimus. {{Storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Animated==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Image:TFAnimated transformandrollout DEATH.jpg|right|150px|thumb| It's a new record!]]
In the third part of the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' movie, "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] dies after his battle with [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]. Like the Generation 1 Prime before him, he turns gray upon dying. Seventy-five seconds later - for us AND for the characters - [[Sari Sumdac]] uses the mysterious [[AllSpark Key]] to revive him. It's a new record, Primey!
{{-}}

===''The Cool'' comic===
During their final battle on earth, [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] fired a devastating blast from his [[fusion cannon]] which was super charged by Starscream's [[AllSpark]]-fragment-powered head before driving one of his swords straight through Optimus' chest and [[spark]]. However this, somehow, did not completely kill him as [[Burning justice|his cries of justice and heroics caused his spark to shine and made a reaction]] from the shard in Starscream's head, which flew at Optimus giving him new power and a new body. {{storylink|The Cool Episode Final}}

==''Henkei!'' manga==
{{storylink|A Nightmare, Once Again}}

==''Prime'' cartoon==
When [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] confronted Unicron at the Earth's core, he was forced to use the Matrix of Leadership to extinguish Unicron's spark. In the process, though, the "Optimus Prime" part of Orion Pax's personality was destroyed. Orion had forgotten everything past discovering the Matrix. Obviously, this is a metaphorical death rather than a literal one, as his Orion Pax persona lived on inside his still-intact body. {{storylink|One Shall Rise, Part 3}} His memory was later restored by [[Jack Darby]]. {{storylink| Orion Pax, Part 3}}

[[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]], a evil clone of Optimus controlled by [[Silas]], was destroyed after battle with Optimus Prime. {{storylink| Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime}} U.S. government misidentified the body of him as Optimus Prime, but Agent [[William Fowler|Fowler]] explained to General [[Bryce]] that the deceased was Nemesis Prime, and Optimus Prime was alive and well. {{storylink|Grill}}

==See also==
* [[Primus apotheosis]]

* [[Death]]

* [[Prime Spark]] - The short story explores the question of where <s>all</s> [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|most]] of those Optimus-es go when they die. (Answer: someplace dull.)

* [[Ginrai#Victory_cartoon|God Ginrai]] - Often erroneously put in this category.

* [[Dirge (G1)]] - The appropriately named, yet very unlucky guy who gets [[:Image:Dirge DeathSerpentor.jpg|killed]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathSwarm.jpg|off]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathTimelines.jpg|in]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathUnicron.jpg|many]] [[:Image:Dirge DeathArmada.jpg|continuities]] (but less than [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]]).

* [[Sentinel Prime (disambiguation)|Sentinel Prime]] - The [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] [[:Image:Sentinel prime lou.jpg|who]] [[:Image:Sentinel prime dw.jpg|must]] [[Megatron Origin issue 4|always]] [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|die]] ([[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Usually]]).

* [[Cy-Kill (disambiguation)|Cy-Kill]], who is repeatedly killed COS HE SUCKS LOLOLOLOL.

* [[Starscream (disambiguation)|Starscream]] - [[Starscream (G1)|He]] [[Starscream (Armada)|dies]] [[Starscream (Animated)|a]] [[Starscream (Movie)|lot]].

{{DEFAULTSORT:Many deaths of Optimus Prime}}
[[Category:Stories]]

Huffer (Animated)

2012-05-02T22:29:42Z

67.77.216.171:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Huffer}}

:''Huffer is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Animated_Huffer.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Lets-a go!]]

Hey, paesanos! It's '''Huffer'''! For he and his younger brother, [[Pipes (Animated)|Pipes]], plumbing's their game. It's not a terribly glamorous game, and Huffer complains about it constantly. Deep down, though, he does love his job, even if it means he spends most of his time in the sewers.

Both Huffer and his brother have special arms. In Huffer's case, he has sensors in them that can test the strength, elasticity, and other structural qualities of the pipes he's working on.

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Image:TFAni ThisisWhyIHateMachines Fanzone Crowd.jpg|left|thumb|250px|C'mon, it's time to go!]]
Huffer was among the crowd welcoming home [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel "Magnus"]] and cheering on the capture of several [[Decepticon]] prisoners. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}
He was later seen among the group of Autobots that [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] Transwarped into. {{storylink|This Is Why I Hate Machines}}

Huffer was painting a billboard promoting the [[Team Stunticon|Stunt Convoy]] with Pipes when [[Cheetor (Animated)|Cheetor]] sped by chasing [[Ransack (Animated)|Ransack]] and [[Crumplezone (Animated)|Crumplezone]], throwing the brothers off balance. {{storylink|Moving Violations}}

Shortly after, the two were actually at the Stunt Convoy show on opening night, though they were having a hard time seeing over [[Grandus (Animated)|Grandus]]'s bulk. {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Huffer was first revealed on [[April 1]]st 2009 on [http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2009/03/april-fools.html Derrick Wyatt's blog], as part of a group shot of characters who may or may not have gone on to appear in the cartoon. While Huffer did, his lookalike, [[Pipes (Animated)|Pipes]] (based on the [[Pipes (G1)|original Pipes]], who was himself a [[retool]] of the [[Huffer (G1)|original Huffer]]) did not.

* Huffer's character model is based pretty heavily on [[wikipedia:Mario|Mario]], the mustachioed plumber of the Super Mario Bros. series. Pipes looks like [[wikipedia:Luigi|his brother Luigi]].

[[Category:Animated Autobots]]
[[Category:Cartoon-only Transformers]]

Carnage in C-Minor

2012-04-26T20:29:33Z

67.77.216.171:

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=82
|ep2=14
|prev2=Surprise Party
|next2=Fight or Flee
|image=Carnage C-Minor Autobots harmonic attack.JPG
|caption=[[Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime|Hey, what is that awful noise? Okay, let me straighten him out!]]
|title="Carnage in C-Minor"
|production code=700-102
|airdate=[[October 14]], 1986
|written by=[[Buzz Dixon]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[AKOM]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''Several Autobots and Decepticons battle over a planet whose civilization revolves around music and whose inhabitants can use sound as a powerful weapon.'''

:''Japanese title:'' "'''音楽惑星の挑戦'''" (''Ongaku Wakusei no Chōsen'', "Challenge of the Music Planet")
:'' German title:'' "'''Das Gemetzel in Cis-Mol'''" ("The Slaughter in Cis-Mol")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Broadsidecrushesdevastator.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Die, Atlas!]]

The [[Decepticon]]s are building engines into the side of a comet in order to alter its course and crash it on top of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. As they fire up the engines, a group of [[Autobot]]s close in, led there by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]. The Autobots attack, much to [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s dismay. The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] form [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], who is promptly flattened when [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] drops on him in ship mode. In the ensuing battle, the engines are destroyed, and the comet is sent hurtling towards a small planet, which Perceptor reports is inhabited.

The Autobots attempt unsuccessfully to stop the comet before Galvatron again orders his men to engage their foe. While Galvatron and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] are grappling, waves of [[Harmony|sound energy]] destroy the comet and cause both groups of Transformers to plummet to the planet's surface. In a nearby city, three aliens are having a disagreement. One of them, [[Allegra]], storms out, saying that she's going to her retreat.

The Transformers recover from their crash, wondering what hit them. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] describes it as the most perfect harmony ever, but Galvatron is more interested in its destructive power. Broadside breaks up the discussion by punching Galvatron, and the fight resumes. As the Constructicons form Devastator again, Perceptor blows the giant apart with one shot from his cannon. Galvatron and Soundwave depart in search of the source of the harmony they heard earlier, but Ultra Magnus spots them leaving and takes Broadside and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] in pursuit. Perceptor reflects that unless the trio are swift, there might not be much of them left.

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Blaster Magnus Basso.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I now pronounce you bot and wife. You may kiss the bride."]]

Broadside swiftly passes the two Decepticons and overflies the city, which Blaster realises is laid out like a musical harmony. Magnus and Blaster meet with [[Basso Profundo]], leader of the planet [[Eurythma]], but Basso refuses to help them, believing that the harmony is all his people need to protect themselves. He drops a hint that Allegra might be able to help them, a fact overheard by Galvatron and Soundwave, who are spying outside. As the three Autobots go in search of Allegra, the Decepticons drop a bridge on them. To make sure, Galvatron blasts the wreckage, and the pair fly off to find Allegra.

Basso watches the two Decepticons leave, and fellow [[Eurythman]] [[Zebop Skandana]] uses a harmony to help the Autobots out of the rubble. Blaster realises that Zebop was creating part of the harmony which originally blew the Autobots out of space, and Zebop says he's sympathetic to their cause and will help them find Allegra.

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Galvatron Soundwave Allegra.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Galvatron loved going to the opera. He always showed his appreciation by blowing the theater to kingdom come afterwards.]]

The two Decepticons meet Allegra, offering to help her overthrow Basso in return for the secret of the harmony. She obliges and Soundwave records it, but to Galvatron's rage, it turns out that she is only one part of the harmony; Basso and Zebop make up the other two thirds. Still, when the Autobots arrive with Zebop, Soundwave is testing the part of the harmony he has by destroying a rock. The Autobots set up an ambush, but Zebop is so distressed by the fact that Allegra is working with the Decepticons that he gives away their position. Galvatron starts firing, and Zebop takes refuge in Ultra Magnus's cab. Soundwave begins battering the Autobots with the harmony. When Zebop counters with ''his'' part of the harmony, Soundwave promptly records it and uses the resulting two-thirds of the harmony to devastating effect.

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Allegra Zebop.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Alas, poor Zebop. We knew him we- Wait. No, we didn't.]]

With the Autobots apparently gone, Galvatron terminates the alliance with Allegra. She attempts to attack them with her part of the harmony, but Soundwave retaliates, knocking her out. The Autobots climb out of their hole in time to prevent Galvatron from terminating the Eurythman, but during the resulting fight, Blaster and Soundwave struggle and accidentally fall on Zebop. Galvatron grabs his minion and departs, leaving Allegra cradling Zebop in her arms. Though the Autobots believe he's had it, Allegra uses a harmony to revive him. The Autobots leave for the city.

Back at the landing site, the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons are still fighting. Hot Spot voices his hope that Magnus, Blaster and Broadside hurry. The Eurythmans have spotted the battle, and Basso uses an amplifier to direct a destructive harmony at it. [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] is forced to disassemble, but the two factions fight on. Basso is depressed, and his aide points out he needs Allegra and Zebop to complete the harmony. Arriving, Soundwave begins playing two-thirds of the harmony, shaking the city and provoking Basso into using the third part again, which Soundwave promptly records. He is subsequently able to use the complete harmonic weapon to attack the city. Pleased, Galvatron announces their next targets are Metroplex and then [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].

[[Image:Carnage CMinor Soundwave harmony.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Soundwave finds himself too big to fly through the rings in the Training Stage.]]

Ultra Magnus's party arrives back at the city to find it devastated and their fellow Autobots badly damaged. The Eurythmans are able to repair Perceptor and the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] with a harmony, and the Autobots set off for Earth.

Galvatron and Soundwave attack Metroplex with the harmony, but the Autobots soon arrive with the three Eurythmans, who nullify Soundwave's weapon with anti-sound. Blaster grabs Soundwave and uses his buttons to erase the harmony from Soundwave's tapes. Despite Galvatron raging that he hasn't ordered a retreat, the Decepticons flee anyway. The Autobots return the Eurythmans to their world, where Ultra Magnus tells them they need to learn to live in harmony.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (9)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (10)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (11)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (12)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (13)
*[[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (15)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (16)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (21)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (22)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (23)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (24)
*[[Scamper]] (25)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (26)

|c2=
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (1)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (2)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (3)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (4)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (5)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (6)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (7)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (8)
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (14)

|c4=
*[[Basso Profundo]] (17)
*[[Allegra]] (18)
*[[Zebop Skandana]] (19)
*[[Eurythman communicator]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
"What was that?!" 
"That was heaven. The purest, most vibrant, most perfect harmony I've ever heard."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Soundwave''' wonder what hit them, to the latter's monotoned enjoyment.

"You! Because of you, I got blasted out of space. DO YOU REALIZE WHAT THAT DID TO MY PAINT JOB?!"
:—'''Broadside''', right before he sucker-punches Galvatron

"Broadside! Blaster! Galvatron and Soundwave went to find the weapon that knocked us out of space!" 
"Weapon? That was no weapon. That was harmonic bliss! A musical kiss!" 
"Whatever."
:—'''Ultra Magnus''', who doesn't have any soul, and '''Blaster''', who does.

"Blaster, you picking up anything?" 
"Yeah, yeah! Beauty like you wouldn't believe, Broadside. Sweet soul music. It's their art, their commerce, their philosophy, their whole—uh-oh, bummer. Galvatron and Soundwave are here."
:—'''Broadside''' and '''Blaster''' get their vibes harshed.

"I don't wanna see your ugly face, just the button that says 'ERASE'!" 
"My tapes! You've erased my tapes!"
:—'''Blaster''' destroys '''Soundwave'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s tapes, to the Decepticon's monotoned horror.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
"Carnage in C-Minor" is infamous among the [[fandom]] for the sheer number of, and particularly ''glaring'' nature of, animation errors in this episode. Among the more prominent are the following:

* The Transformation sound effects are frequently cut off.

* Soundwave's head crest is supposed to be the same blue as his body, but its lines and/or triangle randomly turn grey throughout the episode. His back piece is also grey when it should be blue.

* Speaking of Soundwave, his face plate doesn't move when he speaks for most of this episode.

* Throughout the entire episode, Broadside is drawn with a previously [[:Image:BroadsideCarnage.jpg|discarded]] [[character model]].

* Devastator is the exact same size as Soundwave during the start of the first battle.

* Devastator also appears before he forms later in the battle.

* While the Autobots are shooting at the meteor, they are so badly drawn that they appear to have only one leg each, left arms starting from the elbows, and enormous heads...and Superion is tiny.

*When Bonecrusher orders the formation of Devastator, he's wearing an Autobot insignia. See also the continuity error below.

* When the Constructicons form Devastator for the second time, the first shot shows four Constructicons forming the legs and the torso. The second shot shows three robots forming the arms and upper torso. This means that [[Devastator (ROTF)|''seven'' Constructicons formed Devastator.]]

* After watching Galvatron and Soundwave leave, Ultra Magnus dispatches Hook and Scrapper—by picking them up in his hands and bashing them together. Magnus is supposed to be big, but not ''that'' big. (It's ''possible'' that the animators used the [[toy]]s for reference, unaware that the cartoon [[scale]] traditionally doesn't match the toys' scale in this case.)

* Blaster, Ultra Magnus and Zebop are shown hanging onto Broadside while he flies around. Sometimes, the shots make them appear tiny or not to be hanging onto Broadside at all. (One wonders why Zebop doesn't just ride in Broadside's cockpit, as he does for the trip to Earth.)

* As Blaster and Ultra Magnus talk to Basso, Blaster is taller than Magnus in closeup shots but (correctly) shorter than him in the long shots.

* As Galvatron shoots the bridge, his cannon has the usual Decepticon laser sound effect rather than its own sound effect.

* Broadside's eyes are yellow when he gets up from under the rubble on the bridge.

* When Galvatron and Soundwave first talk to Allegra, Soundwave has eyes rather than a visor for most of the shots (something that actually happens in much of the episode). One shot also has his face colored blue instead of grey (again, this happens several times later on). And Soundwave looks very small next to Galvatron (Galvatron even picks him up!), even though most of the other shots show them to be almost the same height.

* Soundwave has a [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|purple Autobot]] [[insignia]]...''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|again]]''. So does Broadside...

* Blaster is drawn delivering Broadside's line about "scorch-marks on top of everything else".

* During part of the battle at Allegra's retreat, Hot Spot is with the Autobots instead of Broadside.

* After Soundwave blasts the Autobots into the ground, he transforms and disappears ''before'' leaving the frame.

* When Blaster explains that the Eurythmans use the harmony even for healing, Ultra Magnus is the one mouthing the words.

* Magnus also has a visor instead of eyes during that shot.

* When the Protectobots are combined as Defensor, Hot Spot (the main body) is fighting alongside his combined self!

* When Galvatron orders Soundwave to play the harmonics on Earth, Soundwave's tape deck door is the same color as his body (it should be light blue).

* When Soundwave plays the harmonics to disrupt Metroplex, the waves are shown emanating from ''Galvatron's head''!

* One shot shows Metroplex transformed, even though Soundwave is still playing the harmonic sounds.

* When Superion tackles Galvatron, they're almost the same size.

* Soundwave doesn't have ''an'' erase button, it's actually ''two'' buttons that have to be pressed (and how would Blaster know which ones to press?).

* In one scene, a cel-layering error causes Blaster to appear very tiny compared to Soundwave.

* As the Decepticons retreat, Blaster is shown flying away (again!) behind two Constructicons (it was probably supposed to be Soundwave).

* And there's even more. Seriously, how much time do you have?

<center><gallery>
Image:Carnage C-minor Magnus Broadside.JPG|[[Wikipedia:Monty Python's Life of Brian|"Hail Caesar!" "Hail Thaethar."]]
Image:Bigmagnus tinyconst.jpg|We'll take revenge by merging into Devastator.
Image:Hotspot defensor.jpg|Hey! Part of me, get back in me!
Image:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|It's his little shoulder-angel.
</gallery></center>

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:DeceptiBrawn1.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Three errors bundled into one!?]]
* In one infamous scene, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (who should also be dead) show up alive and well. And it seems [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] has switched sides, as he's helping them shoot at the giant Decepticon rocket engine he just helped build! (Huffer has the wrong paint job, too.)

* To add insult to injury, Devastator is shooting at the Autobots ''before'' the Constructicons form Devastator.

* Soundwave travels with Galvatron to find the source of the harmony (while holding his hand!). However, when the scene returns to the battle outside the city, Soundwave is with the other Decepticons at the same time.

* Several Autobots fly during this episode, even ones who aren't really supposed to (Ultra Magnus, for instance).

* Nobody noticed the Decepticons fly to Earth? What happened to the Earth Defense Command satellites?

* When the Decepticons reach Earth, they ''pass'' Autobot City (in the usual lush valley) to reach Metroplex, who seems to be hanging out in a barren desert for no reason.

===Real-world references===
* The Eurythman characters' names are all music-related puns. Allegra is named after either the Italian operetta and opera composer [[Wikipedia:Salvatore Allegra|Salvatore Allegra]] or [[Wikipedia:Tempo#Italian tempo markings|Italian tempo marking "allegro"]], while Basso Profundo is derived from the singing style [[Wikipedia:Bass (voice type)|basso prof'''o'''ndo]]. While these are all related to classical music, Zebop Skandana is named after popular music guitarist [[Wikipedia:Carlos Santana|Carlos Santana]] and his 1981 album [[Wikipedia:Zebop!|Zebop!]]... And the difference shows.

* Eurythma was possibly named after the popular '80s band [[wikipedia:Eurythmics|The Eurythmics]].

===Trivia===
* "Carnage in C-Minor" is widely regarded by fans as the worst episode of all ''Transformers'' series, but this is seemingly due to the sheer volume of animation errors (and poor animation overall), as well as the glaringly obvious nature of many of the individual errors. However, the actual ''plot'' is certainly not the weakest to grace the cartoon series, and its "continuity errors" have little to nothing to do with the script itself...certainly not to the level of, say, "[[B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.]]".

* That said, there is plenty of inanity to be found in the story too. For instance: Despite the aliens' dialog being in perfectly understandable English (or Galactic Standard or whatever), because they say everything in a sing-song rhythm, apparently none of the Transformers except Blaster and Soundwave can understand them, and the two tape decks spend a large (and annoying) amount of time translating Eurythman to "non-sing-song" for everyone else.

* While not strictly an animation ''error'' per se, the number of Autobots appearing in this episode seems a little inconsistent, with several characters appearing, disappearing or seemingly replacing others with no clear indication of how many there are fighting in what place at any given time. Notably, at one point [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] states the Autobots are "outnumbered two to one", but even excluding oddities like Brawn and Huffer, the ''Autobots'' actually ''seen'' in this episode outnumber the ''Decepticons''.

* Galvatron and Soundwave are briefly seen holding hands whilst flying.

* Apparently, a single blast from [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s [[lightning cannon]] can cause [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] to disassemble! And [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] believes that intellectuals are weak.

* In hindsight, it wasn't the best idea for Soundwave to have his erase button open so it could be pushed by a enemy. Or to have an erase button in the first place. For their sake, we hope [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and the other [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassettes]] had their copy-protection tabs removed.

* Anyone else bothered that this "sonic weapon" was used to destroy a comet IN SPACE?

* This was one of several episodes subjected to the [[MSTF]] treatment at [[BotCon 1999]].

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Carnage in C Minor / The Ultimate Weapon ([[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]] 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/carnage_in_c-minor.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]
*[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808817/ IMDb's page for this episode]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Space bridge

2012-04-26T20:23:25Z

67.77.216.171:

The '''space bridge''' is a means of moving Transformers from one planet to another almost instantaneously, without the need for a spacecraft.

{{quote|It defies your laws of physics, and can transport matter through time and space.|Sentinel Prime describes what a space bridge does|[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]}}

{{note|Space bridge technology varies widely between continuities, as described below.}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[Image:DivideConquer Earth spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Colonel White has been looking for his control panel.]]
The space bridge was apparently first conceived by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in 1984, as a means of transport back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for the [[Decepticon]]s stranded on [[Earth]], and to allow them to ferry [[energon cube]]s to revitalize the planet. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

The Cybertronic end of the space bridge is a fixture in [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Shockwave's command center]], where it takes the form of a cylindrical tube, the top of which projects outside of the center's dome; it is through this open end that transportees enter or depart amid a geyser of energy. The Earth-based end of the space bridge is decidedly more flexible—the Decepticons frequently constructed new space bridges in various locations, normally in the form of large metal rings.

In early uses of the space bridge, the dimensional portal could only remain open and stable for a maximum of 11 minutes. Early Space Bridge travel likewise proved somewhat unstable, and required the use of a small vehicle to safely transport any cargo. The vehicle was rolled into the ring on a railed structure, and then had to be piloted along "a beam of light". [[Reflector (G1)|Some]] Decepticons displayed pronounced horror at being chosen for this unenviable task, as not staying on the light beam would cause the pilot and cargo to "cease to exist". {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} In the very first practice run of the mechanism, the villains opted to use the captive [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], rather than risk any of their number.

[[Image:SpaceBridgeCartoon1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Indiana Jones and the Flower of Doom!]]
After being knocked into the bridge by accident, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] proved able to traverse the bridge without a craft. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} Several Autobots likewise survived the trip in their vehicle forms. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} After this, the need for the craft seems to have been removed, as many Transformers and various cargoes would travel by space bridge with no vessel and no difficulties. On one occasion, two humans in a convertible even made the trip with no ill effects. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} The process could, however, still go wrong, as it did when the Decepticons attempted to convert a baseball field into a new space bridge site, and a malfunction blasted a small group of Transformers to an alien world of giants. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}

It's never made clear exactly how the space bridge works. Typical activation sequences show what appears to be a dimensional portal in the sky above the bridge, opened up by a blast of energy from the bridge ring; the bridge's contents (along with a great deal of rock and detritus) were then drawn into the portal, which then closed with a large discharge of energy. On the Cybertron end, the arrival is marked by a beam or gusher of energy arriving from deep space.

[[Image:TransportOblivion Cybertron spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|That door wasn't there a moment ago.]]
The space bridge technology was taken to its ultimate extent when the Decepticons constructed three colossal pylons that would generate a "space pyramid", the apex of which extended to Cybertron's location in another galaxy. Using this, Cybertron was transported into Earth's orbit for a brief period. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Cybertron was later removed from Earth's orbit by an explosion; though never explicitly addressed, this event by rights should have left Cybertron ''much'' closer to Earth, possibly accounting for the ease of travel between the two planets thereafter. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

The space bridge was used for planetary transportation once more when the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] wired his missile guidance systems into it and used its powers to redirect the orbit of Earth, intending to send it spiraling into the sun, only to be stopped by an [[Autobot]]-Decepticon team-up. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

The space bridge fell into disuse when the Autobots reclaimed Cybertron in 2005, and throughout 2006, both they and the Decepticons were shown to rely on more mundane means of space travel (shuttles, self-propelled flight) in addition to space bridge-like devices called "[[Warp Gate]]s" located throughout space. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
By the year 2011, the Autobots had studied and duplicated the space bridge technology for their own use. They developed their own space bridge network, allowing transport between Cybertron, Earth and the planet [[Athenia]], with fixed space bridge receptors in each base (the transport beam was, of course, now the traditional Autobot orange, as opposed to the Decepticons' iconic purple). {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} They did not, however, destroy the original Decepticon space bridge, as the Decepticons were unable to use it to travel to the planet due to Vector Sigma maintaining an Autobot balance of power. This proved to be a mistake, however, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s energy was released in 2010 to cure the [[Hate Plague]]; this caused Vector Sigma to become destabilized, and the Decepticons were able to exploit this to use the space bridge to invade Cybertron. {{Storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] was destroyed by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the gravimetric balance of the solar system was disrupted, making space bridge travel to Earth unstable. This soon ceased to be an issue, however, when the Decepticons headed off on an interplanetary energy raid; in order to slow the Autobots down, [[Sixshot]] destroyed the Earth-based space bridge, causing a chain reaction that detonated the entire network. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

The destruction of the space bridge left the only means to travel to Earth as the [[Trainbot]]s and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] (or on one occasion, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]). {{storylink| This reduced ability to travel to Earth is one of the reasons for the heavy human involvement in the [[Masterforce War|following battles]], since Transformers are mostly unable to join the battle on Earth themselves. {{Storylink|Master File No, 1}}

===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Spacebridgemarvelcomic.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Get it? Space "bridge"? Ahahaha.]]
[[Image:Spanner2.JPG|left|180px|thumb|"Blow me up so that I may die with dignity."]]
The space bridge was built by [[Straxus (G1)|Lord Straxus]]'s Cybertronian Decepticons, in response to the discovery that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s lost group of Decepticons were alive and had set up operations on Earth. The bridge, which resembles a normal Earthen suspension bridge when not in use, has two halves; one which which remains stationary on Cybertron, and another which teleports to Earth. Passing through the bridge's central arch transports objects across vast distances, instantly and painlessly. Although a properly functioning space bridge is a far more pleasant mode of transportation than the more fuel-efficient Autobot version, the [[Trans-Time Dimensional Portal]], an improperly calibrated space bridge will annihilate any object or being who attempts to pass through its arch. Lord Straxus illustrated this fact when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] sent him over the edge during transit.

The original space bridge was built from the vast body of [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], a neutral scientist who had been captured by Straxus's forces and forced to design the Bridge. ''After the space bridge was almost completely destroyed, a new Bridge was built to replace it.''

===Dreamwave Generation One comics===
The space bridge was developed by the Decepticons as a means of exploring (and presumably conquering) other worlds far away from Cybertron. These bridges were <s>[[wikipedia:Stargate_(device)|stargates]]</s> small portals that could only be programmed for a certain number of people. Megatron himself underwent the first test of the space bridge. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] collided with him before he entered. As it had been only programmed to accept one, the space bridge exploded, and both leaders were presumed dead. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}} In actuality, they had survived, and been transported to [[Quintessa]], where they remained for several millennia. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Age of Wrath|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
Space bridge technology was invented by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. After being turned into a zombie by Jhiaxus, [[Sixshot]] obtained his space bridge schematics and traded them to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in exchange for being returned to normal. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}} Megatron planned to create a web of space bridges across the galaxy, granting the Decepticons instant access to anything they needed. The first space bridge was constructed by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] in the Decepticon-conquered [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} After Megatron was put in a coma by Optimus Prime and Spike Witwicky and the Decepticons began to fall apart, Starscream put Shockwave in charge of developing a new space bridge which he completed just in time for Megatron to use. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}}

===''Robots in Disguise''===
{{main|Global Space Bridge}}

===Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity===
Space bridges are the main mode of traveling in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. Unlike their Generation 1 counterparts, they do not appear to need the use of a fixed device at both ends.

They appear to change in variation from series to series, although this is likely simply due to art direction. In ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the Transformers are 'stretched' into warp gates, while in ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', space bridges tend to appear as a large hole in the sky that may or may not have a clear ramp leading into it.

{{Stub}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[Image:PaniniArmada4_spacebridge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Can you set it so it goes to Gensokyo?]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], and their respective troops used space bridges to travel to [[Earth]] once they learned of the [[Mini-Con]]s awakening there. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} Once Megatron lost a duel with Prime, he also used one to flee. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 2|Friends and Foes!}} Prime's initial plan was to send the Mini-Cons they found back to [[Autobase|Autobase: Cybertron]] via their space bridge, but the bridge was destroyed in a Decepticon attack, stranding the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}}

The loss of the space bridge made it impossible for the Autobots to follow Megatron to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], forcing them to contact [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] on Cybertron. As Autobase: Cybertron had functional space bridges, he could send [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] to save the day, though neither of them enjoyed the feeling of being warped across space. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

Megatron continued to use the faraway Moon to his advantage, building a base there and firing missiles at the helpless Autobots on Earth. Though unable to stop the launch, Optimus Prime hatched a different plan and had [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] hurry to repair their space bridge. In the meantime, Scavenger and Smokescreen broke into the Decepticon moonbase's space bridge control room and activated their bridge, connecting it to the Autobots' one on Earth. Hot Shot got their bridge working just in time for the missiles to arrive and fly straight into the portal, teleporting them straight back to the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}

===Live-action film series===
====''Transformers'' RISK====
If the [[Risk|''Transformers'' RISK]] game is to be taken at face value, there is a location on Cybertron housing a stationary space bridge. This area is bordered by [[Perihex]] and [[Polyhex]], and is linked via a bridge to [[Kalis]]. It is in this location where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] began his adventure. {{storylink|Risk}}

====IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics====
Space bridges (also known as "transpatial portals") were first used by the [[Dynasty of Primes]], allowing them to transport between dimensions. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}} [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] had the ability to create space bridges, teleporting across worlds and between planets. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 3|Tales of the Fallen #3}} It was eventually discontinued in later models because of the excessive rate of failure. Apparently it was prone to catastrophic malfunction. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

Thousands of years after the fall of the Dynasty of Primes, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] recreated space bridge technology, claiming it would allow the Autobots to win the war. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} The [[pillar]]s that served as the basis of the technology were stored on the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but after it sustained damage in a Decepticon attack, they malfunctioned and began to warp the ship randomly across space and time until it crashed on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 1}}

[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]'s Decepticons subsequently recovered most of the pillars from the wrecked ship. [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] used one of them to create a primitive space bridge on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], allowing the Decepticons to travel back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through the passage created by the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} The trials were successful, but because of the distance between Mars and Cybertron, the Decepticons would have to pass through several nodes to return to their homeworld. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 2|The Reign of Starscream #2}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film====
[[Image:ROTF Jetfire space bridge.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
{{quote|You{{m-}}you blue-lighted us and something loud and painful and hallucinogenic happened and there was five seconds of Ted Nugent meets [[Thor]] and then...!|[[Sam Witwicky]] describes going through a space bridge.|[[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen]]}}
[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] mentioned the Space Bridge by name shortly before he did a really half-assed job of throwing himself and the rest of the heroes halfway across the world to Egypt, wrecking Sam's hand in the process (Jetfire wasn't entirely sure they were still on the right planet). The even-more-ancient but significantly less senile [[The Fallen|Fallen]], one of the [[Thirteen|original Primes]], shows a similar ability where he teleports across short distances, seeming to use it as a form of flight. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{-}}
====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
During the last days of Cybertron's civil war, Autobot leader [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] developed a new space bridge technology which used [[Pillar|a system of pillars]] to provide instantaneous transport between any two points. It was hoped that the technology would be able to turn the tide of the war and defeat the Decepticons once and for all. But the technology was lost when Decepticon ships attacked the Autobot flagship ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', which was transporting both Sentinel and the pillars.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg‎|thumb|250px|left|]]

In 1961, the ''Ark'' crash landed on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], sparking a space race between the [[United States of America]] and the [[Soviet Union]] in an effort to reach the wreck first. During this era, the Decepticons began removing hundreds of pillars from the crash site, an activity secretly recorded by Soviet space probes. Decades later, the Autobots learned of the ''Ark'''s presence on the Moon, and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] traveled to the crash site to investigate. Once aboard, the two retrieved Sentinel Prime's body and five of the pillars, including the master pillar that controlled the bridge. Back on Earth, the pillars were confiscated by [[NEST]] out of fear that they would be used as weapons.

That fear was quickly realized when Sentinel attacked the Autobots and their human allies, revealing that he had made a truce with Megatron in order to save Cybertron from destruction. Stealing the five pillars, he activated them in front of the Lincoln Memorial, teleporting hundreds of Decepticons hiding on the Moon onto Earth. [[Chicago]] was soon conquered by the invading army, and there Sentinel and Megatron launched their master plan: using the pillars covertly taken from the ''Ark'' crash site, they would create a space bridge between Earth and Cybertron, bringing their homeworld into Earth's atmosphere. Earth would then be raided for its resources, and humanity would be enslaved and forced to rebuild Cybertron.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg‎|thumb|300px| Look, it's Unicron!]]

NEST and the Autobots eventually arrived in Chicago to retake the war-torn city, and Optimus Prime was able to knock over the control pillar, deactivating the space bridge. It was only a temporary victory, though, as the Decepticon human ally [[Dylan Gould]] restarted the pillar and the transport sequence recommenced. Ultimately, Gould was killed by [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] destroyed the control pillar. With the bridge rendered inoperable, Cybertron collapsed and was completely destroyed. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
[[Image:TFA Space Bridge.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Chevron seven is locked.]]
Space bridges are used to travel around the galaxy. This incarnation takes the form of a large, forked structure and works by generating a sphere of energy between the two prongs.

The technology is exclusively Autobot, and gave them a major strategic advantage over the Decepticons: thanks to the bridges, the Decepticon expansion was halted. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

The [[AllSpark]] was thrown into one to keep it out of Decepticon hands. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Bumblebee (Animated)|small]] [[Bulkhead (Animated)|band]] [[Prowl (Animated)|of]] [[Ratchet (Animated)|Autobots]] were put in charge of repairing space bridges. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] planned to use some schematics to build his own, allowing him to [[transwarp]] to Cybertron and strike it without warning. He kidnapped [[Isaac Sumdac]] to design it {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} and used [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] to build it, but it wasn't enough. With [[Bulkhead (Animated)|some additional help]] he completed it, {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}} but as often is the case with Decepticon plans, it didn't end well. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

During the [[Decepticon Uprisings]], the Decepticons went after every space bridge on the periphery in a simultaneous assault. [[Team Chaar]] were the first squad to capture a bridge, but couldn't arrive at the [[Space bridge nexus]] on Cybertron as Shockwave, who held the access codes at the nexus, was waiting for Megatron's signal to begin the attack. The network was later shut down by the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

[[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] used components from a transwarp generator in order to create a teleportation pod which she used to transform [[Wasp]] into a [[Technorganic]] being; however, after its use, the chamber exploded. {{storylink|Predacons Rising}} Bulkhead along with Isaac Sumdac later attempted to work together in making a space bridge on Earth for the Autobots but faced many arguments on how to calibrate the equipment. Luckily, Sari Sumdac managed to activate the system which was later used to transport Optimus Prime onto the [[Steelhaven (Animated)|Elite Guard flagship]] which had been taken over by the former Decepticon prisoners. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

===''Exodus''===
Space bridges were the foundation for Cybertron's [[Golden Age]], linking it to [[Velocitron]], [[Gigantion]], [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and the [[Hub (G2)|Hub]]. As they grew less reliable, Cybertron's society stagnated and lost contact with its colonies. During the civil war, only one in Cybertron's orbit was still believed to be operational. When the ''[[Ark (Prime)|Ark]]'' and the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'' entered it, it separated the two ships to different parts of space. According to [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], the space bridges work by tearing holes in the fabric of reality. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}

===''Prime''===
====''Prime'' comic====
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] was assigned by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] to find remnants of space bridges, and he successfully built one in [[Kaon]]. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] overloaded its systems, jumping through it and landing on [[Earth]]—as did Starscream—before it blew up. Meanwhile, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] developed the [[GroundBridge]], to transport themselves across [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Prime (comic)|Transformers: Prime}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[Image:PrimeSpacebridge.jpg|thumb|''Stargate: Cybertron.'' Only on the Hub]]

Starscream built a space bridge in Earth's orbit, which he used to bring back Megatron from his deep space [[Dark Energon]] expedition, {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 1}} Megatron intended to use Dark Energon to resurrect the Cybertronian dead and bring them to Earth via the space bridge. The Autobots discovered the Decepticons' plans for a space time vortex generator, indicating that they had built a space bridge. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 4}} The fact that the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]]'s navigation sensors were damaged meant that the Decepticons had to use a radio dish array in [[Texas]] to target the space bridge at Cybertron. Once this was accomplished, Megatron heaved a big chunk of Dark Energon through and raised Cybertron's dead. This undead army began traversing the space bridge to Earth, however the Autobots had obtained the space bridge schematics, and were able to reverse the valve on the energon pump. The reversed power caused the space bridge to explode, taking the zombie army and possibly Megatron with it. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 5}}

While observing [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'s battle with Optimus and Bumblebee, Soundwave picked up a Decepticon life signal near the remains of the space bridge, possibly Megatron's. Although initially trying to dismiss it, Starscream eventually went to investigate. At the space bridge debris field, he found Megatron, still alive thanks to the Dark Energon crystal he had placed within himself. Although Starscream intended to leave Megatron for dead, Soundwave, not trusting his comrade, sent his [[Deployer (Prime)|Deployer]] to also search the space bridge debris field, forcing Starscream to take Megatron back to the Decepticon ship. {{storylink|Masters & Students}}

Aiming to build a new space bridge, the Decepticons set about stealing the components they'd need, including a phase converter, plasma injector, neutron shield, tesseract and a suitable power source. {{storylink|One Shall Fall}} After the unfortunate incident with [[Unicron]], the Decepticons stole the necessary power source. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 1}}

The Autobots searched for the space bridge so they could use it to reach Cybertron. With Starscream's help, they located it in a disused energon mine and managed to secure it and send [[Jack Darby]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] through. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 2}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
After contact was lost with a team of Decepticons dispatched to [[Zel Samine]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] took a shuttle to the planet and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] would follow using a space bridge portal aboard the shuttle. Some technical problems occurred at first, leading to a rant from Starscream on how using a portable space bridge was asking for trouble. Soundwave assured him that the next attempt would work, but then, the portal blew up. Starscream enquired what had happened to Megatron, as he was on the bridge when the malfunction occurred. Soundwave detected that Megatron had been transported to only a slightly different location and Starscream suggested they go and fetch him.

When Megatron was found, Soundwave explained the effects of the solar system's sun, [[Paradius]], had been causing the problems with the shuttle and the space bridge and that they were forced to repair either one if they wished to leave the planet.

Meanwhile, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] detected the space bridge energy and warned the other Autobots that the Decepticons were in the area too. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

==Merchandise==
* '''RISK TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Battle Edition''' (2007)
: The Space Bridge is one of the yellow zones on the board.

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Space bridge''' (スペースブリッジ ''supēsu burijji'')
*''German:'' '''Weltraumbrücke''' ("space bridge"), '''Raumbrücke''' (''Generation 2'', "space bridge")
*''Polish:'' '''Most kosmiczny''' ("space bridge")

[[Category:Animated technology]]
[[Category:Armada technology]]
[[Category:Generation 1 technology]]
[[Category:Cybertron technology]]
[[Category:Energon technology]]
[[Category:Movie technology]]
[[Category:Prime technology]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen technology]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise technology]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron technology]]

Space bridge

2012-04-26T20:22:48Z

67.77.216.171:

The '''space bridge''' is a means of moving Transformers from one planet to another almost instantaneously, without the need for a spacecraft.

{{quote|It defies your laws of physics, and can transport matter through time and space.|Sentinel Prime describes what a space bridge does|[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]}}

{{note|Space bridge technology varies widely between continuities, as described below.}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[Image:DivideConquer Earth spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Colonel White has been looking for his control panel.]]
The space bridge was apparently first conceived by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in 1984, as a means of transport back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for the [[Decepticon]]s stranded on [[Earth]], and to allow them to ferry [[energon cube]]s to revitalize the planet. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

The Cybertronic end of the space bridge is a fixture in [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Shockwave's command center]], where it takes the form of a cylindrical tube, the top of which projects outside of the center's dome; it is through this open end that transportees enter or depart amid a geyser of energy. The Earth-based end of the space bridge is decidedly more flexible—the Decepticons frequently constructed new space bridges in various locations, normally in the form of large metal rings.

In early uses of the space bridge, the dimensional portal could only remain open and stable for a maximum of 11 minutes. Early Space Bridge travel likewise proved somewhat unstable, and required the use of a small vehicle to safely transport any cargo. The vehicle was rolled into the ring on a railed structure, and then had to be piloted along "a beam of light". [[Reflector (G1)|Some]] Decepticons displayed pronounced horror at being chosen for this unenviable task, as not staying on the light beam would cause the pilot and cargo to "cease to exist". {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} In the very first practice run of the mechanism, the villains opted to use the captive [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], rather than risk any of their number.

[[Image:SpaceBridgeCartoon1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Indiana Jones and the Flower of Doom!]]
After being knocked into the bridge by accident, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] proved able to traverse the bridge without a craft. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} Several Autobots likewise survived the trip in their vehicle forms. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} After this, the need for the craft seems to have been removed, as many Transformers and various cargoes would travel by space bridge with no vessel and no difficulties. On one occasion, two humans in a convertible even made the trip with no ill effects. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} The process could, however, still go wrong, as it did when the Decepticons attempted to convert a baseball field into a new space bridge site, and a malfunction blasted a small group of Transformers to an alien world of giants. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}

It's never made clear exactly how the space bridge works. Typical activation sequences show what appears to be a dimensional portal in the sky above the bridge, opened up by a blast of energy from the bridge ring; the bridge's contents (along with a great deal of rock and detritus) were then drawn into the portal, which then closed with a large discharge of energy. On the Cybertron end, the arrival is marked by a beam or gusher of energy arriving from deep space.

[[Image:TransportOblivion Cybertron spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|That door wasn't there a moment ago.]]
The space bridge technology was taken to its ultimate extent when the Decepticons constructed three colossal pylons that would generate a "space pyramid", the apex of which extended to Cybertron's location in another galaxy. Using this, Cybertron was transported into Earth's orbit for a brief period. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Cybertron was later removed from Earth's orbit by an explosion; though never explicitly addressed, this event by rights should have left Cybertron ''much'' closer to Earth, possibly accounting for the ease of travel between the two planets thereafter. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

The space bridge was used for planetary transportation once more when the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] wired his missile guidance systems into it and used its powers to redirect the orbit of Earth, intending to send it spiraling into the sun, only to be stopped by an [[Autobot]]-Decepticon team-up. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

The space bridge fell into disuse when the Autobots reclaimed Cybertron in 2005, and throughout 2006, both they and the Decepticons were shown to rely on more mundane means of space travel (shuttles, self-propelled flight) in addition to space bridge-like devices called "[[Warp Gate]]s" located throughout space. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
By the year 2011, the Autobots had studied and duplicated the space bridge technology for their own use. They developed their own space bridge network, allowing transport between Cybertron, Earth and the planet [[Athenia]], with fixed space bridge receptors in each base (the transport beam was, of course, now the traditional Autobot orange, as opposed to the Decepticons' iconic purple). {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} They did not, however, destroy the original Decepticon space bridge, as the Decepticons were unable to use it to travel to the planet due to Vector Sigma maintaining an Autobot balance of power. This proved to be a mistake, however, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s energy was released in 2010 to cure the [[Hate Plague]]; this caused Vector Sigma to become destabilized, and the Decepticons were able to exploit this to use the space bridge to invade Cybertron. {{Storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] was destroyed by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the gravimetric balance of the solar system was disrupted, making space bridge travel to Earth unstable. This soon ceased to be an issue, however, when the Decepticons headed off on an interplanetary energy raid; in order to slow the Autobots down, [[Sixshot]] destroyed the Earth-based space bridge, causing a chain reaction that detonated the entire network. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

The destruction of the space bridge left the only means to travel to Earth as the [[Trainbot]]s and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] (or on one occasion, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]). {{storylink| This reduced ability to travel to Earth is one of the reasons for the heavy human involvement in the [[Masterforce War|following battles]], since Transformers are mostly unable to join the battle on Earth themselves. {{Storylink|Master File No, 1}}

===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Spacebridgemarvelcomic.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Get it? Space "bridge"? Ahahaha.]]
[[Image:Spanner2.JPG|left|180px|thumb|"Blow me up so that I may die with dignity."]]
The space bridge was built by [[Straxus (G1)|Lord Straxus]]'s Cybertronian Decepticons, in response to the discovery that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s lost group of Decepticons were alive and had set up operations on Earth. The bridge, which resembles a normal Earthen suspension bridge when not in use, has two halves; one which which remains stationary on Cybertron, and another which teleports to Earth. Passing through the bridge's central arch transports objects across vast distances, instantly and painlessly. Although a properly functioning space bridge is a far more pleasant mode of transportation than the more fuel-efficient Autobot version, the [[Trans-Time Dimensional Portal]], an improperly calibrated space bridge will annihilate any object or being who attempts to pass through its arch. Lord Straxus illustrated this fact when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] sent him over the edge during transit.

The original space bridge was built from the vast body of [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], a neutral scientist who had been captured by Straxus's forces and forced to design the Bridge. ''After the space bridge was almost completely destroyed, a new Bridge was built to replace it.''

===Dreamwave Generation One comics===
The space bridge was developed by the Decepticons as a means of exploring (and presumably conquering) other worlds far away from Cybertron. These bridges were <s>[[wikipedia:Stargate_(device)|stargates]]</s> small portals that could only be programmed for a certain number of people. Megatron himself underwent the first test of the space bridge. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] collided with him before he entered. As it had been only programmed to accept one, the space bridge exploded, and both leaders were presumed dead. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}} In actuality, they had survived, and been transported to [[Quintessa]], where they remained for several millennia. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Age of Wrath|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
Space bridge technology was invented by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. After being turned into a zombie by Jhiaxus, [[Sixshot]] obtained his space bridge schematics and traded them to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in exchange for being returned to normal. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}} Megatron planned to create a web of space bridges across the galaxy, granting the Decepticons instant access to anything they needed. The first space bridge was constructed by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] in the Decepticon-conquered [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} After Megatron was put in a coma by Optimus Prime and Spike Witwicky and the Decepticons began to fall apart, Starscream put Shockwave in charge of developing a new space bridge which he completed just in time for Megatron to use. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}}

===''Robots in Disguise''===
{{main|Global Space Bridge}}

===Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity===
Space bridges are the main mode of traveling in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. Unlike their Generation 1 counterparts, they do not appear to need the use of a fixed device at both ends.

They appear to change in variation from series to series, although this is likely simply due to art direction. In ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the Transformers are 'stretched' into warp gates, while in ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', space bridges tend to appear as a large hole in the sky that may or may not have a clear ramp leading into it.

{{Stub}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[Image:PaniniArmada4_spacebridge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Can you set it so it goes to Gensokyo?]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], and their respective troops used space bridges to travel to [[Earth]] once they learned of the [[Mini-Con]]s awakening there. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} Once Megatron lost a duel with Prime, he also used one to flee. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 2|Friends and Foes!}} Prime's initial plan was to send the Mini-Cons they found back to [[Autobase|Autobase: Cybertron]] via their space bridge, but the bridge was destroyed in a Decepticon attack, stranding the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}}

The loss of the space bridge made it impossible for the Autobots to follow Megatron to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], forcing them to contact [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] on Cybertron. As Autobase: Cybertron had functional space bridges, he could send [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] to save the day, though neither of them enjoyed the feeling of being warped across space. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

Megatron continued to use the faraway Moon to his advantage, building a base there and firing missiles at the helpless Autobots on Earth. Though unable to stop the launch, Optimus Prime hatched a different plan and had [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] hurry to repair their space bridge. In the meantime, Scavenger and Smokescreen broke into the Decepticon moonbase's space bridge control room and activated their bridge, connecting it to the Autobots' one on Earth. Hot Shot got their bridge working just in time for the missiles to arrive and fly straight into the portal, teleporting them straight back to the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}

===Live-action film series===
====''Transformers'' RISK====
If the [[Risk|''Transformers'' RISK]] game is to be taken at face value, there is a location on Cybertron housing a stationary space bridge. This area is bordered by [[Perihex]] and [[Polyhex]], and is linked via a bridge to [[Kalis]]. It is in this location where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] began his adventure. {{storylink|Risk}}

====IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics====
Space bridges (also known as "transpatial portals") were first used by the [[Dynasty of Primes]], allowing them to transport between dimensions. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}} [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] had the ability to create space bridges, teleporting across worlds and between planets. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 3|Tales of the Fallen #3}} It was eventually discontinued in later models because of the excessive rate of failure. Apparently it was prone to catastrophic malfunction. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

Thousands of years after the fall of the Dynasty of Primes, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] recreated space bridge technology, claiming it would allow the Autobots to win the war. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} The [[pillar]]s that served as the basis of the technology were stored on the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but after it sustained damage in a Decepticon attack, they malfunctioned and began to warp the ship randomly across space and time until it crashed on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 1}}

[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]'s Decepticons subsequently recovered most of the pillars from the wrecked ship. [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] used one of them to create a primitive space bridge on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], allowing the Decepticons to travel back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through the passage created by the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} The trials were successful, but because of the distance between Mars and Cybertron, the Decepticons would have to pass through several nodes to return to their homeworld. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 2|The Reign of Starscream #2}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film====
[[Image:ROTF Jetfire space bridge.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
{{quote|You{{m-}}you blue-lighted us and something loud and painful and hallucinogenic happened and there was five seconds of Ted Nugent meets [[Thor]] and then...!|[[Sam Witwicky]] describes going through a space bridge.|[[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen]]}}
[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] mentioned the Space Bridge by name shortly before he did a really half-assed job of throwing himself and the rest of the heroes halfway across the world to Egypt, wrecking Sam's hand in the process (Jetfire wasn't entirely sure they were still on the right planet). The even-more-ancient but significantly less senile [[The Fallen|Fallen]], one of the [[Thirteen|original Primes]], shows a similar ability where he teleports across short distances, seeming to use it as a form of flight. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{-}}
====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
During the last days of Cybertron's civil war, Autobot leader [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] developed a new space bridge technology which used [[Pillar|a system of pillars]] to provide instantaneous transport between any two points. It was hoped that the technology would be able to turn the tide of the war and defeat the Decepticons once and for all. But the technology was lost when Decepticon ships attacked the Autobot flagship ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', which was transporting both Sentinel and the pillars.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg‎|thumb|250px|left|]]

In 1961, the ''Ark'' crash landed on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], sparking a space race between the [[United States of America]] and the [[Soviet Union]] in an effort to reach the wreck first. During this era, the Decepticons began removing hundreds of pillars from the crash site, an activity secretly recorded by Soviet space probes. Decades later, the Autobots learned of the ''Ark'''s presence on the Moon, and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] traveled to the crash site to investigate. Once aboard, the two retrieved Sentinel Prime's body and five of the pillars, including the master pillar that controlled the bridge. Back on Earth, the pillars were confiscated by [[NEST]] out of fear that they would be used as weapons.

That fear was quickly realized when Sentinel attacked the Autobots and their human allies, revealing that he had made a truce with Megatron in order to save Cybertron from destruction. Stealing the five pillars, he activated them in front of the Lincoln Memorial, teleporting hundreds of Decepticons hiding on the Moon onto Earth. [[Chicago]] was soon conquered by the invading army, and there Sentinel and Megatron launched their master plan: using the pillars covertly taken from the ''Ark'' crash site, they would create a space bridge between Earth and Cybertron, bringing their homeworld into Earth's atmosphere. Earth would then be raided for its resources, and humanity would be enslaved and forced to rebuild Cybertron.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg‎|thumb|300px| look, it's Unicron!]]

NEST and the Autobots eventually arrived in Chicago to retake the war-torn city, and Optimus Prime was able to knock over the control pillar, deactivating the space bridge. It was only a temporary victory, though, as the Decepticon human ally [[Dylan Gould]] restarted the pillar and the transport sequence recommenced. Ultimately, Gould was killed by [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] destroyed the control pillar. With the bridge rendered inoperable, Cybertron collapsed and was completely destroyed. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
[[Image:TFA Space Bridge.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Chevron seven is locked.]]
Space bridges are used to travel around the galaxy. This incarnation takes the form of a large, forked structure and works by generating a sphere of energy between the two prongs.

The technology is exclusively Autobot, and gave them a major strategic advantage over the Decepticons: thanks to the bridges, the Decepticon expansion was halted. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

The [[AllSpark]] was thrown into one to keep it out of Decepticon hands. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Bumblebee (Animated)|small]] [[Bulkhead (Animated)|band]] [[Prowl (Animated)|of]] [[Ratchet (Animated)|Autobots]] were put in charge of repairing space bridges. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] planned to use some schematics to build his own, allowing him to [[transwarp]] to Cybertron and strike it without warning. He kidnapped [[Isaac Sumdac]] to design it {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} and used [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] to build it, but it wasn't enough. With [[Bulkhead (Animated)|some additional help]] he completed it, {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}} but as often is the case with Decepticon plans, it didn't end well. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

During the [[Decepticon Uprisings]], the Decepticons went after every space bridge on the periphery in a simultaneous assault. [[Team Chaar]] were the first squad to capture a bridge, but couldn't arrive at the [[Space bridge nexus]] on Cybertron as Shockwave, who held the access codes at the nexus, was waiting for Megatron's signal to begin the attack. The network was later shut down by the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

[[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] used components from a transwarp generator in order to create a teleportation pod which she used to transform [[Wasp]] into a [[Technorganic]] being; however, after its use, the chamber exploded. {{storylink|Predacons Rising}} Bulkhead along with Isaac Sumdac later attempted to work together in making a space bridge on Earth for the Autobots but faced many arguments on how to calibrate the equipment. Luckily, Sari Sumdac managed to activate the system which was later used to transport Optimus Prime onto the [[Steelhaven (Animated)|Elite Guard flagship]] which had been taken over by the former Decepticon prisoners. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

===''Exodus''===
Space bridges were the foundation for Cybertron's [[Golden Age]], linking it to [[Velocitron]], [[Gigantion]], [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and the [[Hub (G2)|Hub]]. As they grew less reliable, Cybertron's society stagnated and lost contact with its colonies. During the civil war, only one in Cybertron's orbit was still believed to be operational. When the ''[[Ark (Prime)|Ark]]'' and the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'' entered it, it separated the two ships to different parts of space. According to [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], the space bridges work by tearing holes in the fabric of reality. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}

===''Prime''===
====''Prime'' comic====
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] was assigned by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] to find remnants of space bridges, and he successfully built one in [[Kaon]]. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] overloaded its systems, jumping through it and landing on [[Earth]]—as did Starscream—before it blew up. Meanwhile, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] developed the [[GroundBridge]], to transport themselves across [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Prime (comic)|Transformers: Prime}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[Image:PrimeSpacebridge.jpg|thumb|''Stargate: Cybertron.'' Only on the Hub]]

Starscream built a space bridge in Earth's orbit, which he used to bring back Megatron from his deep space [[Dark Energon]] expedition, {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 1}} Megatron intended to use Dark Energon to resurrect the Cybertronian dead and bring them to Earth via the space bridge. The Autobots discovered the Decepticons' plans for a space time vortex generator, indicating that they had built a space bridge. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 4}} The fact that the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]]'s navigation sensors were damaged meant that the Decepticons had to use a radio dish array in [[Texas]] to target the space bridge at Cybertron. Once this was accomplished, Megatron heaved a big chunk of Dark Energon through and raised Cybertron's dead. This undead army began traversing the space bridge to Earth, however the Autobots had obtained the space bridge schematics, and were able to reverse the valve on the energon pump. The reversed power caused the space bridge to explode, taking the zombie army and possibly Megatron with it. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 5}}

While observing [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'s battle with Optimus and Bumblebee, Soundwave picked up a Decepticon life signal near the remains of the space bridge, possibly Megatron's. Although initially trying to dismiss it, Starscream eventually went to investigate. At the space bridge debris field, he found Megatron, still alive thanks to the Dark Energon crystal he had placed within himself. Although Starscream intended to leave Megatron for dead, Soundwave, not trusting his comrade, sent his [[Deployer (Prime)|Deployer]] to also search the space bridge debris field, forcing Starscream to take Megatron back to the Decepticon ship. {{storylink|Masters & Students}}

Aiming to build a new space bridge, the Decepticons set about stealing the components they'd need, including a phase converter, plasma injector, neutron shield, tesseract and a suitable power source. {{storylink|One Shall Fall}} After the unfortunate incident with [[Unicron]], the Decepticons stole the necessary power source. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 1}}

The Autobots searched for the space bridge so they could use it to reach Cybertron. With Starscream's help, they located it in a disused energon mine and managed to secure it and send [[Jack Darby]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] through. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 2}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
After contact was lost with a team of Decepticons dispatched to [[Zel Samine]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] took a shuttle to the planet and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] would follow using a space bridge portal aboard the shuttle. Some technical problems occurred at first, leading to a rant from Starscream on how using a portable space bridge was asking for trouble. Soundwave assured him that the next attempt would work, but then, the portal blew up. Starscream enquired what had happened to Megatron, as he was on the bridge when the malfunction occurred. Soundwave detected that Megatron had been transported to only a slightly different location and Starscream suggested they go and fetch him.

When Megatron was found, Soundwave explained the effects of the solar system's sun, [[Paradius]], had been causing the problems with the shuttle and the space bridge and that they were forced to repair either one if they wished to leave the planet.

Meanwhile, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] detected the space bridge energy and warned the other Autobots that the Decepticons were in the area too. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

==Merchandise==
* '''RISK TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Battle Edition''' (2007)
: The Space Bridge is one of the yellow zones on the board.

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Space bridge''' (スペースブリッジ ''supēsu burijji'')
*''German:'' '''Weltraumbrücke''' ("space bridge"), '''Raumbrücke''' (''Generation 2'', "space bridge")
*''Polish:'' '''Most kosmiczny''' ("space bridge")

[[Category:Animated technology]]
[[Category:Armada technology]]
[[Category:Generation 1 technology]]
[[Category:Cybertron technology]]
[[Category:Energon technology]]
[[Category:Movie technology]]
[[Category:Prime technology]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen technology]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise technology]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron technology]]

Space bridge

2012-04-26T20:20:21Z

67.77.216.171:

The '''space bridge''' is a means of moving Transformers from one planet to another almost instantaneously, without the need for a spacecraft.

{{quote|It defies your laws of physics, and can transport matter through time and space.|Sentinel Prime describes what a space bridge does|[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]}}

{{note|Space bridge technology varies widely between continuities, as described below.}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[Image:DivideConquer Earth spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Colonel White has been looking for his control panel.]]
The space bridge was apparently first conceived by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in 1984, as a means of transport back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for the [[Decepticon]]s stranded on [[Earth]], and to allow them to ferry [[energon cube]]s to revitalize the planet. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

The Cybertronic end of the space bridge is a fixture in [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Shockwave's command center]], where it takes the form of a cylindrical tube, the top of which projects outside of the center's dome; it is through this open end that transportees enter or depart amid a geyser of energy. The Earth-based end of the space bridge is decidedly more flexible—the Decepticons frequently constructed new space bridges in various locations, normally in the form of large metal rings.

In early uses of the space bridge, the dimensional portal could only remain open and stable for a maximum of 11 minutes. Early Space Bridge travel likewise proved somewhat unstable, and required the use of a small vehicle to safely transport any cargo. The vehicle was rolled into the ring on a railed structure, and then had to be piloted along "a beam of light". [[Reflector (G1)|Some]] Decepticons displayed pronounced horror at being chosen for this unenviable task, as not staying on the light beam would cause the pilot and cargo to "cease to exist". {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} In the very first practice run of the mechanism, the villains opted to use the captive [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], rather than risk any of their number.

[[Image:SpaceBridgeCartoon1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Indiana Jones and the Flower of Doom!]]
After being knocked into the bridge by accident, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] proved able to traverse the bridge without a craft. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} Several Autobots likewise survived the trip in their vehicle forms. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} After this, the need for the craft seems to have been removed, as many Transformers and various cargoes would travel by space bridge with no vessel and no difficulties. On one occasion, two humans in a convertible even made the trip with no ill effects. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} The process could, however, still go wrong, as it did when the Decepticons attempted to convert a baseball field into a new space bridge site, and a malfunction blasted a small group of Transformers to an alien world of giants. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}

It's never made clear exactly how the space bridge works. Typical activation sequences show what appears to be a dimensional portal in the sky above the bridge, opened up by a blast of energy from the bridge ring; the bridge's contents (along with a great deal of rock and detritus) were then drawn into the portal, which then closed with a large discharge of energy. On the Cybertron end, the arrival is marked by a beam or gusher of energy arriving from deep space.

[[Image:TransportOblivion Cybertron spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|That door wasn't there a moment ago.]]
The space bridge technology was taken to its ultimate extent when the Decepticons constructed three colossal pylons that would generate a "space pyramid", the apex of which extended to Cybertron's location in another galaxy. Using this, Cybertron was transported into Earth's orbit for a brief period. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Cybertron was later removed from Earth's orbit by an explosion; though never explicitly addressed, this event by rights should have left Cybertron ''much'' closer to Earth, possibly accounting for the ease of travel between the two planets thereafter. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

The space bridge was used for planetary transportation once more when the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] wired his missile guidance systems into it and used its powers to redirect the orbit of Earth, intending to send it spiraling into the sun, only to be stopped by an [[Autobot]]-Decepticon team-up. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

The space bridge fell into disuse when the Autobots reclaimed Cybertron in 2005, and throughout 2006, both they and the Decepticons were shown to rely on more mundane means of space travel (shuttles, self-propelled flight) in addition to space bridge-like devices called "[[Warp Gate]]s" located throughout space. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
By the year 2011, the Autobots had studied and duplicated the space bridge technology for their own use. They developed their own space bridge network, allowing transport between Cybertron, Earth and the planet [[Athenia]], with fixed space bridge receptors in each base (the transport beam was, of course, now the traditional Autobot orange, as opposed to the Decepticons' iconic purple). {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} They did not, however, destroy the original Decepticon space bridge, as the Decepticons were unable to use it to travel to the planet due to Vector Sigma maintaining an Autobot balance of power. This proved to be a mistake, however, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s energy was released in 2010 to cure the [[Hate Plague]]; this caused Vector Sigma to become destabilized, and the Decepticons were able to exploit this to use the space bridge to invade Cybertron. {{Storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] was destroyed by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the gravimetric balance of the solar system was disrupted, making space bridge travel to Earth unstable. This soon ceased to be an issue, however, when the Decepticons headed off on an interplanetary energy raid; in order to slow the Autobots down, [[Sixshot]] destroyed the Earth-based space bridge, causing a chain reaction that detonated the entire network. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

The destruction of the space bridge left the only means to travel to Earth as the [[Trainbot]]s and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] (or on one occasion, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]). {{storylink| This reduced ability to travel to Earth is one of the reasons for the heavy human involvement in the [[Masterforce War|following battles]], since Transformers are mostly unable to join the battle on Earth themselves. {{Storylink|Master File No, 1}}

===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Spacebridgemarvelcomic.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Get it? Space "bridge"? Ahahaha.]]
[[Image:Spanner2.JPG|left|180px|thumb|"Blow me up so that I may die with dignity."]]
The space bridge was built by [[Straxus (G1)|Lord Straxus]]'s Cybertronian Decepticons, in response to the discovery that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s lost group of Decepticons were alive and had set up operations on Earth. The bridge, which resembles a normal Earthen suspension bridge when not in use, has two halves; one which which remains stationary on Cybertron, and another which teleports to Earth. Passing through the bridge's central arch transports objects across vast distances, instantly and painlessly. Although a properly functioning space bridge is a far more pleasant mode of transportation than the more fuel-efficient Autobot version, the [[Trans-Time Dimensional Portal]], an improperly calibrated space bridge will annihilate any object or being who attempts to pass through its arch. Lord Straxus illustrated this fact when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] sent him over the edge during transit.

The original space bridge was built from the vast body of [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], a neutral scientist who had been captured by Straxus's forces and forced to design the Bridge. ''After the space bridge was almost completely destroyed, a new Bridge was built to replace it.''

===Dreamwave Generation One comics===
The space bridge was developed by the Decepticons as a means of exploring (and presumably conquering) other worlds far away from Cybertron. These bridges were <s>[[wikipedia:Stargate_(device)|stargates]]</s> small portals that could only be programmed for a certain number of people. Megatron himself underwent the first test of the space bridge. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] collided with him before he entered. As it had been only programmed to accept one, the space bridge exploded, and both leaders were presumed dead. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages}} In actuality, they had survived, and been transported to [[Quintessa]], where they remained for several millennia. {{storylink|Transformers: War Within: The Age of Wrath|War Within: The Age of Wrath}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
Space bridge technology was invented by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. After being turned into a zombie by Jhiaxus, [[Sixshot]] obtained his space bridge schematics and traded them to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in exchange for being returned to normal. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}} Megatron planned to create a web of space bridges across the galaxy, granting the Decepticons instant access to anything they needed. The first space bridge was constructed by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] in the Decepticon-conquered [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} After Megatron was put in a coma by Optimus Prime and Spike Witwicky and the Decepticons began to fall apart, Starscream put Shockwave in charge of developing a new space bridge which he completed just in time for Megatron to use. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}}

===''Robots in Disguise''===
{{main|Global Space Bridge}}

===Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity===
Space bridges are the main mode of traveling in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. Unlike their Generation 1 counterparts, they do not appear to need the use of a fixed device at both ends.

They appear to change in variation from series to series, although this is likely simply due to art direction. In ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the Transformers are 'stretched' into warp gates, while in ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', space bridges tend to appear as a large hole in the sky that may or may not have a clear ramp leading into it.

{{Stub}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[Image:PaniniArmada4_spacebridge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Can you set it so it goes to Gensokyo?]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], and their respective troops used space bridges to travel to [[Earth]] once they learned of the [[Mini-Con]]s awakening there. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} Once Megatron lost a duel with Prime, he also used one to flee. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 2|Friends and Foes!}} Prime's initial plan was to send the Mini-Cons they found back to [[Autobase|Autobase: Cybertron]] via their space bridge, but the bridge was destroyed in a Decepticon attack, stranding the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}}

The loss of the space bridge made it impossible for the Autobots to follow Megatron to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], forcing them to contact [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] on Cybertron. As Autobase: Cybertron had functional space bridges, he could send [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] to save the day, though neither of them enjoyed the feeling of being warped across space. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

Megatron continued to use the faraway Moon to his advantage, building a base there and firing missiles at the helpless Autobots on Earth. Though unable to stop the launch, Optimus Prime hatched a different plan and had [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] hurry to repair their space bridge. In the meantime, Scavenger and Smokescreen broke into the Decepticon moonbase's space bridge control room and activated their bridge, connecting it to the Autobots' one on Earth. Hot Shot got their bridge working just in time for the missiles to arrive and fly straight into the portal, teleporting them straight back to the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}

===Live-action film series===
====''Transformers'' RISK====
If the [[Risk|''Transformers'' RISK]] game is to be taken at face value, there is a location on Cybertron housing a stationary space bridge. This area is bordered by [[Perihex]] and [[Polyhex]], and is linked via a bridge to [[Kalis]]. It is in this location where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] began his adventure. {{storylink|Risk}}

====IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics====
Space bridges (also known as "transpatial portals") were first used by the [[Dynasty of Primes]], allowing them to transport between dimensions. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}} [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] had the ability to create space bridges, teleporting across worlds and between planets. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 3|Tales of the Fallen #3}} It was eventually discontinued in later models because of the excessive rate of failure. Apparently it was prone to catastrophic malfunction. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

Thousands of years after the fall of the Dynasty of Primes, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] recreated space bridge technology, claiming it would allow the Autobots to win the war. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} The [[pillar]]s that served as the basis of the technology were stored on the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but after it sustained damage in a Decepticon attack, they malfunctioned and began to warp the ship randomly across space and time until it crashed on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 1}}

[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]'s Decepticons subsequently recovered most of the pillars from the wrecked ship. [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] used one of them to create a primitive space bridge on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], allowing the Decepticons to travel back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through the passage created by the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} The trials were successful, but because of the distance between Mars and Cybertron, the Decepticons would have to pass through several nodes to return to their homeworld. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 2|The Reign of Starscream #2}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film====
[[Image:ROTF Jetfire space bridge.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
{{quote|You{{m-}}you blue-lighted us and something loud and painful and hallucinogenic happened and there was five seconds of Ted Nugent meets [[Thor]] and then...!|[[Sam Witwicky]] describes going through a space bridge.|[[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen]]}}
[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] mentioned the Space Bridge by name shortly before he did a really half-assed job of throwing himself and the rest of the heroes halfway across the world to Egypt, wrecking Sam's hand in the process (Jetfire wasn't entirely sure they were still on the right planet). The even-more-ancient but significantly less senile [[The Fallen|Fallen]], one of the [[Thirteen|original Primes]], shows a similar ability where he teleports across short distances, seeming to use it as a form of flight. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{-}}
====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
During the last days of Cybertron's civil war, Autobot leader [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] developed a new space bridge technology which used [[Pillar|a system of pillars]] to provide instantaneous transport between any two points. It was hoped that the technology would be able to turn the tide of the war and defeat the Decepticons once and for all. But the technology was lost when Decepticon ships attacked the Autobot flagship ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', which was transporting both Sentinel and the pillars.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg‎|thumb|250px|left|]]

In 1961, the ''Ark'' crash landed on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], sparking a space race between the [[United States of America]] and the [[Soviet Union]] in an effort to reach the wreck first. During this era, the Decepticons began removing hundreds of pillars from the crash site, an activity secretly recorded by Soviet space probes. Decades later, the Autobots learned of the ''Ark'''s presence on the Moon, and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] traveled to the crash site to investigate. Once aboard, the two retrieved Sentinel Prime's body and five of the pillars, including the master pillar that controlled the bridge. Back on Earth, the pillars were confiscated by [[NEST]] out of fear that they would be used as weapons.

That fear was quickly realized when Sentinel attacked the Autobots and their human allies, revealing that he had made a truce with Megatron in order to save Cybertron from destruction. Stealing the five pillars, he activated them in front of the Lincoln Memorial, teleporting hundreds of Decepticons hiding on the Moon onto Earth. [[Chicago]] was soon conquered by the invading army, and there Sentinel and Megatron launched their master plan: using the pillars covertly taken from the ''Ark'' crash site, they would create a space bridge between Earth and Cybertron, bringing their homeworld into Earth's atmosphere. Earth would then be raided for its resources, and humanity would be enslaved and forced to rebuild Cybertron.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg‎|thumb|300px|]] Look, it's Unicron!

NEST and the Autobots eventually arrived in Chicago to retake the war-torn city, and Optimus Prime was able to knock over the control pillar, deactivating the space bridge. It was only a temporary victory, though, as the Decepticon human ally [[Dylan Gould]] restarted the pillar and the transport sequence recommenced. Ultimately, Gould was killed by [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] destroyed the control pillar. With the bridge rendered inoperable, Cybertron collapsed and was completely destroyed. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
[[Image:TFA Space Bridge.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Chevron seven is locked.]]
Space bridges are used to travel around the galaxy. This incarnation takes the form of a large, forked structure and works by generating a sphere of energy between the two prongs.

The technology is exclusively Autobot, and gave them a major strategic advantage over the Decepticons: thanks to the bridges, the Decepticon expansion was halted. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

The [[AllSpark]] was thrown into one to keep it out of Decepticon hands. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Bumblebee (Animated)|small]] [[Bulkhead (Animated)|band]] [[Prowl (Animated)|of]] [[Ratchet (Animated)|Autobots]] were put in charge of repairing space bridges. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] planned to use some schematics to build his own, allowing him to [[transwarp]] to Cybertron and strike it without warning. He kidnapped [[Isaac Sumdac]] to design it {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} and used [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] to build it, but it wasn't enough. With [[Bulkhead (Animated)|some additional help]] he completed it, {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}} but as often is the case with Decepticon plans, it didn't end well. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

During the [[Decepticon Uprisings]], the Decepticons went after every space bridge on the periphery in a simultaneous assault. [[Team Chaar]] were the first squad to capture a bridge, but couldn't arrive at the [[Space bridge nexus]] on Cybertron as Shockwave, who held the access codes at the nexus, was waiting for Megatron's signal to begin the attack. The network was later shut down by the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

[[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] used components from a transwarp generator in order to create a teleportation pod which she used to transform [[Wasp]] into a [[Technorganic]] being; however, after its use, the chamber exploded. {{storylink|Predacons Rising}} Bulkhead along with Isaac Sumdac later attempted to work together in making a space bridge on Earth for the Autobots but faced many arguments on how to calibrate the equipment. Luckily, Sari Sumdac managed to activate the system which was later used to transport Optimus Prime onto the [[Steelhaven (Animated)|Elite Guard flagship]] which had been taken over by the former Decepticon prisoners. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

===''Exodus''===
Space bridges were the foundation for Cybertron's [[Golden Age]], linking it to [[Velocitron]], [[Gigantion]], [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and the [[Hub (G2)|Hub]]. As they grew less reliable, Cybertron's society stagnated and lost contact with its colonies. During the civil war, only one in Cybertron's orbit was still believed to be operational. When the ''[[Ark (Prime)|Ark]]'' and the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'' entered it, it separated the two ships to different parts of space. According to [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], the space bridges work by tearing holes in the fabric of reality. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}

===''Prime''===
====''Prime'' comic====
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] was assigned by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] to find remnants of space bridges, and he successfully built one in [[Kaon]]. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] overloaded its systems, jumping through it and landing on [[Earth]]—as did Starscream—before it blew up. Meanwhile, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] developed the [[GroundBridge]], to transport themselves across [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Prime (comic)|Transformers: Prime}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[Image:PrimeSpacebridge.jpg|thumb|''Stargate: Cybertron.'' Only on the Hub]]

Starscream built a space bridge in Earth's orbit, which he used to bring back Megatron from his deep space [[Dark Energon]] expedition, {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 1}} Megatron intended to use Dark Energon to resurrect the Cybertronian dead and bring them to Earth via the space bridge. The Autobots discovered the Decepticons' plans for a space time vortex generator, indicating that they had built a space bridge. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 4}} The fact that the [[Nemesis (Prime)|Decepticon ship]]'s navigation sensors were damaged meant that the Decepticons had to use a radio dish array in [[Texas]] to target the space bridge at Cybertron. Once this was accomplished, Megatron heaved a big chunk of Dark Energon through and raised Cybertron's dead. This undead army began traversing the space bridge to Earth, however the Autobots had obtained the space bridge schematics, and were able to reverse the valve on the energon pump. The reversed power caused the space bridge to explode, taking the zombie army and possibly Megatron with it. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 5}}

While observing [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'s battle with Optimus and Bumblebee, Soundwave picked up a Decepticon life signal near the remains of the space bridge, possibly Megatron's. Although initially trying to dismiss it, Starscream eventually went to investigate. At the space bridge debris field, he found Megatron, still alive thanks to the Dark Energon crystal he had placed within himself. Although Starscream intended to leave Megatron for dead, Soundwave, not trusting his comrade, sent his [[Deployer (Prime)|Deployer]] to also search the space bridge debris field, forcing Starscream to take Megatron back to the Decepticon ship. {{storylink|Masters & Students}}

Aiming to build a new space bridge, the Decepticons set about stealing the components they'd need, including a phase converter, plasma injector, neutron shield, tesseract and a suitable power source. {{storylink|One Shall Fall}} After the unfortunate incident with [[Unicron]], the Decepticons stole the necessary power source. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 1}}

The Autobots searched for the space bridge so they could use it to reach Cybertron. With Starscream's help, they located it in a disused energon mine and managed to secure it and send [[Jack Darby]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] through. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 2}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
After contact was lost with a team of Decepticons dispatched to [[Zel Samine]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] took a shuttle to the planet and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] would follow using a space bridge portal aboard the shuttle. Some technical problems occurred at first, leading to a rant from Starscream on how using a portable space bridge was asking for trouble. Soundwave assured him that the next attempt would work, but then, the portal blew up. Starscream enquired what had happened to Megatron, as he was on the bridge when the malfunction occurred. Soundwave detected that Megatron had been transported to only a slightly different location and Starscream suggested they go and fetch him.

When Megatron was found, Soundwave explained the effects of the solar system's sun, [[Paradius]], had been causing the problems with the shuttle and the space bridge and that they were forced to repair either one if they wished to leave the planet.

Meanwhile, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] detected the space bridge energy and warned the other Autobots that the Decepticons were in the area too. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

==Merchandise==
* '''RISK TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Battle Edition''' (2007)
: The Space Bridge is one of the yellow zones on the board.

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Space bridge''' (スペースブリッジ ''supēsu burijji'')
*''German:'' '''Weltraumbrücke''' ("space bridge"), '''Raumbrücke''' (''Generation 2'', "space bridge")
*''Polish:'' '''Most kosmiczny''' ("space bridge")

[[Category:Animated technology]]
[[Category:Armada technology]]
[[Category:Generation 1 technology]]
[[Category:Cybertron technology]]
[[Category:Energon technology]]
[[Category:Movie technology]]
[[Category:Prime technology]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen technology]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise technology]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron technology]]

Protoform

2012-04-26T12:24:23Z

67.77.216.171:

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

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

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

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

In some universes, existing Transformers can place their sparks in a newly created protoform in order to assume a new form, or to recreate their old one. This is one way of rapidly repairing even the most extreme damage, by virtue of totally replacing the body.

==Fiction==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon===
[[Image:Stasispod.jpg|right|200px|thumb| Six heroes arrived on the island's shores in canisters... These heroes were called Toa...wait, wrong franchise!]]
Protoforms are often contained within [[stasis pod]]s and dropped into unexplored worlds. The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' carried many such stasis pods for exploration reasons, and also [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]], a failed attempt to create an immortal spark, which was intended for dumping somewhere barren. When the ship was shot down over prehistoric [[Earth]], [[Optimus Primal]] ordered the protoforms on board ejected into space. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} A while later, when the first stasis pod crashed to the ground, [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] was able to use a laser link to activate the pod's [[DNA scanner]], allowing it to scan for compatible life-forms and reformat the protoform inside into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

While [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was in her protoform state, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] was able to install a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[shell program]], turning her against the [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} On a later occasion, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] worked frantically to save another protoform and the [[spark]] it contained, ultimately succeeding and bringing forth [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} Another attempt on Tarantulas's part to create a third spider Predacon failed when it turned out that the stasis pod had already scanned a life form, and metamorphosed the protoform into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

The destruction of the [[Vok]] [[Planet Buster]] knocked the remaining stasis pods out of orbit. Two were damaged on impact, reformatting the protoforms within into [[Fuzor]]s. A third pod found by the Maximals contained a "[[blank]]" — a protoform with no spark. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Rhinox was able to bring back Optimus Primal from the dead using the blank protoform. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Protoform X also turned up, crashed in a swamp, and was able to be converted into a Predacon by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} One protoform was twisted by a badly malfunctioning pod into the being which became known as [[Transmutate (character)|Transmutate]]. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

A blank protoform was used by Megatron in a grand experiment, the ultimate fruit of which was a [[Transmetal 2]] recreation of [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

===''Beast Wars II'' cartoon===
[[Image:Protoforms1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Pretty spry for globs of pudding]]

[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] warriors, who look like protoforms, were shown moving about the Predacon warship using their own power, though they were not shown to speak or have any kind of personality. After the Predacons had gathered enough information about the machines of [[Gaea]]'s past, they then fed the information into the protoforms via energy waves. The protoforms were then altered into the [[Autoroller|Autorollers]]. {{storylink|White Lion, Run!}}

The atmosphere of the Planet Gaea could have caused the protoforms to rust. {{storylink|The New Forces Arrive!}} Despite this, a protoform was seen on the bridge of the ''[[Galvaburg II]]'' well into their visit to the planet. {{storylink|The Insect Corps Arrive}}

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

{{-}}

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

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

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' comics===
Protoforms are the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals are sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. {{Storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

===''G.I. Joe vs the Transformers''===
A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?" {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}}

===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by [[primary programming]].

===Live-action films===
[[Image:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|right|180px|thumb|[[Wikipedia:The Terminator|I gotta find some clothes!]]]]

Protoforms grow and survive by feeding inside [[energon]] wombs. ''{{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}'' Protoforms are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists inside each robot. Protoforms are made of an ultra-dense, liquid metal material and are extremely hard to damage.

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

[[Image:ROTF Protoform with weapon.jpg|thumb|left|180px|In Decepticon culture, it is customary for new recruits to fight completely naked.]]
[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s attempts to breed a new army were met with failure because of low energon supplies, and the "[[hatchling]]s", as they were affectionately termed, were dying. When many Decepticons arrived on Earth with [[The Fallen]] to claim the [[Sun]], they did not bother assuming alternate modes, and remained in their protoforms. They assisted in attacking NEST forces in Egypt where many were killed in a fire fight with the Autobots and Human troops. The remaining ones were killed by a U.S. military air strike. ''{{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}''

Many Decepticon protoforms were hidden on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], and came to [[Earth]] via the [[space bridge]] activated by [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]].

When Sentinel gave the command for the Decepticons to isolate [[Chicago]], many protoforms (some [[Orbital Assault Carrier|airborne]]) assisted in the occupation. One particular protoform pilot came and fired upon [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Robert Epps]] and the other [[NEST]] soldiers, but they were saved when the protoform's ship was shot down by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. The [[Wrecker]]s came along and ripped the pilot apart, telling him that it would hurt a lot. ''Ouch. (Owie!)''

[[Image:Dotm Protoform.jpg|thumb|right|250px|He shoots at point blank range yet still doesn't kill Que!]]
Later, under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], another protoform aided in rounding up several Autobots that had infiltrated the city. At the behest of the human traitor [[Dylan Gould]], Soundwave ordered the Autobot prisoners executed, starting with [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] pushed the Autobot scientist forward despite his pleas for mercy, and the protoform delivered the first shot, while Barricade killed Que by shooting him in the back, laughing derisively as his victim fell. He then looked on as Soundwave prepared to execute Bumblebee. But before Soundwave could kill him, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] caused Decepticon fighters, as well as some of the Decepticon crew, to crash down from a Decepticon battle-cruiser. This caused a distraction that allowed Bumblebee and the other captive Autobots to break free, resulting in Soundwave's and the protoform's death. The remaining Protoforms were pushed back by the joint Autobot/NEST attack, and Optimus Prime downed many when he charged down the main battle field. Nearly all of the troops present in the city were defeated, while many remained active around the Earth. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

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

{{-}}

===''Animated'' cartoon===
[[Image:Ani42 protoformblank.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[John DiMaggio|"When I grow up, I wanna be a steam shovel!"]]]]
Protoforms are created from "proto-matter", mined from Cybertron's [[Sonic Canyons]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} In their pre-life state, they resemble featureless grey mannequins, and are stored in pods that line the walls of the secret [[Matrix Chamber]] hidden in the dojo of their assigned protectors, the venerable Autobot [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]]. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} Customarily, prior to being brought on line, protoforms are placed into "moulds", pre-built robot shells, which their proto-matter expands to fill. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} Following this, either the [[AllSpark#Animated|AllSpark]] or the mega-computer [[Vector Sigma]] is used to bestow them with a [[spark]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} It is possible, however, to forego the use of a mould and place a spark in a protoform directly. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} The same basic mould can be used for multiple protoforms, leading to [[Retool|similarities]] in [[body-type]] and transformation schemes; the [[65356-9292-346]] type is particularly popular and widely-used. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} Where humans would describe themselves as being "born", Transformers are "protoformed". Additionally, "protoform" is sometimes used pejoratively in Cybertronian society as a mocking name for the young or inexperienced.

In the closing stages of the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], Cyber-Ninja sensei [[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]] revealed the Matrix Chamber and its legion of protoforms to his student [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], lamenting that while they should be Cybertron's next great generation, they would wind up being used as an army of last resort if [[Project Omega]] failed to bring the war to an end. Subsequently, while Prowl was absent on a quest to commune with the AllSpark, [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], another former student of Yoketron's, attacked the dojo and stole nearly all of the protoforms for [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} As luck would have it, Project Omega ''did'' succeed in ending the war, and when the Decepticons were exiled from the planet, they secretly took the stolen protoforms with them. However, without the AllSpark, (which had been launched into space by the Autobots to keep it out of his clutches), Megatron had no means of bringing the protoforms to life, and so they remained in storage aboard the space cruiser ''[[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]'' for millions of years. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

[[Image:TransWarpedProtoform.jpg|thumb|left|225px|My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!]]

Some time in the 22nd century, a protoform which had been granted a spark through means unknown, in a highly atypical foetus-like form, somehow materialized on [[Earth]], in the laboratory of human scientist [[Isaac Sumdac]]. When Sumdac touched the protoform, it scanned his DNA, and reconfigured itself into a techno-organic form resembling a human baby. Sumdac "adopted" the strange little creature, naming it [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]], and raising her as his daughter, never telling her of her true origins. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

Eight years after Sumdac found Sari, the quest for the AllSpark brought the Transformers' war to Earth, and Sari and her father became allies of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots. To forge a power base for himself, treacherous Decepticon lieutenant [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] set up base in the ''Nemesis'' (which he had crashed on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]]), using the protoforms that still remained in its hold to create an army of clones of himself. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}} Starscream himself had previously died, but was being sustained through a sliver of the AllSpark wedged in his forehead, and so by breaking off tiny chips of it, he was able to give his clones—[[Skywarp (Animated)|Skywarp]], [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]], [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]], [[Thundercracker (Animated)|Thundercracker]], and [[Ramjet (Animated)| Ramjet]]—the spark of life. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Later, Megatron followed Starscream's example, using three protoforms and three AllSpark fragments to create giant cross-breed clones of [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] and [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], the [[Lugnut Supreme]]s. While Megatron readied his new war machines, Starscream—who had by this point spent a protracted period of time as a decapitated head—used a protoform to create a new body for himself, but it didn't last long: to prevent Starscream from betraying him again, Megatron destroyed his new body, and all the remaining protoforms, save three. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} These three protoforms were then recovered by Optimus Prime's Autobots during their battle with the Lugnut Supremes. Sari believed that she was originally one of the protoforms who had been aboard the Nemesis, but her unusual shape and form while in protoform state, and the unanswered question of how she wound up in her father's lab, left the matter lacking in a definitive resolution. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

===''Prime''===
[[Image:Armada-protoforms.jpg|left|thumb|300px|]]
Protoforms were created by the [[AllSpark]] in the [[Well of All Sparks]]. In the past protoforms would escape from the [[Underworld]] to the Cybertronian surface, but in the era of the [[caste system]] they would be taught to transform, assume their most natural alternate mode and be put to work. Protoforms remained the standard name for one's [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}

{{spoiler|Armada (episode)|April 28, 2012}}
Five protoforms were stored in a laboratory aboard the ''[[Harbinger]]''. When [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] found them, he turned them into [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clones of himself]]. {{storylink|Armada (episode)|Armada}}
{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

* In ''Beast Wars'', [[Nanite]]s are the fundamental component of a protoform.<ref name=BWU>Page 99, ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' Glossary, ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]'' ISBN 978-4766938005</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Protoform''' (プロトフォーム ''Purotofōmu''), '''Cyberdrone''' (''Car Robots'')

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Stub}}

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

Forbidden Fruit

2012-04-25T20:45:27Z

67.77.216.171:

{{episode
|series=BMtoon
|ep=5
|image=ForbiddenFruit titlescreen.jpg
|caption=Yum! Mangoes!
|title="Forbidden Fruit"
|production company=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|airdate=[[October 16]], 1999
|written by=[[Steven Melching]]
|directed by=[[Trenton Carlson]]
|animation studio=[[Mainframe Entertainment]]
|continuity=[[Beast Wars continuity]]
}}
'''A mysterious bat offers a strange new energy supply, but is it a blessing or a curse?'''

==Synopsis==
In the depths of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the two [[technorganic]] warriors, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], mock-spar in their beast modes. They are being tutored by [[Optimus Primal]] on finding their still point during battle so they can transform. Cheetor objects to the new, "mystical" Optimus and proclaims that he trusts his instincts. All this unfolds while they are watched by an unfamiliar set of bat eyes. Beside the more advanced Blackarachnia and Cheetor, now learning to transform in combat, [[Rattrap]] is still struggling with the basics of his technorganic body and relearning the transformation process—unsuccessfully. Optimus Primal tells Rattrap to have patience and just let it happen. Frustrated with his new body and his liability in combat, the rat lashes out at his leader. According to him, Primal should save his advice for the still-missing [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]].

[[Image:Forbidden Fruit Nightscream restrained.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Charlton Heston in a role that will surprise you!]]
Hurt, Optimus Primal leaves Rattrap, while the other two scold the rat for his behavior. Primal notices something up above and catches it. It's a bat, and Primal is shocked at the presence of organic life on Cybertron. Before he can examine it further, he is hit with a sonic pulse, and the creature flaps away. The Maximals pursue the bat in their beast modes through the lower regions of Cybertron before Cheetor transforms and catches the creature. As Cheetor holds the bat down, it speaks! Not only that, it—or rather, he—claims to be a Maximal.

At this point, [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] and his [[Aero Drone]]s appear and attack the Maximals. Optimus Primal, Cheetor, and Blackarachnia transform into combat modes, while Rattrap, unable to transform and devoid of weapons, hides. After a short clash, the Maximals run away, followed by Jetstorm, who fires a homing mine after the Maximals that the bat deflects with a sonic blast. While the Maximals take cover, the Aero Drones are destroyed by the bat, and Jetstorm vows to return.

[[Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb| [Soundwave says that Decepticons|Deceptcion]]superior, Vehicons|Vehicon]]inferior.
The creature, being the kind soul he is, leads the Maximals back to his hideout. On the way, Optimus Primal tells him a simplified story of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], their [[reformatting]], and basically all the events leading up to the present. The bat recounts how he found himself trapped in this new form when the first [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]] attacked Cybertron. As other robots were destroyed, he fell down a deep pit and awoke, he says, in his current, organic body. When the Maximals reach their destination, Primal is amazed at the bat's temporary home. It is a towering, organic fruit tree lodged in the metal world of Cybertron.

[[Image:Forbidden Fruit Optimus Primal tree.jpg|left|200px|thumb|I'm not really digging this new remake of [[King Kong (movie)|''King Kong'']].]]
The creature explains that he has been eating from the tree since his transformation and offers its fruit to the others. While three of them accept, Cheetor is suspicious of the creature. While Optimus Primal tries the fruit, claiming that it may help their organic components, Cheetor retorts that he only processes [[energon]], period. Cheetor interrogates the bat and demands answers. He wants to know if the newcomer's an agent for [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], but the bat denies it, as Megatron took everything he loved away from him. Cheetor and the bat go back to the others, but the Maximals seem unresponsive and strange. Primal beats his chest and speaks in a primitive way, while Rattrap and Blackarachnia squabble over the fruit, hissing and nipping one another. The organic fruits have magnified their bestial sides, creating a mental imbalance and the eventual dominance of their animal natures.

Amidst the chaos, Jetstorm reappears and attacks. Cheetor attempts to snap the others out of their beast mentality and get them transform. They ignore him, and he and the bat attempt to take the food away from the increasingly feral Maximals. Cheetor notices the trunk of the organic tree, transforms, and cuts it down, despite the bat's protests. This restores the affected Maximals to their old selves, and they transform and begin the fight. The bat is badly hurt by a blast from Jetstorm, and the only way to save his life is for Optimus Primal to reformat him.

[[Image:Nightscreambm.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Dammit, Mainframe. This is why nobody liked ''Beast Machines''!]]
From his chest, a brilliant white light shoots out. The bat's organic components are mixed with technology, and a technorganic bat emerges. Transforming into his new robot mode, he decimates the ranks of the Aero Drones and drains energon out of Jetstorm until the general crashes. But reformatting the creature has taken its toll on Optimus. He is severely weakened and requests Cheetor to lead while he recovers, as Cheetor was right to destroy the tree; its purely organic nature was creating imbalance in their technorganic bodies. Cheetor eagerly accepts and orders Optimus to be placed on a stretcher.

The new robot decides to travel with them and introduces himself as [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]. But as they leave, a fruit from the organic tree puts down roots into what appears to be organic soil!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=[[Maximal]]s
|c1=
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (1)
*[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (2)
*[[Optimus Primal]] (3)
*[[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] (4)
*[[Rattrap]] (5)

|h2=[[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s
|c2=
*[[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] (6)
*[[Aero Drone]]s (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"How do you expect to master your new body if you keep turning your back on the Matrix, the source of our very sparks." 
"I hate to disappoint you, Big Bot, but, (grunts) in the heat of the battle, I have to follow my instincts, not ''blind faith''.
:—'''Optimus''' preaches it, but '''Cheetor''' opposes it.

"But that's impossible. How can it ''live'' down here?" 
"Eh, even with wings, a rat's a rat. And we're survivors."
:—'''Blackarachnia''' and '''Rattrap''' spot a bat.

"Well, well, well. Looks like what we have here is an unlawful assembly. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you boys downtown—''in pieces!''"
:—'''Jetstorm'''

"That's it! I'm through working with a bunch of empty-headed tin-plated-" [''is interrupted by Maximals''] "Ganging up on me? Let's see how tough you are when I bring a whole battalion back!"
:—'''Jetstorm''' suffers from ADD.

"I was trying to remember how to transform. I thought I could learn by watching him. Like that would ever happen." 
"'''Like that would ever happen.'''"
:—'''Nightscream''' doesn't have a high opinion of '''Rattrap''' (or anyone else, actually).

"Sit! Eat! Get strong!"
:—'''Optimus Primal''', nutritional specialist on fruit

==Notes==
===Animation and Technical errors===
* When the Maximals escape into the underground and knock out a large metal cover blocking the tunnel, one of the bolts fallen on the ground clips through the thick metal plate as it drops down on top of it.

===Continuity errors===

===Transformers references===
* During his flashback, Nightscream is seen hiding behind a Transformer that resembles [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]].

===Real-world references===
* As the Maximals hold down Nightscream, he looks at Optimus and cries, "Get your stinking paws off me, you big, dirty ape!", semi-quoting the famous line from the Charlton Heston film ''Planet of the Apes''.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Le Fruit Défendu'''" ("The Forbidden Fruit")

:*''Title:'' "'''Fruit Défendu'''" ("Forbidden Fruit")

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Kindan no Kajitsu'''" (禁断の果実, "Forbidden Fruit")

'''Spanish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''El Fruto Prohibido'''" ("The Forbidden Fruit")

===Trivia===
* This episode was riffed on in [[MSTF]] fashion at [[BotCon 2000]]. It is one of two ''Beast Machines'' episodes to get the MSTF treatment, the other being "[[A Wolf in the Fold]]".

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Returns'' — Volume 2 ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Geneon Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Beast Machines: Transformers'' — The Complete Series ([[Rhino Entertainment|Rhinomation]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Season One: Volume One ([[Sony]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Season One: Volume One — Reformatting (Sony) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Complete Season One (Sony) 
[[Image:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Beast Machines'' — Intégrale Saison 1 (Sony) — French audio only.

[[Category:Beast Machines episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]