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Primus

2011-04-03T20:04:56Z

68.38.136.117: /* Aligned continuity */

{{factions|autobot}}
[[Image:PrimusG1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|''[[Hasbro|They]] call him Gee-Oh-Dee And he the [[Big Daddy (G1)|big daddy]] He look like [[Hot Rod (G1)|me]] But he more [[Facial hair|beardie]]'']]
'''Primus''' is the creator-god of the [[Transformer]]s. An ancient and ethereal being whose origins date back to the beginnings of the universe itself, Primus is a multiversal force for good, his life force existing across multiple realities and infinite alternate universes. In each one, he is the final defense against his fallen sibling, [[Unicron]] the Chaos-Bringer.

Primus eventually transformed himself into the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]; from its surface, his creations have risen to defend and patrol the galaxy. Within the depths of Cybertron, the mega-computer [[Vector Sigma]] serves as his internal mainframe, and a gateway for select Transformers to access his power. A portion of his lifeforce resides within the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]], which often determines the [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot]]s. Prophecies of a war to come were written down in his [[Covenant of Primus|holy covenant]] as well. The [[spark]] of each Transformer is a small piece of Primus's essence, and together they form his lifeforce, the [[Allspark]].

Though wise and powerful beyond measure, Primus is neither infallible nor without weakness. At times he has [[Out of Time!|been deceived by mere mortals]], and has made [[The Sun|miscalculations]] which [[Balancing Act|jeopardized all of existence]], and has been betrayed by one of his [[The Fallen|earliest creations]]. Indeed, even the intended agents of his grand plan, the Transformers, have all too frequently become mired in endless civil war. Still, in [[Withered Hope|most realities]] he has [[Wreckers: Finale Part II|managed to hold the line]] against Unicron and other threats, either directly or through his innumerable children, the Transformers.

{{quote|Until all are one!|Primus to his children|"[[Trap]]"}}

==In the beginning==
[[Image:Primus original.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hold the sword and say, "I am the Protector of the Universe!"]]
Before the dawn of time, Order and Chaos existed within an extradimensional entity known as [[The One]]. To explore the fledgling universe, he created the astral being known as [[Unicron]], and then subdivided him, creating his twin, Primus. Both brothers were [[Multiversal singularity|multiversal singularities]], unique in all realities, but whereas Unicron could only exist in one dimension at a time, moving between them at will, Primus existed simultaneously in all realities at once. It is suggested, in fact, that the two brothers embody the basic concepts of reality—good and evil, order and chaos—and that their continued existence is necessary for the stability of the multiverse.

[[Image:Primusoriginal.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"No, [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] is [[FIRRIB| ''blue''!"]]]]
As Unicron and Primus went about their appointed task, venturing through the cosmos, it became apparent to Primus that Unicron was a corrupt being, and he took it upon himself to stop the threat posed to all of existence by his sibling. In combat, Primus was no match for Unicron. In cunning, however, he proved himself to his brother's superior when he shifted their battle to the astral plane, and then back to the physical world once more, only to have both their essences manifest within metallic planetoids, leaving them both trapped. It was with this act of sacrifice that Primus hoped to contain Unicron's evil forever. Unfortunately for him, over time, Unicron learned to psionically shape his prison into a giant metallic planet, and Primus followed suit, becoming the mechanical world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. When Unicron then learned to transform his planetary form even further, into a gigantic robot form, Primus adapted the idea to suit his own ends—rather than transforming his own body, he would create small beings that would be able to change their shape, like Unicron. After performing a "test run" on the moon of [[Protos]], where he successfully created [[Covenant|twelve transforming robotic beings]], {{storylink|Herald, Covenant, Schism, Paradox|Covenant}} he birthed from his own body a group of thirteen robots that possessed the ability to change shape, like Unicron. These were the [[thirteen original Transformers]], each one infused with a fragment of Primus's life essence known as a [[spark]].

The Thirteen were Primus's soldiers in his war with Unicron, which came to its seeming end during a climactic battle in which one of the Thirteen, Megatronus Prime, who would forever afterwards be known as the [[The Fallen|Fallen]], betrayed Primus and became an acolyte of Unicron. The battle ended when the Fallen and Unicron were sucked into a black hole and disappeared from reality. With Unicron gone for now, Primus entered an eons-long slumber, his self-imposed sleep preventing Unicron from detecting him through the mental link the brothers shared. The Transformer race grew, and Primus fell into the realm of legend, with a portion of his power, the [[Matrix of Leadership]], handed down through the generations, serving as the Transformers' ever-present link to their creator.

===Evolution of the Primus/Unicron myth===
''The Primus/Unicron backstory has evolved and been rewritten a good number of times since it first originated in the [[Marvel Comics]] series. The version recounted above is the current iteration, which has slowly solidified across a wide swath of media (beginning around the time of [[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]). Before the Primus/Unicron mythos reached its present form it went through several distinct versions in the Marvel G1 comics and elsewhere.''

====Unicron's story====
''The first time we ever heard the Primus/Unicron backstory was in the UK comic continuity, from Unicron himself, in the story "[[The Legacy of Unicron!]]", when he recounted it to [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]]. Per Unicron's telling of events, he was a primal force of evil at the dawn of the universe who led an army of [[Dark God]]s against his mortal foe, Primus, Lord of the [[Light God]]s (note the plural). Events proceeded to play out basically as described above, though the role of the Light and Dark Gods would diminish with each subsequent retelling of the story, until the current version, in which Primus and Unicron are alone and have a unique origin. (Only one of the other gods was ever named—the [[Chronarchitect]]. How exactly he factors into the current iteration of the myth is unknown.)''

====The Keeper's story====
''The second time the story was told was in the US book by the [[Keeper (Transformer)|Keeper]], an ancient mechanoid who guarded Primus's head at the center of Cybertron. This telling is effectively the same as the previous UK story, but mentions that their battle was towards the end of the era of gods, that Primus and Unicron were the last of their respective pantheons, and Primus had to defeat Unicron before he could take his place with the other gods in the "[[Omniversal Matrix]]".''

====Primus's story====
''The third time the story was told was also in the US Marvel series, this time by Primus, when he gathered all his children together to prepare for Unicron's coming. It was with this telling that we learned that Unicron predated the [[universe (universe)|current universe]], and had destroyed the [[old realms|previous universe]] which existed before the current one. He had slept peacefully, alone in the [[void]] of uncreation that remained, until fragments of the old universe that he had overlooked reacted, causing the Big Bang and birthing the current universe. The "sentient core" of this new universe recognized the threat that Unicron posed, and so created Primus to counter his evil and be guardian of the new creation.''

====Fleer and DK====
[[Image:WarWithinPrimus.jpg|left|150px|thumb|I feel prickly...]]
''The first modern retelling of the origins of Primus and Unicron did not come from G1-oriented media, but from a set of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' trading cards released by Fleer. It was the backstory printed on Unicron's card which introduced the concept of the two being brothers created to explore the new universe by an extradimensional entity, here named the "[[Allspark]]."''

''This was subsequently expanded on and combined with aspects of the various Marvel Comics stories in [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]], published by Dorling Kindersley and written by [[Simon Furman]], who had written all three prior tellings in the first place. Here, the entity Fleer had called the "Allspark" was redubbed "[[The One]]," and the modern iteration of the myth detailed above was firmly established, and went on to form the backbone of subsequent fiction such as ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' and [[Fun Publications]]' ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' comics.''

''It was also at this point that it was established that Primus could transform from Cybertron into a robot mode like Unicron, but preferred not to, choosing to remain connected to the universe on a planetary level.''
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==Generation 1==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Primalscream.jpg|right|250px|thumb|KHHHHHAAAAANNNNN!]]
Eventually, millions of years later, in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|one universe]] located in the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Primax cluster]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] found themselves transported to the center of Cybertron, where they discovered the sleeping form of Primus {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} and were told the tale of his and the Transformers' origins by the [[Keeper]]. Subsequently, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s [[Pretender]]s attacked, and during the battle, a laser blast ricocheted off Grimlock and struck the essence of the sleeping Primus, causing a universe-shaking "Primal Scream" that alerted Unicron (who was located "outside the fringes of known space") to Primus's location. {{storylink|Primal Scream (issue)|Primal Scream}} Primus himself immediately slipped back into his sleep, but it was too late. Unicron was coming. {{storylink|Bird of Prey!}}

{{note|Later, in "[[Vector Prime: In the Beginning]]," this event would be presented in a greater context, with the Primal Scream being heard multiversally, and awakening Unicron from his own slumber as well.}}

[[Image:OutofTime-wakePrimus.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Have you tried crashing cymbals together?]]

After [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] sent teams of Autobots to retrieve the lost [[Creation Matrix]], the container of Primus' essence that could destroy Unicron, he communed with the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s [[:Image:Arkaltar.jpg|Altar to Primus]]. Reaching out his mind to the Creation Matrix, the altar gave him a vision of a Matrix that had been tainted by evil. {{storylink|Kings of the Wild Frontier}}

Unicron dispatched a group of [[Hook, Line, and Sinker|heralds]] to attack Cybertron and pave the way for his coming, including a [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]] plucked from an [[Rhythms of Darkness!|alternate future]]. Galvatron, however, was not content to serve under Unicron, and instead captured Autobot leader [[Emirate Xaaron]], forcing him to fully awaken Primus, who possessed Xaaron's body and summoned Transformers from all across the universe back to Cybertron. {{storylink|Out of Time!}} Here, Primus spoke through Xaaron, telling the Transformers of his history with Unicron. Additionally, Primus chose Optimus Prime to lead both factions, united, against the Chaos Bringer. Primus knew this would draw out the [[Unicron cultist]]s among them, and Autobot and Decepticon were able to put aside their differences to defeat them. When Optimus Prime learned of Primus' ruse, his suspicions regarding his Creator's motives began to grow. Optimus wondered if the Transformers meant anything to Primus beyond being a means to an end. {{storylink|The Void! (US)|The Void!}}

[[Image:OntheEdgeofExtinction-Primus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Now you're like me.]]

Though their battle against the Unicron cultists did temporarily unite both factions, this facade shattered once the Planet-Eater arrived. Sheer terror prevented them from carrying out his desire, and the Transformers fled despite Primus' pleas. Primus instead made a stand himself, attempting to dupe Unicron into believing he still retained his full power, but Unicron saw through the deception, and destroyed Xaaron's body. Optimus Prime came to a realization, following Primus' destruction and his retrieval of the lost and contaminated Creation Matrix, that Primus did not mean only for the Transformers to fight his battles for him, but to carry on after he was gone. Flying into space with the Matrix, Prime unleashed the full measure of Primus's power, destroying Unicron. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}}

Though the Transformers were technically victorious, this victory came with a price. With Primus dead, and with the grievous wounds inflicted on Cybertron itself, the planet threatened to come apart. The Transformers made plans to flee it. {{storylink|Exodus!}} Ultimately, this was averted by the [[Last Autobot]], who put into motion the planet's recovery, allowing the Autobots, who had finally won the civil war, to return to their home. {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}

{{note|As originally written, it is quite clear that the story intends for Primus to have died after his battle with Unicron. As the current retcon makes it clear that this cannot possibly be, one must assume that Prime was wrong in his analysis that Primus had died. Notably, even in the original comics themselves, the Matrix—the life-force of Primus—is shown to still exist and is functioning fine in the G2 Marvel Comics series that follows his supposed death.}}
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====''Classics''====
The Last Autobot created a race of tiny beings, [[Mini-Con]]s, to rebuild and restore Cybertron so that it would be ready for the Autobots' return. Part of the Mini-Cons' job was to excise certain evolutionary throwbacks, remnants of Primus' earlier experiments, such as the [[Mutant (G1)|Mutant]]s, and this alarmed one Mini-Con. He suspected that one day that Primus would consider the Mini-Cons surplus to requirements as well, and he instigated an insurgency against their Creator and his followers. {{storylink|The New World}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
{{note|Primus did not exist in the American [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] as it was originally written, since it was produced long before the [[retcon]] which established him to be a multiversal singularity. Precisely how Primus should then fit into the framework of the cartoon has not been explicitly established, although the [[Universe (2003 comic)|''Universe'' comic'']]'' offered one attempt for its continuity (see "Beast Era", below). Primus was, however, explicitly and thoroughly retconned into being part of the expanded universe of the ''Japanese'' cartoon continuity by the [[Kiss Players (franchise)|Kiss Players]] fiction of 2007, as part of a complicated process that folded various animated concepts—[[Oracle (G1)|Primacron's assistant]], [[Vector Sigma]] and the [[Oracle (G1)|Oracle]]—into the Primus myth.}}
[[Image:TGGPrimus.jpg|left|220px|thumb|Now you need to get this toy.]]

Formerly the assistant to the Primacron, the ancient genius who created the giant mechanoid Unicron, the robotic being known as the Oracle was badly damaged when Unicron rebelled against his creator. His essence fled to a dead world at the centre of the galaxy, which he used his powers to transform into a verdant, green planet. However, the Oracle could sense that in the future, Primacron would go on to create another universal danger in the form of Tornedron, and so summoned a group of [[Primitive]] Transformers back through time from the year 2010 to his planet, where he instructed them in how to destroy the threat. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}/{{storylink|Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Kiss Players timeline}}

[[Image:TGGPrimus2.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Primus = Oracle = Vector Sigma = Primacron's Assistant = aaaargh.]]

Later in his life, the Oracle also reached through time when he discovered that the evil [[Sparkbot]]s were attempted to recreate Unicron following the planet-eater's destruction in the year 2005. By this stage calling himself "Primus", the Oracle attempted to stop the villains and their unwitting pawns, the human [[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]], appearing as a giant golden hand to snatch away the fragments of Unicron's lifeforce each time the Kiss Players recovered them. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #45-46}} Unfortunately, this merely led the Kiss Players to pursue him through the timestream and resulted in them crashing into the "[[Wall of Time]]" and becoming scattered throughout the multiverse. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #47}} Knowing that the Kiss Players were innocent in this whole affair, having been duped by the Sparkbots, the benevolent Primus rescued them from the different regions of time and space they had wound up in, and properly introduced himself, explaining the Sparkbots' treachery. He then took them back in time to prehistoric Earth, arriving just in time to witness the Sparkbots' successful restoration of Unicron to life. Primus transformed once more and unleashed the power of his mobile cannon platform, destroying Unicron's energy and sealing it and the Sparkbots deep within the planet. To ensure that Unicron would never be freed again, he created a mighty guardian, [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Brave Maximus]], who would watch over it and the Earth. With the battle over, Shaoshao asked about the Kiss Players' future, but Primus did not reply. After sending the Kiss Players back to their home time, Primus transformed into the golden sphere of Vector Sigma and returned to his world to sleep. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players radio drama #48-51}}

Unfortunately for Primus, as he slumbered, his world was eventually discovered by the alien Quintessons, who shackled his powers and used them to both transform the planet into the metallic Cybertron, and to create the races of robots that would eventually become the Transformers. Additionally, the aliens acquired the shell that had held his essence, which became, through unknown means, the talisman that would be known to the Transformers as the Matrix of Leadership. {{storylink|Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Kiss Players timeline}}
{{note|For further information, see [[Vector Sigma]] and [[Oracle (G1)|Oracle]].}}

===Beast Era===
====''Tales From the Beast Wars''====
[[Image:Terminus-Primus.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Great, now he's going to become the Smoke Monster.]]

Before Primus became Cybertron, he plotted to create robotic life that would ultimately defeat Unicron, but first he needed to do a test run. He created twelve beings, the [[Covenant]], on a small moon named [[Protos]]. These twelve would watch the Transformers from afar and only intervene when necessary.

Their intervention would become necessary when [[Shokaract]] used Unicron's essence, the [[Decepticon Matrix of Conquest]], to conquer the future, threatening the end of all things at an important historical crossroads dubbed Point Omega. Though the Covenant's ranks were halved in the battle against Shokaract on prehistoric Earth during the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]], they were ultimately able to discover a way to defeat Shokaract and his Unicron-fueled power. The remaining Covenant members returned to their original Primus-spawned energy forms and entered Shokaract's Matrix of Conquest. Reconstituting as an astral form of Primus, they severed Unicron's link with Shokaract, leaving him vulnerable to attack. {{storylink|Terminus}}
{{-}}

====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
In addition to its occasional invocation in prayer or in righteous anger by the Beast Warriors {{storylink|Bad Spark}}, Primus's name was also lent to a set of prophetical datatrax, known as the [[Covenant of Primus]]. From this document, the [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] of this era took his name (as did, presumably, the original [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]), and the scriptures foretold the events which completed the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}

====''Universe''====

{{Note|The [[3H Productions]] ''Wreckers'' comic was the first attempt by official fiction to detail how the Quintesson-born origin of the Generation 1 cartoon could be reconciled with the Primus creation myth from the comic books. Set concurrently with the ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoon, it only ''strictly'' applies to the continuity of the Beast Era, which is not explicitly the same universe as the Generation 1 cartoon itself.}}

Dispatched to an ice world in the far reaches of the galaxy by the orders of the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], [[Primal Prime]]'s [[Wrecker]]s encountered the exiled [[Quintesson]] known as [[Al-Badur]], who revealed to them the full extent of his race's connection to Cybertron and Primus. Al-Badur explained that, millions of years ago, the Quintessons sought to exploit the power of Primus for profit, and to that end, invaded Cybertron and set up numerous barriers to separate Primus from the Transformers. Their first attempt, the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], met with failure; next, the Quintessons targeted Vector Sigma itself, surrounding it with a shell program that acted as a barrier between the Transformers and the power and guidance of Primus. {{storylink|Disclosure}} Realizing that the Oracle itself was the Quintessons' shell program, Primal Prime began to fear that all that had come about as a result of its guidance—including [[Optimus Primal]]'s mission to restore a techno-organic balance to Cybertron—was all part of a Quintesson plot, but [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] assured him that Primus worked in mysterious ways.

The Wreckers soon returned to Cybertron, discovering that in their absence, Optimus Primal had achieved his goal of recreating the planet as a technorganic world. In the wake of this overwhelming transformation, the Quintessons had invaded the planet, but they were not the only threat to Cybertron's safety: The Wreckers were also faced with [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], who had used the legendary [[Divine Light]] to tap into the power of Primus and transform himself into a living god. During the course of the battle that ensued, Primal Prime and [[Apelinq]] were struck by a blast of Primus's power by Cryotek, which wound up merging them into [[Sentinel Maximus]]. At Al-Badur's direction, Sentinel Maximus steered the battle to an interdimensional portal chamber far below the planet's surface, where [[Matrix Templar]]s [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] began draining Primus's power out of Cryotek. To stop them, Cryotek shattered the Divine Light and absorbed Primus's energies directly into himself, where they could not drain it, but as he grappled with Sentinel Maximus, the fused Autobot forced them both through the portal, into a [[transwarp|shapeless interdimensional void]]. Although unable to drain Primus's power any further, Cryotek was sustained in the void by the power he had absorbed, and he was ready to carry on the battle until Primus himself—now unshackled thanks to the destruction of the Oracle in the final stages of Optimus Primal's quest—took an active hand, spiriting Sentinel Maximus away to partake in [[Balancing Act|another battle]] elsewhere in the multiverse.

While all of this was happening on Cybertron, elsewhere in the universe, on [[New Quintessa]], Primus briefly possessed the body of [[Icebird]] so that he could address the Quintesson leader [[Judge Heirodyus]]. Primus shocked the Quintesson by revealing that he had allowed all that had transpired to occur, and he "thanked" Heirodyus for his race's role in the scheme, promising to call upon them again if he ever needed an "evolutionary crisis" to drive his children forward. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

[[Image:TFUPrimus.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Alpha, Rita's escaped! Recruit a team of teenagers with attitude!]]
In the wake of the repulsion of the Quintesson invasion, [[Unicron]] began gathering Transformers from across the multiverse, forcing them to fight and harvesting the [[spark]]s of the losers to restore his power. With each spark devoured, Primus was weakened, and so, communing with Alpha Trion, he chose to summon Optimus Primal back from the Allspark, restoring the Maximal commander to life. {{storylink|Abduction}} Primal was charged with re-securing the battling captives from the Pit of Unicron and leading a team of multiversal warriors to put a stop to this soul-stealing scheme before it could cause the Allspark to collapse. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

Primus allowed Optimus Primal to choose any Transformer who ever existed—living or dead—for his army. This required considerable amounts of Primus's power, so Primal was told to choose sparingly. Primal chose his departed former troops [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] and [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]]. {{storylink|Homecoming (issue)|Homecoming}} Ultimately, however, Unicron's defeat came not as a result of their efforts, but as a consequence of another battle, happening in another corner of the Transformers multiverse. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}
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===''Universe'' CD-ROM comic===
[[Image:UniverseCDROM-Primus.jpg|left|thumb|200px|In the future, Primals will travel on beams of light!]]

In a strange variant universe where [[Optimus Primal]] leads the [[Autobot]]s and [[Reptilion]] leads the [[Decepticon]]s, a ship arrives once a year, when the Transformers' civil war reaches a fever pitch. The ship abducts every Decepticon it can find and promptly leaves.

These Decepticons are brought to Unicron, who is preparing them for an eventual, ultimate battle for the universe. But unknown to even Unicron, Primus, the sentient core of Cybertron, is amassing an army of Autobots that rivals Unicron's army of Decepticons. Can Primus meet Unicron's challenge, or is the universe doomed? {{storylink|Universe CD-ROM}}
{{-}}

==Unicron Trilogy==
{{cleanup|April 2009|Needs storylinks and general expansion.}}

===''Armada'' cartoon===
A "unique digital entity" came to exist eons ago. To search for other life in the universe, it sent out the Transformers as explorers. One of the first places the Transformers settled was on a planet that would eventually become known as Cybertron. {{storylink|First Encounter}}

===''Energon'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Ron Halder]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese), [[Johan Hedenberg]] (Swedish)

[[Image:Primus eng.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Primus mistakes Kicker for a Japanese schoolgirl.]]
Primus was the living energy core of Cybertron, as well as the originator of the precious and ancient fuel, [[Energon (Energon)|energon]]. Transformers of this universe believed the stories of Unicron, Primus, and [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to be only myth and legend until the existence of Unicron was revealed in "[[the Unicron Battles]]" of 2010. With Cybertron left in a disastrous state after the chaos-bringer's attack, large amounts of energon were required to repair the planet, and to search for and acquire the mineral, the united Autobot-Decepticon forces entered into an alliance with the [[Earth Federation]] government.

Primus entered into the equation when the project's head scientist, [[Brian Jones (Energon)|Dr. Brian Jones]], brought his son, [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], to Cybertron. Terrified of the giant robots surrounding him, Kicker fled, only to find himself tumbling through tunnels into a hidden chamber deep beneath Cybertron's surface. Primus awoke and saved Kicker from what would have been a fatal fall, and for his own reasons, imbued the child with a special gift—the ability to detect energon throughout the [[universe (universe)|universe]]. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] subsequently discovered Kicker in Primus's chamber, and the god chose to work with the Transformers quite directly, imbuing them with the [[Spark of Combination]], which would allow the Autobots to [[Powerlinx]] and increase their powers. Primus went on to advise Optimus Prime on his actions in order to prepare for the future, including the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] invasion, the return of [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], and the next battle with Unicron; although vague at times, he would offer just enough information to allow his children to survive the threats they faced. Primus was often very weak due to the damage done to the planet's surface, and spent most of his time in a mode of stasis to preserve his energy and keep Cybertron's energy grid online.

When Megatron succeeded in reanimating Unicron, most of the Autobot army was critically wounded in the ensuing battle. This prompted the sleeping Primus to awaken and infuse their armor with his power, upgrading them into new forms, and allowing Optimus Prime and Omega Supreme to combine into a gigantic form and defeat Unicron. {{storylink|Unicron Perishes}} Unicron's spark survived, however, and Primus sought to contain it by trapping it at the heart of a new sun that he created from a reservoir of "super energon" hidden within Cybertron. {{storylink|The Sun}}

===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Donovan]] (English), [[Tesshō Genda]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Cyb ep31 cybertron breakup.jpg|right|thumb|200px|On Cybertron, continental drift is Serious Business.]]

{{bigquote|He who charted the universe when it was new! He who battled Unicron at the dawn of time! He whose spark formed the basis of all life on Cybertron, and Velocitron, and all the other Transformer colonized homeworlds! It can be no other! This... is... Primus!|[[Vector Prime]], religiously intoning Primus' achievements throughout the Multiverse|[[Cybertron (episode)|Cybertron]]}}

[[Image:Cyb ep32 balance.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This looks [[Emirate Xaaron|familiar]].]]

Primus's plan to contain Unicron's essence in the center of the sun failed when the star collapsed into a massive [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]] which threatened not only Cybertron and the universe, but the entire multiverse itself. His energy drained to the point that he had once again been rendered dormant, Primus could now only be awakened and restored to full power by the four ancient [[Cyber Planet Key]]s, lost to the far reaches of the galaxy in a failed [[space bridge]] experiment eons ago. The magnitude of the threat posed to the multiverse was enough to summon [[Vector Prime]]—one of the original thirteen Transformers, who had been following Unicron through the multiverse and repairing the damage he had done—back to Cybertron to aid the Autobots in the quest for the keys.

After a while, the the Autobots were able to find the focusing device, the [[Omega Lock]], and the keys from [[Velocitron]] and [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]]. Bringing all three together caused the group to be drawn into the consciousness of Primus, who spoke through the three Mini-Cons and told his children to "maintain the balance". {{storylink|Trap}}

[[Image:Cyb ep48 starships.jpg|right|thumb|200px|I can see my house from here!]]

Eventually, despite continued attempts by both Megatron and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] to steal the power of the Cyber Planet Keys, the Autobots were able to gather the keys from [[Velocitron]], the [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] and [[Earth]], and brought them and their focusing device, the [[Omega Lock]], back to Cybertron. Coupling these three keys with the power of the Matrix, Optimus Prime was able to initiate Primus's transformation from planet mode to robot mode. Communicating with the Autobots through the [[Mini-Con]], [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]], Primus explained that the destruction of Unicron, the embodiment of the force of evil, had unbalanced the universe, and that only he could seal the black hole and restore order—but to do that, the fourth Cyber Planet Key, from [[Gigantion]], the Giant Planet, was required to reconnect Primus's spark with his body and restore his full power. {{storylink|Cybertron (episode)|Cybertron}}

[[Image:Cybertron Ark Homecoming.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Eat this, in remembrance of Me.]]

Attempting to retrieve the Omega Lock, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] made a rather pointless attack on Primus, only to be smacked down hard. {{storylink|Balance}} Shortly thereafter, when Primus was in the process of channelling some of his power into holding back the ever-growing black hole, Starscream tried again, plunging into the energy beam and absorbing some of Primus's power into himself. Starscream expanded in size until he was as large as Primus himself, but Primus did not take this slight lightly, as he converted Cybertron's moons into a pair of mace weapons and relentlessly pounded Starscream into submission. {{storylink|Titans}}

[[Image:Cyb ep49 primus smiles.jpg|right|thumb|200px|He's pretty happy so long as you don't wake him up while he's napping.]]

Eventually, the Autobots were able to acquire the final key, as well as to reactivate the four ancient ships which had carried the keys to the respective worlds ages ago—the [[Atlantis]], the [[Lemuria (Cybertron)|Lemuria]], the [[Hyperborea]] and the [[Ogygia]]. Primus fused the four ships together to form the [[Ark (Cybertron)|Ark]], and with his powers subsequently restored by all four keys, he channelled all of his power through the Ark as a beam, straight into the heart of the black hole. With a massive blast, the black hole was finally sealed, and Primus transformed back into Cybertron—not Cybertron as it had been, but a new Cybertron, infused with the differing aspects of Velocitron, Jungle Planet, Earth and Gigantion, a true paradise for Transformers and humans alike. {{storylink|End}}
{{-}}

===''Cybertron'' comic===
[[Image:Revelations6-Primus.jpg|left|thumb|200px|pudding]]
While the Autobots were occupied with the quest for the Cyber Planet Keys, Unicron's heralds [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] and [[Nemesis Prime (Universe 2003)|Nemesis Prime]] arrived on Cybertron, intent on unleashing the [[Dead Matrix]]—as the Matrix was the antithesis of Unicron, so too would the Dead Matrix ensure the destruction of Primus, thereby totally destabilizing the multiverse and reducing it to a sea of entropic chaos. For the first time, it would be possible for Unicron to strike at Primus in all realities simultaneously, ending their cosmic feud once and for all. Ramjet and Nemesis Prime were ultimately stopped by Vector Prime and allies [[Sentinel Maximus]] and [[Omega Prime]], plucked from the midst of the ''Universe'' conflict by the multiverse-warping energies of the black hole.

The Dead Matrix, however, was cast into the heart of the black hole by Unicron's servant [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]], freeing Unicron's spark and allowing it to adopt a new, diminutive physical form. Unicron participated in the escalating Mini-Con civil war on Cybertron's moons, but when the planet transformed into Primus's robot mode, Unicron fled. His whereabouts are unknown. {{storylink|Balancing Act}}

{{note|The events in the second paragraph happen concurrently with Primus' transformation in the ''Cybertron'' cartoon, detailed in the section prior.}}

{{-}}

==Shattered Glass==
The idea of Primus, the benevolent Creator, was unknown to the heroic Decepticons until [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], a visitor from the Positive Polarity universes, told them about Him. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}} Before long, Cliffjumper's "beliefs" were a subject of derision, especially among the evil Autobots. {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}

Cliffjumper was eventually vindicated, however, when the [[Nexus Prime]] gestalt members attempted to resurrect a recently-assassinated [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]. As they applied their powers to the body, they were transported to Primus' presence. {{storylink|Reunification: Part 5}} There they chose for Primus to rebirth them as their original self, with Nexus returning to the battlefield and declaring himself to his enemies as being the "mighty fist of the lord of light". {{storylink|Reunification: Part 6}}

Megatron, meanwhile, received a vision from the other side of the Allspark of a healed Cybertron, before being reborn himself as Galvatron, with Nexus investing him with some of Primus's power by proxy. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 30|Galvatron's TFCC bio}}

==Robot Heroes==
[[Image:Robotheroes primus and matrix.jpg|right|thumb]]

Primus, considered to be the very first Transformer, created the Matrix of Leadership and personally gave it to Optimus! Wait WHAT?{{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}
{{-}}

==Live-action film series==
The location on Cybertron that is named after Primus is surrounded by the [[Rad Zone]] and [[Uraya]]. {{storylink|Risk}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

Legend has it that the original seven Transformers are creations of Primus, though they themselves don't think this. It is not said who started the legend. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|The Fallen Profile}}

===IDW ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

The [[Dynasty of Primes|Primes]] ''do'' think they're "children of Primus". {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 4}}

===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' comics===
{{spoiler|Foundation issue 2|April 15 2011}}
According to legend, when the [[AllSpark]] cube crashed into Cybertron, it gave life to Primus and his descendents, the Primes. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2}} Primus was known as the first Cybertronian and, after the [[Dynasty of Primes]] was ended due to [[The Fallen]]'s treachery, left behind his only legacy in [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel]] and, revealed much later, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]]. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1}}
{{-}}

==Animated==

In [[universal stream|some parts of the multiverse]], Primus created organic worlds around himself, with the inhabitants eventually becoming robotic lifeforms: these worlds are [[Gobotron]] and [[Robotix|Skalorr]], with a known [[Vector Sigma]] node in the latter. The inhabitants seem unaware of the existence of Primus.

Unicron created [[Unicron#G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers|a body for himself]] in at least one of the Gobotron timelines. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II}}

==Prime continuity==
Primus is generally accepted to exist though his 13 children are considered a myth by [[Jazz (Prime)|some]]. Throughout Cybertron devices carry out his will: the [[AllSpark (Prime)|AllSpark]] creates the [[protoform]]s in the [[Well of All Sparks]]. The [[Sonic Canyons]] are believed to be his ears, feeding him knowledge of the universe via Vector Sigma, though that is actually beneath [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]]. And the [[Core]] produces his own physical emanation, [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]].

During the civil war, the AllSpark was ejected into space to keep it out of Decepticon hands, eventually floating into the [[Milky Way]], while the Core was corrupted by the [[Dark Energon]]-imbued [[Plasma energy]] Chamber. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] removed the Chamber, but the damage was done, and the Core had to shut down and reboot to survive. But before leaving, Optimus was bestowed Primus' essence in the form of the Matrix. When the Autobots left Cybertron, the last original Prime [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]] remained, stating Vector Sigma would keep him alive. {{storylink|Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron}}

Optimus also thanked Primus when he managed to defeat [[Trypticon (Prime)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)}}

==Games==
===Transformers Cybertron: Primus Unleashed===

Faced with the growing threat of the black hole, Primus attempted to obliterate the dark matter before it spread further into the universe. {{storylink|Transformers Cybertron: Primus Unleashed}}

== Retconning the retcon? ==

It's no secret that, after the Unicron Trilogy, ''Universe'' and the Unicron-heavy [[Dreamwave Productions]] comic books, the [[fandom]] at large was generally quite sick of stories revolving around Unicron and Primus. It is likely no coincidence, then, that the major new universes created in western media between then and [[2010]]—those of the [[IDW Publishing]] comic books, the [[live-action film series|live-action movie]] and the ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' cartoon—all eschewed use of the Primus creation myth. But what does this mean for the status of the retcon that states Primus exists in all universes?

The world of the live-action initially presented the Transformers as creations of the enigmatic [[AllSpark (Movie)|AllSpark]], with no explicit connection drawn between it and Primus. However, connections soon began to emerge. First, Takara's [[World of Transformers]] website listed the AllSpark as a [[sacred implement]] alongside other Primus-related talismans such as the Matrix and Vector Sigma. Then, the UK's ''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers]]'' magazine introduced Unicron in [[Transformers Comic issue 18|its eighteenth issue]], and then in [[Transformers Comic issue 20|#20]], had the Transformers discover huge versions of their own interior workings deep inside Cybertron, in a clear reference to Cybertron being the transforming body of Primus. Primus was first referred to by name in a profile for The Fallen printed by Titan, which noted that legend claimed he was the creator of the first Transformers, and then again in IDW's ''[[Tales of the Fallen]]'' mini-series. At this point, it is clear that Primus does exist in the movie universe, and that the AllSpark is merely the object through which he acts. In 2010, the new ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]'' continuity family lent further credence to this reading of events by incorporating it into its own storyline.

Much like the movieverse, the world of ''Transformers Animated'' also depicts the source of Transformer life as a mysterious talisman known as the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]], for which no origin has been given. As far as [[authorial intent]] goes, series art director [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] stated more than once his opinion that Primus does not exist in the ''Animated'' universe [http://twitter.com/DerrickJWyatt/status/1759990650]. The [[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|''AllSpark Almanac II'']] treads lightly on the matter in seeming honor of Wyatt's wishes, never revealing Cybertron's origins. It does, however, mention a "battle between primordial titans" as one possible origin for the planet, in an obvious allusion to the Unicron/Primus creation story, and repeatedly brings up Primus and many of the concepts associated with him by name when discussing ''other'' universes.

The IDW universe is less clear on the matter. Writer [[Simon Furman]] outright said that the IDW universe would have "no Primus. No Unicron". In accordance with this, the Furman-penned ''[[Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer]]'', rather than have Transformers swear by Primus, instead had them swear by [[Primacron]], but a monkeywrench was thrown into the works when Primus's name was heard being taken in vain in [[Eric Holmes]]'s [[Megatron Origin issue 4|''Megatron Origin'' #4]]. Furman attempted to justify this on his blog by claiming that this was not ''the'' Primus, but simply "something or someone" called Primus that had existed some point. [http://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2008/01/14/all-this-and-devastation-4/] With Furman's removal as the primary architect of the IDW universe, however, it's hard to predict what will happen next.

Ultimately, there is ''very'' little to say that Primus does not exist in the IDW or ''Animated'' universe, besides the fact that creators involved with those universes do not want to include the character in their stories. After all, just because Primus doesn't ''appear'', or characters are unaware of him, it doesn't mean he doesn't ''exist''. It wouldn't be the only time this has happened: the occupants of the parallel ''[[Shattered Glass]]'' universe were largely ignorant of Primus until a [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper from another universe]] mentioned him. It seems quite safe to conclude that, as of this moment, the retcon has not yet itself been retconned... and we kinda hope it isn't, because then some poor sod is going to have rewrite this article from the ground up.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:GodPrimus2.jpg|250px|thumb|The rod god.]]
*'''God Primus''' (2004)
**''Accessories:'' Photon Eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields
[[Image:GodPrimus1.jpg|150px|left|thumb|Popemobile, meet Godebago.]]
:Unbeknownst to many Western fans, the first Primus figure was a "[[Lucky Draw figure]]" in Japan, a [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] gold chrome recolored [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus Prime]] that was given away as a contest prize from the collector book, ''[[Transformers Generations|Transformers Generations Deluxe]]''. Supposedly, only 100 pieces of these lucky draw figures were manufactured.

:As a [[redeco]] of a Rodimus (no doubt inspired by the resemblance of his astral form to Rodimus in the UK comics), Primus transforms into a futuristic truck resembling nothing so much as a Winnebago. Following the trend started by [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|the original Optimus Prime toy]], his trailer splits down the middle to transform into a battle station with an extending double-barrelled cannon. The figure comes with a large, hand-held blaster, and two blast-shield accessories that plug into the sides of his battle station cannon.

{{-}}{{anchor|CybG1}}
*'''Primus''' (Supreme, 2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''00'''
**''Accessories:'' Omega Lock, special silver Cybertron planet-type Cyber Planet Key
[[Image:Cybertron Primus toy.jpg|350px|thumb|Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven imag— You know what, just forget it. It's not like we have rules for a reason.]]
:Primus was developed by Hasbro and Takara as a toy for their joint [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron/Galaxy Force'' toylines]], but was released in Japan in the ''Generation 1'' line a few months after ''Galaxy Force'' had ended its run. This release can be considered a pre-release of the ''Cybertron'' toy because it features Hasbro's [[Cyber Key Codes]] that the ''Galaxy Force'' line lacked.

:Primus is the first toy representation of the Transformers' creator as their home planet of Cybertron. In planet mode, he is considerably more detailed than [[Unicron]] from the [[Armada (toyline)|''Armada'' line]], with visible cities, including [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]], based upon its appearance in the [[DK Publishing]] book, ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'', and [[Kaon]] as seen in ''[[The War Within]]''. On the 'bottom' of the planet mode there are four hard rubber legs, molded to be shaped like towers, allowing Primus to be displayed in planet mode, yet not require a flat base as Unicron did.

:Primus's transformation is unusual, in many ways similar to a [[Powermaster]], in that he requires the owner to insert his accompanying Omega Lock accessory into several special ports around the planet, then manipulate it to unlock his parts and transform him. When the Omega Lock is inserted into his back and pushed, a transforming sound is heard. When it is inserted into his chest and pushed up to reveal his head, his eyes glow red and a laser-type sound effect is heard. The Lock itself lights up red when it is inserted into any of the ports.

:In robot mode, Primus resembles both the ''[[Beast Wars Neo (franchise)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' Unicron prototype as well as [[Don Figueroa]]'s Primus concept, created for ''The War Within'' and used in ''The Ultimate Guide''. He is bristling with weaponry, including two shoulder-mounted cannons that can fire missiles, two forearm blasters that raise and extend when a Cyber Power Key is inserted, and several banks of Gatling guns, lasers and missile launchers in his shins and legs revealed by the Omega Lock.

:Primus also has what might charitably be called a third mode—an intergalactic world-ship, which is basically formed by transforming the figure halfway and leaving the head down and the legs backward. It features no dedicated parts or transformation steps, making it very obvious that it was created after the fact. It looks kinda like The Starship Enterprise...backwards.

:Primus comes with two accessories, the aforementioned battery-operated Omega Lock that lights up red when inserted into any of the four Omega Lock ports, and a special silver Cybertron-Planet Cyber Power Key with the key code '''sp8u''' [[tampograph]]ed onto the back. Any four Cyber Planet Keys can be inserted into the four key slots at the base of the Omega Lock, though doing this does not activate any feature. There are also nine inactive Mini-Con [[powerlinx]] ports on the Primus figure, including two on the claws on his legs.
{{-}}

===Cybertron===
*'''Cybertron Primus''' (Supreme, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Omega Lock, special silver Cybertron planet-type Cyber Planet Key
[[Image:CybertronPrimusPackagingComparison.jpg|right|280px|thumb|This was an expensive time for completists.]]
:Cybertron Primus is the North American version of Primus, released a few months after the Japanese version. The toys are identical.

:In North America, limited early-run versions of Cybertron Primus came packaged with a very creepy "battle damaged" Unicron head based upon his Armada appearance.

:A later version, [[exclusive]] to [[Walmart]] as a [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] 2006 special, included four Mini-Cons; [[Strongarm (Cybertron)|Strongarm]], [[Knockdown (Cybertron)|Knockdown]], [[Nightscream (Cybertron)|Nightscream]], and [[Offshoot (Cybertron)|Offshoot]].
{{-}}

===Transformers 2010===
[[Image:Primus_2010.jpg|250px|thumb|Oh. Your. God.]]
*'''Creator Primus''' (2010)
**''Accessories:''
:To celebrate the year [[Transformers 2010 (franchise)|2010]], Takara is [[redeco]]ing the previous Primus toy. It is primarily silver and gold in planet mode, with blue robot parts. A blue [[Omega Lock]] is also included.
:Primus includes the retooled Cybertron style Cyber Key which was originally available with both [[:Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|Cybertron Planet Deluxe Class Optimus Prime]] and [[:Image:Cybertron-toy Demolishor.JPG|Cybertron Planet Deluxe Class Demolisher]]. The Cyber Key features a "blank" central area (so any faction symbol could be tampographed on) and a Mini-Con-style Powerlinx socket on the back. The Cyber Key included with this figure is entirely unpainted, aside from the tampographed Autobot symbol.
{{-}}

==Notes==
* The original form of Primus in Marvel Comic continuity is similar to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime]]. Rather creepily, this is suggested to be down to deliberate action on Primus' part in [[Salvage!|#160's Grim Grams]].
* The myth of Primus and Unicron is similar to the duality concepts present in numerous real-world religions, such as [[wikipedia:Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrianism]].
*The idea of Primus transforming bears some resemblance to an [[The Secret of Cybertron|early script]] for [[The Transformers: The Movie|the original movie]], in which [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] merges with [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and transforms into a super robot to defeat Unicron.
*The "unique digital entity" mentioned in "[[First Encounter]]" is confirmed to be Primus in an edition of [[Ask Vector Prime]] in ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]''.
*According to the same source, [[Gobotron]], home planet of the [[Tonka GoBots]], is also an aspect of Primus, just from a very distant part of the [[Multiverse]].
*''Energon'' [http://web.archive.org/web/20041207164548/www.tfpulp.com/archive/energonprod/energonprod.html pre-production notes] detail early ideas the cartoon had for Primus's origin. Presumably non-canon, given that they are not particularly in-line with the "multiversal singularity" origin of the character, they present Primus as an entity consisting purely of energon. Energon, the notes state, is the product of the "genetic material" of the sun interacting with planetary bodies—this, then, appears to be a very literal interpretation of Primus's role as "the lord of light",<ref>[http://obscuretf.com/tfscans/thefacts03.JPG Origin story] from ''[[Transformers: The Facts]]''</ref> presenting him as an actual product of the light of the sun.
*His ''Cybertron'' toy was designed by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], which is ironic, considering his dislike for the religious aspects of the ''Transformers'' mythos.

==See also==
*[[Allspark]]
*[[Vector Sigma]]

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2006/Primus/Primus/primus.htm Primus at TFU.info]

[[Category:Contest prizes]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Energon characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Gods]]
[[Category:Kiss Players characters]]
[[Category:Primus| ]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass characters]]
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Jetfire (G1)

2010-12-28T16:45:23Z

68.38.136.117: /* Generation 1 */

{{factions|autobot|decepticon|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Jetfire}}
{{disambig3|Skyfire}}
:''Jetfire is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In the cartoon continuity, he was known as '''Skyfire'''.''

[[Image:G1Jetfire MarvelTFU.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Science means that not all dreams can come true.]]
'''Jetfire''' is a bot of science, literally. Not only is his mind dedicated towards scientific pursuits, but his body is a testament to the technology he studies so intensely. (Some would say "religiously", but not in his presence.) Every inch of his chassis is cutting-edge and kept up-to-date. However, he does not have the trust of his teammates; it was not so long ago that he was a Decepticon. Jetfire is compassionate, so some Autobots feel that he could be soft on their enemies or, even worse, he may turn on them after realizing his "cold calculations" swing the other way.

Jetfire would find their misconceptions about science appalling. After all, is not science just the pursuit of truth? And truth, he maintains, walks hand-in-hand with liberty.

{{bigquote|I don't '''believe''' in destiny|Jetfire, [[Atonement]]}}

:''Preliminary name:'' '''Fireball'''[http://web.archive.org/web/20071230210811/http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41003]
:''Alternative name:'' '''Skyfire'''
:''Japanese name (cartoon):'' '''Skyfire'''
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Tīen Hǔo''' (天火, "Sky Fire")
:''Cantonese name:'' '''Tin Fo''' (天火, "Sky Fire")
:''French name (Canada):'' '''Bolide''' ("Meteor")
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Röptűz''' ("Fly Fire")
:''Italian name:'' '''Aquila''' ("Eagle")
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Jacto''' ("Jet")
:''Russian name:'' '''Istrebitel''' (Истребитель, "Fighter", as in aircraft)

==Fiction==
===American cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Gregg Berger]] (English), [[Osamu Saka]] (Japanese), Javier Pontón (Latin American)

{{note|In the cartoon series, Jetfire went by the name '''Skyfire'''. His character model was significantly altered from the toy, as was his appearance in nearly all media. See [[#Why "Skyfire"?|Why "Skyfire"?]], below.}}

[[Image:Jetfireskyfire.jpg|left|230px|thumb|They dug him out of the Arctic to be their taxi.]]

[[MYA|Millions of years ago]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], before the war, Skyfire and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] were good friends and fellow scientists. On a mission of exploration to prehistoric [[Earth]], Skyfire was lost in a storm. Starscream searched, but there was no sign of his comrade. He returned home.

Millions of years later, after the Autobots and [[Decepticon|Decepticon]]s had crashed and awoken on Earth, the Decepticons found Skyfire encased in a block of Arctic ice and revived him. Skyfire joined them due to his past friendship with Starscream, though he expressed discomfort with their methods. When Skyfire's compassion for [[human]]s and, later on, several Autobot prisoners led to his disobeying orders, Starscream, who had changed much in the intervening millennia, turned on his friend. Skyfire left the Decepticons and joined the Autobots, sacrificing himself to be buried beneath the ice again to stop the Decepticons' plans. The Autobots held a memorial service for him at the location of his involuntary burial. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[Image:FireontheMountain Optimus pats Skyfire.jpg|thumb|right|200px| Good boy, Skyfire. Wanna Snausage?]]
[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] returned later to dig him up when the Autobots needed a ride down to South America. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and his Decepticons were in [[Peru]] seeking the [[Crystal of Power]], which was kept in an Incan temple. He dropped off [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] so they could see what the Decepticons were up to, but a short time later had to go back and rescue them—intercepting them mid-jump—to return to [[Ark (G1)|Headquarters]]. Collecting the other Autobots, he took them all to Peru and earned a pat on his nosecone from [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. Scouting ahead, he arrived at the temple, only to be shot and disabled by Starscream. Skyfire was dumped inside the temple, where [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Luisa]] found him and effected emergency repairs while under attack from [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]. Reactivated, Skyfire dealt with Ravage before giving the Autobots outside some much-needed aerial support as they attacked the Decepticon positions. He destroyed Megatron's cannon in a strafing attack and later helped Wheeljack cap the energy geyser that remained. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[Image:TUD2 Skyfire catches Autobots.jpg|thumb|left|280px]]
When the energies unleashed by Cybertron's presence in Earth's orbit caused activity in the volcano in which Headquarters was embedded, Skyfire evacuated the base with most of the rest of the Autobots. [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], Windcharger and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] were ejected from the top of the mountain in a violent eruption, and Skyfire swooped in to save them. Spike learned that [[Sparkplug Witwicky|his father]] had been taken to Cybertron, and Skyfire volunteered his services to fly the boy and several Autobots there. After some deft flying, they landed on the other planet, but Skyfire, Wheeljack and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] were separated from their smaller companions, who fell into a trap. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}} The trio caught up with their fellows in time to rescue them from [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Skyfire thanked Shockwave for blasting a hole in the wall large enough for him to fly through. He provided air support against some [[Seeker (body-type)|tetrajets]], allowing the ground-based Autobots to reach [[Wheeljack's workshop]]. Once Wheeljack worked out a way to counteract the [[hypno-chip]]s which the Decepticons were using to control humans, Skyfire ferried everyone back to Earth to put the invention to good use. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

[[Image:PlagueofInsecticons Skyfire sitting in puddle.jpg|thumb|right|220px|"I'm perfectly all right, Susan."]]
Following strange reports of giant robotic insects in [[Bali]], Skyfire carried Brawn, Windcharger and Spike there, only to discover a field being consumed by the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s. Despite believing the trio would be a pushover, the Autobots found themselves outnumbered by clones, and the arrival of Megatron and a couple of his goons didn't improve the odds. Fortunately, the rest of the Autobots arrived and, after a brief fight, the Decepticons departed for an oil refinery. Some quick repairs were made on Skyfire to fix his ability to transform, and the Autobots began the pursuit. The Insecticons latched on to Skyfire's wings until Wheeljack was able to lend a hand, or rather, a couple of missiles. A short time later, Skyfire caught Brawn after the latter's failed attempt at a mid-air brawl. When they reached the refinery, he kicked the battle off by physically knocking the Insecticons off the [[oil tanker]] they were drinking from. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

[[Image:AttackOTAutobots Jazz on Skyfire.jpg|thumb|left|240px|"I have an inside, you know."]]
Skyfire and most of the Autobots were distorted by Megatron’s [[Personality destabilizer device|personality destabilizer]], turning them evil. As Skyfire was hunting down and blowing up human aircraft, Autobots who had been reverted to good by Sparkplug’s [[attitude exchanger]]s arrived on scene and changed Skyfire back. He then flew the Autobots and humans to save Optimus Prime and the others. The Decepticons managed to launch a rocket they'd commandeered, so Skyfire dropped Optimus and Ratchet off on it so they could steal its cargo. As the Decepticons attempted to fight off the boarders, Jazz climbed on Skyfire's nose and used his [[sound and light show]] to provide a distraction. Finally, Skyfire flew them up into space, so the satellite from the rocket could be properly placed in orbit. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}} When [[Carly]] was captured by the Decepticons, Ironhide blamed himself, but was persuaded by Sparkplug to try and rescue her. Hitching a lift with Skyfire, Ironhide located Bumblebee and Spike before bailing out so he could tell them what had happened to Carly. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[Image:Skyfire Gerwalk.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Mid-transformation, or a reference to the toy's "third mode"? CHOOSE WISELY.]]
Skyfire ferried Spike and Hound to the middle of the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] to investigate an unexplained change to oil tanker shipping patterns that converged suspiciously close to [[Decepticon Headquarters]]. Flying overhead, the trio discovered that the bad bots were stealing the oil using a platform docking structure secured by a force field. Skyfire, Hound and Spike hid aboard one of the tankers and attacked Megatron and Hook as they siphoned the oil. As usual, Spike was captured by the Decepticons and held hostage, forcing Skyfire and Hound to surrender. Confined to a cell on a lower deck, Skyfire warned Spike to be careful of an [[electromagnet]] he found as the human put his escape plan into action. With Rumble and Ravage incapacitated by the magnet, Skyfire punched through the cell door. The three rushed to the control room for the force field generator. Skyfire and Spike kept [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] distracted as Hound blew up the generator, causing the force field dome to collapse. Facing defeat, Megatron activated the platform’s self-destruct function, which left Skyfire and his two friends stuck inside as the structure began to sink. Optimus Prime ripped through the bulkhead above them, and the three were able to climb out. Skyfire then flew them all to safety. {{storylink|Day of the Machines}}

In 2006, Skyfire (or a very similar space vehicle) was briefly seen as part of the Autobot fleet attacking the [[Quintesson]]s. He was shot along with [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and several [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

{{Note|The Aerialbots were later shown to have survived, so Skyfire could possibly have survived as well.... assuming it was actually him getting shot. Due to the number of [[animation error]]s in this episode, it is by no means guaranteed that these were the "real" Skyfire or Powerglide "really" perishing. However, in "[[Grimlock's New Brain]]" when [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] lists the then-active Autobots capable of spaceflight, he does not mention Skyfire.}}

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===Japanese cartoon continuity===
{{Note|The events of the [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Japanese cartoon continuity]] are more or less the same as the American cartoon continuity, until the ''Headmasters'' series in [[1987]], where the Japanese continuity veers off into a different direction.}}
====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
Skyfire was present at [[Autobot City]] (alongside [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]) while the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] were repairing [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)}}

====''Generation 2'' manga and story pages====
{{note|While in the English continuity, ''Generation 2'' Jetfire was the same character as ''Generation 1'' Jetfire/Skyfire, the same would not appear to have initially been the case in Japan. In Japan, the ''Generation 1'' character was called "Skyfire" in the cartoon, which was the only Japanese media he appeared in, as his toy was never released in Japan. The "Jetfire" that appears in the ''Generation 2'' manga probably would have originally been a different character, though ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' backstory and the character's appearance in the ''15 Go! Go!'' comics seemed to consolidate the two retroactively.}}

[[Image:G2StoryPageWheeljackPerceptor1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Ten points if you can find Wheeljack and Perceptor in this picture!]]

Jetfire was once friends with the Decepticon [[Cyberjet]]s during his days back on Cybertron. However, after the war had raged on for centuries, two of his Cyberjet friends ([[Strafe (G2)|Strafe]] and [[Aero Raid]]) began to have their doubts about the Decepticon cause. Taking Jetfire's advice, the two Cyberjets switched sides and became Autobots. This act forever earned Jetfire, Strafe and Aero Raid the hatred of the remaining loyal Decepticon Cyberjets. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 4}}

At one point, Megatron kidnapped the Autobot [[Laser Rod]], [[Electro]]. While Megatron attempted to persuade Electro into joining the Decepticons, Jetfire infiltrated the headquarters. Busting-in at full-force, Jetfire took the Decepticons by surprise and managed to successfully rescue his fellow Autobot. {{storylink|G-2 (pack-in comic)|G-2 #16}}

Jetfire was also the head of a research team staffed by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] that discovered a [[Reconfiguration Matrix|new attribute]] of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. This discovery allowed Optimus Prime to survive a fatal attack from Megatron and form a newer, more powerful body. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 4}}

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====''15 Go! Go!''====
[[Image:TGGJetfire1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Whoever he is, he looks awesome.]]
[[Image:TGGJetfire2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bandai's gonna suuuuue.]]

On a trip into the future with her companion [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], the humanoid computer [[Teletraan 15]] encountered the Autobot scientist Jetfire. He immediately realized that they had come from a different time and cautioned them that the area was about to become a war zone. Recognizing Jetfire's scent despite the unfamiliar body, Steeljaw asked if he was the same being as his old warrior acquaintance.

Concerned for the pair's safety, Jetfire offered to take them to his commander, unaware that the Decepticons [[Smokescreen (G2)|Smokescreen]] and [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] were following. Under heavy attack, Jetfire and his passengers were saved by the intervention of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Battle Convoy]].

After the battle, Teletraan 15 recorded Jetfire's information and announced that her mission to restore [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I's]] damaged databanks was at last complete. Before she and Steeljaw returned to their own era, Jetfire asked 15 to tell him something: in her travels through time, had she ever discovered when the fighting would end? When would the progress of science finally bring about peace? {{storylink|15 Go! Go!#Jetfire|Jetfire}}

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===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Jetfireg1marvel1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Brainless Jetfire brings home small mammals.]]

Early in the war on [[Earth]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] held the head of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] captive, hoping to use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] he possessed to create a new army of Decepticons. Optimus Prime had secretly passed the energies of the Matrix onto the teenaged [[human]], [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], so Shockwave was stopped short of giving Jetfire's constructed body life. Shockwave soon learned of the human's involvement, so he sent Jetfire after the human anyway, though the lifeless robot could do nothing more than follow orders. When Jetfire found Buster, he was accompanied by the Autobots [[Bluestreak]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] for his protection, but it was Buster's Creation Matrix powers that ultimately disassembled Jetfire before their eyes. Buster reassembled Jetfire, and with Bumblebee's help, changes were made to allow Buster to directly control him. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}}

[[Image:Jetfireisafunnyguy.jpg|left|150px|thumb|A sense of humor that borders on murderous negligence.]]

However, Jetfire's programming reasserted itself, and maneuvered so wildly that Buster, riding in the cockpit, blacked out. Buster woke up inside Shockwave's base at [[Blackrock Aerospace Assembly Plant Number One]], strapped to a machine ready to drill the Creation Matrix out of him. In the meantime, knowing that the Autobots were eavesdropping on him, Shockwave sent Jetfire to drop a fake Optimus Prime head at a disclosed location for the Autobots to find. The fake head attached itself to Optimus Prime's body and began attacking the Autobots, causing many injuries. At the last moment, Buster was able to control Jetfire once again, knocking out Shockwave, and delivering the true Optimus Prime head to the Autobots, allowing them a costly victory. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

With Optimus Prime fully restored, Jetfire was quickly given life and joined the Autobots. ''He was briefly mistrusted due to his Decepticon origin, and during the Dinobot Hunt Ironhide resented being given orders by someone with a Decepticon badge; Jetfire proved himself by restraining [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], and had his Decepticon badge torn off in the process. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}} [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], who still didn't trust Jetfire, almost deactivated him and returned him to the Decepticons as part of a deal for technology with Ravage, but decided against it at the last minute.'' {{storylink|Perchance to Dream}}

Having proven himself, he was granted the [[Rite of the Autobrand]] marking him as one of their rank. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} When Bumblebee, depressed, had left the Autobots and gotten himself attacked by the Decepticons, Jetfire eagerly came to his rescue. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}} Later, Jetfire helped the Autobots approach the Decepticon base to steal information that would allow them to build their own [[combiner]]s. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

[[Image:Jetfireyourehit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Naw, you think?]]

''When Optimus Prime and Prowl were lost in Limbo and Galvatron assumed command of the Decepticons, Jetfire became acting leader. His headstrong tactics got the Autobots defeated several times, and out of desperation he even formed an alliance with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]. He also mistrusted Ultra Magnus, thinking his arrival too convenient. However, after seeing Magnus be beaten half to death trying to stop Galvatron, Jetfire realised he was wrong and came to his aid. When the future Decepticon was driven off, Jetfire thanked Magnus for all he'd done. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

[[Image:Skalorjetfiredie.jpg|left|150px|thumb|At least look at him when you're killing him, Starscream!]]

Jetfire accompanied [[Donny Finkleberg]] to the spot where Finkleberg claimed seven Autobots had crossed over from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], though they found nothing but traces of oil. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}} ''Soon afterwards, several missions made Jetfire worry that his response time was quicker when humans were in danger than Autobots were, and he talked with Buster Witwicky to come to terms with this; he came to realise that it was because he viewed Earth as his home, as he'd been built there.'' {{storylink|The Gift}}

After the death of Optimus Prime, Jetfire voted for the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to take command. He later seemed to regret this decision, offering to help [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] usurp him, and when the rivalry ended in a duel staged on Earth's moon, he was among the Autobots who watched. When the Autobots were ambushed by the entire Decepticon army, he was blasted out of the sky by both [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] absorbed the power of the [[Underbase]], Jetfire led the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] in the first attack against him in [[New York City|New York]]. Only Jetfire managed to evade Starscream's lethal retaliation, but a second shot following the death of the [[Skalor|last]] [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]] was not as easily avoidable. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}
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===See & Read Video===
He went on a lot of suicide missions.

{{charstubfiction}}

===Transformers Pop-Up Book===
Jetfire was one of many to participate in the battle at [[Castle Decepticon]]. He may have in fact been a Decepticon himself. {{Storylink|Transformers Pop-Up Book}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:Jetfiredarkages.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I bet Skywarp pulled that mask over his face a lot in junior high.]]
Before the war, the scientist Jetfire and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] were friends. But when Starscream joined the Decepticons in their assault on outlying city-states, Jetfire was torn. If he followed his beliefs and upheld justice and life, he would end up facing his dearest friend on the battlefield. Jetfire did end up with the Autobots, but not before a barrier of distrust had been built between them due to his inaction and his past loyalties.

These loyalties came to a head during a period when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] were presumed lost forever, the two factions splintered into five. Events conspired behind the scenes, building up to an unknown crescendo, and Jetfire was suspicious. Putting his already-shaky trustworthiness on the line, he met up with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in secret to discuss the looming front of darkness. However, the source of these machinations, [[The Fallen]], had leaked their correspondence to [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], who held a grudge against the scientist. {{storylink|Devastation (Dreamwave)|Devastation}}

[[Image:Jetfireg1dw.jpg|left|180px|thumb|I've always said there's nothing an agnostic can't do if he really doesn't know whether he believes in anything or not.]]

Grimlock assaulted Jetfire at his intended meeting place, but both were overwhelmed by The Fallen and dragged far inside [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and strapped to a four-paneled contraption in the [[Well of All Sparks]]. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}} Jetfire, Grimlock, [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] were the "[[Angles of Dissolution]]," four "unique sparks" which could catalyze the breach of the [[Seal of Primus]]. Combined forces from several factions penetrated The Fallen's operation, but despite Jetfire and Grimlock's teamwork, The Fallen was destroyed only by his own scheme — the hand of [[Primus]] reached out, awakened from his slumber, and smote the enigmatic being to pieces. Jetfire, a skeptic towards things supernatural, began to wonder if there might be something bigger than them going on, something no one could comprehend. {{storylink|Conflagration}}

Long after, Jetfire and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] were sent out into space to search for the missing [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. Arriving on [[Earth]], they were attacked by [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], but Jetfire disabled him with an EM pulse from their ship. When he ventured outside to identify his assailant, he was caught in an avalanche and buried in ice.

[[Image:DWAtonement Jetfire Sunstorm.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The power of Primus compels you!]]

Millions of years later he was found by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and stored aboard the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]], still encased in a block of ice. When the zealot [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] arrived on Earth, Starscream freed Jetfire from his icy prison to stop him. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} An uneasy alliance formed between Jetfire, Starscream, and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s team of Autobots as they tried to come up with a plan to stop the unbelievably powerful [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]], but Sunstorm was unstoppable. Jetfire started to consider that Sunstorm might be supernatural, despite his natural skepticism. {{storylink|Skyfire (issue)|Skyfire}} During their encounter, Jetfire realized that Sunstorm's internal fusion reactor was about to go critical, and flew him up into space where he could explode without risk to the Earth. Jetfire was seemingly annihilated in the explosion. His demise caused Bumblebee to throw down his arms and quit the war. {{storylink|Atonement}}

{{Note|It was revealed long after the demise of [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] that an issue was planned that involved the return of both Jetfire and The Fallen, meaning his "death" would not have been final.}}
{{-}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
During a Decepticon attack on an Autobot peace ceremony, Jetfire fought back and fired on [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], only to be ordered to cease fire as Optimus Prime was using the Decepticon to negotiate with [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] When it turned out that the negotiations involved Prime giving himself up to the Decepticons, Jetfire joined a team of Autobots led by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] who were planning on rescuing him. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4}} Together with [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]], they fought and defeated Serpent O.R.'s Decepticon army. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5}}

===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:Jetfireclassics.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"I'm a scientist, Ranger Brad. I don't believe in anything."]]
Years of war had put the Transformers' home world of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through too much punishment, meaning a spiral into planet-wide cataclysm, a consequence the scientist [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] had foreseen. Jetfire and other Transformers scientists ignored his warning, until it was too late. Thunderwing underwent the [[Pretender|polydermal grafting]] process he had developed, and was driven insane, forcing the Autobots and Decepticons to unite and try to stop him. Jetfire spent the battle trying to figure out a way to effectively counter Thunderwing, but Cybertron itself swallowed Thunderwing before he could find a way. Cybertron was abandoned as a result.

Seven hundred stellar cycles later, and against regulations, Jetfire and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s traveled to the supposedly-abandoned husk of Cybertron from their science vessel, the ''[[Calabi-Yau]]'', to investigate a strange energy reading. Though it violated several command directives, Jetfire decided to lead a recon mission to the surface. Despite the misgivings everyone had, Jetfire remained adamant that they investigate, saying that a failure to investigate was what doomed Cybertron to begin with. Upon arriving on the dead surface of the planet near [[Thunderhead Pass]], Jetfire, [[Scattershot]], [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]], and [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] were ambushed by a mysterious group of robots with stealth abilities. The Technobots were badly damaged and Jetfire was captured. When he revived, he found his [[Pretender|captors]] worshiping the reanimated corpse of Thunderwing. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 1}}

[[Image:Stormbringer4 JetfirePrime plainlanguage.jpg|left|300px|thumb|I just plumb don't understand alla' yer fancy talkin'...]]

Their leader, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]], wished to revisit the mad scientist's plot and harness the power that accelerated the planet's death in a apocalyptic torrent all those years ago. Jetfire pleaded with Bludgeon not to again unleash the powers that destroyed their planet, but he was ignored, and his attempts to escape were thwarted. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2}} Thanks to a distress signal sent by the remaining Technobots in the ''Calabi-Yau'', [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Wrecker]]s soon arrived, released Jetfire, and defeated his captors, just before an alert system announced the arrival of Thunderwing, newly reborn. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 3}}

Fortunately Jetfire was able to figure out that the [[Ultra-Energon]] powering Thunderwing would be depleted in a prolonged struggle. This allowed Optimus Prime, the Wreckers, and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] to stop the monstrosity without destroying Cybertron. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4}}

Jetfire was later called in to take the [[Pretender Monster]]s to the [[Garrus-9]] prison and attempt to cure them. {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}} Every previous attempt had failed, but whether he may have found a cure to their combined minds was then rendered moot when the Decepticons attacked and abducted the Monsters. He convinced [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] to let [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] "escape" to hunt the Monsters down, and they would invent some story afterward. {{storylink|Spotlight: Arcee}}

Shortly after Optimus Prime arrived on Garrus-9, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] activated the [[Nega-Core]] and its guardian, Thunderwing, on [[Corata-Vaz]]. Prime ordered Jetfire to summon the Wreckers to face off against Thunderwing again. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}} Unfortunately the Wreckers proved to be little more than an annoyance to the guardian, and Jetfire, believing he had ironed out the bugs, received permission to test Thunderwing's experiment on four Autobots, deciding things couldn't really get much worse. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

With the experiments taking a while, Jetfire decided to re-use Bludgeon's Axis Cradle and use it to take control of, and shut down, Thunderwing. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}} This saw him marked for death by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]], who took remote mental control of Bludgeon's body on Garrus-9. Faced with a hideous monster about to kill and his own inability to move, Jetfire... calmly noticed how slowly Bludgeon was moving, worked out Jhiaxus was trying to control the monster ''and'' monitor pan-galactic fronts, and baited him with the imminent collapse of his strategy, causing Jhiaxus to freeze in panic.

After the crisis was over, Jetfire covertly monitored [[Gorlam Prime]] in its transformation into a new Cybertron. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Three years later, Jetfire arrived on Earth after the Decepticons leveled the infrastructure of the Autobot war machine. Along with [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], he was taken in by Optimus Prime's unit as a refugee from the devastation. {{storylink|Spotlight: Prowl}} When Prime abandoned the Autobots and surrendered to Skywatch, Jetfire joined Hot Rod when he decided to leave the planet, as just sitting in a cave absorbing the humans' primitive wireless signals was driving him nuts. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} The group needed all the help they could get in getting off Earth, Hot Rod liberated several Decepticons from [[Skywatch]] and told Jetfire to undo their restraints using technology acquired from [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. Jetfire was hesitant about helping the enemy, but Hot Rod assured him that were no sides anymore. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

Well, Hot Rod was wrong. [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and his Decepticons turned on Jetfire and the others after the starship was complete. Swindle even used some of the 'Cons Jetfire reactivated to create a new gestalt, [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. With the help of Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s crew and the humans of Skywatch, Menasor was dismantled. As Rodimus fled the planet, Jetfire and the rest of the Autobots rejoined Bumblebee's command. {{storylink|Earthworks}} Jetfire was later present when the Autobots initiated an alliance with Skywatch. {{storylink|The Transformers issue 7}}

As part of the alliance, the Autobots gave the humans free access to Cybertronian technology, which concerned Jetfire. He had a discussion with Bumblebee, the new Autobot commander, who simply told him that they needed to trust the humans in order for the humans to trust them. The Autobots then found themselves thrust into action again as the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] were spotted in [[North Korea]] fighting for [[Kim Jong Du|their government]].
{{storylink|International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"}} Jetfire was among the troops sent to defeat them, acting as air support against [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]. However, Vortex was more than capable of fighting off a scientist like him, and cut open Jetfire's wing, sending him out of control. He crashed explosively into [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and was later seen receiving medical attention. {{storylink|International Incident Part 2: "Ranks of Bronze"}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
With most of the Autobots defeated, the severely damaged Jetfire was with Optimus Prime's crew in the [[Pegasus Star Cluster]], the last pocket of Autobot resistance in the galaxy. After the treacherous [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] conned his way into their bunker and allowed the Decepticons in, he used Jetfire's life as a bargaining chip (despite [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet's]] best efforts to protect him) to get Optimus Prime to surrender. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] refused to give up fighting until he realized just how badly Jetfire needed repairs. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}

===Classics Toy Bio===
The first Cybertronian to travel to the black depths of deep space, Jetfire encountered the [[Star pirates]] of the blot nebula, and is the only one to ever have faced and defeated them. He was known as a famous hero for these deeds, but he disappeared millions of years ago, much to the dismay of Cybertron's populace. However, once he was uncovered from inside a glacier, he rose to challenge the treat of the Decepticons immediately. {{storylink|Jetfire (G1)#Classics|Voyager class Classics Jetfire toy bio}}
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===Henkei! Henkei!===
====Dark Skyfire bio====
In an era millions of years before the establishment of the Decepticon faction’s army, Skyfire was specialized for outer space exploration, his entire body coated with a substance that protected it against unknown viruses, magnetic storms, and the like. Although he had a strong scientific curiosity, he agonized over it being at odds with his great combat skills.

====''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic====
[[Image:Henkei 04 autobot skyfire.jpg|left|200px|thumb|No magic insignia-swapping stickers this time.]]
[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] questioned [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] about the new mech they'd found frozen in a glacier up in the Arctic Circle, but Starscream had ''unsavory'' plans for it involving a mask/helmet thing.

Back in [[Japan]], the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] raided an energy plant, revealing the newcomer as Skyfire. Amidst the plundering, Skyfire pleaded with Starscream to stop shooting at the [[human]] workers, but to no avail. Luckily, the Autobots showed up to save the workers. Skyfire's pleas caused Starscream to yell at him, exclaiming that Skyfire's reason for living was to be a soldier. Just before getting shot at, Skyfire finally ripped off the control helmet and declared himself a scientist (with a sweet new Autobot symbol, too). However, he said he ''would'' become a soldier, if only to defend humans from those like his old friend. Watching the Seekers retreat, Skyfire wistfully reminisced that he and Starscream never really got along that well in the past, anyway. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 4}}
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====''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga====
{{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} {{storylink|Wataru's Power}} {{storylink|Time of Resurrection}} {{storylink|The Threat of Galvatron}} {{storylink|Revenge (issue)|Revenge}} {{storylink|A Nightmare, Once Again}} {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}

{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
{{picsneeded|"Alternate transformation".}}
[[Image:Jetfireg1toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Don't expect Takara to reissue this toy any time soon.]]

* '''Jetfire''' ([[1985]])
**''Accessories:'' "Photon Missile Launcher", rifle mounting pod, "Turbo Thruster" booster pack, 2 leg guards (left & right), 2 arm guards, 2 fenders

:A [[redeco]] of the [[Takatoku Toys|Takatoku Toys]] ''Macross'' VF-1S Super Valkyrie, Jetfire features three modes: robot, jet, and an "alternate transformation" (Called "Gerwalk" form in ''Macross'') that deploys his arms and legs in jet mode. Additionally, Jetfire comes with several red pieces of armor and rocket booster backpack that can snap onto his arms, legs, and back in any mode. He has noticeably more articulation than the other ''Transformers'' in the line at the time.

:The shoulder assembly where the jet mode folds in half for robot mode is one of the more commonly broken parts in the early ''Transformers'' toy line. The more rigid plastic used on the armor pieces also means that it's not uncommon for their attachment clips to have snapped off. And finally, the small black clip-piece that attaches Jetfire's rifle to his jet mode is possibly one of the most commonly missing accessories on secondhand Jetfires, if not secondhand Transformers all around. The fact that the instructions don't tell you what to do with it doesn't help. The piece is used to hold Jetfire's rifle via the clip attached to the arm, as well as under the jetmode as a belly gun.

:There were main two variations of the toy: one featuring the ''Macross'' UN Spacy logo on the wings, and one without the logo. The Macross logo was either painted on or came as a sticker. The logo-less variant has a continuous red strip along the length of the wing, whilst both logo versions have a slight gap in the paint apps surrounding the logo.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm More information on Jetfire at TFU.info]''

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===Generation 2===
[[Image:Jetfire-G2toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm not a traitor!]]
* '''Jetfire''' (Cyberjet, [[1995]])
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-16'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 armor-piercing missiles
: Jetfire was released in ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' as one of the Autobot [[Cyberjet]]s, a [[redeco]] of the Decepticon [[Hooligan (G2)|Hooligan]]. He transforms into a proposed swing-wing naval variant of the F-22 Raptor. He is armed with a pressure-launched missile fired from his right arm, which also forms a weapon in fighter mode.

: Interestingly enough, his toy has Decepticon [[Insignia|faction symbol]] stickers, despite being released as an Autobot.

: The Japanese release of Jetfire came with an [[:Image:Jetfire-JG2decal.jpg|extra decal sheet]], featuring white tiger markings, extra ''Generation 2'' Autobot symbols (presumably to cover the Decepticon ones that were factory-applied), and "battle damage" markings.

:[[R-Blade]]'s expanded bio in the ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' sourcebook specifically mentions Jetfire as the leader of the Autobot Cyberjets, even though no mention of this is made in Jetfire's ''Generation 2'' bio, in the US ''or'' Japan.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/Jetfire/jetfire.htm Cyberjet Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Jetfiretitaniumwarwithin.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Unfortunate landing gear placement.]]
* '''Jetfire''' (6-inch Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' 2 cannons, display stand with removable nameplate

: Jetfire is based on [[Don Figueroa]]'s design as seen in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''The War Within'' miniseries, which in turn was based on Figueroa's [[Customizing|scratch-build custom]] Transformer, [http://www.tfarchive.com/fandom/kitbashes/Don_Figueroa/Kitbash_Retrospective/?dgallery_show=./strikefire_2.jpg Strikefire]. He transforms into a Cybertronic fighter plane with armor add-ons.

: As with all ''Titanium Series'' figures, Jetfire's toy is constructed of both die-cast metal and molded plastic, and it comes with a plastic display stand featuring his name and his faction logo. In jet mode, landing gear can be deployed from underneath the fuselage and both legs. In robot mode, the two wing cannons can be removed to be held by the robot either separately or combined together into a single weapon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitJetfire/jetfire.htm Titanium Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Classics===
[[Image:Jetfireclassicsvoyager.jpg|right|300px|thumb|We're getting almost as many Jetfires as we are Optimus Primes.]]
* '''Jetfire''' (Voyager, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket Booster pack, rifle, 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, helmet

: ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Jetfire's design is an amalgam of the original cartoon/comic model for Jetfire/Skyfire and the original toy. It not only features removable armor like the original toy, but the toy-inspired head can be removed like a helmet to reveal a cartoon/comic-inspired head. The jet mode pays [[homage]] to ''Generation 2'' Jetfire in being a [[wikipedia:Variable geometry wing|swing wing]] aircraft, but while the body resembles the design of an F-14 Tomcat, which is the model of the [[wikipedia:VF-1 Valkyrie|VF-1 Valkyrie]], but with the nosecone squared off to resemble the cartoon/comic renditions. The toy's add-on booster packs have flip-out reveal cannons, and it also features arm-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers. Somewhat uselessly, the arms rotate below the elbows and at the wrists, but don't rotate above the elbows.

: An unexpected level of detail can be found on the black non-firing rifle; when it is assembled, the gun's "sight" comes together in a way that would be functional on a full-size weapon.

: The toy's design was first featured on the solicited cover to [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] ''[[Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer]]'' #1. Contrary to popular opinion, it was not designed by [[Don Figueroa]].

: A "ghost" [[redeco]] of this toy, with black plastic and silvery electric paint deco, was shown by [[Hasbro]] in a news broadcast about their attempts to cheer up a Rhode Island orphan. Sadly, this version was never released.

: This mold was [[Retool|retooled]] to make the [[BotCon 2007]] version of [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[redeco]]ed to make the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' version of [[Tread Bolt]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsJetfire/jetfire.htm Classics Jetfire at TFU.info]''



[[Image:Jetfireclassicslegends.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Jetfire''' (Legends, 2006)

: This toy is a [[redeco]] of [[Legends Class|Legends of Cybertron]]-class [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], transforming into an SU-37 fighter jet.

:This mold was later redecoed into ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and then ''Universe'' [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] from the Target-[[exclusive]] "Special Team Leaders" Legends-class figure pack.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsLegendsJetfire/jetfire.htm Classics Legends Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Attacktix===
*'''Jetfire''' (unreleased)

:''[[Attacktix]]'' Jetfire was heavily based on his ''Titanium Series'' toy, and would've featured an oversized gun from which he fired a single missile. He was displayed at various conventions, but was ultimately canceled alongside the entire ''Attacktix'' line.

{{canceledtoy}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Jetfire toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Comes packaged in a block of ice for "show-accuracy".]]
*'''Skyfire''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Hydrogen-fuel Turbo Thruster Pack, rifle, 2 photon missile launchers, 2 infrared homing missiles, helmet

:''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Skyfire is a redeco of ''Classics'' Jetfire. The primary changes to his deco are mainly for better resemblance to Skyfire's Generation 1 cartoon model's appearance (in particular painting most of the canopy to make it appear smaller), rather than the Jetfire/''Macross'' design. Of amusement is the fact the fighter's airbrake has been painted blue to be a faux secondary canopy. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive rubsign seen on the ''Classics'' release, but instead has several [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts (his jetpack's exhaust nozzles). It also includes a [[Henkei! Henkei! (pack-in comic)|mini-manga]] detailing the events that lead to Skyfire's appearance in the Henkei universe (mini-manga universe, that is).
{{-}}

===Gentei! Gentei!===
[[Image:gentei-darkskyfire-toy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A [[Repurposing|potential]] figure for ''Shattered Glass'' Jetfire.]]

*'''Dark Skyfire''' (Voyager, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:''
**''Accessories:'' Hydrogen-fuel Turbo Thruster Pack, rifle, 2 photon missile launchers, 2 infrared homing missiles, helmet
:''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Gentei! Gentei!]]'' Dark Skyfire is a [[Toy Hobby Market]] [[exclusive]] [[black repaint]] of ''Classics'' Jetfire. The primary changes to his deco are mainly for making him, uh, darker. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive rubsign seen on the ''Classics'' release, but instead has two vacuum-metallized parts (his jetpack's exhaust nozzles). The backpack cannons have also been significantly remolded to make the barrels and stalks on which they are mounted a single piece with a new joint. This change is likely to make the barrels more durable under the constant spring-loaded strain of being hidden.

:The extent of Dark Skyfire's 'Dark' varies from image to image, early pre-production mockup images showed a dark matte grey similar to e-Hobby [[Astrotrain (G1)#Toys|Astrotrain]], whilst later images appeared gloss black with high-contrast silver details, leading to speculation that this redeco is the previously unreleased 'ghost' Classics Jetfire. Some possible hints of this remain, such as the Hasbro Classics-styled open cockpit instead of the Henkei version's half-painted version, as well as entirely new paint operations such as the added stripes on the body near shoulders.

: Pre-orders for Dark Skyfire opened up on [[November 12]]th and closed on [[December 11]]th 2009, with the toys finally shipping sometime in March of 2010.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Destron/DarkSkyfire/darkskyfire.htm More information on Jetfire at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers - Mini Bust===
*'''Jetfire''' (2009)

[[Image:DiamondSelect G1Jetfirebust.jpg|right|150px|thumb|How ironic. Two more days and I would have completed my helmet.]]
:Released by [[Diamond Select Toys]] in 2009, Jetfire was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1000 pieces. He is wielding his photon missile launcher but it uses the double-barreled cartoon design instead of the single-barreled version that came with the toy. The rest of the character design is a mixture of his cartoon/comic body.

{{-}}

[[Image:AFX ArmoredJetfire bust.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Uh-oh, move along, nothing to see here...]]
*'''Battle Armor Jetfire Bust''' (2009)

: An exclusive to AFX, this version of the Jetfire bust features an interchangeable ''Macross''-inspired head design based upon his original ''Generation 1'' toy, two booster packs on his back and a "battle damaged" sculpt.
{{-}}

==Why "Skyfire"?==
[[Image:Jetfire-SkyfireModels.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I went from 98-ton weakling to muscle-bot on...the Dery plan!]]
We may never be certain of the exact circumstances behind the change from Jetfire to Skyfire. There are, however, a few known factors, and a lot of theories.

* Not all of Hasbro's ''Transformers'' product originated with [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. Among others, the ''Macross'' Super Valkyrie, the toy that would become Jetfire, came from a company called [[Takatoku Toys]]. Why did Hasbro market non-Takara product? [[Bob Prupis]], one of the original members of the Transformers marketing team, would frequently go to Toy Fairs in Asia, where ''"any product that really looked good that was exciting we didn't care where it came from. We did some work with Bandai, who had been working with other people, and took a few products that looked right for our line"''.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/94f5cb70b08a646d G1 Hasbro marketing executives panel]</ref> The Super Valkyrie, then, must have met their criteria for inclusion.

* As a larger toy, it would follow that Hasbro would want to sell Jetfire by including him in the Transformers animated series. However, even though Hasbro had the rights to release Takatoku's Super Valkyrie in the US ''Transformers'' toyline, Hasbro's chief collaborator on ''Transformers'' was still Takara. It may have been that Takara always had plans to air the Transformer animated series in their own market (as it featured a majority of their products), and objected to the inclusion of a competitor's product on the show. This may also be why no other Takatoku-designed toys appeared in the series, although their relatively smaller sizes as compared to Jetfire may have been a factor in Hasbro not including them.

* As the theory goes, the Jetfire animation model was adjusted to look less like the toy as a compromise to Takara. However - perhaps because it now failed to look like the product it was supposed to be advertising - the character became "Skyfire".

* Conversely, it is possible that licensing issues played in to the decisions to change Jetfire to Skyfire; the [[Production bible|story bible]] for G1 writers mentions how Jetfire had been "transformed" into Skyfire for "legal reasons". See also [[#Notes|Notes]].

* The evidence of ''Robotech'' influencing Jetfire-related decisions is murky. That show began airing in syndication in March of 1985, whereas ''"Fire In The Sky"'', the first episode with Skyfire, aired [[December 8|December 8th]], [[1984]] - and would have had to have been written and animated much before then. Statements indicate that it took nine months to edit Robotech together, placing the start of production somewhere around July of 1984. So... who knows. All that's certain is that Hasbro licensing the Super Valkyrie seemingly '''did''' prevent the use of that toy in Matchbox's ''Robotech'' toyline.

Beyond Prupis's statement and the notes in the story bible, however, nothing supporting (or denying) any of the previous statements have come out.

==Notes==
[[Image:TakatokuSuperValkyrie.jpg|thumb|250px|C'mon, Hasbro. You '''know''' you want to make a "Skull Squadron" version of ''some'' [[Jetfire (disambiguation)|Jetfire]]. What's [[Bandai]] going to do? Sic the Power Rangers on you?]]

*As mentioned above, unlike most of the early ''Transformers'' range, the Jetfire toy was designed by [[Takatoku Toys|Takatoku Toys]], being a [[redeco]] (with a minor retool to blunt the nosecone) of their 1/55 [http://1501bc.com/pretf/macross.html ''Macross'' VF-1S Super Valkyrie]. Naturally, because he was not designed by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], Jetfire was not released in Japan, since the toy (or, at least, a dozen variations of it) was released by one of Takara's rival toy companies.

* The story bible for the original animated series contains a different character model for Jetfire, one clearly based on the actual toy. This model did appear three times "fictionally," once as a miscolored, partially-obscured background character in the [[The Last Stand|fourth Marvel Comics issue]], again in the Marvel Comics as a [[Ashes, Ashes...|spectator at Optimus Prime's funeral]] (right next to his "Skyfire" model), and a third time in the animated portion of the commercial for Jetfire and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. It would also occasionally crop up in secondary media, such as coloring books.

[[Image:Jetfireg1commercial.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Lawsuit!]]

* In fact, the Transformers story bible offers seemingly contradictory statements on Jetfire. An early page notes how ''"JETFIRE has been "transformed" into SKYFIRE — with a different model — due to legal reasons. Do not use this character unless necessary"'',<ref>[http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#012 Transformers Production Bible at Tfarchive.com]</ref> whereas a subsequent page on new Season 2 characters notes that ''"Although Reflector should no longer be used as a character in the series, JETFIRE will be redesigned and reintroduced in the near future"''.<ref>[http://tfarchive.com/cartoons/bible/#090 Transformers Production Bible at Tfarchive.com]</ref> As the Valkyrie-derived animation model never appeared in the cartoon, and Skyfire was never redesigned, it's uncertain just what these notes refer to.

* "Jetfire" is listed as a "Special Guest Star from Cybertron" on the [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list entry for "Fire in the Sky". Later, on the cast list entry for "Fire on the Mountain", "Skyfire" is typewritten as part of the main cast list, but a drawn dash pointing to (or from) it leads to the handwritten name "Jetfire". From there on out, Skyfire is referred to as Jetfire in the listings.

* In the aforementioned Jetfire commercial, it claims that the ''Autobots'' created Jetfire, the "ultimate robot jet," to counter the Decepticon planes. As Sunstreaker, Hound, and Prowl are under attack, the trio release Jetfire from within an opening cliffside, revealing their new creation. (See image above.)

[[Image:Jetfire-Dutch.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Crazy moonman language!]]
* It's believed that there were some [[trademark]] issues with the name "Optimus Prime" in the Netherlands due to a manufacturer of kitchen utensils named "Optimus".<ref>[http://www.reocities.com/futuristgroup/veuro2.html Jetfire vs Optimus]</ref> Whether or not this was actually the case, Milton Bradley did not initially release Optimus Prime's toy, referred to Jetfire as the Autobot leader, and called Optimus "Jetfire" in the Dutch translation of the Marvel comic! Whatever the problem was, it was later rectified, as the Optimus Prime toy was later released and they stopped calling him "Jetfire" in the comic.

* The ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Omnicon]] [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] was created as an [[homage]] to Skyfire. He [[Blastification|would have been given the name "Skyfire" as well]], but the [[trademark]] had been secured (and registered) by Hasbro rival Mattel. Also on the homage front, ''Robot Masters'' [[R-Blade]] features a very Jetfirey deco.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Jetfire Jetfire's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/g2scans/G2Trans16.jpg English translation of Japan G2 minicomic #16]
*[http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/g2storypages.php?dgallery_show=g2story/G2StoryPage4a.jpg Japan G2 story page with English annotations]

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Cyberjets]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]

Combat Deck (G1)

2010-12-09T16:12:47Z

68.38.136.117:

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
:''Combat Deck is a component of [[Autobot]] leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:CombatDeckVisualWorks.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Combat Deck as it flies through space and attacks Devastator's hand. Hubba-hubba-wha?!]]
In robot mode, Optimus Prime splits into three components:

*A sentient robot module, the [[Brain Center]].<ref>Don't look at me, this is what the 1986 Marvel UK annual called it!</ref>
*A wheeled drone module known as [[Roller]].
*A '''Combat Deck'''.

Although Optimus Prime can function as three independent modules, injury to any one module is felt by the other two.

Prime can operate by remote-control his Combat Deck module up to a distance of 1500 feet. The Auto-Launcher mounted on the deck can use a variety of artillery and radiation beam weapons, including most of those used by his fellow Autobots. The launcher also includes a highly dexterous grapple-arm which allows it to load itself and change its weaponry. The communications disk antenna mounted on the launcher provides a link between Optimus and all his fellow Autobots within a radius of 50 miles. It can be adapted to a satellite hook-up that increases its effective range tenfold. (Note that it can be replaced with a second grapple-arm, if necessary.)
Unlike Roller, the Combat Deck does not possess autonomous intelligence, but it has shown several times the strange ability to come and go out of nowhere. Spooky...

==Fiction==
===Marvel comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Combat deck marvel 1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Marvel decided to go with the [[Lucky Draw figure|lucky draw]] version.]]

When the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'s [[Auntie|computer]] was awakened by the eruption of [[Mount St. Hilary]] in 1984, it dispatched "revival drones" to reanimate the Autobots and [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] on board. Two of these drones bore a striking resemblance to the Combat Deck, and they were the ones that reactivated most, if not all of the Ark's passengers. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

Later, a drone assisted [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in repairing the Ark. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

{{note|While the revival drones were modelled after the Combat Deck's toy (right down to the wheels and platform) they were never suggested in-story to be the transformed Optimus Prime's trailer - in "[[Prisoner of War!]]" we see a drone with Ratchet while Prime drives up in truck mode. However, since there was more than one drone, it's possible Prime appropriated one to use as his trailer.}}

''As part of a plan to fake his own death, Optimus Prime stored a [[facsimile construct]] of himself in his trailer and went off alone. He was ambushed by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacon]]s and thrown clear of his trailer. Showing uncommon sportsmanship, Megatron gave Optimus a ten minute head start before he sent the Predacons to hunt for him. Thinking he lost them, Optimus Prime doubled back to his trailer and started to remove the facsimile. Megatron was waiting for him and fired his [[fusion cannon]]. He missed [[Brain Center|Prime's robot component]] but hit his trailer component, causing Prime pain. The Predacons returned and betrayed Megatron, stealing his fusion cannon and leaving him alone to fight Prime. Prime got the upper hand and Megatron opened up a space bridge to flee. Both Prime and Megatron went through, with Prime leaving behind his trailer. {{storylink|Prey!}}''
{{note|Some of the events in "Prey!" were only revealed in a flashback in [[The Harder They Die!|the next issue]].}}

''On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Prime transforms without his trailer{{storylink|Under Fire!}}'' (confirming he left it on Earth).

{{note|The Autobots had discovered the deactivated facsimile construct and buried it, thinking it was really Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Resurrection!}} No mention was made of the trailer and whether or not they buried that component as well, but the trailer was back again the [[Afterdeath!|next issue]].}}

Optimus Prime (and his trailer) drove to [[Energy Futures Industries]]. Prime transformed and left his trailer off-panel. After losing a video game, Optimus Prime's [[Brain Center|robot component]] was destroyed and carried away. It was not clear where the Combat Deck was at the time or what happened to it. {{storylink|Afterdeath!}}

====Generation 2====
Optimus Prime has been restored to his original body including his trusty old trailer and [[Roller]].

===Cartoon continuity===
[[Image:Combat deck.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Combat Deck, the alternate mode of Optimus Prime's trailer, exists within Optimus Prime's trailer. ...Wait, what?]]
The [[:Image:OptimusCDeckMTMTE3.jpg|Combat Deck was first]] used by Optimus Prime during a battle with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], during which the two fired at each other at the same time. While the Combat Deck's blasts knocked Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] off his arm, Megatron's blast blew the Combat Deck cannon to pieces. This didn't seem to hurt Prime, unless he's really good at shrugging off pain. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Optimus Prime later used the Combat Deck to help the Autobots with a battle in the Arctic. The Combat Deck managed to damage [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s stabilizers, causing him to crash into [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] in midair and taking out both [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

When Optimus Prime was briefly turned evil, [[:Image:OptimusCDeckAttackoftheAutobots.jpg|he activated the Combat Deck]] and Roller to attack his fellow Autobots when they tried to help him. It didn't hit anything, and stopped firing at them as soon as it was hit with an [[attitude exchanger]]. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots}}

{{note|This is the only time the Combat Deck actually resembled its toy counterpart. In fact, the Deck seemed to change appearance with each episode.}}

Although it didn't fully appear, the Combat Deck's arm can be clearly seen lifting the body of the ailing [[Elita One]] into Prime's Trailer. {{storylink|The Search for Alpha Trion}}
{{-}}
===Coloring book continuity===
[[Image:Forestrescuemission-combatdeck.jpg|right|150px|thumb|The Combat Deck takes aim at Starscream.]]
Optimus Prime used the Combat Deck in defense of a forest in danger of being cleared by the Decepticons to make way for a Decepticon factory. It looks [[:Image:Optimusprimeg1marvelfirst.jpg|somewhat familiar]]. {{storylink|Forest Rescue Mission}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:Escalation4 Combatdeck.jpg|left|200px|thumb|]]
When the Autobots arrived in the former [[Russia|Russian]] state of [[Brasnya]], Optimus Prime deployed the Combat Deck for remote tactical assistance. {{storylink|Escalation issue 3}} It detected the optically camouflaged [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]], enabling Roller to take the Decepticon out of commission. {{storylink|Escalation issue 4}}

After being savagely beaten by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], Optimus Prime funneled his consciousness into the memory buffers of the Combat Deck and commanded the Autobots through [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] from there. After Megatron assumed victory, Optimus moved his higher functions back into his body and showed Megatron the error of his ways. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6}}
{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1984)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' 4 missiles, fuel pump, hose, nozzle
[[Image:G1_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|]]

:The trailer portion of Optimus Prime's vehicle mode opens up into his Combat Deck, splitting down the middle and unfolding into a symmetrical battlefield headquarters for Prime and the Autobots, wide enough to accommodate one vehicle-mode Autobot car in each of its three bays. The central feature of the Combat Deck is the "artillery robot" mounted upon a boom lift arm, which features a rotating radar dish, an articulated claw arm, and two missiles. Situated at the base of this boom arm is a spring-loaded launcher that can be used to deploy either [[Roller]] or any Autobot car out of the Combat Deck via the ramp formed from the trailer's tailgate. The Combat Deck includes three small peg holes moulded into its walls and floor, scaled to accommodate Optimus Prime's laser rifle (storing it while the figure is in vehicle mode) and the handle of the fuel pump accessory.

:In trailer mode, the Combat Deck can accommodate one Autobot car (if you remove Roller), and the launcher still functions. The artillery robot can still be used in this mode, as it fits through either of the two square holes in the trailer's roof and front. The ''Transformers'' release of the figure does not mention the Combat Deck's rudimentary "third" mode, a "repair bay" of sorts, which involves standing the open trailer upright while Prime stands in the middle, so the artillery robot can "tend" to him. The Prime figure can also fit within the closed trailer.

:As a former ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy, the Combat Deck features several vestigial features associated with that toyline, including two small, dark blue consoles on its floor, and an opening cockpit on the artillery robot, which can each seat one Diaclone pilot figure. Instead of stickers, the floor of the Combat Deck originally featured large metal plates, to which the Diaclone pilots' magnetic feet could attach. These plates were included on some of the earliest releases of the ''Transformers'' version of the toy, but were soon done away with.

:The artillery robot is also the subject of several significant variations. Its missiles were customarily black, but slightly smaller grey versions were available. The original ''Transformers'' release of the figure did not feature spring-loaded launchers for these missiles, but subsequent Japanese editions of the toy included the feature. When [[Hasbro]] reissued the figure in its [[Commemorative Series]], the launchers were enabled, necessitating that the missiles be lengthened [[for safety reasons]].

:When the Optimus Prime mold is recolored or reissued (see [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys #Notes|this list]] for all those times), the Combat Deck is almost always included with it. Significant changes in the appearance of the Combat Deck included its being decorated with Pepsi stickers for a limited promotional edition, and being recolored black for ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' in 1993 and JAFCON in 2000.

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:WSTF Convoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Honey, I shrunk the Combat Deck]]
* '''G1 Convoy Trailer''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF-01B (trailer)'''

:The Combat Deck was available separately from the Optimus cab toy as a shortpacked figure. It is a tiny, simplified replica of the Generation 1 Combat Deck.

:In wave 2.5 Optimus was available in cartoon colors, with the chase figure being the trailer painted in cartoon colors.

{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
[[Image:MP04Convoy2.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.]]
* '''Convoy Perfect Edition''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-4'''

: For the re-release of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy, Takara packed him with a proper, full-size, fully transforming, plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer can open up to reveal his Combat Deck, with storage for his accessories and a functional repair drone. The interior has enough room to accommodate one [[Alternators]] toy in vehicle mode.

{{-}}

===Hybrid Style===
[[Image:THS02 CombatDeck.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Also stores fishing tackle.]]
*'''G1 Convoy''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''THS-02'''

:This version of Optimus comes with a highly detailed Combat Deck, featuring all the familiar trappings of the original toy, including the artillery robot, Roller, and storage space for Prime's gun and fuel pump. The toy lacks the spring-loaded launcher for Roller or the firing missiles for the artillery robot, and the vestigal Diaclone cockpits are naturally removed, but in their place are storage compartments for Prime's numerous fists and energon axe, and numerous other extra features: the artillery robot now features two handles that Prime can grip onto in order to aim its cannons; instead of merely flipping downward, the trailer's tailgate splits in two and swings open, and a spring-loaded ramp pops out from under the doorway to allow Roller to roll into action; the fuel pump and nozzle are connected by a poseable wire, instead of a rubber tube; when the trailer is opened, the support struts swing out automatically; and the front of the trailer has two little holes to attach Sideswipe's jet pack.
{{-}}

==Notes==
*The combat deck is at the origin of one of the oldest and most asked question among the fans. And no, we still don't know where it goes...
*The Combat Deck was referred to as "Autobot Headquarters" in [[Commercial/International#United_Kingdom|several]] [[Generation 2 (Fleetway comic)|different]] [http://www.botchthecrab.com/galleryImage.asp?gallery=10&image=268 sources].
* Among the sticker displays in the original Combat Deck toy is a map of the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Romulan_Neutral_Zone Romulan Neutral Zone]. Really!

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Combat Deck (with Optimus Prime) at TFU.info].

[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Drones]]

Commercial/Generation 1

2010-11-26T23:23:26Z

68.38.136.117: /* 1987 */

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[[Image:Hasbrooldlogo.jpg|left|75px|thumb|And if I had a hammer....]]
Generation 1's stylized and somewhat dated commercials played a huge part in propelling the [[Transformers brand]] to household name status (after all, they reached audiences who weren't actively looking for robots). As the [[theme song]] played over many of them, they are also responsible for the jingle's status as a mid-80s icon.

Generation 1 commercials would commonly start with a short sequence of original cel animation, then cut to two or more boys in the 7 to 10-year-old range playing with the toys. [[Victor Caroli]] and another narrator (here referred to as [[The Other Guy]]) provided voice-overs to describe just how exciting the incredible new toys were. Various show characters narrated some spots, including Optimus Prime, Megatron, Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime, but Caroli and The Other Guy were usually there at the end to affirm that the toys were "each sold separately". Background music would feature the show's [[theme song]], but often with new lyrics about the toys in question. The lyrics had to stretch to fit the cadence of the song; sometimes they were jammed into a different melody altogether. Most of the early commercials had an animated segment at the end with Hasbro's logo being "hammered" by animated human hands onto the screen, often having Caroli saying "...only from Hasbro!".

[[Image:Jetfireg1commercial.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Transforms from robot to lawsuit right before your eyes!]]
The animated segments often featured high-quality art and animation. Some of the 1986 and 1987 animation was combined into a [[title sequence]] for "[[The Rebirth]]", the final three-part episode of the Generation 1 cartoon (they contrasted painfully with the lower-quality segments produced by [[AKOM]].) The short length of television commercials meant the animated sections were fast-paced, with characters speaking their lines very rapidly; within the context of the fictional world they portray, this could lead to some hilarious results, such as Jazz taking about 1/4th of a second to decide to become an Action Master. The animated segments would sometimes feature the voice actors from the cartoon; however, some such as Blaster had not been assigned a voice actor yet. Later segments required soundalikes for characters whose voice actors had died (Jazz) or were unavailable (Megatron). These spots were the only American animation produced for dozens of characters from the toyline's later years, and in [[Micromaster Combiner|a few cases]], remain their only fictional appearance ''ever''.

[[Image:OptimusMagnusCommercialChange.JPG|right|250px|thumb|The Halloween masks were weak this year.]]
[[Image:Kid_to_Galvatron.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Transforms from child to robot and back!]]
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the commercials featured one of the young actors staring very seriously into the camera, mouthing "Robots in disguise!" as his eyes glowed and/or his face transformed into that of a robot (based on Galvatron or Ultra Magnus.) Variants on the "kidmation" clip continued throughout Generation 1. ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac]]'' dubbed this process "[[reverse-pretender technology]]."

Many commercials were reedited into even shorter versions, without the animation segments.

Some of these commercials, along with some Takara Transformers ads are available on the Sony DVD release of [[The Transformers: The Movie]]. Because of legal issues, the young actors' faces have now been blurred. A greater number of the commercials (of varying quality) were also avaliable on the earlier [[Madman Entertainment]] release of The Transformers: The Movie in Australia, and their final collection of the Generation 1 cartoon complete with unblurred children. [[Shout! Factory]]'s "Matrix of Leadership" complete series collection of the Generation 1 cartoon, as well as some of their individual season sets, contains several Generation 1 commercials and the ad for Generation 2 Optimus Prime. The first season set's "Triple Changer: The Origins of the Transformers" featurette contains clips of the commercial for the ''The Transformers'' #1 comic.

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===1984===
[[Image:Earlymegatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You've got to get up preeeetty early in 1984 to catch Megs with a black head.]]
[[Image:Starscreamg1early.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Starscream in his Ramjet suit.]]
* '''''The Transformers'' #1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9-7RjhFzpM]

:''Animation:'' Fast pan-ins take us from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]], with a Decepticon ship attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and forcing it to crash on Earth. The three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] fly in, transform and attack a power plant. Three cars drive out to meet them, transforming into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] joins the counter-attack, prompting the Autobots to take off into the sky. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] arrives out of an explosion cloud, transforming and firing. An image of [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue]] cross-fades into view.
:''Toy segment:'' None.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Almost every element is an early production model. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] have strangely colored faces; Megatron is in his pre-animation black helmeted design; the Ark is a green-colored model with X-shaped wings; and the Decepticon ship resembles a flying aircraft carrier.

* '''Transformers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcDja2hgxiQ]

:''Animation:'' In the desert, the Seekers strafe Prowl, Sideswipe and Jazz, who transform and fire back; the three jets transform, land, and grapple with the Autobots, while three more Seekers fly past in robot mode.
:''Toy segment:'' Some very early 80s streaking effects as the toys are shown instantly changing from vehicle to robot.
:''Narration:'' Almost none, apart from "The Transformers, from Hasbro", by [[Victor Caroli]].
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' The show's season 1 theme song plays over most of the commercial. A total of six Seekers are seen in a single shot. The Seekers continue to use the pre-cartoon animation models with the dark faces.
:"We're under attack!" "[[To sell toys|Get more Autobots!]]"

* '''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' [http://dvd.ign.com/dor/objects/14342171/transformers-the-complete-first-season-25th-anniversary-edition/videos/trans_com_062309.html]
:''Animation:'' Partially recycled from the ''Transformers #1'' commercial and the cartoon opening, including animation model Megatron leading his troops, immediately followed by pre-animation model Megatron landing. Whoops! New footage (possibly borrowed from Soundwave's commercial below) shows Prowl, Jazz and Sideswipe on what appears to be Cybertron.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "Attack the Autobot commander!" "Call in the Decepticon leader!" Yep, Neither Optimus Prime's nor Megatron's name is ever actually mentioned in the commercial.
:* '''Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kbokeZsoTY] - Nearly the same as above, except the footage of Megatron transforming with streaking effects is replaced by footage of the Optimus Prime toy being "flown" in front of a mountain. The reason for Megatron's removal is unknown, but likely due to legal and/or ethical issues with advertising a toy that turns into a realistic looking gun.

[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave's pink phase didn't last long... [[:Image:Soundwave_uscomics.jpg|in the cartoon.]]]]
* '''Soundwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhIb5H5rSkg]

:''Animation:'' Prowl, Jazz, and Sideswipe transform, as well as a light purplish-blue [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who fires twice, opens his cassette door, and tosses out [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who transforms and fires upon the three Autobots, who fire back.
:''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"

[[Image:Powercycle-ad.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Homeland security falls to a kid on a Big Wheel. You know, it must be said that NSA really is failing here.]]

* '''Transformers [[Power Cycle]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTSuBDZ5T58]

: Advertising a Coleco-made Big Wheel.
: ''Animation:'' Recycled from the first Transformers commercial, including black helmet Megatron, and some cuts between the live-action and animated footage that has the kid blasting some Autobots. Oops.
: ''Narration:'' Some wussy dude.
:"Missed! But ''I'' won't!"

* '''[[Family Home Entertainment|F.H.E.]] [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] Video Tapes''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5898/]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]".
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy
: ''Notes:'' Despite the animation being taken from "More than Meets the Eye", that tape is not actually among those pictured. The pictured tapes are (from left to right): [[Divide and Conquer]], [[Transport to Oblivion]] and [[Roll for It]]. It is stated that the tapes are available on VHS or Beta.
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===1985===

* '''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7ebWaFaVI]

:''Animation:'' Amid a raging thunderstorm on Earth, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] take on [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].
:''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid #3 mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' Soundtracked with a minor variation on the Season One cartoon opening theme: "Dinobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons!"
:* '''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNG6nXmQmU] - A re-soundtracked version of the previous commercial. Narrated by The Other Guy; soundtracked with the Season 2 theme song (still with "Dinobots" replacing "Autobots".) Kidmation spot uses the same footage of buck-tooth kid #3, but ''with freaky glowing green eyes'' (and, bizarrely enough, his polo shirt has been recolored from green to blue.)

* '''Grimlock''' [http://www.retrostatic.com/videos/p803_sectionid/13/p803_fileid/483/p803_js_on/1]

: ''Animation:'' Same as Dinobots.
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' None.
: ''Notes:'' Very similar to the two [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] commercials, using the same toy scenes (albeit in a different order, and with a different soundtrack) and animation. There are two characteristics, that most Generation 1 commercials share, but this one does not:

:*There is no Kidmation, but the voice is present in the audio.
:*The ending still shot is not taken in front of the diorama used in the toy segment. Instead a blue backdrop is employed.

:Because of these oddities, it is not clear whether this commercial was a finalized spot or an early/test version. Given the similarites and differences, it is quite likely that this commercial was reworked to create the Dinobots commercials or vice versa.

[[Image:Mini-Spies_Commercial_Symbol_Reveal.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Congratulations, Cliffjumper. It's a Decepticon!"]]
* '''Mini-Spies''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5GGZ3we68]

:''Animation:'' [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] allow a yellow [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spy]] to enter Autobot Headquarters. The little robot starts messing with the computer; Huffer and Cliffjumper come racing in and check his faction symbol. "It's a Decepticon! After him!"
:''Narration:'' [[I Wish I Was Victor Caroli]]
:''Kidmation:'' Kid points urgently at the camera: "It's an Autobot!"
:''Notes:'' [[Casey Kasem]] provides the voice for Cliffjumper's single line. Visible among the packaged Mini-Bots on the store pegs are a red Bumblebee and a (red) Cliffjumper with a yellow vehicle mode pictured on the package.

* '''Jetfire''' and '''Shockwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4et4QzUDno]

:''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] strafe [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. As the three transform and retreat, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] steps out of a mountain and takes on the Decepticon jets; [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] transforms halfway and fires, then transforms the rest of the way and fires again.
: ''Narration:'' An incredibly mellow Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' A grim-faced buck-toothed kid mouths the robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: ''Notes:'' Jetfire here is in his original, toy-based animation model.

* '''Insecticons''' plus '''Swoop''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZWNnzzjm3E]
: ''Animation:'' A horde of [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] attacks a farm.
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Glowing green eyes kid.
: "Pa, look!" "What is it?" "It's the Insecticons, an evil, new menace in the world of the Transformers!"
:* '''Insecticons''' - Resoundtracked from the previous commercial, with the 1986 version of the background music.

* '''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-arvwj7VN8]
:''Animation:'' The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], working on a building site in the desert, suddenly transform and combine. [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] touches his fists together over his head and is [[Commercial bumper|enveloped with energy]].
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Blond-haired kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "It's Devastator — six ''Constructicons'' in one!"
:* '''Constructicons/Devastator Giftset''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxVdqHn-tOo] - Similar to the previous commercial, but with a few differences. The background music has been changed from the Season 1 intro to the Season 2 intro, a different kid without glowing eyes is used for the Kidmation, and the end is changed to feature the Constructicon Giftset.
:* '''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3hzPZ0fdmY] - Resoundtracked and slightly re-edited for a 1986 re-use. Narration by The Other Guy and Megatron; Kidmation segment featuring a kid's face fold-morphing into Ultra Magnus-like generic robot.

* '''Jumpstarters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKpxHsU5ho&#t=1m59s]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Toy segment:'' Repeated shots of the [[Jumpstarter]] toys doing their thing on a futuristic smooth black surface (with custom early-80s sound effects), while shaggy-haired kids turn their heads to watch at whiplash-inducing speeds.
: ''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Buck tooth kid mouths "Robots in Disguise"
: ''In the world of the Transformers, no Autobots can jump into battle faster than the Jumpstarters!''

* '''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sxMlvn3Dsw]
:''Animation:'' As [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] fight a battle in the desert, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Grapple]] drive up and transform, prompting Megatron to summon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]].
: ''Narration:'' You're Gonna Get It
: ''Kidmation:'' Beatles haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: Included a tail-end ad for Transformers [[Action Cards]].

* '''Triple Changers''' and '''Perceptor''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crn_8VIxaOk] or [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8LKVfwxoEY]
: ''Animation:'' [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] grapples with Optimus Prime, then escapes on some train tracks. The Autobots blast a trestle out from under him; he transforms and flies away. Optimus Prime uses [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] to examine some Decepticon debris.
:''Narration'': The Other Guy; possibly Victor Caroli as well (While supplies last.)
:''Kidmation'': Taller bowl haircut kid with glowing green eyes.
:''Notes:'' Cameo animation appearances from Sunstreaker, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Perceptor is portrayed as significantly shorter than Optimus, perhaps the same size as Bumblebee. In one version, a bizarre stinger note labels the Perceptor toy as "While supplies last".
:''Triple changers, the most eeeeevil Decepticons of all!''

[[Image:RumbleBlasterCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey Soundwave, check out this new radio I found!" (actual dialogue)]]

* '''Blaster''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhzQUI3-t_U]
: ''Animation:'' [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] merrily walks into a Decepticon base carrying Blaster in boom box mode; [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] transforms, prompting Soundwave to send Laserbeak and Ravage at him.
:''Narration'': [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation'': Glowing green eyes kid.
:''Notes:'' Soundwave and Rumble have their usual cartoon voices, but Blaster has a completely different voice for his single word of dialogue.
: ''Not a working radio!''

* '''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbcwV818LuA]
: ''Animation:'' In the desert, Starscream and Thrust attack the new Autobot defense base, not realizing it's [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega transforms and attacks. Includes [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger at the end.
:''Narration:'' I Wish I Was Victor Caroli
:''Kidmation:'' Shaggy haired kid.
:''Notes:'' Starscream and Thrust have their normal cartoon voices. Except for Starscream's last line, "It's Omega Supreme!" which sounds like [[Chris Latta]] inhaled helium.
:"It's the Autobot defense base!" "But where are the Autobots?" "Who cares? Attack!"
:* '''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKpxHsU5ho&#t=3m25s] - Edited and resoundtracked with Optimus Prime narration, the 1986 theme song and [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger.

[[Image:Alex Karras Commercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I've lowered myself to ''this''?"]]
* '''Prime time spot''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eRDVymB4SU]
: [[Alex Karras]], along with two unidentified boys, calmly promotes the virtues of Perceptor (a working microscope!) and Blitzwing (what a great tank!) and urges you to shop ''now'' if you want one for your kid for Christmas.
: ''Toy segment:'' In addition to Alex and his child assistants demonstrating the toys, footage from the Dinobots commercial is reused.
: ''<s>Kid</s> KARRAS-mation:'' Alex Karras mouths along to the "robots in disguise" line and then continues his spiel without missing a beat. Sadly, his eyes do not glow green.
: ''Notes:'' This ad aired between [[Halloween]] and Thanksgiving in order to get a head start in promoting the toys for Christmas. Amongst the many boxed Transformers sitting on the table (in various shots) are Blaster, Snarl, Swoop, Soundwave, Ratchet, Megatron, Jazz, Astrotrain, Grimlock, Wheeljack, Jetfire and Optimus Prime. Three Blitzwings, Jetfire, two Perceptors, Optimus Prime, Smokescreen, Red Alert, and Astrotrain are all shown loose.
: ''These are the Transformers, one of the hottest selling toys in America. If you want one for your kid this Christmas, go now while stores have a good sel-ec-tion.''

* '''[[Rubsign]]s''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYFshTLWNcU#t=1m21s]
:To distinguish real Transformers from [[Knockoff|bootlegs]] and other brands such as [[Tonka GoBots]].
: "We are conquerors." "No one is like us." "Only we have the right to be called by the name." "Only we have the right to wear this symbol." "Or THIS symbol." "Only WE are Autobots and Decepticons." "Good versus evil." "And only WE have the right to be called the Transformers!" ''Only the Transformers are REAL Transformers!''
: ''Animation:'' A mixture of clips from various 1984 and 1985 commercials.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Reused from Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge. Same kid is used for the Constructicon giftset commercial, but in a different clip.

* '''Tyco [[Electric Train and Battle Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8FgZDtFsAA]
: ''Animation:'' Pseudo Autobots and Decepticons fight it out over the transforming train.

[[Image:Transformers_Tyco_Electric_Racing_Nightglow.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They shouldn't race so close to the nuclear power plant.]]

* '''Tyco Transformers [[Electric Racing Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCm5bOiI2R8]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Toy Segment:'' Shots of the racers speeding along the track in normal lighting and then "into a whole new universe of night-glow" are featured.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same version of the Season 1&2 outro as the train set commercial for background music. This is the only time [[Natron]] and [[Freezon]] are given names.
: "By Tyco, of course."

[[Image:ViewMaster_Projector_Commercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Put your hands in the air!"]]

* '''ViewMaster Showbeam Projector with Transformers cartridge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t781lHy-CV0]
: A brother and sister talk their mom into letting them stay up to play with the projector. They are then suddenly pulled into the images and the battle they depict. Mom walks back in to see what the ruckus is about, and thus returning them to reality.
: "Let's show the Transformers!" "Yeah!" "Wow!" "Look out! Decept-i-cons!" "Take that Megatron!"

* '''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUYryiY2_jU] / [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvDyMjWeW2Q]

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts which are mostly from Season One episodes. A clip of the Sub-Atlantican General firing at the Autobots from [[Atlantis, Arise!]], which is used in the Monday-Friday collage, is the most notable exception.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' The Season Two theme is played in the background as Victor Caroli informs us that we can "''Watch the heroic Autobots battle the evil Decepticons five days a week.''" The Caroli narrated segment was sent to the various local TV stations who then added narration and a screen with the station logo and slogan to the end of the spot. This type of customized promo would continue until [[Armada (franchise)|Transformers]] [[Cartoon Network|left]] terrestrial television.
: ''The Transformers are like nothing you've ever seen before. Don't miss a single day!''

* '''15 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGDsr1GqYag]

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts from the first two seasons, though mostly Season One.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and Optimus Prime.
: ''Notes:'' This spot reuses the animation clips from the collage in the previous commercial. However, instead of using them in a collage, a screen flipping transition is used to go from one to the next. The local station end screen was modified to include a small clip of Optimus Prime standing up. To go along with this, a [[Peter Cullen]] as Optimus Prime narration was added in the format of "Weekdays at [insert time here] on [insert station call letters here]." Considering there were likely in the neighborhood of 100 or so syndication affiliate stations, that must have been a long day at the office for Mr. Cullen!
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===1986===
[[Image:DiacloneMagnusAnime1.jpg|thumb|200px|"We're the Dandy Highwaymen, and here's our invitation."]]
* '''[[The Transformers: The Movie promo|The Transformers: The Movie promo trailer]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvoAxeykxwc] (Japanese Subtitles)
: Created for the purpose of getting potential investors to buy into the movie, this trailer features LOTS of unfinished or ultimately unused animation. Also features a temp music track featuring cues taken from ''Star Trek III: The Search for Spock''.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]] tells us how awesome the movie will be by giving away some fairly hefty plot spoilers.
:* '''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh3wgldJxRM]
:: Edited down from the promo trailer and re-soundtracked with some new Victor Caroli narration and proper [[Vince DiCola]] music to be sent out to cinemas.

* '''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaEWLuVJee0]
: ''Animation:'' Clips from the movie, starting with the Autobot shuttle launching and the Sharkticon guard pulling the feed-them-to-the-Sharkticons lever. [[The Touch|"The Touch"]] plays across the first half, then [[Lion|Lion's]] rendition of the [[theme song]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli introduces the characters and expounds on how great the movie is.
: ''Hold on tight. The most incredible rock and roll adventure ever is here!''

* '''The Transformers: The Movie TV spots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvy218PYh3A],[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEtsCBHjua0]

: ''Animation:'' Similar to the trailer with Autobot shuttle launch at the beginning, then switches back and forth between the [[Autobot City]] battle, [[Unicron]] devouring [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] vs. the Decepticons. Again, "The Touch" plays for the first half, then Lion's rendition of the theme song.
: ''Narration:'' Depending on the version, Victor Caroli, The Other Movie Guy, or both.
: ''Notes:'' Several different versions of the TV spot were produced, updating the amount of time to go until the movie's release. The known variations are: "August 8th" (60 & 30 seconds), "Opens Tomorrow" (60 & 30 seconds), "Now playing!"(60 & 30 seconds), "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #1), and "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #2). The first 6 versions can be found as part of the extras on [[Sony]]'s 20th Anniversary Edition DVD, while the other two are linked to above.
: ''So exciting you'll have to see it twice to take it all in!''

* '''Hot Rod''', '''Kup''', and '''Blurr'''; '''Cyclonus''' and '''Scourge'''; and '''Rrrrrodimus Prime'''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tdf8Q14scM]

: ''Animation:'' A running battle in the desert with each character charging in as the narrator identifies him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes'': Cameos by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], making this bit of animation yet another one of the pre-TF:TM ancillary stories that contradicts the movie itself. Additionally features an older Hot Rod animation model placing his Autobot symbol above his fire emblem, as it also appears in the movie promo trailer.
: '''''No one''' can take on the Decepticons like Rrrrrodimus Prime!''

* '''Ultra Magnus''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYFshTLWNcU#t=1m51s]

: ''Animation:'' Decepticons are attacking the Autobot launch site. With Optimus on Cybertron, it's up to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]! Magnus loads up some 'bots in Autobot City, then rolls out into the desert to fight the Decepticons, plowing through the Combaticons en route.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and Magnus both have their normal cartoon voices. Cameo appearances by Starscream, Skywarp, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]; [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]; [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]; [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]].

* '''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Galvatron''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUNUWzKbdyY]

: ''Animation:'' Magnus and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], along with others, do battle on a highway. Starscream and Skywarp can be glimpsed flying into battle alongside Galvatron!
: ''Narration:'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Jazz, Red Alert, Smokescreen, Tracks (could this be in continuity with the previous commercial?!); Skywarp and Starscream. Galvatron's voice appears to be Frank Welker doing a less-gravely Megatron-like voice.
: Includes tail-end ad for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', narration by The Other Movie Guy. ''Does Prime die?!''

[[Image:SpringerWreckGarCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It sorta happened like this in the movie. A little.]]
* '''Springer''' and '''Wreck-Gar''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEalmPOL0Gs]

: ''Animation:'' Original animation, but the plot draws heavily from ''The Transformers: The Movie''. [[Springer (G1)|Springer's]] shuttle is destroyed by the ''[[Revenge (G1)|Revenge]]''; he flies to the surface of [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and battles [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and another Junkion.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime describes Springer; Megatron gleefully describes Wreck-Gar as though he were a Decepticon; [[Victor Caroli]] (Each sold separately.)
: ''Notes:'' Wreck-Gar's is voiced by [[Frank Welker]] for this commercial, not sounding particularly distinct from Megatron; his lines are directly copied from the movie.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.

* '''Sharkticons''', '''Kup''', '''Hot Rod''' and '''Wheelie''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGKZ3qhYKvA]

: ''Animation:'' Like the previous commercial, heavily based on the movie. Hot Rod and Kup battle a group of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (sounding like Scrappy-Doo) arrives to help.
: ''Narration:'' Prime and Megatron; Victor Caroli (Sold separately).
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Autobots never faced an evil force worse than the terror of - the Sharkticons!''

* '''Aerialbots''' and '''Stunticons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdA_0PXT1fQ]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams both arrive in the desert and transform; both combine, and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] bashes [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] into a cliff. Menasor's legs are on backwards.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus and Megatron.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: "Only the Stunticons!" ...only the Stunticons ''what?''

* '''Combaticons/Bruticus''' and '''Metroplex''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCVd2XgbUtw]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] fly through a canyon, combine, and attack [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who transforms to his enormous robot mode and fires at them.
:''Narration:'' Megatron, Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (From Hasbro.)
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: "But the ''Combaticons'' can combine to form ''Bruticus!''"

* '''Protectobots/Defensor''' and '''Trypticon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF-Xno8KJno]

: ''Animation:'' The Protectobots drive down a road towards the Decepticons' massive new base, transform and attack. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s voice commands the base to transform into battle station mode; the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] become [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and fire back. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] changes to dinosaur mode and blasts fire-breath at Defensor.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]; [[Victor Caroli]] (Batteries not included.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Trypticon is voiced by [[Jack Angel]] for this commercial.
: ''Toy segment:'' Two kids playing with the toys are ''very'' affected by the sight of toy Trypticon knocking over Defensor.

* '''Predacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPOpI_fGoyo]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] barrel over Skywarp, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and Starscream; the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] charge in to counter the Dinobots, transforming into robot mode and then combining into [[Predaking]].
: ''Narration:'' Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is missing from the animated Dinobots. He was also missing from previous commercials featuring the Dinobots.
: "Few Decepticons can stand up to the Dinobots, but the Predacons can!"

* '''Sky Lynx''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQXPiKZ0hNk]

: ''Animation:'' Predaking smashes through a mountain to attack the Dinobots. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] thinks they're in trouble, but then [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] swoops in to save the day.
:''Narration:'' Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Batteries not included.)
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:''Notes:'' Like the Magnus commercials, this one could actually be in continuity with the Predacon commercial, which ended with the Predacons combining. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and Grimlock both have their cartoon voices (well, the higher-pitched voice that Slag had in Season 3.)

* '''Triple Changers''' - '''Sandstorm''', '''Broadside''' and '''Octane''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRj3Xo8wqiM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and Astrotrain attack [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]; [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] change repeatedly as they travel over land and water.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:''Autobot - triple changers battling - the triple changers of - the Decepticons!''

[[Image:Patches g1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Spike, if you don't put the patch on your skin, you won't get the nicotine.]]
[[Image:LiveActionJazz-Skywarp01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This socially awkward scene could be all yours!]]
* '''Battlechargers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXkHp9J51do#t=3m53s]

: ''Animation:'' Amid a field of erupting volcanoes, Ultra Magnus and his usual team of Autobots (Jazz, Smokescreen, Red Alert and Tracks) transform and march forward in lock-step, prompting Megatron to order the Battlechargers to attack. [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] drive off a cliff; Runabout transforms and fires.
: ''Narration:'' Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Toy segment:'' The toy portion also features repeated cuts of a kid's head/eyes following the rolling [[Battlecharger]] toys.
: ''Nobody jumps into action - faster than - Battlechargers!''

* '''[[Prizes in Disguise]] contest/[[Iron-on patch|reflective patches]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UUwi2uSUQE]

: ''Animation:'' Jazz and Cosmos shine their headlights to reveal that a group of humans are wearing Transformers reflective patches, thus gaining entry to the Autobot base.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face; also, a kid saying "Robots in Disguise" through the Voice Changer.
: ''Notes:'' Standard cartoon voices for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], Jazz and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. Background cameos by Tracks and Smokescreen.
: ''You could win a party with life-sized Transformers!''

* '''[[Underoos]]''' [http://www.retrostatic.com/videos/p803_sectionid/6/p803_fileid/398/p803_js_on/1]

: ''Kidmation:'' Three different kids turn into animated versions of the lead good guy from the toyline that corresponds to their underwear while growling that line's catchphrase and the name of the good guy. The last of the three is Freddy, who pulls on his Transformers Underoos and turns into Optimus Prime while growling "MORE than meets the eye! The Transformers!".
: ''Notes:'' The animation model used for Optimus Prime has design simplifications which make it very similar to the animation model used in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|actual cartoons]]. The coloring of the model however, is based off Prime's [[package art]]. It oddly deviates by coloring the upper legs blue, and having a white line just under his forehead crest.
: "Freddy, what are you doing up there?"

* '''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/4290/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season One and Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' In addition to the customized end tag, a text overlay in that station's style was placed over several scenes early in the spot. Uses the Season 3/Season 4 theme. Three different Megatron quotes are used.
: "We'll be waiting!"

* '''30 second cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/2986/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Uses Season Three/Season Four theme.
:''It's the incredible adventures of the Transformers. Watch as Heroic Autobots bravely battle Evil Decepticons every Monday through Friday. Don't miss a single day!''

===1987===
Many of the live-action segments for the 1987 toy commercials showed kids playing with the toys in a rocky, doom-laden environment, replete with constant flashes of lightning illuminating the toys. It is possible this is meant to be [[Nebulos]], given the way that planet is portrayed in the animated segments.

[[Image:Brainstormpretenderscommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Let's search that planet, Magnus! We've got to find them! With their help, we can defeat the Decepticons!" Keep hoping, Rodimus. Keep hoping.]]
* '''Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__QTNCp5RhI]

: ''Animation:'' The four Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Nebulos|Nebulans]] climb into their respective partners, who are parked in vehicle mode in a base; they roll out and clash with the three Headmaster Decepticons. Includes particularly nice closeups of [[Monzo]] and [[Stylor]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] narrate. (well, Rodimus actually spews out a series of basically incomprehensible lines.)
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps and flips, turning into a stop-motion version of Ultra Magnus's toy.
: ''Head. MasterTransformers—more muchmore than meets the eyes!'' {{sic}}

* '''Decepticon Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ6FtUb-WQo]

: ''Animation:'' At the secret base of the Headmaster Decepticons, the "trainers" are putting [[Skullcruncher]], [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] through their paces, having them jump through hoops and smash through rock statues of the Autobot Headmasters. Yes, the "trainer" concept actually made it into animation. They even carry whips!
: ''Narration:'' [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Magnus toy.
: ''Nothing's better than going into battle with '''these''' Transformers!''

* '''Headmaster Horrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr4iHCbkRWw]

: ''Animation:'' [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon]] fly into a canyon and transform to robot mode, then change to beast mode and charge, spewing fire and swinging rocks around.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Extreme closeup of a kid's eye, with a camera pull-out emerging from the pupil.
: ''The jaws of the beast become the pilot of the plane, and the pilot of the plane becomes the head of the robot!''

* '''Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugF7cyTOuro]

: ''Animation:'' Live-action set of a rocky planet explodes. Cel: on Cybertron(?), [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] get strafed by [[Triggerhappy]], who transforms and grapples with Sureshot, while their guns do the same. Crosshairs drives forward; he and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] transform and run, then both get tackled by [[Misfire]] and [[Aimless]].
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips and becomes stop-motion Ultra Magnus toy.
: ''Two Trans-for-mers, all in one! The vehicle transforms and so does the gun!''

* '''Sixshot''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZz2xhptRc]

: ''Animation:'' Rodimus Prime and Galvatron lead their teams in battle; [[Sixshot]] attacks and runs through his various modes, as Galvatron describes them and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] counts them off.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. Galvatron has his usual cartoon voice, but Cyclonus does not. A deeper version of the substitute Cyclonus voice is also used for Sixshot. Also, atypically for animators Toei, Cyclonus' earlier pre-production character model as most often seen in AKOM-animated episodes is used.
: ''The most challenging Transformer of them all!''

[[Image:Technobots.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hi-Tech Sentai Nerdranger]]
[[Image:Computron animated.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Revenge of the nerds!]]
* '''Technobots/Computron''' and '''Scorponok''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mc28D8K--o]

: ''Animation:'' Galvatron runs down a ramp as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] transforms from base to scorpion to repulse the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]; the Technobots combine, and get hit with a rock thrown by Scorponok.
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Naturally, [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Zarak]] is visible running around as Scorponok transforms.
: ''And now it's a beast with capture claws and a trainer who becomes...the HEAD of its robot!''

* '''Technobots''' and '''Terrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFxkWQHHBJY]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams battle on Earth, while Rodimus and Magnus narrate.
: ''Narration:'' Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Prime, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes [[decoy]] stinger.
: "Those hi-tech heroes are in for one horrific battle!"

* '''Punch/Counterpunch''' and '''Clones''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ1T_jL6oF4]

: ''Animation:'' [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] informs Rodimus that he can trust him, transforms to car mode, rolls out of the base and promptly transforms to Counterpunch and tells the waiting Galvatron that he can trust ''him''. The Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]] run through a rocky landscape in perfect step and open fire on the Autobot clones, then both groups transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] and Cyclonus. Includes [[decoy]] ending.

* '''Monsterbots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SdN-zvZpYo]

: ''Animation:'' Blurr and Rodimus Prime arrive; Kup tells them that there's been an accident, and the new Autobots are monsters! The [[Monsterbots]] trash a lab, then burst through a wall and fight some Decepticons.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Scourge, [[Octane]], and Cyclonus.
: ''And they've even got sparks, BLASTING out of them!''

[[Image:Weirdwolfweirdhead.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I think pulling my head off is a pretty good idear.]]
[[Image:Brainstormweirdhead.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Brainstorm was actually pretty happy to get rid of his bizarre zombie vampire head.]]
* '''Duocons/Throttlebots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXkHp9J51do#t=1m53s]

: ''Animation:'' [[Flywheels|Flywheels’s]] jet portion swoops down out of the sky and links up with his tank, transforming to robot mode before being jumped on by Rodimus Prime. "That jet is going to crash into that tank!" "No, it's not. They're going to transform into one robot!"
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes decoy stinger.
: ''They think they’re twice as tough as any Autobot—and MAYBE THEY ARE.''

* '''Fortress Maximus''' "FOR-TRESS MAX-I-MUHUUUS!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6qIgMbRvc]

: ''Animation:'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transforms to base mode and blows away the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who combine into [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and attack him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus.

* '''''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]''' comic book'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiBfxykv5go]

: ''Animation:'' The post-Movie Autobots and Decepticons shoot it out on Cybertron: Galvatron and Scourge fire on Blurr and Rodimus; [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] grapples with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]; Ultra Magnus...stands there. Two teams "blast" their way to Nebulos. The Autobots detach their heads, which are replaced by "the intelligent Nebulons". The Decepticons do the same. Scorponok and Fortress Maximus slug it out; the [[Targetmasters]] charge at each other and transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Features completely random, made-up heads for the pre-Headmaster robots.

* '''The Return of Optimus Prime promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjHBeeQAZyU]
: ''Animation:'' Excerpts of the Optimus Prime death scene and Prime vs. Megatron from The Transformers: The Movie.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and various local TV announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features Unicron's Theme as the background music. Many TV stations shrank or otherwise manipulated it at the end, but New York's WPIX simply overlaid a graphic on the bottom saying, with a red line between them, "4:30 PM" on top, and "Tues. & Wed." on the bottom, with their classic "Circle 11" logo on the far right.
:"It's over Prime." "Never!" ''Hang on, Autobots, it's not over! Optimus Prime returns, February 24th and 25th on ''The Transformers''.''
:*'''Optimus Prime week''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgbmYGDbjkw] – Same as above commercial but re-narrated with the removal of "Never!" and changed to speak of a whole Optimus Prime week.
::"It's over Prime." ''Wrong, Megatron! It's just the beginning!''

*'''Season 4 cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kja8RSRq21g]
: ''Animation:'' A set of excerpts from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' almost identical to those used for the Return of Optimus Prime and Optimus Prime week spots.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, trying to exclaim every line more dramatically than the last and various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features a brand new piece of background music incorporating the Transformers theme. Similar in sound to the music [[Vince DiCola]] composed for The Transformers: The Movie.
:''Autobots versus Decepticons. Good against evil. Metal against metal!''

[[Image:G1 Season 4 promo.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]
*'''Season 4 cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1CpeK-XRQ]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and several 1987 toy commercials/the Season 3 [[title sequence]]. A scene from the movie of Hot Rod and Kup watching Decepticon missiles come back towards their shuttle has the view from the shuttle's “windshield” replaced with crude CGI to make it look like they're flying through a...a...well, we're not really sure what it's supposed to be. It kind of looks like a base, though it has both Autobot and Decepticon logos in different areas. A shot of a crude CGI Optimus Prime closes out the commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same new music used in the previous commercial.
:''They're more, much more than you've ever imagined! The Transformers. Watch as the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons reaches an incredible new level.''

===1988===
Many of the 1988 commercials began with a still shot of several animation frames, arranged as if in a comic book. The camera would zoom in on one as the animation began.

* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GpTjkDrJkU]

: ''Animation:'' [[Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] battle [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and [[Weirdwolf]]. Three Autobot [[Pretenders]] are created (nekkid!). [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Darkwing]] attack and the armored Pretenders split to reveal their robots, forcing the Decepticons to flee. The Decepticon Pretenders burst through the wall and both groups split.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
:''Notes:'' Features only the first wave of large Pretenders ([[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], [[Cloudburst]], [[Waverider]]; [[Skullgrin]], [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]] and [[Bomb-Burst]].)
:''After a series of startling defeats at the hands of the Decepticons...''
:* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eA8RwvAm7s]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, re-used from the above commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' A bizarre segment of kids proclaiming what they "are" ("I’m a video gamer!" "I’m a skateboarder!"), only for the skateboarder to split Pretender-style, revealing a generic CGI robot who announces "I’m a Transformer!"
::* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OfIYC1FC3Y] - Edited down version of the immediately preceding commercial.
:* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL0uRBKRHa8]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, same as the above commercials.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid's face splits apart to reveal his 'inner' robot face.

* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.bigbot.com/mp3/preten.mp3] (Audio track)
: ''Animation:''
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli
: Includes tail-end spot for the relevant [[Pretender to the Throne!|Marvel Comics issue]].

[[Image:Slapdashcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Why are you here, again?]]
* '''Powermasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEAjoH_EEtY]

: ''Animation:'' amid desert canyons, the various Powermaster partners transform to engine form and combine with their partners, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] transforming his trailer to base mode. This is followed by the Autobot [[Powermasters]] shooting at Darkwing and Dreadwind who, now that they've accomplished their [[To sell toys|goal]], are once again in their plane modes.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Features [[Getaway]] / [[Rev]], [[Slapdash]] / [[Lube]], and [[Joyride (Autobot)|Joyride]] / [[Hotwire]]; [[Darkwing]] / [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] / [[Hi-Test]]; and [[Hi-Q]]. Includes tail-end ads spot for the relevant [[People Power!|Marvel Comics issue]].
: ''Their engine’s the key that unlocks their Transformer en-er-geeee!''

[[Image:HiQCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Truck? What truck?]]

* '''Powermaster toys''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo2gEIZMSeE]

: ''Animation:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing chase Getaway and Joyride around the rim of a crater. Dreadwind and Darkwing transform. Includes segments recycled from the first Powermaster commercial.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid crackles with energy, which surrounds and replaces his head with a ''very'', and we mean ''very'', crude CGI Powermaster Optimus Prime head.
: ''Powermaster Transformers! They've got the power to surprise!''

* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ahamtdTLDY#t=0m59s]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled footage of Prime transforming from the Powermasters commercial; Powermaster Optimus Prime firing [[Quickswitch]].
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Kid to Powermaster Optimus Prime.
: ''POW-er-master Optimus Prime! Greatest hero of his time!'' ("It's great to be back!")
:* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f-0UF_NBgs] - edited down from the previous commercial.

*'''Powermaster Prime''' and '''Doubledealer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjCqcOAQPq0]

: ''Animation:'' Footage of Prime reused from other commercials featuring him, then a new segment with [[Doubledealer]] in robot mode standing with Prime. Doubledealer transforms to vehicle mode, then [[Skar]] flies out of [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]]'s hand and locks into place, transforming Doubledealer to falcon mode.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who’s that new Transformer with Optimus Prime?"

[[Image:NightbeatTV.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Look at my chest.]]
[[Image:Fangrycommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|HOOKA chaka HOOKA chaka HOOKA HOOKA HOOKA chaka]]

* '''Small Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf-MDd7cdi0]

: ''Animation:'' The small Autobot Headmasters ([[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Siren]], [[Hosehead]]) drive on a rocky world; Nightbeat and [[Muzzle]] transform. The small Decepticon Headmasters burst through a wall in beast mode; [[Fangry]] and [[Brisko]] transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who's obviously never met Fangry, [[Squeezeplay]] or [[Horri-Bull]]: "Our new Decepticon Headmasters will give us more brainpower than ever!"
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid flips through the air, converting to a robot and folding up to become the head of a larger (stop motion?) robot resembling Brainstorm.
: ''And when the '''head''' enters the robot's body you get a '''readout''' of its power!''

[[Image:Snarlercommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If it's a Beast War you want...]]
* '''Pretender Beasts/Pretender Vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdgmccNpuqM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Snarler]] and [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]] battle in beast mode... then... are suddenly in their shells... and then come out of their shells...? [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]] emerges from his vehicle and transforms to jet mode; [[Roadgrabber]] emerges and transforms his vehicle to battle mode, opening fire on the flying Gunrunner.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Pretender Kid.
:''Now, in the world of Pretenders, there are Pretender Beasts; Strange and terrifying.''

* '''Quickswitch'''. "It's Quickswitch, Sixshot's son! And he's on our side!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDgSnwgp0NQ]

: ''Animation:'' In the midst of a moon battle, Getaway spots [[Quickswitch]] incoming and mistakes him for a Decepticon, urging the others to destroy him, until someone says he's an Autobot. Quickswitch runs through his modes, beating up Horri-Bull and [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]], then goes to gun mode and lands in Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid holding the toy mouths a synthesized "How quick can you all six" [''sic''], while his head flops around disturbingly.
: ''Determined to make good where his Decepticon father went bad, Quickswitch joins the Autobots!''

* '''Double Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCfnJpHFRuc]

: ''Animation:'' [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and [[Needlenose]] chase the Autobot small Targetmaster Nebulans (most prominently [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (Nebulan)|Ricochet]]) across a rocky landscape. The Nebulans transform to gun modes and link up with their vehicle-mode Autobot partners, [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] and [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]], who then transform and fire. [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]] fly out of Scoop's hand and combine into their double weapon form. Scoop fires at a strafing Spinister and Needlenose, who transform, land and charge into battle.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips over and turns into a gun for a very crude CGI robot.
: ''Targetmaster Transformers—theeeeeey've got the power to surprise!''

[[Image:FireconCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Now auditioning for Gamera vs. The Firecons]]
* '''Firecons/Sparkabots'''

: ''Animation:''
: ''Narration:''
: ''Kidmation:''

* '''Triggerbots/Triggercons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xBLVLIKprA]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled Dreadwind and Darkwing chasing Getaway and Joyride, from the Powermasters commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And when the Triggerbots battle the Triggercons, there's no doubt there'll be a real shoot-out!'' KERRUNCH.

[[Image:PiranaconCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, Dreamwave never learned that what works in animation doesn't always go over so well as a still image.]]
* '''Seacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwyf28trZhg]

: ''Animation:'' Beneath the ocean, the beast-mode [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]] take bites out of a submarine. Piranacon switches out his left arm and gun.
: ''Narration:'' Unknown.
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps over the top of a generic stop-animated robot and transforms into his gun, which he fires.
:* '''Seacons / Sparkabots / Firecons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MOFXjDTJ50#t=1m33s]
: Portions of the Seacon commercial with a Sparkabots/Firecons segment at the end.
:''Animation:'' The [[Firecon|Firecons]] march forward in beast mode, spewing flames; the [[Sparkabots]] drive forward and transform; the Firecons transform and grapple with the Sparkabots ([[Cindersaur]] vs. [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]] being most prominent.)
:* '''Seacons / Triggerbots / Trigggercons''' - Same as previous with the Triggerbots/Triggercons segment in place of the Firecons/Sparkabots.

===1989===
* '''Micromaster Patrols''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GKXFzYvLGU]

: ''Animation:'' From Optimus Prime's glowing fist, the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Off Road Patrol]] charge forth. They infiltrate a Decepticon base, driving right past Piranacon, [[Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], who wonder why they don't have those things. Then the Micromasters swarm around Dreadwind's head. In stop motion, a stream of [[Micromaster]] toys topples a gray-painted [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid scoops up the Micromasters and opens his palm to show them off.
: ''Notes:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing are given voices.
: "Our new commandos, who go where no one else goes!"

[[Image:Destronsoldier micromasters.jpg|right|200px|thumb|""]]
* '''Micromaster transports and battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2sGiQPOSxs] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5542/]

: ''Animation:'' A horde of Micromasters swarms over an attacking [[Giant Decepticon Soldier]]; Prime opens his palm to reveal a Micromaster city; [[Red Hot]] transforms and flies at the camera. Stop-motion spots show a fleet of Micromaster vehicles driving around the combined playsets.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "The most incredible Micros of all! They're not just small; they're ''Tranzzforrrmerrzzz''!"
:* '''Micromaster battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9qABpn1U5s] - edited down from the previous commercial.
: "The ''only'' Micros that transform!"
:* '''Micromaster transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU0ApqagpFk] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Micromasterbasescommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bumblebee, you fool!]]
[[Image:SkystalkerCommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Go ahead. Make my day.]]

* '''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lQjziUSVME]

: ''Animation:'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] drag two captured Decepticon vehicles (the [[Interstellar shuttle]] and the [[Helicopter]]) up to Optimus Prime in an Autobot base, only to have them transform and attack, with the guns manned by the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Bumblebee has his [[Dan Gilvezan|normal voice]]. An unidentified voice presumably belongs to Skystalker.
: ''You can connect them to form whole cities!''
:* '''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9APg4jM3KJI] - edited down from the previous commercial.

* '''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecehJWexUaE] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5541/]

: ''Animation:'' As Prime transforms and comes under attack in a nighttime city, the Autobot Pretenders arrive to help out.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is voiced by his regular actor. Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the movie when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "Bumblebee, Jazz, you're back!" "And me Grimlock!" ''And the '''eeeevil''' Starscream is here too!''
:* '''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSi6ZVZe0no] - edited down from the previous commercial.

* '''Mega and Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Vz63YmywM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] and [[Vroom]] slowly drift out of their shells and transform; [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]] avoids a strafing run from [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]], then his two robot forms both pop out of his vehicle shell and fire.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who's more than they pretend to be? Mega Pretender Transformers, Mega Pretenders!"
:* '''Mega Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBmplIUYCms] - edited down from the previous commercial.
:: "Inside one, there's the other; then they both transform and combine to form another!"
:* '''Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsgfEOamaMw] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Pretendermonstercommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Decades later, their [[Pretender_Monster#Toys|melting shells]] let you re-enact this scene.]]
* '''[[Pretender Monster|Pretender Monsters]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQRzQIXQkTU]

: ''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] dunks [[Wildfly]], [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] and [[Scowl]] into colorful vats; they and the others emerge as Pretenders and charge at the camera. "BEYOND! (beyond) anything you've EVER SEEN before: Transformers Monster Pretenders!"
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: '''''Now''', the Decepticons have '''Monster Pretenders'''. Monster Pretenders with '''rubbery skin!'''''

===1990===
[[Image:Sprocketoverruncommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Sure, Prime, I'll give up the alternate mode that I never had."]]
[[Image:GutcruncherG1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Estroy them!" Actual dialogue. We're not making this up.]]
The Action Master commercials began and ended with a metal fist bursting through a wall, with "ACTION MASTERS" emblazoned across its knuckles. Some of the animation was screened against real-world backgrounds, with poorly animated characters morphing into the real toys.

* '''Action Masters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNf3jQ1zdw]

: ''Animation:'' Inside a base, [[Optimus Prime (G1)| Optimus Prime]] invites a circle of Autobots ([[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Rad (G1)|Rad]], [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] and [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]]) to join him. Prime, Jazz and Rad dash before the animation morphs to show their respective toys. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] and [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] blast through a wall before they too morph from animation to toys.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Jazz is voiced by a sound-alike, [[Scatman Crothers]] having passed away. Rad is given a voice by [[Michael Bell]].
: "Who will give up the power to transform to become stronger faster more alive?" [''sic'']

* '''Action Master vehicles — Starscream, Prowl''', and '''Overrun''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMn36VbUamU]

: ''Animation:'' A short battle sequence (on Cybertron?) with the three featured characters.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And '''look!''' The Action Master vehicles transform into powerful '''battle stations!'''''

* '''Action Master vehicles — Wheeljack, Sprocket''', and '''Gutcruncher''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_zEQL5qoSs]

: ''Animation:'' [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] takes to the sky in the [[Stratotronic Jet|Stratojet]]; Wheeljack and Sprocket drive out of a tunnel.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Gutcruncher speaks!
: "Estroy them!" [again, ''sic'']
:* '''Action Master vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldTBFhVOeyA] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Micromasters melt in your mouth, not in your hand.]]
[[Image:Bigdaddycommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hey, daddy-o, where's the drive thru at?]]

* '''Hot Rod Patrol''' and '''Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BULkif6vEsA]

: ''Animation:'' Cel: Jazz and Prime pick up the Hot Rod Patrol and examine them. Stop-motion toys: The Construction Patrol destroys a bridge, making Scorponok fall into a ravine. Rawr!
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:* '''Hot Rod Patrol / Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAGdONYuMxQ] - Abbreviated (and accelerated) version of the previous commercial. [[Neil Ross]] jibbers his lines at hilariously high speed: "Micromasterconstructionpatroldestroythebridge!"

* '''Micromaster Combiners/Combiner Transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NHa_xEPCCA]

: ''Animation:'' Megatron grabs at a couple of combiner vehicles ([[Roadburner]]/[[Wheel Blaze]] and [[Missile Master]]/[[Moonrock]]), only to have them split apart, reconnect, and shoot him in the face. [[Cement-Head]] and [[Terror-Tread]], along with their transport, transform from vehicle to robot/base.
:''Notes:'' A rather wussy Frank Welker soundalike voices [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]; Neil Ross voices the indeterminable Micromaster. Roadburner somehow fires a laser from the short end of his cherry picker crane.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:* '''Micromaster Combiners''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4c2GiO-8D4#t=7m02s] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

===1999===
* '''Kid Rhino Video Trailer'''

: Scenes from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''G.I. Joe: The Movie'' and ''[[Jem]]'' are shown with their corresponding theme songs followed by text narration asking you to turn your home into a zoo by buying Kid Rhino's home video releases.
: ''Notes:'' The Transformers scenes are of [[Unicron]] demolishing [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and Springer transforming to helicopter mode before following [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and the other Autobots through Unicron's right eye.

===2006===
* '''[[Sony]] ''The Transformers: The Movie'' 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Preview''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dU2TiL7Vgs]
: Scenes from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' play as text narration overlays promote the features of the DVD.
: ''Notes:'' This preview was shown at the Transformers panel at Comic-Con 2006.

===2007===
* '''[[Metrodome]] ''The Transformers: The Movie'' 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Preview''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d4BUe74tC8]
: Excerpts from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and images of various Metrodome Transformers DVDs are shown as text narration overlays urge consumers to buy Metrodome's G1 boxsets and 20th Anniversary edition of ''The Transformers: The Movie''

===2008===
[[Image:G1Awakening Trailer1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey, look at the pretty numbers..."]]
* '''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRbWH14tT0M]
: Composed of sound-less excerpts of actual game footage highlighting some aspects of the control interface, in-game bios and battle mechanics.

===2009===
* '''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLkqZmEf7CY]
: Excerpts from the Season 1 intro to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] are interspersed with shots of a CGI cellphone displaying actual game footage.
: ''Notes:'' The cartoon animation is taken from [[Kid Rhino]]'s Season 1 DVD boxset, complete with the "remastered" 5.1 surround sound audio track.
{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WssZjIsUIU Generation 1 commercial compilation, 1985-1988]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4c2GiO-8D4 Generation 1 commercial compilation, 1989-1990]

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Grapple (G1)

2010-11-26T23:17:35Z

68.38.136.117: /* Generation 1 */

{{Faction|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot crane|the ex-Constructicon crane who looks exactly like him sometimes|Hauler}}
:''Grapple is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:GrappleG1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Elementary, my dear Hoist."]]
'''Grapple''' is technically an architect, but in his [[spark]] he is an artist. On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], before the war, his buildings were considered great works of art, but now his constructions are limited by the realities and needs of the war effort. It is a situation he often finds stifling. Grapple takes great pride in any work he constructs, and is prone to severe bouts of depression should his "masterworks" be destroyed in the course of combat. Grapple can usually be found hanging out with his close friend [[Hoist (G1)| Hoist]] who does his best to cheer Grapple up when his artistic temperament has him down.

{{bigquote|Someday I want to build something that doesn't get trashed!|Grapple laments his creations' constant destruction|"[[Auto Berserk]]"}}

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Grappin'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Csáklya'''
:''Italian name'': '''Gancio'''
:''Portugese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Chave'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Lutador'''
:''Russian name:'' '''Granit''' ('''Гранит''', "Granite")

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Renaday]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese)

Grapple was first seen on Earth hanging out inside the Ark on a typical day for the Autobots. This typical day including the discovery of a [[Dinobot Island (G1)|prehistoric island]] hidden inside a naturally-occurring time warp, and a rampage through the base by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s. Yup...typical day. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}

[[Image:Master builders1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|"Boy, I bet you we'll win top prize at the Autobot Science Fair this year! We'll beat [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s catapult-making machine any day!"]]

Grapple designed a [[Solar Power Tower]] to collect solar energy for the Autobots — even built a little model of it. When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] wouldn't let him build it, Grapple ran off to sulk and encountered the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], and naturally told them all about his awesome tower idea that got nixed because Prime didn't want the [[Decepticon]]s getting their hands on it. Brilliant.

[[Image:Master builders2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|"Your invention has a practical application, so it was disqualified. Sorry."]]
They agreed to help Grapple and his buddy [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] out, but then [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] found out and decided to turn it into his latest evil plan. The Solar Power Tower was completed, but [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] trapped Grapple and Hoist inside it, and the Autobots had to show up to save their skidplates. {{storylink|The Master Builders}}

When the Autobots' favorite mad scientist, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], started showing off his latest super-weapon, Grapple begged him to please not point the [[Negavator]] at any of his buildings. It's like he didn't trust Wheeljack not to blow things up, or something. Inevitably, though, the Decepticons attacked and the beautiful bunker Grapple built to house the Negavator was reduced to rubble. While he worked in vehicle mode to clear away the debris, Grapple and the Autobots were caught napping by Megatron and his [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. They had Prime and the others in their sights but, when [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] caused a distraction, Grapple dropped the rubble he was carrying on top of the Decepticons, sending them scattering for cover. {{storylink|Auto Berserk}}

[[Image:AutoBerserk-Grapple.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Usually, Grapple has special ointment to treat his blackheads.]]

Like most of the Autobots, Grapple showed up in [[Central City (G1)|Central City]] for the first (and apparently last) Autobot Day celebration. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}}

After the Dinobots destroyed a sizeable portion of the airport battling Decepticons, Grapple and the Autobots lent a hand to repair what was damaged. After [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] reconstructed the walls of a building, Grapple was ready to add the ''piece de resistance'' by lowering the roof on top. His artistic pride took a serious blow when Grapple dropped the roof and collapsed the entire building underneath it. Mortified as he was, Grapple's mistake was only the first sign of [[cybertonium]] deficiency, which soon began to affect all the Autobots and their functions. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} He was later seen with Hoist, patching up [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and a group of Autobots after they tangled with the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}}

[[Image:Primetargetbotsintraps.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Inquisition, what a show! The Inquisition, here we go!]]

Grapple was also one of several Autobots captured by [[Lord Chumley]]'s wildly-improbable traps; Grapple fell victim to a series of girders that magically fell into a cage configuration. Taken to Chumley's goofy-ass castle, he was used as bait to draw in Optimus Prime, "forced" to hold up a giant boulder—which did not seem to be actually ''supported'' by anything and therefore Grapple could have just dropped it or thrown it at one of the other devices keeping the Autobots prisoner.

Grapple's kind of stupid and too bad he didn't have Hoist to ge him out of his "sticky situation". {{storylink|Prime Target}}

After [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] located the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] at large, Prime and the Autobots moved to intercept the wild Decepticons. Grapple, Hoist and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] confronted [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider]] on a deserted stretch of highway. When Breakdown dropped a line of oil behind him, Grapple took the opportunity to ''light him on fire.'' Geez, Grapple...he didn't even destroy one of your buildings. Why the hate? {{storylink|Masquerade}} When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream ]] and the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] kidnapped [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], Optimus Prime and the Autobots went after them. Powerglide located the missing 'Bots at a power plant, and alerted his comrades. Grapple and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] freed the prisoners during the power struggle between Megatron and Starscream. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Alongside [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]'s lower leg and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], Grapple valiantly defended [[Autobot City]] when it was [[Battle of Autobot City|attacked]] by Decepticons in the year 2005. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Skidsgrapplesmokescreenhoisttracks.jpg|right|thumb|250px|He built [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] strong enough to survive at least one attack by [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]].]]
Prior to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] leaving Cybertron, Grapple (along with [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], Hoist and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]) had his memories recorded onto crystals in case [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] required more warriors during the Ark's mission. Four million years following the Ark's crash on [[Earth]], Grapple and the others were revived in new bodies on Earth. While the other newly revived Autobots were sent out to learn more about their new home planet, Grapple was sidelined. Optimus Prime had a very special building project for Grapple. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

So Grapple built [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. On his own.

With Omega Supreme guarding the base, the Autobots were finally able to leave the Ark in great numbers. Grapple accompanied Optimus Prime and all the rest of the available Autobots to the Decepticons' coal strip mine base in
[[Wyoming]]. Here, Grapple fought the Decepticons long enough for [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] to steal combiner technology from [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. Once this was achieved, the Autobots retreated.
{{storylink|Command Performances!}}

[[Image:CommandPerformances-Autobotsattack.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Yeah! Charge that hill! That's what... engineers are for...]]

''When Optimus Prime, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] disappeared due to time-jumping Decepticons, Grapple found himself in the position of Autobot medic, repairing a damaged [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. Led into battle with [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and his goons by the new leadership triumvirate of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], Grapple and his friends were sorely outmatched against the future Decepticons. Grapple was even part of a half-dozen or so Autobots who dogpiled on [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and barely managed to slow him down. In dire straits, the Autobots were actually forced to go to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and forge an alliance against Galvatron. Megatron's strategy managed to capture one of the time travellers, Scourge, but not before the fiendish tracker hurled a razor bladed dart straight through Grapple's chest, putting him out of action for the remainder of the conflict. Once Ratchet returned, he managed to piece Grapple back together soon enough. {{storylink|Target: 2006}}''

Grapple remained with the Ark's crew for quite some time, and was seen on the moon during the grudge match between [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. When the Decepticons attacked, Grapple engaged [[Wildrider]] in some gunplay. They appeared to exchange hits, but his fate is unknown. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

====Marvel UK future timelines====
''In 2008, Grapple was operating out of one of the Autobot bases on Cybertron when Scourge and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] led the Decepticons into an all-out war on the base. (The base was a big honkin' mushroom in the middle of an empty field. One can only hope Grapple didn't design it himself.) Anyway, he did pretty well in battle, actually standing up to two Decepticons at once, including the commando [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}''

{{note|Optimus Prime says he copied Grapple's memories in case he needed another warrior while away. Does that mean there's still the original Grapple out there somewhere?}}

{{-}}

===Marvel Books ''Big Looker Storybook'' continuity===
[[Image:InsecticonAttackPage09.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Dear Diary; [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] asked me to the prom today. Should I say yes?]]
While lamenting the fact that he couldn't build beautiful buildings like he did back on Cybertron because the Decepticons would destroy them, Grapple spotted a [[Kickback (G1)|grasshopper]] and a [[Bombshell (G1)|beetle]]. He wished life were as simple for him as it was for those insects, who promptly violated his brain. Under Bombshell's control, Grapple attacked [[Beachcomber (G1)|the resident Autobot hippie]]. Later, at their base, the Decepticons made Grapple their bitch. After the Autobots removed his [[cerebro-shell]], Grapple sucker-punched Megatron and they all celebrated. Hurray! {{storylink|Insecticon Attack!}}

{{note|Throughout almost the entire story, Grapple is drawn with [[Hook (G1)|Hook]]'s [[character model]], only appearing with Grapple's own head in close-ups.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
After the [[Great Shutdown]] ended, Grapple was among a group of Autobots chosen to serve as a High Council, ruling jointly with the Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]
over the newly unified Cybertron. However, the Decepticon easily manipulated the council into giving him more and more power, until they were functionally impotent. Grapple and his fellow council members were among the last Autobots to truly recognize Shockwave's deceits, but did eventually join their fellow soldiers in bringing down the Decepticon's control of Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}} Afterwards, Grapple decided to accompany [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and the Ark's crew back to Earth, where he could put his skills to work on the construction of Autobot City. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===IDW comics continuity===
[[Image:MegsOrigin4 Grapple Inferno.jpg|left|150px|thumb|DULL LOOKING UP!]]
While [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] was running an emergency rescue operation in [[Kaon]]
during the first major outbreak of Decepticon violence, Grapple was at his side to presumably offer engineering advice on safely evacuating trapped civilians. Their efforts became moot when a hovering pleasure cruiser was shot down and landed right on top of them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Grapple toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|You'd think that having only one hand would make you an Occupational Safety & Health disaster on a jobsite.]]
* '''Grapple''' (Autobot Car, 1985/1986)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''47'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, "Arc-Welder Rifle", 3 rockets

: Grapple transforms into an orange crane based upon the same truck design that [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] uses, the Mitsubishi Fuso. Each of his forearms contains a spring-loaded missile launcher, so he can fire his own fists or silver missiles (though the mechanism was severely neutered in the original US releases). He is also armed with a small black Arc-Welder rifle.

: This version of this mold was also used to make [[Hauler|RoadHauler]]. The fire engine version of the mold was released as Inferno and [[Artfire]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Grapple/grapple.htm More information on Grapple at TFU.info]''

* '''Autobot Grapple''' (Commemorative Series, 2004)
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, "Arc-Welder Rifle", 3 rockets

: Grapple was reissued by Hasbro in 2004 as part of the [[Commemorative Series]]. The spring-loaded firing mechanisms in his arms were completely removed due [[For safety reasons|to safety reasons]].
:Additionally, the hook on his crane as well as the hydraulics in the crane arm were changed to plastic painted silver, rather than using the more brittle (but authentic to the original release) vacuum-metalized plastic. He also gained a new Autobot sigil [[tampograph]] on his chest/cab, and his eyes were changed from yellow to blue.

: Interestingly enough, Grapple was ''not'' released as part of [[Takara]]'s "[[Transformers Collection]]" reissue series.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/CSGrapple/grapple.htm More information on Commemorative Series Grapple at TFU.info]''

===Transformers (2010)===
[[Image:TF2010-toy_SolarStormGrappel.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Solar Storm Grappel''' (Voyager, 2010/2011)

: "Grappel" (likely named such due to [[trademark]] reasons) is a redeco/retool of ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Inferno (G1)#Universe (2008)|Inferno]], transforming into a crane truck of undetermined model. He is fairly extensively retooled, with new parts for the crane, head, forearms, hands and feet.

:The original version of this mold was also used to make [[BotCon 2010]]'s [[Pyro|Spark]].

{{comingsoontoy}}
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===United===
*'''Autobot Grapple''' (Voyager, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''UN-11'''

: This Japanese version of Solar Storm Grappel is sold as part of the ''[[United (toyline)|United]]'' toyline. It features several changes in color layout and details, such as an orange head to better resemble most of Grapple's appearances in the Generation 1 cartoon.

{{comingsoontoy}}
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==Merchandise==
===Decoy Collection===
*'''Grapple''' (Decoy, 1986)
:[[Decoy]] Grapple is a tiny red soft-rubber figurine randomly packaged with various carded toys in 1986.

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===Attacktix===
[[Image:Grapple-atx.jpg|right|180px|thumb|[[wikipedia:Extendar|The tower of power]].]]
*'''Grapple''' (2007)

{{attacktix
|ID=Unknown
|faction=Autobot
|class=Warrior
|special=Unknown
|cost=30
|speed=Unknown
|attacktype=Rammer
}}
{{-}}
:One of many Generation 1 characters slated to appear in ''[[Attacktix]]'', Grapple would have been a "rammer"-type piece, with a spring-loaded boom-crane attack. A presumed wave-3 Booster, this piece was ultimately never released.

{{canceledtoy}}
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==Notes==
[[Image:Hauler01-sm.jpg|right|150px|thumb|This guy gets named, but does [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]? Nope! Screw him!]]
* An Autobot vehicle matching Grapple's vehicle mode and referred to as "Hauler" appears in a quick scene in the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|three-part mini-series pilot]] for the original cartoon series. Though later [[Retcon|retconned]] into [[Hauler|a unique character]] via an [[e-Hobby]]-[[exclusive]] [[redeco]], it is likely that this was originally intended as the toy and character that eventually became Grapple.
* In the original cartoon, Grapple's head is colored orange most of the time. In [[Auto Berserk]], however, it's consistently colored black, matching the toy and his appearances in the Marvel comics. Much like [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert's]] red head in the cartoon and the whole [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]/[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] [[FIRRIB|FIRRIB/FIBRIR]] mess, opinions among the [[fandom|fans]] on which is to be considered the "correct" coloration differ.

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==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Grapple Grapple's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Artists]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Transformers 2010 toyline characters]]
[[Category:United]]

Commercial/Generation 1

2010-11-08T21:36:50Z

68.38.136.117:

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[[Image:Hasbrooldlogo.jpg|left|75px|thumb|And if I had a hammer....]]
Generation 1's stylized and somewhat dated commercials played a huge part in propelling the [[Transformers brand]] to household name status (after all, they reached audiences who weren't actively looking for robots). As the [[theme song]] played over many of them, they are also responsible for the jingle's status as a mid-80s icon.

Generation 1 commercials would commonly start with a short sequence of original cel animation, then cut to two or more boys in the 7 to 10-year-old range playing with the toys. [[Victor Caroli]] and another narrator (here referred to as [[The Other Guy]]) provided voice-overs to describe just how exciting the incredible new toys were. Various show characters narrated some spots, including Optimus Prime, Megatron, Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime, but Caroli and The Other Guy were usually there at the end to affirm that the toys were "each sold separately". Background music would feature the show's [[theme song]], but often with new lyrics about the toys in question. The lyrics had to stretch to fit the cadence of the song; sometimes they were jammed into a different melody altogether. Most of the early commercials had an animated segment at the end with Hasbro's logo being "hammered" by animated human hands onto the screen, often having Caroli saying "...only from Hasbro!".

[[Image:Jetfireg1commercial.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Transforms from robot to lawsuit right before your eyes!]]
The animated segments often featured high-quality art and animation. Some of the 1986 and 1987 animation was combined into a [[title sequence]] for "[[The Rebirth]]", the final three-part episode of the Generation 1 cartoon (they contrasted painfully with the lower-quality segments produced by [[AKOM]].) The short length of television commercials meant the animated sections were fast-paced, with characters speaking their lines very rapidly; within the context of the fictional world they portray, this could lead to some hilarious results, such as Jazz taking about 1/4th of a second to decide to become an Action Master. The animated segments would sometimes feature the voice actors from the cartoon; however, some such as Blaster had not been assigned a voice actor yet. Later segments required soundalikes for characters whose voice actors had died (Jazz) or were unavailable (Megatron). These spots were the only American animation produced for dozens of characters from the toyline's later years, and in [[Micromaster Combiner|a few cases]], remain their only fictional appearance ''ever''.

[[Image:OptimusMagnusCommercialChange.JPG|right|250px|thumb|The Halloween masks were weak this year.]]
[[Image:Kid_to_Galvatron.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Transforms from child to robot and back!]]
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the commercials featured one of the young actors staring very seriously into the camera, mouthing "Robots in disguise!" as his eyes glowed and/or his face transformed into that of a robot (based on Galvatron or Ultra Magnus.) Variants on the "kidmation" clip continued throughout Generation 1. ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac]]'' dubbed this process "[[reverse-pretender technology]]."

Many commercials were reedited into even shorter versions, without the animation segments.

Some of these commercials, along with some Takara Transformers ads are available on the Sony DVD release of [[The Transformers: The Movie]]. Because of legal issues, the young actors' faces have now been blurred. A greater number of the commercials (of varying quality) were also avaliable on the earlier [[Madman Entertainment]] release of The Transformers: The Movie in Australia, and their final collection of the Generation 1 cartoon complete with unblurred children. [[Shout! Factory]]'s "Matrix of Leadership" complete series collection of the Generation 1 cartoon, as well as some of their individual season sets, contains several Generation 1 commercials and the ad for Generation 2 Optimus Prime. The first season set's "Triple Changer: The Origins of the Transformers" featurette contains clips of the commercial for the ''The Transformers'' #1 comic.

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===1984===
[[Image:Earlymegatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You've got to get up preeeetty early in 1984 to catch Megs with a black head.]]
[[Image:Starscreamg1early.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Starscream in his Ramjet suit.]]
* '''''The Transformers'' #1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9-7RjhFzpM]

:''Animation:'' Fast pan-ins take us from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]], with a Decepticon ship attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and forcing it to crash on Earth. The three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] fly in, transform and attack a power plant. Three cars drive out to meet them, transforming into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] joins the counter-attack, prompting the Autobots to take off into the sky. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] arrives out of an explosion cloud, transforming and firing. An image of [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue]] cross-fades into view.
:''Toy segment:'' None.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Almost every element is an early production model. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] have strangely colored faces; Megatron is in his pre-animation black helmeted design; the Ark is a green-colored model with X-shaped wings; and the Decepticon ship resembles a flying aircraft carrier.

* '''Transformers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcDja2hgxiQ]

:''Animation:'' In the desert, the Seekers strafe Prowl, Sideswipe and Jazz, who transform and fire back; the three jets transform, land, and grapple with the Autobots, while three more Seekers fly past in robot mode.
:''Toy segment:'' Some very early 80s streaking effects as the toys are shown instantly changing from vehicle to robot.
:''Narration:'' Almost none, apart from "The Transformers, from Hasbro", by [[Victor Caroli]].
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' The show's season 1 theme song plays over most of the commercial. A total of six Seekers are seen in a single shot. The Seekers continue to use the pre-cartoon animation models with the dark faces.
:"We're under attack!" "[[To sell toys|Get more Autobots!]]"

* '''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' [http://dvd.ign.com/dor/objects/14342171/transformers-the-complete-first-season-25th-anniversary-edition/videos/trans_com_062309.html]
:''Animation:'' Partially recycled from the ''Transformers #1'' commercial and the cartoon opening, including animation model Megatron leading his troops, immediately followed by pre-animation model Megatron landing. Whoops! New footage (possibly borrowed from Soundwave's commercial below) shows Prowl, Jazz and Sideswipe on what appears to be Cybertron.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "Attack the Autobot commander!" "Call in the Decepticon leader!" Yep, Neither Optimus Prime's nor Megatron's name is ever actually mentioned in the commercial.
:* '''Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kbokeZsoTY] - Nearly the same as above, except the footage of Megatron transforming with streaking effects is replaced by footage of the Optimus Prime toy being "flown" in front of a mountain. The reason for Megatron's removal is unknown, but likely due to legal and/or ethical issues with advertising a toy that turns into a realistic looking gun.

[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Soundwave's pink phase didn't last long... [[:Image:Soundwave_uscomics.jpg|in the cartoon.]]]]
* '''Soundwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhIb5H5rSkg]

:''Animation:'' Prowl, Jazz, and Sideswipe transform, as well as a light purplish-blue [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who fires twice, opens his cassette door, and tosses out [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who transforms and fires upon the three Autobots, who fire back.
:''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
:''Kidmation:'' Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"

[[Image:Powercycle-ad.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Homeland security falls to a kid on a Big Wheel. You know, it must be said that NSA really is failing here.]]

* '''Transformers [[Power Cycle]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTSuBDZ5T58]

: Advertising a Coleco-made Big Wheel.
: ''Animation:'' Recycled from the first Transformers commercial, including black helmet Megatron, and some cuts between the live-action and animated footage that has the kid blasting some Autobots. Oops.
: ''Narration:'' Some wussy dude.
:"Missed! But ''I'' won't!"

* '''[[Family Home Entertainment|F.H.E.]] [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] Video Tapes''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5898/]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from "[[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|More than Meets the Eye]]".
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy
: ''Notes:'' Despite the animation being taken from "More than Meets the Eye", that tape is not actually among those pictured. The pictured tapes are (from left to right): [[Divide and Conquer]], [[Transport to Oblivion]] and [[Roll for It]]. It is stated that the tapes are available on VHS or Beta.
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===1985===

* '''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7ebWaFaVI]

:''Animation:'' Amid a raging thunderstorm on Earth, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] take on [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].
:''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation:'' Buck-toothed kid #3 mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:''Notes:'' Soundtracked with a minor variation on the Season One cartoon opening theme: "Dinobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons!"
:* '''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaNG6nXmQmU] - A re-soundtracked version of the previous commercial. Narrated by The Other Guy; soundtracked with the Season 2 theme song (still with "Dinobots" replacing "Autobots".) Kidmation spot uses the same footage of buck-tooth kid #3, but ''with freaky glowing green eyes'' (and, bizarrely enough, his polo shirt has been recolored from green to blue.)

* '''Grimlock''' [http://www.retrostatic.com/videos/p803_sectionid/13/p803_fileid/483/p803_js_on/1]

: ''Animation:'' Same as Dinobots.
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' None.
: ''Notes:'' Very similar to the two [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] commercials, using the same toy scenes (albeit in a different order, and with a different soundtrack) and animation. There are two characteristics, that most Generation 1 commercials share, but this one does not:

:*There is no Kidmation, but the voice is present in the audio.
:*The ending still shot is not taken in front of the diorama used in the toy segment. Instead a blue backdrop is employed.

:Because of these oddities, it is not clear whether this commercial was a finalized spot or an early/test version. Given the similarites and differences, it is quite likely that this commercial was reworked to create the Dinobots commercials or vice versa.

[[Image:Mini-Spies_Commercial_Symbol_Reveal.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Congratulations, Cliffjumper. It's a Decepticon!"]]
* '''Mini-Spies''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5GGZ3we68]

:''Animation:'' [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] allow a yellow [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spy]] to enter Autobot Headquarters. The little robot starts messing with the computer; Huffer and Cliffjumper come racing in and check his faction symbol. "It's a Decepticon! After him!"
:''Narration:'' [[I Wish I Was Victor Caroli]]
:''Kidmation:'' Kid points urgently at the camera: "It's an Autobot!"
:''Notes:'' [[Casey Kasem]] provides the voice for Cliffjumper's single line. Visible among the packaged Mini-Bots on the store pegs are a red Bumblebee and a (red) Cliffjumper with a yellow vehicle mode pictured on the package.

* '''Jetfire''' and '''Shockwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4et4QzUDno]

:''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] strafe [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. As the three transform and retreat, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] steps out of a mountain and takes on the Decepticon jets; [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] transforms halfway and fires, then transforms the rest of the way and fires again.
: ''Narration:'' An incredibly mellow Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' A grim-faced buck-toothed kid mouths the robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: ''Notes:'' Jetfire here is in his original, toy-based animation model.

* '''Insecticons''' plus '''Swoop''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZWNnzzjm3E]
: ''Animation:'' A horde of [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] attacks a farm.
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Glowing green eyes kid.
: "Pa, look!" "What is it?" "It's the Insecticons, an evil, new menace in the world of the Transformers!"
:* '''Insecticons''' - Resoundtracked from the previous commercial, with the 1986 version of the background music.

* '''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-arvwj7VN8]
:''Animation:'' The [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], working on a building site in the desert, suddenly transform and combine. [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] touches his fists together over his head and is [[Commercial bumper|enveloped with energy]].
: ''Narration:'' The Other Guy.
: ''Kidmation:'' Blond-haired kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: "It's Devastator — six ''Constructicons'' in one!"
:* '''Constructicons/Devastator Giftset''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxVdqHn-tOo] - Similar to the previous commercial, but with a few differences. The background music has been changed from the Season 1 intro to the Season 2 intro, a different kid without glowing eyes is used for the Kidmation, and the end is changed to feature the Constructicon Giftset.
:* '''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3hzPZ0fdmY] - Resoundtracked and slightly re-edited for a 1986 re-use. Narration by The Other Guy and Megatron; Kidmation segment featuring a kid's face fold-morphing into Ultra Magnus-like generic robot.

* '''Jumpstarters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKpxHsU5ho&#t=1m59s]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Toy segment:'' Repeated shots of the [[Jumpstarter]] toys doing their thing on a futuristic smooth black surface (with custom early-80s sound effects), while shaggy-haired kids turn their heads to watch at whiplash-inducing speeds.
: ''Narration:'' [[The Other Guy]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Buck tooth kid mouths "Robots in Disguise"
: ''In the world of the Transformers, no Autobots can jump into battle faster than the Jumpstarters!''

* '''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sxMlvn3Dsw]
:''Animation:'' As [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] fight a battle in the desert, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Grapple]] drive up and transform, prompting Megatron to summon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]].
: ''Narration:'' You're Gonna Get It
: ''Kidmation:'' Beatles haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: Included a tail-end ad for Transformers [[Action Cards]].

* '''Triple Changers''' and '''Perceptor''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crn_8VIxaOk] or [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8LKVfwxoEY]
: ''Animation:'' [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] grapples with Optimus Prime, then escapes on some train tracks. The Autobots blast a trestle out from under him; he transforms and flies away. Optimus Prime uses [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] to examine some Decepticon debris.
:''Narration'': The Other Guy; possibly Victor Caroli as well (While supplies last.)
:''Kidmation'': Taller bowl haircut kid with glowing green eyes.
:''Notes:'' Cameo animation appearances from Sunstreaker, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Perceptor is portrayed as significantly shorter than Optimus, perhaps the same size as Bumblebee. In one version, a bizarre stinger note labels the Perceptor toy as "While supplies last".
:''Triple changers, the most eeeeevil Decepticons of all!''

[[Image:RumbleBlasterCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey Soundwave, check out this new radio I found!" (actual dialogue)]]

* '''Blaster''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhzQUI3-t_U]
: ''Animation:'' [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] merrily walks into a Decepticon base carrying Blaster in boom box mode; [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] transforms, prompting Soundwave to send Laserbeak and Ravage at him.
:''Narration'': [[The Other Guy]].
:''Kidmation'': Glowing green eyes kid.
:''Notes:'' Soundwave and Rumble have their usual cartoon voices, but Blaster has a completely different voice for his single word of dialogue.
: ''Not a working radio!''

* '''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbcwV818LuA]
: ''Animation:'' In the desert, Starscream and Thrust attack the new Autobot defense base, not realizing it's [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega transforms and attacks. Includes [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger at the end.
:''Narration:'' I Wish I Was Victor Caroli
:''Kidmation:'' Shaggy haired kid.
:''Notes:'' Starscream and Thrust have their normal cartoon voices. Except for Starscream's last line, "It's Omega Supreme!" which sounds like [[Chris Latta]] inhaled helium.
:"It's the Autobot defense base!" "But where are the Autobots?" "Who cares? Attack!"
:* '''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbKpxHsU5ho&#t=3m25s] - Edited and resoundtracked with Optimus Prime narration, the 1986 theme song and [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger.

[[Image:Alex Karras Commercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"I've lowered myself to ''this''?"]]
* '''Prime time spot''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eRDVymB4SU]
: [[Alex Karras]], along with two unidentified boys, calmly promotes the virtues of Perceptor (a working microscope!) and Blitzwing (what a great tank!) and urges you to shop ''now'' if you want one for your kid for Christmas.
: ''Toy segment:'' In addition to Alex and his child assistants demonstrating the toys, footage from the Dinobots commercial is reused.
: ''<s>Kid</s> KARRAS-mation:'' Alex Karras mouths along to the "robots in disguise" line and then continues his spiel without missing a beat. Sadly, his eyes do not glow green.
: ''Notes:'' This ad aired between [[Halloween]] and Thanksgiving in order to get a head start in promoting the toys for Christmas. Amongst the many boxed Transformers sitting on the table (in various shots) are Blaster, Snarl, Swoop, Soundwave, Ratchet, Megatron, Jazz, Astrotrain, Grimlock, Wheeljack, Jetfire and Optimus Prime. Three Blitzwings, Jetfire, two Perceptors, Optimus Prime, Smokescreen, Red Alert, and Astrotrain are all shown loose.
: ''These are the Transformers, one of the hottest selling toys in America. If you want one for your kid this Christmas, go now while stores have a good sel-ec-tion.''

* '''[[Rubsign]]s''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYFshTLWNcU#t=1m21s]
:To distinguish real Transformers from [[Knockoff|bootlegs]] and other brands such as [[Tonka GoBots]].
: "We are conquerors." "No one is like us." "Only we have the right to be called by the name." "Only we have the right to wear this symbol." "Or THIS symbol." "Only WE are Autobots and Decepticons." "Good versus evil." "And only WE have the right to be called the Transformers!" ''Only the Transformers are REAL Transformers!''
: ''Animation:'' A mixture of clips from various 1984 and 1985 commercials.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Reused from Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge. Same kid is used for the Constructicon giftset commercial, but in a different clip.

* '''Tyco [[Electric Train and Battle Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8FgZDtFsAA]
: ''Animation:'' Pseudo Autobots and Decepticons fight it out over the transforming train.

[[Image:Transformers_Tyco_Electric_Racing_Nightglow.jpg|right|200px|thumb|They shouldn't race so close to the nuclear power plant.]]

* '''Tyco Transformers [[Electric Racing Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCm5bOiI2R8]
: ''Animation:'' None.
: ''Toy Segment:'' Shots of the racers speeding along the track in normal lighting and then "into a whole new universe of night-glow" are featured.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same version of the Season 1&2 outro as the train set commercial for background music. This is the only time [[Natron]] and [[Freezon]] are given names.
: "By Tyco, of course."

[[Image:ViewMaster_Projector_Commercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Put your hands in the air!"]]

* '''ViewMaster Showbeam Projector with Transformers cartridge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t781lHy-CV0]
: A brother and sister talk their mom into letting them stay up to play with the projector. They are then suddenly pulled into the images and the battle they depict. Mom walks back in to see what the ruckus is about, and thus returning them to reality.
: "Let's show the Transformers!" "Yeah!" "Wow!" "Look out! Decept-i-cons!" "Take that Megatron!"

* '''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUYryiY2_jU] / [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvDyMjWeW2Q]

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts which are mostly from Season One episodes. A clip of the Sub-Atlantican General firing at the Autobots from [[Atlantis, Arise!]], which is used in the Monday-Friday collage, is the most notable exception.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' The Season Two theme is played in the background as Victor Caroli informs us that we can "''Watch the heroic Autobots battle the evil Decepticons five days a week.''" The Caroli narrated segment was sent to the various local TV stations who then added narration and a screen with the station logo and slogan to the end of the spot. This type of customized promo would continue until [[Armada (franchise)|Transformers]] [[Cartoon Network|left]] terrestrial television.
: ''The Transformers are like nothing you've ever seen before. Don't miss a single day!''

* '''15 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGDsr1GqYag]

: ''Animation:'' Various cartoon excerpts from the first two seasons, though mostly Season One.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and Optimus Prime.
: ''Notes:'' This spot reuses the animation clips from the collage in the previous commercial. However, instead of using them in a collage, a screen flipping transition is used to go from one to the next. The local station end screen was modified to include a small clip of Optimus Prime standing up. To go along with this, a [[Peter Cullen]] as Optimus Prime narration was added in the format of "Weekdays at [insert time here] on [insert station call letters here]." Considering there were likely in the neighborhood of 100 or so syndication affiliate stations, that must have been a long day at the office for Mr. Cullen!
{{-}}
===1986===
[[Image:DiacloneMagnusAnime1.jpg|thumb|200px|"We're the Dandy Highwaymen, and here's our invitation."]]
* '''[[The Transformers: The Movie promo|The Transformers: The Movie promo trailer]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvoAxeykxwc] (Japanese Subtitles)
: Created for the purpose of getting potential investors to buy into the movie, this trailer features LOTS of unfinished or ultimately unused animation. Also features a temp music track featuring cues taken from ''Star Trek III: The Search for Spock''.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]] tells us how awesome the movie will be by giving away some fairly hefty plot spoilers.
:* '''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh3wgldJxRM]
:: Edited down from the promo trailer and re-soundtracked with some new Victor Caroli narration and proper [[Vince DiCola]] music to be sent out to cinemas.

* '''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaEWLuVJee0]
: ''Animation:'' Clips from the movie, starting with the Autobot shuttle launching and the Sharkticon guard pulling the feed-them-to-the-Sharkticons lever. [[The Touch|"The Touch"]] plays across the first half, then [[Lion|Lion's]] rendition of the [[theme song]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli introduces the characters and expounds on how great the movie is.
: ''Hold on tight. The most incredible rock and roll adventure ever is here!''

* '''The Transformers: The Movie TV spots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvy218PYh3A],[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEtsCBHjua0]

: ''Animation:'' Similar to the trailer with Autobot shuttle launch at the beginning, then switches back and forth between the [[Autobot City]] battle, [[Unicron]] devouring [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] vs. the Decepticons. Again, "The Touch" plays for the first half, then Lion's rendition of the theme song.
: ''Narration:'' Depending on the version, Victor Caroli, The Other Movie Guy, or both.
: ''Notes:'' Several different versions of the TV spot were produced, updating the amount of time to go until the movie's release. The known variations are: "August 8th" (60 & 30 seconds), "Opens Tomorrow" (60 & 30 seconds), "Now playing!"(60 & 30 seconds), "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #1), and "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #2). The first 6 versions can be found as part of the extras on [[Sony]]'s 20th Anniversary Edition DVD, while the other two are linked to above.
: ''So exciting you'll have to see it twice to take it all in!''

* '''Hot Rod''', '''Kup''', and '''Blurr'''; '''Cyclonus''' and '''Scourge'''; and '''Rrrrrodimus Prime'''. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tdf8Q14scM]

: ''Animation:'' A running battle in the desert with each character charging in as the narrator identifies him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes'': Cameos by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], making this bit of animation yet another one of the pre-TF:TM ancillary stories that contradicts the movie itself. Additionally features an older Hot Rod animation model placing his Autobot symbol above his fire emblem, as it also appears in the movie promo trailer.
: '''''No one''' can take on the Decepticons like Rrrrrodimus Prime!''

* '''Ultra Magnus''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYFshTLWNcU#t=1m51s]

: ''Animation:'' Decepticons are attacking the Autobot launch site. With Optimus on Cybertron, it's up to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]! Magnus loads up some 'bots in Autobot City, then rolls out into the desert to fight the Decepticons, plowing through the Combaticons en route.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and Magnus both have their normal cartoon voices. Cameo appearances by Starscream, Skywarp, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]; [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]; [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]; [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]].

* '''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Galvatron''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUNUWzKbdyY]

: ''Animation:'' Magnus and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], along with others, do battle on a highway. Starscream and Skywarp can be glimpsed flying into battle alongside Galvatron!
: ''Narration:'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Jazz, Red Alert, Smokescreen, Tracks (could this be in continuity with the previous commercial?!); Skywarp and Starscream. Galvatron's voice appears to be Frank Welker doing a less-gravely Megatron-like voice.
: Includes tail-end ad for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', narration by The Other Movie Guy. ''Does Prime die?!''

[[Image:SpringerWreckGarCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It sorta happened like this in the movie. A little.]]
* '''Springer''' and '''Wreck-Gar''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEalmPOL0Gs]

: ''Animation:'' Original animation, but the plot draws heavily from ''The Transformers: The Movie''. [[Springer (G1)|Springer's]] shuttle is destroyed by the ''[[Revenge (G1)|Revenge]]''; he flies to the surface of [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and battles [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and another Junkion.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus Prime describes Springer; Megatron gleefully describes Wreck-Gar as though he were a Decepticon; [[Victor Caroli]] (Each sold separately.)
: ''Notes:'' Wreck-Gar's is voiced by [[Frank Welker]] for this commercial, not sounding particularly distinct from Megatron; his lines are directly copied from the movie.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.

* '''Sharkticons''', '''Kup''', '''Hot Rod''' and '''Wheelie''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGKZ3qhYKvA]

: ''Animation:'' Like the previous commercial, heavily based on the movie. Hot Rod and Kup battle a group of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (sounding like Scrappy-Doo) arrives to help.
: ''Narration:'' Prime and Megatron; Victor Caroli (Sold separately).
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Autobots never faced an evil force worse than the terror of - the Sharkticons!''

* '''Aerialbots''' and '''Stunticons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdA_0PXT1fQ]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams both arrive in the desert and transform; both combine, and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] bashes [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] into a cliff. Menasor's legs are on backwards.
: ''Narration:'' Optimus and Megatron.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: "Only the Stunticons!" ...only the Stunticons ''what?''

* '''Combaticons/Bruticus''' and '''Metroplex''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCVd2XgbUtw]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] fly through a canyon, combine, and attack [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who transforms to his enormous robot mode and fires at them.
:''Narration:'' Megatron, Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (From Hasbro.)
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: "But the ''Combaticons'' can combine to form ''Bruticus!''"

* '''Protectobots/Defensor''' and '''Trypticon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF-Xno8KJno]

: ''Animation:'' The Protectobots drive down a road towards the Decepticons' massive new base, transform and attack. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s voice commands the base to transform into battle station mode; the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] become [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and fire back. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] changes to dinosaur mode and blasts fire-breath at Defensor.
: ''Narration:'' [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]; [[Victor Caroli]] (Batteries not included.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Notes:'' Trypticon is voiced by [[Jack Angel]] for this commercial.
: ''Toy segment:'' Two kids playing with the toys are ''very'' affected by the sight of toy Trypticon knocking over Defensor.

* '''Predacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPOpI_fGoyo]

: ''Animation:'' The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] barrel over Skywarp, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and Starscream; the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] charge in to counter the Dinobots, transforming into robot mode and then combining into [[Predaking]].
: ''Narration:'' Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: ''Notes:'' [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is missing from the animated Dinobots. He was also missing from previous commercials featuring the Dinobots.
: "Few Decepticons can stand up to the Dinobots, but the Predacons can!"

* '''Sky Lynx''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQXPiKZ0hNk]

: ''Animation:'' Predaking smashes through a mountain to attack the Dinobots. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] thinks they're in trouble, but then [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] swoops in to save the day.
:''Narration:'' Optimus Prime; Victor Caroli (Batteries not included.)
:''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:''Notes:'' Like the Magnus commercials, this one could actually be in continuity with the Predacon commercial, which ended with the Predacons combining. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and Grimlock both have their cartoon voices (well, the higher-pitched voice that Slag had in Season 3.)

* '''Triple Changers''' - '''Sandstorm''', '''Broadside''' and '''Octane''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRj3Xo8wqiM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and Astrotrain attack [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]; [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] change repeatedly as they travel over land and water.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]]
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:''Autobot - triple changers battling - the triple changers of - the Decepticons!''

[[Image:Patches g1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Spike, if you don't put the patch on your skin, you won't get the nicotine.]]
[[Image:LiveActionJazz-Skywarp01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This socially awkward scene could be all yours!]]
* '''Battlechargers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXkHp9J51do#t=3m53s]

: ''Animation:'' Amid a field of erupting volcanoes, Ultra Magnus and his usual team of Autobots (Jazz, Smokescreen, Red Alert and Tracks) transform and march forward in lock-step, prompting Megatron to order the Battlechargers to attack. [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] drive off a cliff; Runabout transforms and fires.
: ''Narration:'' Megatron; Victor Caroli (Each sold separately.)
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to Galvatron face.
: ''Toy segment:'' The toy portion also features repeated cuts of a kid's head/eyes following the rolling [[Battlecharger]] toys.
: ''Nobody jumps into action - faster than - Battlechargers!''

* '''[[Prizes in Disguise]] contest/[[Iron-on patch|reflective patches]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UUwi2uSUQE]

: ''Animation:'' Jazz and Cosmos shine their headlights to reveal that a group of humans are wearing Transformers reflective patches, thus gaining entry to the Autobot base.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid face to generic Magnus face; also, a kid saying "Robots in Disguise" through the Voice Changer.
: ''Notes:'' Standard cartoon voices for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], Jazz and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. Background cameos by Tracks and Smokescreen.
: ''You could win a party with life-sized Transformers!''

* '''[[Underoos]]''' [http://www.retrostatic.com/videos/p803_sectionid/6/p803_fileid/398/p803_js_on/1]

: ''Kidmation:'' Three different kids turn into animated versions of the lead good guy from the toyline that corresponds to their underwear while growling that line's catchphrase and the name of the good guy. The last of the three is Freddy, who pulls on his Transformers Underoos and turns into Optimus Prime while growling "MORE than meets the eye! The Transformers!".
: ''Notes:'' The animation model used for Optimus Prime has design simplifications which make it very similar to the animation model used in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|actual cartoons]]. The coloring of the model however, is based off Prime's [[package art]]. It oddly deviates by coloring the upper legs blue, and having a white line just under his forehead crest.
: "Freddy, what are you doing up there?"

* '''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/4290/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season One and Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' In addition to the customized end tag, a text overlay in that station's style was placed over several scenes early in the spot. Uses the Season 3/Season 4 theme. Three different Megatron quotes are used.
: "We'll be waiting!"

* '''30 second cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/2986/]
: ''Animation:'' Various Season Two excerpts.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Uses Season Three/Season Four theme.
:''It's the incredible adventures of the Transformers. Watch as Heroic Autobots bravely battle Evil Decepticons every Monday through Friday. Don't miss a single day!''

===1987===
Many of the live-action segments for the 1987 toy commercials showed kids playing with the toys in a rocky, doom-laden environment, replete with constant flashes of lightning illuminating the toys. It is possible this is meant to be [[Nebulos]], given the way that planet is portrayed in the animated segments.

[[Image:Brainstormpretenderscommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Let's search that planet, Magnus! We've got to find them! With their help, we can defeat the Decepticons!" Keep hoping, Rodimus. Keep hoping.]]
* '''Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__QTNCp5RhI]

: ''Animation:'' The four Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Nebulos|Nebulans]] climb into their respective partners, who are parked in vehicle mode in a base; they roll out and clash with the three Headmaster Decepticons. Includes particularly nice closeups of [[Monzo]] and [[Stylor]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] narrate. (well, Rodimus actually spews out a series of basically incomprehensible lines.)
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps and flips, turning into a stop-motion version of Ultra Magnus's toy.
: ''Head. MasterTransformers—more muchmore than meets the eyes!'' {{sic}}

* '''Decepticon Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ6FtUb-WQo]

: ''Animation:'' At the secret base of the Headmaster Decepticons, the "trainers" are putting [[Skullcruncher]], [[Weirdwolf]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] through their paces, having them jump through hoops and smash through rock statues of the Autobot Headmasters. Yes, the "trainer" concept actually made it into animation. They even carry whips!
: ''Narration:'' [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Magnus toy.
: ''Nothing's better than going into battle with '''these''' Transformers!''

* '''Headmaster Horrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr4iHCbkRWw]

: ''Animation:'' [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon]] fly into a canyon and transform to robot mode, then change to beast mode and charge, spewing fire and swinging rocks around.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Extreme closeup of a kid's eye, with a camera pull-out emerging from the pupil.
: ''The jaws of the beast become the pilot of the plane, and the pilot of the plane becomes the head of the robot!''

* '''Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugF7cyTOuro]

: ''Animation:'' Live-action set of a rocky planet explodes. Cel: on Cybertron(?), [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] get strafed by [[Triggerhappy]], who transforms and grapples with Sureshot, while their guns do the same. Crosshairs drives forward; he and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] transform and run, then both get tackled by [[Misfire]] and [[Aimless]].
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips and becomes stop-motion Ultra Magnus toy.
: ''Two Trans-for-mers, all in one! The vehicle transforms and so does the gun!''

* '''Sixshot''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZz2xhptRc]

: ''Animation:'' Rodimus Prime and Galvatron lead their teams in battle; [[Sixshot]] attacks and runs through his various modes, as Galvatron describes them and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] counts them off.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. Galvatron has his usual cartoon voice, but Cyclonus does not. A deeper version of the substitute Cyclonus voice is also used for Sixshot. Also, atypically for animators Toei, Cyclonus' earlier pre-production character model as most often seen in AKOM-animated episodes is used.
: ''The most challenging Transformer of them all!''

[[Image:Technobots.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hi-Tech Sentai Nerdranger]]
[[Image:Computron animated.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Revenge of the nerds!]]
* '''Technobots/Computron''' and '''Scorponok''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mc28D8K--o]

: ''Animation:'' Galvatron runs down a ramp as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] transforms from base to scorpion to repulse the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]; the Technobots combine, and get hit with a rock thrown by Scorponok.
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Naturally, [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Zarak]] is visible running around as Scorponok transforms.
: ''And now it's a beast with capture claws and a trainer who becomes...the HEAD of its robot!''

* '''Technobots''' and '''Terrorcons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFxkWQHHBJY]

: ''Animation:'' The two teams battle on Earth, while Rodimus and Magnus narrate.
: ''Narration:'' Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Prime, and Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes [[decoy]] stinger.
: "Those hi-tech heroes are in for one horrific battle!"

* '''Punch/Counterpunch''' and '''Clones''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ1T_jL6oF4]

: ''Animation:'' [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] informs Rodimus that he can trust him, transforms to car mode, rolls out of the base and promptly transforms to Counterpunch and tells the waiting Galvatron that he can trust ''him''. The Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]] run through a rocky landscape in perfect step and open fire on the Autobot clones, then both groups transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] and Cyclonus. Includes [[decoy]] ending.

* '''Monsterbots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SdN-zvZpYo]

: ''Animation:'' Blurr and Rodimus Prime arrive; Kup tells them that there's been an accident, and the new Autobots are monsters! The [[Monsterbots]] trash a lab, then burst through a wall and fight some Decepticons.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Cameos by Scourge, [[Octane]], and Cyclonus.
: ''And they've even got sparks, BLASTING out of them!''

[[Image:Weirdwolfweirdhead.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I think pulling my head off is a pretty good idear.]]
[[Image:Brainstormweirdhead.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Brainstorm was actually pretty happy to get rid of his bizarre zombie vampire head.]]
* '''Duocons/Throttlebots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXkHp9J51do#t=1m53s]

: ''Animation:'' [[Flywheels|Flywheels’s]] jet portion swoops down out of the sky and links up with his tank, transforming to robot mode before being jumped on by Rodimus Prime. "That jet is going to crash into that tank!" "No, it's not. They're going to transform into one robot!"
: ''Narration:'' Galvatron, Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: ''Notes:'' Includes decoy stinger.
: ''They think they’re twice as tough as any Autobot—and MAYBE THEY ARE.''

* '''Fortress Maximus''' "FOR-TRESS MAX-I-MUHUUUS!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6qIgMbRvc]

: ''Animation:'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transforms to base mode and blows away the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who combine into [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and attack him.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus.

* '''''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]''' comic book'' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiBfxykv5go]

: ''Animation:'' The post-Movie Autobots and Decepticons shoot it out on Cybertron: Galvatron and Scourge fire on Blurr and Rodimus; [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] grapples with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]; Ultra Magnus...stands there. Two teams "blast" their way to Nebulos. The Autobots detach their heads, which are replaced by "the intelligent Nebulons". The Decepticons do the same. Scorponok and Fortress Maximus slug it out; the [[Targetmasters]] charge at each other and transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Features completely random, made-up heads for the pre-Headmaster robots.

* '''The Return of Optimus Prime promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjHBeeQAZyU]
: ''Animation:'' Excerpts of the Optimus Prime death scene and Prime vs. Megatron from The Transformers: The Movie.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli and various local TV announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features Unicron's Theme as the background music.
:"It's over Prime." "Never!" ''Hang on, Autobots, it's not over! Optimus Prime returns, February 24th and 25th on ''The Transformers''.''
:*'''Optimus Prime week''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgbmYGDbjkw] – Same as above commercial but re-narrated with the removal of "Never!" and changed to speak of a whole Optimus Prime week.
::"It's over Prime." ''Wrong, Megatron! It's just the beginning!''

*'''Season 4 cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kja8RSRq21g]
: ''Animation:'' A set of excerpts from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' almost identical to those used for the Return of Optimus Prime and Optimus Prime week spots.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, trying to exclaim every line more dramatically than the last and various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features a brand new piece of background music incorporating the Transformers theme. Similar in sound to the music [[Vince DiCola]] composed for The Transformers: The Movie.
:''Autobots versus Decepticons. Good against evil. Metal against metal!''

[[Image:G1 Season 4 promo.jpg|right|200px|thumb]]
*'''Season 4 cartoon promo #2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T1CpeK-XRQ]

: ''Animation:'' Excerpts from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and several 1987 toy commercials/the Season 3 [[title sequence]]. A scene from the movie of Hot Rod and Kup watching Decepticon missiles come back towards their shuttle has the view from the shuttle's “windshield” replaced with crude CGI to make it look like they're flying through a...a...well, we're not really sure what it's supposed to be. It kind of looks like a base, though it has both Autobot and Decepticon logos in different areas. A shot of a crude CGI Optimus Prime closes out the commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: ''Notes:'' Features the same new music used in the previous commercial.
:''They're more, much more than you've ever imagined! The Transformers. Watch as the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons reaches an incredible new level.''

===1988===
Many of the 1988 commercials began with a still shot of several animation frames, arranged as if in a comic book. The camera would zoom in on one as the animation began.

* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GpTjkDrJkU]

: ''Animation:'' [[Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] battle [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and [[Weirdwolf]]. Three Autobot [[Pretenders]] are created (nekkid!). [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Darkwing]] attack and the armored Pretenders split to reveal their robots, forcing the Decepticons to flee. The Decepticon Pretenders burst through the wall and both groups split.
:''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
:''Notes:'' Features only the first wave of large Pretenders ([[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], [[Cloudburst]], [[Waverider]]; [[Skullgrin]], [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]] and [[Bomb-Burst]].)
:''After a series of startling defeats at the hands of the Decepticons...''
:* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eA8RwvAm7s]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, re-used from the above commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' A bizarre segment of kids proclaiming what they "are" ("I’m a video gamer!" "I’m a skateboarder!"), only for the skateboarder to split Pretender-style, revealing a generic CGI robot who announces "I’m a Transformer!"
::* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OfIYC1FC3Y] - Edited down version of the immediately preceding commercial.
:* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL0uRBKRHa8]
: ''Animation:'' The Autobot Pretenders splitting, same as the above commercials.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid's face splits apart to reveal his 'inner' robot face.

* '''Pretenders''' [http://www.bigbot.com/mp3/preten.mp3] (Audio track)
: ''Animation:''
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli
: Includes tail-end spot for the relevant [[Pretender to the Throne!|Marvel Comics issue]].

[[Image:Slapdashcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Why are you here, again?]]
* '''Powermasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEAjoH_EEtY]

: ''Animation:'' amid desert canyons, the various Powermaster partners transform to engine form and combine with their partners, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] transforming his trailer to base mode. This is followed by the Autobot [[Powermasters]] shooting at Darkwing and Dreadwind who, now that they've accomplished their [[To sell toys|goal]], are once again in their plane modes.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Notes:'' Features [[Getaway]] / [[Rev]], [[Slapdash]] / [[Lube]], and [[Joyride (Autobot)|Joyride]] / [[Hotwire]]; [[Darkwing]] / [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] / [[Hi-Test]]; and [[Hi-Q]]. Includes tail-end ads spot for the relevant [[People Power!|Marvel Comics issue]].
: ''Their engine’s the key that unlocks their Transformer en-er-geeee!''

[[Image:HiQCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Truck? What truck?]]

* '''Powermaster toys''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo2gEIZMSeE]

: ''Animation:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing chase Getaway and Joyride around the rim of a crater. Dreadwind and Darkwing transform. Includes segments recycled from the first Powermaster commercial.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid crackles with energy, which surrounds and replaces his head with a ''very'', and we mean ''very'', crude CGI Powermaster Optimus Prime head.
: ''Powermaster Transformers! They've got the power to surprise!''

* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ahamtdTLDY#t=0m59s]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled footage of Prime transforming from the Powermasters commercial; Powermaster Optimus Prime firing [[Quickswitch]].
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Kid to Powermaster Optimus Prime.
: ''POW-er-master Optimus Prime! Greatest hero of his time!'' ("It's great to be back!")
:* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f-0UF_NBgs] - edited down from the previous commercial.

*'''Powermaster Prime''' and '''Doubledealer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjCqcOAQPq0]

: ''Animation:'' Footage of Prime reused from other commercials featuring him, then a new segment with [[Doubledealer]] in robot mode standing with Prime. Doubledealer transforms to vehicle mode, then [[Skar]] flies out of [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]]'s hand and locks into place, transforming Doubledealer to falcon mode.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who’s that new Transformer with Optimus Prime?"

[[Image:NightbeatTV.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Look at my chest.]]
[[Image:Fangrycommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|HOOKA chaka HOOKA chaka HOOKA HOOKA HOOKA chaka]]

* '''Small Headmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf-MDd7cdi0]

: ''Animation:'' The small Autobot Headmasters ([[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Siren]], [[Hosehead]]) drive on a rocky world; Nightbeat and [[Muzzle]] transform. The small Decepticon Headmasters burst through a wall in beast mode; [[Fangry]] and [[Brisko]] transform.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who's obviously never met Fangry, [[Squeezeplay]] or [[Horri-Bull]]: "Our new Decepticon Headmasters will give us more brainpower than ever!"
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid flips through the air, converting to a robot and folding up to become the head of a larger (stop motion?) robot resembling Brainstorm.
: ''And when the '''head''' enters the robot's body you get a '''readout''' of its power!''

[[Image:Snarlercommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If it's a Beast War you want...]]
* '''Pretender Beasts/Pretender Vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdgmccNpuqM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Snarler]] and [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]] battle in beast mode... then... are suddenly in their shells... and then come out of their shells...? [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]] emerges from his vehicle and transforms to jet mode; [[Roadgrabber]] emerges and transforms his vehicle to battle mode, opening fire on the flying Gunrunner.
:''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:''Kidmation:'' Pretender Kid.
:''Now, in the world of Pretenders, there are Pretender Beasts; Strange and terrifying.''

* '''Quickswitch'''. "It's Quickswitch, Sixshot's son! And he's on our side!" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDgSnwgp0NQ]

: ''Animation:'' In the midst of a moon battle, Getaway spots [[Quickswitch]] incoming and mistakes him for a Decepticon, urging the others to destroy him, until someone says he's an Autobot. Quickswitch runs through his modes, beating up Horri-Bull and [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]], then goes to gun mode and lands in Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid holding the toy mouths a synthesized "How quick can you all six" [''sic''], while his head flops around disturbingly.
: ''Determined to make good where his Decepticon father went bad, Quickswitch joins the Autobots!''

* '''Double Targetmasters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCfnJpHFRuc]

: ''Animation:'' [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and [[Needlenose]] chase the Autobot small Targetmaster Nebulans (most prominently [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (Nebulan)|Ricochet]]) across a rocky landscape. The Nebulans transform to gun modes and link up with their vehicle-mode Autobot partners, [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] and [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]], who then transform and fire. [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]] fly out of Scoop's hand and combine into their double weapon form. Scoop fires at a strafing Spinister and Needlenose, who transform, land and charge into battle.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid flips over and turns into a gun for a very crude CGI robot.
: ''Targetmaster Transformers—theeeeeey've got the power to surprise!''

[[Image:FireconCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Now auditioning for Gamera vs. The Firecons]]
* '''Firecons/Sparkabots'''

: ''Animation:''
: ''Narration:''
: ''Kidmation:''

* '''Triggerbots/Triggercons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xBLVLIKprA]

: ''Animation:'' Recycled Dreadwind and Darkwing chasing Getaway and Joyride, from the Powermasters commercial.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And when the Triggerbots battle the Triggercons, there's no doubt there'll be a real shoot-out!'' KERRUNCH.

[[Image:PiranaconCommercial1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, Dreamwave never learned that what works in animation doesn't always go over so well as a still image.]]
* '''Seacons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwyf28trZhg]

: ''Animation:'' Beneath the ocean, the beast-mode [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]] take bites out of a submarine. Piranacon switches out his left arm and gun.
: ''Narration:'' Unknown.
: ''Kidmation:'' A kid leaps over the top of a generic stop-animated robot and transforms into his gun, which he fires.
:* '''Seacons / Sparkabots / Firecons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MOFXjDTJ50#t=1m33s]
: Portions of the Seacon commercial with a Sparkabots/Firecons segment at the end.
:''Animation:'' The [[Firecon|Firecons]] march forward in beast mode, spewing flames; the [[Sparkabots]] drive forward and transform; the Firecons transform and grapple with the Sparkabots ([[Cindersaur]] vs. [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]] being most prominent.)
:* '''Seacons / Triggerbots / Trigggercons''' - Same as previous with the Triggerbots/Triggercons segment in place of the Firecons/Sparkabots.

===1989===
* '''Micromaster Patrols''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GKXFzYvLGU]

: ''Animation:'' From Optimus Prime's glowing fist, the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Off Road Patrol]] charge forth. They infiltrate a Decepticon base, driving right past Piranacon, [[Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], who wonder why they don't have those things. Then the Micromasters swarm around Dreadwind's head. In stop motion, a stream of [[Micromaster]] toys topples a gray-painted [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Kidmation:'' Kid scoops up the Micromasters and opens his palm to show them off.
: ''Notes:'' Dreadwind and Darkwing are given voices.
: "Our new commandos, who go where no one else goes!"

[[Image:Destronsoldier micromasters.jpg|right|200px|thumb|""]]
* '''Micromaster transports and battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2sGiQPOSxs] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5542/]

: ''Animation:'' A horde of Micromasters swarms over an attacking [[Giant Decepticon Soldier]]; Prime opens his palm to reveal a Micromaster city; [[Red Hot]] transforms and flies at the camera. Stop-motion spots show a fleet of Micromaster vehicles driving around the combined playsets.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "The most incredible Micros of all! They're not just small; they're ''Tranzzforrrmerrzzz''!"
:* '''Micromaster battle stations''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9qABpn1U5s] - edited down from the previous commercial.
: "The ''only'' Micros that transform!"
:* '''Micromaster transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU0ApqagpFk] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Micromasterbasescommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bumblebee, you fool!]]
[[Image:SkystalkerCommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Go ahead. Make my day.]]

* '''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lQjziUSVME]

: ''Animation:'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] drag two captured Decepticon vehicles (the [[Interstellar shuttle]] and the [[Helicopter]]) up to Optimus Prime in an Autobot base, only to have them transform and attack, with the guns manned by the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]].
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Bumblebee has his [[Dan Gilvezan|normal voice]]. An unidentified voice presumably belongs to Skystalker.
: ''You can connect them to form whole cities!''
:* '''Micromaster micro bases''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9APg4jM3KJI] - edited down from the previous commercial.

* '''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecehJWexUaE] or [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5541/]

: ''Animation:'' As Prime transforms and comes under attack in a nighttime city, the Autobot Pretenders arrive to help out.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is voiced by his regular actor. Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the movie when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "Bumblebee, Jazz, you're back!" "And me Grimlock!" ''And the '''eeeevil''' Starscream is here too!''
:* '''Classic Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSi6ZVZe0no] - edited down from the previous commercial.

* '''Mega and Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Vz63YmywM]

: ''Animation:'' [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] and [[Vroom]] slowly drift out of their shells and transform; [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]] avoids a strafing run from [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]], then his two robot forms both pop out of his vehicle shell and fire.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: "Who's more than they pretend to be? Mega Pretender Transformers, Mega Pretenders!"
:* '''Mega Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBmplIUYCms] - edited down from the previous commercial.
:: "Inside one, there's the other; then they both transform and combine to form another!"
:* '''Ultra Pretenders''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsgfEOamaMw] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Pretendermonstercommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Decades later, their [[Pretender_Monster#Toys|melting shells]] let you re-enact this scene.]]
* '''[[Pretender Monster|Pretender Monsters]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQRzQIXQkTU]

: ''Animation:'' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] dunks [[Wildfly]], [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] and [[Scowl]] into colorful vats; they and the others emerge as Pretenders and charge at the camera. "BEYOND! (beyond) anything you've EVER SEEN before: Transformers Monster Pretenders!"
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: '''''Now''', the Decepticons have '''Monster Pretenders'''. Monster Pretenders with '''rubbery skin!'''''

===1990===
[[Image:Sprocketoverruncommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Sure, Prime, I'll give up the alternate mode that I never had."]]
[[Image:GutcruncherG1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Estroy them!" Actual dialogue. We're not making this up.]]
The Action Master commercials began and ended with a metal fist bursting through a wall, with "ACTION MASTERS" emblazoned across its knuckles. Some of the animation was screened against real-world backgrounds, with poorly animated characters morphing into the real toys.

* '''Action Masters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNf3jQ1zdw]

: ''Animation:'' Inside a base, [[Optimus Prime (G1)| Optimus Prime]] invites a circle of Autobots ([[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Rad (G1)|Rad]], [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] and [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]]) to join him. Prime, Jazz and Rad dash before the animation morphs to show their respective toys. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] and [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] blast through a wall before they too morph from animation to toys.
: ''Narration:'' [[Victor Caroli]].
: ''Notes:'' Jazz is voiced by a sound-alike, [[Scatman Crothers]] having passed away. Rad is given a voice by [[Michael Bell]].
: "Who will give up the power to transform to become stronger faster more alive?" [''sic'']

* '''Action Master vehicles — Starscream, Prowl''', and '''Overrun''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMn36VbUamU]

: ''Animation:'' A short battle sequence (on Cybertron?) with the three featured characters.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''And '''look!''' The Action Master vehicles transform into powerful '''battle stations!'''''

* '''Action Master vehicles — Wheeljack, Sprocket''', and '''Gutcruncher''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_zEQL5qoSs]

: ''Animation:'' [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] takes to the sky in the [[Stratotronic Jet|Stratojet]]; Wheeljack and Sprocket drive out of a tunnel.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
: ''Notes:'' Gutcruncher speaks!
: "Estroy them!" [again, ''sic'']
:* '''Action Master vehicles''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldTBFhVOeyA] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Micromasters melt in your mouth, not in your hand.]]
[[Image:Bigdaddycommercial.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hey, daddy-o, where's the drive thru at?]]

* '''Hot Rod Patrol''' and '''Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BULkif6vEsA]

: ''Animation:'' Cel: Jazz and Prime pick up the Hot Rod Patrol and examine them. Stop-motion toys: The Construction Patrol destroys a bridge, making Scorponok fall into a ravine. Rawr!
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:* '''Hot Rod Patrol / Construction Patrol''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAGdONYuMxQ] - Abbreviated (and accelerated) version of the previous commercial. [[Neil Ross]] jibbers his lines at hilariously high speed: "Micromasterconstructionpatroldestroythebridge!"

* '''Micromaster Combiners/Combiner Transports''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NHa_xEPCCA]

: ''Animation:'' Megatron grabs at a couple of combiner vehicles ([[Roadburner]]/[[Wheel Blaze]] and [[Missile Master]]/[[Moonrock]]), only to have them split apart, reconnect, and shoot him in the face. [[Cement-Head]] and [[Terror-Tread]], along with their transport, transform from vehicle to robot/base.
:''Notes:'' A rather wussy Frank Welker soundalike voices [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]; Neil Ross voices the indeterminable Micromaster. Roadburner somehow fires a laser from the short end of his cherry picker crane.
: ''Narration:'' Victor Caroli.
:* '''Micromaster Combiners''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4c2GiO-8D4#t=7m02s] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

===1999===
* '''Kid Rhino Video Trailer'''

: Scenes from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''G.I. Joe: The Movie'' and ''[[Jem]]'' are shown with their corresponding theme songs followed by text narration asking you to turn your home into a zoo by buying Kid Rhino's home video releases.
: ''Notes:'' The Transformers scenes are of [[Unicron]] demolishing [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and Springer transforming to helicopter mode before following [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and the other Autobots through Unicron's right eye.

===2006===
* '''[[Sony]] ''The Transformers: The Movie'' 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Preview''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dU2TiL7Vgs]
: Scenes from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' play as text narration overlays promote the features of the DVD.
: ''Notes:'' This preview was shown at the Transformers panel at Comic-Con 2006.

===2007===
* '''[[Metrodome]] ''The Transformers: The Movie'' 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Preview''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d4BUe74tC8]
: Excerpts from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and images of various Metrodome Transformers DVDs are shown as text narration overlays urge consumers to buy Metrodome's G1 boxsets and 20th Anniversary edition of ''The Transformers: The Movie''

===2008===
[[Image:G1Awakening Trailer1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey, look at the pretty numbers..."]]
* '''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRbWH14tT0M]
: Composed of sound-less excerpts of actual game footage highlighting some aspects of the control interface, in-game bios and battle mechanics.

===2009===
* '''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLkqZmEf7CY]
: Excerpts from the Season 1 intro to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] are interspersed with shots of a CGI cellphone displaying actual game footage.
: ''Notes:'' The cartoon animation is taken from [[Kid Rhino]]'s Season 1 DVD boxset, complete with the "remastered" 5.1 surround sound audio track.
{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WssZjIsUIU Generation 1 commercial compilation, 1985-1988]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4c2GiO-8D4 Generation 1 commercial compilation, 1989-1990]

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Transformers: Alternators

2010-10-23T13:37:41Z

68.38.136.117: /* Alternators */

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

==Car licenses and character selection==
[[Image:BTSmokescreenRakuten.jpg|left|150px|thumb|This photo resulted in collective drooling.]]
At one point in 2003, [[Hasbro]] stated that the ''Alternators'' line would consist of "six 'hot' contemporary cars".<ref>[http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/3305.html Report about Hasbro's statements regarding the Alternators line from Wizard World Chicago 2003, at Internal Correspondence version 2]</ref> The first six models were based on a [[Wikipedia:Subaru_Impreza|Subaru Impreza]], a [[Wikipedia:Dodge_Viper|Dodge Viper]], a [[Wikipedia:Jeep_Wrangler|Jeep Wrangler]], a [[Wikipedia:Chevrolet_Corvette"|C5 Chevrolet Corvette]], a [[Wikipedia:Mazda_RX-8|Mazda RX-8]], and a [[Wikipedia:Ford_Mustang|Ford Mustang]]. Even before the line was launched, though, new licenses were already pursued by Hasbro and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], with the first new mold that was not part of the "original six" anymore being based on a [[Wikipedia:Honda_S2000|Honda S2000]]. More and more models and manufacturers joined the line over its run. Nearly all of these models are from either American or Japanese manufacturers, with the only exception being the [[Wikipedia:Jaguar_XK|Jaguar XK]], which is originally a European car.

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

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

==Alternators==
[[Image:MazdaRX-8.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Who is the Mazda RX-8 Transformer? Who? WHO?]]
In the USA, the '''''Alternators''''' line was launched in December 2003, with the toys being made entirely out of plastic (with the exception of the rubber tires). The first wave consisted ''only'' of Smokescreen, who shipped in a case all by himself. The second wave mixed Smokescreen and Side Swipe in a 50:50 ratio, with new toys being introduced in the following waves (but Smokescreen choked shelves like crazy). Over the time of its original run, the ''Alternators'' line was particularly notorious for including toys that were extremely hard to find due to only shipping in one or two waves (Meister, Tracks, Decepticharge, Swerve), whereas others shipped for multiple waves, despite having already been [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarmers]] (Swindle, in particular).

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

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

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

The future of the ''Alternators'' line is highly questionable right now, and not very bright. Following the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 movie toyline]], the second ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, launched in 2008, partly filled the gap for "realistic vehicles", primarily by having unlicensed approximations of vehicles in the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' style.

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

At the New York International Toy Fair 2008, Hasbro stated that they might bring the Alternators line back. However, no news has come out of this thus far.

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

==Binaltech==
[[Image:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Hasbro vs. Takara - can you guess which one is which?]]
In Japan, the line was known as '''''Binaltech''''', with the primary difference being that ''Binaltech'' figures are more "collector"-oriented, featuring fully-painted car bodies and [[die-cast]] metal parts, in comparison to ''Alternators''' color-molded plastic construction. Additionally, various ''Binaltech'' figures have same-character variants, usually released concurrently with the "regular" version in a 50:50 ratio per case (as Japanese toys usually ship in solid cases), that Hasbro did not release (though there are numerous redecoes and remolds in ''Alternators'' that never saw release in ''Binaltech'').

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

In 2007, the ''Binaltech'' line got resurrected in a way similar to the state Hasbro's version was in at that point. The two new molds that had previously been intended to be released prior to the cancellation of the mass retail line were now released as redecos of the ''Kiss Players'' toys, with Black Convoy (exclusively available at the Wonder Festival 2007 Winter convention, and later at [[e-Hobby]]) being Takara's counterpart of the Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con Nemesis Prime redeco of Optimus Prime/Convoy, whereas "Rijie" (Mirage), a redeco of the Ford GT mold which Takara had previously released as ''Kiss Players'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rodimus]], was only released as a clear e-Hobby exclusive variant, using the same head sculpt as Hasbro's Alternators Mirage version. Therefore, Rijie was the only ''Binaltech'' toy that didn't contain any [[die-cast]] parts. Thus far, Takara have shown no indication of intending to release the new Rumble or Ravage molds; however, four new [[redeco]]s of older toys were released in 2008, all of them once again available at mass retail. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]] was released as the latest addition to this resurrected ''Binaltech'' line, featuring slightly different colouring from its previous Kiss Player Convoy counterpart.

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

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

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

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

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

===Binaltech Asterisk===
:''Main article:'' [[Binaltech Asterisk (online comic)|Binaltech Asterisk online comic]]

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

==Toys==
===Alternators===
{{note|Although most ''Alternators'' ''did'' come out in waves, the number of actually new toys was limited to two or three per season; as a result, they're simply listed ordered by number, even though some of them (notably Dead End/Tracks and Decepticharge/Swerve) were released in reversed order at general retail.}}
*01. [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003)
*02. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (Dodge Viper SRT-10)
*03. [[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]] (Jeep Wrangler Sport)
*04. [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*05. [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*06. [[Tracks (G1)|Autobot Tracks]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
*07. [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8)
*08. [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*09. [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]] (Ford Mustang GT)
*10. [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Battle Ravage]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*11. [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (Honda S2000)
*12. [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockblast]] (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*13. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (2005 Ford Mustang Street Tuning)
*14. [[Decepticharge]] (Mugen Honda S2000)
*15. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
*16. [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]] (Acura RSX)

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

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

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

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

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

===Binaltech===
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #7 version)
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #8 version)
*BT-02. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Lambor]] (Dodge Viper SRT-10)
*BT-03. [[Bluestreak|Streak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-04. [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (Jeep Wrangler Sport)
*BT-05. Dead End (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 yellow version)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 blue version)

{{note|Blue ''Binaltech'' Tracks was the only "variant" version of a ''Binaltech'' toy (the yellow version was originally considered the "regular" version by Takara, which got retroactively changed later) that was ''not'' shipped together with the "regular" version in a 50:50 ratio per case. Instead, Blue Tracks was shipped several months after the release of the yellow version, at the same time Swindle was released.}}
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #1 version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #2 version)
*BT-08. [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8 white version)
*BT-08. Meister "Velocity Red Mica Edition" (Mazda RX-8 red version, aka [[Zoom-Zoom]])
*BT-09. Swindle (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*BT-10. Grimlock (Ford Mustang GT)
*BT-11. Ravage (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*BT-12. [[Overdrive]] (Honda S2000)
*BT-13. [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Laserwave]] (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*BT-14. Wheeljack (2005 Ford Mustang Street Tuning)
*BT-15. Prowl "Patrol Type" (Honda Integra Type-R police version)
*BT-15. Prowl "Vivid Blue Pearl Edition" (Honda Integra Type-R blue version)
*BT-16. Skids (Toyota bB)
*BT-17. [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Black Convoy]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10, Wonder Festival 2007 Winter exclusive)
*BT-18. [[Mirage (G1)|Rijie]] "Electro Disrupter Mode" (Ford GT, e-Hobby exclusive clear version)
*BT-19. [[Bluestreak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-20. Argent Meister (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*BT-21. [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (Honda S2000)
*BT-22. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10)

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

==Pre-release development==
[[Image:PorscheMiniSubaru.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You'll never ever find us in stores.]]It's not certain what exactly originally led Hasbro and Takara to the concept of a line of Transformers based on licensed vehicles. An interview with Takara's development team<ref>[http://tfarchive.com/fandom/interviews/alternators_binaltech/takara_binaltech_interview_translation.php interview with Takara's Binaltech development team, English translation at TF Archive]</ref> confirmed that both companies initially had different ideas (for example, a different intended scale for the toys) that ultimately resulted in a compromise. It's possible that Hasbro's motivation stemmed from the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' line, where they were required to alter [[X-Brawn]]'s headlights in order to avoid legal trouble with Mercedes, and had to acquire a license from Dodge for all iterations of the [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] mold beginning with the "Super Side Burn" redeco.
* The first toy planned for the line was Jazz (probably to be named "Autobot Jazz" for [[trademark]] reasons) as a Porsche 986. A prototype was made, but Porsche refused to grant Hasbro and Takara the license, stating that "Transformers are not worthy [of] carrying the Porsche trademark. They are war machines and the toyline in no way represents the lifestyle and ideas which Porsche represents."<ref>[http://www.tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24622 Former Porsche employee Addl recounting an informal inquiry with Porsche's licensing department at TF Archive]</ref> As a consequence, the toy ultimately never went into production. Photos of the prototype were depicted in the Japanese book ''[[The Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]'', and Hasbro later also displayed the prototype during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour.

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

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

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

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

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

==Innovations and lasting effects==
*''Alternators'' was the first line to consist primarily of newly designed toys clearly intended as new versions of classic [[character]]s from the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original series]], rather than mere design homages or new sculpts directly based on the designs of the original toys and/or the [[character model|animation model]] from the original [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] with modern technology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

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

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

Optimus Primal (BW)/toys

2010-08-29T16:43:45Z

68.38.136.117: /* Beast Machines */

[[Image:Optimus_Primal_toys.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Monkey see, Monkey f**k you up!]]
'''[[Optimus Primal]]''' has had a barrel full of toys. None of them [[Optimus Minor|monkeys]]!

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:BWtoy-Primalbat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cheetor. ''Cheetor.'' I'm Batman.]]
* '''Optimus Primal vs Megatron!''' (Basic versus two-pack, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:The first Optimus Primal was a Basic size class blue bat which could autotransform into a robot by pulling the tail. Two swords were removable from under its wings for use as weaponry in robot mode. It was packaged along with an alligator version of Megatron and a ''Beast Wars'' mini-comic.

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

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

:This mold was also used to make the [[#CDROM|Optimus Prime-recolored Convobat]] (who may or may not be a separate character to either Prime or Primal), and [[Onyx Primal]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimalBat/optimusprimal.htm More information on Optimus Primal (bat) at tfu.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:Optimusprimaltoyultraape.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yes, missiles come out of his butt.]]
* '''Optimus Primal''' (Ultra, 1996/1997/1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
: The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. This gimmick was shown to be an effort to simulate a gorilla beating its chest while Optimus was in beast mode, but could also be used in robot mode, making him swing his weapons wildly before himself. And finally, like many first-year ''Beast Wars'' toys, a battle mask/"[[mutant head]]" could be deployed over his robot head.

:[[Image:Prizeprimals.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Brass monkeys.]]

:Takara released the toy as part of their ''Beast Wars'' line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. The missiles for the Takara version are thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the mold.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Optimus Primal and [[Beast Wars Telemocha]] DX Convoy, and [[retool]]ed into ''Beast Wars Reborn''/''Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary'' versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from ''Tele-V Magazine'', only ten awarded), red and gray (''Tele-V'' again, but only ''one'' awarded), and blue-fur (a ''Comics Bom Bom'' design-contest prize, only five awarded).
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Optimus Primal (gorilla) at tfu.info]''

{{-}}

* '''Special Convoy Real Gray Type''' (Ultra, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
:In January of 1998{{fact}}, Takara released a redeco of the Ultra Optimus Primal toy as '''Special Convoy Real Gray Type''' (スペシャルコンボイ — リアルグレータイプ), changing the black to dark gray and the blue to metallic blue, although the packaging was the same as the original release save for a sticker on the front of the box. According to the sticker, this limited figure was meant to celebrate the "20,000,000 Unit Breakthrough Commemoration"—apparently commemorating ''20 million'' units of Beast Wars toys sold. Whether this was supposed to represent 20 million worldwide or just in Japan is unclear.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Special Convoy Real Gray Type at tfu.info (scroll down)]''

{{-}}

* '''Special Convoy Skeleton Type''' (Ultra, 1998?)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
: A Toys 'R' Us retail [[exclusive]] redeco of the Ultra figure, '''Special Convoy Skeleton Type''' (スペシャルコンボイ — スケルトンタイプ) was colorless-clear and black with silver paint detailing. The packaging was the same as the general release except for a sticker on the front of the box.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Cybertron/ClearConvoy/clearconvoy.htm More information on Special Convoy Skeleton Type at tfu.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BW-toy OptimusPrimalCDROM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|From Nightwing to Flame<strike>bird</strike>bat.]]
*'''Convobat vs Megaligator''' (multipack)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''S-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
: Available only in a special CD-ROM two-pack with a [[Megatron (BW)/toys|purple redeco of "Megalligator"]], this version of Optimus Primal (maybe) retains its previous gimmickry. his back features a silver Maximal [[faction symbol]] plus "C-ROM", as in "Cybertron", get it? Huh? And Megatron has the "D-ROM"? See what they did there?

: Just what character this toy represents is up for debate. The toy's [[bio]] claims he used to turn into a tractor-trailer (indicating [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]), but considering the timeframe of when they were written and the whole lack of a stance on who Primal "was" before the show and bla bla bla... it's just easier to file this under the same iffiness as the original toy bios set on modern [[Earth]] and leave it at that.

: This mold was also used to make [[Onyx Primal]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Cybertron/ConvoyBat/convoybat.htm More information on Convobat at TFU.info]''

* '''Burning Convoy''' (Ultra)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
:[[Spontaneous recoloration|Clear-red]] redeco of Primal, with gold "flame" markings also included. Was released as a limited edition figure to promote the ''Beast Wars Special'' movie alongside the Flash Lio Convoy toy.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Cybertron/BurningConvoy/burningconvoy.htm More information on Burning Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BWMicroversetoy-Primal.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Seamunky?]]
*'''Orcanoch''' (MicroVerse, 1997)
: Part of the short-lived ''[[MicroVerse]]'' toyline (from before [[Hasbro|Hasbro's]] acquisition of rival Galoob and their micro-toy empire), [[Orcanoch]] transforms into a Maximal base. It came with tiny, non-transforming versions of Optimus Primal and [[Tarantulas]]. These figures were designed to sit in the various mini-vehicles and control modules of the MicroVerse playsets.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Maximal/Orcanoch/orcanoch.htm More information on Orcanoch (including Optimus Primal figure) at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BWtoy-PrimalTM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Check out those abs!]]
* '''Optimus Primal''' (Mega Transmetal, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-40'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun, two clubs/missiles
: [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal is a mechanical gorilla that transforms into a partially organic robot. Like all Transmetals, it featured chromed plastic and a third vehicle-inspired mode. In Primal's case, his gorilla mode could transform into a gorilla on a hoverboard. Two maces were stored on his back and could double as missiles for his hip-holstered blaster.

: [[Takara|Takara's]] version of the toy exchanged the brown plastic for translucent maroon, he also featured additional paint on his waist and different eye color among other changes. The figure was also available in a set with Transmetal Megatron.

: This mold was used to make [[Apelinq]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Maximal/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Transmetal Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BWtoy-OpOp.jpg|right|300px|thumb|It's really about two modes, not four, if you're honest.]]
* '''Optimal Optimus''' (Super Transmetal, 1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-47'''
**''Accessories:'' One gun, four missiles, six break-away armor plates
: Transmetal Optimal Optimus was the first toy in the Super size class, featuring electronics and four transformations: robot, ape, jet, and armored transport. When a back section of the cannon module was pulled, the eyes and shoulder-mounted missile launchers lit up and the launchers fired. It came with four missiles, two of which stored on its legs. Its forearms featured blast-away armor plates that could also be pegged to its upper arms.

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

: This mold was used to make [[Primal Prime]], and was the model for [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s (non-toy) "Optimal" body, seen in "[[Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future]]".

: The Japanese version featured a more yellow shade of orange, different painted details, and notably black tires instead of purple.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1998/Maximal/OptimalOptimus/optimaloptimus.htm More information on Optimal Optimus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BM-toy OpPrimalDx.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I am the exact opposite of show-accurate.]]
*'''Optimus Primal''' (Deluxe, 2000)
**''Accessories'': Energy shuriken
: The first ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' Optimus Primal is a dark bronze and translucent blue technorganic gorilla that transforms into a technorganic robot. His right robot-mode arm is spring-loaded to throw the shuriken that stores in his left leg (the ape mode's left shoulder). Like all ''Beast Machines'' toys, he has a hidden "[[spark crystal]]" that displays his faction allegiance; Primal's is in his chest, revealed with the spring-loaded "flexing" motion that also moves his beast-mode face up for snarling while posing. His robot-mode head also features a changing expression via sliding brow/skullcap.

:Official [[Hasbro]] stock photography of this toy shows a differently-molded shuriken, lacking the "energy flame" effect.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Beast Machines Optimus Primal (Deluxe) at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BMtoy-PrimalMcD.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Robot hate the monkey.]]
*'''Optimus Primal''' (Happy Meal toy, 2000)
: McDonald's ''Beast Machines'' Optimus Primal is an incredibly simple toy that transforms from a technorganic robot to technorganic ape. Its sculpted detail is based directly that of the television show's model for Primal. It uses translucent plastic for the body, and, like the other McDonald's ''Beast Machines'' toys, there's a sculpted spark crystal on the toy's surface; on Optimus Primal, it is placed on the stomach. Additionally, there are two organic flaps on the toy's back, and in robot mode, nobody's entirely sure exactly what to do with them. Are they rotated all the way down to make his booster jets? Are they rotated out to the sides to make the backs of his shoulder pads? Are they rotated back to where they go in gorilla mode, once you get his heads swapped? We may never know.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Maximal/McOptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Beast Machines Optimus Primal (McDonald's) at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:BMtoy-PrimalMega.jpg|right|300px|thumb|They will fight eternally!]]
*'''Blast Punch Optimus Primal''' (Mega, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''BR-01'''
**''Accessories'': Missile
:One of the last toys released in the ''Beast Machines'' line (under the "Battle for the Spark" rebranding), "Blast Punch" Optimus Primal transforms into a technorganic gorilla more like the show model, though with a considerably brighter color scheme. His main [[gimmick]] is his left arm, which contains a hidden missile launcher.Pushing down on his shoulder armor "winds" the mechanism in his gauntlet. Pushing the spark crystal on his bicep spins his gauntlet around, simultaneously triggering the spring-loaded missile launcher and activating his spring-loaded ramming "blast punch" action, extending his fist forward nearly a full inch. He also has hidden jet thrusters under a panel on his back. In beast mode, a small button on the top of his head pushes his upper face up in a "snarling" action.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Maximal/BlastPunchOptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Blast Punch Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

*'''Optimus Primal''' (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Pen Keeper
: Optimus Primal was available as one of three figures in a Jollibee promotion. The toy is a greatly simplified version of his ''Beast Machines'' Deluxe toy.

===Robots in Disguise===
[[Image:RIDtoy-Suprimal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Monkey versus robot!]]
* '''Air Attack Optimus Primal''' (Supreme, 2002)
:Intended for release in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toyline, Air Attack Optimus Primal was eventually released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive as part of the ''Robots in Disguise'' toyline. Positively oozing light-and-sound gimmicks in both modes, Optimus Primal does ''all'' sorts'a crazy crap, all of which is first activated by pressing his chest plate. Doing so "turns on" his electronics with a metallic shrieking noise, and the toy proceeds to hum constantly while the chest glows with a red LED. The electronics will eventually "turn off" if the toy is left idle, but you don't want to do that! You want to push his head (in either mode), which activates glowing lights in his eyes and actual speech samples of [[Garry Chalk]] from the ''Beast Machines'' cartoon (making Primal the first English-speaking ''Transformers'' toy to have speech clips performed by his actual cartoon voice actor). On top of that, the toy also features a pressure-launching disc-shooter in its robot-mode stomach (accompanied by blasting sound effect), and a geared right arm with a spring-loaded punch action (and suitably pained electronic grunt). The ''big'' feature—the one that gives the toy its name—is his jetpack, which pops out (with translucent blue jet flames trailing behind) at the push of a button. This puts the toy into "flight mode", and it constantly produces the sound of whooshing jets, which then rises and falls depending on how the figure is held. Tilt him upwards, and the pitch rises as he ascends! Tilt him down, and ''zoom!''

:Also, he has a butt on his head.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Maximal/SupremeOptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Air Attack Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Universe===
[[Image:Universe2003toy-Primal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Kinda looks like Don Rickles, don't you think?]]
*'''Optimus Primal''' (Ultra, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
A redeco of the original Ultra Class Optimus Primal mold, with a color scheme that reflects the "infected" look several other toys were sporting in this line, reflecting the events taking place in-fiction. He retains all weapons and gimmicks of the previous releases of this mold, but with a reworked system for his arm mechanism, making his crazy arm swinging much more controlled.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Universe Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMtoy-Primal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|There he is, my littler guy.]]
*'''Beast Convoy''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-11'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, sword connector, missile launcher, missile

:Primarily based upon the original Ultra-class Optimus Primal figure, ''Robot Masters'' Beast Convoy uses a new, a more [[show accuracy|show accurate]] mold, while using the original Ultra-class toy's color scheme.

:The mouthplate featured an engraved mouth, although it is painted silver like the rest of the face, and lacks the Mutant Head from the original figure.

:Both forearms contain small, non-firing cannons in them (and thus a skull mace is not included), which can be revealed by flipping up the panels on his arms. Similarly, the missile launchers from the Ultra-class version of the toy have been replaced by non-firing cannons based more closely on the ones from the TV show.

:Beast Convoy features new, open-palmed hands, thus preventing him from holding both of his swords in the same hand, but a small connector-piece is included to connect the swords together, allowing Beast Convoy to hold the lower sword with the upper sword connected.

:Like [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Beast Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|G1 Convoy]], Beast Convoy comes with a generic, blue plastic missile launcher which can fit in his palm.

:This figure was later recolored as [[Robot Masters]] Burning Beast Convoy, Beast Convoy Limited Black Version, and later [[Beast Wars Telemocha]] Convoy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/BeastConvoy/beastconvoy.htm More information on Beast Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}



* '''Burning Beast Convoy''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-21'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:A recolor of ''Beast Convoy'', this toy uses the "Burning Convoy" color scheme from the ''Beast Wars II'' movie from where he partnered with Lio Convoy, turning them into Burning Convoy and Flash Lio Convoy respectively.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/BurningConvoy/burningconvoy.htm More information on Burning Beast Convoy at TFU.info]''

*'''Beast Convoy Limited Black Version''' (2005)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, sword connector, missile launcher, missile, Boost Hammer

: Available only via mail order through ''Hobby Japan'' magazine, the "Limited Black Version" of Beast Megatron is just that: a straight [[black repaint]] of the Beast Convoy toy. He comes with all his original accessories, appropriately redecoed, as well as a gold-chromed version of the "Boost Hammer" [[Solitarium]] weapon that came with [[Wrecker Hook (RM)|Wrecker Hook]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/HHBeastConvoy/beastconvoy.htm More information on Beast Convoy Limited Black Version at TFU.info]''

===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:Optimusprimalbwx.jpg|right|300px|thumb|''Surf monkey/ that funky monkey'']]
* '''Optimus Primal''' (2006)
**''Accessories:'' Surfboard, assault blade, missile, Jungle Planet Key
: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary (BWX) Optimus Primal is a new toy design based loosely on his original ultra ape action figure and pulling some elements from other figures, including a transformation very similar to the Playskool Go-Bot [[Gorillabot]], which itself was a nod to Optimus Primal's Beast Machines form. Similar to his Transmetal form, BWX Optimus Primal also comes with a hoverboard that fires a missile when a [[Cyber Planet Key]] is inserted.

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

: The board also features a spring-loaded extending "assault blade" (or "ass lt blade" as the directions call it). Though it is not intended to be removed, the blade can be popped off and held in Primal's hand thanks to his posable thumbs.

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

:This mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] and released as ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. The sculpt for both BWX leader toys were intentionally designed to blend in with the Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" they didn't get a Beast Wars Anniversary release (according to [[Aaron Archer|Aaron Archer's]] statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on 10th Anniversary Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

* '''Optimus Primal vs Megatron''' (Toys "R" Us, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
:Identical to the ''Beast Wars Reborn'' set as detailed below, but in new packaging with a DVD of the ''Beast Wars'' episode "[[Possession]]".
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/TRUOptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Optimus Primal (Toys "R" Us Exclusive) at TFU.info]''

===Beast Wars Reborn===
[[Image:BWReborntoy-Primal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The eighth Optimus of the world... PRIMAL!]]
* '''Convoy vs Megatron''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BWR-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail

:[[Image:Optimusprimaltoybwrebornheads.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Staring contest—go!]]

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

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

{{-}}

{{anchor|LaserOptimusPrime}}
===Generation 2===
[[Image:LaserOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Argh TFwiki headache.]]
* '''Battle Convoy''' (Reissue, 2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-13'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, sword, 5 discs, 3 air power missiles, ripple rocket launcher, 10 rockets

: In 1993, Laser [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was a new-mold ''[[Generation 2]]'' toy that transformed into mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX, pulling a grey and black fuel tank trailer. On the sides of the trailer is a humourous sticker depicting Laser Optimus Prime using a flamethrower to burn down a forest, with the words "Optimus Prime Octane" over the image.

:In robot mode, like Combat Hero Prime, the bottom of the truck became his familiar windowed chest based upon the original Optimus Prime toy. His main gimmick was light up LED headlights, and a [[lightpipe]] in the bottom of his right fist, illuminated by an LED in his right forearm, that would illuminate his clear sword or his double-barreled rifle if they were used in that hand. All three LEDs were activated simultaneously by pressing the sunroof-like depression on the roof of the truck.

:The trailer unfolds to form a battle station bristling with many firing weapons. Primarily, it can fire an air-powered missile launcher, a ripple rocket launcher with 5 missiles that can be launched individually (this turret can also be mounted in Laser Prime's hand) and a 'disc launcher', that fired several blue plastic discs adorned with the ''Generation 2'' Autobot sigil. This disc launcher is the only weapon that can be used in vehicle mode.

:This mold was redecoed in 2000 as ''[[Car Robots]]'' [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]], and slightly retooled as Scourge. After Scourge, the next use of this mold was planned to be [[Toxitron]], which ended up being canceled. The slightly retooled version of this mold was released in 2006 in Japan as reissue Battle Convoy, which was the name of this toy during the Japanese ''Generation 2''. The reissue used the ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' modified tooling, with a slightly modified deco using silver vacuum-metalized plastic on his chest and trailer sides along with additional paint applications and G2 symbols. The mold was also redecoed to create a new G2 version of Ultra Magnus as an [[E-Hobby]] exclusive (unusual in that the character was killed in the course of Japan's G1 fiction).

:Within the ''[[Beast Wars Reborn]]'' text story, the reissued Laser Prime toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as a temporary form for Optimus Primal.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Laser Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Timelines===
[[Image:Timelinestoy-PrimalDoFP.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Trukk munky?]]
* '''Dawn of Future's Past''' (Boxset, BotCon 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Two missiles, Maximal [[Golden Disk]] key
:A [[redeco]] and [[retool]] of ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]], ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' Optimus Primal transforms into a three-wheeled Cybertronic race car with huge turbine thrusters. These thrusters each contain a spring-loaded missile launcher,and can be swung forward in both vehicle and robot mode by plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into his key-jack. This also activates electronic sound effects. He has a new head that replicates Optimus Primal's first [[character model]].

:Available only in a multi pack with the ''Axalon'' versions of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], and [[Rattrap]], as well as the ''[[Darksyde]]'' version of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].
:Some consider this toy somewhat of an injoke, because when fans initially saw pics of Crumplezone, they criticised it for looking like a monkey.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/BCOptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Axalon Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
[[Image:BWTelemocha Convoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Anyone else feel like we're going in circles?]]
*'''Convoy''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:''[[Beast Wars Telemocha]]'' Convoy is an extensive redeco of the ''Robot Masters'' Beast Convoy figure in a similar style to the ''Beast Wars Reborn'' retool of the Ultra-class figure.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Cybertron/Convoy/convoy.htm More information on Telemocha Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Image:BWTelemochaDXPrimal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Seriously, we're getting dizzy!]]
*'''DX Convoy''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-SP'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
:An extensive show-accurate redeco of the original Ultra-class Optimus Primal mold ''without'' the recently remolded head and chestplate. Oh [[TakaraTomy]], you so crazy.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
*'''Beast Wars Transformers Slide Puzzle''' (1996)
:Released to advertise Beast War's airing in Japan, a small, hand-held slide-puzzle depicting Optimus Primal in robot mode, brandishing a sword, one arm cannon deployed, and looking very dynamic.

* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Optimus Primal was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].

* '''Beast Wars Transformers Sneakers''' (1997)
: A pair of red, black and white sneakers, with the Beast Wars logo printed on the sole, a photo of Primal's beast mode head on the toe, and the name "OPTIMUS PRIMAL" repeated around the shoe's lateral.

===Kabaya gum kits===
====Beast Wars====
* '''Convoy''' (1997)
: A nontransformable figurine of bat-body Primal, sculpted in a sword-wielding action pose across a blue base. Figure is painted.

* '''Convoy''' (candy toy, 1997)

: A tiny plastic Convoy figurine in his gorilla body and molded onto an irregularly-shaped stand was released by Kabaya. Labeled toy 1 of 6, the other characters in his wave were Dinobot, Rattrap, Megatron, Cheetor, and Rhinox. As always, terrible candy is included.

* '''Convoy''' (1997, Standard Kit)
: A tiny, simple black and purple transformable kit based on the original gorilla toy. It came with two purple swords and some gum.

====Beast Wars Metals====
* '''Transmetal Convoy''' (1999, Standard Kit)
: Another small transformable figure was based on his first Transmetal body. It was multicolored and also came with gum.

* '''Transmetal Convoy''' (1999, Standard Kit)
: A second, but non-transformable figure of Transmetal Optimus Primal was made in clear plastic, blue, and gray. Gum!

{{-}}

===Metal Monument===
[[Image:Metalmonumentconvoy.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Hungh!]]
* '''Metal Monument Convoy''' (TAKARA, 1999)

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

{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumSeries-Primal3inch.jpg|right|150px|thumb|This Primal wasn't built—it was ''poured!'']]
* '''Optimus Primal''' (3" Robot Master figurine, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Stand
:This 3-inch die-cast and plastic figurine of Optimus Primal features him in his ''Beast Wars'' season 1 appearance, with swords drawn in an action pose. He came with an [[Autobot]] figure stand, weirdly enough.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/TitOptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Titanium Series Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Image:Titanium Optimal Optimus.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ready? And... Faceplant!]]
* '''Optimal Optimus''' (6" Transformable figure, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Stand with nameplate
:For undetermined reasons, this incarnation of Optimal Optimus does not include the beast mode. This does have precedent in the fiction: When [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] built a copy of that body for himself at the end of ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', his version didn't have a beast mode either.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Maximal/TitOptimalOptimus/optimusprimal.htm More information on Titanium Series Optimal Optimus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
*'''Optimus Primal''' (2007)
[[Image:3DBattleCard-OptimusPrimal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|All your favorite 3D action!]]
: A 52-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game|3D Battle-Card Game's]] "Energon Wars" expansion, Optimus Primal "transforms" into a black ape. He uses the same parts layout as [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] and [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]], although the figure's beast mode is assembled differently. Optimus Primal is nominally the leader of the Autobots in the set. The surface of the figure uses images of the original Ultra ape toy.

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
====Beast Wars series====
[[Image:Robotheroestarantulasprimal.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Primal mocks Tarantulas's inability to display jazz hands.]]
*'''Optimus Primal''' / '''Predacon Tarantulas''' (2008)
: Part of the second wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Robot Heroes]], this PVC figurine of Optimus Primal's original gorilla body has articulation in the shoulders and neck. He was available only in a "Beast Wars Series" two-pack with [[Tarantulas]] (amusingly enough, the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] he also came with in the ''[[MicroVerse]]'' [[Orcanoch]] playset).
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Maximal/RHOprimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on Robot Heroes Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
====Beast Machines series====
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Optimus Primal vs. Jetstorm''' (2009)
{{canceledtoy}}

==Notes==
* The design of Optimus Primal's bat form is an [[homage]] to [[wikia:c:Batman:Batman (Bruce Wayne)|Batman]], an action figure license also held at the time by [[Kenner]].<ref>Page 78, Toy database section in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>
* Primal's gorilla mode, paired against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s t-rex mode, was inspired by the showdown in [[wikipedia:King Kong|King Kong]].
* According to the control art of Optimus Primal's toy, his chest originally seemed to be a kind of launcher instead of being an homage to the [[Autobot Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]].<ref>Page 50, Toy database section in ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]''</ref>

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars II characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]
[[category:Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]
[[Category:Children of Primus]]
[[Category:Contest prizes]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise characters]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with multiple modes]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]

Scattorshot (Cybertron)

2010-08-26T15:47:10Z

68.38.136.117: /* Notes */

{{picsneeded|More screen captures of his Cybertron Defense body}}

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Scattershot}}
:''Scattorshot is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ScattorshotPromo01.jpg|right|234px|thumb|He's a little bit country and a lot techno.]]
A former computer-game programmer, '''Scattorshot''' quickly became [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s go-to bot for computer work. But the nervy robot not only doesn't think he's cut out for battle, but believes the mere fact that he's done as well as he has ''in'' battle is just a big setup. He's convinced his good luck will run out on him, and run out at the worst possible moment.

As such, Scattorshot has developed a thing about guns. He likes altmodes with a ''lot'' of them. Maybe with enough firepower, he can prolong that whole karma thing. His companions find him to be a bit pessimistic, but far from hopeless... he may make a great soldier someday if he can just get over that nervousness.

Since gaining a new body and joining the [[Cybertron Defense Team]], Scattorshot has gained more confidence and lost some of his pessimism, now that he has two brothers in arms watching his back. That, and the fact his new body has enough weaponry for him to make his own 'luck'.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Backpack''', '''Backguild''' (Vanguard Team)
:''Hungarian name'': '''Sörét''' ("Lead Shot")
:''Russian name'' : '''Пулемёт''' (Machine gun)

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
''Voice actor:'' [[Richard Ian Cox]] (English), [[Tarusuke Shingaki]] (Japanese)

When [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] appeared inside the Autobot base, Scattorshot charged him but was quickly knocked away. Later he attempted to attack Megatron from behind but hit [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] instead. With the Autobot defeat he accompanied Optimus Prime to [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}}
When Optimus Prime and Scattorshot arrived on [[Earth]], the latter scanned his vehicle mode off of a billboard advertising a war movie. To Prime's surprise, it was a conspicuous military half-track, and Prime berated him for his choice of a disguise. Scattorshot sassed back that Prime's own vehicle mode of a gigantic fire truck armed with huge cannons sure is a good disguise. Then he pretended that Prime had disappeared for the moment, as he was so good at blending in. He finally laid out the advantages of a half-track, such as off-road, all-terrain capability, relatively high speed in difficult conditions and that nobody would ever think to give him a parking ticket.
[[Image:Cyb_ep3_base_hologram.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Turn left at the next intersection, my rear. No more using Mapquest.]]
Prime merely replied "Well... a fire truck is bigger." Scattorshot responded "Wanna race?" before quickly driving off. {{storylink|Inferno (episode)|Inferno}}
Once on Earth, Scattorshot showed the Autobots a hologram of their new base, but then changed it due to [[human]] criticism. During the building of the base, he noticed the Decepticons approaching. He then organized the Autobots and humans in the process of hiding the base. {{storylink|Haven}} From Earth he witnessed [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]'s attempt to close the [[Unicron Singularity|black hole]] near [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He then picked up an [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] communication locating [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]. Optimus went out to investigate first but when Megatron also showed up Scattorshot arrived as backup. {{storylink|Hidden}} In the search for the Omega Lock, Scattorshot believed they needed to gather information. During another Decepticon attack, he used [[Cyber Key]] Power to attack [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]].
[[Image:Cyb_ep5_in_space.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Where we're going we won't need...roads]]
Scattorshot told Bud that he couldn't travel into space, but was eventually convinced by [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]]. He then took Bud on the [[Space bridge]] up into the sky. Afterward he continued the tour by floating in space inside a giant bubble. A blast then knocked both him and Bud further into space. They were then hit by a satellite and knocked back into Earth's atmosphere. Beginning to burn up, they luckily entered a warp gate created by [[Vector Prime]] and ended up back at the base. {{storylink|Space}} During another encounter with the Decepticons, Scattorshot warned the Autobots that humans were approaching. {{storylink|Speed}} When an earthquake struck, Scattorshot got a fix on its epicenter under a nearby mountain. He then followed Optimus Prime to help the humans while keeping a tab on the collapsing mountain remotely. When the Autobots decided to collapse the mountain safely, he blew open the mine shaft. After Optimus sucked up the underground water preventing collapse, he shot the interior of the mountain to finally collapse it. {{storylink|Collapse}}

Scattorshot wasn't enthused about the idea of needing to find the [[Omega Lock]] so he stayed at the base. He then received [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]]'s message for help in the [[Sahara Desert]]. {{storylink|Time (episode)|Time}} He continued to receive transmissions at base and got Red Alert's from [[Velocitron]]. When [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]] attacked, Scattorshot was one of the first to deploy against him, using [[Cyber Key]] power to fire grenades at the Decepticon. Thundercracker later returned and Scattorshot then used [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s cannons to scare him off again. Afterward, Scattorshot received a transmission from an Autobot refugee that claimed to have found the lost seal of [[Atlantis]]. {{storylink|Search}} He located the signal as coming from the [[Bermuda Triangle]]. Once arriving at a nearby coast, he was afraid to go into the ocean, but once Optimus dived in he wasted no time following. Along with Optimus Prime and Landmine, he found he had trouble in the water until being taught how to swim by [[Bud Hansen|Bud]]. Once on the ocean floor he assisted Optimus in clearing away debris from the symbol. Once Megatron arrived he charged at the Decepticon leader but was easily knocked away. When Atlantis exited the water, he was carried by Optimus Prime into the air. {{storylink|Deep}} Atlantis disappeared, amazing Scattorshot and the others. He came to the conclusion that Atlantis was a Cybertronian ship and helped the Autobots search around Earth for it. Once Optimus deduced that it was behind the moon, the Autobots went to meet the Decepticons and fought them in space. {{storylink|Ship}}
[[Image:Cyb_ep19_scattorshotcicle.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Was a jolly happy soul.]]
Scattorshot watched Hot Shot's race from headquarters. He though he needed an oil change after Hot Shot and Prime's combined jumping stunt. {{storylink|Race}} He then watched the second race {{storylink|Detour (episode)|Detour}} and continued to monitor the Autobot teams on [[Velocitron]] and [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]]. {{storylink|Savage (episode)|Savage}} After the victorious Autobots returned from [[Velocitron]], Scattorshot was present when [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] added the Cyber Planet Key to the [[Omega Lock]]. He then processed the data that began emanating from it, leading to a set of coordinates on Earth. {{storylink|Champion}} He then went out with the team toward the coordinates up by the north pole. He stated that he felt cold even before heading out. When the Decepticons arrived he slid across the ice and confronted Starscream [[Mudflap (Cybertron)|Mudflap]]. He transformed and drove directly into Mudflap's chest before getting hit by Starscream's water ball and freezing up. Mudflap then pummeled him while he was frozen until the other Autobots arrived. After thawing out he was welcomed to planet Earth by [[Lucy Suzuki]]. {{storylink|Ice}}

After leaving the arctic for some reason, he conversed with the Autobots about Jungle Planet. He agreed with Jetfire that that kids should not be able to travel there. {{storylink|Honor}} When the situation on Jungle Planet heated up, Scattorshot appeared out of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s newly created space bridge and helped surround [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Trust (Cybertron)|Trust}} Back on Earth, Scattorshot readied the equipment for the entry of the next Cyber Planet Key. He received energy readings going off the chart and was first to notice the Mini-Cons as they were being used as a medium for [[Primus]]. He then kept contact with the team of Autobots who went again to the north pole. {{storylink|Trap}} After Starscream unleashed his Decepticon army, Scattorshot watched as they flew over Earth from the base. He questioned [[Vector Prime]]'s idea of starting a battle with such a large enemy force, but eventually took off to join the battle. {{storylink|Invasion}}
[[Image:Cyb_ep25_god_mode.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Beaten by a deus ex machina. How embarrasing!]]
Scattorshot was at the Autobot base when he found out that there were many [[Fandom|suspicious people]] on the internet. He later traveled via the space bridge away from Earth. While on the bridge, he shot at Starscream, but was defeated. {{storylink|Retreat}} Scattorshot was one of the initial Autobots to meet Colonel Franklin. Later, when Jetfire encountered Thunderblast, Scattorshot locked onto her until she disappeared behind camouflage. When the Autobot base's lights went out, he was the main worker to get them back on. Afterward he noticed Megatron opening a new warp gate on Earth. When the Decepticons invaded, he triple teamed Megatron with Hot Shot and Red Alert, but was critically damaged by Megatron's new Cyber Key weapon. {{storylink|Revelation (episode)|Revelation}} Scattorshot laid heavily damaged, but remained conscious while Vector Prime pulled him away from the battle. He kept thinking it was all over until he was transferred to a nearby military base. There the base personnel attempted to fix him with Coby's help. When the kids said they would never give up, the power of Primus came down from the sky and healed all three of the injured Autobots as well as powering them up. Scattorshot then took a new alternate mode and joined up with the rest of the Autobots who were still battling the Decepticons. When Hot Shot attacked Megatron, he decided to attack Scourge instead. {{storylink|Critical}}
[[Image:Cyb_ep26_machine_gunned.jpg|thumb|left|250px|ARROWED!]]
Scattorshot assured the kids and the Mini-Cons that they would be able to hold down the fort at the Autobot base. He then continued battling Megatron and his forces. After Megatron retreated, he followed to aid Optimus Prime at the volcanic island. He focused his attacks on Scourge with the rest of the Cybertron Defense Team. Afterward he was sent to Cybertron as part of a team to slow down the black hole. He had Coby create a space bridge from the volcanic island to Cybertron for the journey. {{storylink|Assault}} On the way to Cybertron, the team encountered a meteor shower. Scattorshot blasted his way through, stating he would have the most points due to shooting the most obstacles. Upon returning to Cybertron and finding it swarming with [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]], he attacked them, but was quickly dogpiled upon with [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|Starscream (episode)|Starscream}} He continued fighting off Scrapmetal, {{storylink|United}} until the rest of the Autobots arrived as backup. Scattorshot watched as Optimus Prime presented the Omega Lock then kept track of the status of Cybertron as it appeared to be falling apart. He drove via a spacebridge to the moon to finish watching Cybertron's transformation into [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Cybertron (episode)|Cybertron}} Afterward he set up a connection to talk to Primus. Later, when Red Alert was analyzing [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]]'s mind, Scattorshot was the first to notice Starscream approaching. He directed a volley toward the Decepticon and then fought against the Decepticon onslaught. {{storylink|Balance}}
[[Image:Cyb_ep27_cyb_def_team.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Cue spaghetti western music]]
Scattorshot joined Vector Prime to help track down the missing kids and Mini-Cons. He wondered why Coby was not using the communicator that had been provided to him. {{storylink|Darkness (episode)|Darkness}} He continued to use the Autobot base computers to scan for some trace of their missing allies. Once they finally picked up a signal, Scattorshot followed in a warp gate created by Vector Prime. They appeared in space near the ''[[Atlantis]]'' only to see it warp away. {{storylink|Escape (episode)|Escape}}

Scattorshot broke the news to the other Autobots that [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] had returned to Cybertron with a nice surprise: a [[Ogygia|spaceship]] they could travel to [[Gigantion]] in. {{storylink|Warp}} On board he ran a tracking program to find Bud, but the trail went cold. Instead, he found Gigantion. Upon landing, he deduced the air was breathable for the kids. Splitting up into groups, Scattorshot found himself transmitting from the ship and noticed sound eminating from underground. Later in a skirmish with the Decepticons, he battled [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]]. {{storylink|Giant}} Scattorshot was easily defeated by [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]], but recovered. He piloted the Autobot ship and found the Atlantis hiding in a crevasse. {{storylink|Fury}}

Scattorshot watched as Optimus battled [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]], then followed Hot Shot to go find Bud. He realized that Starscream was powering up the ''[[Atlantis]]'''s guns to unleash it on the city. Later he admitted to helping Coby build his robot suit out of a Scrapmetal. When the Autobots split up into search teams, he and the rest of the Cybertron Defense Force formed team three. {{storylink|City}}

[[Image:Cyb_ep41_rarely_seen_rifle.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Have gun, will travel]]
They ran into Sideways and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] while searching for the Cyber Planet Key. He listened to Soundwave's story of [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] and was then surrounded by [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]]'s smoke. The enigmatic marauders immediately capitalized on their foes' limited visibility, leading to Scattorshot being hit by Hot Shot, who thought he was Sideways. The confused Autobot then had the dilemma of seeing two Hot Shot arms emerge from the smoke, each encouraging him to take their hand and decrying the other as a fake.

To figure out who to trust, Scattorshot got sneaky. He asked the closest Hot Shot a question about what [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] did before they travelled through space. The Hot Shot answered wrong and Scattorshot fired into that part of the smoke, bringing down Laserbeak and dispersing the bird-drone's fog. With the smoke clearing, he fired upon Soundwave and kicked Sideways down (after tricking his way past the villain's cloning ruse). He then powered up using his Cyber Key and helped the rest of the squad blast a pillar upon Soundwave and Sideways. {{storylink|Challenge}}

Scattorshot and his team looked for a downward passage when they ran into Galvatron and Menasor. After a brief skirmish, they used the [[triangle formation|triangle attack]] to take Menasor down. Then they battled Galvatron at full strength, but were once again beaten down. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}} He slowly got to his feet, and after recovering made his way down to the inner part of Gigantion to jion the rest of the Autobots in shooting Galvatron. {{storylink|Optimus (episode)|Optimus}}

He watched as [[Vector Prime]] inserted the final Cyber Planet Key into the [[Omega Lock]]. Afterward he updated the team on the status of the black hole. When Galvatron arrived, Scattorshot was defeated with the rest of the Autobots. While Optimus Prime and the other flying Autobots were intercepted by Soundwave and Sideways, Scattorshot opened fire from the ground. {{storylink|Showdown (episode)|Showdown}}

He later thought it hopeless to build a [[space bridge]] without the Omega Lock, until he realized that they had three starships at their disposal. When feral denizens from Planet X came through the bridge, he unsuccessfully tried to shut it down. Later while in space he timed Vector Prime's reversal of time so they knew when to enter the warp gate. After clearing the tunnel he resynchronized with the normal timestream. {{storylink|Guardian (episode)|Guardian}} As the Autobots returned to [[Primus]], Scattorshot noticed he was low on energy. {{storylink|Homecoming (episode)|Homecoming}} In the battle he made fun of [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], sending the oversized Decepticon into a fit. {{storylink|End}}

Scattorshot came up with an idea on how to move [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] back into its orbit, then kept a status on the movement of the planet. In doing so he noticed the damage to one the of the rockets when Galvatron attacked it. When Galvatron and Optimus Prime began their battle, Scattorshot ran to help repair the rocket. He took control in the command center with Red Alert surveying the whole situation. When the repair failed, he joined the rest of the Autobots in manually changing the planet's trajectory. After the planet was saved, he joined the rest of the Autobots to assist Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Unfinished}} While the first [[Intergalactic Peace Conference]] was going on, Scattorshot met with Wing Saber right before he left. Later he shared a heartfelt moment as the Cybertron Defense team was splitting up, with him and Red Alert joining Optimus Prime on his mission to the stars. {{storylink|Beginning}}

===''TransTech''===
Scattorshot served as an [[Axiom Nexus]] tour guide for [[Jackpot]] and [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}

===Cyber Key Code content===
Scattorshot didn't just program video games on Cybertron, he also played them. A LOT. Unlike most gamers, his polygon addiction actually came in handy as he used his knowledge of strategy games to help Optimus make plans for fighting the Decepticons.
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Cybertron===
[[Image:CybScattorshot toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The goggles, in fact, do nothing.]]
*'''Scattorshot''' (Scout-class, 2004/2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GC-06'''
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles, double-barreled gun, Earth Cyber Key

: Scattorshot transforms into a anti-aircraft halftrack of made-up model. In either mode, he can fire two pressure-launched missiles. When a [[Cyber Key]] is inserted in either mode, a (non-firing) missile rack opens up on his primary weapons turret. He also comes with a secondary double-barreled blaster accessory.

:He also comes with an [[Earth]]-style Cyber Key; the [[Hasbro]] version has the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "'''s67k'''" on the back
{{-}}

{{anchor|CybDef}}
[[Image:CD Scattorshot toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Overcompensating?]]
*'''Cybertron Defense Scattorshot''' (Voyager-class, 2005/2006)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GC-20'''
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles, rifle, Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key

: Cybertron Defense Scattorshot transforms into a [[wikipedia:TOS-1|TOS-1 Buratino]] multiple-launch rocket system. The halves of the (non-firing) launcher end up on his arms in robot mode. In either mode, inserting a Cyber Key in each half reveals a new weapon: one side has a pull-out double spring-loaded missile launcher, while the other has a flip-out non-firing blaster barrel. He also comes with an extra long blue hand-held rifle that can be mounted in tank mode thanks to his [[Mini-Con]]-compatible [[Powerlinx]] plugs. Thanks to some clever engineering, despite splitting in half the launcher turret is capable of full 360 degree rotation in at least one direction.

: The [[Takara]] release has slightly different [[Paint operation|paint applications]] for his chest, and his Cybertron Defense/Vanguard Team symbol tampograph is smaller.

: He comes with a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]-style Cyber Planet Key; the Hasbro version has the Key Code "'''v4kt'''" on the back.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Dropshot (Universe)|Dropshot]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] along with ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' [[Flak]].
{{-}}

===Universe (2003)===
*'''Scattorshot''' (Scout, 2007)

: The original Scattorshot toy was one of several ''Cybertron'' Scout-class toys also made available on ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' cardbacks, and sold through discount chains like Kay-Bee Toy Works. This version is unchanged from the ''Cybertron'' release.

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:UniverseWarriorsFromThreeWorlds.jpg|thumb|300px|Celebrating the 25th anniversary of ''Transformers'' by re-releasing three unchanged toys from three years ago? Well, it's still better than celebrating the 20th anniversary with the [[Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]]...]]
*'''Warriors From Three Worlds''' 3-pack (Multi-pack, 2009)
:This pack of three Scout class figures contains unchanged [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack GTS]], [[Repugnus (Cybertron)|Repugnus]] and Scattorshot figures. This three-pack has been sighted at Family Dollar and Walgreens stores in the United States, in Sainsburys stores in the United Kingdom and in Canadian Tire stores in (where else?) Canada for the 2009 holiday period.
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:CDScattorshotColorGuide.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Enhanced by an all-new [[mold]].]]
* According to [[Aaron Archer]] at [[BotCon 2006]], the reason both versions of Scattorshot came with extra blue guns was because both versions had a little more left on the "per item" budget than the normal plans called for, so they added the guns for a little more value.
* In the opening-credit roll call of the Cybertron cartoon series, Scattorshot's name is spelled "Scattershot". This is also the spelling used on his Cyber Planet Key content.
* According to Cybertron Defense Scattorshot's color guide, he was originally supposed to sport a blue head, like the Scout Class version. However, there was no room left on the [[sprue]] for the blue parts, hence the head was moved to the sprue for the other parts instead. And since the budget for [[paint operation]]s had already been used up, it couldn't be painted over in blue either.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Scattorshot/scattorshot.htm Scattorshot at TFU.info]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]

Linkage Part 11

2010-08-17T00:02:29Z

68.38.136.117: /* Real-world references */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]] #11
|prev=Linkage Part 10
|next=Linkage Part 12
|title=Linkage Part 11
|image=Arm-art_Linkage11-Title.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Columbia Music Entertainment]]
|date= [[February 25]], 2004 (with ''[[Armada (cartoon)#Columbia Music Entertainment|Micron Legend 11]]'' DVD)
|writer=[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]
|artist=Hirofumi Ichikawa
|letterer=???
|editor=???
|continuity=[[Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]]
}}
'''Redline attempts to rescue Twirl and stop Unicron's agents from destroying the Linkage.'''

==Synopsis==
Redline chases after Ravenus, who has kidnapped Twirl, but even with his new powers, catching him is tricky. The rest of the [[Super Stunt Mini-Con Team]] and the [[Sonic Assault Mini-Con Team]] use the [[Master Key]] to evolve, causing Stella to note their new ability to speak proper English and their color-changing skills. Stella is mildly jealous of the latter, since she thinks she'd like to be a blonde. Falcia discourages this, then jets off to help Redline.

Stella realizes that they need more help, so she releases the [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] [[Impulsor]] and [[Quench]] from the final two [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con storage panels]]. Flat-Out interrogates the [[Aqua Raider Mini-Con Team]] about the [[Doomstone]], but Bilge claims there's no way to defuse it safely. Ravenus begins to activate it, but [[Kingbolt]] drops from the sky (apparently summoned by Impulsor and Quench), drop-kicking Ravenus and dislodging Twirl from him, thus stopping the Doomstone energies from entering the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage]]. Kingbolt and Redline team up to destroy Ravenus, but Twirl yells for them to stop, as she found out during their Powerlinx that Ravenus is actually an Autobot!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Free Mini-Cons|c1=
* [[Sonic Assault Mini-Con Team|Sonic Assault Team]]
** [[Falcia]] (1)
** [[Twirl]] (7)
** [[Combusta]] (11)

* [[Super Stunt Mini-Con Team|Super Stunt Team]]
** [[Flat-Out]] (3)
** [[Servo]] (4)
** [[Redline]] (5)

* [[Hazard Mini-Con Team|Hazard Team]]
** [[Impulsor]] (9)
** [[Quench]] (10)
** [[Kingbolt]] (18)

|h2=Unicron|c2=
* [[Magnawing]] (6)
* [[Ravenus]] (8)
* [[Aqua Raider Mini-Con Team|Aqua Raider Team]]
** [[Bilge]] (12)
** [[Freeboot]] (13)
** [[Sunburn]] (14)
* [[Run-Over]] (15)
* [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] (16)
* [[Vorpal Saber]] (17)

|c3=
* [[Stella Holley]] (2)

|c4=
}}
==Notes==
* This comic was available only with the eleventh volume of the ''Micron Legend'' DVD in Japan, along with the [[exclusive]] Kingbolt toy. Later pressings of the DVD did not include either.

===Transformers references===
* After all this time and a lot of dancing around the issue, [[Unicron]] is ''finally'' explicitly named in the comic. The DVD this issue came with contains "[[Miracle]]", the episode that finally name-drops Unicron for the show's viewers.

* Falcia's complimenting Stella's hair color calls back to [[Linkage Part 6|Part 6]], when she had ''insulted'' Stella, gripping a lock of her hair and asking if Redline's "pet" was named "Redmop". All friends now!

[[Image:NemPrimeUT-Linkage.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Now, darken our brightest hour!]]

* [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] is shown in Bilge's explanation of the Doomstone's creation, clutching the [[Vorpal Saber]] and [[Run-Over]] (Run-Over's only fictional appearance). Of note is the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-like design in his chest when he pulls in the "death agonies" of the world he's destroying... a design the Nemesis Prime toy doesn't have. Presumably he stopped having this (fictionally) once he passed on the Doomstone to [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]. Nemesis also makes his one and only cartoon appearance in "[[Puppet]]", contained in the DVD attached to this issue.

* When Kingbolt descends, four other green glowing lines appear; more Mini-Cons who were still on Earth. This sets up the scene in "Miracle" where hundreds of Mini-Cons the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s didn't realize were left on Earth arrive at the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]-bound ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' in space.

* Ravenus' revealed Autobot sigil looks like an old [[rubsign]], down to the colors. It's even in the place of the rubsign on the [[Transmetal]] [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] toy that Ravenus is based on.

===Real-world references===
* Kingbolt and Redline's combo attack is a visual reference to the Big Magnum, the hero's final attack from the [[wikipedia:Metal Hero series|Metal Hero series]] ''Space Sheriff Shaider''. (Saban, who produced the RiD dub for Fox in 2001, used footage from Shaider in the 90s' show "VR Troopers", as the footage for Ryan Steele in season 2 of that show.

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* Four pages again, and a lot of text. A lot of backstory is having to be crammed in here, because the cartoon sure couldn't be bothered to explain what the hell is going on.

* Impulsor and Quench appear, but are unnamed. By this time, the book ''[[Micron Legend Year Book 2003]]'' had come out, naming the two upcoming toys in its toy section... but it got their names swapped. Whoops.

==External Links==
*[http://members.fortunecity.com/msipher/transform/linkage/linkage.html "Official" Linkage mini-comic translations]

[[Category:Armada issues]]

Optimus Prime (G1)

2010-07-16T00:34:15Z

68.38.136.117:

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Optimus Prime}}
{{suite}}
:''Optimus Prime is the leader of the [[Autobot]]s from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Optimusg1.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.]]
'''Optimus Prime''' is the awe-inspiring [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot]] forces. Originally a mere civilian, he was chosen by the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] to command, the first in a number of heavy burdens he has been forced to bear. Another is his bringing of the Transformers' conflict to Earth. The complete opposite of his mortal enemy [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], every casualty, [[human]] or [[Transformer|Cybertronian]], weighs heavily on his [[spark]]. He does not show this side to his soldiers, and he never succumbs to despair. The Autobots need a decisive, charismatic leader, and that is what he gives them. It was that leadership which turned the tide of the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]].

On the battlefield, there are few who rival Optimus Prime's prowess. He is easily the strongest of any Autobot his [[Scale|size]], and his [[ion blaster]] and his [[energon-axe]] are deadly weapons. He would sacrifice his life to protect his fellow Autobots or those under their care, and [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|does so on a regular basis]]. His compassion for other sentient beings is his only real weakness, and one the Decepticons have taken advantage of time and again... though it's also the source of his strength!

Prime carries within him the [[Matrix of Leadership]].

Before being rebuilt into a [[Powermaster]] his robot mode split into three components:

*A sentient robot module, the [[Brain Center]].
*A wheeled drone module known as [[Roller]].
*A [[Combat Deck]].

Although Optimus Prime can function as three independent modules, injury to any one module is felt by the other two.

{{bigquote|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.|Optimus Prime's most common [[bio]] quote}}

:''Japanese name:'' '''Convoy''' (コンボイ)
:''Japanese name (Laser Rod):'' '''Battle Convoy'''
:''French-Canadian & Czech name:'' '''Optimus Primus'''
:''Hungarian name (The Movie):'' '''Optimusz Fővezér''' / '''Optimusz Prájm''' ("Optimus Chief")
:''Italian name:'' '''Commander'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Optimus Supremo''' ("Optimus Supreme")
:''Portuguese name (Brazil cartoon):'' '''Líder Optimus''' ("Leader Optimus"), sometimes Optimus Prime
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Supremus Absolutus'''
:''Taiwanese name:'' '''Tīh-ghŭ''' (鐵牛, literally "Iron Ox" or "Iron Bull", a kind of vehicle in early days and rural area)
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Jr-tsūn''' (至尊, "Prime")
:''Cantonese name:'' '''O Baak Man''' (柯柏文)
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Qing Tian Zhu''' (擎天柱, "Pillar that Supports the Sky")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity}}
[[Image:CommandPerformances-Autobotsattack.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Don't worry, the multiple crises of conscience come soon enough.]]

Optimus Prime was a gladiator champion for [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] before quickly working his way up the Autobot ranks once [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] started the war. Four million years ago, when Decepticons attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], he personally chose to crash it onto [[Earth]], a decision that caused him much remorse when the war restarted on Earth in the modern day.

Though Optimus allowed himself to be destroyed when he betrayed his own moral code while playing a video game, a copy of his mind survived on a [[floppy disk]]. Years later, he was restored as a [[Powermaster]], binary bonded to the [[Nebulos|Nebulan]], [[Hi-Q]]. Optimus Prime slowly earned the respect of Decepticon leader [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], mourned the loss of his friend [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], and ultimately sacrificed everything to defeat [[Unicron]]. Though Optimus died again, his mind persisted in Hi-Q, and the [[Last Autobot]] was able to restore him as an [[Action Master]] in time to bring a temporary end to the war.

In [[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|one universe]], Optimus Prime went on to battle [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]], his [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]], and the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]]. In [[Classics (2006)|another]], fifteen years of peace passed before Megatron rose again.

{{-}}

===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
[[Image:PackIn RodimusPrimeRemembers Inside2.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The fury of the "Road Warriors"... and Cosmos.]]
The Autobots were outnumbered and outgunned on Earth from the start, though Optimus was confident (and correct) that reinforcements from Cybertron would arrive. {{storylink|Reinforcements from Cybertron!}}

However, the situation was still so desperate that Optimus not only decided to recruit human allies {{storylink|The battle is far from over!}}, but aggressively tried to recruit and ''deputise'' human children, including giving them the power to co-ordinate Autobot teams in battles. He wouldn't even make a final move on the Decepticons until he had enough child soldiers on his side. {{storylink|Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!}} {{storylink|Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?}} In at least one case, this likely led to the ''death'' of a small boy at Decepticon hands. {{storylink|Can one boy, alone, hold back the evil Decepticons?}}

Optimus later led a convoy in search for a building site for [[Autobot City]], which ran into a Decepticon ambush. {{storylink|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.}} He sent off several Autobots to get help, knowing this was the only chance of victory. {{storylink|Transformers Combat Data}} Those several Autobots were seen again, but Prime... wasn't.
{{--}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}

[[Image:Mtmte2_shermandam.jpg|left|250px|thumb|He had this ax once. It was very memorable.]]

Before the war, Optimus Prime was originally '''Orion Pax''', a young dock worker with a girlfriend named [[Elita One|Ariel]]. But as the war began, Megatron destroyed them both, and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] rebuilt them into more powerful warriors.

Four million years ago, Optimus Prime ended a Decepticon attack on the Ark by directing it towards prehistoric Earth. When both factions reawakened in 1984, Optimus Prime and the Autobots fought the Decepticons on numerous occasions until 2005. During an attack on [[Autobot City]] on Earth, Prime fell in battle against Megatron and passed the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]].

Optimus Prime eventually returned, once as a [[zombie]], and again when he was rebuilt by the [[Quintesson]]s to stop the spread of the [[Hate Plague]].

The details between these events differ between universes. Sometimes Optimus Prime merged with [[Vector Sigma]] soon after defeating the Hate Plague, and returned much, much later as Star Convoy. Sometimes Optimus Prime partnered up with [[Marissa Faireborn]] to receive upgrades through mutual [[kiss]]ing. Sometimes... look, he did a lot of weird stuff, okay?
{{-}}

===Kid Stuff Talking Story Books===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

Optimus Prime is a "metallic nemesis". Megatron said so.

{{charstubfiction}}

===Big Looker Story Books===
[[Image:KidsPrime1.jpg|right|150px|thumb|And the fluffy kitten played with that yarn all gosh-darn night.]]

When a two-part race was being held with a massive supply of oil and gasoline as the prize, both the Decepticons and the Autobots badly wanted to win it. Megatron entered the race by hiding himself inside a hollowed-out car and harassed [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] all throughout the contest. When Prime discovered the car was being driven by his arch foe, he swiftly pulled a telephone pole out from the ground and used it to bash the mortal hell out of the cheating Decepticon. Thanks to Prime's violent intervention, Cliffjumper was able to win the race. Afterward, Optimus Prime celebrated the Minibot's victory with a gargantuan smile as all the Decepticons starved to death. {{storylink|The Great Car Rally}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{-}}
===Ladybird Books continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Marinker]] (English)

[[Image: Ladybird_prime_transforms.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The ghost of Optimus Prime possesses...himself?]]
Upon witnessing the incredible power of a lightning storm for the first time, Optimus Prime had Sparkplug Witwicky explain the phenomenon to him. Intrigued by the potential of lightning, Prime put [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] to work finding a way to harness its energy, so they could use it to aid in the rebuilding of their spaceship. Huffer constructed a giant lightning rod, and Optimus Prime and the Autobots gathered to watch its first test. They were shocked, however, when a fleet of battered, damaged Decepticons flew out of the mountain housing the antenna and off into the night. The evil robots had attempted to discover the device's secrets and been seriously electrocuted! Once the lightning rod had been checked, Prime vowed to make the lightning-harnessing technology the Autobots' gift to Earth once they had left the planet. {{storylink|Autobots' Lightning Strike}}

When the Decepticons tried to take control of a solar energy station, Prime sent Roller in to investigate. {{storylink|Megatron's Fight for Power}} Later, Prime sent [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] to spy on the Decepticons' latest misdeeds, and the Autobots discovered that they were having trouble with the ion drive of their starship. Prime led the Autobots in an attack on the mine the Decepticons were using to test their propulsion system and routed Megatron's force. {{storylink|Autobots Fight Back}}

Optimus Prime grew concerned when [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] picked up a communication from [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] that indicated the Decepticons had grown interested in a mysterious structure near a human village. Prime and a team of Autobots headed out to investigate, and they battled the Decepticons over the structure, which turned out to be a harmless windmill. {{storylink|Laserbeak's Fury}}

[[Image:Ladybird_powermaster_prime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Invisible keyboard solo!]]

At some point, Optimus Prime disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] arrived from Cybertron to take his place as Autobot commander. {{storylink|Galvatron's Air Attack}} Prime eventually returned many centuries later, now sporting a [[Powermaster]] body, and rejoined the Transformers' war after it had moved from Earth to the alien planet of [[Nebulos]].

When [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] was captured by the Decepticon leader [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], Optimus Prime agreed to surrender himself to ensure his fellow Autobot's safety. Naturally, though, Prime did not expect Scorponok to hold up his end of the bargain, and he had [[Hosehead]] and [[Fizzle]] rescue Highbrow while he allowed himself to be imprisoned. Their mission successful, Hosehead and Fizzle then sprang Prime from his cell, and the team beat a hasty retreat. {{storylink|Autobot Hostage}}

After weeks of Decepticon silence, Optimus Prime decided to get proactive and sent out patrols all over the planet to try and flush the villains out. None of the patrols reported back with any success, however, and Prime realized that there was one area of the planet that his troops had deliberately ignored: the mysterious "[[Nebulos Triangle]]". [[Quickswitch]], [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] were sent into the Triangle, and they did indeed discover and foil the Decepticon plot going on in the area. {{storylink|Decepticons Underground}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
Not long after his resurrection, Optimus was alerted by [[Monitorus]] to an attack on [[Tau-Ursa]]. Optimus's impending speech was interrupted by a Decepticon attack led by [[Sixshot]]. Prime soon discovered that the attack was a diversion, while Galvatron tried out his [[Nullification Cannon]] on Cybertron's Energon supplies. Optimus rushed to the Energon plant, but, after clouting [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] so hard that the Decepticon was left dangling over a precipice, Prime's morals forced him to rescue the Decepticon instead of stopping Galvatron from getting away.

Although Cybertron's Energon stocks were destroyed, the Autobots discovered a recording pointing to the [[Logicon]] planet [[Metascan Alpha]], which had Energon in abundance. Optimus ordered Hot Rod and Ultra Magnus to take a team each to find the planet. The Autobots discovered they were being spied on by the Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clone]]s, and Optimus swore that Galvatron could pay. He led a team to the derelict space destroyer which the Decepticons were using for a base and fought their leader one-on-one. As he was about to destroy the Nullification Cannon, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] took a swing at him which connected instead with the Cannon, obliterating it. Optimus was helped away from the destruction by [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]]. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

===''Transformers PD Type'' comic===

[[Image:PDtype-Matrixattack.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This is the highlight of this entire page.]]

When a horde of time-displaced Decepticons joined forces to hunt down the five [[Blackball]]s, a super energy source, Optimus Prime gathered a team of time-displaced Autobots to help stop them.

In one encounter with his arch-foe [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], they reenacted their epic struggle from the [[Battle of Autobot City]]. However, this time around, Prime avoided dying by launching his "Matrix Attack"...''literally'' launching the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] from his chest, bonking Megatron on the head. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##1 "You're Great! Optimus Prime!"|You're Great! Optimus Prime!}}

Later, Optimus Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] concocted a cunning strategy. They disguised a round, black cartoon explosive as a Blackball and gave it to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Starscream promptly brought it to Megatron, where it blew both of them up. Optimus and Magnus were astounded their plan actually worked. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##3 "Don't Cry! Megatron!!"|Don't Cry! Megatron!!}}

In one of his less impressive moments, after running out of ammo during a battle with [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]], Optimus Prime ordered his fellow Autobots to improvise and hurl everything that wasn't nailed down at their enemy. This included the Blackball, unfortunately. Catching it, Deathsaurus began to fantasize about his inevitable galactic conquest, all the while being pelted with rocks and litter. Frustrated, Deathsaurus accidentally hurled the Blackball back to the Autobots in a fit of rage. {{storylink|Transformer PD Type##4 "Good Job! Deathsaurus!!"|Good Job! Deathsaurus!!}}
{{-}}

===''Comic Bom Bom G-2'' comic===
[[Image:G2Hero.jpg|right|200px|thumb|GAH, HE'S LOOKING AT ME!]]
In the year 199X, the Decepticons had learned of a powerful new energy source known as [[forestonite]] which just happened to be located (surprise surprise) on [[Earth]]. Megatron sent his trio of [[Cyberjet]]s to Earth first to draw out the enemy Autobots. The Cyberjets made quick work of [[Electro]] but were soon halted by the appearance of Optimus Prime.

Megatron then entered the fray and fired his Black Hole Burn attack from his fusion cannon, narrowly missing Optimus Prime but vaporizing [[Hooligan (G2)|Hooligan]] in the process. Prime fought fiercely but Megatron began to take the upper-hand in battle.

However, Prime was encouraged to keep fighting by the cheers of a human boy named [[Junpei]]. Megatron, surprised at Prime's resilience, attempted to finish his foe off with his Tornado Axe attack. Prime countered with his Double Wheel-Torque Mega-Ton, which trumped Megatron's attack and injured the Decepticon badly. Megatron teleported back to his ship and left Earth's atmosphere, vowing to return.

Optimus Prime addressed Junpei, asking if the boy was injured. Junpei revealed he was alright but presented concern about the Decepticons returning to Earth. Optimus Prime swore that the Autobots would remain on Earth until the threat of the Decepticons was finished and asked for Junpei's help in making that future a reality. {{storylink|The New Battle!!}}

===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[Image:G1Prime BWMegs.jpg|left|180px|thumb|You have to get up preeeeetty early in the timestream to beat Optimus Prime!]]

The [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] raged on prehistoric Earth, eventually leading to the discovery of the buried Ark sometime after its crash on prehistoric Earth. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], following [[Megatron (G1)|his namesake's]] instructions in a desperate gambit, decided to attempt to change history by killing Prime, who was still lying in the Ark in [[stasis lock]]. Megatron hoped that this would result in the Decepticons winning the Great War and eventually [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] control of Cybertron. Megatron unleashed a full-power weapon blast at Optimus Prime's face, near-fatally injuring him. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} However, [[Optimus Primal]] proceeded to take Prime's spark into his body to protect it from surgical trauma while his injuries were repaired. The subsequent power increase caused by Prime's spark's connection to the Matrix mutated Primal into a large, [[Transmetal]] "Optimal Optimus" form. Then, with the repairs complete, Prime's spark was restored, and he briefly activated before sinking back into normal stasis. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

Sometime after the Autobots and Decepticons awoke in the 1980s, the original Megatron gained access to one of Earth's ''Voyager'' spacecraft and inscribed a message on the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|disk]] on board. In the event that he lost the War, Megatron left instructions for the descendants of the Decepticons to use [[transwarp]] technology to travel to Prehistoric Earth, locate the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], and change history by killing Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
[[Image:Sparkwar2_Optimus_hologram_primal.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
:''Voice actor'': [[Garry Chalk]] (English), [[Tilo Schmitz]] (German)

An enormous [[Optimus Prime memorial|statue]] of Optimus Prime, bearing two [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disks]], could be seen on Cybertron in front of the Hall of Archives. The statue was subsequently blown to pieces by the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon forces]]. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}} Later, Megatron beamed a hologram of Optimus Prime down to the ruins of [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] to confront [[Optimus Primal]]. Primal mistook the hologram for the real thing and shared with it the code for the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]]. Megatron quickly revealed his ruse. Primal explained to his Maximals that he knew the image was fake, but he needed the location of the missing [[spark]]s from Megatron's mind. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search}}

{{note|Writer [[Bob Skir]] claims that neither the statue nor the golden disks in its hands were mentioned in the script. However, he suggested that they were either the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|disks]] from the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 probes, or that Optimus won them in the 2,395,989th Annual Cybertronian spelling bee.<ref>[http://bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Tue_12_Oct_1999.html Q&A from Bigbot's "bobskir.com"]</ref> We're betting on the latter.}}

====3H comics====
[[Image:Sparkholderprimevaldawn.jpg|left|190px|thumb|"Oh, I also have this in me now, too."]]

After the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Optimus Prime disappeared with other legends into the mysterious location on Cybertron dubbed [[J'nwan]]. When the warlord [[Shokaract]], powered by [[Unicron]]'s [[Dark Essence]], traveled into the past to secure his own future, a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] named [[Sandstorm (BW)|Sandstorm]] traversed the confusing mists of J'nwan to seek out its occupants to help. Sandstorm prevailed and brought Optimus, Megatron, Soundwave, and Grimlock with him to prehistoric Earth during the time of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] where a battle with Shokaract had already begun. When Sandstorm (secretly Scorpius) and the rest of the [[Covenant]] arrived to vanquish the Dark Essence and defeat Shokaract, Optimus Prime and the others escaped through portals as that timeline was paradoxed from existence. {{storylink|Terminus}}

After the Beast Wars had ended and the Maximals and Predacons that survived it had headed home, the Vok entered the Ark and removed the Matrix of Leadership from an unconscious Optimus Prime. They used it to create [[Primal Prime]], and then gave the Matrix to their new creation. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}}

{{note|In the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, Prime's spark was shown to be contained in a Matrix-like vessel. In [[Universe (2003 comic)|Primeval Dawn]], that vessel was shown to be merely a container for his spark, and the actual Matrix was hidden underneath. ''Primeval Dawn'' was never completed, but presumably the Matrix was returned to Optimus Prime's body before Primal Prime returned to Cybertron.}}

As the [[Universe war|Universe conflict]] began, [[Optimus Primal]] was shown a myriad of Transformers from across all timelines that he could choose to recruit into his [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]] in the battle against the [[Minion of Unicron|Minions of Unicron]]. One such possibility was a Transformer who was either [[Thunder Clash]] or Optimus Prime, but, regardless, Primal chose [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox instead]].

{{-}}

===''Beast Wars Metals'' comic===
[[Image:CheetasManga1.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Cheetor, that's Prime's Spark, not a toy.]]
Optimus Prime was blasted into pieces by Dragon Megatron. Fortunately, his spark remained perfectly intact—in the remains of his [[Optimal Situation|Matrix-shaped spark chamber]]. Megatron was going to destroy Prime's spark, but [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (now in his Transmetal body) saved it. Prime's spark was eventually swallowed by Optimus Primal, who was upgraded into Optimal Optimus by doing so.

After Megatron was killed by Optimal Optimus, Primal and his crew said it would be troublesome to fix Optimus Prime's body.
{{-}}

{{cleanup|November 2009|Needs storylinks to relevant issues or whatever these came from.}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
When Bumblebee, Hound and Spike brought a badly-damaged Starscream back to the Ark, Optimus struggled with the ethical implications of allowing Wheeljack and Ratchet to mess with the Decepticon's logic circuits, but gave them the go ahead. Starscream proved to be amnesic, and Optimus was able to take the opportunity to help him as much as possible, even physically preventing Megatron from retrieving his former lieutenant when Starscream opted to stay with the Autobots. Though Starscream left as soon as he regained his memory, Prime reflected that they'd learned that maybe it was possible to reason with a Decepticon. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

After passing the Matrix to Ultra Magnus and expiring in the aftermath of the [[battle of Autobot City]], Optimus Prime found himself in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]]. There he encountered Optimus Primal and another [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] from a [[Unicron Trilogy|different universe]]. Together, the four of them overcame the other Optimus Prime's doubts about his leadership, before returning to their respective time lines. {{storylink|Prime Spark}}

{{note|The following takes place in a version of Dreamwave comic continuity}}
While the Autobots were boarding the Ark, Optimus voiced his lack of confidence in his leadership, before welcoming aboard [[Geosensus]], who was incapable of transforming to robot mode. Four million years later, Prime and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] found the Ark was under attack and defended it with deadly force. In examining the wreckage of the attackers, they realised that the robot Optimus had destroyed was not a Decepticon but Geosensus, who had forced himself to transform in an attempt to fight off the Decepticons. Though Prime was willing to take the rap, Prowl insisted on covering up the mistake to protect Optimus's image as a leader. {{storylink|Parts}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{picsneeded}}
{{notekeepers}}
[[Image:Optronix optimus.jpg|left|180px|thumb|What? OPTRONIX is evolving!]]
Optimus Prime started life as '''Optronix''' ''('''Orion''' to his friends)'', {{storylink|Hardwired}} a data archivist at the [[Vaults]]. After taking note of a battle in which the Autobot leader [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] had been defeated by Megatron, he was summoned to the [[Council of Ancients]] and informed that the Matrix had chosen him to be the next leader of the Autobots. He received the Matrix of Leadership shortly thereafter, gaining a powerful new body in the process. After dispatching a Decepticon assassination squad sent to, well, assassinate him, he ordered the Autobots to prepare to evacuate Cybertron, intending to leave the Decepticons to their own devices. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1|The War Within #1}}

As he and Prowl discussed the wisdom of evacuating, a huge explosion obliterated the [[Forum of Enlightenment]]. Optimus led a team there, realising that the destruction was a message from Megatron. Leaving his team, he ventured underground, encountering [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], who blasted him into a pit. {{storylink|The War Within issue 2|The War Within #2}} Exploring the underground, Prime had a strange vision of a transparent version of himself, which warned that he must grasp Cybertron's significance. Then he was attacked by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s, whom he was able to easily best. As Optimus encountered [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in person for the first time, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] blasted the bridge they were standing on, plunging them into yet another chasm. {{storylink|The War Within issue 3|The War Within #3}} Recovering, Prime heard another disembodied voice telling him about Cybertron. Before he could look for a way out, Megatron found him, and informed him about the true nature of the Matrix. This spurred Optimus to fight back, but before long, Megatron took control of the battle, smashing his fist into Prime's chest to get at the Matrix. A blaze of light enveloped the pair, who found themselves abruptly on 20th century [[Earth]]. {{storylink|The War Within issue 4|The War Within #4}}

As Megatron explained that the Matrix was giving them a vision of the future, they witnessed themselves battling on [[Sherman Dam]]. The nature of their surroundings established, Megatron resumed the scheduled beating, but a series of setting shifts ended with Optimus reunited with [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. Grimlock handed Prime a sword and suggested he finish Megatron for good. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5|The War Within #5}} Optimus found Megatron again, engaging him in combat and announcing that he was playing the game by Megatron's rules now — without mercy. A short time later, he joined the other Autobots in attacking the Decepticons who were trying to use Cybertron's giant engines. Grimlock was finally impressed with Prime. They arrived back at [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] to find it destroyed, but Optimus announced they were no longer evacuating the planet and threw away the [[Golden Disk (council)|Golden Disk]] full of the knowledge of his predecessors which the council had given him, saying he would choose his own course. {{storylink|The War Within issue 6|The War Within #6}}

Some time into his role as leader, Optimus Prime disappeared in a [[space bridge]] explosion along with Megatron, {{storylink|Fragmentation}} but returned some time later, having spent a period of time on [[Quintessa]].

{{note|Due to the closure of Dreamwave, Optimus's return to Cybertron was never depicted.}}

Following the awakening of the Transformers on Earth, the Autobots protected the planet from the Decepticons. Over the next fifteen years, the Autobots befriended the humans, particularly the [[Witwicky|Witwicky family]]. The Autobots finally allied with humankind and eventually defeated the Decepticons at the turn of the century. They planned to return to Cybertron aboard the newly constructed ''[[Ark II]]'', along with [[Magnificent Seven|seven humans]], including Witwicky patriarch [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]]. Before the ship departed, Prime gave a piece of the Matrix to [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], Sparkplug's son and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s closest human friend. But the ship was destroyed as part of a military conspiracy to take control of the Transformers.

Optimus Prime's body was hauled out of the Arctic Ocean by the US military. While a terrorist organization run by the enigmatic [[Lazarus]] was able to seize control of several of the other Transformers that fell back to Earth, the military worked unsuccessfully to reactivate Prime. They eventually called in Spike Witwicky. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1}} Spike was forced by the project chief, General [[Robert Hallo]], to use the piece of the Matrix to reactivate Prime. Functional again, Prime used the Matrix to reactivate more of his fallen comrades. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2}}

The Autobots helped repair a [[Smitco Oil Refinery]] site which the Lazarus-controlled Transformers had attacked. Optimus had no answer for Spikes accusation that the Transformers' presence on Earth was responsible for the destruction. When Megatron's activities at Lazarus's base were spotted by the military, Optimus insisted on the Autobots going in without backup. They discovered Megatron in the middle of a plan to reformat Earth into a new Cybertron using a [[cyber-virus]]. Optimus rejected Megatron's suggestion he should just let it happen, but while the two factions fought, the human military unleashed [[Operation Clean-Up]], dropping a bomb on them. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3}}

The energy of the explosion absorbed by the virus, the Autobots dug themselves out and set about recovering their fellows whom Megatron had used to power the cyber-virus in its early stages. [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] passed on a message from Megatron — there was a surprise in store for the Autobot leader. Optimus and some Autobots including [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] sped to [[San Francisco]], where Megatron had unleashed [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. As Prime battled Megatron, he took time to save three humans who were threatened by falling debris, only for the humans to turn on him. The defeat of Superion turned the tide of the battle against the Autobots. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4}}

Never one to give up, Optimus managed to down Devastator in return, only to find himself at Megatron's mercy. The Decepticon leader pointed out to him the humans' self-obsessed behavior in the face of the devastation, suggesting the fleshlings were worthless, and the Autobots should join the Decepticons in wiping them out. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5}} The heroic actions of a team of firefighters and other humans proved to Optimus that the humans were worth saving, and the Autobots delivered a smackdown on the Decepticons. The fight was interrupted by the news that a nuclear missile was inbound, and despite Prime's protests, Superion sacrificed himself intercepting it. Prime recovered from the shock wave to find that the Decepticons had fled. He appealed to Grimlock to return to the Autobot ranks, an offer turned down by the Dinobot. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6}}

Following this, Prime began to experience subconscious urgings, leading both the Autobots and the Decepticons to the Arctic Circle, where Shockwave arrived to greet them—and arrest them as war criminals. Shockwave had succeeded in ending the war on Cybertron, and brought a team of [[Triple Changer]]s to apprehend them. As Optimus stared down [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s cannon barrel, he was saved by Grimlock, though he subsequently had to order a retreat. Prowl convinced him to let a small team stay as recon while the others returned to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and discussed the change in situation. {{storylink|New World Order}} Though Optimus was puzzled by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] having fallen in with Shockwave, he had little other choice, and surrendered to Magnus. Despite being bound, he took the first opportunity he got to make his feelings clear. Prime and those of his Autobots who had also surrendered were put on a shuttle back to Cybertron, where Shockwave planned to have them deactivated. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}}

Stewing in a cell, Optimus blamed himself for their predicament, but he and the Autobots were soon rescued by [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]. Sandstorm and Optimus traveled through Cybertron's underground slave trails, only to find themselves ambushed by [[Runabout]], who swiftly killed Sandstorm, and then the Decepticon was attacked by a [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]], which lunged at Prime. {{storylink|Cold War}} Prime recovered to find himself in the care of a group of Autobot rebels including [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. They revealed to Optimus that Shockwave had been transmitting subliminal signals to increase Transformer aggression. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}

Optimus was able to rally Autobot factions from across Cybertron to the cause and launch an all-out attack on Shockwave's fortress. Shown the image of Shockwave blasting Ultra Magnus, Optimus charged in to confront the Decepticon, only to be overpowered and the Matrix ripped from his chest in order to activate Vector Sigma. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}} Stalling, Prime listened as Shockwave recounted the history of Cybertron, and eventually Ultra Magnus arrived, having recovered, to attack and defeat Shockwave. Prime and Grimlock helped him escape from the fortress as it crumbled to the ground. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}} The injuries Prime took in this conflict necessitated a prolonged restoration period in stasis. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}

{{note|...which turned out to be the remainder of Dreamwave's existence. Bummer.}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[Image:GIJoevsTFcobraprime.jpg|right|275px|thumb|G.1. Joe—the real universal hero!]]
In the early stages of the war, Optimus Prime was an archivist, watching the battles from afar and keeping records of them. This all changed when the [[Matrix of Leadership]] chose him to lead the Autobots in battle. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 2|The Art of War #2}} Shortly after he ascended to Primehood, [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] tried to kill him, but failed. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2|Black Horizon, Part 1}}

Several Autobots and Decepticons, including Optimus Prime, were reformatted into will-less war machines under the control of [[Cobra]]. During an initial attack on a human peace conference, Cobra's remote control of Optimus (whom they had nicknamed "HISS-14") mysteriously failed. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue #1}} Later at Cobra's [[Cobra Island|island headquarters]] in the Caribbean, Cobra scientists pulled Optimus apart to find out what was impeding their commands. As this analysis took place, Optimus reverse hacked into Cobra computers until they shut him down in a panic. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}} Despite this, Prime sent a viral message out to hundreds of email addresses that included the coordinates of Cobra's base. The message was intercepted by [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] who teamed up with Wheeljack and Bumblebee. After Wheeljack broke the remote control over the Transformers, Prime went after [[Cobra Commander]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}} More than a bit frightened of a giant robot gunning for him, the human released Megatron, who was trapped in gun model. Megatron transformed and fought Prime to a standstill until other Autobots came to back him up. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}}

Although he was weak and low on [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], Prime made a last-ditch effort to save the day when he rammed through the wall of Megatron's energon-producing lab. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}} After a quick recharge, Optimus single-handedly smashed the Decepticons, pounded Megatron to the ground, and ripped his [[fusion cannon]] off his arm. Prime then teamed up with the Joes and used Megatron's cannon to shoot down the [[SPS Satellite]] that had gone rogue and was destroying the island.

With the battle over, Prime and the Autobots boarded a new ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' ship built by G.I. Joe and returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 6|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6}}

[[Image:GIJoevstfIIprime1930s.jpg|left|275px|thumb|Retro Convoy: TRANSFORM!!!]]
On a Cybertron dominated by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and the Decepticons, Optimus Prime and the Autobots took on the roles of resistance fighters. Cobra experimentation transported a contingent of Cobras and G.I. Joes to Cybertron and destabilized [[Teletran 3]], which led to the computer sending several Transformers to [[Earth]] across different time periods. When Optimus Prime saw Jazz get zapped by Teletran 3, he leapt to rescue his soldier, only to be transported away as well. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}} A team made up of Joes and Cobra agents were sent back and found Optimus Prime and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] in 1930s-era Chicago, disguised as period cars and trucks. The Stunticons chased Prime and the Joes around the city until everything was wrapped up with bullets, a collapsed bridge and some dynamite. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #2}}

After the Transformers and humans were returned to present-day Cybertron and the Decepticons were vanquished by the recently-arrived [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], Prime made an agreement with the Joes to destroy the technology that started the whole mess in order to protect Earth. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #4}}

On Cybertron, Optimus Prime kicked back to do a little bit of paperwork and reminisce. With Shockwave defeated, Cybertron was enjoying a new era of peace. He was interrupted by Hot Rod, who reported that a group of "pesky humans with their peashooters" were giving an Autobot team on Earth a hard time. Prime suspected Cobra's involvement and counseled Hot Rod not to be so dismissive of the humans. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}} When the team returned to Cybertron and mysteriously vanished in the [[Gladiator Zone]], Prime was prepared to go search for them, but was convinced by Hot Rod to stay behind and organize a peace ceremony. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 2|The Art of War #2}}

Later, at the peace celebration, Prime was watching a procession of Autobots when Decepticons attacked. Optimus ordered [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] into action but the huge Autobot was quickly overcome by [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] and [[Predaking]]. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}} Prime hopped into the fray, saved a [[Optimus Prime's rescuee|civilian]] from getting smushed by the falling Omega, rode [[Sixshot]] into Piranacon's face, smashed [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] into the ground, and carried a [[Optimus Prime's rescuee|wounded civilian]] out of danger.

[[Image:Primevsserpentor.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Serpent O.R. soon realized that "This I command!" doesn't work on Optimus Prime.]]
Menasor cut off Prime's escape and handed him the [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] trio, who confronted Prime with a hologram of [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]] The new Decepticon leader carried Megatron's memories and information downloaded from Soundwave, from which he learned of the Matrix of Leadership. Serpent O.R. offered Optimus a trade: hostages and peace if he handed over the Matrix. Optimus agreed.

In his stronghold, Serpent O.R. questioned Prime about his own worthiness to carry the Matrix, but Optimus broke free of his chains and aggressively ordered him to surrender. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}} A group of Decepticons broke in and nearly took Prime apart, but not before Serpent O.R. took the Matrix for himself and changed into the massive Serpentor Prime. The Matrix showed Serpentor Prime the error of his ways but as he was about to commit suicide Cobra Commander tripped a device and took over Serpentor Prime's body. Moments before he crushed Arcee, a severely damaged Optimus Prime threw Hawk toward the Matrix but warned the human not to touch the artifact. Hawk did so anyway and through a quasi-mystical transfer of power Serpentor Prime was vanquished.

Later repaired by a female nursebot, Optimus went back to finishing his paperwork. A leader's job is never done. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

Sensing a new, yet old, danger to planet Earth, Prime elected to send himself to earth on an investigation, and gave Hot Rod a glare when the young Autobot accused his leader of taking an unnecessary risk to atone for the death of a [[Bumblebee (G1)|close friend]].

Optimus Prime landed in the Himalayan Mountains with G.I. Joes [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] and [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]]. As they searched the area, the trio was attacked by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] in his [[Pretender]] shell. Prime whacked him with his [[energon-axe]] and in return Bludgeon bearhugged him and coated him in metal-eating slime. Hawk, still carrying power from the Matrix, helped Prime break free. Optimus then shot his way into the hidden kingdom of [[Cobra-La]].

While they wandered through the tunnels, the Joes and Prime found cave paintings that described the last visit to Earth by the planet-eating god [[Unicron]]. They were attacked again by Bludgeon and Cobra-La minions, but were led away by a ragged [[Joe Colton]], prisoner of Cobra-La for the last 25 years. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2|Black Horizon, Part 1}} Bludgeon managed to find them again and during a second battle Prime tore open the Pretender's shell, revealing Bludgeon's robot form inside. Bludgeon tripped and dangled dangerously over a chasm, but rather than let Optimus Prime save him, Bludgeon forced Prime to drop him to his death laughing all the way down.

The Joes discovered a cavern where the people of Cobra-La were growing [[metal-eating spore]]s as a last defense against Unicron. Flint and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] took a load of the spores into space just as Unicron appeared in Earth orbit. Prime, Hawk and Colton headed deeper into Cobra-La to rescue [[Firewall]] and kick butt. Prime was tackled and pinned by a giant bug creature, but made a dramatic recovery and tossed the bug aside. He then took the machine-hating Cobra-La leader [[Golobulus]] to task with a single punch. Flint and Cosmos released the spores, which devoured Unicron from the inside and defeated the giant Transformer before he could harm [[Earth]].

With the threat of Unicron gone, Prime relaxed with [[Eject]] and Firewall by watching some reality TV, and sighed at the banality. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 2 of 2|Black Horizon, Part 2}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
Optimus Prime and his troops lay deactivated on the [[Fera Islands]] for three million years until [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] stumbled upon them one day in 1939. {{storylink|The Line}} The Autobots were reactivated by a [[Sky Spy|repair drone]] and given new disguises, with Optimus Prime being reformatted into an unknown [[World War II]]-era human vehicle. He explained to [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]] who they were, and learned that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s Decepticons had been reactivated a year prior, and were currently wreaking havoc on [[Europe]] along with [[Cobra]]. While hesitant at first, Optimus Prime soon joined G.I. Joe in their mission to destroy Cobra and the Decepticons. {{storylink|Transformed}} After commanding the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] to get the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] out of the way, Prime advanced across the Fera Islands, but met resistance in the form of [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. {{storylink|Trial by Fire (issue)|Trial by Fire}}

As the Autobots were having trouble with Rumble, Optimus Prime told them try to use his earthquakes to their advantage, which led to the end of the Decepticon. Prime subsequently ordered the Aerialbots to [[Superion (G1)|combine]] and save Grimlock and [[Roadblock (G.I. Joe)|Roadblock]] from falling off a cliff. {{storylink|Wolves}} As they got closer to the Cobra [[Terrordrome]], however, Prime started regretting getting the Autobots involved with the humans' war. He offered to carry G.I. Joe across the water separating them from the Terrordrome, but told them that Autobots only fight if they have no choice, and they had no reason to fight anymore. Moments later, he saw that Cobra were using innocent prisoners as human shields, and Duke added that anyone who Cobra ''didn't'' enslave, they murdered. Filled with righteous anger, Optimus Prime ordered his troops to roll out. {{storylink|Trenches}}

Shortly after reaching the other shore and taking out [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Prime witnessed the gigantic [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] bust out of the Terrordrome and attack everything around him. With Superion gone, Prime knew that there was only one way to stop this rampaging monster, and ordered his Autobots to evacuate the humans while he went looking for the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. He soon found that [[Snake-Eyes]] was in possession of the artifact, but was under attack from Megatron. Prime attacked Megatron, keeping him at bay while telling Snake-Eyes that destroying the Matrix would kill Bruticus. The ninja complied, only to learn that Optimus had left something out of the story: smashing the Matrix would kill ''all'' the Transformers, including Prime himself. Looking at the Autobot leader's body, the Joes knew that Prime had been aware of this, and had deemed it a necessary sacrifice to save the humans. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

Decades later, in 1986, Duke showed [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] and [[Spirit]] footage from the battle of the Fera Islands, including Optimus Prime's fight with Megatron. {{storylink|Targets of Opportunity}}

=== IDW comics continuity ===
{{ongoing}}
[[Image:MO3 EOOPAT funeral.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Helloooo cameo.]]
In the very beginnings of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s civil war, Optimus was one of several Transformers who gathered for the funeral of the slain [[Fastback]] and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]. He stood solemnly with his arm around his [[Elita One|girlfriend]], next to his [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|white clone]] and [[Alpha Trion (G1)|a guy with a beard]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}

[[Image:SpotlightBlurr-Optimus.jpg|left|thumb|200px|There's something missing...]]

Galvanized by the death of Sentinel Prime, Optimus joined the Autobot forces under Sentinel's successor, [[Zeta Prime]], and was assigned to a unit commanded by the veteran [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. During his tour of duty, his unit intercepted a message reporting a planned attempt on the Prime's life. He approached former racer [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] as a reliable means of getting the news to Zeta Prime in a hurry. The former celebrity balked, but ultimately the young soldier helped Blurr find what really drove him to race, and thus recruited him to the Autobot cause. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blurr}}

An undisclosed amount of time later, Optimus became Optimus Prime. While reviewing his new troops, he came upon a defiant old veteran called Ironhide, who thought of Prime as a wet-behind-the-audio-receptors upstart. Optimus was intrigued by this old coot and asked Ironhide to teach him about the ways of war—and Ironhide did just that. Everything he threw at Optimus, Optimus took and learnt. All his hard comments were taken in. But one day, Optimus, having gained much wisdom since meeting Ironhide, decided to go against Ironhide's counsel, heading east instead of west. This turned out to be a good idea, as [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] had been waiting in the west to ambush the Autobot forces. Later still, Ironhide and Optimus got a bit unlucky and ended up dangling off a cliff with Ironhide missing a leg. They were eventually rescued. As time went on, Ironhide developed a respect and awe for his protege. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13}}

Four million years ago, Optimus Prime led a strike team to prevent the Decepticons from overtaking the latest in a series of Cybertronian cities. Leaving Prowl to hold the line, Optimus and Ironhide went after a convoy of Decepticons bring fresh energon to the enemy troops. Fighting their way through [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the Mini-Cassettes, the Autobot duo held [[Octane|Tankor]] and his soldiers at gunpoint, threatening to blow them and their energon cargo to kingdom come unless they surrendered. Tankor chose the better part of valor, and Optimus captured five Decepticons without firing a single shot.

At a party celebrating their win, Optimus Prime politely declined Prowl's request for him to address the troops, reasoning that the Autobots needed some R&R, not the usual "destiny and honor" speech. He conversed quietly with [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and Ironhide afterwards, privately confiding in them that he foresaw the war going on without end. The Decepticons were a philosophy, an idea...and you cannot beat an idea, only change it somehow. Despite his sad reservations, Optimus took the time to mingle among his soldiers, and listen to their tales of glory. He was saved from an assassination attempt by Ironhide, his ever vigilant bodyguard, whose devotion to his leader led him to throw himself in the path of [[Axer|the assassin]]'s blast. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[Image:IDWOptimus.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Freedom is the right of all sentient and heavily-armed beings.]]

Over the course of the war, Optimus Prime commanded the Autobot armed forces spread across the galaxy from the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub]]. He was directly involved in the cataclysm ([[IDW timeline|just under 450 years ago]]) that reduced [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to a dead husk, fighting alongside [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in an attempt to stop [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]'s rampage. Their efforts were futile, and they only survived due to Cybertron itself swallowing Thunderwing at [[Thunderhead Pass]]. Megatron was unconvinced that Thunderwing was dead, and he advocated that Cybertron be destroyed to better insure that the mad Decepticon was forever destroyed. Optimus Prime refused and threatened to stop any effort that Megatron attempted. Megatron agreed to spare the planet, but warned Prime that anything which happened afterward was on his head.

In the present, Prime received a pulsewave from [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], who was stationed under [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s team on Earth, saying that the Decepticon infiltration cell under [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] had broken their infiltration methods and enacted [[Infiltration protocol|siege mode]] prematurely. Soon afterward, the Autobot science vessel ''[[Calabi-Yau]]'' sent a distress signal from above Thunderhead Pass, and he ordered the [[Wrecker]]s to withdraw from [[Varas Centralus]] and meet him on Cybertron. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 2|Stormbringer #2}} Thunderwing had been restored by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and his followers, and though the Wreckers made short work of them, the real fight would be met with Thunderwing. After the Wreckers, [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] and [[Centurion droid]]s were unable to destroy the monster, Prime took to the field, firing massive amounts of energy at Thunderwing, forcing it to exhaust its last reserves of [[Ultra-Energon]] and, ultimately, its life. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 4|Stormbringer #4}}

[[Image:IDWPrime Earth.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Don't crush the cameraman!]]
[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] discovered information in Bludgeon's files about the mysterious new form of Energon found on [[Earth]]. Linking it to the pulsewave transmission from Ironhide, Prime diverted his spacecraft to Earth and called [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] in to assist him. {{storylink|Spotlight: Nightbeat}}. Shortly after arrival, and having undergone alteration so that he could disguise himself as an Earth truck, he slowly began to realize how unusual the situation Prowl's unit had found itself in was. {{storylink|Infiltration issue 6|Infiltration #6}} Not only had the Decepticons broken their own infiltration protocols over what Starscream had dubbed [[Ultra-Energon|Ore-13]], but after attempting to recover what appeared to be [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]'s remains, it was also evident that some of the planet's native sentient lifeforms—[[human]]s—posed a threat possibly equal to that of their old enemies. {{storylink|Escalation issue 2|Escalation #2}}

Optimus Prime, now fully filled-in on Earth's happenings, decided that they needed reinforcements. He called Nightbeat, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] to come when they could. When Prowl pointed out that Megatron, in his new gun-based Earth mode, was in the breakaway Soviet state of [[Brasnya]] stirring up trouble, Prime ordered them into action.

[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] almost got the drop on Prime, but [[Roller]] was right behind him and took out Blitzwing with a single shot. Megatron returned to his full-size robot mode and disagreed with the quality of Prime's tea and crumpets. At last, the two rivals were going to go at it.

[[Image:Escalation5 Primedies enlightning.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Rule of thumb, Megs—if he don't turn gray, he's A-OK.]]
The fight went well at first, with Prime blowing Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] clean off. Megatron, however, tireless thanks to Ore-13, prevailed, almost beating Prime into [[stasis lock]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 5|Escalation #5}}

However, Prime transferred his consciousness into his trailer, leading Megatron to believe him dead. Realizing that Ore-13 was the same as Ultra-Energon, Prime returned to his body in time to save his forces from the relentless Megatron, blasting him point blank in the face and dealing enough damage to the Decepticon leader to drain his power reserves, just as he did against Thunderwing. The victory was narrow, however, leaving Optimus with the daunting task of fending off an increasing enemy force without his last ace in the hole. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}}

This near-death experience had left Prime somewhat unsettled. While his consciousness was in [[infraspace]] downloading to his trailer, he sensed a presence of dread—the visage of his long-missing predecessor, [[Nova Prime]]. Looking for answers, Optimus Prime left Earth temporarily to seek an audience with [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] for answers. Once there, he found out about Nova's beliefs of how Transformers were a superior race and should remake the universe in their image, and he faced down the rampaging [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]], a legacy of Nova's tenure locked away by Omega Supreme. Then he gave his "you shouldn't have done that" speech to Omega, handed Monstructor's limbs over to Jetfire's team, and went on to have angst-ridden introspection about himself and the tarnished legacy of the [[Prime (rank)|Prime lineage]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}}

After returning to Earth, Nightbeat discovered that a human group was aware of the base's location and recommended to Prime that they move the ''[[Ark-19]]''. As preparations were underway, Prime received a message from [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] saying that Thunderwing had been stolen. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], eager to search for Sunstreaker, suggested that they be reassigned to Earth, and Prime agreed. However, the thrashing that Prime gave Megatron had so embarrassed the Decepticon leader that he ordered in the Decepticons' living weapon, [[Sixshot]]. While moving the ''Ark-19'', Prime and the others came under fire by Sixshot, who severely damaged their ship. {{storylink|Devastation issue 1|Devastation #1}}

[[Image:Devastation4 PrimeSixshot hyperbole.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"And THAT'S for killing my brother in another timeline!"]]
Ordering [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] to get [[Jimmy Pink]] and [[Verity Carlo]] to safety, Optimus then instructed Nightbeat to upload all of ''Ark-19''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s data to ''[[Ark-32]]'' and for Prowl to activate the self-destruct sequence. {{storylink|Devastation issue 2|Devastation #2}} When ''Ark-19'' exploded, it was assumed that Optimus was on board, but all was good at the end when he appeared with [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and the others, ready to take on Sixshot. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} Optimus and the Autobots held Sixshot at bay, but the U.S. military ordered an air strike to destroy the alien robots. The battle was a stalemate, as Sixshot had to return to the Decepticons while the Autobots [[orbital jump]]ed just in time to avoid destruction. {{storylink|Devastation issue 4|Devastation #4}} On ''Ark-32'', after a conversation with Jetfire, Prime informed Prowl that they needed to retrieve [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], Hot Rod and Ironhide, and leave Earth to see to another crisis. The secure facility on [[Garrus-9]] had been breached, and Prime and company needed to make sure that some of the "recent inmates" there didn't end up "in enemy hands". {{storylink|Devastation issue 5|Devastation #5}} Before leaving Earth, Optimus Prime redirected Hound's unit to rendezvous with ''Ark-32'' at Garrus-9, and he told Hound to impress upon Sideswipe the importance of their mission and how he didn't leave Earth or Sunstreaker behind lightly. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

[[Image:DarknessPrimes.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Think he can go one series without having a near-death experience?]]
Optimus Prime and Prowl met with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and Jetfire on Garrus-9 and discussed the prisoners' breakout and how a surviving Decepticon had been tortured. Maximus and Jetfire gave each other a guilty glance. Prime left Maximus in charge and returned with Prowl to the ''Ark-32''. Meanwhile, [[Dead Universe]] resident [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] attacked Hound's crew, but they received help from Ultra Magnus and drove Cyclonus to escape to [[Corata-Vaz]]. There, he activated the [[Nega-Core]] and fought with Magnus and Hound's crew, who had followed him. In desperation, Cyclonus activated the Nega-Core's guardian—Thunderwing. Using the distraction, Cyclonus escaped, but Magnus sent another tracker after him. All this was reported to Optimus Prime on the ''Ark-32'', who recognized that this had something to do with his infraspace encounter in Brasnya. Prime ordered Jetfire to summon the Wreckers to find out what Thunderwing was guarding. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}}

The prison soon came under attack from Nova Prime. Rather than watch his soldiers be slaughtered by the undead monster, Optimus Prime ordered a retreat and faced Nova alone. Announcing his new title of Nemesis Prime, Optimus's predecessor explained the nature of the [[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]] before unleashing a portion on the Autobot leader. Shattered, Prime collapsed onto his hands and knees as Nemesis loomed. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

[[Image:OptimusdeadNemesis.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Optimus! I've come to help y—oh. Sorted, then?"]]

Unexpectedly for Nemesis Prime, the Darkness seemed to be more interested in the younger Prime and sought to be passed onto Optimus. Nemesis wasn't about to let go of the power he commanded, and he savagely attacked Optimus Prime, whose attempts at reason fell on deaf ears. Just as Nemesis Prime seemed victorious, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] attacked the fallen Prime from behind, killing him. Nemesis's death allowed the Darkness finally to enter Optimus, who tried to fight against its evil to no avail. Galvatron offered the Autobot a choice: kill himself by plunging into the [[Solar pool]], or pass on the Darkness to Galvatron, who had coveted it for so long. Optimus seemed to do so willingly, but just as he passed on the Darkness, he threw the surprised Galvatron into the solar pool. As Optimus gazed upon the dead body of Nemesis, he told himself he could not mourn the elder Prime's death, as Nova had truly died long ago. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

[[Image:AHMPrimecritical.jpg|right|250px|thumb|So he's dying. [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|This shouldn't be a problem by now]].]]
A year later, Optimus Prime combined his Autobot squad with another squad. Having received word of a supposed Decepticon power struggle, Prime led the Autobots to a location where Starscream's "group" was, only to be ambushed by a unified Decepticon force. Though they managed to turn the tide briefly, Devastator's appearance made the difference, enabling Megatron to rip the Matrix of Leadership from Prime's chest. Prime was dealt another blow (mentally) when the Autobots were told that they'd been sold out by a traitor in their ranks (who was later revealed to be [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]). {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8|All Hail Megatron #8}} The Autobots were led to a space bridge, where Prime, who was the last to go, used his remaining energy to destroy the machine. Unfortunately, this heroic act left Prime in critical condition. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7|All Hail Megatron #7}} With this defeat, the Autobots were forced to leave Earth to the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 1|All Hail Megatron #1}}

After Prime's unit met up with Kup's unit, and after dealing with the Swarm and Sideswipe's sacrifice to save them, Ratchet and Wheeljack managed to use energon from the ''Trion'' to bring Prime back online in time to smooth over an Autobot argument. As the others excitedly welcomed him back, Prime made a speech about how he was proud of them and that he wanted to win the war. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9|All Hail Megatron #9}}. After the Autobots recovered and prepared for a final stand against the Swarm, Prime had a brief chat with Ironhide (during which Ironhide admitted to hating him secretly at first sight at the start of the Great War), then prepared for the Swarm's onslaught. When they came, the Autobots fought back, but they were quickly outnumbered by the thousands. Thankfully, Omega Supreme arrived and saved them from certain doom. After Omega briefly told them about his arrival, Prime ordered him to transform and transport the Autobots back to Earth. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}}

Arriving at [[New York City]] while the Decepticons were fending off attacks by a European air squad, Optimus and the Autobots began to engage the Decepticons again. After a bit of fighting, and with the threat of Devasator, Optimus ordered Omega Supreme to take Devastator away from the city and fight him elsewhere. Optimus Prime encountered Megatron, and the two engaged in a bit of viewpoint bantering, mostly about the way their war was now changing and the fact that the humans Prime had "sworn to protect" were about to drop a nuclear bomb on the city. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11|All Hail Megatron #11}}

[[Image:AHM-13 Prime mouth.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Optimus will overenergize on this stuff, then wake up the next morning in a CR chamber full of ice with his robo-kidneys missing.]]

After that, they engaged in a fierce battle while trading more banter. At first, Megatron took the advantage, but just as he was about to leave with the Decepticons and take the Matrix with him, a shot from [[Shockwave (G1)|an experimental weapon made from a Transformer]] fired by [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|a brave human]] hit him it the face. Seizing the opportunity, Optimus grabbed Megatron's fusion cannon and slammed it against Megatron's head, bringing him down in defeat. Before Optimus could truly finish him off, however, Starscream intervened and, after exchanging words, took off with Megatron and the Matrix. Prime's decision to go after them or save New York from nuclear devastation was rendered moot when Thundercracker, who had grown disenchanted with the way the Decepticons went after the humans, blew up the bomb at the cost of his own life (thanks to an angry Skywarp). The war over for the moment, Prime met with Spike Witwicky, thanked him for helping the Autobots out, and asked if there was some way to help the humans in return. However, Spike responded that they had brought their war to Earth, so any chance of human-Transformer relations was now long gone. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12|All Hail Megatron #12}}

Later, in an abandoned cave supposedly somewhere within NY's ruins, Optimus heard Ironhide's resignation from the Autobot forces. Respecting Ironhide too much, he did not argue, but after some energon and a little flashback, Optimus convinced Ironhide to stay. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 13}}

[[Image:Ongoing Issue 1-Optimus Surrenders.jpg|right|thumb|200px|His attempt to start a Mexican wave was not going down well.]]

Three years later, Prime was still insisting the Autobots remain on Earth despite minimal Decepticon activity and the development of human technology capable of fending off Cybertronian. Hot Rod, already frustrated by the capture of Prowl, snapped and accused Prime of allowing both his guilt at the events of three years ago and his need to protect something to trap the Autobots on a world that didn't want them anymore. Optimus was left nearly speechless, forcing him to allow Hot Rod to lead a risky mission to free Prowl. In order to put some of his fears to rest, Ironhide went along to keep the more emotional 'bots in check. This mission ended with the freeing of Prowl, at the cost of Ironhide's life.

The loss of Ironhide forced Optimus to re-examine his actions of the past years. Concluding he had been the wrong, leading the Autobots down a self-destructive path, Prime resigned his post as Autobot leader and handed himself into the humans. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

Optimus was brought to the Skywatch base and put into transformation stasis. However, he was shortly freed as Spike Witwicky decided they needed to talk. {{storylink|New Arrivals, Old Encounters}} Spike attempted to have a conversation with Optimus and get him some help, but Optimus stonewalled him, saying that he was captured, at their mercy and therefore not allowed to be treated nicely. He refused to talk any further and was moved into a holding cell. Later, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] were brought into Skywatch captivity. Spike explained that although Prime didn't want any help, he'd want to help his troops, and so should talk with Spike. {{storylink|A Rude Awakening}}

{{charstubfiction}}
{{Storylink|Enemies of the System}} {{storylink|Earthworks}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}

Optimus Prime commanded one of the last remaining pockets of Autobot resistance, hiding out in the [[Pegasus Star Cluster]]. While awaiting the arrival of Bumblebee's team, he and Hound tried to work out how to convert the [[Zodiac|Zodiac Energy]] for their consumption. "Bumblebee's" arrival proved to be their downfall, as it was really the self-serving mercenary [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], who destroyed the bunker security systems, allowing the Decepticons inside. Optimus Prime refused to surrender during the ensuing struggle, until Mirage used the critically injured Jetfire as a hostage, forcing Prime to back down. When Megatron betrayed Mirage's word and ordered the execution of the Autobots, Optimus Prime tried to reason with the mercenary, appealing to his former friendship with Hound...until Mirage killed Hound in defiance. Furious, Optimus Prime broke free of his captors and tackled Mirage into the Zodiac Energy chamber. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}

{{-}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
[[Image:HeartsofSteel_1_Prime_Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"I keep telling you Bumblebee, the Dinobots will never accept you into their clique!"]]

The Autobots and the Decepticons came to [[Earth|a distant world]] in the grip of an ice age. Assuming alternate modes based upon the [[Dinosaur|dominant (though doomed) indigenous creatures]] of this planet, they continued their ancient, unending war. However, the Autobots, with their energy levels dangerously low, withdrew from combat as the world grew colder. They sought refuge in a deep cavern and entered [[stasis lock]], awaiting the day when surface conditions changed to better suit their operation. Millions of years later, Bumblebee was awoken by the hammering of humans working on a rail line. He briefly considered awakening Optimus Prime, but thought better of it. After discovering the world had changed significantly, Ratchet thought there was no reason to awaken Prime. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}} When Bumblebee discovered the Decepticons were once again active on this world, Ratchet and Prowl agreed that the Autobots must intervene, but again decided out of rousing Optimus from his slumber. {{Storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}}

{{Note|Optimus Prime appears very briefly in the first few pages, in his "Ice Age Wars" body (we only see him in robot mode, but his altmode is a brachiosaurus<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?s=d5d311674e796c81d010d26ac751389b&showtopic=10074&st=20&p=266183&#entry266183 Allspark forums post] by [[Guido Guidi]], August 15th, 2006</ref>. He spends most of the story in stasis lock. [[:Image:Opthos.jpg|Unused concept art]] depicts him as transforming into a locomotive engine.}}
{{-}}

===''Music Label''===

In the year 2007, the Autobots discovered that the Decepticon communications officer [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] was attempting to control the minds of humans through hypnotic music broadcast through a series of tiny clones of himself. Optimus Prime upgraded his trailer with a huge pair of speakers, and proceeded to drive around, broadcasting a counter-frequency that undid the villain's brainwashing. {{storylink|Music Label}}

{{note|The [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|2007 Takara timeline]] placed the events of the ''[[Music Label]]'' storyline in the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], but Optimus Prime's role in the story is therefore made impossible, as he was dead in that universe in 2007. However, given the way the timeline is unhelpfully laid out, it's not impossible that this adventure may take place not in the mainstream timeline, but in the branched-off parallel dimension of the ''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Binaltech|Binaltech]]'' storyline, where Optimus did not die.}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comics===

{{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 1}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 2}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 3}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 4}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 7}} {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 11}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===

When the legendary [[Energon Cube]] was lost to the reaches of space, Optimus Prime led a small team of Autobots in pursuit of it. The giant energy source crashed on Earth in the Japanese town of [[Hoshinochō]], where it shattered into fragments that were scattered far and wide. Prime and the other Autobots set up a subterranean base below the Cube's impact crater and began their search for the shards, taking the forms of local vehicles to hide their activities. Despite their attempts at remaining unseen, glimpses of the Autobots only magnified the reputation the crash of the Cube (believed by humans to be a meteor) had given Hoshinochō: that of a hotbed of rumored alien and UFO activity, Japan's answer to [[United States of America|America]]'s Roswell. {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}}

The Autobots gained a human ally in their quest when they befriended Doctor [[Osamu Kihara]] of the Governmental Special Diplomatic Agency, who provided more assistance than they could have imagined when his son, [[Akira Kihara|Akira]], was discovered to be a "[[Booster]]", one of many legendary beings born with the ability to control and detect the energies of the Energon Cube. Alas, the Decepticons had followed Prime's Autobots to Earth, and [[Megatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Megatron]] sought the boy's powers for his own. To protect Optimus Prime and himself, Akira unleashed the full extent of his powers, driving Megatron back, but causing his body to burn out and disintegrate. Prime was wracked with guilt over what had occurred, and it would haunt him afterward. {{storylink|Time of Resurrection}}

Eleven years after their arrival on Earth, Prime and the Autobots made a new human ally in [[Wataru Hoshinoumi]] when he stumbled into the midst of a battle between Prime's team and [[Starscream (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Starscream]] and [[Ramjet (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Ramjet]]. {{storylink|Enter! The Transformers}} When Megatron joined the fight soon after, he held [[Bumblebee (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Bumblebee]] and Wataru hostage, daring Prime to make a move against him. Prime opened fire, but Megatron merely used the defeated Starscream for a shield, then turned his cannon on the younger duo. Prime unleashed his [[ion blaster]] and apparently deflected the blast with a shot of his own, saving Bumblebee and Wataru and prompting the Decepticons to retreat. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Appears!}}

Prime invited Wataru to visit the Autobots' subterranean base, and he gave the boy a personal tour as he carried the injured Bumblebee to the infirmary. Telling him the story of the Energon Cube and the Autobots' coming to Earth, Prime showed Wataru the large chunk of the cube that they had managed to recover. He then turned his attention to repairing Bumblebee's wounds, and as such, did not notice Wataru reaching out to touch the cube sliver. A bizarre energy discharge resulted that not only showed the Autobots images of [[Generation 1 (franchise)|another time and place]], but also healed both Autobots' wounds. Prime dived at Wataru and hauled him away from the shard, returning things to normal, but leaving Prime with grave concerns over what the strange occurrence might mean. {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}}

When Starscream attacked a power plant with the aid of his brainwashed ally, [[Jetfire (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Skyfire]], Prime carried [[Grimlock (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Grimlock]] to the scene of the battle on the back of his truck mode. {{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} During the conflict that followed, Prime's suspicions about Wataru were confirmed when the boy manifested a barrier to protect himself and Bumblebee and to help Skyfire overcome the influence of Starscream's mind-controlling helmet. Wataru was a Booster as well! {{storylink|Wataru's Power}} His past experiences naturally made Prime hesitant to put Wataru's power to use, but Osamu Kihara made the point that Wataru's power was invaluable for hunting down shards of the Energon Cube. Prime and Wataru headed out to investigate a local relic that Kihara suspected was a cube shard, and Wataru's powers soon confirmed the doctor's findings. Just as Prime was about to report back to Kihara, however, Megatron struck, demanding that Prime hand over both the shard and Wataru. Prime attempted to feign ignorance of Wataru's powers, but Megatron ignored his bluff and encouraged him to hand the boy over, lest he cost ''another'' Booster their life. Driven into a rage by the stinging barb, Prime violently attacked Megatron with his energon-axe, but as the duel raged, Megatron continued to question Prime's beliefs and his attitude. Unable to deny Megatron's accusation that he had hoped to use Wataru's power to defeat him, Prime lost his concentration and was taken down by the Decepticon leader. Despite what he had learned about a previous Booster dying, Wataru stayed true to Optimus and activated his powers, healing the Autobot's wounds and powering up his energon-axe into a huge sword. Summoning all his energy, Prime took down Megatron with one almighty slash, then collapsed into [[stasis lock]]. {{storylink|Optimus Prime's Secret}}

Prime was brought back to the Autobot base for treatment, but the Decepticons exploited the Autobots' lack of manpower and struck again before Prime recovered. With his men taking a pummeling, the unconscious Prime had a vision of Akira, who spurred him on to awaken and rejoin the battle. With another power boost from Wataru, Prime unleashed a super-charged shot from his ion blaster that took down the fleeing Decepticons. {{storylink|Time of Resurrection}}
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Creation! The New Emperor of Destruction!!}} {{storylink|The Threat of Galvatron}} {{storylink|Revenge (issue)|Revenge}} {{storylink|A Nightmare, Once Again}} {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}

===Alternity===
[[Image:Alternity_convoy_boxart.jpg|right|thumb|220px]]
In 2007, the Optimus Prime of [[universal stream]] Primax 109.0 Beta encountered a mysterious messenger from another world: [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Alternity|another incarnation of himself]] from a parallel dimension who left him with a warning. Two years hence, Megatron would bring the terrifying super-dimensional lifeform known as the "Beast of Time", [[Hytherion]], into their dimension to destroy Earth. The only thing that could battle Hytherion was the power of the super-evolved multi-dimensional race of Cybertronians known as the [[Alternity (species)|Alternity]]. Prime agreed that when the danger appeared, he would join the Alternity in the fight.

Sure enough, in 2009, when Hytherion's colossal claw-marks appeared on planets throughout the solar system, Prime's other-dimensional incarnation returned, bringing with him a "Vibrant Red" Vector 109 [[auto-avatar]] with which Prime fused. In that instant, he was reborn as part of the Alternity, a manifold being who encompassed all the different incarnations of Optimus Prime through the multiverse at once. Prime reached his hands heavenward and peeled back the layers of reality, exposing the gargantuan fanged maw of Hytherion looming above the Autobots. {{storylink|From Here to Alternity}}

Optimus battled alongside the Alternity to fend off the beast, when unexpectedly, [[Megatron (G1)#Alternity|Megatron]] overwrote the beast's higher functions with his own. At first, it seemed that Hytherion had been killed, but a newly empowered Megatron (in two bodies) appeared and declared that, now possessing a power that rivaled the Alternity's, he challenged his opponents to take him on or see the multiverse itself burn. {{storylink|To Mega Therion}}

As battles between numerous different Primes and Megatrons erupted quite literally all across time and space, another member of the Convoy Corps was later seen battling [[Starscream (G1)#Alternity|Starscream]], who had been empowered by Megatron to serve as leader of his [[Questor]]s. This Prime was so surprised by Starscream's uncharacteristic sports car alternate mode that he left himself open for a blast from Starscream's Retroactive Nullifer cannon, which erased him from the timestream. As he faded out of existence, Prime responded to Starscream's taunts about the death of the Alternity by telling him that they were already well aware of their prophesied end and were well prepared. {{storylink|Foreshadows}}
{{note|Alternity beings are both individuals and a collective of separate entities. More fiction about Optimus Prime's Alternity collective can be found [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Alternity|here]].}}
{{--}}

===''Robot Heroes'' comic===
[[Image:IDW I am Optimus Prime battle.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|I Am Optimus Prime (Robot Heroes)|I Am Optimus Prime}}

==="Universe" cartoon===
: ''Voice actor:'' [[Ron Hayden]] (English)
[[Image:Actionblast1matrix.jpg|left|thumb|250px]]
Optimus Prime narrated the events of what happened before the Ark crashed on Earth. He became the new leader of a long line of Autobot leaders via the discovery of the Matrix. On their quest for more Energon, the Autobots were chased by Decepticons to the planet known as Earth and crashed on it. When they emerged from the Ark, Optimus Prime scanned his truck altmode, stating that the war would not end on Earth. {{Storylink|Action Blast 1}}

[[Image:FfE Optimus Prime Cyclonus.JPG|right|thumb|250px]]
Both Optimus Prime and Bumblebee raced down a street in an unknown desert while having an argument about Energon. He ordered Bumblebee to scan the surroundings to find the location where the Decepticons were hiding, and to be careful for possible scouts. When Bumblebee noted what the Decepticons were doing, Prime speculated that they might be planning to convert the energy into Energon, and ordered Bumblebee to create a diversion. While Bumblebee and Cyclonus fought, Prime made a surprise attack and took out Cyclonus with his Ion-axe, before turning his attention to Megatron. When both Decepticons fled, Prime told Bumblebee they'd done a good job (in front of a burning Gas station), and both Autobots got back on the move. {{storylink|Fight for Energon}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
Optimus Prime has appeared in more [[Commercial|television commercials]] than any other Transformer... just as with everything else. He has been voiced by Peter Cullen in every animation segment in which he's had a speaking role.

[[Image:Toycommercial-firstPrime.jpg|right|thumb|My wheels don't disappear!]]

* He was one of the featured characters in the first ever appearance of the Transformers anywhere, an advertisement for the first issue of [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|the Generation 1 comic]]. He arrives in the midst of a desert battle as the Decepticons attacked a power plant on Earth, driving to back up his troops in defending it. He strikes a rather iconic pose as he transforms and fires, which would be replicated and copied numerous times in the early years of the franchise. This first commercial used nonfinal versions of the characters' [[character model]]s; Optimus Prime, for example, still had wheels on his legs. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9-7RjhFzpM]

* In a commercial for the [[Triple Changer]]s, Optimus confronts Astrotrain on a desert battlefield, but the Triple-Changer escapes under fire from other Autobots. Shortly afterward, Prime uses Perceptor's microscope mode to examine a fragment of Decepticon battle armor. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WssZjIsUIU]

* Prime and Jazz are shown fighting Megatron in the desert in an ad for the 1985 cars, whom he summons to help out with the battle. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WssZjIsUIU]

* Prime narrates two commercials around the time of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', describing the action as [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] battles [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]], and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] take on the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X-10pud7DY]

[[Image:Toycommercial-PowermasterOptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|An integral part of Powermaster Prime's transformation is Joyride shooting lightning bolts through his pointed finger.]]

* Prime was prominently featured in the ad for the first comic issue featuring the [[Powermaster]]s. On the rocky plains where practically every Transformer battle ever seems to happen, Prime arrives in his Powermaster body to back up three of his troops against Dreadwind and Darkwing. He's shown combining with [[Hi-Q]] and transforming, attacking with his trailer's battle station mode, then combining with the trailer to continue the attack. Who wins? Find out in [[People Power!|Marvel Comics]]! [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voX_KNNxNCI]

[[Image:OptimusQuickswitchCommercial.jpg|right|thumb|Optimus Prime is so giving, he even gives other Transformers time in his commercials.]]

* Prime also features briefly in [[Quickswitch]]'s ad; in a battle on the moon, Quickswitch transforms to gun mode and is wielded by Powermaster Optimus Prime.

* An abbreviated ad for Powermaster Prime uses footage from both the Marvel Comic and Quickswitch commercials.

* Prime's Powermaster body shows up yet again in the [[Classic Pretender|Pretender Classic]]s ad. He comes under attack in the darkened streets of the city, prompting the narrator to explain that he needs the greatest Transformers ever! Prime then welcomes back Bumblebee and Jazz in their Pretender forms. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mahbq-FnSPY]

* Powermaster Prime and [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] are the representatives from each faction that [[Doubledealer]] doublecrosses! Everyone wonders who that guy is that Prime's talking to... He looks kinda suspicious!

* Optimus features prominently in the first [[Action Master]] commercial; he's shown surrounded by a circle of his troops, and challenges them to give up their transforming powers to become faster, stronger, more alive! [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeNf3jQ1zdw]

* A stock intro was used for several Micromaster commercials, with Optimus opening his fist to reveal a Micromaster city within.

[[Image:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|thumb|Prime wants to know if they can transform, because he sure can't!]]

* A similar sequence in another Micromaster ad has Prime opening his fist to find the [[Hot Rod Patrol]] inside. He and Jazz check them out, and Optimus wonders if they can transform.

* In an ad for the Micromaster micro bases, a battle rages outside an Autobot base, and Prime watches impassively as Bumblebee and Jazz pull two [[Interstellar shuttle|captured]] [[Attack Copter|vehicles]] into the base. Prime is the first to notice that the vehicles are transforming and shooting things.

* Prime and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] are the stars of the first ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' commercial, animated with [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]]. Prime is shown driving down a road in his ''Generation 2'' colored truck mode. He rocket-launches up into the air to transform, then has a brutal fight with Ramjet. Despite getting a hole blasted in his chest, he wins the fight and fires his gun into the air in triumph. Non-speaking.

* Prime also is shown briefly in a commercial for the new Megatron tank toy. He transforms and finds his head in a target crosshairs. In the subsequent toy segment, Prime's toy is shown getting completely trashed by that of Megatron. Non-speaking.

* And finally, Prime got his own rap segment. He's shown in his Combat toy body, waiting for Megatron as he attacks a human subdivision. Prime converts to robot form, blows up Megatron's weapon at point blank range, and slugs it out with him. Apparently emerging victorious, is next shown sitting next to an identical truck, which the live-action kid mistakes for the real thing. The real Prime then transforms and picks up the kid, inspecting the human with his cold, lifeless, flashing red optics. Prime is once again voiced by Peter Cullen in this commercial.

Prime also appeared in commercials for ''Transformers'' products other than the toys themselves...

* In the ad for [[Coleco]]'s [[Power Cycle]], Optimus Prime shoots ''at'' a child riding the title cycle, but misses. This footage is recycled from the advertisement for the comic.

* Prime delivers a load of shoes to schoolchildren in a South American ad for [[Bata]]'s licensed ''Transformers'' footwear.
{{-}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: Call of the Future''===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers: Call of the Future}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3_PC_G1OptimusPrime_DLC.jpg|thumb|200px|]]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Peter Cullen]]
====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
{{Note|On [[August 27]], [[2009]], Optimus Prime was one of a handful of downloadable characters in a DLC pack for Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3.}}
{{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)/toys}}

==Merchandise==
:''Main article: [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise]]''

==Notes==
* According to [[Bob Budiansky]], longtime comics writer [[Denny O'Neil]] named Optimus Prime prior to Budiansky being brought on to the ''Transformers'' project.

* Optimus Prime's Japanese name is "Convoy", which is named after his original name "Battle Convoy" in the [[Diaclone]] toyline, because the name "Optimus Prime" is difficult for Japanese kids to remember and pronounce. <ref>'''Figure-Oh''' No. 114</ref>

*According to an early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profile published in ''[[The Transformers Comic Magazine]]'', Optimus Prime's "official" nicknames were at one point considered to be "Autobot Commander", "Chief", "Big Boss" and "Roller". As far as it is known, no piece of fiction has ever purposely addressed him using these nicknames, though it's a fair bet he's been called "chief" at least once or twice anyway.

* He [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|allegedly]] hates the music of [[wikipedia:Mötley_Crüe|Mötley Crüe]].

* According to the staff of ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', Optimus Prime became a space explorer in the [[Beast Era]].<ref>[[Beast Wars Universe]] ISBN 978-4766938005</ref>

[[Image:Optimusprime-mom.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Prime's mom knows how to write in cursive.]]
* By the time Optimus Prime appeared in ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', his 3D model from ''Beast Wars'' had apparently been lost, leading the animators to use a faceplated Optimus Primal head as a quick replacement to save time and budget.

* Aside from occasionally having Alpha Trion as a father figure, Optimus Prime may have a mother! In an advertisement for [[Pepsi Convoy]] that shows him in a refrigerator (along with [[Destron Pizza]]), a note attached to a nearby piece of Tupperware reads:

:''Dear Convoy''
:''Warm it before you eat''
:''Mom''

:Although the ad itself is for Pepsi Convoy, he is a separate character, and it can be assumed that the note was left for Convoy/Optimus Prime himself.

* The first wave of Dreamwave posters in 2001 identified Optimus Prime as [http://www.comicden.com/merch/posters.htm "Captimus Primus"], which is tantalizingly close to making some sort of sense.

* According to EJ Su, Optimus Prime's [[Holomatter|Holomatter avatar]] is modeled after [[wikipedia:Ulysses_S._Grant|Ulysses S. Grant]].<ref>[http://www.protodepot.com/archive/2007_11_01_archive.html Idea: Holomatter Projection]</ref>

* As of [[All Hail Megatron issue 13|All Hail Megatron #13]], Optimus has a mouth underneath that [[faceplate]] of his.

* This Optimus Prime, along with the original [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] makes a cameo appearance as one of the four elders who began the [[Space Bridge]] project in the ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode [[Balance]].

==External links==
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Optimus_Prime Optimus Prime's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Optimus_Prime_PM Powermaster Optimus Prime's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

== Footnotes ==
<references />

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Alternity characters]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
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[[Category:Classics characters]]
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[[Category:Zombies]]

Dinobot (G1)

2010-07-11T01:23:43Z

68.38.136.117:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Dinobot}}
:''The Dinobots are an [[Autobot]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In some continuities, before they arrive on Earth, they are known as the '''Dynobots'''.''

[[Image:UKDinobotsPoster.jpg|right|400px|thumb|From left to right: Slag, Grimlock, Swoop, Sludge and Snarl.]]
The '''Dinobots''' are a rowdy, arrogant, lowbrow, disobedient band of warriors that some Autobots would rather scrap than deal with. They're also one of the most devastatingly powerful and close-knit combat units in the Autobot army, being incredibly powerful in robot mode and taking [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]] based on [[Dinosaur|dinosaurs]], the most powerful creatures to ever roam the [[Earth]].

Most of them dislike [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], so whether or not they follow the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]'s orders depends on what those orders are. If it's to destroy stuff, they're down with that. If it's to help people, it kinda depends on what the weather is like.

The group's members are:

*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (the leader)
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]] (the bad boy)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (the dim one)
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] (the quiet one)
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] (the sensitive one)

and in one universe:

*[[Paddles (character)|Paddles]] (the '[[wikipedia:Pete Best|Pete Best]]" one)

In at least [[The Beast Within|one universe]], the Dinobots can combine to form a monstrous super-robot called [[Beast (G1)|the Beast]]. (Grimlock explicitly states that this is not the case in [[Marvel Comics continuity|another universe]], though he has been known to stretch the truth. [[Ruined FOREVER|Hopefully not here though]].)

{{quote|We watch each other's back, we stick together through thick and thin, and no one '''ever''' tells us what to '''do!'''|Grimlock sums his group up.|[[Maximum Dinobots issue 2]]}}

:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Dinobóticos'''
:''Hungarian name (second [[The Transformers: The Movie|Movie]] dub):'' '''Dínók'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Robodinos'''
:''Hungarian name (first [[The Transformers: The Movie|Movie]] dub):'' '''Vasállatok''' (Iron-animals)

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
[[Image:DinobotsG1.jpg|center|400px|thumb|From left to right: Terrible Dactyl, Stego, Bronto Thunder, Tricero and Ghengis Rex]]
{{note|Built on [[Earth]] by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], the Dinobots were a subgroup of Autobots with great physical power but very limited intelligence. Early on in the cartoon they are played as very dangerous (though dim) wildcards, whose great power makes them a huge advantage to the Autobots when they can be persuaded to cooperate. However, beginning with [[The Transformers: The Movie]] and in the following third season, the Dinobots are portrayed almost exclusively as comic relief: goofy childlike morons whose (arguably even greater) stupidity made them a detriment to be babysat, rather than an advantage to be courted. No in-continuity reason for this shift in their mentality is ever given, though it has been the subject of fan speculation.}}
The Dinobots were modeled after the dinosaur fossils that [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] found in the volcanic caves near the ''Ark''. Grimlock, Slag, and Sludge were built first. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} After some initial troubles, their performance pleased [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] enough that he had two more built, adding Snarl and Swoop to the ranks. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

{{note|The Dinobots' creation is the source of a small continuity clash in the cartoons. See the Trivia note below for more.}}

[[Image:GrimSlagSludge.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The Three Dinobots, immediately after accidentally killing the Invisible Swordsman.]]
The Dinobots' role was simply to pulverize anyone or anything that was too strong for the Autobots to handle on their own. In the process, they frequently mouthed off, rebelled and started brawls inside of Autobot Headquarters (and the occasional [[Trypticon (G1)|dinosaur-shaped city]]).

At one point, the Dinobots became sick of only being used as the hammer of the Autobot army, so they deserted, saying that they would fight when ''they'' wanted to. However, the Dinobots were called in when the Autobots and the Decepticons began suffering from [[Cybertonium]] depletion. During the battle with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], they were accidentally sent to Cybertron, where they briefly reduced [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] to the role of chew toy. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} However, Shockwave altered the Dinobots' memory circuits and forced them to work in the [[Cybertonium Pit]]. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] and [[Carly]] managed to rescue them, and the Dinobots decided to follow Optimus Prime's orders... until such time that they decided not to do so. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

During the [[Battle of Autobot City]], the Dinobots were dispatched to defeat [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. Despite their incredible strength, Devastator manhandled them. During [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s subsequent attack, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] literally had to drag them aboard the shuttle, which was shot down over [[Quintessa]]. The Dinobots managed to avoid being captured and met [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], who helped them find Kup and Hot Rod. Later, the Dinobots literally kicked the butt of [[Unicron|a god]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

=== Marvel Comics continuity===
{{note|The Dinobots in the Marvel comic were not created on [[Earth]], as in the cartoon, but were a distinct and pre-existing unit of five Autobot soldiers who were aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed to Earth. The comic Dinobots, while not exactly [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]-grade, were significantly more intelligent than their cartoon counterparts. (Their commander, Grimlock, served as overall Autobot Commander on more than one occasion.) However, they were not as strong as their cartoon counterparts, either.}}
[[Image:Dinobots Bad News.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Pretty much says it all.]]
Shortly after the crash, the ''Ark'''s computer detected [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] landing on the planet in the [[Antarctica|Antarctic]] land-out-of-time that would one day become known as the [[Savage Land]]. The ''Ark'' used the last of its capabilities to revive these five warriors and rebuild them to transform into the Savage Land's dominant lifeform: dinosaurs. {{storylink|The Last Stand|The Last Stand}} They were then dispatched to deal with the Decepticon, where they sank to the bottom of a tar pit and remained dormant until [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] revived them in the 1980s. {{storylink|Repeat Performance!}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''The Beast Within''===
The Dinobots [[Combiner|combine]] into the [[Beast (G1)|Beast]] to fight the Decepticons, but the Beast is so savage and kill-crazy that the Autobots have to kill it. {{storylink|The Beast Within}}

=== Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:ScrollDinobots.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A Dinobot by any other name would still kick your ass]]
It was established that Grimlock once commanded a splinter faction of Autobots known as the [[Lightning Strike Coalition]], which included the Dynobots. It was also established that following this, these five robots used the Cybertronian designation "D'''y'''nobots". {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages}}

The Dynobots traveled to Earth separately from the rest of the Autobots. Grimlock emerged on his own, and the ''Ark'' Autobots found him battling the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. The fate of the other Dinobots was unknown, but somehow Megatron had captured them and kept them in stasis in a secret base. After being freed, they traveled to Cybertron and helped liberate it from Shockwave's control. {{storylink|War and Peace}}

===Devil's Due comic continuity===
The Dinobots were originally five present-day Autobots who were sent back in time by [[Teletran 3]] and reformatted into dinosaurs. When [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] traveled back in time, they recovered the Dinobots, who proceeded to beat Shockwave's Decepticons three ways from Sunday. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 4}}

Grimlock was later sent to Earth to oversee the decommissioning of Cybertronian technology {{storylink|The Art of War issue 1|The Art of War #1}}, where his team found that human scientists had used the deactivated Megatron's technology to create the evil [[Serpentor|Serpent Organic Robot]]. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 2|The Art of War #2}} Grimlock and the others followed this new threat back to Cybertron, only to be captured and imprisoned by the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}} He was eventually freed by his G.I. Joe allies {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}}, and helped defeat Serpent O.R. Meanwhile, Snarl was seen among the Autobot troops fighting against Serpent O.R.'s army. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

===''Legends'' anthology===
The story "[[Paddles (story)|Paddles]]" features a [[Paddles (character)|sixth Dinobot of the same name]]. This is also the only appearance of the character. {{storylink|Paddles (story)|Paddles}}

=== IDW comics continuity ===
{{ongoing}}
{{quote|Crash and Burn!|Dinobot unit motto|[[Maximum Dinobots issue 1]]}}
[[Image:Shockwaveg1idw.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Good times.]]
Before the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Grimlock and the Dynobots were amongst the gladiatorial teams that competed in the [[Forge]]. When Megatron put out a call for combatants, the Dynobots were amongst those who were shown grudging respect by the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] as opposed to the remainder of the "amateurs" in the crowd. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

And by that, what we ''really'' mean is that Grimlock and Slag had never met before both were thrown in a brig for pissing off their commanding officers (''shooting'' them in Slag's case). Bonding over their mutual desire to get things done and ignore the rules, they decided to form their own strike team: the Dynobots. In a personal quirk, however, Slag didn't want them to be seen as a ''proper'' team. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 2}} The five warriors deliberately cultivated a terrifying reputation with their sheer brutality. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 1|Maximum Dinobots #1}}

Eons later, the Dynobots followed [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] to prehistoric Earth on a revenge-fueled crusade, ''after'' Optimus had told them to get over it already. The planet's energon fields forced them to take on the forms of the local animal life. Thus protected, they attacked Shockwave on the surface. Sadly, it did not protect the Dynobots from Shockwave's energy blasts, which melted the artificial skin and caused the Dynobots to go into [[stasis lock]] due to excessive [[energon radiation]]. Due to a deadman's switch, The Dynobots' ship (the ''[[Skyfire (ship)|Skyfire]]'') blasted a volcano that buried everyone in molten lava. They were later unearthed by a human archaeological dig {{storylink|Spotlight: Shockwave}} which was taken over by [[Skywatch|government agents]]. {{storylink|Escalation issue 5|Escalation #5}}

Though Grimlock was the first to be brought back online, he was freed from Skywatch's control through a virus implanted by a [[Machination]] spy (under orders from [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]). Scorponok wanted Grimlock to join him, but Grimlock refused, fought Scorponok and escaped, vowing to find and rescue the other Dynobots. Scorponok, however, planned to take control of the Dynobots himself and use them to assassinate Grimlock. {{storylink|Spotlight: Grimlock}}

Reactivated by Skywatch, the Dynobots were put through their paces, seemingly to great success (secretly because the Machination had "helped" set up Skywatch's neural nets). When Grimlock appeared in Fallon, the town was cordoned off and the "Thunder Lizards" were sent to engage him. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 1|Maximum Dinobots #1}} The resulting clash caused ''massive'' damage to Fallon, helped along by Scorponok causing the neural nets to fluctuate so he could increase the conflict between the Dynobots.

Eventually they were allowed to have their sentience so they could find out Grimlock had set up the deadman's switch, which left them buried on Earth, ''without telling them''. While feeling some guilt for what he did, Grimlock defended his actions by saying "er, hello, we're vicious amoral rule-breakers, of course I did it". Which ''worked''. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 2|Maximum Dinobots #2}}

[[Image:Dynobots divided MaximumDinos.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
Rightfully so, the Dynobots were pissed with their leader, and walked away after Swoop read Grimlock the riot act. When Grimlock was attacked and almost destroyed by the [[Sunstreaker clone]]s, however, the team reunited once again for battle. Although fighting valiantly, they might have been destroyed, if not for the intervention of the [[Monsterbot]]s, whom were earlier contacted by Grimlock.
{{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 3|Maximum Dinobots #3}}

Aboard the Monsterbots' ship, the Dynobots wondered why Grimlock would side with the outcasts. They gave Grimlock a stern look when he exited the cockpit. The Dynobots didn't see the point of fighting Scorponok, but Grimlock said that Scorponok made it their fight when he turned the Dynobots against him. Snarl disagreed, saying that it has always been Grimlock's fight, that he and the other Dynobots went along with him, and that it was now Grimlock's wounded pride at stake. After the Monsterbots blasted away the defenses, Grimlock exited the ship, saying that there was no way he could let this go, and that with or without the Dynobots, there would be a reckoning for Scorponok. The Dynobots decided that arguing is pointless and followed Grimlock. When [[Hunter O'Nion]] pulled the cords from [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]'s head, shutting him down, the clones ceased to function. Sludge cried out in victory, but the moment is short-lived as Scorponok blasted Sludge into stasis. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 4|Maximum Dinobots #4}}

[[Image:MaximumDinobots Don'tMessWithTheDynos.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Hey, he's sayin' what we're all thinkin'!]]
Grimlock stared down at Sludge's dead body, brooding about how it was his fault Sludge was dead... while a battle between Scorponok and Shockwave (for rights of revenge upon Grimlock) raged on around him. Eventually Snarl, Slag, and Swoop decide to get to the Monsterbots' ship while the getting was good, but Grimlock stayed behind with Sludge. Grimlock tried infusing some of his [[spark]] energy into Sludge to revive him, but it seemed to have no effect. Shockwave got the upper hand and let Scorponok escape, and in frustration, Grimlock attacked Shockwave. Grimlock and Shockwave were too busy fighting to notice the return of Slag, Snarl, and Swoop, who reasoned that, while helping Grimlock might not be much of a cause, it still beat being no better than the Monsterbots. They were noticed by Sludge, however, who seemed to have recovered due to Grimlock's treatment after all. The four of them dove into the fray proper, but Grimlock ordered them to go after Scorponok instead. When [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] was about to get squished by Scorponok, the remaining Dynobots showed up in just the nick of time. At Hot Rod's urgings, Swoop severed the connections keeping Scorponok's head conscious. But before the Dynobots could kill the rest of Scorponok, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] showed up and told them that Scorponok would be revived and made to answer to a tribunal instead. He then said they should purge the entire Machination facility, gather up all related Machination technology, and get as far away from Earth as possible as soon as possible—a plan that the Dynobots, Hot Rod, and Hunter were all perfectly OK with. Ultra Magnus later told Grimlock that having Scorponok and Shockwave in custody could help offset Grimlock's own sentence, and that the other Dynobots' warrants had been canceled, and Grimlock was content with that and the fact that Sludge was alive again thanks to him. On Earth, the other Dynobots meanwhile happily repaired the Skyfire. {{storylink|Maximum Dinobots issue 5|Maximum Dinobots #5}}

== Toys ==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Slag toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Slag]]
* '''Dinobots''' (1985)
**[[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]
**[[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
**[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]
**[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]

:The five Dinobots were sold individually in boxed packages from 1985 to 1986. They featured a uniform color scheme of red for their die-cast metal parts, black plastic for legs and forearms, smoky translucent for [[Pre-Transformers|remnant cockpits]], and golden metalized plastic highlights depicting machine details. Most had fairly good articulation for G1 toys; only Slag had the conjoined foot-base common to many of the automobile-based Transformers in G1.

{{-}}

* '''Pretender Classics''' (1989)
** Grimlock

:A much smaller and simpler version of Grimlock, with a [[Pretender]] shell, was part of the [[Pretender Classics]] line.

[[Image:G1-toy SnarlAM.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Action Master Snarl]]
* '''Action Masters''' (1990)
** Grimlock
** Snarl

:Both Grimlock and Snarl were given new toy forms as part of the [[Action Master|Action Masters]] line.

{{-}}
===Generation 2===
* '''Dinobots''' (1993)
** Grimlock
** Slag
** Snarl

:Three of the original five Dinobot molds were reissued in new colors.

===Beast Wars===
[[Image:BWtoy-Grimlock.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Beast Wars Grimlock]]
* Grimlock (Deluxe, 1997)

:A redeco of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].

{{-}}

===Alternators===
* Grimlock (2005)

:He turns into a 1/24th scale car.

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics_Swoop_toy.JPG|thumb|right|Classics Swoop (mistransformed in robot mode).]]
* Swoop (Mini-Con Dinobots Team, 2006)

:A new mold for the original character, alongside two new-character teammates.

* Grimlock (Deluxe, 2006)

:A new mold based on his original design, with an updated dinosaur mode.

===Masterpiece===
* Grimlock (2009)

===Other===
* The 2003 [[Dinobots (toyline)|Dinobots]] subline, a Wal-Mart exclusive, reuses most of the G1 Dinobots' names. In the absence of any [[Bio|bios]] or fiction, however, it is unclear if they are meant to represent the same characters.
* The 2005 [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] & [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]] two-pack was originally intended to portray the G1 characters, but ended up as part of the ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' toyline instead, representing new characters.

==Notes==
* The Dinobots are the first Transformers whose creation is shown in the cartoon. It seems simple enough: The Autobots simply construct their bodies, flick the switch, and they're animate. Wheeljack later upgrades their brains, after which they display sentience. However, the later episode "[[The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1]]" heavily implies that there's no way to bring a Transformer to life without the use of the supercomputer [[Vector Sigma]]. Still other episodes would show the creation of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] without the use of Vector Sigma. For more on this issue, see the separate article ''[[Reproduction]]''.

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Combiner teams]]
[[Category:Dinobots| Dinobot (G1)]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Generation 2]]

Tow-Line (Energon)

2010-07-01T01:12:08Z

68.38.136.117: /* Energon */

{{factions|autobot|{{factions/icons|custom=Energon Powerlinx Silver symbol.png|cLink=Powerlinx}}}}
{{disambig2|the ''Energon'' Autobot|the ''Robots in Disguise'' Autobot|Tow-Line (RID)}}
:''Tow-Line is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] continuity family.''

[[Image:Towline-energon-packageart.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Because you're mine, I <strike>walk</strike> tow the line.]]

'''Tow-Line''' isn't the strongest Autobot, but what he lacks in muscle he makes up in cleverness. He can out-think and generally out-last most opponents, preferring to use his brains to prevent conflicts, skills that have made him one of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime's]] most trusted team members.

==Fiction==
===Dreamwave ''Energon'' comics===
[[Image:Multiplicity4_Cliffjumper_TowLine_dismembering_Insecticons.jpg|thumb|left|200px|]]
When the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]] invasion struck Earth, Tow-Line stepped up to help defend the planet. He joined [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], fighting against a horde of [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticon]] drones. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} Tow-Line was seen driving around the burning city as [[Rad White]] and [[Alexis]] tried to get to safety. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}} The team soon began to run out of juice in the battle against the overwhelming numbers of Terrorcons, but thankfully Rad returned with the [[Energon Volant Accumulator|E.V.A.]] and charged them up with [[Energon (Energon)|Energon]] gas. With some unexpected help from [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]], Tow-Line and the others then drove the Insecticons away. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}}

{{-}}
===''Timelines''===
After the evacuation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] due to the [[Unicron Singularity]], Tow-Line served as a crew member on the ''[[Iron Hope]]''. He installed [[transwarp]] jump coordinates on the computers of the six scout ships searching for the lost Autobot colonies. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

==Toys==
===Energon===
[[Image:Energon-toy_TowLine.JPG|thumb|right|250px|]]
*'''Tow-Line''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Fold out gun/radar energon weapon

: Tow-Line transforms into a large utility van. In robot mode, his lower vehicle portion becomes a mobile battle/repair platform. He can fold his legs back and up over his shoulders (''hello''!) and re-attach to this platform for a "battle mode". In this... ahem, position, Tow-Line can also form the top half of a two-robot "Powerlinx combiner" with any ''Energon'' Deluxe Autobot, and any of them can also use his platform for their own combination. He is unique amongst the Energon Deluxe Autobots, as he's the only one who can powerlink with himself.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed to make [[BotCon 2005]]'s versions of [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Timelines|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)#Timelines|Ratchet]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Tow-Line/tow-line.htm More information on Tow-Line at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
* Tow-Line seems to be a melange of [[homage]]s. The obvious one being to Generation 1 Ironhide/Ratchet (which the mold was used to make, as noted above), though his head also bears a passing resemblance to [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. His van mode even has the red stripe pattern.

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Multi-component Transformers]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]

Optimus Prime (G1)/toys

2010-06-20T20:57:23Z

68.38.136.117: /* Generation 1 */

{{suite}}
[[Image:G1 OptimusPrime boxart.jpg|thumb|350px|Awwwwww yeah......]]
Since 1984, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Generation 1 '''Optimus Prime''']] has received the largest number of toys for any single ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' character, a testament to the character's enduring popularity and status as a hero to many fans.

==Generation 1==
{{anchor|G1v1}}
[[Image:G1_OptimusPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|From the ''Diaclone'' Battle Convoy came Optimus Prime and all his subsequent incarnations.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1984, 1985, 1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), [[Trailer]]/[[Combat Deck]], [[Roller]], 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

: The original Optimus Prime toy started life as the ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy, "Battle Convoy", created by a team of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] designers who came on board when the original designer fell behind. This team included [[Hiroyuki Obara]] (listed as the sole creator on the toy's patent) and famed mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]]. The toy transforms into a late 1970s red Freightliner FL86 Cab-over-Engine triple-axle semi trailer truck formed from two major components: a red and blue cab partially composed of [[die-cast]] metal and a large silver trailer.

:The cab transforms into the robot mode of Optimus Prime himself, with the addition of a pair of removable blue fists that plug into his headlights. The fists themselves do not store anywhere in vehicle mode, but can fit easily in Prime's opening chest compartment (originally designed to accomodate two ''Diaclone'' driver figures). Prime is armed with a black laser rifle that, due to design, he cannot hold straight.

:Prime's trailer opens up into his [[Combat Deck]], containing the scout drone, [[Roller]]. The interior of the Combat Deck features three pegs that can accomdate Prime's laser rifle, fuel pump and nozzle accessories, and seating for two ''Diaclone'' drivers. As its central feature, the Combat Deck features a missile-armed repair drone pod mounted upon a boom lift arm (featuring another cockpit for a ''Diaclone'' driver), which can also be extended through holes in the trailer's roof and front-end when it is closed. Situated in the base of the boom arm is a spring-loaded launcher that can launch Roller out of the Combat Deck and into action. Roller himself has seating for four ''Diaclone'' passengers, and features a port that can accomdiate either Prime's rifle or the fuel pump. The interior space of the trailer allows storage room for one standard Autobot car, which can also be shot forward by the launcher.

[[Image:G1toy_optimus_prime_variants_and_running_changes.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Most people would be happy with just ''one'' Optimus Prime, but noooooo...]]

:Optimus Prime was subject to several molding and color variations in his early days. The earliest release of the figure featured larger fists, a gun with a thick, round barrel, a slightly-differently shaped gas pump, grey rockets, a grey Roller, a grey launcher in his Combat Deck, and metal plates in the floor of the Combat Deck (a holdover from the ''Diaclone'' version of the toy, to which the magnetic feet of the pilots could cling). In short order, his fists were slimmed down, the gun's barrel was pared down to a more slender form, the gas pump's shape was altered, the rockets and launcher were recast in black plastic, the metal plates were removed from the Combat Deck, and Roller's color was changed to a light blue. Along with Roller's color change, however, the Combat Deck's drone pod also became light blue, and a third running change soon followed that saw it restored to its original darker blue, and Roller changed along with it. These modified components would would become the default accessories used by subsequent reissues of the Prime toy would take, though Roller stills fluctuates back and forth between grey and dark blue, depending on how [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] each reissue wants to be.

:The Japanese release of the figure also underwent the changes in weapon shapes, but never featured a silver Roller; instead, their original release of Prime featured a ''Diaclone''-style Roller without the two rear pegs, and the differently-shaped launcher that accomodated him, before a running change switched over to the Hasbro version of the mold. Finally, in some European countries, Prime sported red feet, as opposed to his traditional blue.

:Having been removed from toy store shelves after 1985, Optimus Prime was made available as a mail-away toy in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" offer in the US in 1986 to coincide with the [[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers movie]] premiering that year. He cost $21.50 and 5 [[Robot Point]]s, and came with a special "Movie Edition Certificate" and a round sticker that read " Movie . Edition . Transformer" with the Autobot symbol in the middle. (This item is considered ''rare''.)

:Over twenty-plus years, there have been a ''bajillion'' releases of this mold, some identical to the original toy, and some featuring significant variants with notably different paint jobs, color schemes, accessories and other pack-ins. We have striven to list all these variants on this page under their respective series; for a quick-reference list of all variants and releases [[#Notes|check here]]. The cab robot has also been used sparingly to represent different characters; outfitted with different trailers, it has become Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Pepsi Convoy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Generation 1 Optimus Prime at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|PepsiPrime}}
[[Image:G1-toy OptimusPepsi.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Pespibots, roll out!]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Limited edition promotional variant, 1985)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:A limited edition of the Optimus Prime toy sold as a mail-away exclusive by [[PepsiCo]] was made available in North America in 1985. This version of the figure came with a small fold-out leaflet glued to the top-right of the packaging, which contained two Pepsi logo stickers for the buyer to attach to Prime, mid-way through the traditional silver-and-blue stripe on his trailer. [[Canada]] also got a version of this promotional figure, but with much larger stickers that were the full length and height of the trailer. This promotion would go on to serve as the inspiration for the Japanese character of [[Pepsi Convoy]], who would in turn be released by Hasbro as a new "[[#Classics|Pepsi Optimus Prime]]" in 2007.
{{-}}{{anchor|VSX}}
[[Image:Convoy_megatron_vsx.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy vs. Megatron''' (Versus set, 1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VSX'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

: This Japanese-[[exclusive]] release of Optimus Prime came with the Japanese release of [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]. There are no differences between this release of Convoy and the individually released toy.

{{-}}{{anchor|goodbye}}
[[Image:Goodbye_convoy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|He's not leaving! He's right behind you!]]
* '''Good Bye Convoy''' (Multipack, 1986)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
: Commemorating the death of Optimus Prime in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', this set contains a special version of the original Optimus Prime figure with show-inspired translucent blue windows. It was packaged with [[Mirage (G1)|Ligier]] and [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]], in an apparent homage to the similar ''Diaclone'' "Powered Convoy DX" giftset that packaged the "Powered Convoy" version of the Optimus mold with figures using the molds of Ligier and Alert.

{{-}}{{anchor|PMOP}}
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Powermaster, 1988)
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head
[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|My Japanese release has a lot more bling.]]
:Powermaster Optimus Prime was the first new toy of the Autobot leader since the original toy's release in 1984. He is an all-new design, utilizing the [[Powermaster]] gimmick of requiring the partner figure, who transforms into an engine module, to be inserted into a special area on the main toy before it is able to transform.

:Like the original figure, Powermaster Prime is composed of two major components: his truck cab, which transforms into Prime himself, and his trailer, which is essentially a heavily-armed version of the original. The trailer has a fold-down ramp to allow the storage of a smaller Transformer, or perhaps spare accessories. The trailer transforms into a battle station armed with two long black rifles and two grey double-barreled cannons (featuring seating for Powermaster engine figures), all of which Optimus Prime can also wield in his fists.

:Aside from the Powermaster feature itself, the main [[gimmick]] of the toy is the ability of the truck cab to combine with the trailer to form the larger "Super Optimus Prime" figure. This is essentially accomplished by standing the trailer up, folding the cab in half and inserting it into the empty cavity in the trailer's torso, forming an imposing—if almost entirely unposeable—robot form armed with all four weapons. The head of this super robot form is a separate piece which can be stored in the rear of Prime's trailer when not in use.

:The Japanese release of Powermaster Optimus Prime actually represented a new character named [[Ginrai]], and featured several retools: the cab featured die-cast metal, shortened smokestacks, vacuum-metalized plastic and clear blue windows, while the trailer was given retractable super robot fists. This Japanese version was eventually issued by Hasbro in 2003 as part of the [[Commemorative Series]] collection ([[#Commemorative Series|see below]]).

:This toy was later redecoed into the Japanese-exclusive Nucleon Quest Super Convoy.

:There were several different prototypes made for this toy. [[#Powermaster Optimus Prime design history|See a list here]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optmiusprime.htm More information on Powermaster Optimus Prime on TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AM}}
[[Image:ActionMasterPrime_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Eastbound and Down.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' 2 Laser Guns, Galactic Pulverizer Gun Barrels, 4 Blaster Cannons, 2 Energon Exhaust Stack, Photon Bazooka

: The largest ''[[Action Master]]'' set, this incarnation of Optimus Prime is a non-transforming action figure which comes with the "[[Armored Convoy]]", a large, heavily armed tractor trailer. The cab of the truck transforms into a small jet that can seat one Action Master figure, while the trailer itself converts into a larger battle station with turrets that several Action Masters can man. The sculpt of the Prime figure itself is closely based on his [[character model]], albeit with a coloration that seems to have been based at least partially on the small robot form of his Powermaster body.

:The Action Master Optimus Prime figure was later redecoed with a more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] color scheme and included in the Japanese-exclusive "New Year" reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in 2002.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Action Master Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}[[Image:Euro_classics_optimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Original Optimus Prime''' (Original Autobot Leader, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:This straight reissue of the original Optimus Prime figure was released in Hasbro's European markets in the early 1990s, at the same time as many other Generation 1 figures were being re-released as "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]". Oddly, although he shares their golden packaging, Prime is not actually ''identified'' as a "Classics" figure anywhere on his box, but is generally considered to be part of the sub-line for simplicity's sake.
{{-}}
*'''Convoy''' (reissue, 2000)[[Image:2000 japanese prime reissue.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:The first in what would be a deluge of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure in the 21st century, this Japanese release sported a golden sticker on his packaging announcing the celebration of the Transformers' 15th anniversary in the country. It featured slightly modified fists to help hold the gun better.

:Simultaneously, this figure was available as a black convention-exclusive redeco, and a golden-chromed "[[Lucky Draw figure]]" (see below).
{{-}}{{anchor|JAFCON}}
[[Image:Jafcon_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy Black Version''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (black), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this [[black repaint|black redeco]] of the original Prime was available exclusively at the Japanese convention JAFCON. ''Everything'' about it is black, including all of the Combat Deck and Roller.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Cybertron/JAFConvoy/jafconvoy.htm More information on JAFCON Black Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LuckyDrawPrime}}
[[Image:G1toy_convoy_gold_version.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy Gold Version''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (gold), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this "[[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]]" redeco of the original Prime replaced all of the figure's silver chromed parts and stickers with golden ones, and even included a blinged-out Roller. The figure is extremely rare; apparently only 25 are known to exist.
{{-}}{{anchor|NucleonQuest}}
[[Image:Nucleon_quest_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Nucleon Quest Super Convoy''' (2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-307X'''
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head

:This redeco of the Ginrai tooling of the Powermaster Optimus Prime figure (released concurrently with the 2001 reissue of the Ginrai figure) was a Toys ''R'' Us Japan [[exclusive]] black repaint, made to represent the original Optimus Prime equipped for a special mission. All of his red and blue plastics were changed to black, his clear blue windows were now tinted red, making his overall colour scheme very reminiscent of the now-familiar 'Black Convoy' color schemes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/NucleonQuestConvoy/nqconvoy.htm More information on Nucleon Quest Super Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|NewYearConvoy}}
*'''New Year Special Convoy''' (2002)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''[[Image:New_year_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
**''Accessories:'' 2 Laser Blasters, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, Action Master Optimus Prime figure, [[Matrix of Leadership]], chain, Autobot sticker sheet, mouse pad

:This Japanese-exclusive reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure featured tinted blue windows, like those sported by the "Goodbye Convoy" edition of the toy, as well as show-accurate blue eyes. Prime came with all his original accessories, including ''both'' versions of his rifle, as well as a new die-cast metal Matrix of Leadership accessory, which could be looped around his neck on a removable chain. Additionally, the set included a show-accurate redeco of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure, a sheet of Autobot [[insignia]] stickers of varying sizes, and a mouse pad decorated with the Autobot symbol.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/NewYearsConvoy/nyconvoy.htm More information on New Year Special Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|OrionPax}}
[[Image:OrionPaxDion_toys.jpg|thumb|300px|"Welcome to The Past!"]]
* '''Orion Pax''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''67'''
**''accessories:'' Barrelroller partner, laser rifle

: This Japanese [[e-Hobby]] exclusive was a redeco of [[Targetmaster]] [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], released in conjunction with the 2006 reissue of Kup and designed to represent the character [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Orion Pax]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 television series]] episode "[[War Dawn]]". Orion transforms into a Cybertronic pickup truck and came with both a gun and [[Roller|Barrelroller]], a redeco of [[Recoil]]. He has full shoulder rotation, though the way his elbows are set up means he cannot make full use of their joints. His legs feature no articulation whatsoever.

: Just as the reissued Kup came with a reissue of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], this set also included a redeco of Wheelie as Orion's best friend, [[Dion]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/OrionPax/orionpax.htm More information on Orion Pax at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Transform Jr==
{{anchor|1985Jnr}}
[[Image:Convoy_Junior_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Prime's kid brother.]]
* '''Convoy''' (1985)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 fists (left and right), head, Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer

: As one of the first ''Transform Jr'' toys, this version of Optimus Prime was released under the early name for the series, ''Tranform Gōkin''. As a smaller, simplified version of the original Generation 1 Prime figure intended as a low-cost alternative for younger children, Prime features a similar transformation, with a removable head in addition to fists, but lacks rubber tires and translucent windows. As with most other ''Transform Jr'' figures, he lacked any of his major accessories, coming only with his rifle and a cardboard replacement for his trailer that the buyer assembled themselves.

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroSet}}
[[Image:Transformjr_hero_set.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''3 Hero Set''' (multipack, 1987)
**''Accessories:'' 2 fists (left and right), head, Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer

:The ''Transform Jr'' version of Prime was re-released a few years later in a "Hero Set" alongside the ''Jr'' versions of [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]].
{{-}}

==Return of Convoy==
{{anchor|StarConvoy}}

[[Image:StarConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"... and that's why you're my Micromaster now, [[Hot Rod (G1)|bitch]]"]]
* '''Star Convoy''' (Powered Master, 1991, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-372'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, [[Micro Trailer]], Microcarrier, small cannon, cannon turret stand, radar, connector, 2 ramps

: As the final new-design Optimus Prime toy from the original Generation 1 era, the Japanese-exclusive Star Convoy was a significant departure from previous versions. This incarnation of Prime transforms into an extended-hood cab truck of made-up model pulling an implausibly large trailer, incorporating the motorized "Microcarrier," an updated version of Roller. Powered by four AA batteries, the Microcarrier drives Star Convoy either forward or backward, spinning a radar dish mounted on the rear of his trailer as he rolls along. Prime's teammate in the [[Battlestars]], [[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]], can link up to the rear of Star Convoy's vehicle mode and be pulled along behind him; [[Sky Garry (ROC)|Sky Garry]] can then land atop Grandus, forming a giant vehicle.

:Unlike previous Prime toys, the cab section does not separate from the trailer for transformation, instead forming the arms of his imposing 12-inch tall robot mode. He lacks any sort of leg articulation in this mode, but the Microcarrier comes into play again, allowing Prime to roll either forward or backward into action.

:Additionally, Star Convoy transforms into a large battle station that interacts with the [[Micromaster]]s that made up the vast majority of the ''Transformer'' toyline at the time. His chest contains a peg that allows Micromaster figures to stand inside it in either robot or base modes, and he comes with a unique Micromaster version of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] not available on its own. He features storage space in his legs for two spring-loaded figure-launching [[Micro Trailer]]s, and comes with one of his own, decorated in a unique black and orange color scheme. In this mode, two ramps are connected to the Microcarrier; when the carrier's treads are set rolling, they do not move the base, but instead act as conveyor belts that carry Micromaster figures down the ramps. The Microcarrier also spins a gun turrent mounted between the conveyors, on which Micromaster figures can stand. Finally, a special connector packaged with Star Convoy allows the Microcarrier to be connected up to Grandus's base mode, powering his moving elevator.

:Star Convoy was reissued by Takara in 2005, with some notable alterations to his deco: his white plastic became silver, and the yellow star on his chest was replaced with golden chrome.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Cybertron/StarConvoy/starconvoy.htm More information on Star Convoy at TFU.info]''

==Generation 2==
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1993, 1994)[[Image:G2Prime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.]]
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (light blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, sound and lights module

:The first ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy was largely identical in sculpt to the original Generation 1 figure release. While his cab robot retained his original red and blue color scheme, his trailer was recast in black, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one displaying Optimus's name. The traditionally dark blue internal components of the trailer are a lighter blue, as is Roller, and a running change later made to the toy saw the dark blue of the cab robot changed to match this lighter shade. A bright yellow "Optimus" [[tampograph]] was also added to the back of his right leg.

:''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime comes with all his original accessories, as well as two major new play features. To increase his arsenal, he is armed with a pair of black missile launchers that fit in his fists and fire red spring-loaded missiles; these launchers were retooled from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' figure [http://www.yojoe.com/action/92/barricade.shtml Barricade]. Secondly, he comes with an electronic "sound and lights module" that can either plug into the front of the trailer, or hook onto Optimus's back in robot mode (via a new slot sculpted into the cab robot). The soundbox features a large, [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] Autobot symbol on its front, and three grey buttons which trigger two flashing red LEDs on either side of the module, and [[:Image:G2OptimusNoises.ogg|a trio of sound effects]]: a truck engine noise, a laser gun sound effect and a garbled voice that said "I am Optimus Prime!". The module also features ports on either side into which the missile launchers can peg.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Generation 2 Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|HeroOptimusPrime}}
[[Image:CombatheroPrime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|BE A HEEEERO]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Hero, 1994)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun, 2 rockets

:"Hero" Optimus Prime was the first new-mold Optimus Prime toy created for the ''Generation 2'' line. He transforms into a Kenworth truck of unknown model which defies Optimus convention by being one continuous unit, rather than the traditional cab-and-trailer combo. In addition to a small gun, he is armed with a large missile launcher, which can fire a rubber-tipped rocket by means of a bellows which you slam your fist down on to produce a puff of air. The launcher is accessible in both modes, ending up mounted on his right forearm in robot mode; the bellows is attached via a rubber hose and cannot be disconnected, but stores on the figures's back when not in use, as do the rockets. A similar air-launching system with identical missiles was used by the simultaneously-released [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Hero Megatron]], and by Laser Optimus Prime the following year (see below).

: This mold was also used to create [[Sureshot (G2)|Sureshot]] and the [[KB Toys]]-exclusive [[Destructicon]] [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Hero Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|LaserOptimusPrime}}
* '''Laser Optimus Prime''' (1995, 2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-13'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser cannon", "saber weapon", missile launcher, 10 missiles, 5 discs, 2 rockets
[[Image:G2toy laser optimus prime.jpg|right|thumb|400px]]

: Laser Optimus Prime transforms into a mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX, pulling a grey and black fuel tank trailer. The sides of the trailer are decorated with an unintentionally humourous sticker depicting Prime using a flamethrower to burn down a forest, with the words "Optimus Prime Octane" over the image. Not an especially Primey thing to do! The truck is armed with a disc launcher on the roof of its trailer, which launches five blue discs bearing the ''Generation 2'' Autobot insignia as a knob is turned. Like the other "[[Laser Rod|Laser]]" toys released this year, Prime features electronics powered by two button-cell batteries; in truck mode, pressing the button on the cab's roof causes his headlight to light up with yellow LEDs.

:In the grand Optimus tradition, the cab of Laser Optimus Prime disconnects to become the highly poseable robot mode of Prime himself. Like Powermaster Prime and Hero Prime, the toy features the iconic windshield pecs and grill abs, despite not actually being formed from the actual truck components they emulate. In robot mode, pressing the button on Prime's cab (now on his back) activates a red LED in his right fist which illuminates his clear-plastic sword (which stores beneath his legs in truck mode).

:Prime's trailer unfolds via a spring-loaded transformation mechanism in a battle station that is positively ''bristling'' with varied weaponry. In addition to the disc launcher, it is armed with a "ripple-fire" missile launcher that fires five missiles, an air-powered rocket launcher like the one previously seen on Hero Optimus Prime, and a small laser cannon that mounts on the base's main tower. Both the missile launcher and laser cannon can disconnect and be held by Prime; his LED-fist will illuminate the laser cannon like it does his sword. Additional missiles and a second rocket are stored in grooves inside the sides of the trailer.

:This mold was redecoed by Takara in 2000 as ''[[Car Robots]]'' [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]]. The following year, it was released by Hasbro as Black Convoy's ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' counterpart, Scourge, with retooled discs that lacked the Autobot insignia. Following this, the next use of the mold was planned to be [[Toxitron]], which ended up being canceled. Laser Prime was then reissued by Takara in 2006, using the modified tooling from ''Robots in Disguise'' with insignia-less discs, as well as a [[:Image:LaserOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|slightly modified deco]] that replaced the flat grey plastic on the chest and trailer sides with vacuum-metalized silver, replaced the chest sickers with new ones featuring the Matrix, and added Autobot insignia tamographs to his doors and trailer. Concurrent with this reissue, the toy was also redecoed into a [[e-Hobby]]-exclusive "[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Laser Ultra Magnus]]". The following year, the reissued Laser Prime toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] within the ''[[Beast Wars Reborn]]'' text story as a temporary form for [[Optimus Primal]].

:In addition to being the most popular Generation 2 figure, Laser Optimus Prime was, prior to 2003, a regular contender for most popular Transformers toy ''ever'', back in the days of the annual Transformers fan awards, "The Trannies." The toy won twice, and actually lost once to his repaint, Scourge.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Laser Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:G2toy_gobot_prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Sweet ride, Prime]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] Optimus Prime transforms into a red Hot Wheels-sized Lamborghini Diablo. Like most Go-Bots, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. He is armed with a small red laser rifle.

:The Japanese release of this toy swapped out the orange plastic for neon yellow, and had a large tampograph on the car's hood that was shaped like a stylized letter 'T', with the Transformers logo in it. Going against the grain, this toy was released in Japan with the name "Optimus Prime" instead of "Convoy".

:This mold was redecoed from the ''Generation 2'' Gobot [[Firecracker]]. The plastic colors are a "solid" version of Firecracker's color layout, substituting opaque red for transparent red plastic. It was redecoed again for the third wave of Go-Bots to become [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (who Prime ''really'' looks a lot like), and would later be used to created ''Robots in Disguise'' [[R.E.V.]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/OptimusPrimeGobot/optimusprime.htm More information on Go-Bot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:CombatHeroPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Combat Hero, 1995)
** ''Accessories:'' Gun, 2 rockets

: Combat Hero Optimus Prime was to be a redeco of Hero Optimus Prime in dark blue and red. A packaged sample of this toy was produced, but it was ultimately never released.

:A finished sample of Combat Hero Optimus Prime was among the rare toys auctioned off for charity at [[BotCon 1996]], along with several other unreleased ''Generation 2'' items.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
* '''General Optimus Prime''' (Auto Roller, 1995)
** ''Accessories:'' Four missiles
[[Image:Un autorollers.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]

: "General" Optimus Prime would have been a redeco of the Decepticon [[Auto Roller]] [[Dirtbag]] in green, ironically bearing a closer resemblance to [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s color scheme than the also-unreleased "Sgt. Hound" Auto Roller. General Optimus Prime would have transformed into a dump truck, and would've had an [[autotransformation]] gimmick.

: This mold was also used to make [[Autostinger]].

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Beast Wars==
Very early in the life of the ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toyline (before the debut of the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon), Hasbro treated the series as an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and so Optimus Primal was presented as being the same character as Optimus Prime.

* '''Optimus Primal vs Megatron!''' (Basic versus two-pack, 1996)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-6'''[[Image:BWtoy-Primalbat.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm Batman, and I can breathe in space.]]
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:The first ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Optimus Primal]] is a Basic size class blue bat which could autotransform into a robot by pulling the tail. Two swords were removable from under its wings for use as weaponry in robot mode. It was packaged along with an alligator version of Megatron and a ''Beast Wars'' mini-comic.

:This figure was released during the short-lived period when Hasbro was treating the Beast Wars as an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was presented as being the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of [[micro-continuity]] when the ''Beast Wars'' animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.

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

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimalBat/optimusprimal.htm More information on Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

[[Image:Optimusprimaltoyultraape.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Well, that's just Prime.]]
* '''Optimus Primal''' (Ultra, 1996/1997/1998)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
: The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. This gimmick was shown to be an effort to simulate a gorilla beating its chest while Optimus was in beast mode, but could also be used in robot mode, making him swing his weapons wildly before himself. And finally, like many first-year ''Beast Wars'' toys, a battle mask/"[[mutant head]]" could be deployed over his robot head.

:Takara released the toy as part of their ''Beast Wars'' line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. The missiles for the Takara version are thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the mold.

:Just like Optimus Primal's basic bat toy, this figure was released during the short-lived period when the Beast Wars was still considered to be an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of [[micro-continuity]] when the ''Beast Wars'' animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Optimus Primal and [[Beast Wars Telemocha]] DX Convoy, and [[retool]]ed into ''Beast Wars Reborn''/''Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary'' versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from ''Tele-V Magazine'', only ten awarded), red and gray (''Tele-V'' again, but only ''one'' awarded), and blue-fur (a ''Comics Bom Bom'' design-contest prize, only five awarded).

[[Image:BW-toy OptimusPrimalCDROM.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Freedom is the right of all superstitious, cowardly lots. Wait, no, that's not right...]]
*'''Convobat vs Megaligator''' (multipack)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''S-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
: Available only in a special CD-ROM two-pack with a [[Megatron (BW)/toys|purple redeco of "Megalligator"]], this version of Optimus Primal (maybe) retains its previous gimmickry. his back features a silver Maximal [[faction symbol]] plus "C-ROM", as in "Cybertron", get it? Huh? And Megatron has the "D-ROM"? See what they did there?

: Just what character this toy represents is up for debate. The toy's [[bio]] claims he used to turn into a tractor-trailer (indicating [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]), but considering the timeframe of when they were written and the whole lack of a stance on who Primal "was" before the show and bla bla bla... it's just easier to file this under the same iffiness as the original toy bios set on modern [[Earth]] and leave it at that.

: This mold was also used to make [[Onyx Primal]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Cybertron/ConvoyBat/convoybat.htm More information on CD-ROM Convobat at TFU.info]''

==Machine Wars==
[[Image:MachineWarsPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Minus mouthplate]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Ultra, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, 2 missiles

: Available only at [[KB Toys]], ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Optimus Prime is a redeco and slight retool of the European Generation 1 exclusive [[Turbomaster]] leader [[Thunder Clash]], transforming into a Cybertronic truck cab. It's easy to see why Thunder Clash was chosen to become the new Optimus Prime, given his adherence to Prime tradition: the cab disconnects to become the robot, while the trailer unfolds to become an assault tower with twin missile launchers. On the original Thunder Clash version of the mold, the launchers operated on a gravity-feed system that saw a new missile drop into the launcher from above each time one was fired, allowing for twelve to be fired in rapid succession, but for ''Machine Wars'' Prime, this feature had to be dialed back [[for safety reasons]]. The missiles had to be lengthened to prevent choking hazards, and so the toy's launchers were modified to accommodate them, becoming straightforward spring-loaded single-firing weapons.

: This version of the mold was planned to be [[redeco]]ed into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] for the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, but the release was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Machine Wars Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Choro-Q Robo==
[[Image:ChoroQOptimus.jpg|thumb|300px]]

* '''Convoy TV Version''' (2001)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''Q/01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:''[[Choro-Q|Choro-Q Robo]]'' Convoy is a small, cutesified transforming figure of Optimus Prime that changes from trailer-pulling truck directly to robot mode. The toy features a working pull-back motor, and is decorated in a color scheme based on Prime's appearance in the original Generation 1 cartoon, with blue eyes and windows and a grey stripe on the trailer.

* '''Convoy Metallic Version''' (2001)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''Q/02'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:This version of ''Choro-Q Robo'' Convoy is a redeco of the first, featuring glittering metallic plastic, and a deco based upon the original toy, with yellow eyes, black windows and a silver-and-blue stripe on the trailer.
{{-}}
==Commemorative Series==
[[Image:Commemorative_series_optimus_prime_modifications.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The snip that launched a thousand snits.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:The first reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in North America since the Generation 1 toyline reached its end, this "Commemorative Series" edition of the figure was a Toys R Us exclusive. It was ''mostly'' identical to the original figure, save for some necessary modifications made [[for safety reasons]]: In the first instance of what would become a recognizable alteration to the mold, the toy's smokestacks were shortened, while the Combat Deck's firing missiles were elongated to prevent potential choking, as was the case with all other Commemorative Series figures' firing missiles. This release also had the trailer's launching feature removed.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Commemorative Series Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ApexArmorPrime}}
[[Image:GodGinrai_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime with Apex Armor''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head, missile launcher, 2 missiles, [[Apex Bomber]] chest/trailer top, 2 legs (left & right), 2 arms (left and right), Armor chest/trailer front, 2 wings (left & right)

:Marketed as a reissue of Powermaster Optimus Prime, this Toys R Us-exclusive Commemorative Series figure is in truth based on the Ginrai tooling on the toy that had previously been exclusive to Japan. It features a die-cast metal cab with translucent blue windows, and shortened, chrome smokestacks, and comes packaged with the drone [[Apex Bomber]] (formerly Ginrai's partner [[Godbomber]]), who splits into several components and combines with Prime to form "Apex Armor". As with all other Commemorative Series figures, Prime's new spring-loaded missile launcher featured an elongated missile.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/ApexPrime/apexprime.htm More information on Powermaster Prime with Apex Armor at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Transformers Collection==
[[Image:Tf_collection_0_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''0'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, [[energon-axe]]

:As yet another in an increasingly large number of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this entry in the Japanese-exclusive ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues added a few extra goodies to spice things up. Chiefly, the figure was armed with a new [[energon-axe]], based on the weapon used by Prime in the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]", which plugs into either of the headlight-holes that normally accommodate Prime's fists. Additionally, Prime came packaged with a ring binder folder designed to hold the pull-out character file sheets that were included with all the other ''Transformers Collection'' reissues. Notably, this figure reinstated the original, thick version of Prime's rifle as the standard for all future Japanese reissues.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Transformers Collection Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Tfcollection_prime_fist.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Starscream''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''9'''

:This redeco of the original Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] [[Starscream (G1)/toys|toy]] came packaged with a remolded right fist for Optimus Prime. This fist featured additional pegs that allowed it to hold the pistol-mode [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] accessory which was also included with Starscream.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/AnimeStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Transformers Collection Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Smallest Transforming Transformers==
[[Image:WSTF_Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You didn't find my trailer, did you? Haw haw.]]
* '''Convoy''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF 01A'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:Standing only two-and-a-quarter inches tall, ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Optimus Prime is the smallest fully transforming G1 Optimus toy. He features an accurate transformation sequence based on the original full-sized toy, and he even comes with a tiny version of his laser rifle, but understandably has no detachable hands, and has little articulation. His trailer and Roller were also available as a separate set in the same wave, as a rare [[shortpacking|shortpacked]] figure with the ID number "GTF-01B".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/SmallestPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Wstf_anime_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy (Anime Version)''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF 06'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:''Smallest Transforming'' Prime was redecoed the following year for the second wave of the line, into a color scheme based on his Generation 1 cartoon appearance featuring brighter reds and blues, white thighs, yellow details on his bumper, and blue eyes and windows. This version of the figure was made available for a second time in the next wave ("Wave 2.5"), with a new anime-decorated version of the Combat Deck now available as a rare "chase" figure.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestAnimePrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Convoy (Anime Version) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Wstf_white_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy (White)''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF X-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:Another version of Prime was also available in the second wave of the ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' series as a chase figure. This almost entirely white version of the figure is clearly based on the version of the original Prime cab robot used in the Generation 1 Ultra Magnus figure, but was nonetheless sold as Optimus Prime for the ''Smallest'' line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestConvoyWhiteMode/convoy.htm More information on Convoy (White) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Wstf vsx.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Convoy vs Megatron''' (multipack, 2004)
** ''Japanese ID Number:'' '''VSX'''
** ''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:Available exclusively through [[Dengeki Hobby]] magazine, this ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' two-pack contains both Optimus Prime and Megatron, in homage to the original 1984 "VSX" giftset containing the original versions of the two leaders.
{{-}}

==20th Anniversary/Masterpiece==
[[Image:20thAnniversary_OptimusPrimesm.jpg|right|thumb|400px|And the fandom rejoiced.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer (Japanese release only)

: As the name suggests, this impressive incarnation of Optimus Prime was produced in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ''Transformers'' brand. So successful was the figure that ''ToyFare'' magazine ultimately ranked it #1 in their quest for "Best Toy Ever".<ref>[http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/toyfare/000054376.cfm ToyFare Magazine Best Toys Ever]</ref>

:Created with the specific purpose of producing an Optimus Prime as accurate to the original animated series as possible, the toy is exceptionally poseable, partially constructed from die-cast metal, features rubber tires and vacuum-metalized plastic and is heavily detailed, with sliding pistons in its joints and working spring-loaded suspension in vehicle mode. The figure also contains multiple non-intrusive gimmicks, such as a moving [[mouthplate]] to emulate Prime's traditional method of speech, flip-up communications panels on the forearms depicting images of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and an opening, light-up Matrix chamber in the chest, which contains a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.

:Optimus Prime comes with many accessories in addition to the aforementioned Matrix, including his traditional laser rifle, now termed (and henceforth known as) an [[ion blaster]]. The initial release of the figure cast the ion blaster in grey plastic, but later assortments recast it in its more familiar black coloration. Other accessories include a transparent orange energon-axe that plugs into either wrist when Prime's fist is retracted, and even a non-transforming gun-mode Megatron weapon, with removable stock, silencer and scope accessories, in homage to [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|several]] [[The Insecticon Syndrome|instances]] in the Generation 1 cartoon when Prime was forced to wield his enemy. Pack-in bonuses that came with the figure included an inner cardboard tray illustrated to resemble the interior of Prime's Combat Deck, and in later releases, a small poster drawn by [[Pat Lee]].

:Takara released the figure in their markets soon after, as the first of what would come to be several installments in their "[[Masterpiece]]" line. In addition to coming with a cardboard trailer that the buyer could assemble to "complete" Prime's truck mode, Takara's release differed from Hasbro's by featuring longer smokestacks (kept short on the Hasbro version [[for safety reasons]], but incorrectly shown to be long in the stock photography shown at right), and lacking the black scorch-marked "battle damage" paint applications Hasbro included on the figure's shoulders, wrists and abdomen.

:This mold was redecoed by Takara into a golden Lucky Draw figure and later released in its original coloration with a trailer as a "Perfect Edition" (see below for both), while Hasbro would later redeco it into their ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-branded "[[#Classics|DVD Edition]]". The mold was also used to make ''Masterpiece'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] and "[[Eldedroid|Masterpiece Convoy Black Version]]", representing one of many drones built in Prime's image, rather than Prime himself.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/20thPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Gold masterpiece prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|We salute the brave soul who transformed this thing in order to photograph it.]]
* '''Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer

:Offered as part of a Lucky Draw campaign in August 2004, this extremely rare version of Masterpiece Convoy is almost entirely vacuum-metalized gold, lacking any other painted detail or stickers. The parts which are not viable are molded in a flat golden plastic; the only exceptions are his rubber tires, the core of his Matrix and his energon-axe, which remain black, blue and orange, respectively. Whether or not the figure was intended to evoke Prime's [[:Image:Goldenlagoon_prime_perceptor.jpg|entirely-golden appearance]] in the cartoon episode "[[The Golden Lagoon]]", when he was coated with [[electrum]], is unknown; given that entirely chroming a figure gold is a fairly standard deco for Lucky Draw figures, it may just be happy coincidence more than anything else.

:The figure comes packaged in the standard Masterpiece Convoy box, with the only telltale sign of its fabled contents being the replacement of the traditionally silver foil lettering on the box with gold. It's not clear how many were made, but it is thought to be no more than 10 or 20.

::*''[http://www.goldoptimusprime.com/ More information on gold Masterpiece Convoy at GoldOptimusPrime.com]''
{{-}}[[Image:MP04Convoy2.jpg|right|thumb|300px|You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.]]
* '''Convoy Perfect Edition''' (2006, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer

: For this re-release of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy, Takara submitted to the biggest desire fans had for the figure and produced a full-size, fully transforming plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer opens up into Prime's Combat Deck, with storage for his accessories and a functional repair drone, though Roller is conspicuous by his absence. Like the original Combat Deck, the drone can extend through holes in the roof and front of the closer trailer, and the interior has enough room to accommodate one ''[[Alternators]]'' figure in vehicle mode. Some reports suggest that the paint on this figure's chest chips more easily than past editions.

: Continuating the trend begun by their previous release of ''Masterpiece'' Ultra Magnus in 2005, Hasbro [[Australia]] released Convoy Perfect Edition as a Target Australia [[exclusive]] in 2008. Takara themselves then made the figure available for a second time in October 2009.
{{-}}
[[Image:MP4Sconvoysleepmode.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Remember that scene from the movie that made you cry and traumatised you as a kid? Well now you can display me doing just that!]]
* '''Convoy Sleep Mode''' (2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-4S'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe

: Released by TakaraTomy as part of a 2010 promotion honoring the "future era" of the original cartoon (which was set in 2010 in Japanese continuity, you see!), this exceptionally morbid re-release of the ''Masterpiece'' Prime figure recolors the Autobot leader in blacks and greys, representing ''his dead body'' from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''—but don't worry, kids, it's actually a "sleep mode", according to the figure's name! Limited to 2010 pieces (see what they did there?), he comes with all his customary accessories, including the Perfect Edition trailer, redecoed where appropriate: the trailer itself has become translucent, his energon-axe is now transparent grey, and Megatron, in another movie homage, is rendered in translucent purple, evoking the scene depicting his transformation into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].
 
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Robot Masters==
[[Image:RMConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|My vehicle mode is dangerous and unroadworthy!]]
* '''G1 Convoy''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

: ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' "G1 Convoy" (as he is amusingly referred to even in fiction) visibly takes its cue from ''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime, featuring a similar sculpt, but sharing few to none of the larger toy's other attributes, least of all anything that could be described as a successful transformation.

:G1 Convoy comes with two sets of fists, each pair featuring differently-shaped fist holes: one pair with square holes to hold the figure's "Convoy Gun" (as his ion blaster is called), and the other with round holes to hold the spring-loaded translucent blue missile launcher (a generic accessory also available with ''Robot Masters'' [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Beast Megatron]] and [[Optimus Primal/toys|Beast Convoy]]). The fists are swapped out by simply popping them out of the wrist-hinge that holds them in place; the figure also includes an energon-axe that can be inserted into the wrist instead of a fist.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Convoy/convoy.htm More information on G1 Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:RM_DVDConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm shiny!]]
* '''G1 Convoy + DVD''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-10'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

: This special edition release of G1 Convoy is decked out in metallic paint, with an extra Autobot insignia tampographed onto his right shoulder, and a black Convoy Gun. The figure comes packed with a DVD containing the first episode of the ''Robot Masters'' cartoon, "[[Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!]]".
{{-}}[[Image:Rmblackconvoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm blacky!]]
* '''G1 Convoy Limited Black Version''' (2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right), Calamity Defenser

: Available only via mail-order through ''Dengeki Hobby'' magazine, the "Limited Black Version" of G1 Convoy is just that: a straight [[black repaint]] of the G1 Convoy toy. He comes with all his original accessories, appropriately redecoed (including a silver version of his axe), as well as a gold-chromed version of the "Calamity Defenser" [[Solitarium]] weapon that came with [[Psycho-Orb]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/HHG1Convoy/convoy.htm More information on G1 Convoy Limited Black Version at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Crayola_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The third one is totally ''Shattered Glass'' Prime!]]
* '''G1 Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

:When ''Robot Masters'' G1 Convoy was turned into a Lucky Draw figure, the color scheme into which he was redecoed was chosen through a children's coloring contest held in the pages of the December 2004 issue of ''[[TV Magazine]]''. The winning entry was a... ''startling'' mixture of blue, orange and two shades of green, earning the toy the [[fandom|fan]]-appointed nickname of "Crayola Convoy". As with all Lucky Draws, it is extremely rare, with only ten units produced.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/transformers+robot+masters+-+lucky+draw+custom+colour+g1+convoy/1594/transformers+robot+masters+-+lucky+draw+custom+colour+g1+convoy.html More information on "Crayola Convoy" at LuckyDrawTransformers.com]''
{{-}}

==Universe (2003)==
[[Image:SpychangerG1Prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Why won't they repaint my full-size toy in these colours?!?]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Spy Changer, 2004)

: ''Universe'' Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] of the ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]'s [[Spy Changer]] toy. He replaces most of the black plastic with predominantly red and blue, with silver for detailing, with an overall deco making him resemble the original Optimus Prime. Like most Spychangers, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly.

: Originally a KB Toys exclusive, the first release of this toy (and the others in the assortment) did not have any sub-line designation at all, but later releases for other chains, most notably "budget" chains like Family Dollar, marked them as ''Universe'' product.

:This mold would later be redecoed into a Spy Changer version of the live-action movie [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/SpyPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Universe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Hybrid Style==
*'''Convoy''' (2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''T.H.S.-02'''[[Image:THS02Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Expensive and tiny.]]
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand

: ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime is an ''insanely'' detailed and complex transforming toy, created under the supervision of famed mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]]. Standing only three and three-quarter inches tall in robot mode, the figure is partially constructed from die-cast metal and features one of the most complex transformation sequences ever seen on a ''Transformers'' figure of its size. Alas, the small size of the figure also works against it, as it required several design concessions that resulted in (if we're being nice about it) an unimpressive cab mode.

:Prime is loaded with a ridiculous number of features and accessories. The robot itself is highly poseable, and both the smokestacks on Prime's shoulders and the fuel tanks on his legs can be rotated forward to act as guns, even featuring sculpted detail to this effect. As ever, he comes with a trailer that opens up into his crazy-detailed Combat Deck, featuring more action features than ever before. In trailer mode alone, it features a flip-down support stand so it can stand alone, a spring-loaded pop-out ramp instead of a fold-down one, and when the trailer is split for transformation, the traditional support legs underneath automatically swing out into place. The trailer houses most of Prime's accessories, including his ion blaster (with a moveable ammo clip to allow for multiple poses) and energon-axe, as well as his classic gas pump accessory, now with a poseable wire instead of a rubber hose. Two fold-out compartments provide storage space for six of Prime's interchangeable fists, while the other two remain attached the robot: two clenched, two open, a pointing right fist, a tilted left fist (for holding the ion blaster's ammo clip), and two fists with slots to grip the miniscule Matrix of Leadership that fits in a tiny chamber in Prime's chest. The Combat Deck's artillery robot features two flip-out handles that Prime can grip as if aiming the drone's guns, and Roller is also included, with three different ports to hold Prime's gun and gas pump. Lastly, Prime comes with a rocket pack like those used by the Autobots in such Generation 1 cartoon episodes as "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Dinobot Island]]", and a stand shaped like the Autobot insignia that allows him to be displayed in mid-air, as if in flight. The rocket pack also has ports for Prime's weapons, and stores on the front of the trailer in vehicle mode.

:Purchase of a ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime at a Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] store allowed the buyer the option of also purchasing the exclusive ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Smallest Transforming Transformers|Hot Rod]] toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Cybertron/HybridConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Hybrid Style Convoy on TFU.info]''
{{-}}
*'''Convoy Black Version''' (2006)[[Image:THS-02B_G2Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Yanigerlicious!]]
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''T.H.S.-02B'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand, 2 missile launchers, 2 heads

:Available exclusively through e-Hobby, this black and teal repaint of ''Hybrid Style'' Convoy features the traditional "[[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]" color scheme, but represents a version of Optimus Prime himself. In addition to all the original accessories, the toys also includes several more deliciously metatextual goodies, themed around the ''Generation 2'' toy and comics: two new large guns patterned after the new weapons wielded by the ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy, and two additional (blue) Prime heads that can be swapped with the figure's regular noggin, sculpted explicitly in the style of [[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|''Generation 2'' comic]] artist [[Derek Yaniger]]. One head is pristine, the other decorated to match the battle damage seen on the cover of the [[War Without End!|first ''Generation 2'' issue]].

:As the more franchise-savvy TransFans may realise, these extra parts, plus the black trailer of Convoy Black Version, can all be used to modify the original, red ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime into a comic-accurate ''Generation 2'' version, complete with a black trailer, trailer-mounted guns and your choice of Yaniger-style heads.

:This figure came in a unique box, packaged with a [[Hybrid Style Convoy Black Version|mini-comic]], both illustrated by [[Hidetsugu Yoshioka]].
{{-}}

==Alternators==
[[Image:Alternators_OptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I don't come with a creepy girl...]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''21'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun
: ''[[Alternators]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into an accurate 1:24 scale Dodge Ram SRT-10. The vehicle mode features rubber tires, functional steering, opening hood, tail gate and doors with a detailed cabin interior. Several of the details of his robot mode body are based on the sculpt of the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime figure, but the head itself shares more similarities with the Powermaster mold. He is armed with a small pistol which transforms into his vehicle-mode engine.

:This figure was originally conceived by Hasbro to be another character (exactly who is unknown), rather than Optimus Prime, but Takara insisted that the toy be made into Optimus to help it sell well in their markets, as the vehicle mode was no particular draw, given its scarcity in Japan. Reportedly, the figure cost twice as much as other Alternators to construct, so Hasbro had to bow to this demand so Takara would help fund it. Ironically, Takara eventually wound up soliciting the figure ''not'' as Prime, but as his ''[[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' lookalike, [[Ginrai]] (perhaps connected to the Powermasteresque headsculpt), before its Japanese release was cancelled and moved over into the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' toyline (see below).

: It took two further years, but this figure was eventually released as part of the Japanese counterpart to the ''Alternators'' line (''Binaltech'') in 2008. [[:Image:Convoy_BT.jpg|''Binaltech'' Prime]] features some additional paint details, like his silver pelvis, additional patterns on his shoulders, and red paint on his engine-gun, and like all ''Binaltech'' figures, he also includes die-cast metal pieces.

:This mold was also used to create ''Alternators'' [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Alternators/Binaltech Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
==Kiss Players==
[[Image:Kiss_Convoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|...And yet, I do!]]
* '''Convoy X Melissa''' (2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, "[[Surfblade]]" surfboard/sword weapon, [[Marissa Faireborn]] figurine with stand and 2 pairs of arms and legs

: ''[[Kiss Players]]'' Convoy is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Optimus Prime. While the figures may appear similar at first glance, given that ''Kiss Players'' Prime is still red, blue and black, there are many subtle differences, not least of all the replacement of the ''Alternators'' figure's bare, flat red plastic with a deep metallic red paint. Several of his body parts are cast in different colors of plastic (for example, his shins, formerly black, are now blue, while his formerly-blue hands are now black), and he features more intricate paint applications on his shoulders, and especially his pelvis, which is decorated to look like Prime's traditional bumper.

:In addition to the small engine-pistol of his ''Alternators'' figure, Prime comes with the "Surfblade", a pink surfboard that can be reconfigured into either two small knives or a large double-bladed sword. As with all the ''Kiss Players'' figures, Prime also comes with a [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of a cute girl: in this case, Marissa Faireborn, who can perch upon his shoulder or sit in his driver's seat, and comes with two pairs of interchangeable arms and legs. Additionally, the set includes a CD featuring the first five episodes of the [[Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama]], as well as the exclusive bonus audio adventure, "[[Kiss_Players_(radio_drama)#CD_collections_and_special_episodes|Someday, Under the Sun]]."

:This set was originally intended to be released under the ''[[Binaltech Asterisk]]'' line, as "Black Convoy meets Marissa", but this release was cancelled before it was officially even announced.

{{-}}

==Titanium Series==
[[Image:TitaniumHeroes_WWPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Well he ''is'' a car... in a car ''crash''.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, display stand

: Based on Optimus Prime's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] form as seen in the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic book "[[The War Within]]", this version of Prime tranforms into Cybertronian truck. The figure was personally designed by comic artist [[Don Figueroa]], who created the original comic design in the first place, and his signature is left on the figure in the most literal way: the word "DON" can be seen sculpted into the barrel of his silver ion blaster.

:As a ''Titainum'' figure, Prime is made in large part from die-cast metal, but like so many of the other toys in the ''Titainum'' line, his plastic joints have trouble supporting his heavy metal weight. He comes with the generic display stand shared by all of the 6" "Cybertron Heroes", with a unique removable nameplate.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitTWW6OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Titanium Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Titanium_war_within_2pack.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''War Within Optimus Prime vs. War Within Megatron Battlepack''' (Multipack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
: A [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive item, this ''Titanium'' two-pack includes the previously-released ''War Within'' Optimus Prime along with the ''War Within'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] figure (which had not seen individual release at the time of this pack hitting shelves), and the [[The War Within issue 5|fifth issue]] of the ''War Within'' comic book, featuring an exclusive variant cover. Despite being mentioned in joint instruction leaflet for the set, neither figure includes their display base.
{{-}}

==Classics==
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Rub my symbol, Marissa. Oops, wrong toyline.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/laser cannon, wind vane/ion blaster

: ''Classics'' Optimus Prime is an all-new modern Optimus Prime design based upon the original Optimus Prime, as is the intention for the ''Classics'' toyline. He transforms into a modern cab-over style truck of made up model, dominated by a large wind vane on his roof. As with most ''Classics'' toys, he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:In robot mode, his wind vane transforms into a large ion blaster, and his smokestacks transform into a smaller laser cannon. Additionally, both weapons can combine together to form a double-barrelled over-shoulder weapon.

:Unfortunately, it also had a tendency for the yellow paint to flake off his forearms.

:This mold was slightly redecoed to make Prime's ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (franchise)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' [[#Henkei! Henkei!|counterpart]]. It was also used to create ''Classics'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]], [[BotCon 2008]] "[[Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] and the San Diego ComicCon 2008 exclusive [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Classics Voyager Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Vs.jpg|right|thumb|300px|They did me right, [[#20th_Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|once]].]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

: This ''Classics'' Optimus Prime is a smaller, deluxe-class with a noticeable physical resemblance to Takara's ''[[#Robot Masters|Robot Masters]]'' Prime figure, and a transformation that is about as successful. The figure is armed with a tommy gun-shaped laser rifle that transforms into a turret-like configuration and mounts on the rear of his truck mode, and features a spinning "power punch" action that sees the whole upper half of his torso spin when a button on his back is pressed. Pressing the button "unlocks" the spinning mechanism; pull ''hard'' on the button, and you can lock the torso back into place.

:In the United States, Prime was only available in a special two-pack with a similarly unique ''Classics'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron toy]], and the specially-produced "[[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle|The Ultimate Battle]]" DVD (which is, inappropriately enough, entirely about the [[Unicron Trilogy]]). In Mexico and some European countries, however, the two figures were available individually.

:This figure was later made availale as part of the "Leader for the Ages" two-pack released under the [[#Transformers (2007)|live-action movie line]], then redecoed slightly to create the 2008 [[#Universe (2008)|''Universe'']] "Special Edition" Optimus Prime.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsDVDOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Classics Deluxe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}[[Image:DVD_20thPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Discounted at a Walmart near you.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leader, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, display stand

: Produced to coincide with the 20th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and its release on DVD by [[Sony]], this edition of Prime is a redeco of his [[#20th Anniversary|20th Anniversary]] figure. It replaces the original's metallic paint with flatter colors and does away with any and all vacuum-metalized plastic, as well as altering several other small details across the body, like the color of the lights on his feet and chest.

:Prime comes with all the accessories of his previous release, although his ever-changing ion blaster is now somewhat confusingly cast in blue plastic. He features one major additional accessory: an electronic display base sculpted with the image of the Matrix and the Autobot insignia. Pressing the insignia's crest triggers a series of electronic soundbytes, mostly quotes from the movie recited not by original actor [[Peter Cullen]], but by Hasbro's in-house actor, [[Ron Hayden]]: "Autobots, transform and roll out!", "I want you to make a special run to Autobot City," "Megatron must be stopped!", "All we need is a little energon, and a lot of luck," and two samples of the classic transformation sound effect, one ascending, one descending.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/20thDVDOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on DVD Edition Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|PepsiPrime2007}}
[[Image:PepsiOptimusPrime.JPG|thumb|300px|Subservience to Corporate America is the duty of all servile beings.]]
*'''Pepsi Optimus Prime''' (Autobot, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, ion blaster, trailer

:Inspired by the [[#Generation 1|1985 promotional version]] of Optimus Prime that featured Pepsi stickers on his trailer, this outlandish incarnation of Prime is a slightly altered version of Takara's 2005 [[Pepsi Convoy]] figure (which represented a different character to Prime). The figure was only sold by [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] at various conventions, and given away as a promotional prize by Pepsi, via their [[Mountain Dew]] brand.

:A redeco of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime cab robot sporting an egregious number of Pepsi-themed paint masks and details, Pepsi Prime's differences from Pepsi Convoy are minimal: he features the shortened smokestacks previously seen on the [[#Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] release of the mold, and also has a different layout for the Pepsi logo on his right shoulder. Like Pepsi Convoy, he comes with an entirely new trailer unit, specially designed to carry either a single 500ml-size soft drink bottle, three 350ml cans, or 12 bottle caps (bottle cap figurines being a common and popular collectible item in Japan). In a first for the Prime mold, the figure's fists store in holes on the underside of the trailer while he is in vehicle mode. His ion blaster (which also stores under the trailer) is the first Hasbro reissue to feature the original, thick-barrel sculpt, which was reinstated to the mold by the ''[[#Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' release of Prime a few years prior.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/PepsiPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Pepsi Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
==Sports Label==

[[Image:NikemusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Comfortable ''yet stylish'' jogging is the right of all fashionable beings.]]
*'''Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster

:Surely one of the strangest examples of licensed ''Transformers'' products, ''Sports Label'' Convoy transforms into a ''shoe''. Something of a [[shellformer]], this baffling incarnation of Prime is colored primarily white and red in his alt mode of a realistic-looking (if notably undersized) Nike Free 7.0 sneaker, complete with gratuitously long real fabric shoelaces. In robot mode, he is made instantly recognizable by his incorporation of some additional blue and silver in predictable areas, and a traditionally Prime-styled head. Less traditionally, and somewhat perversely, Prime's feet are sculpted in the likeness of his own sneaker mode, making it seem like he's wearing himself!

:His gun splits into two halves and stores inside his [[kibble]] in shoe mode; in an undocumented features, it has two handle pegs on opposite sides, so that it can be held either at its far end or halfway along its length. The gun halves can also be plugged together in two different ways.

:This figure was, in fact, the ''only'' mold in the ''Sports Label'' line. It was redecoed into the "Marine Free" version of Prime himself (see below), and given a new head to create ''Sports Label'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Sports Label|Megatron]]''

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Cybertron/SLConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Sport Label Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}[[Image:Sportslabel_convoy_marine_version.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0 Marine Version'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
:A redeco of the first ''Sports Label'' Convoy, this figure transforms into a white, navy and grey sneaker. Promotional images for the figure depicted its robot mode as white and aqua-blue, but the finished product was visibly darker, produced in shades of off-white and dark teal robot mode. In either coloration, it sure as heck ''looks'' like it should be [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], but for whatever reason... it ain't.
{{-}}
==Encore==
[[Image:Encore_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:A new series of reissues means a new release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure, and Takara's ''[[Encore]]'' series proved no different. This edition of the figure featured no extra accessories, but it did include the original, thick-barrelled version of Prime's rifle, as reinstated to the mold by the ''[[#Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' version of the toy a few years prior. The blue plastic is lighter than the standard blue used on most versions of this mold, but not as light as the Generation 2 or 25th Anniverary releases.
{{-}}

==Music Label==

* '''Convoy {{m-}}playing iPod speaker{{m-}}''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster
[[Image:MusicLabel-toy iPodConvoy.JPG|thumb|300px|You just paid 140 bucks for a new headsculpt, didn't you? I bet you don't even ''own'' an iPod...]]
: Hot on the heels of their lisencing deals with Pepsi and Nike, TakaraTomy got themselves a slice of Apple™ pie and released Convoy {{m-}}playing iPod speaker{{m-}} as part of their small, musically-themed ''[[Music Label]]'' line. This version of Prime is an all-white redeco of the original Generation 1 cab robot, which (much like the "Marine Version" of Prime from the ''[[#Sports Label|Sports Label]]'' line) makes it seem like he ought to be Ultra Magnus. The figure is actually even derived from the retool of the mold created for the original Ultra Magnus figure, as distinguished by the elongated hubcap pegs on the front wheels. Like Pepsi Prime before it, the figure's fists now store in peg holes on the under side of its trailer. The toy lacks any of the original Prime's stickers (even the silver stripe on his chest is now a [[paint operation]]) and includes the original thick-barrelled version of Prime's blaster. The toy features a brand new headsculpt based on the [[#20th Anniversary|20th Anniversary]] Prime figure, given additional poseability not previously seen on the figure by being mounted on a [[ball joint]].

:This, of course, is all secondary to the main draw of the figure: it pulls an all-white trailer, which transforms into a working iPod speaker dock by rotating a substantial wedge of its full length 90 degrees . The dock features three working buttons; power, volume up and volume down, as well as an Autobot sigil indicator light. Included is a wall-plugging (Japanese) A/C adaptor with a long lead that plugs into the reverse of the trailer. Although American importers shouldn't have too much trouble, those living in parts of the world using higher strength A/C current outlets should be warned NOT to simply plug the A/C adaptor in with only a socket adapter, as this will overload the device and fry it completely. Buying the appropriate kind of universal A/C adaptor with advice from an electronics specialty shop is recommended.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Cybertron/MLConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Music Label Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Musiclabelprimewithdock.jpg|thumb|right|300px|I'm gonna call you Peanut.]]
* '''Optimus Prime {{m-}}speakers for iPod{{m-}}''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster
:Designated "Optimus Prime" rather than the traditional Japanese "Convoy", this figure is a redeco of the previous ''Music Label'' Convoy figure into the character's traditional red, blue and silver color scheme. This includes his trailer, though the effect is somewhat marred by the large, visible gap on one side. When reconfigured into dock mode, the interior surfaces surrounding the speakers are decorated with black-on-silver techno-patterns as well as three "Optimus Prime" logos. The recessed space also features a stylised, almost [[Frank Miller]]esque, high-contrast portrait of Prime's face, although this is largely covered when an iPod is inserted. The figure comes in identical packaging to the original ''Music Label'' Convoy, save for the addition of a sticker illustrating the different color of its contents.
{{-}}[[Image:ExileTransformersSpeakers.jpg|thumb|300px|The right of all sentient beings is... um... what am I promoting now? Wait, a [[wikipedia:Exile_(Japanese_band)|Japanese pop band]]? Are you kidding me? I need a new agent.]]
*'''EXILE x TRANSFORMERS {{m-}}speakers for iPod{{m-}}''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster

:Exclusive to [http://www.ldhshop.jp/ LDH Shop], this redeco of the ''Music Label'' Convoy toy is utterly ridiculous and was created as a promotion for the Japanese pop band [[wikipedia:Exile_(Japanese_band)|EXILE]]. While Convoy himself has EXILE written on his right forearm, his trailer sports the "Love Dream Happiness" tagline of LDH Inc.[http://www.ldh.co.jp/shopping/index.html], as well as the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008" logo of the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008 Ultimate Best Box" boxset, which was released some months after he was.

:Categorically, it was at this point we learned that neither Takara nor Optimus Prime possess shame.
{{-}}

==Transformers (2007)==
[[Image:Movie LeaderfortheAges 2pack.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The more things change, the more they, uh, get bigger guns.]]
* '''Leader for the Ages''' (Wal*Mart exclusive two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

: This Wal*Mart-[[Exclusive|exclusive]] two-pack pairs the deluxe-size ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' Optimus Prime figure with [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] line's ''[[Fast Action Battler]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Power Hook Optimus Prime]] toy. Both toys are identical to their original releases, and together represent the Optimus Primes of the oldest and newest generations (at the time) of ''Transformers'', respectively. The movie Prime is designated "2007 Optimus Prime", while the ''Classics'' figure is dubbed "1984 Optimus Prime" (referring not, of course, to the toy, which was produced in 2006, but to the character).
{{-}}

==Diablock==
*'''Diablock Convoy''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''01''' ('''Mecha Builder Vol.03''')[[Image:DiablockPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px| We have the technology. We can ''rebuild him''. Except, uh.. for his face.]]
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster

:Rounding out a bumper year of Japanese-[[exclusive]] Generation 1 Optimus Primes, the Takara-licensed Kawada brand ''Diablock'' Convoy is a fully transformable Lego-style block building figure similar in premise to the earlier American ''[[Built to Rule]]'' sets. The ''Diablock'' figure, however, easily outstrips the ''Built to Rule'' sets by both being an accurate representation of the toy on which it is based, and being able to transform between modes ''without'' having to be partially disassembled and put back together first.

:Forming a roughly 11-inch figure when fully assembled, ''Diablock'' Convoy is highly articulated, save for his head, which is only able to move up and down. Said head is also by far the most stylised aspect of the figure, with no real attempt to approximate Prime's face or mouthplate, instead featuring only a reversed block that gives the odd impression of a cycloptic eye. It is possibly intended to actually represent his forehead grill, as a yellow block inside his head construction remains barely-visible through a slit in his face, possibly intended to represent the classic toy's yellow eyes.

:The figure's transformation scheme is based on the original G1 figure, the only differences being that the fists are not removed but become the headlights, and instead of flipping backwards inside the chest, ''Diablock'' Convoy's noggin flips forwards with the aid of opening chest windows. A "laser rifle" in the shape of his ion cannon can be built from black bricks, and stickers bearing the Autobot [[Insignia|faction symbol]] can be placed on his shoulders, although this is not recommended as it is designed to permanently stick to multiple tiles which dislodge easily and may damage the sticker.

==Henkei! Henkei!==
[[Image:Henkei_convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''C-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers'' Convoy is a redeco of ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' Optimus Prime. He features a significantly altered colour scheme, generally to make the toy more closely resemble his appearance in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon and the original toyline. His truck mode features less silver paint striping, but compensates by vacuum-metalizing the entire grill/fender area silver chrome. In robot mode all of his previously grey plastic is replaced with red plastic, with a majority of it being painted silver, chromed, or painted gunmetal gray. He features a different shade of red, blue, and clear blue plastic than the Classics version. Since ''Henkei!'' toys do not feature a heat-sensitive rubsign, ''Henkei'' Convoy has two Autobot sigils tampographed onto his shoulders.
{{-}}
[[Image:Henkei clear convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy Clear Version''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:This redeco of ''Henkei'' Convoy is cast almost entirely in translucent colored plastic. Also known by the nickname "Crystal Convoy" among fans, it was first released as an exclusive for the Japanese convention Tokyo Toy Fair 2008, limited to 1000 pieces at the event, but was later made available through [[e-Hobby]]. It was sold in a monochrome-blue version of ''Henkei'' Convoy's regular packaging.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act491/index.php More information on Convoy Clear Version at TFkenkon.com]
{{-}}
[[Image:Lucky draw gold henkei prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:Chromed entirely in gold like many other [[Lucky Draw figure]]s before it, this version of Prime was available only through a TV Magazine mail-in promotion held in December 2008, and was limited to only five units, making it one of the rarest officially available Transformers toys in the world.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+convoy/2079/gold+convoy.html More information on Gold Convoy at LuckyDrawTransformers.com]''
{{-}}

==Universe (2008)==
===Generation 1 Series===
[[Image:Universetoy 25th anniversary optimus prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, sound effects module, comic, DVD

:Sold at the rather exorbitant price of $75, this re-release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy is actually one of the most visually different from the other "straight" reissues of the mold, despite Hasbro's assurance that this is the toy you had as a kid. Positively ''anemic'' in comparison with the original toy, this Prime's red parts are visibly paler than usual, while his blue parts are much lighter. This shade of blue extends to both Roller (a lighter blue than his traditional dark shade, yet darker than the lightest the figure has been in its history) and the internal workings of his Combat Deck, which is itself a much flatter shade of light grey, compared to its normal dark, swirled metallic silver color. In addition, the toy features the now-customary shortened smokestacks, and the elongated missiles seen on the [[#Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] release. While all reissues of the Prime mold since 2003 have used the original thick-barrelled mold for his ion blaster, this version includes the slender sculpt instead.

:As a 25th anniversary set, Prime includes several new pack-in bonuses: a reprint of the [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue]] of the original [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comic book]], a DVD containing all three parts of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|animated series]] pilot [[More than Meets the Eye (episode)|"More than Meets the Eye"]], and three desktop wallpapers, and a battery-powered Autobot symbol that plays transforming sound effects, part of the first version of the ''Transformers'' [[theme song]], and three voice clips performed by Peter Cullen: "I am Optimus Prime!", "Autobot, transform and roll out!" and "Megatron must be stopped, no matter the cost."

:Initially a Myer exclusive, but later finding its way to Toys R US and finally (at roughly 70% off the initial $100 price tag) K-Mart, the Australian release was repackaged in a thinner rectangular box. It contained all the original accessories from the American release, but interestingly NOT the DVD. In addition, there are some reports that the Autobot symbol could be worn out or damaged during the time of purchase.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/25thOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Uni2008-toy_SEOptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe Class: Special Edition, 2008)
**''ID Number:'' '''SE-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:"Special Edition" Optimus Prime is a redeco of the ''Classics'' multi-pack toy, featuring some minor detail changes. He came in special "book box" style packaging with black-and-white boxart, and was only availabe at retail in Australian and Asian markets. North American customers could later buy him via [[Hasbro Toy Shop]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/HTSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Special Edition Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:Titanium-toy_Target_OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Yawn.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, display stand

: A [[Target]]-exlusive [[redeco]] of War Within Optimus Prime in [[Transformers (2007)|live-action film]]-inspired colors. The bio on the back of the packaging only fills up half of the allotted space, as if the [[Forest Lee|writer]] were tired of describing Optimus Primes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TitOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Target-exclusive Titanium Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
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==Alternity==
*'''Convoy Ultimate Silver''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''A-01'''[[Image:AlternityConvoy VibrantRed.jpg|300px|thumb]]

:''Alternity'' Convoy transforms into a 1:32 scale Nissan GT-R, featuring die-cast metal parts and an opening hood, trunk and doors. This complex figure stands at 6.5" tall, and is armed with a pair of blasters on each arm. In the hyper-dimensional world of the oft-confusing ''Alternity'' fiction, this figure specifically represents the Optimus Prime of [[universal stream]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Binaltech|Primax 903.0 Beta]].

:''Alternity'' Convoy was simultaneously available in both this silver coloration, and a deco based on his traditional appearance termed "Vibrant Red" (see below). The figure was later redecoed to create "Convoy Super Black", representing not Optimus Prime, but ''[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Universe 2003)|Nemesis Prime]], and ''Alternity'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Alternity|Ultra Magnus]].

:All three versions have a minor design oversight where the rear Nissan badge collides with another part during transformation, often causing the clear plastic socket directly below to crack.

*'''Convoy Vibrant Red''' (2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''A-01'''

:"Vibrant Red" ''Alternity'' Convoy is a redeco of the "Ultimate Silver" figure in the much more traditional red and blue Prime color scheme, representing the Optimus Prime of universal stream [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Alternity|Primax 109.0 Beta]]. The figure was available simultaneously with the Ultimate Silver version, sharing the same packaging and pack-in materials, save for the color of the illustration on the front of the box, and a sticker that identified the figure within.
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==Generations==
[[Image:Generationstoy-CybertronianOptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|It's ''[[War Within]]'' but with fewer chinstraps and handvents.]]
*'''Cybertronian Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe Class, 2010)
:*''Accessories: '' "blaster" rifle

: Based on his appearance in the video game ''[[War for Cybertron]]'', Optimus Prime transforms from a red, blue, and silver robot into an "armored tank mode." His rifle transforms as well, halving itself and plugging into the roof of the vehicle mode. In this compacted configuration, it can also peg into either of his forearms.

:Optimus Prime is part of the first wave of ''[[Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxes, but he and Cybertronian [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] shipped ahead of their two other wavemates via [[Toys"R"Us]].
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==Notes==
[[image:PrototypeTHB.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Not so Optimus Prime.]]

*The first prototype for Battle Convoy, the ''[[Diaclone]]'' originator of Optimus Prime, was vastly different from the final version, complete with an entirely different transformation and a car carrying trailer. The head lacked the faceplate.

*The toy that would ultimately end up as the original Optimus Prime toy was originally released in August 1983 as No.17 Battle Convoy from Takara's Diaclone Car Robo toyline in Japan. In 1984, [[Joustra]] released their own version (still with ''Diaclone'' sticker on the trailer) as part of their Diaclone line in Europe, either simply called ''Truck'' (according to the pack-in catalog) or ''Diaclone'' (in the pack-in comic). It's possible that GiG also released a version called ''Camion Convoy'' as part of their Trasformer line in Italy, but to this day no packaged sample has surfaced.
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===The many releases of Optimus Prime===
[[Image:SeveralG1Convoy.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Too much Prime on my hands.]]
Over the years, the [[#G1v1|original Optimus Prime]] has been repackaged and reissued multiple times:

*In the USA and Canada, limited edition promotional versions were available sporting Pepsi stickers;

*In addition to the standard Japanese 01 Convoy release, Takara also released the toy as part of the [[#VSX|VSX Convoy vs. Megatron]] two-pack in 1985;

*Takara released a variant sporting clear blue windows and as part of the "[[#goodbye|Good Bye Convoy]]" set (packaged with [[Red Alert (G1)#Toys|Alert/Red Alert]] and [[Mirage (G1)#Toys|Ligier/Mirage]]) in 1986;

*French company Ceji Revell released a version with red feet in the UK in 1984;

*Milton Bradley (MB) released the toy in Europe in late 1985, following [[trademark]] issues;

*Hasbro re-released the toy in Europe in 1986, including another red feeted variant;

*[[GiG]] released the toy as ''Commander'' as part of their ''Transformers'' line in Italy in 1985, including an all-plastic variant in 1986;

*Hasbro reissued the original toy as part of their European [[Classics (Europe)|Classic]] line of reissues in 1991;

*Hasbro released a [[#Generation_2|redecoed version with additional accessories]] as part of their [[Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' line]] in 1993;

*Takara reissued the original toy in its original 1985 Japanese packaging in 2000, with an all-black recolor being available from assorted Japanese conventions and another variant with gold instead of silver parts, stickers, and paint as a [[Lucky Draw figure|lucky draw]] prize;

*Takara reissued the toy again as ''New Year Special'' version in January 2002, sporting clear blue windows (similar to Good Bye Convoy) and featuring additional accessories such as a Matrix necklace and a [[Show-accuracy|show accurate]] recolor of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure;

*Hasbro reissued the toy in the USA and the UK as part of their ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues in 2002, sporting shortened down smokestacks [[for safety reasons]];

*Takara reissued the toy once again in 2003, as part of their ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues, numbered 00 and featuring additional accessories such as an energon axe;

*Takara released a recolored version featuring a new trailer in December 2005, called ''[[Pepsi Convoy]]''.

*Hasbro released their own version of Pepsi Convoy, named "[[#PepsiPrime|Pepsi Optimus Prime]]", as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive in 2007, featuring the familiar [[For safety reasons|safety]]-shortened smokestacks of the Commemorative Series reissue.

*In August 2007 TakaraTomy yet again did a rerelease similar to the 2000 Convoy rerelease, this time as part of the "[[Encore|Transformers Encore]]" line. This version has a new rifle with a longer handle so Optimus can finally hold it straight.

*TakaraTomy released [http://seibertron.com/advertisement.php?id=8 "Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers"] in September 2007. It is an iPod speaker/dock in the shape of a truck, featuring an all-white version of Convoy with a new head sculpt reminiscent of Masterpiece Convoy as the cab, and a trailer housing a pair of speakers and a docking point for an iPod.
*In March 2008, TakaraTomy released a G1-colored version of the iPod Convoy set.

* Hasbro released the ''25th Anniversary'' gift set edition detailed above in 2008, as part of the 2008 ''Universe'' line, once again with [[For safety reasons|shortened smokestacks]].

===Powermaster Optimus Prime design history===

[[Powermaster]] Optimus Prime, being the grand toy rebirth of Optimus Prime post-movie, apparently received a lot of thought during the design process. Prime went through an inordinate number of design changes from concept to final with at least three very major revisions:

[[image:EarlyPMPrime1.jpg|220px|right|thumb|Overcompensating.]]

*The earliest version, as shown in the first patent application for the toy, was to have the Prime cab be a triplechanger, turning from truck cab to jet or robot<ref>[http://v3.espacenet.com/origdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=JP63132686&F=0&QPN=JP63132686 Patent #JP63-132686]</ref>. The nosecone of the jet and robot legs were released by the Powermaster lock in the same fashion as the legs in the final version. Optimus would have had winged arms in non-super robot mode. The super robot mode's head was also integrated into the trailer's hitch... and lacked a faceplate.

[[image:EarlyPMPrime2.jpg|100px|right|thumb|Blockhead.]]
*The second known version <ref>''[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]]'', p22, p106</ref> ditched the triplechanging gimmick on the cab and simplified things a good bit. This Powermaster Prime has several distinct characteristics only seen in the second design, such as the wider "block head" and two faux smokestacks on top of either shoulder as opposed to one. Also, in a rather odd twist, this design features a black head and fists for both super and regular modes rather than the traditional blue. It also had yellow eyes in either mode a la the original Optimus Prime.

*The third version <ref>''[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]]'', p106</ref> would quite possibly have been the most gimmick loaded Transformer in the history of the line, simultaneously being a Powermaster, [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and [[Triple Changer]]. The Headmaster also would have been a Triple Changer, turning into a sort of armored four-wheeled rover (Roller II?) and robot as well as a rather silly looking Optimus Prime head with four vertically aligned wheels jutting off the sides. It seems that when the extra Headmaster gimmick was scrapped, the super mode head remained separate rather than being reintegrated into the trailer hitch such as on the earliest design. Notably, the body of this design is extremely close to the final design.

*A fourth version is shown in the 1987-88 Transformers product catalog that has several minor differences from both Powermaster Prime and [[Ginrai|God Ginrai]], such as having God Ginrai's sliding fists but in red, a completely different trailer hitch assembly partially based on the third design, an offset Autobot symbol in base mode, extended feet also based on third design, far more detailed super mode outer leg panels, completely different front bumper, and the first instance of single faux shoulder smokestacks rather than two. It is still unknown as to why Powermaster Prime has completely different arms from God Ginrai or all earlier concept versions.

Powermaster Prime's animation model as used in the commercials and as a character guide for the Marvel comics is a composite of the second and third designs. The body of the model is actually a straight tracing of the concept lineart for the third version (including its different rifles and twin faux shoulder stacks), with a slightly simplified drawing of the second version's head drawn on top.

===Miscellaneous Primes===
[[Image:PMHeroTrace.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Stealing purses across the ages.]]
*G2 Hero Optimus Prime's card art is rather blatantly traced from G1 Powermaster Prime's lineart.
*On a similar note, Machine Wars Optimus Prime's card art is merely edited from G2 Laser Optimus Prime's card art, keeping it mostly intact save for the removal of shoulder kibble and the addition of a non-windowed chestplate.
[[Image:Optimus prime nokia 6820.JPG|thumb|right|125px|Wait...I'm sure this is from Finland. But why did [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] say...]]
*The Masterpiece Optimus Prime toy was featured in a print ad for [[Wikipedia:Nokia 68xx series#Nokia 6820|Nokia 6820]] phones. He is posed bent over to look at the phone and scratching his head. Pleasantly, ''most'' of the pose pictured is perfectly possible with an un-[[kitbash]]ed, un-Photoshopped version of the toy. (The real toy can't bend forward at the waist like that, alas.)

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==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Optimus+Prime ToyBin Optimus Prime Toy gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime on TFU.info]
* [http://www18.big.or.jp/~m-kaz/nanan/images/kaku/586.html Revoltech Optimus Prime and Megatron Gallery]

== Footnotes ==
<references />

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Alternators]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Autobot leaders]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Contest prizes]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: E-Hobby]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Go-Bots]]
[[Category: Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category: Kiss Players]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category: Powermasters]]
[[Category: Return of Convoy characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category: Universe (2008)]]