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Thundercracker (G1)

2008-06-08T17:17:00Z

72.221.80.13: /* Generation 1 */

{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}

:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1guido.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The blue one. No, the ''other'' [[Dirge (G1)|blue one]].]]

'''Thundercracker''' claims the skies as his arena. He looks down in contempt on those who cannot leave the ground -- he considers them lesser beings. He will often attack the flightless beings below him for no other reason than to satisfy his scorn.

His superiority in this realm is the only thing he is sure of. Thundercracker is not entirely committed to the Decepticon cause, and even has some seemingly contradictory sympathy for the [[human]]s they terrorize. Fear of retribution from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the influence of his peers is usually enough to bury these doubts. Regardless, he needs constant reassurance that he's where he needs to be. Sometimes, his [[Spark|heart's]] just not in the job.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Coup de Tonnerre'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Vampiro'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Villámcsapás''' ("Lightning strike")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Lieh-lei''' ("Cracking Thunder") / '''Lei-gong''' ("[[Wikipedia:Lei Gong|Duke of Thunder]]")


==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}

[[Image:Skywarpthundercrackerintroduction.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Thundercracker is the one that is not Skywarp.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Thundercracker was given a new [[altmode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Thundercracker, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobot]]s, though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''On another occasion, he and Skywarp made a strafing run on two Autobot spies, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker]]. Jazz was deafened and blasted off the road, but Sunstreaker led them into a human military zone, prompting Megatron to call them back to base. {{Storylink|Perchance to Dream}}''

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Thundercracker and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter, and nursed Thundercracker and his comrades back to full health. Thundercracker may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Skywarp. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], he revived early and soon quickly escaped from the Ark. He, Frenzy and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] were then temporarily displaced to [[Limbo]] when [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] time-jumped from 2006. {{storylink|Target 2006}}''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and subsequently brought back on-line. {{storylink|Totalled!}} Much later, Thundercracker attacked an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Skywarp were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

====Generation 2====

Thundercracker was active on Earth during the Decepticons' major offensive against the human population, and was present when Megatron stole the [[Creation Matrix]] from Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}}

====Classics====

After being revived from a state of near death, Thundercracker couldn't bring himself to serve with Starscream, the bot who killed him, and so he joined [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Decepticon faction instead of his old leader Megatron's group. Of course, he ended up dead anyway at the hands of his latest maniacal boss, [[Bug Bite]], so...tough break. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===American cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (English), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (on the right). Out of all the pre-earth alt modes, these pyramid jets seem to be the only ones anyone really cares about.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] elite warriors, participating in the attack on the [[Ark]] and joining the rest of the Earth-bound Transformers in their several-million-year nap under an inactive volcano. He awoke when the rest of the Decepticons did, and took part in their attempts to gather [[energon]] and escape the planet [[Earth]], which he loathed for being too "flat". It was he and [[Reflector]] who spotted the first "potential Autobot", when in fact they had discovered the planet's native inhabitants, two [[human]]s, in an unliving vehicle.{{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

One of the few things he seemed to loathe even more than the world he was stranded on was the attitude of his commander, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Thundercracker often started fights with the [[Air Commander]], usually over whether or not Megatron's latest plan was a waste of time (Thundercracker took Megatron's side). At one point, Thundercracker's distaste for "that geeky Starscream" became so strong that he was willing to let [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] destroy one of the Decepticons' greatest weapons, just in the hopes that Starscream would get blamed for it!{{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Despite these brushes with treachery, however, Thundercracker just never had it in him to do anything more than complain about his fellow Decepticons.

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1.jpg|left|thumb|JETSON, YOU'RE FIRED!!!]]

Thundercracker was present for the Decepticon assault on [[Autobot City]] in 2005. After the battle, the injured Thundercracker was tossed out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] with the rest of the injured and weakened warriors, who were jettisoned for ballast in order to preserve fuel.

That was not, however, entirely the end of Thundercracker's story. [[Unicron]] was waiting in space for a chance like this, and when the newly reborn [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] needed some new troops to command, Thundercracker was among the old Decepticons chosen to use as raw materials. His body was used to create [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and was thus given a new lease on life.{{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}}

Later [[Octane]] would show concern when he ran into a [[Decepticon Crypt]] to hide from some Cyclonus, the Sweeps and Scourge(Thundercracker ironically) and found a statue of Thundercracker(currently Scourge who is at the crypt) there. After paying his respects and apologizing for the intrusion, Octane decided it would be better to hide behind someone else's statue. It is funny to note he may have visited his own grave.{{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Also, in the episode "The Burden Hardest to Bear" there may be a hint to his existence. This is because the matrix of leadership may only be used by pure hearted Autobots. When Scourge put the matrix of leadership in him he is able to use it relating to the purehearted requirement. Thundercracker was unwilling to hurt any innocent beings like humans (sounds as if he's an Autobot), but he remained a Decepticon out of fear of his leader. Although he may be purehearted, he's a Decepticon and so the matrix isn't compatible with him so he mutates into a hideous, but powerful, version of Scourge. Although this is probably a coincidence, it is also very likely.
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Robot Masters'' online mini-comics====
{{charstub}}
{{-}}

===''Machine Wars'' toy bio===

The mysterious [[Machine Wars]] were a tumultuous time for Thundercracker. At long last he was convinced of and committed to the truth of the Decepticon cause, but Thundercracker now ironically found himself in open rebellion against Megatron's leadership of the faction. It is unknown what events lead to his reversal of heart about the Decepticons and his being branded a "Rebel Warrior."

{{note|Since no fictional backstory has ever been established for the Machine Wars line it is possible that it is set in some alternate reality where this was simply Thundercracker's nature, but given that the rest of the characters are clearly their classic G1-selves unrevealed events/character development seem more likely explanations.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

One of the first Decepticons recruited by Megatron. Early in Megatron's scheming, Thundercracker was sent to Sector Zero-Six with Skywarp and Starscream. On the way, Starscream unintelligently leaked the plan to Grimlock. {{storylink|DW Preview Special 2002}}

Thundercracker was one of several Decepticon invaders on-board the ''[[Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron.

In 2002, he was one of several Transformers who survived the disastrous launch of the sabotaged ''Ark II'', and was later captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]], who intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. In a demonstration of their power to a group of prospective clients, Thundercracker participated in an attack on the Arctic division of the [[Smitco]] Oil Refinery by blowing something up. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 2}}

After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] team. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 3}}

Thundercracker later participated in Megatron's attack on San Francisco, where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot]]s to split into their separate component robots. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 4}}

Thundercracker stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Thundercracker was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]]. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 6}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had defeated Megatron and brought the Decepticons back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Thundercracker and Skywarp spent their time relaxing and bathing, though Thundercracker was skeptical of Shockwave's new order, and compared its promised benefits to the benefits originally promised by Megatron.

Starscream eventually brought several Decepticons back to Earth and lead them in a battle against the Autobots who had stayed behind there. Thundercracker was among those captured by the Autobots, but was eventually freed in exchange for Starscream's assistance in fighting against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

===Devil's Due G''.I. Joe vs Transformers'' continuity===

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Thundercracker and his fellow Seekers were recruited into Megatron's [[gladiatorial combat|underground fights]] when Soundwave was sent to recruit flight capable warriors. However, Megatron did not intend for them to be pit fighters, but his new warriors. After being given [[weapons systems]] by [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], the Seekers went and kidnapped [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], who was to be executed at Megatron's recruitment rally. However, the [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and the Autobots arrived and arrested the whole of them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}. After Starscream killed the [[Kaon Council]] and liberated them, Megatron launched his new "Decepticons" in an "Everything burns" offensive on Kaon. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to target a ship carrying the wealthy and elite. Thundercracker expressed some reservations about attacking the ship, but Skywarp gave him simple advice: "Don't think. Just do it." {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

Thundercracker operated as part of a Decepticon insurgent cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 0}} He, [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] were assigned by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to intercept the human [[Stoker]] and retrieve his [[SM-40]] palmtop PC, containing data on their [[Nebraska]] operation. The team caught up with and killed Stoker outside Phoenix, AZ, but the SM-40 was missing. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 1}} Thundercracker tracked the device to [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Verity Carlo]], but was driven off by [[Ratchet_(G1)|Ratchet]], who managed to temporarily lose him and the two [[Battlecharger]]s. After picking Ratchet up again, Thundercracker was later shot down by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 2}} When Megatron arrived on Earth to take command of Starscream's infiltration team, Thundercracker, along with the other Decepticons, were unwilling to stand against him when the Decepticon leader ordered them to stand down. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

After Megatron trashed Starscream, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons were only all too willing to accept Megatron's leadership once again. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to destroy the El Jira power plant in the middle east to inflame global tensions and spark a global energy shortage. {{Storylink|Escalation issue 2}} During the battle of [[Brasnya]], the sorely-pressed Skywarp teleported Thundercracker in to try and stop [[Hot Rod]] from escaping with the [[Georgi Koska]] facimile. {{Storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

Thundercracker was among the concerned Decepticons who feared that Megatron had made a serious error in judgement by bringing the destructive [[Sixshot]] to Earth, and so conspired to bring Starscream back into the fold to talk some sense into their leader. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 1}} Though outnumbered and outgunned, the Decepticons fought valiantly when the [[Reapers]] attacked, and with a little help from [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious combatant]], they managed to defeat the alien invaders. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|left|thumb|Thundercracker is the cheap and lazy redeco on the right.]]

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $10 and two [[robot point]]s.

: In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by [[Takara]] as a convention-[[exclusive]] item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the [[Hasbro]] [[Commemorative Series]] line, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long.

: In August, 2008, Thundercracker is due to be reissued with Skywarp as number 11 in Takara's [[Transformers Encore]] line.

: This mold is also used by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].
{{-}}

* '''Thundercracker (Action Master)''' (Action Master Exo-Suit, 1991)
**''Accessories'': "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Taste the rainbow.]]

: Released only in European and Australasian markets, once again Thundercracker was a [[redeco]] of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all [[Action Master]]s, Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory — in his case, a [[Solo Mission Jet Plane]] vehicle that converted into exo-suit battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in [[Neon|magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green]]. ''(Oy.)'' Also the colors for this figure appears for the colors of [[Shattered Glass]] [[Mayhem Suppression Squad| Thundercracker]].
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Two-part rifle
[[Image:MWThundercracker_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|No, seriously, this guy is Thundercracker.]]

: Sharing a mold once again with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toys, Thundercracker was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wing Stun]], and the "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" version of [[Waspinator]].
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Smallest Transformers, 2004)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is ''again'' a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a [[chase figure]], one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).

: The same mold is used by ''Smallest Transforming Transformer'' Skywarp and Thrust.

===Robot Masters===
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles, 2 missile pods
[[Image:RobotMastersThundercracker.jpg|left|thumb|180px|''Light'' blue? Totally [[neon]].]]

: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "''Robot Masters''" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
* '''Thundercracker''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|I don't think I have enough little wings on my shoulders.]]

: [[Titanium Series]] Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in [[Dreamwave]]'s ''[[The War Within]]''. He transforms into a Cybertronian 'tetrajet', as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

: This mold was redecoed into ''[[War Within]]'' Starscream, Sunstorm and Skywarp.

: Yes. Thundercracker was here first.

===Timelines===
*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
[[Image:Classics_Thundercracker_Toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|You want me, but you can't have me!]]

: Thundercracker is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.

: ''Classics'' Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His color scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original [[Diaclone]] version.

: In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two (overly large) null-ray missile launchers, which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

: There were only 1500 ''Classics'' Thundercracker figures produced.

:This mold was used for Henkei! Thundercracker.



==Merchandise==
[[Image:Robot_Hero_Thundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|125px|When you look this cute you can't *possibly* be evil ... ]]
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Thundercracker''' (2007)

Thundercracker is a redeco of the mold used for Starscream and Skywarp. He was available in a two-pack with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].
{{-}}

==Trivia==
* The mold for ''Machine Wars'' Thundercracker was originally developed for ''[[Generation 2]]'', but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later [[redeco]]ed into a recurring character if the former was true.
*Despite his profile data, there are no documented cases of Thundercracker being sympathetic towards humans.

{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Thundercracker at TFU.info]

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

*[http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Decepticon+Thundercracker ToyBin Thundercracker Toy Gallery]

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Seekers]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Timelines characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Thundercracker (G1)

2008-06-08T17:16:39Z

72.221.80.13: /* Generation 1 */

{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}

:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1guido.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The blue one. No, the ''other'' [[Dirge (G1)|blue one]].]]

'''Thundercracker''' claims the skies as his arena. He looks down in contempt on those who cannot leave the ground -- he considers them lesser beings. He will often attack the flightless beings below him for no other reason than to satisfy his scorn.

His superiority in this realm is the only thing he is sure of. Thundercracker is not entirely committed to the Decepticon cause, and even has some seemingly contradictory sympathy for the [[human]]s they terrorize. Fear of retribution from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the influence of his peers is usually enough to bury these doubts. Regardless, he needs constant reassurance that he's where he needs to be. Sometimes, his [[Spark|heart's]] just not in the job.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Coup de Tonnerre'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Vampiro'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Villámcsapás''' ("Lightning strike")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Lieh-lei''' ("Cracking Thunder") / '''Lei-gong''' ("[[Wikipedia:Lei Gong|Duke of Thunder]]")


==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}

[[Image:Skywarpthundercrackerintroduction.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Thundercracker is the one that is not Skywarp.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Thundercracker was given a new [[altmode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Thundercracker, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobot]]s, though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''On another occasion, he and Skywarp made a strafing run on two Autobot spies, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker]]. Jazz was deafened and blasted off the road, but Sunstreaker led them into a human military zone, prompting Megatron to call them back to base. {{Storylink|Perchance to Dream}}''

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Thundercracker and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter, and nursed Thundercracker and his comrades back to full health. Thundercracker may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Skywarp. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], he revived early and soon quickly escaped from the Ark. He, Frenzy and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] were then temporarily displaced to [[Limbo]] when [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] time-jumped from 2006. {{storylink|Target 2006}}''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and subsequently brought back on-line. {{storylink|Totalled!}} Much later, Thundercracker attacked an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Skywarp were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

====Generation 2====

Thundercracker was active on Earth during the Decepticons' major offensive against the human population, and was present when Megatron stole the [[Creation Matrix]] from Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}}

====Classics====

After being revived from a state of near death, Thundercracker couldn't bring himself to serve with Starscream, the bot who killed him, and so he joined [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Decepticon faction instead of his old leader Megatron's group. Of course, he ended up dead anyway at the hands of his latest maniacal boss, [[Bug Bite]], so...tough break. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===American cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (English), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (on the right). Out of all the pre-earth alt modes, these pyramid jets seem to be the only ones anyone really cares about.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] elite warriors, participating in the attack on the [[Ark]] and joining the rest of the Earth-bound Transformers in their several-million-year nap under an inactive volcano. He awoke when the rest of the Decepticons did, and took part in their attempts to gather [[energon]] and escape the planet [[Earth]], which he loathed for being too "flat". It was he and [[Reflector]] who spotted the first "potential Autobot", when in fact they had discovered the planet's native inhabitants, two [[human]]s, in an unliving vehicle.{{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

One of the few things he seemed to loathe even more than the world he was stranded on was the attitude of his commander, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Thundercracker often started fights with the [[Air Commander]], usually over whether or not Megatron's latest plan was a waste of time (Thundercracker took Megatron's side). At one point, Thundercracker's distaste for "that geeky Starscream" became so strong that he was willing to let [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] destroy one of the Decepticons' greatest weapons, just in the hopes that Starscream would get blamed for it!{{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Despite these brushes with treachery, however, Thundercracker just never had it in him to do anything more than complain about his fellow Decepticons.

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1.jpg|left|thumb|JETSON, YOU'RE FIRED!!!]]

Thundercracker was present for the Decepticon assault on [[Autobot City]] in 2005. After the battle, the injured Thundercracker was tossed out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] with the rest of the injured and weakened warriors, who were jettisoned for ballast in order to preserve fuel.

That was not, however, entirely the end of Thundercracker's story. [[Unicron]] was waiting in space for a chance like this, and when the newly reborn [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] needed some new troops to command, Thundercracker was among the old Decepticons chosen to use as raw materials. His body was used to create [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and was thus given a new lease on life.{{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}}

Later [[Octane]] would show concern when he ran into a [[Decepticon Crypt]] to hide from some Cyclonus, the Sweeps and Scourge(Thundercracker ironically) and found a statue of Thundercracker(currently Scourge who is at the crypt) there. After paying his respects and apologizing for the intrusion, Octane decided it would be better to hide behind someone else's statue. It is funny to note he may have visited his own grave.{{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Also, in the episode "The Burden Hardest to Bear" there may be a hint to his existence. This is because the matrix of leadership may only be used by pure hearted Autobots. When Scourge put the matrix of leadership in him he is able to use it relating to the purehearted requirement. Thundercracker was unwilling to hurt any innocent beings like humans (sounds as if he's an Autobot), but he remained a Decepticon out of fear of his leader. Although he may be purehearted, he's a Decepticon and so the matrix isn't compatible with him so he mutates into a hideous, but powerful, version of Scourge. Although this is probably a coincidence, it is also very likely.
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Robot Masters'' online mini-comics====
{{charstub}}
{{-}}

===''Machine Wars'' toy bio===

The mysterious [[Machine Wars]] were a tumultuous time for Thundercracker. At long last he was convinced of and committed to the truth of the Decepticon cause, but Thundercracker now ironically found himself in open rebellion against Megatron's leadership of the faction. It is unknown what events lead to his reversal of heart about the Decepticons and his being branded a "Rebel Warrior."

{{note|Since no fictional backstory has ever been established for the Machine Wars line it is possible that it is set in some alternate reality where this was simply Thundercracker's nature, but given that the rest of the characters are clearly their classic G1-selves unrevealed events/character development seem more likely explanations.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

One of the first Decepticons recruited by Megatron. Early in Megatron's scheming, Thundercracker was sent to Sector Zero-Six with Skywarp and Starscream. On the way, Starscream unintelligently leaked the plan to Grimlock. {{storylink|DW Preview Special 2002}}

Thundercracker was one of several Decepticon invaders on-board the ''[[Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron.

In 2002, he was one of several Transformers who survived the disastrous launch of the sabotaged ''Ark II'', and was later captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]], who intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. In a demonstration of their power to a group of prospective clients, Thundercracker participated in an attack on the Arctic division of the [[Smitco]] Oil Refinery by blowing something up. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 2}}

After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] team. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 3}}

Thundercracker later participated in Megatron's attack on San Francisco, where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot]]s to split into their separate component robots. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 4}}

Thundercracker stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Thundercracker was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]]. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 6}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had defeated Megatron and brought the Decepticons back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Thundercracker and Skywarp spent their time relaxing and bathing, though Thundercracker was skeptical of Shockwave's new order, and compared its promised benefits to the benefits originally promised by Megatron.

Starscream eventually brought several Decepticons back to Earth and lead them in a battle against the Autobots who had stayed behind there. Thundercracker was among those captured by the Autobots, but was eventually freed in exchange for Starscream's assistance in fighting against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

===Devil's Due G''.I. Joe vs Transformers'' continuity===

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Thundercracker and his fellow Seekers were recruited into Megatron's [[gladiatorial combat|underground fights]] when Soundwave was sent to recruit flight capable warriors. However, Megatron did not intend for them to be pit fighters, but his new warriors. After being given [[weapons systems]] by [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], the Seekers went and kidnapped [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], who was to be executed at Megatron's recruitment rally. However, the [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and the Autobots arrived and arrested the whole of them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}. After Starscream killed the [[Kaon Council]] and liberated them, Megatron launched his new "Decepticons" in an "Everything burns" offensive on Kaon. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to target a ship carrying the wealthy and elite. Thundercracker expressed some reservations about attacking the ship, but Skywarp gave him simple advice: "Don't think. Just do it." {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

Thundercracker operated as part of a Decepticon insurgent cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 0}} He, [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] were assigned by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to intercept the human [[Stoker]] and retrieve his [[SM-40]] palmtop PC, containing data on their [[Nebraska]] operation. The team caught up with and killed Stoker outside Phoenix, AZ, but the SM-40 was missing. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 1}} Thundercracker tracked the device to [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Verity Carlo]], but was driven off by [[Ratchet_(G1)|Ratchet]], who managed to temporarily lose him and the two [[Battlecharger]]s. After picking Ratchet up again, Thundercracker was later shot down by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 2}} When Megatron arrived on Earth to take command of Starscream's infiltration team, Thundercracker, along with the other Decepticons, were unwilling to stand against him when the Decepticon leader ordered them to stand down. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

After Megatron trashed Starscream, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons were only all too willing to accept Megatron's leadership once again. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to destroy the El Jira power plant in the middle east to inflame global tensions and spark a global energy shortage. {{Storylink|Escalation issue 2}} During the battle of [[Brasnya]], the sorely-pressed Skywarp teleported Thundercracker in to try and stop [[Hot Rod]] from escaping with the [[Georgi Koska]] facimile. {{Storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

Thundercracker was among the concerned Decepticons who feared that Megatron had made a serious error in judgement by bringing the destructive [[Sixshot]] to Earth, and so conspired to bring Starscream back into the fold to talk some sense into their leader. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 1}} Though outnumbered and outgunned, the Decepticons fought valiantly when the [[Reapers]] attacked, and with a little help from [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious combatant]], they managed to defeat the alien invaders. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|left|thumb|Thundercracker is the cheap and lazy redeco on the right.]]

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $10 and two [[robot point]]s.

: In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by [[Takara]] as a convention-[[exclusive]] item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the [[Hasbro]] [[Commemorative Series]] line, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long.

: In August, 2008, Thundercracker is due to be reissued with Skywarp as number 11 in Takara's [[Transformers Encore]] line.

: This mold is also used by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].
{{-}}

* '''Thundercracker (Action Master)''' (Action Master Exo-Suit, 1991)
**''Accessories'': "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Taste the rainbow.]]

: Released only in European and Australasian markets, once again Thundercracker was a [[redeco]] of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all [[Action Master]]s, Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory — in his case, a [[Solo Mission Jet Plane]] vehicle that converted into exo-suit battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in [[Neon|magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green]]. ''(Oy.)'' Also the colors for this figure appears for the colors of[[Shattered Glass]] [[Mayhem Suppression Squad| Thundercracker]].
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Two-part rifle
[[Image:MWThundercracker_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|No, seriously, this guy is Thundercracker.]]

: Sharing a mold once again with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toys, Thundercracker was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wing Stun]], and the "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" version of [[Waspinator]].
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Smallest Transformers, 2004)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is ''again'' a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a [[chase figure]], one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).

: The same mold is used by ''Smallest Transforming Transformer'' Skywarp and Thrust.

===Robot Masters===
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles, 2 missile pods
[[Image:RobotMastersThundercracker.jpg|left|thumb|180px|''Light'' blue? Totally [[neon]].]]

: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "''Robot Masters''" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
* '''Thundercracker''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|I don't think I have enough little wings on my shoulders.]]

: [[Titanium Series]] Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in [[Dreamwave]]'s ''[[The War Within]]''. He transforms into a Cybertronian 'tetrajet', as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

: This mold was redecoed into ''[[War Within]]'' Starscream, Sunstorm and Skywarp.

: Yes. Thundercracker was here first.

===Timelines===
*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
[[Image:Classics_Thundercracker_Toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|You want me, but you can't have me!]]

: Thundercracker is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.

: ''Classics'' Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His color scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original [[Diaclone]] version.

: In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two (overly large) null-ray missile launchers, which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

: There were only 1500 ''Classics'' Thundercracker figures produced.

:This mold was used for Henkei! Thundercracker.



==Merchandise==
[[Image:Robot_Hero_Thundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|125px|When you look this cute you can't *possibly* be evil ... ]]
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Thundercracker''' (2007)

Thundercracker is a redeco of the mold used for Starscream and Skywarp. He was available in a two-pack with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].
{{-}}

==Trivia==
* The mold for ''Machine Wars'' Thundercracker was originally developed for ''[[Generation 2]]'', but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later [[redeco]]ed into a recurring character if the former was true.
*Despite his profile data, there are no documented cases of Thundercracker being sympathetic towards humans.

{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Thundercracker at TFU.info]

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

*[http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Decepticon+Thundercracker ToyBin Thundercracker Toy Gallery]

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Seekers]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Timelines characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Thundercracker (G1)

2008-06-08T17:15:50Z

72.221.80.13: /* Generation 1 */

{{disambig3|Thundercracker}}

:''Thundercracker is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1guido.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The blue one. No, the ''other'' [[Dirge (G1)|blue one]].]]

'''Thundercracker''' claims the skies as his arena. He looks down in contempt on those who cannot leave the ground -- he considers them lesser beings. He will often attack the flightless beings below him for no other reason than to satisfy his scorn.

His superiority in this realm is the only thing he is sure of. Thundercracker is not entirely committed to the Decepticon cause, and even has some seemingly contradictory sympathy for the [[human]]s they terrorize. Fear of retribution from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the influence of his peers is usually enough to bury these doubts. Regardless, he needs constant reassurance that he's where he needs to be. Sometimes, his [[Spark|heart's]] just not in the job.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Coup de Tonnerre'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Vampiro'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Villámcsapás''' ("Lightning strike")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Lieh-lei''' ("Cracking Thunder") / '''Lei-gong''' ("[[Wikipedia:Lei Gong|Duke of Thunder]]")


==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}

[[Image:Skywarpthundercrackerintroduction.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Thundercracker is the one that is not Skywarp.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] troops who attacked the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] during its mission to clear a path for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through an asteroid field. He was deactivated when it crashed on [[Earth]], and he lay dormant for four million years. When he and his fellow Decepticons awoke, Thundercracker was given a new [[altmode]], that of an Earth jet. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}} He aided the Decepticons in their building of their new base constructed of parts from [[Harrison Nuclear Power Plant]] and joined in their attack on [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s auto repair shop. After the successful abduction of Sparkplug Witwicky, Thundercracker, [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] defended their base from [[Autobot]]s, though [[Gears]] and [[Spider-Man]] were able to sneak through and rescue Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''On another occasion, he and Skywarp made a strafing run on two Autobot spies, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker]]. Jazz was deafened and blasted off the road, but Sunstreaker led them into a human military zone, prompting Megatron to call them back to base. {{Storylink|Perchance to Dream}}''

Though Sparkplug Witwicky was able to devise a way for the Decepticons to convert Earth fuel into a usable substance, he also poisoned the result, so Thundercracker and his fellow Decepticons were immobilized at the climax of their would-be final battle with the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} The Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] took command of the Decepticons and the Ark shortly thereafter, and nursed Thundercracker and his comrades back to full health. Thundercracker may have helped Shockwave attempt to capture and brainwash [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] into a Decepticon, or it may have been Skywarp. It's hard to tell. {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}

He served the Decepticon cause up until he was deactivated while battling [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and placed in prison stasis at Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Like [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], he revived early and soon quickly escaped from the Ark. He, Frenzy and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] were then temporarily displaced to [[Limbo]] when [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]] and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] time-jumped from 2006. {{storylink|Target 2006}}''

During a massive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth's moon, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons held in stasis aboard the Ark were liberated by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s and subsequently brought back on-line. {{storylink|Totalled!}} Much later, Thundercracker attacked an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream in [[Tokyo]], but both he and Skywarp were destroyed by their former flying partner. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

====Generation 2====

Thundercracker was active on Earth during the Decepticons' major offensive against the human population, and was present when Megatron stole the [[Creation Matrix]] from Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}}

====Classics====

After being revived from a state of near death, Thundercracker couldn't bring himself to serve with Starscream, the bot who killed him, and so he joined [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Decepticon faction instead of his old leader Megatron's group. Of course, he ended up dead anyway at the hands of his latest maniacal boss, [[Bug Bite]], so...tough break. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===American cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John Stephenson]], ''[[Wally Burr]]'' (English), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Tetrajet seekers.jpg|thumb|Cybertron alt-mode (on the right). Out of all the pre-earth alt modes, these pyramid jets seem to be the only ones anyone really cares about.]]

Thundercracker was one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's]] elite warriors, participating in the attack on the [[Ark]] and joining the rest of the Earth-bound Transformers in their several-million-year nap under an inactive volcano. He awoke when the rest of the Decepticons did, and took part in their attempts to gather [[energon]] and escape the planet [[Earth]], which he loathed for being too "flat". It was he and [[Reflector]] who spotted the first "potential Autobot", when in fact they had discovered the planet's native inhabitants, two [[human]]s, in an unliving vehicle.{{storylink|More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1}}

One of the few things he seemed to loathe even more than the world he was stranded on was the attitude of his commander, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]. Thundercracker often started fights with the [[Air Commander]], usually over whether or not Megatron's latest plan was a waste of time (Thundercracker took Megatron's side). At one point, Thundercracker's distaste for "that geeky Starscream" became so strong that he was willing to let [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] destroy one of the Decepticons' greatest weapons, just in the hopes that Starscream would get blamed for it!{{storylink|Fire on the Mountain}} Despite these brushes with treachery, however, Thundercracker just never had it in him to do anything more than complain about his fellow Decepticons.

[[Image:Thundercrackerg1.jpg|left|thumb|JETSON, YOU'RE FIRED!!!]]

Thundercracker was present for the Decepticon assault on [[Autobot City]] in 2005. After the battle, the injured Thundercracker was tossed out of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] with the rest of the injured and weakened warriors, who were jettisoned for ballast in order to preserve fuel.

That was not, however, entirely the end of Thundercracker's story. [[Unicron]] was waiting in space for a chance like this, and when the newly reborn [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] needed some new troops to command, Thundercracker was among the old Decepticons chosen to use as raw materials. His body was used to create [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and was thus given a new lease on life.{{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie (1986)}}

Later [[Octane]] would show concern when he ran into a [[Decepticon Crypt]] to hide from some Cyclonus, the Sweeps and Scourge(Thundercracker ironically) and found a statue of Thundercracker(currently Scourge who is at the crypt) there. After paying his respects and apologizing for the intrusion, Octane decided it would be better to hide behind someone else's statue. It is funny to note he may have visited his own grave.{{storylink|Starscream's Ghost}}

Also, in the episode "The Burden Hardest to Bear" there may be a hint to his existence. This is because the matrix of leadership may only be used by pure hearted Autobots. When Scourge put the matrix of leadership in him he is able to use it relating to the purehearted requirement. Thundercracker was unwilling to hurt any innocent beings like humans (sounds as if he's an Autobot), but he remained a Decepticon out of fear of his leader. Although he may be purehearted, he's a Decepticon and so the matrix isn't compatible with him so he mutates into a hideous, but powerful, version of Scourge. Although this is probably a coincidence, it is also very likely.
{{-}}

===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''Robot Masters'' online mini-comics====
{{charstub}}
{{-}}

===''Machine Wars'' toy bio===

The mysterious [[Machine Wars]] were a tumultuous time for Thundercracker. At long last he was convinced of and committed to the truth of the Decepticon cause, but Thundercracker now ironically found himself in open rebellion against Megatron's leadership of the faction. It is unknown what events lead to his reversal of heart about the Decepticons and his being branded a "Rebel Warrior."

{{note|Since no fictional backstory has ever been established for the Machine Wars line it is possible that it is set in some alternate reality where this was simply Thundercracker's nature, but given that the rest of the characters are clearly their classic G1-selves unrevealed events/character development seem more likely explanations.}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

One of the first Decepticons recruited by Megatron. Early in Megatron's scheming, Thundercracker was sent to Sector Zero-Six with Skywarp and Starscream. On the way, Starscream unintelligently leaked the plan to Grimlock. {{storylink|DW Preview Special 2002}}

Thundercracker was one of several Decepticon invaders on-board the ''[[Ark]]'' when it crashed into [[Earth]] four million years ago while the Autobot ship was clearing an asteroid in the path of Cybertron.

In 2002, he was one of several Transformers who survived the disastrous launch of the sabotaged ''Ark II'', and was later captured and reprogrammed by arms dealer [[Lazarus|Adam 'Lazarus' Rook]], who intended to rent out the services of the enslaved robots to various terrorist groups. In a demonstration of their power to a group of prospective clients, Thundercracker participated in an attack on the Arctic division of the [[Smitco]] Oil Refinery by blowing something up. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 2}}

After Megatron reactivated himself, he freed his Decepticon subordinates in order to put forward his plans to infect Earth with a metallic virus of doom. To pass the time while this happened, Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp busied themselves by tearing apart the Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] team. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 3}}

Thundercracker later participated in Megatron's attack on San Francisco, where he followed Starscream's orders to maintain formation and drop cluster bombs on the Autobot giant [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], forcing the [[Aerialbot]]s to split into their separate component robots. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 4}}

Thundercracker stood watch over the defeated Autobots while Megatron tried to persuade [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] to help the Decepticons conquer Earth. After some human firefighters distracted the Decepticons long enough for Optimus Prime to free the Autobots, Thundercracker was presumably beaten up and escaped when Superion sacrificed himself to stop a nuclear missile launched by rogue US General [[Robert Hallo]]. {{Storylink|Prime Directive, Part 6}}

After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] had defeated Megatron and brought the Decepticons back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Thundercracker and Skywarp spent their time relaxing and bathing, though Thundercracker was skeptical of Shockwave's new order, and compared its promised benefits to the benefits originally promised by Megatron.

Starscream eventually brought several Decepticons back to Earth and lead them in a battle against the Autobots who had stayed behind there. Thundercracker was among those captured by the Autobots, but was eventually freed in exchange for Starscream's assistance in fighting against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

===Devil's Due G''.I. Joe vs Transformers'' continuity===

{{-}}
===IDW comics continuity===
{{ongoing}}
Thundercracker and his fellow Seekers were recruited into Megatron's [[gladiatorial combat|underground fights]] when Soundwave was sent to recruit flight capable warriors. However, Megatron did not intend for them to be pit fighters, but his new warriors. After being given [[weapons systems]] by [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], the Seekers went and kidnapped [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], who was to be executed at Megatron's recruitment rally. However, the [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] and the Autobots arrived and arrested the whole of them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}. After Starscream killed the [[Kaon Council]] and liberated them, Megatron launched his new "Decepticons" in an "Everything burns" offensive on Kaon. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to target a ship carrying the wealthy and elite. Thundercracker expressed some reservations about attacking the ship, but Skywarp gave him simple advice: "Don't think. Just do it." {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 4}}

Thundercracker operated as part of a Decepticon insurgent cell that had operated covertly on Earth for at least four years, working to destabilize Earth's governing organizations and create global anarchy. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 0}} He, [[Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] were assigned by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to intercept the human [[Stoker]] and retrieve his [[SM-40]] palmtop PC, containing data on their [[Nebraska]] operation. The team caught up with and killed Stoker outside Phoenix, AZ, but the SM-40 was missing. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 1}} Thundercracker tracked the device to [[Hunter O'Nion]] and [[Verity Carlo]], but was driven off by [[Ratchet_(G1)|Ratchet]], who managed to temporarily lose him and the two [[Battlecharger]]s. After picking Ratchet up again, Thundercracker was later shot down by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 2}} When Megatron arrived on Earth to take command of Starscream's infiltration team, Thundercracker, along with the other Decepticons, were unwilling to stand against him when the Decepticon leader ordered them to stand down. {{Storylink|Infiltration issue 6}}

After Megatron trashed Starscream, Thundercracker and the other Decepticons were only all too willing to accept Megatron's leadership once again. Thundercracker and Skywarp were sent to destroy the El Jira power plant in the middle east to inflame global tensions and spark a global energy shortage. {{Storylink|Escalation issue 2}} During the battle of [[Brasnya]], the sorely-pressed Skywarp teleported Thundercracker in to try and stop [[Hot Rod]] from escaping with the [[Georgi Koska]] facimile. {{Storylink|Escalation issue 6}}

Thundercracker was among the concerned Decepticons who feared that Megatron had made a serious error in judgement by bringing the destructive [[Sixshot]] to Earth, and so conspired to bring Starscream back into the fold to talk some sense into their leader. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 1}} Though outnumbered and outgunned, the Decepticons fought valiantly when the [[Reapers]] attacked, and with a little help from [[Galvatron (G1)|a mysterious combatant]], they managed to defeat the alien invaders. {{Storylink|Devastation issue 6}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986/2001/2003/2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''24'''
**''Accessories'': Left & right fists, landing gear, 2 rocket launchers, 2 rockets, 2 "Incendiary Gun" missiles

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|left|thumb|Thundercracker is the cheap and lazy redeco on the right.]]

: Originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Jet Robo Acrobat-Type", Thundercracker transforms into an F-15 Eagle fighter jet, sharing his mold with his teammates [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Many parts need to be removed completely from transformation from robot to jet and back, which nowadays is considered a major drawback of the toy. It is difficult to find it complete, as neither mode can hold all the pieces required. There are a few minor mold variations of this toy (common for the first two years of ''Transformers'', really), the most immediately noticeable being that early versions did not have visible "clip-tabs" on the inner face of the gauntlets.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $10 and two [[robot point]]s.

: In 2001, Thundercracker was given a short-run re-issue by [[Takara]] as a convention-[[exclusive]] item. The toy would later be more extensively released as part of the [[Hasbro]] [[Commemorative Series]] line, though due to US [[For safety reasons|toy-safety regulations]], his missiles were made extra-long.

: In August, 2008, Thundercracker is due to be reissued with Skywarp as number 11 in Takara's [[Transformers Encore]] line.

: This mold is also used by [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]].
{{-}}

* '''Thundercracker (Action Master)''' (Action Master Exo-Suit, 1991)
**''Accessories'': "Solo Mission Jet Plane", 2 missiles

[[Image:Thundercrackeram.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Taste the rainbow.]]

: Released only in European and Australasian markets, once again Thundercracker was a [[redeco]] of Starscream, a non-transforming action figure that combined elements of both the character's cartoon model and toy-form. Like all [[Action Master]]s, Thundercracker was a non-transformable action figure with a transformable accessory — in his case, a [[Solo Mission Jet Plane]] vehicle that converted into exo-suit battle armor. However, unlike most of Thundercracker's appearances, Action Master Thundercracker is not in his traditional blue and silver colors, but rather in [[Neon|magenta, purple, blue, gold, and two shades of green]]. ''(Oy.)'' Also the colors for this figure appears for [[Shattered Glass]] [[Mayhem Suppression Squad| Thundercracker]].
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Two-part rifle
[[Image:MWThundercracker_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|No, seriously, this guy is Thundercracker.]]

: Sharing a mold once again with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], Thundercracker transforms into a green Dassault Rafale fighter jet with spring-loaded one-step transformation from jet to robot. The two halves of his rifle store in his lower legs. Like all ''[[Machine Wars]]'' toys, Thundercracker was an [[exclusive]] to Kay-Bee stores and related stores like Toy Liquidators.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Beast Wars II]]'' [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirge]], ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skyfire (RID)|Skyfire]], ''[[Robot Masters]]'' [[Wing Stun]], and the "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" version of [[Waspinator]].
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''Thundercracker''' (Smallest Transformers, 2004)

: Part of the third wave of ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' product (dubbed wave "2.5" and available only at CVS stores in Japan), Thundercracker is ''again'' a redeco of Starscream. Like all toys in the line, Thundercracker is a tiny, even more simplified version of the original toy, transforming into an F-15 fighter jet. These toys were sold in "blind-packed" boxes, so you could not know which one you had until you actually opened the box. To complicate matters further, Thundercracker was a [[chase figure]], one of two in his wave (the other was a cartoon-colored version of Optimus Prime's trailer).

: The same mold is used by ''Smallest Transforming Transformer'' Skywarp and Thrust.

===Robot Masters===
* '''Skywarp & Thundercracker''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles, 2 missile pods
[[Image:RobotMastersThundercracker.jpg|left|thumb|180px|''Light'' blue? Totally [[neon]].]]

: ''[[Robot Masters]]'' Thundercracker is a redeco of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] from the same series, a smaller yet more advanced version of the original toy, adding more articulation and reducing the amount of [[part-forming]] required. He was available only in a two-pack with [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], which also came with a Decepticon sigil pin and chromed missile pods. This set was the very last product released in the ''Robot Masters'' line, and wasn't even strictly sold in a box from that series; instead, it used an e-Hobby Generation 1 reissue box, with a small "''Robot Masters''" sticker in the corner tab noting its origin from the front.

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
* '''Thundercracker''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWThundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|I don't think I have enough little wings on my shoulders.]]

: [[Titanium Series]] Thundercracker is based upon his appearance in [[Dreamwave]]'s ''[[The War Within]]''. He transforms into a Cybertronian 'tetrajet', as reimagined by [[Don Figueroa]]. As with all 6-inch Titanium Cybertron Heroes, he is constructed mostly of fully painted die-cast metal.

: This mold was redecoed into ''[[War Within]]'' Starscream, Sunstorm and Skywarp.

: Yes. Thundercracker was here first.

===Timelines===
*'''Games of Deception!''' (Multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories'': Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
[[Image:Classics_Thundercracker_Toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|You want me, but you can't have me!]]

: Thundercracker is part of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]''-themed [[BotCon 2007]] box set, along with [[Bugbite]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. Thundercracker is a [[redeco]] of the ''Classics'' Starscream toy using the modified version first seen with Skywarp.

: ''Classics'' Thundercracker is a faithful reproduction of his original toy, but with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation. He transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet. His color scheme is inspired by the original figure released in 1984, but with a shade of blue closer to that of the original [[Diaclone]] version.

: In robot mode, Thundercracker is essentially a very detailed version of his cartoon robot mode. He is armed with two (overly large) null-ray missile launchers, which are so large that they restrict his arm movement due to them bumping into his wings.

: There were only 1500 ''Classics'' Thundercracker figures produced.

:This mold was used for Henkei! Thundercracker.



==Merchandise==
[[Image:Robot_Hero_Thundercracker.jpg|right|thumb|125px|When you look this cute you can't *possibly* be evil ... ]]
===Robot Heroes===
* '''Thundercracker''' (2007)

Thundercracker is a redeco of the mold used for Starscream and Skywarp. He was available in a two-pack with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]].
{{-}}

==Trivia==
* The mold for ''Machine Wars'' Thundercracker was originally developed for ''[[Generation 2]]'', but was canceled when that line went under. It is unknown if it was intended to be a new character or a recurring one, though odds are it would have been later [[redeco]]ed into a recurring character if the former was true.
*Despite his profile data, there are no documented cases of Thundercracker being sympathetic towards humans.

{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Thundercracker/thundercracker.htm Thundercracker at TFU.info]

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

*[http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Decepticon+Thundercracker ToyBin Thundercracker Toy Gallery]

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order items]]
[[Category: MyClone]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Seekers]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Timelines characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Wreck-Gar (Animated)

2008-05-11T15:37:40Z

72.221.80.13: /* Trivia */

{{disambig2|the garbage truck from ''Transformers Animated''|the Junkion from ''Generation 1''|Wreck-Gar (G1)}}

:''Wreck-Gar is a very confused individual from the [[Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Wreck-garanimatedpoint.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Put down that chainsaw and listen to me!]]

Recently brought to life by the power of the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]], '''Wreck-Gar''' is simple-minded and highly suggestible. As he attempts to learn more about his identity, he never loses his sense of humor. His trash bin is an impressive bag of tricks, able to stash and deploy many useful (and even more ''non''-useful) items at a moment's notice, or make them seemingly disappear forever. This ability is a bit of a mixed blessing, as Wreck-Gar will frequently confuse your request with something that sounds vaguely similar.

Wreck-Gar's goal in life is to acquire an identity. He will automatically take on whatever role is suggested to him. This makes him rather unpredictable and prone to making the wrong move at the wrong time. However, if he can learn to think for himself instead of relying on others, there's potential in this mix-and-match bot.

{{quote|I am Wreck-Gar! I [["Weird Al" Yankovic|''dare'' to be stupid]]!|Wreck-Gar|"[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [["Weird Al" Yankovic]] (English), [[Joachim Kaps]] (German)
{{Spoiler|Garbage In, Garbage Out}}

[[Image:Wreck-garisgoodforonlyonething.jpg|left|thumb|OKAY I CAN HEAR YOU NOW!]]

Wreck-Gar emerged from a garbage scow, activated by a shard of [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] energy that was close to [[Sari Sumdac]]'s [[Sari Sumdac's Key|key]], self-aware but with no sense of history or identity. He tried to figure out what he was by studying objects in his environment and was briefly tricked by a food label into thinking he was high-fructose corn syrup. Spying a blimp proclaiming the [[Detroit]] Metro Police Department was "here to help", Wreck-Gar went off in search of the police for help. Once ashore, Wreck-Gar's clumsy curiosity prevented police officers from apprehending the [[Angry Archer]], and the villain quickly conscripted Wreck-Gar as a sidekick, even giving the confused mechanoid his new, shorter name (as "worthless-''wreck''-walking-pile-of-''gar''bage" was a bit overlong). Wreck-Gar helped the Archer disable an armored car, allowing him to steal a canister of unknown content right in front of the [[Autobot]]s [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]].

Upon seeing the Autobots and overhearing that they protected life and caught bad guys, Wreck-Gar decided he wanted to do that, slapped an [[Insignia|Autobrand]] on his chest, and chased the escaping Archer. Throwing the Archer high into the air in order to "catch" him, Wreck-Gar only got the canister, as the Archer used a grappling arrow to escape. After being harshly told by Ratchet he was only good for one thing, ''GARBAGE!'', Wreck-Gar proudly declared he was good for only one thing{{m-}}''GARBAGE!''{{m-}}and set about trying to deliver the stinky stuff to the entire citizenry of Detroit. (Detroit just happened to be in the middle of a garbage strike as well. Hooray!) The Autobots gave chase, having discovered the canister Wreck-Gar held contained experimental [[Sumdac Systems]] garbage-eating microbots, which Ratchet worried would be dangerously mutated by Wreck-Gar's AllSpark energy.

[[Image:Wreck-garanimatedvehicle.jpg|right|thumb|Buy some sensible shoes and a [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Chevrolet]]!]]

This mission became much more dangerous when he was approached by [[Lugnut]], who was out to retrieve the AllSpark shard from Wreck-Gar's body. Thanks to Wreck-Gar's habit of repeating everything said to him (specifically, Ratchet's proclamation that "you're not an Autobot, and you never ''will be'' an Autobot!"), Lugnut believed the newcomer was just as much a loyal [[Decepticon]] as himself. When Ratchet accosted Wreck-Gar, Lugnut prepared his explosive punch, which Wreck-Gar took to mean the [[Universal Greeting]], so he gave Lugnut a high-five that left a colossal impact crater. As the Autobots ran for it, Wreck-Gar hopped on the pursuing Lugnut, pulling out the now-cracked microbot canister he'd gotten. A small amount spilled on Lugnut and began eating through his tail section. Wreck-Gar helpfully disassembled the tail, sending Lugnut plummeting somewhere in Detroit, with himself and the tail landing in a full garbage scow, which the nanobots quickly began to consume. From the shore, a group of bystanders began cheering as they saw the scow's load diminish. Now supplied with a fresh load of garbage and mistaking the cheers as intended for his delivery of said garbage, Wreck-Gar pushed the scow full steam ahead.

Wreck-Gar's attempt to deliver it was impeded by Ratchet, who first screamed at the junk-bot that the nanobots would destroy the entire city should they reach shore, but Wreck-Gar was adamant. Ratchet then did the hardest thing he'd ever had to do: ''apologize'' for his insults and bad attitude. Ratchet told the now-even-more-confused robot that he could be whatever he wanted and to not let others decide for him who he was. Wreck-Gar decided he truly wanted to be a hero, and slapping the Autobot symbol on his chest once again, began vacuuming up the nanobots. The nanobots began to overload within his backpack, however, and as Wreck-Gar tumbled off of what was left of the scow, he cried out his thank-you to Ratchet. An explosion of AllSpark energy burst from the water, and all Ratchet's magnetic power could retrieve was random junk...

And, at the bottom of the lake, Wreck-Gar smiled to himself, a hero. Despite being buried up to his shoulders, he assured the fish passing by he was there to help...but first...could somebody give him a hand? {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
*'''Wreck-Gar''' (Voyager, 2008)

: Wreck-Gar transforms into a garbage truck with articulated lifting arms. The extent of his [[gimmick]]ry is currently unknown.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* Originally, the creators wanted [[Eric Idle]] to play Wreck-Gar, as he was the original voice for his [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Generation 1 namesake]]. As Idle was busy with the production of ''Spamalot'', Weird Al was selected instead.

* Wreck-Gar's head is an old-fashioned portable TV set, complete with channel selection dials, aerial and a handle for transport. As [[Derrick Wyatt]] has admitted to being heavily influenced by [[wikipedia:Gainax|Gainax]] shows, this may well be a visual cue to [[wikipedia:FLCL|''FLCL'']], along with the resemblance to the original Wreck-Gar's head and his "TV talk" persona.

* When Lugnut was about to use his power fist on Ratchet, Wreck-Gar mistook it as the [[Universal greeting|Universal greeting]] and replied with "Bah-weep-Graaaaagnah wheep ni ni bong" before giving Lugnut an extremely explosive high five.

* When Ratchet asks Wreck-Gar if he would dare to be so stupid to blow up the town, Wreck-Gar replied: "I am Wreck-Gar, and I Dare to be Stupid!"

[[Category: Animated characters]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Matrix of Leadership

2008-05-09T11:06:48Z

72.221.80.13: /* Trivia */

{{Template:Disambig3|Matrix}}

[[Image:Matrix.jpg|thumb|right|300px|You put the life in the coconut.]]

The '''Autobot Matrix of Leadership''' (sometimes the '''Creation Matrix''') is an artifact of great power, traditionally carried by the [[Prime (rank)|leader]] of the [[Autobot]]s. By most accounts, it holds a part of the essence of [[Primus]], the creator-god of the [[Transformer]]s, although much about it, including its exact composition, remains a mystery. It generally appears as a hollow, spherical metal shell with two handles on either side and with a core sphere of blueish crystal at its center. The Matrix is the one thing, the only thing which [[Unicron]] fears.

{{quote|But one day... an Autobot shall rise from our ranks... and use the power of the Matrix... to light... our [[darkest hour]].|A dying [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

==Conceptual history==

The Matrix and the concepts associated with it have continuously evolved over twenty-plus years, due to different ''Transformers'' fiction creating new ideas centred on it, which have in turn influenced its representation in ''other'' fiction, and so on, and so forth, and back-and-forth. The current nature of the Matrix as it is understood is beholden to quite a few different sources, and its development is described here to minimize confusion. For the specifics on the different interpretations of the Matrix in various continuities, see the "Fiction" section below.

It is not clear precisely where the "Matrix" idea originated{{m-}}if, for example, it was a part of the franchise's original treatment or not{{m-}}but the concept first appeared in the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Generation 1 (Marvel Comics)|Generation 1]] continuity, where it was introduced as the Creation Matrix, a computer program housed within [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] that could bring new Transformers to life. According to legend retold by Shockwave, this Creation Matrix program is encoded into a new Autobot leader once every ten millennia.

The [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|animated series]] made an attempt at introducing the Matrix concept into its continuity in the episode "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]", but the line, which dated the creation of the Matrix to 4.5 million years ago (which would ultimately conflict greatly with what would be learned of the Matrix in the future), was deleted during production. Subsequently, the animated incarnation of the Matrix, known as the "Matrix of Leadership," made its debut in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', where it was presented as a physical object housed in the chest of Optimus Prime, and passed to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and ultimately [[Rodimus Prime]].

Nothing of the Matrix's nature was actually divulged in the film, where it was treated as simply a magic talisman of prophecy that was the antithesis of [[Unicron]]. It was the mini-series "[[Five Faces of Darkness]]" which revealed the key feature of the animated Matrix{{m-}}it contained the [[Ancient Autobots]], the lifeforces of all previous Autobot leaders who had held it, collectively known as the "Wisdom of the Ages," which could be consulted for aid in moments of need.

Having already cannibalized many of the movie's best elements for use in his comic book stories, writer [[Simon Furman]] contradicted Bob Budiansky's US comic book stories by presenting the Matrix as it had appeared in the film, as a physical object, in his own UK storylines. Eventually, when Furman began writing the US series as well, the two concepts were reconciled and it was explained that Prime's head had merely contained residual Matrix energy, while the true Matrix had resided in his chest. The "lifeforces of previous holders" concept was also adapted into the comics, with the Matrix possessing a genetic memory of those that had held it. Most notably, in both UK and US books, Furman crafted a story to explain the origins of the Matrix, why Unicron was vulnerable to it, and how it could create new life, ultimately revealing it to be the essence of the Transformers' creator-god, [[Primus]].

It was the ''[[Beast Machines]]'' animated series which made the next big addition to the growing mythology of the Matrix when it introduced the [[Allspark]], the extradimensional source of all Transformers sparks living or dead, which was also known as "the Matrix." Although it did not explicitly make any callbacks to the Matrix as seen in the Generation 1 cartoons or comics, the implication was obvious{{m-}}rather than ''contain'' anything, the physical Matrix object from those continuities was a ''gateway'' to the Allspark. Where the animated "Matrix of the Leadership" and the comic book "Creation Matrix" had previously seemed incompatible, this revelation united them conceptually{{m-}}the lifeforces of the dead from the cartoon and the ability to bring new life from the comics could now both be tied to the features of the Allspark dimension.

==Fiction==

===Marvel Comics continuity===

====Generation 1====

{{note|Events from the UK-only comics are in italics.}}

[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The Creation Matrix was the [[Leader-1]]'s-head of the Marvel comic. Can't be drawn the same way twice.]]

When Primus created the Transformer race, before entering voluntary systems shutdown, he bestowed upon them a genetic Matrix containing his essence and the majority of his power, which could be used to give life to more Transformers so that the race might grow without his direct involvement. {{storylink|Primal Scream}} Known holders of the Matrix throughout history included the first Transformer, [[Prima]], and subsequently, [[Prime Nova]], [[Sentinel Prime]], and in the modern era, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} One account mentions a "[[Primon]]" as the second holder, but no other sources include him. {{storylink|Reaching the Omega Point}}

By the time of the war on [[Earth]], the fact that the Matrix was a physical object was generally unknown to all but Optimus Prime himself, who kept it within his chest. Operating under the misconception that the Matrix was a program within Prime's mind, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] captured the [[Autobots]] and decapitated Prime, using the residual Matrix energy contained within it to bring life to the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} Prime was able to transfer the remaining energy into the mind of the Autobots' human ally, [[Buster Witwicky]], {{storylink|The Worse of Two Evils!}} thereby preventing Shockwave from animated his newest construct, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} Deducing that Buster possessed the Matrix, Shockwave programmed the unliving Jetfire to capture the boy, but Buster used the Matrix to bring Jetfire under his control, thwarting Shockwave's plan and saving Optimus Prime. Buster returned the energy of the Matrix within his body to Prime. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''The Matrix was also known to have an analog on Cybertron, the [[Matrix Flame]], which burned constantly as long as the Matrix still existed, no matter where in the universe it was. It could also be used to channel the energy of the Matrix, which the Autobots on Cybertron did to bring life to their new warrior, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. Not long after, however, the Matrix Flame flickered out when Optimus Prime was shunted into [[limbo]] by time-travelling [[Galvatron (G1)|Decepticons]], leading the Autobots on Cybertron to send Magnus to Earth investigate. Prime was returned in due time, and the Matrix Flame re-ignited.'' {{storylink|Target 2006}}

Having deduced a new means of tapping the Matrix's power, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] had [[Bombshell]] plant a cerebo-shell within Optimus Prime. Megatron was able to use the shell to channel the energy of the Matrix when Prime used it to give life to the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], employing it to animate his own new creations, the [[Stunticons]]. {{storylink|Aerialbots over America!}}

Prime's persistence in keeping the physical shell of the Matrix a secret proved to have been a mistake when the Autobot leader died. In accordance with Cybertron funerary practises, Prime's boaded was loaded into a funeral bier and launched it into space, unwittingly sending the Matrix with it. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}} The craft eventually crashed on the distant moon of [[VsQs]], where it lay undisturbed for a time. Left in solitude, the rudimentary consciousness of the Matrix formed from the genetic memory of its past holders began to desire new sensations, and began to hunger for new experiences. {{storylink|

It got a chance at new experience when a dying mechanoid crashed on VsQs and touched the Matrix. The mechanoid was a Deathbringer, which had been dedicated to ending unnecessary suffering, and was warped by the Matrix into a new and very powerful being who sought to destroy ''all'' life. Though he left the Matrix in Prime's body, he still carried some of its energy, and the Matrix reveled in the vicarious experience of evil. The Deathbringer found its way to Earth, where it rained destruction down upon a human city. ''Sensing the Matrix's power within the creature, Optimus Prime (since resurrected) was hesitant to destroy the only link they had discovered to the lost Matrix, but [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] solved the problem by convincing the Deathbringer that since the Matrix's power was eating away at it, it should destroy itself.'' {{storylink|Deathbringer (comic issue)|Deathbringer}}

[[Image:Geneticmatrix.jpg|right|thumb|150px|No one can be told what the Matrix is. Because Optimus is an idiot.]]

Back on VsQs, the Matrix's curiosity found new expression when an insectoid creature crawled into Prime's corpse's chest cavity and became the next recipient of the Matrix's power. Dissecting and studying the beast, the Matrix was fascinated that the creature seemed to be meant to do nothing but destroy, so it re-created the thing into a larger, more powerful predator. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} The monster attacked a team of astronauts that had set up a research station on VsQs, killing nearly all of them, but at least one escaped and crashed in the seas of [[Pequod]], another planet in the same solar system. His body infused with Matrix energy from the beast that had attacked him, the astronaut was swallowed by a [[klud]], which ingested the energy. {{storylink|Deadly Obsession}}

Meanwhile, Optimus Prime became aware of the threat of Unicron, and realized that the Matrix would be necessary to defeat the Chaos-Bringer. Search parties were dispatched to track down the funeral barge, which piqued the curiosity of new Decepticon leader [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], who possessed an affinity with the Matrix and desire to possess its power for his own. As the opposing teams dodged each other, they eventually set their sights on Pequod, where the klud had been attracting attention because its species was supposed to have been extinct. Thunderwing used his Matrix affinity to psychically link with the Matrix-infused beast and see the memory of swallowing the dying scientist. Recognizing the "VsQs" stamp on his equipment, Thunderwing set out for that moon. {{storylink|Deadly Obsession}}

Once there, both sides battled the creature the Matrix had created, which had grown to enormous size, with Thunderwing ultimately killing the beast and taking the Matrix. {{storylink|Dark Creation}} The Decepticon immediately attacked the spaceborne [[Ark]], manifesting the Matrix power in the form of a giant, vaguely humanoid energy field around himself. Soon, however, Matrix began to speak through him, delighting in the firsthand experience of evil, and Thunderwing realized he was being possessed. Thunderwing tried to mentally battle the Matrix, to no avail, but the Autobots exploited his erractic behaviour to impale him with a harpoon and blow him out the Ark's airlock into space. {{storylink|All Fall Down!}}

The Matrix took time to heal Thunderwing's body, then set out for Cybertron. Coincidentally, it arrived just as Unicron was trying to destroy the planet. The Matrix-creature fought Unicron, but Unicron soon realized that the Matrix had been tainted with evil, and that it was no longer a threat to him, given the infinitely greater magnitude of his own evil nature. Thunderwing was destroyed by Unicron's attack and Optimus Prime was able to recover the Matrix, cleansing it of the taint of evil and restoring its purity. Rocketing into Unicron's gaping maw, Prime released the Matrix's energy within the planet-eater's body, destroying him. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} The explosion should have killed Prime as well, but his devastated body was saturated with Matrix energy, keeping it alive long enough for the suffering Prime to pass on leadership of the Autobots to [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. {{storylink|Still Life!}} Prime's consciousness, however, was transferred to his [[Nebulan]] partner, [[Hi-Q]], who was later recreated into a new Optimus Prime by the [[Last Autobot]], complete with a reconstructed Matrix. {{storylink|End of the Road! (Marvel US comic)|End of the Road!}}

[[Image:MatrixCoconut1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Will I become a great Autobot leader?" <br> "All signs point to no."]]

''In the alternate future timeline of [[Earth-120185]], a dying Optimus Prime passed the Matrix to Ultra Magnus in 2006, and it was then used by [[Hot Rod]] to destroy Unicron, in the process transfiguring Hot Rod into Rodimus Prime. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Transformers: The Movie}} Subsequently, in 2008, Unicron attempt to eningeer his resurrection, but Rodimus Prime trapped his mind within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}}

''Later in 2008, the [[Quintesson]] [[General Ghyrik]] was able to steal the talisman from its owner at that time, [[Rodimus Prime]]. Ghyrik used the power of the Matrix to enhance his strength as he battled [[Hot Rod]], but was duped by some impromptu ventriloquism from his opponent and soon lost the talisman. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}} Later, in 2009, Rodimus and several other Autobots travelled back in time to 1989. As the Matrix was unable to exist in two places in time at once, Optimus Prime was again shunted to limbo, but used the power of the Matrix to communicate with the other Autobots through Rodimus. When Rodimus was then defeated in battle, Optimus risked the security of the space-time continuum to use the Matrix as a stepping stone to return to reality, battling [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

''Return to Cybertron after their time-travel adventure, Rodimus and the Autobots found that the disruption of space and time had altered theire future, and that Galvatron was waiting for them. Galvatron attempted to force Rodimus Prime into a savage battle, hoping to corrupt the Matrix, but Rodimus realized his plan and stopped before it was too late.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

''Later, Rodimus and the Autobots were on a hyperspace trip to Earth when they discovered that their craft's guidance systems had been damaged. During the flight, Rodimus Prime vanished {{storylink|The Void! (UK)|The Void!}}, and Kup discovered that he was the saboteur, {{storylink|Edge of Impact}} deducing that he had been corrupted by an evil force from within the Matrix. {{storylink|Shadow of Evil}} Inside the Matrix, Rodimus battled with the essence of Unicron, trapped there since the events of 2008, until Kup wrenched the Matrix from his chest, freeing from the chaos-bringer's influence. But now, Rodimus knew that the evil of Unicron will be waiting for him within it... {{storylink|White Fire}} and in 2010, Unicron's essence succeeded in taking over Rodimus's body, transforming it into a duplicate of his own and attacking Cybertron once more, until Rodimus was able to defeat him from within and re-seal him within the Matrix.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

''When last seen, in the far future of 2356, Unicron's essence remained sealed within the Matrix, causing Rodimus's body to steadily wither and weaken.'' {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

====Generation 2====

Requiring the Matrix to bring the new warriors created by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to life, Megatron defeated Optimus Prime in battle and tore the Matrix from his body with an energy siphon. {{storylink|The Gathering Darkness}} The Matrix's energy was then used it to give life to the [[Laser Rod]]s and [[Rotor Force]] {{storylink|New Dawn}}, and subsequently, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] used the power of the Matrix on himself, merging himself with the [[Warworld]] and reshaping the interior of the ship. However, unlike with Thunderwing, Starscream found his own evil being subverted by the Matrix's goodness, and he returned the Matrix to Prime, for fear of being changed beyond recognition.

When Prime was consumed by the [[Swarm]], he channelled the Matrix's purity and goodness into it, completely reversing the nature of the Swarm. Suddenly transformed from a destructive force into a force for life, it re-created Prime and departed into space. {{storylink|A Rage in Heaven!}}

===Sunbow cartoon===

[[Image:Matrix_5faces4_7.jpg|right|thumb|200px|My preciousssss!]]

The origins of the Matrix of Leadership are almost entirely unknown. Some rather unusual evidence suggests that it may be linked in some way to the [[Oracle (G1)|assistant]] of the ancient genius [[Primacron]], who created Unicron ''(see the character's own article for details)'', but even if that is true, it is wholly unknown how it came to be held by the Autobots and how it was elevated to the position of power it is known for.

Traditionally carried by the current Autobot leader, it serves as a receptacle for the lifeforces of past holders, known collectively as the "Wisdom of the Ages." Virtually all of its holders have been unnamed, but are known as the the "[[Ancient Robot]]," the "[[Powerful Robot]]," "[[Brooding Robot]]," the "[[Pre-Transformer (character)|Pre-Transformer]]," the "[[New Narrator]]" and the "[[U-Haul Robot]]." Many other Autobots have been seen within the Matrix, but their identities are unknown.

Following the death of the U-Haul Robot at the hands of Megatron, the ancient Autobot [[Alpha Trion]] kept the Matrix safe and hidden away, until a damaged [[Orion Pax|young robot]] was brought to his workshop. Trion recreated him as Optimus Prime, new leader of the Autobots, and gave him the Matrix. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

[[Image:MovieMagnus_matrix.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"Will I at least get to ''use'' the Matrix?"<br>"No! Quit asking."]]

The Matrix of Leadership's first documented appearance in modern times occurred in 2005, when a dying [[Optimus Prime]] passed it and leadership of the Autobots to his chosen successor, Ultra Magnus. Before passing away, Prime spoke of a prophecy{{m-}}that one day, "The Chosen One" would rise from the ranks of the Autobots, and use the power of the Matrix to light the Transformers' darkest hour. That darkest hour soon came upon Cybertron in the form of the world-eater, [[Unicron]], who knew that the Matrix's power was the one thing that could destroy him. Recreating Megatron as Galvatron, he dispatched him to steal the Matrix, but when Galvatron obtained the talisman, he tried and failed to use its power against Unicron. Ultimately, the Chosen One who could open the Matrix proved to be the youthful Hot Rod, who reclaimed the Matrix and was transformed by its power into Rodimus Prime, before opening it within Unicron and releasing its power, which tore Unicron apart from within. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

[[Image:FFOD4 Rodimus journey.JPG|thumb|right|150px|KOWABUNGA!!!]]
Later, when injured in battle, Rodimus's consciousness briefly entered the Matrix itself and witnessed a vision that led him to believe that the answer to the mystery of the alien Quintessons currently plaguing the Autobots was held within it. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}} To find his answer, Rodimus deliberately short-circuited himself and entered the Matrix a second time. Guided by the ancient Autobots within, Rodimus was shown the history of Cybertron and discovered the Quintessons' role in the creation of the Transformers. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}}

[[Image:Dark_awakening_matrix.jpg|left|thumb|150px|"Swap Matrix for braaainnns?"]]

The Matrix weighed heavily upon Rodimus, and he was all too eager to return it to Optimus Prime when it seemed that the Autobot leader had returned from the dead in 2006. It transpired, however, than Optimus had only been reanimated as a robotic zombie by the Quintessons, but the Matrix overrode the evil intentions the aliens had programmed him with, and he returned it to Rodimus before apparently sacrificing himself again. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

[[Image:Matrix_burden_2.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Decepticons using the Matrix either become disgusting freaks...]]

At one point, Rodimus was ambushed by the Stunticons, who stole the Matrix from him and brought it to Galvatron, who attempted to use its energy to power his cannon, only to be tormented by the spirits of the Autobots within it. Galvatron instructed [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] to dispose of the Matrix, but Scourge understood the true nature of its power and placed it within his own chest. Warped by its power, Scourge took control of the Decepticons and led them in an attack on Earth, only to be bested by Hot Rod, who reclaimed the Matrix once more. {{storylink|The Burden Hardest to Bear}}

[[Image:Matrix_burden_1.jpg|left|thumb|150px|...or get harassed by the ghosts of Optimus Prime, Robocop, and [[Boba Fett]].]]

When Optimus Prime was at last truly resurrected, he was forced to battle the [[Hate Plague]]-infected Rodimus in order to reclaim the Matrix from him, in hopes of consulting the Wisdom of the Ages to find a cure for the disease. Communicating with the mysterious [[It]], he learned that the only way combat the madness of the plague was with wisdom, and opened the Matrix, expelling all of the wisdom within it to extinguish the disease (in the process claiming that this was also the Autobots' "darkest hour"). Although the Matrix was empited, leaving only a shell, Optimus claimed they would have to start filling it with wisdom again, from that moment on. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

In 2007, Optimus Prime used the shell of the Matrix as a substitute key to access [[Vector Sigma]], where he consulted Alpha Trion on the mystery of the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]]. {{storylink|The Rebirth, Part 2}}

===Japanese cartoon===

{{note|The Matrix was the subject of a massive [[retcon]] propogated by [[TakaraTomy]] in 2007, explicitly tying it to Primacron's assistant, and various other animated concepts like [[Vector Sigma]] and the ''[[Beast Machines]]'' [[Vector Sigma|Oracle]]. Although the retcon takes as its starting point various small things that originate in the American animated continuity, it applies only to the Japanese continuity (so far, anyway).}}

====Generation 1====

When Primacron and his assistant (also known as the "Oracle") were attacked by the rebelling Unicron, the assistant's body was destroyed, but his lifeforce persisted. Sealed within a protective shell, the Oracle's lifeforce fled to a dead world at the centre of the galaxy, which the Oracle used his powers to transform into a lush, green world. In time, however, the alien Quintessons came to the Oracle's world and were able to bring him under their power, transforming him into the mega-computer, Vector Sigma. Using the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], the Quintessons cyber-formed the Oracle's world into [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], and the Oracle's life-giving powers were harnessed to produce a race of robotic slaves. The shell which had contained the Oracle's essence became the Matrix, but precisely how it came to be held by the Quintessons' consumer goods robots (later known as the Autobots), or even why the Quintessons would ''allow'' their creations to possess such a powerful item, is unknown. {{storylink|Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Kiss Players Transformers timeline}}

====''The Headmasters''====

A key distinction between the Matrix in this continuity and its sister timeline is that in addition to containing the Wisdom of the Ages, it is a source of exceptionally pure energy. It was this energy which was released by Optimus Prime to cure the Hate Plague. In order to recharge the emptied Matrix, it was hidden in an Autobot energy-gathering facility, steadily absorbing the pure, natural energy of Earth. Unfortunately, Prime had not forseen the one great side-effect of releasing the Matrix's energy{{m-}}it caused Vector Sigma to become unbalanced, putting all of Cybertron in great danger. The Decepticons took this opportunity to invade the planet, hoping to take control of the unstable computer and by extension, the planet itself, and Optimus Prime headed for Vector Sigma's chamber to try and rectify the situation. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come Out Of The Sky}} The Matrix, however, remained hidden on Earth, with no-one but Prime aware of its precise location. Hot Rod led the Autobot [[Headmaster]]s in a search for the Matrix, but although they successfully recovered it, it was still not fully recharged. Nevertheless, they brought the Matrix to Cybertron, where the ghost of Alpha Trion re-energized it fully, transforming Hot Rod back into Rodimus Prime. Before Rodimus could use the Matrix to stabilize Vector Sigma, however, Optimus Prime sacrificed himself by merging with the computer to bring it back under control. {{storylink|A Dream is Born, Double Prime}}

When Cybertron was subsequently destroyed thanks to the machinations of Decepticon Headmaster leader [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], Rodimus Prime voyaged into space to search for a new homeworld for the Transformers, taking the Matrix with him. {{storylink|Cybertron is in Grave Danger, Part 2}} On his many travels, the power of the Matrix and the energy of Earth now dwelling within it in gave him strength, and opened his eyes to the beauty of Earth and humanity, convincing him that humans and Transformers must live and work together to move forward and evolve. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 8}}

No known subsequent [[Supreme Commander]]s held the Matrix, and its precise fate in this universe is unknown. By the time of the "Beast Era," Supreme Commanders were known to carry with them similar but entirely different objects known as [[Energon Matrix|Energon Matricies]].

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

[[Image:Ancients.jpg|thumb|right|Matrix-shaped platform above the Oracle Tank]]

Seeking to use the Matrix to power the planetary turbine engines he had discovered beneath Cybertron's surface, Megatron attacked and killed the current holder of the talisman, [[Sentinel Prime]]. Tearing his victim open, however, Megatron discovered that the Matrix was gone, having already been given by Sentinel Prime to the [[Council of Ancients]] for unknown reasons (perhaps having forseen his own death). The Council subequently chose a data archivist named Optronix to be the new bearer of the Matrix, and brought him to the [[Oracle Tank]], in which both he and the Matrix were immersed. Optronix was enlarged and strengthened by the Matrix, and transformed into Optimus Prime. {{storylink|The War Within issue 1}}

Soon after, Prime was attacked by Megatron, who cracked open his form and exposed the Matrix. A blinding flash burst from the Matrix, showing Prime and Megatron visions of future conflicts on Earth and [[Nebulos]], but it was implied that Optimus somehow used the Matrix to force Megatron to forget these visions, though how much knowledge he himself retained is unknown. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}}

After their war on Earth, the Transformers were set to return to Cybertron aboard the [[Ark II]] in 1999, at which point Optimus Prime gave [[Spike Witwicky]] a piece of the Matrix with the promise that he would be back. The Ark II proved to have been sabotaged, however, and exploded in mid-flight, leaving the world to believe that the Transformers were dead until 2002, when the terrorist [[Lazarus]] recovered several of their bodies and reprogrammed them for use as weapons that he would sell on the black market. The American military recovered the body of Optimus Prime and [[General Hallo]] drafted Spike to help in restoring him to life by replacing the portion of the Matrix he had removed. Thus restored, Prime proceeded to use the Matrix to bring his fellow Autobots back on-line. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

[[Image:Matrix back.jpg|thumb|left|A Dreamwave newsletter provides us a seldom-seen image of the ''back'' of the Matrix.]]

When the Autobots and Decepticons were finally able to return to Cybertron, a chain of events ultimately led Optimus Prime into a confrontation with [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in the chamber containing Vector Sigma. Blasting Prime's chest cavity open, Shockwave claimed the Matrix for himself and used it to access Vector Sigma's databanks as part of a complex plan, the implications of which were never fully revealed. Shockwave was defeated by [[Ultra Magnus]] and the Matrix returned to Optimus Prime, but not before its activation caused an energy beam to be broadcast out into space, drawing the attention of Unicron. {{storylink|Revelation (comic issue)}} The forceful removal of the Matrix from his body combined with the long period of time spent without it caused a great deal of trauma to Optimus Prime's systems, necessitating an extended session in a CR chamber to recover. {{storylink|Generation One (Dreamwave comic)|DW G1 ongoing}}

It appears that this Matrix does not hold the wisdom of past Autobot leaders, as [[Golden Disk (council)|another datatrak]] contained its wisdom.

{{-}}

===Beast Era===

====''Beast Wars''====

Several enigmatic references were made to the Matrix at various points, though it is never precisely clear if they refer to the Matrix of Leadership, the Allspark dimension, [[Matrix (facility)|the protoform production facility on Cybertron]] that also goes by that name, or some theoretical conglomeration of any of the above that the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Warriors]] only speak of out of misconception.

When [[Rhinox]] voyaged into the Allspark to recover [[Optimus Primal]]'s lost [[spark]], the image of the Matrix of Leadership could be seen floating in the void. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Later, when the body of Optimus Prime was fatally wounded by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], Optimus Primal opened his chest compartment to take his spark into his own body for safety. Prime's spark was shown to be contained within a holder shaped just like the Matrix of Leadership, and Rhinox remarked that Prime's spark had "the Matrix with it." {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

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

[[Image:Sparkholderprimevaldawn.jpg|right|220px|thumb|The Matrix, beneath Prime's "spark holder".]]

The confusion surrounding the Matrix-like holder in Prime's chest and its relation to the actual Matrix of Leadership, was clarified when it was revealed that the Matrix was actually concealed in a compartment beneath Prime's own spark. This was established when, after the end of the Beast Wars, the deceased [[Tarantulas]] was resurrected, intending to use his new [[Vok]] powers to steal the Matrix and warp reality to his liking. To protect the timestream, the Vok took the Matrix of Leadership from the unconscious Optimus Prime residing within the Ark, used it to create [[Primal Prime]], then gave the Matrix to their new creation. {{storylink|Departure|Primeval Dawn, Part 1}} In the following battle, however, Tarantulas was able to overpower Primal Prime and rip the Matrix from his body. {{storylink|Betrayal|Primeval Dawn, Part 2}}

{{stub}}

===Robots in Disguise===

[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] was chosen by Vector Sigma to carry the Matrix, leaving his brother, [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]], with a serious microchip on his shoulder. About halfway through Prime's campaign against [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] on Earth, Magnus arrived on Earth, intent on taking the Matrix from Prime for himself. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus (episode)|Ultra Magnus}} When he attempted to steal the Matrix, however, a bizarre fusion occurred instead, merging the two brothers into [[Omega Prime]], revealing that the intention had always been for them to ''share'' the energy of the Matrix between them. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus: Forced Fusion}} Magnus later inadvertantly used this link to channel the energy of the Matrix into the [[Autobot Brothers]], supercharging them. {{storylink|Power to Burn!}}

===Unicron Trilogy===
====Animated continuity====

[[Image:ArmadaMatrix.jpg|left|thumb|A Unicorn designed this. (see the pretty rainbows?)]]

[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] tried to pass the Matrix on to [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] before he warped into space with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], but Hot Shot refused it, not feeling himself worthy.

When Optimus died standing purposefully in the path of the [[Hydra Cannon]] blast meant for Earth, Prime's [[Mini-Con]] partner [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] held on to the Matrix, floating helplessly until rescued.

Later, it was the Mini-Cons who resurrected Prime, entering the Matrix and reconstructing a new body for him. Some time later, Unicron forced Prime to face the fact that on some level he enjoyed the thrill of combat. Following Unicron's defeat, Galvatron challenged Optimus to one final, furious battle. Prime choose to discard the Matrix at this time, flinging it into the void of space, so that he could battle Galvatron not as the leader of the Autobots, but as himself. How Optimus Prime got the Matrix back after this is uncertain.

{{note|Although in ''Energon'', Optimus Prime appears to have a permanent Matrix-like structure (complete with handles and all) in his chest, this is not the case. The device located in his chest is the [[Spark of Combination]] and not the Matrix of Leadership.}}

During the quest to stop the [[Unicron Singularity]], Optimus Prime used the Matrix of Leadership to widen [[Vector Prime]]'s dimension gates, allowing transport for larger numbers of troops.

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Convoy (New Year Special)''' (2002)
: He comes with the Matrix of Leadership!

*'''[[Galvatron II]]''' (2005)
: He comes with the Creation Matrix! It's green.

===Robots in Disguise===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2001)
: ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] has a little door on his chest that hides a sculpted Matrix. It cannot be removed.

===20th Anniversary/Masterpiece===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-01'''
: 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime includes a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.

* '''Ultra Magnus'''
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-02'''
: He had it too.

* '''Convoy Perfect Edition''' (2006)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-04'''
: He still had it here.

===Armada===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super Base, 2002/2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MC-01'''

:The large version of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] has a non-removable Matrix of Leadership behind the grill on his chest. This feature was kept for the various [[redeco]]s of this mold.

===KT Figure Collection - The Transformers===
*'''Convoy''' (KT Figure Collection, 2004)
*'''Convoy "Revival version"''' (''Figure-Oh'' exclusive, 2004)

===Cybertron===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2005)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''GC-01'''

:''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' Optimus Prime has a removable Matrix of Leadership in his chest. This feature was kept for the "Galaxy Force Optimus Prime" redeco.

===Hybrid Style===
*'''Galaxy Convoy''' (2005)
: ''Series number:'' '''THS-01'''

*'''Convoy''' (2006)
: ''Series number:'' '''THS-02'''

===Classics===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
:Yep, this version of the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime mold still has the Matrix.

===Revoltech===
*'''Convoy''' (2007)
: ''Series number:'' '''019'''
: He comes with a Matrix accessory which does not open or store inside his chest.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
*When asked about the visual design of the Matrix in an interview, [[Floro Dery]]'s reply was, "The inspiration for the Matrix of Leadership is a thermonuclear bomb."<ref>[http://transformersph.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-floro-dery.html TransFormers Philippines: Interview With Floro Dery]</ref> "Light our darkest hour," indeed.
*Over the course of its history, the Matrix has been stolen from its bearers many times. Rodimus had it stolen from him by Optimus Prime and Wildrider in the cartoon and [[General Ghyrik]] in the UK comics, Optimus has had it stolen from by Shockwave in the G1 comics, Megatron in the G2 comics, Shockwave again in Dreamwave, and [[Serpent O.R.]] in Devil's Due. All of the thieves also had it stolen from them, either by the Autobots or one of their "allies". Thus far, the only person to successfully hold the Matrix without it being stolen is Buster Witwicky. Score one for the fleshlings.
*Ironically, known Matrix Bearers who become the new Autobot Leader somehow get a trailer to their old form.
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category: Generation 1]]
[[Category:MacGuffins]]
[[Category:Objects]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers| ]]
[[Category: Religion]]
[[Category:Primus]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Combiner

2007-12-08T13:39:55Z

72.221.80.13: /* Toy lists */

[[Image:GestaltTrioTVMagazine.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The most devastating case of tea-bagging ever.]]

A '''combiner''' is a group of Transformers that assemble and combine their bodies into a single machine, or that composite machine itself. Most combiners form a larger Super Robot with its own unique personality (a character in its own right), but other varieties of combiner exist, forming vehicles, weapons, or other items. Combiners tend to be considerably larger and more powerful than the average Transformer, equivalent to strategic-grade weapons; in ''[[The War Within]]'', the combiners were neutral, with both sides courting their favor.

There are a number of combiner-related terms that can be easy to mix up, partially because some of them are used interchangeably. Additionally, most of them have no formal definition and thus may be used differently by different fans. Consequently, most of the discussion which follows should not be taken as the word of [[Primus]], but as a rough description of common usage.

==Terms for combiners==
[[Image:combiner_logo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Worst...logo...ever.]]

; Combiner : As above, a member of a group of Transformers who assemble into a composite form. Also refers to that composite form itself. This is the most general term for all combining Transformers. "Combiner" is the most common term for combining Transformers that has been used by Hasbro in an official capacity, starting with the ''[[Micromaster]] Combiners'' from 1990 (with the exception of the more limited "special teams" and a recent official use of the term "gestalt"), having even appeared with a gear-shaped logo on ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' toy packaging.

; Gestalt : Fan-terminology for a certain class of combiners -- generally used only for "big robot" combiners with emergent personalities. The term is nebulously defined, such that some fans would consider a two-member combiner such as [[Squawkbox]] a gestalt, but other fans would not. This is probably the fandom's second most frequently-used term for combining Transformers. Its use in Transfandom is derived from the principle of [[wikipedia:gestalt psychology|gestalt psychology]], which is sometimes simplified to mean "greater/different than the sum of its parts," though a few fans consider this term pretentious and obtuse. The term remained firmly in realm of [[fanon]] for years, although it did appear in some ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' design sketches implying that Hasbro designers used the term occasionally, until in 2007 "gestalt" made its first official appearance, in the bio of the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] toy.

; Scramble City combiner : A specific type of [[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]] giant gestalt that follows the five-member design featured in the Japanese “[[Scramble City]]” [[OVA]]. The team leader is larger than the other members and forms the main body of the combiner, while the others are smaller and form the limbs. The limbs are interchangeable, although there is always a generally-accepted “normal” formation. Further, the limbs are interchangeable from one Scramble City combiner to another, making for a large number of bizarre combinations. Limbs are also able to attach to and augment Metroplex & Metrotitan (see “Trivia” below). Note that this term is purely descriptive rather than being a proper name.

; Special Team : A synonym for Scramble City combiner. When the Scramble City toys were marketed in Europe they were referred to as Special Teams, and the term even appeared in the [[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|UK comic book]] series. The term was used in some marketing materials in the US, such as packing lists for the toy [[case assortment]]s, but never appeared in US fiction until the [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|''Ultimate Guide'']] was published in 2004.

; [[Super Mode|Super Robot]] : A robot which is formed through the combination of two or more Transformers. Powered-up robot modes composed of only one Transformer who combines with some of their own accessories are often also referred to as Super Robots, such as [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] or the incarnations of Prime from ''Robots in Disguise'' and all three ''[[Unicron Trilogy]]'' series. It is probably safe to informally refer to any such mode as a Super Robot (thus including, say, G1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and ''Energon'' [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]). Note that this means Super Robots are not always combiners and do not have to have their own personality. Rather, Super Robot and combiner are two different categories of Transformer which ''sometimes'' overlap.

; Fusilateral quintrocombiner : Coined by [[Simon Furman]] in [[Swarm (comic issue)|issue 9]] of the [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Generation 2'' comic]] to refer to the [[Combaticon]]s. It presumably is meant to refer to all the Scramble City teams, as their combined forms consist of five robots. It may also apply to the Predacons, but it doesn't matter because nobody uses this term anyway.

; Amalgam model : Yet another obscure term for combiners first used by Simon Furman via [[Wheeljack]] in the [[Devastation Derby]] story in the UK comic books.

==Types of combiner==
As mentioned above, most combiners form a super robot. However, there are many other types of combining in the Transformers multiverse.

In the ''Energon'' franchise, most of the Autobot characters were able to combine with each other in pairs much like ''[[Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'''s [[Multiforce]]. These combined forms can probably be considered Super Robots. The combined form was simply controlled by whichever Autobot was "on top". Make whatever jokes you will.

''Generation 1'' contains many examples of combined [[alternate mode]]s, including [[Reflector]], [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]], [[Big Powered]], the [[Triple Combination Battlestar Attack|Battlestar]], and the [[Targetmaster#Double Targetmasters|Double Targetmasters]].

The [[Micromaster]] Combiner Squads are made up of Transformers whose altmodes combine into vehicles, with one partner being the front and another the rear. The combined forms do not have specific names. Thanks to the generic peg-and-socket connection method used, any two Micromaster combiners can be linked (though the half dump truck/half space shuttle combo may attract comment).

The [[Unicron Trilogy]]'s [[Mini-Con]]s brought to the fiction combined weapon modes, like the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] & [[Dark Saber]] swords, [[Requiem Blaster]] cannon, and [[Skyboom Shield]].

==Not combiners==
Not all cases of multiple things attaching to each other are combiners. As mentioned above, many Super Robots -- which are formed through a conglomeration of parts -- are not combiners. [[Landmine (Energon)|''Energon'' Landmine]], for example.

A similar case can be found in Transformers who have two or more "components" which combine into a single entity. [[Sky Lynx (G1)|G1 Sky Lynx]] has lynx and dino-bird components, [[Omega Supreme (G1)|G1 Omega Supreme]] has tank, base, and rocket components, and [[Magmatron]] has three dinosaur components. However, all of these components are considered to be "part of" the overall Transformer, even through they can act independently. The [[Duocon]]s are another case of this sort. All of these examples are ''not'' combiners because there is only ''one'' Transformer involved in each of them, regardless of how many bodies that Transformer may simultaneously operate.

Sometimes a smaller Transformer will attach to and enhance a larger Transformer in some way. This is the case when Mini-Cons powerlink with bulks, as well as with [[binary-bonding|binary-bonded]] partners like [[Headmaster]]s, [[Powermaster]]s/[[Godmaster]]s, and [[Breastforce]] members. Although these examples do include more than one Transformer, they are not considered "combiners". The simplest justification for this is that, in these cases, the "combined" form is almost exactly the same in appearance as the noncombined form.

And sometimes [[The Beast Within|things just combine for no real reason at all. Just deal with it. We hate it, oh God yes, but there it is. We're sorry.]]

==Toy lists==
;Combiners with two members
*[[Jet Optimus]]
*[[Mega-Dinobot]]
*[[Mini-Cassette|Mini-cassettes]]
**[[Decibel]]
**[[Legout]]
**[[Slamdance]]
**[[Squawkbox]]
*[[Powered Master|Powered Masters]]
**[[Sky Powered]]
**[[Land Powered]]
**[[Big Powered]]

;Combiners formed by main bodies with power-up partners
*[[God Ginrai]]
*[[Victory Saber]]
*[[Omega Prime]]
*The combined form of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Wing Saber]]
*[[(Omega) Optimus Supreme]]

;Combiners with three or more members (non-Scramble City type)
*[[Constructicon Devastator (Deluxe)]]
*[[Devastator (G1)]]
*[[Dinoking]]
*[[Landcross]]
*[[Landfill (RID)]]
*[[Liokaiser]]
*[[Magnaboss]]
*[[Magnaboss II]]
*[[Monstructor]]
*[[Predaking]]
*[[Raiden]]
*[[Rail Racer (RID)]]
*[[Road Caesar]]
*[[Tripredacus]]
*[[Tripledacus]]

;Scramble City-type combiners
*[[Abominus]]
*[[Battle Gaia]]
*[[Bruticus (G1)]]
*[[Computron]]
*[[Defensor (G1)]]
*[[God Neptune]]
*[[Guard City]]
*[[King Poseidon]]
*[[Menasor (G1)]]
*[[Piranacon]] (with extra "limb" robot used as weapon)
*[[Piranhacon]] (unreleased)
*[[Ruination]]
*[[Superion (G1)]]

;Micromaster-type combiners
*[[Sixbuilder]]
*[[Sixliner]]
*[[Sixtrain]]
*[[Sixturbo]]
*[[Sixwing]]
*[[Constructicon Devastator (Micromaster)|Constructicon Devastator (Universe)]] ([[Micromaster]] type)
*[[Defensor (Universe)]]
*[[Rail Racer (Universe)]]
*[[Superion (Universe)]]

;Maximus-type combiners
*[[Bruticus Maximus]]
*[[Constructicon Devastator]] ([[Classics]])
*[[Constructicon Maximus]]
*[[Superion Maximus]]
*[[Transformers Collectors' Club|TFCC]] [[Timelines]] [[Energon]]-style gestalt (Name unannounced - includes [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]], [[Breakaway]] & [[Topspin (Transtech)|Topspin]])

==Unused Concepts==

Combiners were a very popular idea during the Generation 1 toyline and as such there are loads of scrapped combiner designs that never got past the drawing board. Among them were:

*A Scramble City style dinosaur combiner. The body is a T-Rex, while the limbs are a Pteradactyl (right arm), Ankylosaurus (left leg), Dimetrodon (left arm), and Styracosaurus (right leg).<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p22</ref>

*A decidedly goofy organic insect combiner composed of a stag beetle (right leg), another beetle (left leg), grasshopper (left arm), fly (right arm), and a cockroach body.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p99</ref>

*A cybernetic beast combiner that did not form a robot, but rather a large cybernetic monster. It is formed from a cyber bat, mole, stag beetle, and a couple of fish things.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p99</ref>

*A fifteen (!) vehicle Micromaster combiner where the only attached parts not contained by the component robots were the large robot fists. This combiner consists of three uniformly colored teams (in a similar fashion to the vehicular Voltron of the same time period):
**Air team (blue)- two jets, two helicopters, a space shuttle.
**Construction team (green)- a hauler, a bulldozer, a steam shovel, a tank (don't ask), a missile carrier (don't ask).
**Street team (red)- two cars, a motorcycle, a formula racer, a jeep.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p108</ref>

[[Image:ClassicVehicombiner.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Either the smallest steamboat ever, or the largest car in existence.]]

*Another, simpler dinosaur combiner composed of a Pteradactyl, a not-really-a-Stegosaurus, and a T-Rex with a very large head. The three combine into a dinosaur thing similar to [[Magmatron]]'s combined dino mode. It shares many visual characteristics with Tomy's relatively simple robot designs.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p108</ref>

*A five vehicle combiner (evidently not Scramble City in nature) composed of a steam engine (right arm), steam boat (torso), car (right leg), truck (left leg), and plane (left arm).
{{-}}

==Trivia==

*[[Devastator (G1)|G1 Devastator]] and [[Raiden]] are the only combiners from [[Diaclone]] toylines.

*[[Scramble City]]-type combiners were initially designed to be a sub-line of [[Diaclone]] called... what else... Scramble City. This goes along with their ability to interact with and attach to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] & [[Metrotitan]], the designs of which were also originally intended for the Diaclone line.

*In [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comic continuity [[Squawkbox]] exists before Combiner technology has become available to either faction. This means that either Squawkbox is the core being and he's later split into [[Squawktalk]] and [[Beastbox]] or um... someone at IDW screwed up.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Combiners| ]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Combiner

2007-12-08T13:38:10Z

72.221.80.13: /* Toy lists */

[[Image:GestaltTrioTVMagazine.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The most devastating case of tea-bagging ever.]]

A '''combiner''' is a group of Transformers that assemble and combine their bodies into a single machine, or that composite machine itself. Most combiners form a larger Super Robot with its own unique personality (a character in its own right), but other varieties of combiner exist, forming vehicles, weapons, or other items. Combiners tend to be considerably larger and more powerful than the average Transformer, equivalent to strategic-grade weapons; in ''[[The War Within]]'', the combiners were neutral, with both sides courting their favor.

There are a number of combiner-related terms that can be easy to mix up, partially because some of them are used interchangeably. Additionally, most of them have no formal definition and thus may be used differently by different fans. Consequently, most of the discussion which follows should not be taken as the word of [[Primus]], but as a rough description of common usage.

==Terms for combiners==
[[Image:combiner_logo.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Worst...logo...ever.]]

; Combiner : As above, a member of a group of Transformers who assemble into a composite form. Also refers to that composite form itself. This is the most general term for all combining Transformers. "Combiner" is the most common term for combining Transformers that has been used by Hasbro in an official capacity, starting with the ''[[Micromaster]] Combiners'' from 1990 (with the exception of the more limited "special teams" and a recent official use of the term "gestalt"), having even appeared with a gear-shaped logo on ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' toy packaging.

; Gestalt : Fan-terminology for a certain class of combiners -- generally used only for "big robot" combiners with emergent personalities. The term is nebulously defined, such that some fans would consider a two-member combiner such as [[Squawkbox]] a gestalt, but other fans would not. This is probably the fandom's second most frequently-used term for combining Transformers. Its use in Transfandom is derived from the principle of [[wikipedia:gestalt psychology|gestalt psychology]], which is sometimes simplified to mean "greater/different than the sum of its parts," though a few fans consider this term pretentious and obtuse. The term remained firmly in realm of [[fanon]] for years, although it did appear in some ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' design sketches implying that Hasbro designers used the term occasionally, until in 2007 "gestalt" made its first official appearance, in the bio of the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] toy.

; Scramble City combiner : A specific type of [[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]] giant gestalt that follows the five-member design featured in the Japanese “[[Scramble City]]” [[OVA]]. The team leader is larger than the other members and forms the main body of the combiner, while the others are smaller and form the limbs. The limbs are interchangeable, although there is always a generally-accepted “normal” formation. Further, the limbs are interchangeable from one Scramble City combiner to another, making for a large number of bizarre combinations. Limbs are also able to attach to and augment Metroplex & Metrotitan (see “Trivia” below). Note that this term is purely descriptive rather than being a proper name.

; Special Team : A synonym for Scramble City combiner. When the Scramble City toys were marketed in Europe they were referred to as Special Teams, and the term even appeared in the [[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|UK comic book]] series. The term was used in some marketing materials in the US, such as packing lists for the toy [[case assortment]]s, but never appeared in US fiction until the [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|''Ultimate Guide'']] was published in 2004.

; [[Super Mode|Super Robot]] : A robot which is formed through the combination of two or more Transformers. Powered-up robot modes composed of only one Transformer who combines with some of their own accessories are often also referred to as Super Robots, such as [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] or the incarnations of Prime from ''Robots in Disguise'' and all three ''[[Unicron Trilogy]]'' series. It is probably safe to informally refer to any such mode as a Super Robot (thus including, say, G1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and ''Energon'' [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]). Note that this means Super Robots are not always combiners and do not have to have their own personality. Rather, Super Robot and combiner are two different categories of Transformer which ''sometimes'' overlap.

; Fusilateral quintrocombiner : Coined by [[Simon Furman]] in [[Swarm (comic issue)|issue 9]] of the [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Generation 2'' comic]] to refer to the [[Combaticon]]s. It presumably is meant to refer to all the Scramble City teams, as their combined forms consist of five robots. It may also apply to the Predacons, but it doesn't matter because nobody uses this term anyway.

; Amalgam model : Yet another obscure term for combiners first used by Simon Furman via [[Wheeljack]] in the [[Devastation Derby]] story in the UK comic books.

==Types of combiner==
As mentioned above, most combiners form a super robot. However, there are many other types of combining in the Transformers multiverse.

In the ''Energon'' franchise, most of the Autobot characters were able to combine with each other in pairs much like ''[[Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'''s [[Multiforce]]. These combined forms can probably be considered Super Robots. The combined form was simply controlled by whichever Autobot was "on top". Make whatever jokes you will.

''Generation 1'' contains many examples of combined [[alternate mode]]s, including [[Reflector]], [[Dreadwing (G1)|Dreadwing]], [[Big Powered]], the [[Triple Combination Battlestar Attack|Battlestar]], and the [[Targetmaster#Double Targetmasters|Double Targetmasters]].

The [[Micromaster]] Combiner Squads are made up of Transformers whose altmodes combine into vehicles, with one partner being the front and another the rear. The combined forms do not have specific names. Thanks to the generic peg-and-socket connection method used, any two Micromaster combiners can be linked (though the half dump truck/half space shuttle combo may attract comment).

The [[Unicron Trilogy]]'s [[Mini-Con]]s brought to the fiction combined weapon modes, like the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] & [[Dark Saber]] swords, [[Requiem Blaster]] cannon, and [[Skyboom Shield]].

==Not combiners==
Not all cases of multiple things attaching to each other are combiners. As mentioned above, many Super Robots -- which are formed through a conglomeration of parts -- are not combiners. [[Landmine (Energon)|''Energon'' Landmine]], for example.

A similar case can be found in Transformers who have two or more "components" which combine into a single entity. [[Sky Lynx (G1)|G1 Sky Lynx]] has lynx and dino-bird components, [[Omega Supreme (G1)|G1 Omega Supreme]] has tank, base, and rocket components, and [[Magmatron]] has three dinosaur components. However, all of these components are considered to be "part of" the overall Transformer, even through they can act independently. The [[Duocon]]s are another case of this sort. All of these examples are ''not'' combiners because there is only ''one'' Transformer involved in each of them, regardless of how many bodies that Transformer may simultaneously operate.

Sometimes a smaller Transformer will attach to and enhance a larger Transformer in some way. This is the case when Mini-Cons powerlink with bulks, as well as with [[binary-bonding|binary-bonded]] partners like [[Headmaster]]s, [[Powermaster]]s/[[Godmaster]]s, and [[Breastforce]] members. Although these examples do include more than one Transformer, they are not considered "combiners". The simplest justification for this is that, in these cases, the "combined" form is almost exactly the same in appearance as the noncombined form.

And sometimes [[The Beast Within|things just combine for no real reason at all. Just deal with it. We hate it, oh God yes, but there it is. We're sorry.]]

==Toy lists==
;Combiners with two members
*[[Jet Optimus]]
*[[Mega-Dinobot]]
*[[Mini-Cassette|Mini-cassettes]]
**[[Decibel]]
**[[Legout]]
**[[Slamdance]]
**[[Squawkbox]]
*[[Powered Master|Powered Masters]]
**[[Sky Powered]]
**[[Land Powered]]
**[[Big Powered]]

;Combiners formed by main bodies with power-up partners
*[[God Ginrai]]
*[[Victory Saber]]
*[[Omega Prime]]
*The combined form of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Wing Saber]]
*[[(Omega) Optimus Supreme]]

;Combiners with three or more members (non-Scramble City type)
*[[Constructicon Devastator (Deluxe)]]
*[[Devastator (G1)]]
*[[Dinoking]]
*[[Landcross]]
*[[Landfill (RID)]]
*[[Liokaiser]]
*[[Magnaboss]]
*[[Magnaboss II]]
*[[Monstructor]]
*[[Predaking]]
*[[Raiden]]
*[[Rail Racer (RID)]]
*[[Road Caesar]]
*[[Tripredacus]]
*[[Tripledacus]]

;Scramble City-type combiners
*[[Abominus]]
*[[Battle Gaia]]
*[[Bruticus (G1)]]
*[[Computron]]
*[[Defensor (G1)]]
*[[God Neptune]]
*[[Guard City]]
*[[King Poseidon]]
*[[Menasor (G1)]]
*[[Piranacon]] (with extra "limb" robot used as weapon)
*[[Piranhacon]] (unreleased)
*[[Ruination]]
*[[Superion (G1)]]

;Micromaster-type combiners
*[[Sixbuilder]]
*[[Sixliner]]
*[[Sixtrain]]
*[[Sixturbo]]
*[[Sixwing]]
*[[Constructicon Devastator (Micromaster)|Constructicon Devastator (Universe)]] ([[Micromaster]] type)
*[[Defensor (Universe)]]
*[[Rail Racer (Universe)]]
*[[Superion (Universe)]]

;Maximus-type combiners
*[[Bruticus Maximus]]
*[[Constructicon Devastator]] ([[Classics]])
*[[Constructicon Maximus]]
*[[Superion Maximus]]
*[[Transformers Collectors' Club|TFCC]] [[Timelines]] [[Energon]]-style gestalt (Name unannounced - includes [[Skyfall (Cybertron)|Skyfall]], [[Landquake (Timelines)|Landquake]],[[Breakaway]] & [[Topspin (Transtech)|Topspin]])

==Unused Concepts==

Combiners were a very popular idea during the Generation 1 toyline and as such there are loads of scrapped combiner designs that never got past the drawing board. Among them were:

*A Scramble City style dinosaur combiner. The body is a T-Rex, while the limbs are a Pteradactyl (right arm), Ankylosaurus (left leg), Dimetrodon (left arm), and Styracosaurus (right leg).<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p22</ref>

*A decidedly goofy organic insect combiner composed of a stag beetle (right leg), another beetle (left leg), grasshopper (left arm), fly (right arm), and a cockroach body.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p99</ref>

*A cybernetic beast combiner that did not form a robot, but rather a large cybernetic monster. It is formed from a cyber bat, mole, stag beetle, and a couple of fish things.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p99</ref>

*A fifteen (!) vehicle Micromaster combiner where the only attached parts not contained by the component robots were the large robot fists. This combiner consists of three uniformly colored teams (in a similar fashion to the vehicular Voltron of the same time period):
**Air team (blue)- two jets, two helicopters, a space shuttle.
**Construction team (green)- a hauler, a bulldozer, a steam shovel, a tank (don't ask), a missile carrier (don't ask).
**Street team (red)- two cars, a motorcycle, a formula racer, a jeep.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p108</ref>

[[Image:ClassicVehicombiner.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Either the smallest steamboat ever, or the largest car in existence.]]

*Another, simpler dinosaur combiner composed of a Pteradactyl, a not-really-a-Stegosaurus, and a T-Rex with a very large head. The three combine into a dinosaur thing similar to [[Magmatron]]'s combined dino mode. It shares many visual characteristics with Tomy's relatively simple robot designs.<ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p108</ref>

*A five vehicle combiner (evidently not Scramble City in nature) composed of a steam engine (right arm), steam boat (torso), car (right leg), truck (left leg), and plane (left arm).
{{-}}

==Trivia==

*[[Devastator (G1)|G1 Devastator]] and [[Raiden]] are the only combiners from [[Diaclone]] toylines.

*[[Scramble City]]-type combiners were initially designed to be a sub-line of [[Diaclone]] called... what else... Scramble City. This goes along with their ability to interact with and attach to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] & [[Metrotitan]], the designs of which were also originally intended for the Diaclone line.

*In [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comic continuity [[Squawkbox]] exists before Combiner technology has become available to either faction. This means that either Squawkbox is the core being and he's later split into [[Squawktalk]] and [[Beastbox]] or um... someone at IDW screwed up.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Combiners| ]]
[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Grimlock (Animated)

2007-10-28T19:46:32Z

72.221.80.13: /* Toy */

{{disambig3|Grimlock}}

:''Grimlock is an [[Autobot]] in the [[Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

{{coming soon}}

[[Image:Dinobots_Animated.JPG|right|thumb|250px|"Me Grimlock need no lighting. Giant jaw enough, light hall with sparks of victims"]]

'''Grimlock''' is a ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' in charge of a small three mech group of dinosaur transformers. Him Grimlock king, yesssss.

==Fiction==

===''Transformers Animated'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor: [[David Kaye]] (US), ? (Japan)''

He Grimlock look cool posing when it's kinda dark. Also, he Grimlock kinda boxy. Has a very [[Grimlock (G1)|G1]] color scheme.

==Toy==
*'''Grimlock''' (Voyager, 2008)
Kicking Unicron-sized butt be reality! He Grimlock got lower jaw strong enough to crack open a sea turtle and a BIG FREAKIN' SWORD. Decepticons, you been warned. He Grimlock transformation similar to G1 incarnations, with legs form arms, hind quarters form legs.
{{comingsoontoy}}

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Animated characters]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Soundbox

2007-10-23T10:38:57Z

72.221.80.13: /* Toys Utilizing Soundboxes */

A '''soundbox''' is a stupid [[gimmick]] that ruins an adult collectible and turns it into a [[Playskool]] baby toy. Alternatively, it is an electronic gadget containing a memory device that records one or more sound clips and plays them back on demand, allowing for audible explosions, beep-wheedles, and "I am [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]".

A soundbox is a self-contained unit containing batteries, electronics, and speaker, which makes it simple to install in a toy -- all the designer needs is to allow space and a grille for the speaker. On the other hand, a soundbox is relatively large as gimmicks go, and requires a fair amount of dedicated space.

As with all electronics, soundbox technology has improved notably in the last twenty plus years. Toys featuring soundboxes during the 1980s usually also had to make space for a relatively large [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PP3_battery nine-volt battery] and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Button_cell button cell batteries], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AAA_battery AAA batteries], or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AA_battery AA batteries].

Soundboxes have also become somewhat cheaper to manufacture, given their very sparse use in lines previous to [[Armada|2002]]. During Armada and after, the boxes became a common feature on larger figures.

==Toys Utilizing Soundboxes==
1985
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

1986
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]

1993
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]

2000
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Supreme Cheetor]]

2001
* [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]

2002
* [[Dark Saber|Roleplay Dark Saber]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
* [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]]
* [[Star Saber (Armada)|Roleplay Star Saber]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]

2003
* K-Mart [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Gold Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] two-pack
* Sam's Club [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
* Sam's Club [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]
* Toys 'R' Us [[Optimus Primal|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
* [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Powerlinx Jetfire]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Powerlinx Optimus Prime]]
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Powerlinx Red Alert]]
* [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]]
* [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]

2004
* Sam's Club [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] two-pack
* Toys 'R' Us [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] two-pack
* [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]]
* [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]]
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Iron Hide]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
* [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* [[Tidal Wave|Mirage]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]
* [[Shockblast (Energon)|Shockblast]]
* [[Treadbolt]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus with Space Mini-Con Team]]

2005
* [[Beachcomber (Energon)|Beachcomber]]
* [[Dreadwing (Energon)|Dreadwing]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Iron Hide]]
* [[Landquake (Energon)|Landquake]]
* [[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]]
* [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]
* [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]]
* [[Quickstrike (Energon)|Quickstrike]]
* [[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]]

2006
* Costco [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] two-pack
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]]
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Dark Scorponok]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Supreme Starscream]]
* [[Vector Prime]]

2007
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Cryo Scourge]]
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Dark Crumplezone]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Galaxy Force Optimus Prime]]
* [[Vector Prime|Galaxy Force Vector Prime]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]]
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]]
* [[Nemesis Breaker|Nemesis Breaker]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Sky Shadow]]
* [[Wing Saber|Wing Saber]]
* [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]
* [[Brawl (Movie)|Desert Attack Brawl]]
* [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Nightwatch Optimus Prime]]

==Trivia==
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]] was the first ''Transformers'' toy to feature electronic sounds.
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Reissue Galvatron's]] soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine-volt.
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave's]] Armada box noted that he had electronic sounds. He did not. Bummer.
[[Image:Speaker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] feels empty inside.]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Cybertron Voyager Starscream]] was designed with a soundbox in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics. Again, bummer.

[[Category:Toys]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Soundbox

2007-10-23T10:38:10Z

72.221.80.13: /* Toys Utilizing Soundboxes */

A '''soundbox''' is a stupid [[gimmick]] that ruins an adult collectible and turns it into a [[Playskool]] baby toy. Alternatively, it is an electronic gadget containing a memory device that records one or more sound clips and plays them back on demand, allowing for audible explosions, beep-wheedles, and "I am [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]".

A soundbox is a self-contained unit containing batteries, electronics, and speaker, which makes it simple to install in a toy -- all the designer needs is to allow space and a grille for the speaker. On the other hand, a soundbox is relatively large as gimmicks go, and requires a fair amount of dedicated space.

As with all electronics, soundbox technology has improved notably in the last twenty plus years. Toys featuring soundboxes during the 1980s usually also had to make space for a relatively large [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PP3_battery nine-volt battery] and the snap connectors that went with it. Modern soundboxes are now powered by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Button_cell button cell batteries], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AAA_battery AAA batteries], or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AA_battery AA batteries].

Soundboxes have also become somewhat cheaper to manufacture, given their very sparse use in lines previous to [[Armada|2002]]. During Armada and after, the boxes became a common feature on larger figures.

==Toys Utilizing Soundboxes==
1985
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

1986
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]

1993
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]

2000
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Supreme Cheetor]]

2001
* [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]

2002
* [[Dark Saber|Roleplay Dark Saber]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
* [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]
* [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]]
* [[Star Saber (Armada)|Roleplay Star Saber]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]

2003
* K-Mart [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Gold Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] two-pack
* Sam's Club [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]
* Sam's Club [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]
* Toys 'R' Us [[Optimus Primal|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
* [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Powerlinx Jetfire]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Powerlinx Optimus Prime]]
* [[Red Alert (Armada)|Powerlinx Red Alert]]
* [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]]
* [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]]

2004
* Sam's Club [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] and [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] two-pack
* Toys 'R' Us [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] two-pack
* [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Bulkhead]]
* [[Cliffjumper (Energon)|Cliffjumper]]
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Iron Hide]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
* [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* [[Tidal Wave|Mirage]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]
* [[Shockblast (Energon)|Shockblast]]
* [[Treadbolt (Energon)|Treadbolt]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus with Space Mini-Con Team]]

2005
* [[Beachcomber (Energon)|Beachcomber]]
* [[Dreadwing (Energon)|Dreadwing]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Iron Hide]]
* [[Landquake (Energon)|Landquake]]
* [[Omega Sentinel (Energon)|Omega Sentinel]]
* [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]
* [[Overcast (Energon)|Overcast]]
* [[Quickstrike (Energon)|Quickstrike]]
* [[Six Shot (Energon)|Six Shot]]

2006
* Costco [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] two-pack
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]]
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Dark Scorponok]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]
* [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Supreme Starscream]]
* [[Vector Prime (Cybertron)|Vector Prime]]

2007
* [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Cryo Scourge]]
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Dark Crumplezone]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Galaxy Force Optimus Prime]]
* [[Vector Prime (Cybertron)|Galaxy Force Vector Prime]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]]
* [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]]
* [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]]
* [[Nemesis Breaker|Nemesis Breaker]]
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Sky Shadow]]
* [[Wing Saber|Wing Saber]]
* [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]
* [[Brawl (Movie)|Desert Attack Brawl]]
* [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Nightwatch Optimus Prime]]

==Trivia==
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]] was the first ''Transformers'' toy to feature electronic sounds.
* [[Galvatron (G1)|Reissue Galvatron's]] soundbox was upgraded to use AA batteries instead of the original's nine-volt.
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave's]] Armada box noted that he had electronic sounds. He did not. Bummer.
[[Image:Speaker.jpg|right|thumb|150px|[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] feels empty inside.]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Cybertron Voyager Starscream]] was designed with a soundbox in mind (even including the requisite speaker and battery brackets when you crack one open), but the final Hasbro and Takara versions have no electronics. Again, bummer.

[[Category:Toys]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Tow-Line (Energon)

2007-09-13T20:57:36Z

72.221.80.13: /* Energon */

{{picsneeded}}{{disambig2|the Energon-series 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.''

'''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'' comic continuity===

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Energon===
*'''Tow-Line''' (Deluxe, 2004)

: 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. In addition to having many similarities to ''[[Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], such as the battle platform, he also has a head that is very similar to ''Generation 1'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'s.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed to make [[BotCon 2005]]'s versions of [[Generation 1]] [[Ironhide (G1) #Timelines|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1) #Timelines|Ratchet]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* Tow-Line seems to be a melange of [[homage]]s. The obvious one being to Generation 1 Ironhide/Ratchet (which the mold was used 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. (HOORAY BEER.)

{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Tow-Line/tow-line.htm Tow-Line at TFU.info]

{{stub}}
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Tow-Line (Energon)

2007-09-13T20:57:18Z

72.221.80.13: /* Energon */

{{picsneeded}}{{disambig2|the Energon-series 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.''

'''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'' comic continuity===

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Energon===
*'''Tow-Line''' (Deluxe, 2004)

: 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. In addition to having many similarities to ''[[Generation 1]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], such as the battle platform, he also has a head that is very similar to ''Generation 1'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]'s.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed to make [[BotCon 2005]]'s versions of [[Generation 1]] [[Ironhide (G1) #Timelines|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1) #Timelines|Ratchet]]. {{http://www15.plala.or.jp/cobaltblueyusha/towline.jpg}}

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* Tow-Line seems to be a melange of [[homage]]s. The obvious one being to Generation 1 Ironhide/Ratchet (which the mold was used 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. (HOORAY BEER.)

{{-}}
==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Tow-Line/tow-line.htm Tow-Line at TFU.info]

{{stub}}
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Tow-Line (Energon)

2007-09-13T20:28:04Z

72.221.80.13: /* Energon */

{{disambig2|the Energon-series 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.''

'''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'' comic continuity===

==Toys==
===Energon===
*'''Tow-Line''' (Deluxe, 2004)

: 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 bears a somewhat resemblence to [[Skids (G1)|G1 Skids]]

: This mold was [[retool]]ed to make [[BotCon 2005]]'s versions of [[Generation 1]] [[Ironhide (G1) #Timelines|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1) #Timelines|Ratchet]].

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Tow-Line/tow-line.htm Tow-Line at TFU.info]

{{stub}}
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

The Transformers: The Movie

2007-09-08T14:47:35Z

72.221.80.13: /* Trivia and controversies */

{{disambig2|the animated film from 1986|the 2007 live action film from Michael Bay|Transformers (2007)}}

[[Image:Transformersanimatedfilmposter.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Featuring the deaths of all your favorite Transformers characters.]]

'''''The Transformers: The Movie''''' is an animated feature film based on the original Transformers toyline. It was released in the United States on August 8, 1986.

Often referred to by fans simply as "the movie" or "TFTM", this film opens with characters who had been featured in the first two years of the toyline and associated media (cartoons, comic books, etc.), but quickly introduces new characters and kills many of the old ones to make room. In particular, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] are all destroyed during the course of the film.

The movie was a step up in almost every area from the television series, with a more sophisticated plot, more serious treatment of war and violence, a hugely ambitious scope and a greatly increased animation budget with well-known celebrities providing voice work. For these reasons the film remains very popular with children of the 1980s.

==Primary characters and cast==
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]...[[Peter Cullen]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]...[[Robert Stack]]
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]...[[Paul Eiding]]
*[[Hot Rod]]...[[Judd Nelson]]
*[[Kup]]...[[Lionel Stander]]
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]...[[John Moschitta Jr.]]
*[[Springer]]...[[Neil Ross]]
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]...[[Susan Blu]]
*[[Wreck-Gar]]...[[Eric Idle]]
*[[Daniel Witwicky]]...[[David Mendenhall]]
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]...[[Frank Welker]]
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]...[[Chris Latta]]
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]...[[Leonard Nimoy]]
*[[Unicron]]...[[Orson Welles]]

==Brief synopsis==

[[Image:Unicronplanet.jpg|left|thumb|That's no moon. It's a space station.]]

A [[Scale|planet-sized Transformer]] called [[Unicron]] who eats other planets is approaching [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. As part of their continuing wars, the Autobots and Decepticons have a fierce battle on Earth which sees both Optimus Prime and Megatron mortally wounded. Prime passes the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to Ultra Magnus and dies, and Megatron is transformed by Unicron into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (briefly) assumes leadership of the Decepticons, but is killed when Galvatron arrives at Cybertron. Galvatron then chases the surviving Autobots on Earth across space, splitting them up and taking the Matrix. The Autobots find their way back to each other, and follow Galvatron to Cybertron just as Unicron transforms into robot mode and begins to eat their world. Travelling inside Unicron, [[Hot Rod]] recovers the Matrix, transforms into Rodimus Prime, and uses the Matrix to destroy Unicron.

{{-}}

==Full synopsis==

[[Image:Tftm1986a.jpg|right|thumb|I have a bad feeling about this.]]

In the first sequence of the film, a mechanical planet called [[Unicron]] is shown travelling through the depths of space, then approaching and destroying another metal planet which has robotic inhabitants, much like [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. During the attack, robots, vehicles, buildings, and even large chunks of rock float off the surface of the planet and spiral into the large "mouth" on Unicron.

The scene then transitions to Cybertron, and the narrator explains that it is the year 2005, and that the [[Decepticon]]s are now in control of the planet. The [[Autobot]]s are preparing to launch an assault to retake the planet from hidden bases on two of Cybertron's moons. The Autobots launch a [[Autobot shuttle|shuttle]] to pick up a final shipment of [[energon]] from [[Earth]] before they strike.

Plans for the attack are overheard by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who reports back to Megatron. The Decepticons attack the Autobot shuttle en route to Earth, wiping out its crew (including [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and the [[Brawn (G1)|guy in the picture up there]]). Using the Autobots' own shuttle, the Decepticons are able to get very close to the Autobots' base on Earth, [[Autobot City]], before they are detected, and begin a devastating surprise attack on the unprepared city.

[[Image:Tftm1986b.jpg|left|thumb|If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.]]

During the battle at Autobot City, both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron suffer mortal injuries, and a number of other characters are also killed. Eventually the Decepticons retreat, but the damage suffered by the Autobots has been severe. Shortly after the battle, Prime lies on his deathbed. He passes the reins of leadership to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and gives him the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. (Though Hot Rod actually touches the Matrix before Magnus does.) Prime relates a prophecy: "One day, an Autobot shall rise from our ranks, and use the power of the Matrix to light our [[darkest hour]]." He then gives the oath, "[['Til all are one]]", and dies. This sequence of events is observed remotely by Unicron, who appears unusually concerned by the survival of the Matrix.

The Decepticons are making their escape aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], but are too heavy for him to get them all home under his own power. After putting the matter to a fair vote, the Decepticons decide to throw their injured members off the ship to better the chance of survival for the rest. One of the most severely injured Decepticons is Megatron. Starscream tosses him out and claims leadership of the Decepticon army.

Megatron and the other adrift Decepticons then encounter Unicron in interstellar space. Unicron offers to rebuild Megatron and his men in exchange for their service. Megatron agrees, and is [[reformatting|reformatted]] into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. The other Decepticons are turned into [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and [[The Sweeps]]. Unicron provides them with a [[Galvatron's ship|ship]], and sends them to kill Ultra Magnus and destroy the Matrix, stating that the Matrix is the only thing which can stand in his way.

[[Image:Tftm1986c.jpg|right|thumb|Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed.]]

Galvatron first stops at Cybertron to take his revenge by killing Starscream and reclaiming leadership of the Decepticons. Almost immediately afterwards, Unicron arrives in Cybertron's vicinity and devours at least two moons -- both of the Autobots' moon bases are destroyed. Under coercion by Unicron, Galvatron finally heads to Earth to kill Ultra Magnus, but Magnus and the other surviving Autobots flee in a pair of shuttles. Eventually Galvatron manages to cause one shuttle to crash on yet another metal planet ([[Quintessa]]), and detonates the other with a volley of missiles. However, the Autobots in the second shuttle escape unnoticed by separating the front portion of their shuttle just before impact.

The Autobots in the crashed shuttle, [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]], and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], find themselves separated and in a hostile environment. Hot Rod and Kup are captured by a squad of [[Allicon]]s and taken before a [[Quintesson]] [[Quintesson judge|judge]] and his court. While being held there, they learn the name and nature of Unicron from [[Kranix]], a survivor of the planet destroyed in the opening of the film, which he calls [[Lithone]]. Meanwhile, the Dinobots encounter and befriend a young, wild Autobot named [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] who has been living alone on Quintessa. Together, they crash the trial just as Hot Rod and Kup are fighting losing odds against the Quintessons' [[Sharkticon]]s. The tide is turned, and the Autobots commandeer a [[Quintesson ship]].

[[Image:Tftm1986d.jpg|left|thumb|What an incredible smell you've discovered!]]

The other group of Autobots has landed on the planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] to make repairs, but are attacked yet again by Galvatron, who was tipped off to their survival by Unicron. During the battle, Ultra Magnus tries to open the Matrix to use its power, but is unable to do so, and instead is killed. Galvatron absconds the Matrix, taking it away to Unicron. The remaining Autobots -- [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Springer]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]]'s son [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] -- are then ambushed by [[Junkion|Junkions]], the eponymous natives of Junkion, who are also giant transforming robots. This battle is cut short, however, by the arrival of Hot Rod's group in their Quintesson ship. After exchanging the [[universal greeting]] they all make friends, and the Junkions restore Ultra Magnus to life. Together, the whole group travels to Cybertron to try to recover the Matrix.

Galvatron attempts to open the Matrix to use its power against Unicron, but is also unable to get it open. Unicron, not pleased with this attempted treachery, shocks Galvatron by transforming from a planet into a [[Scale|planet-sized robot]]. Unicron plucks Galvatron off his chest and swallows him, Matrix and all, and then begins attacking Cybertron itself. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] scrambles the Decepticon forces to defend the planet, but they are ineffective against so large an enemy. Shortly the Autobots arrive from Junkion, and fly the Quintesson ship straight through Unicron's eye. This impact destroys the ship, and the Autobots fall out inside Unicron. Hot Rod, separated from the others, eventually runs into Galvatron. During their fight, Hot Rod gets his hands on the Matrix and hears Optimus' voice speak the words, "Arise, Rodimus Prime." Hot Rod grows in stature, adopts a much sterner demeanor, and quickly dispatches Galvatron by tossing him through Unicron's hull out into space. He then opens the Matrix, which fills Unicron with light and begins destroying him.

[[Image:Tftm1986e.jpg|right|thumb|Use the Force, Luke.]]

In the meantime, the other Autobots inside Unicron have located some of their comrades from the moon bases who had been presumed dead, including [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and Daniel's father, Spike. The Autobots, including Rodimus, escape through Unicron's remaining eye just as he begins to fall apart and explode. The scene then immediately shifts to the surface of Cybertron, where -- for unclear reasons -- the Autobots seem to be in charge again. Rodimus predicts an era of peace and prosperity, and the film closes with a shot of Unicron's severed head still floating in orbit around Cybertron.

==Significance in Transfandom==

''Transformers: The Movie'' remains one of the most important elements of the entire Transformers brand, both within the fiction and from the perspective of the brand's popularity and "mindshare".

Fictionally, it established several story concepts that have been used repeatedly in the years since 1986, some of which -- such as Unicron and the Matrix -- are now central to the entire Transformers mythos. The movie is also the centerpiece of the most well-known Transformers continuity: the G1 animated universe. The G1 cartoon is split into "pre-movie" and "post-movie" sections which feature differenct characters and settings, and even somewhat different visual styles. (Most pre-movie episodes were animated by the studio [[Toei]], while most post-movie episodes were animated by [[AKOM]].)

To an entire generation of young fans, the movie was the most visually spectacular and narratively epic Transformers experience of their entire youth. Events such as the death of Optimus Prime are widely reported to have reduced many little boys to tears. It is hardly a surprise that these emotional experiences embedded themselves deeply in many fans' memories.

This is not all to say that the movie is a "masterpiece", exactly. The film displays an arguably cynical attitude towards itself as a vehicle for advertising toys, especially in the way beloved characters are killed -- sometimes gratuitiously -- for sake of justifying the story's focus on a new group of toys. Further, the two primary plot devices -- [[Unicron]] and the [[Matrix]] -- have no prior establishment in the fiction. Unicron is given no backstory or justification; he simply exists, and is really dangerous, and is afraid of the Matrix, all for no good reason. The introduction of the Matrix itself is a heavy [[retcon]]. The story asks us to accept that this cosmically-powerful artifact has been in Prime's possession all along (even though an X-ray of Optimus Prime's innards in the Season 2 episode "A Prime Problem" show absolutely no signs of said Matrix...), but has somehow never been relevant before. Finally, the movie bears many similarities to ''[[Star Wars]]'': There are several character-parallels (Springer is a Han Solo-type and Arcee even has Princess Leia's hairdo!), the primary threat is similar (it's the Death Star... but it transforms!), and both feature a climactic battle where the young hero hears the voice of his wise mentor one last time before saving the day. To be a bit more fair to TF:TM, however, most of these similarities are either superficial (Arcee's Leia-hair) or can be seen as elements common to thousands of years worth of epic storytelling through human history, not just common to ''Star Wars''.

==Trivia and controversies==

This film was one of the last professional performances by [[Orson Welles]], if not the very last. According to production materials shown at [[BotCon 2000]] by Tim Finn, the voice recording sessions for TF:TM were done on September 10 and 11 of 1985. Welles died on October 10 of that same year. It has often been speculated that Unicron's last line ("Destiny... you cannot destroy my destiny...!") was recorded by another actor -- possibly [[Leonard Nimoy|Nimoy]] -- because it sounds different than the other lines. This speculation has been quashed by statements by Transformers voice director [[Wally Burr]].[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/60-astrominutes/wally_burr_3.html]

Although the movie was billed in some advertisements before its theatrical release as being "widescreen", the movie was in fact animated in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. It was intended to be matted down in the projector by the projectionist when screened, but all video transfers of the movie were done without mattes, meaning that there is actually more picture visible in the fullscreen video and DVD releases than there would have been in theaters. In November of 2006, a 20th Anniversary edition DVD of the film was released by Sony BMG which included, for the first time, a widescreen version of the film. However, comparison of frames from this new disc and old editions again shows that there is no missing picture on the sides -- the new "wide" version has simply had the top and bottom of the picture cropped off, meaning ''less'' visible picture.

The Dinobot [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is mysteriously absent from almost the entire movie, even though the Dinobots as a group are featured prominently. It is unclear why this is the case, but one possible explanation is that copies of the script which have come into fans' hands repeatedly list the Dinobots but never make mention of Snarl by name. In fact, at one point the script refers to "the four Dinobots". Despite this, Snarl does appear in three very brief shots, although he has no lines and no action.

With the exception of Starscream, Unicron, and possibly Shockwave, only the Autobots suffered casualities in the movie. All of the other "dead" Decepticons from the Autobot City battle were rebuilt into Galvatron's new troops, and although Decepticons were shown taking heavy damage while fighting Unicron, their identities and their condition are uncertain. Additionally, both Starscream and Unicron survived in the post-movie series in some form or another. Shockwave's death in the finished film is highly uncertain, although in the script it is fairly strongly implied. He does make some appearances in crowd shots in later cartoon episodes, but these may be examples of the fairly common animation errors in those episodes.

There exists more than one English-language version of the film, with the following differences in content from the American theatrical run:

* In some versions (notably the European version) the opening credits are replaced with a scrolling text ("Star Wars style") which provides backstory.

* In some versions (notably the European version) the film ends with a narrator reassuring the audience that Optimus Prime will return.

* Instances of swearing in the film (there are two) were edited out; sometimes one, sometimes both. Those instances are: Spike yelling, "Oh shit, what are we gonna do now?" after the self-destructing Moon Base 2 fails to scratch Unicron, and Ultra Magnus growling, "Open, damn it, open!" while trying to open the Matrix to fend off Galvatron and the Sweeps on Junkion. The UK cinema version had the swearing included but when it was released on VHS in the UK Spike's line was cut. However it has been restored on all UK DVD releases.

*Instead of DEG the Rank Film "gong man" appears before the film starts as Rank were the UK distributors.

Though most likely coincidental, the movie bears many similarities to the Marvel Comics Fantastic Four miniseries "The Galactus Trilogy":

* The presence of an enormous world-devouring cosmic entity that threatens to destroy the heroes' home planet (Galactus/Unicron).

* The presence of a single item that is the only thing that can stop said cosmic entitiy (The Ultimate Nullifier/The Matrix of Leadership).

* The presence of a herald of said cosmic entity, who ultimately betrays the entity (The Silver Surfer/Galvatron).

Originally, Ultra Magnus' "death sequence" on Junkion called for him to be lassoed and drawn and quartered by the Sweeps' energy beams, but this was deemed too graphic for audiences, hence the less disturbing "shot to death" sequence seen instead. There is evidence that the original sequence had been fully animated when the decision was made, however; the Sweeps still kept their solid energy lassos when they fire upon Mags, and Mags is seen visibly straining against what appears to be said lassos (edited out and replaced with laser fire) before exploding.

There's a few notable animation errors in the movie:

* When Ultra Magnus accepts the Matrix, he's seen inserting it into his chest twice. (Some fans have joked that Mags was forcing the Matrix inside him, as another sign that it had chosen Hot Rod as the new leader and rejected him.)

* Swoop's lower leg appears in Autobot City far ahead of the Dinobot for a brief second.

* Not so much an error, but if you watch Sludge when he's haymaker'ed by Devastator, his eyes pop out of their sockets in Looney Tunes fashion.

* When [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] sends [[Rumble (G1)|out]] [[Ratbat|his]] [[Frenzy (G1)|casette]] [[Ravage (G1)|troops]], [[FIBRIR|Rumble is the same color as Frenzy]].

==Soundtrack==
Released on Scotti Bros. Records, the soundtrack to the movie was made available in both vinyl LP (long-playing) record form and audio cassette. At an undetermined point in the 90's, it was released on CD as well (there are no new markings on the CD booklet or outer case to indicate when the CD was released).

*1. The Touch - [[Stan Bush]]
*2. Instruments Of Destruction - [[N.R.G.]]
*3. Death Of Optimus Prime - [[Vince DiCola]]
*4. Dare - Stan Bush
*5. Nothin's Gonna Stand In Our Way - [[Spectre General]]
*6. The Transformers (Theme) - [[Lion]]
*7. Escape - Vince DiCola
*8. Hunger - Spectre General
*9. Autobot/Decepticon Battle - Vince DiCola
*10. Dare To Be Stupid - [["Weird Al" Yankovic]]

In 1997, the newly-formed [[3H]] produced as a [[BotCon 1997]] [[exclusive]] a double-CD set called ''[['Til All Are One (CD)|'Til All Are One]]''. The second disc contains the all of the background score (by Vince DiCola) that was not on the original soundtrack, including several "alternate" pieces for scenes that used songs from the original soundtrack, plus "[[Legacy]]", the audition piece that got Vince the job. Other albums released by 3H which include music from the movie are ''BotCon 97: The Concert'', ''The Protoform Sessions'', ''Artistic Transformations'', and ''Lighting Their Darkest Hour: The Complete Music Score''. All of these 3H albums are long since sold out.

On May 29, 2007, Legacy Recordings re-released the soundtrack in a 20th Anniversary Edition containing the above tracks from the original 1986 release plus these additional tracks:

*11. Unicron Medley - Vince DiCola
*12. Moon Base 2 - Shuttle Launch - Vince DiCola
*13. Megatron Must Be Stopped (Parts 1 and 2) - Vince DiCola
*14. The Transformers Theme (Alternate) - Stan Bush and Vince DiCola

==External links==
* [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers.htm TFTM's box office domestic gross.]

* [http://www.tftm.net/ TF:TM "Unofficial Fansite", an extremely thorough site about the movie maintained by CJ Stankiewicz]

[[Category: Films|Transformers: The Movie]]
[[Category: Generation 1|Transformers: The Movie]]
[[Category: MSTF|Transformers: The Movie]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Frenzy (G1)

2007-09-08T14:45:03Z

72.221.80.13: /* Generation 1 */

{{Template:Disambig3|Frenzy}}

:''Frenzy is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Frenzyhahaha.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Frenzy is blue, but the sound effect's still confused.]]

For '''Frenzy''' it's not about any "Decepticon cause," it's not about any quantifiable cause, or goal, or purpose at all. It's about violence, fear, destruction, and mayhem. Frenzy lives to fight. He lusts to destroy with an intensity that borders on insanity. War is his fuel, his oxygen. Despite his small stature he'll lead a charge into battle against robots many times his size, screaming for destruction with every microchip of his being. This single-minded obsession makes him a hard bot to associate with personally, but a frightening asset on the battlefield.

Frenzy's manic attack style and his "battle cry" (a sonic attack produced by special drums in his torso that can severely disrupt electrical flows, resulting in all sorts of mechanical malfunctions and balance issues) make him difficult to get close to in combat, but cool and measured reaction to his wild ragings is usually the most effective strategy.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Frénétik'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Tartar'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Görgető'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===

===Animated continuity===
[[Image:Frenzy.jpg|right|thumb|Look! I'm [[FIBRIR|red]]!]]
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (US), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japan-See note) [[Katsumi Suzuki]] ("Attack of the Autobots" and "Day of the Machines" only)

Frenzy first appeared on Earth shortly after [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was pulled into [[Earth]]'s orbit, hence it might be presumed that he had been on Cybertron up until that point, and hooked up with the Decepticons on Earth before the planet was blasted back into space. When first seen, he was performing some menial work in the Decepticons' base, and voiced his discontent with the workload, requesting [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]'s job instead.{{storylink|Countdown to Extinction}}

Frenzy proceeded to do very little in the cartoon, except accompany [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] on occasion. He also traded in his "battle cry" for a pair of piledrivers exactly like Rumble's, and talked practically the same way.

''(Note: In the Japanese dub of the Transformers, Frenzy was portrayed as the more frequently seen blue cassette to more accurately reflect the toy colors.)''

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Frenzy/Laserbeak''' (Mini-Cassettes, 1984/1985)

: His mold was also used to create [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], and is the basis of [[Enemy]].

* '''Frenzy''' (Cassettron, 1985/1986/1987)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''18''', '''D-58''', '''D-103'''

: For the Japanese market, Frenzy was packaged individually with a clear-plastic cassette case. He made available fro three years straight, from the original series through ''[[Scramble City]]'' and finally again during ''[[Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]]''.

*'''Frenzy/Ratbat''' (Mini-Cassettes, 1984/1985/1986)

: For 1986's Hasbro line, Frenzy's pack-mate was changed to [[Ratbat]], and for some of the Frenzy/Ratbat sets the weapons were gold chrome colored, changed from the silver chrome used previously. Much later 1986 releases of Frenzy also used black plastic for his toes instead of die-cast metal, and the stickers on his shins were removed.

===Generation 2===
* '''Frenzy''' (Go-Bot, 1995)

: ''[[Generation 2]]'' saw the return of Frenzy as a [[redeco]] of the [[Go-Bot]] [[Blowout]], transforming into a Porsche 959 sports car in purple and gray. He features through-axle wheels for super-fast rolling on smooth surfaces, and is designed to work with most "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" car sets, despite being made by competitor companies.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed for ''Generation 2'' Go-Bots [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], then later to make ''[[Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]].

==Trivia==
[[Image:Frenzyname.jpg|right|thumb|Boy, times change.]]

*The US Cartoon accidentally reversed the colors of the two Decepticon cassettes, portraying Rumble as being blue and Frenzy red. (See [[FIBRIR]])

*Sunbow casting documents indicate that "Frenzy" was originally considered as a name for the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]], [[Rippersnapper]], but was dropped - presumably because that name was already in use.

*According to the cardbacks of Generation 2 figures, the Go-Bots version of Frenzy was originally planned to be in red... which would've just added more fuel to the FIBRIR/FIRRIB debates. [http://transformersgallery.iquebec.com/jouet/bots92-1.jpg]

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Frenzy/frenzy.htm Frenzy at TFU.info]

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

{{stub}}
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Go-Bots]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

The Transformers: The Movie

2007-09-08T14:43:48Z

72.221.80.13: /* Trivia and controversies */

{{disambig2|the animated film from 1986|the 2007 live action film from Michael Bay|Transformers (2007)}}

[[Image:Transformersanimatedfilmposter.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Featuring the deaths of all your favorite Transformers characters.]]

'''''The Transformers: The Movie''''' is an animated feature film based on the original Transformers toyline. It was released in the United States on August 8, 1986.

Often referred to by fans simply as "the movie" or "TFTM", this film opens with characters who had been featured in the first two years of the toyline and associated media (cartoons, comic books, etc.), but quickly introduces new characters and kills many of the old ones to make room. In particular, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] are all destroyed during the course of the film.

The movie was a step up in almost every area from the television series, with a more sophisticated plot, more serious treatment of war and violence, a hugely ambitious scope and a greatly increased animation budget with well-known celebrities providing voice work. For these reasons the film remains very popular with children of the 1980s.

==Primary characters and cast==
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]...[[Peter Cullen]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]...[[Robert Stack]]
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]...[[Paul Eiding]]
*[[Hot Rod]]...[[Judd Nelson]]
*[[Kup]]...[[Lionel Stander]]
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]...[[John Moschitta Jr.]]
*[[Springer]]...[[Neil Ross]]
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]...[[Susan Blu]]
*[[Wreck-Gar]]...[[Eric Idle]]
*[[Daniel Witwicky]]...[[David Mendenhall]]
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]...[[Frank Welker]]
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]...[[Chris Latta]]
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]...[[Leonard Nimoy]]
*[[Unicron]]...[[Orson Welles]]

==Brief synopsis==

[[Image:Unicronplanet.jpg|left|thumb|That's no moon. It's a space station.]]

A [[Scale|planet-sized Transformer]] called [[Unicron]] who eats other planets is approaching [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. As part of their continuing wars, the Autobots and Decepticons have a fierce battle on Earth which sees both Optimus Prime and Megatron mortally wounded. Prime passes the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to Ultra Magnus and dies, and Megatron is transformed by Unicron into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (briefly) assumes leadership of the Decepticons, but is killed when Galvatron arrives at Cybertron. Galvatron then chases the surviving Autobots on Earth across space, splitting them up and taking the Matrix. The Autobots find their way back to each other, and follow Galvatron to Cybertron just as Unicron transforms into robot mode and begins to eat their world. Travelling inside Unicron, [[Hot Rod]] recovers the Matrix, transforms into Rodimus Prime, and uses the Matrix to destroy Unicron.

{{-}}

==Full synopsis==

[[Image:Tftm1986a.jpg|right|thumb|I have a bad feeling about this.]]

In the first sequence of the film, a mechanical planet called [[Unicron]] is shown travelling through the depths of space, then approaching and destroying another metal planet which has robotic inhabitants, much like [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. During the attack, robots, vehicles, buildings, and even large chunks of rock float off the surface of the planet and spiral into the large "mouth" on Unicron.

The scene then transitions to Cybertron, and the narrator explains that it is the year 2005, and that the [[Decepticon]]s are now in control of the planet. The [[Autobot]]s are preparing to launch an assault to retake the planet from hidden bases on two of Cybertron's moons. The Autobots launch a [[Autobot shuttle|shuttle]] to pick up a final shipment of [[energon]] from [[Earth]] before they strike.

Plans for the attack are overheard by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who reports back to Megatron. The Decepticons attack the Autobot shuttle en route to Earth, wiping out its crew (including [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and the [[Brawn (G1)|guy in the picture up there]]). Using the Autobots' own shuttle, the Decepticons are able to get very close to the Autobots' base on Earth, [[Autobot City]], before they are detected, and begin a devastating surprise attack on the unprepared city.

[[Image:Tftm1986b.jpg|left|thumb|If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.]]

During the battle at Autobot City, both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron suffer mortal injuries, and a number of other characters are also killed. Eventually the Decepticons retreat, but the damage suffered by the Autobots has been severe. Shortly after the battle, Prime lies on his deathbed. He passes the reins of leadership to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and gives him the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. (Though Hot Rod actually touches the Matrix before Magnus does.) Prime relates a prophecy: "One day, an Autobot shall rise from our ranks, and use the power of the Matrix to light our [[darkest hour]]." He then gives the oath, "[['Til all are one]]", and dies. This sequence of events is observed remotely by Unicron, who appears unusually concerned by the survival of the Matrix.

The Decepticons are making their escape aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], but are too heavy for him to get them all home under his own power. After putting the matter to a fair vote, the Decepticons decide to throw their injured members off the ship to better the chance of survival for the rest. One of the most severely injured Decepticons is Megatron. Starscream tosses him out and claims leadership of the Decepticon army.

Megatron and the other adrift Decepticons then encounter Unicron in interstellar space. Unicron offers to rebuild Megatron and his men in exchange for their service. Megatron agrees, and is [[reformatting|reformatted]] into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. The other Decepticons are turned into [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and [[The Sweeps]]. Unicron provides them with a [[Galvatron's ship|ship]], and sends them to kill Ultra Magnus and destroy the Matrix, stating that the Matrix is the only thing which can stand in his way.

[[Image:Tftm1986c.jpg|right|thumb|Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed.]]

Galvatron first stops at Cybertron to take his revenge by killing Starscream and reclaiming leadership of the Decepticons. Almost immediately afterwards, Unicron arrives in Cybertron's vicinity and devours at least two moons -- both of the Autobots' moon bases are destroyed. Under coercion by Unicron, Galvatron finally heads to Earth to kill Ultra Magnus, but Magnus and the other surviving Autobots flee in a pair of shuttles. Eventually Galvatron manages to cause one shuttle to crash on yet another metal planet ([[Quintessa]]), and detonates the other with a volley of missiles. However, the Autobots in the second shuttle escape unnoticed by separating the front portion of their shuttle just before impact.

The Autobots in the crashed shuttle, [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]], and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], find themselves separated and in a hostile environment. Hot Rod and Kup are captured by a squad of [[Allicon]]s and taken before a [[Quintesson]] [[Quintesson judge|judge]] and his court. While being held there, they learn the name and nature of Unicron from [[Kranix]], a survivor of the planet destroyed in the opening of the film, which he calls [[Lithone]]. Meanwhile, the Dinobots encounter and befriend a young, wild Autobot named [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] who has been living alone on Quintessa. Together, they crash the trial just as Hot Rod and Kup are fighting losing odds against the Quintessons' [[Sharkticon]]s. The tide is turned, and the Autobots commandeer a [[Quintesson ship]].

[[Image:Tftm1986d.jpg|left|thumb|What an incredible smell you've discovered!]]

The other group of Autobots has landed on the planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] to make repairs, but are attacked yet again by Galvatron, who was tipped off to their survival by Unicron. During the battle, Ultra Magnus tries to open the Matrix to use its power, but is unable to do so, and instead is killed. Galvatron absconds the Matrix, taking it away to Unicron. The remaining Autobots -- [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Springer]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]]'s son [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] -- are then ambushed by [[Junkion|Junkions]], the eponymous natives of Junkion, who are also giant transforming robots. This battle is cut short, however, by the arrival of Hot Rod's group in their Quintesson ship. After exchanging the [[universal greeting]] they all make friends, and the Junkions restore Ultra Magnus to life. Together, the whole group travels to Cybertron to try to recover the Matrix.

Galvatron attempts to open the Matrix to use its power against Unicron, but is also unable to get it open. Unicron, not pleased with this attempted treachery, shocks Galvatron by transforming from a planet into a [[Scale|planet-sized robot]]. Unicron plucks Galvatron off his chest and swallows him, Matrix and all, and then begins attacking Cybertron itself. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] scrambles the Decepticon forces to defend the planet, but they are ineffective against so large an enemy. Shortly the Autobots arrive from Junkion, and fly the Quintesson ship straight through Unicron's eye. This impact destroys the ship, and the Autobots fall out inside Unicron. Hot Rod, separated from the others, eventually runs into Galvatron. During their fight, Hot Rod gets his hands on the Matrix and hears Optimus' voice speak the words, "Arise, Rodimus Prime." Hot Rod grows in stature, adopts a much sterner demeanor, and quickly dispatches Galvatron by tossing him through Unicron's hull out into space. He then opens the Matrix, which fills Unicron with light and begins destroying him.

[[Image:Tftm1986e.jpg|right|thumb|Use the Force, Luke.]]

In the meantime, the other Autobots inside Unicron have located some of their comrades from the moon bases who had been presumed dead, including [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and Daniel's father, Spike. The Autobots, including Rodimus, escape through Unicron's remaining eye just as he begins to fall apart and explode. The scene then immediately shifts to the surface of Cybertron, where -- for unclear reasons -- the Autobots seem to be in charge again. Rodimus predicts an era of peace and prosperity, and the film closes with a shot of Unicron's severed head still floating in orbit around Cybertron.

==Significance in Transfandom==

''Transformers: The Movie'' remains one of the most important elements of the entire Transformers brand, both within the fiction and from the perspective of the brand's popularity and "mindshare".

Fictionally, it established several story concepts that have been used repeatedly in the years since 1986, some of which -- such as Unicron and the Matrix -- are now central to the entire Transformers mythos. The movie is also the centerpiece of the most well-known Transformers continuity: the G1 animated universe. The G1 cartoon is split into "pre-movie" and "post-movie" sections which feature differenct characters and settings, and even somewhat different visual styles. (Most pre-movie episodes were animated by the studio [[Toei]], while most post-movie episodes were animated by [[AKOM]].)

To an entire generation of young fans, the movie was the most visually spectacular and narratively epic Transformers experience of their entire youth. Events such as the death of Optimus Prime are widely reported to have reduced many little boys to tears. It is hardly a surprise that these emotional experiences embedded themselves deeply in many fans' memories.

This is not all to say that the movie is a "masterpiece", exactly. The film displays an arguably cynical attitude towards itself as a vehicle for advertising toys, especially in the way beloved characters are killed -- sometimes gratuitiously -- for sake of justifying the story's focus on a new group of toys. Further, the two primary plot devices -- [[Unicron]] and the [[Matrix]] -- have no prior establishment in the fiction. Unicron is given no backstory or justification; he simply exists, and is really dangerous, and is afraid of the Matrix, all for no good reason. The introduction of the Matrix itself is a heavy [[retcon]]. The story asks us to accept that this cosmically-powerful artifact has been in Prime's possession all along (even though an X-ray of Optimus Prime's innards in the Season 2 episode "A Prime Problem" show absolutely no signs of said Matrix...), but has somehow never been relevant before. Finally, the movie bears many similarities to ''[[Star Wars]]'': There are several character-parallels (Springer is a Han Solo-type and Arcee even has Princess Leia's hairdo!), the primary threat is similar (it's the Death Star... but it transforms!), and both feature a climactic battle where the young hero hears the voice of his wise mentor one last time before saving the day. To be a bit more fair to TF:TM, however, most of these similarities are either superficial (Arcee's Leia-hair) or can be seen as elements common to thousands of years worth of epic storytelling through human history, not just common to ''Star Wars''.

==Trivia and controversies==

This film was one of the last professional performances by [[Orson Welles]], if not the very last. According to production materials shown at [[BotCon 2000]] by Tim Finn, the voice recording sessions for TF:TM were done on September 10 and 11 of 1985. Welles died on October 10 of that same year. It has often been speculated that Unicron's last line ("Destiny... you cannot destroy my destiny...!") was recorded by another actor -- possibly [[Leonard Nimoy|Nimoy]] -- because it sounds different than the other lines. This speculation has been quashed by statements by Transformers voice director [[Wally Burr]].[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/60-astrominutes/wally_burr_3.html]

Although the movie was billed in some advertisements before its theatrical release as being "widescreen", the movie was in fact animated in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. It was intended to be matted down in the projector by the projectionist when screened, but all video transfers of the movie were done without mattes, meaning that there is actually more picture visible in the fullscreen video and DVD releases than there would have been in theaters. In November of 2006, a 20th Anniversary edition DVD of the film was released by Sony BMG which included, for the first time, a widescreen version of the film. However, comparison of frames from this new disc and old editions again shows that there is no missing picture on the sides -- the new "wide" version has simply had the top and bottom of the picture cropped off, meaning ''less'' visible picture.

The Dinobot [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is mysteriously absent from almost the entire movie, even though the Dinobots as a group are featured prominently. It is unclear why this is the case, but one possible explanation is that copies of the script which have come into fans' hands repeatedly list the Dinobots but never make mention of Snarl by name. In fact, at one point the script refers to "the four Dinobots". Despite this, Snarl does appear in three very brief shots, although he has no lines and no action.

With the exception of Starscream, Unicron, and possibly Shockwave, only the Autobots suffered casualities in the movie. All of the other "dead" Decepticons from the Autobot City battle were rebuilt into Galvatron's new troops, and although Decepticons were shown taking heavy damage while fighting Unicron, their identities and their condition are uncertain. Additionally, both Starscream and Unicron survived in the post-movie series in some form or another. Shockwave's death in the finished film is highly uncertain, although in the script it is fairly strongly implied. He does make some appearances in crowd shots in later cartoon episodes, but these may be examples of the fairly common animation errors in those episodes.

There exists more than one English-language version of the film, with the following differences in content from the American theatrical run:

* In some versions (notably the European version) the opening credits are replaced with a scrolling text ("Star Wars style") which provides backstory.

* In some versions (notably the European version) the film ends with a narrator reassuring the audience that Optimus Prime will return.

* Instances of swearing in the film (there are two) were edited out; sometimes one, sometimes both. Those instances are: Spike yelling, "Oh shit, what are we gonna do now?" after the self-destructing Moon Base 2 fails to scratch Unicron, and Ultra Magnus growling, "Open, damn it, open!" while trying to open the Matrix to fend off Galvatron and the Sweeps on Junkion. The UK cinema version had the swearing included but when it was released on VHS in the UK Spike's line was cut. However it has been restored on all UK DVD releases.

*Instead of DEG the Rank Film "gong man" appears before the film starts as Rank were the UK distributors.

Though most likely coincidental, the movie bears many similarities to the Marvel Comics Fantastic Four miniseries "The Galactus Trilogy":

* The presence of an enormous world-devouring cosmic entity that threatens to destroy the heroes' home planet (Galactus/Unicron).

* The presence of a single item that is the only thing that can stop said cosmic entitiy (The Ultimate Nullifier/The Matrix of Leadership).

* The presence of a herald of said cosmic entity, who ultimately betrays the entity (The Silver Surfer/Galvatron).

Originally, Ultra Magnus' "death sequence" on Junkion called for him to be lassoed and drawn and quartered by the Sweeps' energy beams, but this was deemed too graphic for audiences, hence the less disturbing "shot to death" sequence seen instead. There is evidence that the original sequence had been fully animated when the decision was made, however; the Sweeps still kept their solid energy lassos when they fire upon Mags, and Mags is seen visibly straining against what appears to be said lassos (edited out and replaced with laser fire) before exploding.

There's a few notable animation errors in the movie:

* When Ultra Magnus accepts the Matrix, he's seen inserting it into his chest twice. (Some fans have joked that Mags was forcing the Matrix inside him, as another sign that it had chosen Hot Rod as the new leader and rejected him.)

* Swoop's lower leg appears in Autobot City far ahead of the Dinobot for a brief second.

* Not so much an error, but if you watch Sludge when he's haymaker'ed by Devastator, his eyes pop out of their sockets in Looney Tunes fashion.

* When [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] sends [[Rumble (G1)|out]] [[Ratbat|his]] [[Frenzy (G1)|casette]] [[Ravage (G1)|troops]], Rumble is the same color as Frenzy.

==Soundtrack==
Released on Scotti Bros. Records, the soundtrack to the movie was made available in both vinyl LP (long-playing) record form and audio cassette. At an undetermined point in the 90's, it was released on CD as well (there are no new markings on the CD booklet or outer case to indicate when the CD was released).

*1. The Touch - [[Stan Bush]]
*2. Instruments Of Destruction - [[N.R.G.]]
*3. Death Of Optimus Prime - [[Vince DiCola]]
*4. Dare - Stan Bush
*5. Nothin's Gonna Stand In Our Way - [[Spectre General]]
*6. The Transformers (Theme) - [[Lion]]
*7. Escape - Vince DiCola
*8. Hunger - Spectre General
*9. Autobot/Decepticon Battle - Vince DiCola
*10. Dare To Be Stupid - [["Weird Al" Yankovic]]

In 1997, the newly-formed [[3H]] produced as a [[BotCon 1997]] [[exclusive]] a double-CD set called ''[['Til All Are One (CD)|'Til All Are One]]''. The second disc contains the all of the background score (by Vince DiCola) that was not on the original soundtrack, including several "alternate" pieces for scenes that used songs from the original soundtrack, plus "[[Legacy]]", the audition piece that got Vince the job. Other albums released by 3H which include music from the movie are ''BotCon 97: The Concert'', ''The Protoform Sessions'', ''Artistic Transformations'', and ''Lighting Their Darkest Hour: The Complete Music Score''. All of these 3H albums are long since sold out.

On May 29, 2007, Legacy Recordings re-released the soundtrack in a 20th Anniversary Edition containing the above tracks from the original 1986 release plus these additional tracks:

*11. Unicron Medley - Vince DiCola
*12. Moon Base 2 - Shuttle Launch - Vince DiCola
*13. Megatron Must Be Stopped (Parts 1 and 2) - Vince DiCola
*14. The Transformers Theme (Alternate) - Stan Bush and Vince DiCola

==External links==
* [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers.htm TFTM's box office domestic gross.]

* [http://www.tftm.net/ TF:TM "Unofficial Fansite", an extremely thorough site about the movie maintained by CJ Stankiewicz]

[[Category: Films|Transformers: The Movie]]
[[Category: Generation 1|Transformers: The Movie]]
[[Category: MSTF|Transformers: The Movie]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

The Transformers: The Movie

2007-09-08T14:43:22Z

72.221.80.13: /* Trivia and controversies */

{{disambig2|the animated film from 1986|the 2007 live action film from Michael Bay|Transformers (2007)}}

[[Image:Transformersanimatedfilmposter.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Featuring the deaths of all your favorite Transformers characters.]]

'''''The Transformers: The Movie''''' is an animated feature film based on the original Transformers toyline. It was released in the United States on August 8, 1986.

Often referred to by fans simply as "the movie" or "TFTM", this film opens with characters who had been featured in the first two years of the toyline and associated media (cartoons, comic books, etc.), but quickly introduces new characters and kills many of the old ones to make room. In particular, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] are all destroyed during the course of the film.

The movie was a step up in almost every area from the television series, with a more sophisticated plot, more serious treatment of war and violence, a hugely ambitious scope and a greatly increased animation budget with well-known celebrities providing voice work. For these reasons the film remains very popular with children of the 1980s.

==Primary characters and cast==
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]...[[Peter Cullen]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]...[[Robert Stack]]
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]...[[Paul Eiding]]
*[[Hot Rod]]...[[Judd Nelson]]
*[[Kup]]...[[Lionel Stander]]
*[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]...[[John Moschitta Jr.]]
*[[Springer]]...[[Neil Ross]]
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]...[[Susan Blu]]
*[[Wreck-Gar]]...[[Eric Idle]]
*[[Daniel Witwicky]]...[[David Mendenhall]]
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]...[[Frank Welker]]
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]...[[Chris Latta]]
*[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]...[[Leonard Nimoy]]
*[[Unicron]]...[[Orson Welles]]

==Brief synopsis==

[[Image:Unicronplanet.jpg|left|thumb|That's no moon. It's a space station.]]

A [[Scale|planet-sized Transformer]] called [[Unicron]] who eats other planets is approaching [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. As part of their continuing wars, the Autobots and Decepticons have a fierce battle on Earth which sees both Optimus Prime and Megatron mortally wounded. Prime passes the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to Ultra Magnus and dies, and Megatron is transformed by Unicron into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (briefly) assumes leadership of the Decepticons, but is killed when Galvatron arrives at Cybertron. Galvatron then chases the surviving Autobots on Earth across space, splitting them up and taking the Matrix. The Autobots find their way back to each other, and follow Galvatron to Cybertron just as Unicron transforms into robot mode and begins to eat their world. Travelling inside Unicron, [[Hot Rod]] recovers the Matrix, transforms into Rodimus Prime, and uses the Matrix to destroy Unicron.

{{-}}

==Full synopsis==

[[Image:Tftm1986a.jpg|right|thumb|I have a bad feeling about this.]]

In the first sequence of the film, a mechanical planet called [[Unicron]] is shown travelling through the depths of space, then approaching and destroying another metal planet which has robotic inhabitants, much like [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. During the attack, robots, vehicles, buildings, and even large chunks of rock float off the surface of the planet and spiral into the large "mouth" on Unicron.

The scene then transitions to Cybertron, and the narrator explains that it is the year 2005, and that the [[Decepticon]]s are now in control of the planet. The [[Autobot]]s are preparing to launch an assault to retake the planet from hidden bases on two of Cybertron's moons. The Autobots launch a [[Autobot shuttle|shuttle]] to pick up a final shipment of [[energon]] from [[Earth]] before they strike.

Plans for the attack are overheard by [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who reports back to Megatron. The Decepticons attack the Autobot shuttle en route to Earth, wiping out its crew (including [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and the [[Brawn (G1)|guy in the picture up there]]). Using the Autobots' own shuttle, the Decepticons are able to get very close to the Autobots' base on Earth, [[Autobot City]], before they are detected, and begin a devastating surprise attack on the unprepared city.

[[Image:Tftm1986b.jpg|left|thumb|If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.]]

During the battle at Autobot City, both [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron suffer mortal injuries, and a number of other characters are also killed. Eventually the Decepticons retreat, but the damage suffered by the Autobots has been severe. Shortly after the battle, Prime lies on his deathbed. He passes the reins of leadership to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and gives him the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. (Though Hot Rod actually touches the Matrix before Magnus does.) Prime relates a prophecy: "One day, an Autobot shall rise from our ranks, and use the power of the Matrix to light our [[darkest hour]]." He then gives the oath, "[['Til all are one]]", and dies. This sequence of events is observed remotely by Unicron, who appears unusually concerned by the survival of the Matrix.

The Decepticons are making their escape aboard [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], but are too heavy for him to get them all home under his own power. After putting the matter to a fair vote, the Decepticons decide to throw their injured members off the ship to better the chance of survival for the rest. One of the most severely injured Decepticons is Megatron. Starscream tosses him out and claims leadership of the Decepticon army.

Megatron and the other adrift Decepticons then encounter Unicron in interstellar space. Unicron offers to rebuild Megatron and his men in exchange for their service. Megatron agrees, and is [[reformatting|reformatted]] into [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. The other Decepticons are turned into [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], and [[The Sweeps]]. Unicron provides them with a [[Galvatron's ship|ship]], and sends them to kill Ultra Magnus and destroy the Matrix, stating that the Matrix is the only thing which can stand in his way.

[[Image:Tftm1986c.jpg|right|thumb|Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed.]]

Galvatron first stops at Cybertron to take his revenge by killing Starscream and reclaiming leadership of the Decepticons. Almost immediately afterwards, Unicron arrives in Cybertron's vicinity and devours at least two moons -- both of the Autobots' moon bases are destroyed. Under coercion by Unicron, Galvatron finally heads to Earth to kill Ultra Magnus, but Magnus and the other surviving Autobots flee in a pair of shuttles. Eventually Galvatron manages to cause one shuttle to crash on yet another metal planet ([[Quintessa]]), and detonates the other with a volley of missiles. However, the Autobots in the second shuttle escape unnoticed by separating the front portion of their shuttle just before impact.

The Autobots in the crashed shuttle, [[Hot Rod]], [[Kup]], and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], find themselves separated and in a hostile environment. Hot Rod and Kup are captured by a squad of [[Allicon]]s and taken before a [[Quintesson]] [[Quintesson judge|judge]] and his court. While being held there, they learn the name and nature of Unicron from [[Kranix]], a survivor of the planet destroyed in the opening of the film, which he calls [[Lithone]]. Meanwhile, the Dinobots encounter and befriend a young, wild Autobot named [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] who has been living alone on Quintessa. Together, they crash the trial just as Hot Rod and Kup are fighting losing odds against the Quintessons' [[Sharkticon]]s. The tide is turned, and the Autobots commandeer a [[Quintesson ship]].

[[Image:Tftm1986d.jpg|left|thumb|What an incredible smell you've discovered!]]

The other group of Autobots has landed on the planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] to make repairs, but are attacked yet again by Galvatron, who was tipped off to their survival by Unicron. During the battle, Ultra Magnus tries to open the Matrix to use its power, but is unable to do so, and instead is killed. Galvatron absconds the Matrix, taking it away to Unicron. The remaining Autobots -- [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Springer]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]]'s son [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] -- are then ambushed by [[Junkion|Junkions]], the eponymous natives of Junkion, who are also giant transforming robots. This battle is cut short, however, by the arrival of Hot Rod's group in their Quintesson ship. After exchanging the [[universal greeting]] they all make friends, and the Junkions restore Ultra Magnus to life. Together, the whole group travels to Cybertron to try to recover the Matrix.

Galvatron attempts to open the Matrix to use its power against Unicron, but is also unable to get it open. Unicron, not pleased with this attempted treachery, shocks Galvatron by transforming from a planet into a [[Scale|planet-sized robot]]. Unicron plucks Galvatron off his chest and swallows him, Matrix and all, and then begins attacking Cybertron itself. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] scrambles the Decepticon forces to defend the planet, but they are ineffective against so large an enemy. Shortly the Autobots arrive from Junkion, and fly the Quintesson ship straight through Unicron's eye. This impact destroys the ship, and the Autobots fall out inside Unicron. Hot Rod, separated from the others, eventually runs into Galvatron. During their fight, Hot Rod gets his hands on the Matrix and hears Optimus' voice speak the words, "Arise, Rodimus Prime." Hot Rod grows in stature, adopts a much sterner demeanor, and quickly dispatches Galvatron by tossing him through Unicron's hull out into space. He then opens the Matrix, which fills Unicron with light and begins destroying him.

[[Image:Tftm1986e.jpg|right|thumb|Use the Force, Luke.]]

In the meantime, the other Autobots inside Unicron have located some of their comrades from the moon bases who had been presumed dead, including [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and Daniel's father, Spike. The Autobots, including Rodimus, escape through Unicron's remaining eye just as he begins to fall apart and explode. The scene then immediately shifts to the surface of Cybertron, where -- for unclear reasons -- the Autobots seem to be in charge again. Rodimus predicts an era of peace and prosperity, and the film closes with a shot of Unicron's severed head still floating in orbit around Cybertron.

==Significance in Transfandom==

''Transformers: The Movie'' remains one of the most important elements of the entire Transformers brand, both within the fiction and from the perspective of the brand's popularity and "mindshare".

Fictionally, it established several story concepts that have been used repeatedly in the years since 1986, some of which -- such as Unicron and the Matrix -- are now central to the entire Transformers mythos. The movie is also the centerpiece of the most well-known Transformers continuity: the G1 animated universe. The G1 cartoon is split into "pre-movie" and "post-movie" sections which feature differenct characters and settings, and even somewhat different visual styles. (Most pre-movie episodes were animated by the studio [[Toei]], while most post-movie episodes were animated by [[AKOM]].)

To an entire generation of young fans, the movie was the most visually spectacular and narratively epic Transformers experience of their entire youth. Events such as the death of Optimus Prime are widely reported to have reduced many little boys to tears. It is hardly a surprise that these emotional experiences embedded themselves deeply in many fans' memories.

This is not all to say that the movie is a "masterpiece", exactly. The film displays an arguably cynical attitude towards itself as a vehicle for advertising toys, especially in the way beloved characters are killed -- sometimes gratuitiously -- for sake of justifying the story's focus on a new group of toys. Further, the two primary plot devices -- [[Unicron]] and the [[Matrix]] -- have no prior establishment in the fiction. Unicron is given no backstory or justification; he simply exists, and is really dangerous, and is afraid of the Matrix, all for no good reason. The introduction of the Matrix itself is a heavy [[retcon]]. The story asks us to accept that this cosmically-powerful artifact has been in Prime's possession all along (even though an X-ray of Optimus Prime's innards in the Season 2 episode "A Prime Problem" show absolutely no signs of said Matrix...), but has somehow never been relevant before. Finally, the movie bears many similarities to ''[[Star Wars]]'': There are several character-parallels (Springer is a Han Solo-type and Arcee even has Princess Leia's hairdo!), the primary threat is similar (it's the Death Star... but it transforms!), and both feature a climactic battle where the young hero hears the voice of his wise mentor one last time before saving the day. To be a bit more fair to TF:TM, however, most of these similarities are either superficial (Arcee's Leia-hair) or can be seen as elements common to thousands of years worth of epic storytelling through human history, not just common to ''Star Wars''.

==Trivia and controversies==

This film was one of the last professional performances by [[Orson Welles]], if not the very last. According to production materials shown at [[BotCon 2000]] by Tim Finn, the voice recording sessions for TF:TM were done on September 10 and 11 of 1985. Welles died on October 10 of that same year. It has often been speculated that Unicron's last line ("Destiny... you cannot destroy my destiny...!") was recorded by another actor -- possibly [[Leonard Nimoy|Nimoy]] -- because it sounds different than the other lines. This speculation has been quashed by statements by Transformers voice director [[Wally Burr]].[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/60-astrominutes/wally_burr_3.html]

Although the movie was billed in some advertisements before its theatrical release as being "widescreen", the movie was in fact animated in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. It was intended to be matted down in the projector by the projectionist when screened, but all video transfers of the movie were done without mattes, meaning that there is actually more picture visible in the fullscreen video and DVD releases than there would have been in theaters. In November of 2006, a 20th Anniversary edition DVD of the film was released by Sony BMG which included, for the first time, a widescreen version of the film. However, comparison of frames from this new disc and old editions again shows that there is no missing picture on the sides -- the new "wide" version has simply had the top and bottom of the picture cropped off, meaning ''less'' visible picture.

The Dinobot [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is mysteriously absent from almost the entire movie, even though the Dinobots as a group are featured prominently. It is unclear why this is the case, but one possible explanation is that copies of the script which have come into fans' hands repeatedly list the Dinobots but never make mention of Snarl by name. In fact, at one point the script refers to "the four Dinobots". Despite this, Snarl does appear in three very brief shots, although he has no lines and no action.

With the exception of Starscream, Unicron, and possibly Shockwave, only the Autobots suffered casualities in the movie. All of the other "dead" Decepticons from the Autobot City battle were rebuilt into Galvatron's new troops, and although Decepticons were shown taking heavy damage while fighting Unicron, their identities and their condition are uncertain. Additionally, both Starscream and Unicron survived in the post-movie series in some form or another. Shockwave's death in the finished film is highly uncertain, although in the script it is fairly strongly implied. He does make some appearances in crowd shots in later cartoon episodes, but these may be examples of the fairly common animation errors in those episodes.

There exists more than one English-language version of the film, with the following differences in content from the American theatrical run:

* In some versions (notably the European version) the opening credits are replaced with a scrolling text ("Star Wars style") which provides backstory.

* In some versions (notably the European version) the film ends with a narrator reassuring the audience that Optimus Prime will return.

* Instances of swearing in the film (there are two) were edited out; sometimes one, sometimes both. Those instances are: Spike yelling, "Oh shit, what are we gonna do now?" after the self-destructing Moon Base 2 fails to scratch Unicron, and Ultra Magnus growling, "Open, damn it, open!" while trying to open the Matrix to fend off Galvatron and the Sweeps on Junkion. The UK cinema version had the swearing included but when it was released on VHS in the UK Spike's line was cut. However it has been restored on all UK DVD releases.

*Instead of DEG the Rank Film "gong man" appears before the film starts as Rank were the UK distributors.

Though most likely coincidental, the movie bears many similarities to the Marvel Comics Fantastic Four miniseries "The Galactus Trilogy":

* The presence of an enormous world-devouring cosmic entity that threatens to destroy the heroes' home planet (Galactus/Unicron).

* The presence of a single item that is the only thing that can stop said cosmic entitiy (The Ultimate Nullifier/The Matrix of Leadership).

* The presence of a herald of said cosmic entity, who ultimately betrays the entity (The Silver Surfer/Galvatron).

Originally, Ultra Magnus' "death sequence" on Junkion called for him to be lassoed and drawn and quartered by the Sweeps' energy beams, but this was deemed too graphic for audiences, hence the less disturbing "shot to death" sequence seen instead. There is evidence that the original sequence had been fully animated when the decision was made, however; the Sweeps still kept their solid energy lassos when they fire upon Mags, and Mags is seen visibly straining against what appears to be said lassos (edited out and replaced with laser fire) before exploding.

There's a few notable animation errors in the movie:

* When Ultra Magnus accepts the Matrix, he's seen inserting it into his chest twice. (Some fans have joked that Mags was forcing the Matrix inside him, as another sign that it had chosen Hot Rod as the new leader and rejected him.)

* Swoop's lower leg appears in Autobot City far ahead of the Dinobot for a brief second.

* Not so much an error, but if you watch Sludge when he's haymaker'ed by Devastator, his eyes pop out of their sockets in Looney Tunes fashion.

* When [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] sends [[Rumble (G1)|out]] [[Ratbat|his]][[Frenzy (G1)|casette]] [[Ravage (G1)|troops]], Rumble is the same color as Frenzy.

==Soundtrack==
Released on Scotti Bros. Records, the soundtrack to the movie was made available in both vinyl LP (long-playing) record form and audio cassette. At an undetermined point in the 90's, it was released on CD as well (there are no new markings on the CD booklet or outer case to indicate when the CD was released).

*1. The Touch - [[Stan Bush]]
*2. Instruments Of Destruction - [[N.R.G.]]
*3. Death Of Optimus Prime - [[Vince DiCola]]
*4. Dare - Stan Bush
*5. Nothin's Gonna Stand In Our Way - [[Spectre General]]
*6. The Transformers (Theme) - [[Lion]]
*7. Escape - Vince DiCola
*8. Hunger - Spectre General
*9. Autobot/Decepticon Battle - Vince DiCola
*10. Dare To Be Stupid - [["Weird Al" Yankovic]]

In 1997, the newly-formed [[3H]] produced as a [[BotCon 1997]] [[exclusive]] a double-CD set called ''[['Til All Are One (CD)|'Til All Are One]]''. The second disc contains the all of the background score (by Vince DiCola) that was not on the original soundtrack, including several "alternate" pieces for scenes that used songs from the original soundtrack, plus "[[Legacy]]", the audition piece that got Vince the job. Other albums released by 3H which include music from the movie are ''BotCon 97: The Concert'', ''The Protoform Sessions'', ''Artistic Transformations'', and ''Lighting Their Darkest Hour: The Complete Music Score''. All of these 3H albums are long since sold out.

On May 29, 2007, Legacy Recordings re-released the soundtrack in a 20th Anniversary Edition containing the above tracks from the original 1986 release plus these additional tracks:

*11. Unicron Medley - Vince DiCola
*12. Moon Base 2 - Shuttle Launch - Vince DiCola
*13. Megatron Must Be Stopped (Parts 1 and 2) - Vince DiCola
*14. The Transformers Theme (Alternate) - Stan Bush and Vince DiCola

==External links==
* [http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers.htm TFTM's box office domestic gross.]

* [http://www.tftm.net/ TF:TM "Unofficial Fansite", an extremely thorough site about the movie maintained by CJ Stankiewicz]

[[Category: Films|Transformers: The Movie]]
[[Category: Generation 1|Transformers: The Movie]]
[[Category: MSTF|Transformers: The Movie]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Transformers (2007 toyline)

2007-08-31T22:43:56Z

72.221.80.13: /* Movie Deluxe Class */

Remarkably, the producers of the small independent [[Transformers (2007)|Transformers film]] opening in July 2007 have obtained part of their financing by selling the ''merchandising'' rights for the movie.

==Toyline==

===Action Figures ("main" line)===

====Movie Deluxe Class====

'''Wave 1 (aka "Preview Figures")'''
*Protoform [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*Protoform [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]]
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (includes small figure of [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]])
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]
*[[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] (a non-Movie character, though some designs were made at some point in production)

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]
*[[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] (a non-Movie character, appears in the Movie Game & prequel comics)

'''Wave 4'''
*[[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] (a non-Movie character, was to appear in the film, but was replaced by Ironhide)
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Camaro Concept Bumblebee]]
*[[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] (a non-Movie character, appears in the Movie Game & prequel comics)

'''Wave 5'''
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Final Battle Jazz]]
*[[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] (a non-Movie character, appears in the Movie Game)(there is a tow-truck in the movie that resembles Longarm)
*[[Payload (Movie)|Payload]] (a non-Movie character, appears in the Movie Game & prequel comics)

'''Wave 6'''
'''Movie Deluxe'''
*[[Dropkick]] (a non-Movie character, appears in the Movie Game)
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Recon Barricade]] (a repaint of Barricade)

'''Future releases (confirmed at BotCon 2007)'''
*[[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] (non-Movie character)
*[[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]
*[[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade]]

====Movie Voyager Class====

'''Wave 1'''
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] (includes non-transforming [[Scale|scaled-down]] figurine of [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Autobot Ratchet]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]

'''Wave 3.5'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]

'''Wave 4'''
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Rescue Ratchet]] ([[G1]]-[[homage]] [[redeco]] of Ratchet)
*[[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] (a non-Movie character, [[redeco]]/[[remold]] of Starscream using the same head sculpt as the Target exclusive Starscream redeco)

'''Future releases (confirmed at BotCon 2007)'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|First Strike Optimus Prime]] ([[G1]]-[[homage]] [[redeco]] of Optimus Prime)
*[[Evac (Movie)|Evac]]
*[[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]]

====Movie Leader Class====

'''Wave 1'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]]

'''Wave 4'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Nightwatch Optimus Prime]] ([[redeco]] of Optimus Prime)

'''Future releases (confirmed at BotCon 2007)'''
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Desert Attack Brawl]] ([[redeco]] of Decepticon Brawl)

===Other Action Figures===

====Movie Legends====
'''Wave 1'''
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]]
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Autobot Ratchet]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]

====Movie [[Real Gear Robots]]====
'''Wave 1'''
*[[Speed Dial 800]] (Mobile Phone)
*[[Longview]] (Binoculars)
*[[Spy Shot 6]] (Digital Camera)
*[[Power Up VT6]] (Portable Video Game Player)

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Booster X10]] (MP3 Player)
*[[Zoom Out 25X]] (Digital Video Camera)

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Meantime]] (Digital Watch)
*[[High Score 100]] (Game Console Controller)

'''Wave 4'''
*[[Wire Tap V20]] (Mobile Phone)
*[[Night Beat 7]] (MP3 Player)

====Movie Ultimate====
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Ultimate Bumblebee]]

===Fast Transformers Fun===
====Cyber Stompin' Robots====
(non-transforming)
*Cyber Stompin' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*Cyber Stompin' [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]

====Cyber Slammers====
'''Wave 1'''
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]]
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Autobot Ratchet]]

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee (Camaro Concept)]]

====Fast Action Battlers====
'''Wave 1'''
*Cannon Blast [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]
*Battle Blade [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]
*Power Hook [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*Ion Blast [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]]

'''Wave 2'''
*Double Missile [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]]
*Axe Attack [[Ratchet (Movie)|Autobot Ratchet]]

'''Wave 3'''
*Disc Blast [[Frenzy (Movie)|Decepticon Frenzy]]
*Gyro Blade [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
*Fusion Blast [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]

'''Wave 4'''
*Blade Shield [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*Plasma Punch [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]

===Role Play===

====Helmet Role Play====
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] Voice Changer (helmet)

====Converting Arm Blasters Role Play====
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] Battle Rig Blaster
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] Barrel Roll Blaster

====Super Soaker Gauntlet Blaster====
*Transformers Water Shooter

====T.E.C.H. (Transformers Electronic Combat Hardware)====

'''Wave 1'''
*Digital Dagger
*Quick Bow

'''Wave 2'''
*Tight Shot
*Flash Bang

'''Wave 3'''
*Autofire

===Store exclusives===

====Target exclusive Scouts====

'''Wave 1'''
*Hardtop (redeco of Cybertron Hardtop)
*Arcee (redeco of Energon Arcee)
*Signal Flare (redeco of Energon Signal Flare)

'''Wave 2'''
*Strongarm (redeco of Energon Strongarm)
*Skyblast (redeco of Energon Skyblast)
*Clocker (redeco of Cybertron Clocker)

'''Wave 3'''
*Armorhide (redeco of Cybertron Armorhide)
*Elita One (redeco of Energon Arcee)
*Air Raid (redeco of Energon Skyblast)

====Store exclusive redecos====

'''Target exclusives'''
*Robo-Vision Optimus Prime (redeco of Voyager Class Optimus Prime)
*Autobot Jazz ([[G1]]-[[homage]] [[redeco]] of Deluxe Class Autobot Jazz)
*Starscream ([[G1]]-[[homage]] [[redeco]] of Voyager Class Starscream)

====Store exclusive multi-packs====

'''Costco exclusives'''
*Voyager Class Optimus Prime with bonus figures (Legends Class Bumblebee & Autobot Jazz)

'''Sam's Club exclusives'''
*Deluxe three-pack (Decepticon Brawl, Bonecrusher & Autobot Jazz)

'''Target exclusives'''
*Legends four-pack (Movie Legends Class Optimus Prime, Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime, Movie Legends Class Megatron & Legends of Cybertron Megatron)
*"Evolution of a Hero" two-pack (Deluxe Class "Classic Camaro" Bumblebee & "Camaro Concept" Bumblebee)

'''Toys'R'Us exclusives'''
*"Decepticon Desert Attack" two-pack (Voyager Class Blackout & Deluxe Class Scorponok)
*Legends six-pack (Bumblebee, Autobot Jazz, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Barricade & Starscream)

'''Wal*Mart exclusives'''
*"First Encounter" two-pack (Deluxe Class Bumblebee & Deluxe Class Barricade)
*"Leader for the Ages" two-pack (Fast Action Battler Optimus Prime & Classics "Ultimate Battle" two-pack Optimus Prime)
*"Mass Media Battle" two-pack (Real Gear Robots Speed Dial 800 & Booster X10)
*"Robo Recon Team" two-pack (Real Gear Robots Spy Shot 6 & Longview)
*"Brain Scrambler Team" two-pack (Real Gear Robots Power Up VT6 & Zoom Out 25X)

===Plain Transformers Fun===
'''Mr Potato Head Transformers'''
*[[Optimash Prime]]

'''Plush Transformers
*[[Optimus Prime (G1) toys|Softimus Prime]] ([[G1]]-style Prime, soft toy transforms by turning inside out, using velcro)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Slumblebee]] (ditto, for G1-styled Bumblebee)

====Robot Heroes====
(2-inch non-transforming cutified figurines similar to Star Wars Galactic Heroes et al. [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|G1 cartoon]] characters in Movie packaging)

'''Wave 1'''
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] vs. [[Ravage]]
*[[Hot Rod toys|Rodimus]] vs. [[Shrapnel (G1)|Insecticon]] (Actually Hot Rod vs. Shrapnel)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] vs. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
*[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] vs. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]

'''Wave 2'''
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] vs. [[Megatron (G1) toys|Megatron]]
*[[Bumblebee (G1) toys |Bumblebee]] vs. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]

'''Wave 3'''
*[[Optimus Prime (G1) toys |Optimus Prime]] unleashing the Matrix vs. [[Unicron]]
*[[Jazz (G1)|Autobot Jazz]] vs. [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]

'''Wave 4?'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] vs. [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] vs. [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] vs. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]
*[[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] vs. [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]

===Collector===
'''Unleashed'''
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]

'''Movie Titanium'''
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]

==Merchandise==
* [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=123245 Exhaustive Transformers 2007 merchandise list, maintained by AMS.]

==Trivia==
*As of the Movie toyline, the "Ultra" pricepoint has been abolished. Whether this will continue to be the case for future lines remains to be seen, although Hasbro has stated a possible return to this pricepoint with Classics 2.0.

[[Category: Movie]]
[[Category: Toys]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>