MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Predacon (SG)

2009-04-09T03:27:55Z

72.228.85.3:

{{factions|sgDecepticon}}
{{disambig3|Predacon}}
:''The Predacons are a heroic [[Decepticon]] [[subgroup]] in the [[Shattered Glass]] continuity.''

The Predacons were founded by former professor [[Razorclaw (Shattered Glass)|Razorclaw]], as an elite team of hunters, who stalked the evil [[Autobots]]. They would adopt the group name "Predacons" by the time they were inducted into the Decepticon army, using beast forms based on numerous [[Human|alien]] [[Television|transmissions]] watched by the Predacon [[Rampage (Shattered Glass)|Rampage]].

Known members:

*[[Razorclaw (Shattered Glass)|Razorclaw]] (leader)
*[[Rampage (Shattered Glass)|Rampage]]
*[[Divebomb (Shattered Glass)|Divebomb]]

==Fiction==
===Shattered Expectations===
Razorclaw (and possibly others) were victims of a shrink ray. That didn't stop Razorclaw and [[Starscream (Shattered Glass)|Starscream]] from attacking [[Grimlock (Shattered Glass)|Grimlock]], [[Jazz (Shattered Glass)|Jazz]] and [[Goldbug (Shattered Glass)|Goldbug]], eventually summoning the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]] to <strike> celebrate April Fools Day </strike> finish them off. {{storylink|Shattered Expectations|Shattered Expectations}}

===Shattered Glass===
Razorclaw appears to be a key member of [[Megatron (Shattered Glass)|Megatron's]] inner circle. When the Decepticons attacked the [[Ark (Shattered Glass)|Ark]], the Predacons Razorclaw and Rampage would take down the guards, while Divebomb accompanied Starscream and [[Whisper (Shattered Glass)|Whisper]] in bombing the fuel tanks. All three Predacons would later keep Grimlock at bay. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (comic)|Shatterd Glass}}

{{note|The Predacons were fairly small in beast mode, but [[Scale|average height]] in robot mode.}}

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Subgroups]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass characters]]

Trachis

2009-03-31T04:21:51Z

72.228.85.3:

{{faction|autobot}}{{noname-designation}}
:''This [[Autobot]] is a student of evil in the [[Marvel Comics]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Student_rodimus_marvel_223.jpg|thumb|Soon, my pretty, soon...]]

In 2356, as he lay in a medbay in [[Autobot City: Earth]], [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]] told a '''student''' all about the nature of evil...

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics===
Rodimus told the student of [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s evil in using the Autobots' own rules of conduct to make them fight his battle for him. The student was fascinated and prompted Prime to tell him about [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. When he heard how that [[Decepticon]] leader had sought to tarnish the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and almost unleashed [[Unicron]], the student demanded to learn more about the dark god, but Rodimus kept him in suspense as he first described [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s cold emotionlessness and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s disregard for the lives of his own troops.

When Rodimus eventually recounted the third coming of Unicron, his student was contemptuous of his version of events, accusing Rodimus of making it up as he went along. Tearing off his Autobot [[insignia]], the student told Prime that he would seek out Unicron for himself and then show Rodimus once and for all the true nature of evil. Rodimus realized to his horror that his own words had been subconsciously shaped by Unicron's spirit, in a ploy to turn the listening student to the dark side. {{storylink|Aspects of Evil!}}

The student was never seen again.

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Comic-only characters]]
[[Category:European-original characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]

Reproduction

2008-03-19T21:51:30Z

72.228.85.3: /* Sexual reproduction ??? */

[[Image:Babyrobot.gif|thumb|300px|right|When a Mommy-robot and a Daddy-robot love each other very much, they...uh...hey, what ''do'' robots do to make new robots?]]
Various reproduction methods for the Transformers species have been demonstrated across various continuities.

==Mechanical construction==

Sometimes, new Transformers are simply built from scratch, and that's all it takes. A suitable Transformer body is constructed, and when finished and turned on, it just springs to life. Two notable examples of this type of reproduction appear in the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]]: when [[Wheeljack]] and company create the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, and later when the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] creates the [[Technobots]].

[[Image:Dinobuild.gif|left|thumb|"I've been workin' on the Dinobot, all the live long day..."]]

The Dinobots are initially very simple mentally and are ordered to be deactivated because they are too dangerous. Wheeljack then develops a set of crown-like devices to place on the Dinobots which greatly enhances their intellect, although they are still "dumb" and child-like compared to the other Autobots. The Technobots, on the other hand, are immediately fully functional, and some of them are even ''smarter'' than average Transformers. If one were to take these facts as canonically meaningful (rather than simply the whims of the writers of those episodes), it could be guessed that programming a functional Transformer brain from scratch is extremely difficult, such that even Wheeljack is not up to the job. Temporarily super-genius Grimlock may be the only one capable.

At least on the surface, this "built from scratch" approach runs counter to claims in other episodes of the show that [[Vector Sigma]] is needed to create new Transformer life. (See below.) However, since Vector Sigma is presented as being a supercomputer and not a "magical" device like the [[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|comics']] [[Creation Matrix]], it could fall in with the speculative statements above regarding Grimlock and Wheeljack. Perhaps Vector Sigma is simply an advanced enough computer that it is capable of constructing a working mind.

== Infusion ==

[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|Right|150px|thumb|Go on, rub it and make a wish...]]
[[Image:VectorSigmaG1.jpg|right|thumbnail|Vector Sigma holds "Disco Night" every Friday at 11 pm.]]

In other stories, once a new Transformer body has been built it, must still be infused with life (what the fiction from the Beast era and after would gloss as a [[spark]]) from a "god-like" outside source. In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, this source is Vector Sigma; in the Marvel comics, it is the Creation Matrix, which houses the essence of [[Primus]], the Transformers' creator-god. In the [[Beast Era|Beast era]] cartoons, sparks arrive from the [[Allspark]], perhaps through Vector Sigma. (In many continuities, each Transformer's life force is a fragment of Primus's own.) The [[Movie (continuity)|live-action movie]] continuities function with the [[All Spark]] being the source of infusion as well, though in that case, "living" and "sentient" are not quite the same thing. (See: [[Real Gear Robot]].)

In the [[Young Corgi]] book ''[[Desert of Danger]]'', Hot Rod refers to his creation after the ''Ark'' left Cybertron as when he was "[http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~sstoneb/tf/books/corgi-adv/desert/22.html matrixed]". How exactly this would have happened if Optimus Prime was aboard the ''Ark'' with the Matrix at the time is unknown, but one option might be the [[Matrix Flame]].

The Matrix Flame is an artifact which allows Transformers on Cybertron to access the power of the Matrix even when it is no longer on Cybertron. Literally a flame, it is used to breathe life in the super warrior [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in the UK comics. The flame is somehow linked to the Matrix, and when the Matrix is transported to another dimension during "Target: 2006", the flame goes out, forcing the Autobots on Cybertron to investigate.

The [[Dreamwave]] ''[[More than Meets the Eye]]'' guide provides yet another method of infusion. According to the guide, in Dreamwave continuity, Transformers generally begin life as a skeletal mass of partially formed circuits—a [[Protoform]]. These are kept in stasis pods filled with nurturing nutrient gel. They can be built to certain specifications or be fairly general, allowing the robot to form naturally upon introduction of a spark. Sparks, and hence life, usually come from the Matrix, *BUT*, if the Matrix is absent, life can be granted by attuning the protoform to an energy wavelength similar to the Matrix and then applying a concentrated burst of energon. This alternative is rarely used, as it is extremely resource-consumptive, requiring restrictively high amounts of energon.

{{-}}

== Resurrection ==

[[Image:DedPrim.gif|left|thumb|Don't worry kids, he gets better. Again.]]

Though not quite the same as reproduction, a copy of the mind or essence of a previously living Transformer may be introduced into a new body and, through some vague process, return that Transformer to life. This occurs when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] creates the [[Combaticon]]s in the G1 cartoon, and in the comic when Prime uses copies of the minds of existing Cybertronians to create the second-series Autobot cars on [[Earth]]. Another example from the comic occurs when Optimus Prime himself is returned to life merely by inputting a human's [[floppy disk]] copy of his mind into a new body.

In his ending to the ''[[Beast Wars: Transmetals]]'' video game, [[Ravage]] uses "a prototype cloning device, based on transreplication technology" to clone the deactivated G1 Decepticons on the ''Ark'' into new protoform bodies, thus reviving them without altering the timeline (and erasing himself) by effectively doubling each robot.

This is included as a means of reproduction because it seems likely from the dialogue that the Autobot cars created via copied minds by Prime on Earth still existed on Cybertron when he left, meaning that if they survived the intermediate 4 million years, two of each of these individuals now exist.

In the [[Unicron Trilogy]] story "[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]", [[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] combine energy from their [[spark frame]]s in order to create a new body for the mind/soul of [[Twirl]] to inhabit after her [[Mini-Con storage panel]] is destroyed in battle. This leads to an interesting relationship between Twirl and Falcia. (See "Familial relationships", below.)

== Budding ==

[[Image:Budding.jpg|right|thumb|Budding doesn't look like much fun at ALL. It looks like ''Aliens versus Predator'' all over again.]]

The [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Transformers: Generation 2'' comic]] introduced the concept of asexual "budding". Bubbles and lesions of apparently liquid metal form on a robot's chest, accompanied by energy discharge. The process grows more intense, until a large mass of liquid metal bursts free from the chest and slowly forms into a [[protoform]]-like blank figure, and then solidifies into a full Transformer. Illustrations suggest that this is something of a communal event, with others surrounding the budding robot in a circle.

[[Image:TNA.gif|left|thumb|150px|With the right early screening, even [[pegwarmer|pegwarming]] might some day be preventable.]]

It was revealed that (in the Marvel continuity at least) early Transformers reproduced this way until they reached the population level Primus desired. At this turning point, the practice stopped and all memory of it was erased. When the [[Cybertronian Empire]] (possibly under influence of the [[Liege Maximo]]) rediscovered and revived the process sometime during the 4 million years after the ''[[Ark]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s loss, the successive generations of robots produced were increasingly less sentient and emotional (as Primus's lifeforce was apparently spread thinner and thinner between them), and the lifeform called [[Swarm|The Swarm]] was created as a byproduct.

It is established here that Transformers do have genetic material (the Transformer equivalent of DNA) within their cellular structures. (Yes, they also apparently have cellular structures—who knew?) This genetic material is passed down from "parent" to "child" through budding. Its make-up is seen in the picture at left. (Apparently, its design is not taught in the Transformer equivalent of high school Biology, as Megatron does not recognize what he's looking at until Perceptor explains.) This genetic material and basic Transformer cellular structure is also passed to the Swarm. Later, in [[IDW]] continuity, Transformer genetic material is given the designation [[CNA]], and it is what is altered by the malevolent Jhiaxus to create female Transformers.

The other notable fact is that Transformers who have undergone the budding process retain some sort of primal link to their offspring, thus even though they are galaxies apart, the G1 Decepticon [[Onslaught]] doubles over in pain when his descendant [[Mindset]] is destroyed, and the Liege Maximo says he would know if his descendant, Megatron, were to die.

== Sexual reproduction ==

[[Image:Tfreprod marvel28.jpg|thumb|left|150px|"Film the birth?"

"No, got some great footage of the conception, though!"]]

Despite most continuities having male and female genders (gender being a mental and social classification, as opposed to "sexes", a physical distinction) and a definite, strong history of romance existing between these genders, there is little canonical evidence for Transformers reproducing sexually. (Though admittedly, there isn't a lot of direct evidence for [[human]]s reproducing sexually in most Transformers media, which is, after all, aimed towards kids.)

In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, the male Transformer - [[Female Transformers|female Transformer]] romance could perhaps be explained as an artifact of [[Quintesson]] mental programming very closely echoing the organic life forms the Transformers were built to serve.

On only two occasions in Generation 1 do we get a hint of male and female Transformer romance leading to the formation of family units and the creation of offspring. The first is subtle: [[Wheelie]]'s backstory in some versions mentions his crashing on Quintessa with his parents. The second is more explicit: At the end of the Japanese ''[[Victory]]'' manga, we find out that [[Deathsaurus]] and his forces have been fighting all this time for the sake of his wife [[Esmeryl]], the wives and sisters of the other Decepticons, and all their many children. Awww.

Apart from this, the best case for sexual reproduction in the species could probably be made from ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', where [[Rattrap]] makes numerous off-color remarks throughout the series, especially directed at [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. These comments strongly hint at something sex-like among Transformers, though it could, of course, be merely recreational rather than reproductive.

[[Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]]'s fusion into [[Tigerhawk]] during ''Beast Wars'' could perhaps be seen as an example of sex-like reproduction (i.e., two beings coming together and creating a new being that is a recombination of their components). It could also just be glossed as an extension of the usual Combiner-team type merger.

It is unknown what effect the ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' [[reformatting]] of Transformers into [[technorganic]] beings, which are equal parts organic life and mechanical structure down to a cellular level, has on their reproductive options. It is conceivable but unexplored whether this new form of Transformer life could reproduce sexually.

It should be noted that during a dream-like vision, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt meet in an ethereal state, and the two appear to "merge" their sparks, which may be as close to sexual intercourse as Transformers get, perhaps a more spiritual act than physical.

The [[Transformers (2007)|2007 motion picture]] once again brings up questions about the possibility of a less-than-mechanical form of reproduction. The first and most obvious of these implications comes from [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet's]] less-than-tactful observation of "the [[Samuel James Witwicky|boy]] want[ing] to mate with the [[Mikaela Banes|female]]." Although his grasp of the concept could stem mearly from a familiarity with organic species in general. Optimus Prime's mention of Megatron killing their father, in some related material does suggest Transformers have some understanding of family units.

In the ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' continuity, it seems clear that Transformers do not reproduce sexually. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] appears stunned when [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]] tells him where human babies come from.<ref>Of course, for all we know, she might have whispered, "We buy them on eBay." Or worse.</ref>

On the flip-side, in IDW continuity, female Transformers are specifically created by [[Jhiaxus]]. By altering fundimental [[CNA]] Jhiaxus introduced gender to the species from a malevolent curiousity about what would happen. The depth of the change in this case is unknown, is it limited to appearence and mentality or does it go deeper? If he was truely tring to see how females would affect the evolution of the species it is possible Arcee was created with the capability for some analog of sexual reproduction in mind, but given his abandonment of the experiment and Arcee's resultant unballanced mental state it seems unlikely the depth of the change will be explored.

== Familial relationships ==

[[Image:Bros.gif|thumb|right|150px|The Doublemint Twins they're not.]]

One confusing aspect of this apparent lack of sexual reproduction is the canonical use of genealogical terminology to describe certain relationships. The most common of these is when two Transformers regard each other as siblings: "brothers" (e.g. G1's [[Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker]] or ''Robots In Disguise''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]) or "sisters" ([[Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker]]).

Again, the Dreamwave ''More than Meets the Eye'' guide provides a partial possible answer. According to the guide, when a spark naturally splits as it's being introduced to a protoform, it creates two robots who are "brothers", such as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. When such a spark division is artificially induced, the less balanced and less self-reliant pair created are referred to as "clones". (This definition of "brother" may or may not apply to RID Prime and Magnus, whose brotherhood was said to result from the special circumstance of having been created simultaneously by Alpha Trion).

However, the "[[Beast Era|Beast era]]" widened the issue of reproduction with Rattrap referring to his "great-aunt" [[Arcee]] and in general the practice of Maximals and Predacons referring to the Autobots and Decepticons as their respective "ancestors", as well as themselves as being their "descendants", implying a direct genetic (for want of a better term) lineage. Various sources of debatable canonicity suggest that [[Optimus Primal]] is specifically descended from [[Optimus Prime]], usually through the phrase "his ancestor Optimus Prime" (though the events of [[Optimal Situation]] seem to prove that all Maximals could reasonably consider Optimus Prime their ancestor).

In the absence of sexual reproduction, the use and meaning of these genealogical references is difficult to explain. One possible explanation might be a situation such as when [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] is brought to life in ''Beast Wars''. Her [[spark]] and [[protoform]] are heavily damaged, and Cheetor allows some of his parts to be used as replacements while [[Rhinox]] guides the procedure. To compare to humans, this is something like assisting with childbirth and donating blood or organs. It is unlikely that this happened enough to cause "descendants" as they are described, however. The term may also be used in an ideological sense or even a technological sense, much as the CD or MP3 player is, in a way, a "descendant" of the gramophone.

Other family designations exist as well. [[Wheelie]] has "parents" that were lost in his crash on [[Quintessa]], according some background material. The aforementioned Mini-Con Twirl very specifically calls Falcia her "mother" (which Falcia ''hates'') and seems to treat Redline like a father, since the two's spark frame energies went into constructing her physical form. In the ''Armada'' cartoon, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] refers to [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] as his brother after Hot Shot saves his life, indicating at least an understanding of the concept. The [[Unicron Trilogy]] universe has also used the term "cousin" for certain Transformers on occasion. The Japanese Generation 1 ''Victory'' manga features Decepticon wives and children. Even the live-action movie features an Optimus and Megatron who are brothers, and it is mentioned in the related Nintendo DS game that Megatron "took the spark" of their father.

'''''See also:''' [[Relatives]]''

== Toys ==
[[Image:Classics cosmos concept.gif|thumb|250px|right|Echography of a sadly aborted Transformer.... Yes, those things happen.]]

In the real-life continuity, when two toy manufacturing companies love each other very much, [[Hasbro|one of them]] may start shooting Transformer design propositions to the [[TakaraTomy|other one]]. There, during several months of gestation, engineers will work on those designs, which will be developed into functional and manufacturable Transformers. Once the Transformer is ready to be produced, its design will be sent to marketing and ultimately to the chain manufacturer for the delivery. Voilà! A new Transformer is born!
{{-}}
==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]<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>

Reproduction

2008-03-19T21:49:03Z

72.228.85.3: /* Budding */

[[Image:Babyrobot.gif|thumb|300px|right|When a Mommy-robot and a Daddy-robot love each other very much, they...uh...hey, what ''do'' robots do to make new robots?]]
Various reproduction methods for the Transformers species have been demonstrated across various continuities.

==Mechanical construction==

Sometimes, new Transformers are simply built from scratch, and that's all it takes. A suitable Transformer body is constructed, and when finished and turned on, it just springs to life. Two notable examples of this type of reproduction appear in the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]]: when [[Wheeljack]] and company create the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, and later when the temporarily super-intelligent [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] creates the [[Technobots]].

[[Image:Dinobuild.gif|left|thumb|"I've been workin' on the Dinobot, all the live long day..."]]

The Dinobots are initially very simple mentally and are ordered to be deactivated because they are too dangerous. Wheeljack then develops a set of crown-like devices to place on the Dinobots which greatly enhances their intellect, although they are still "dumb" and child-like compared to the other Autobots. The Technobots, on the other hand, are immediately fully functional, and some of them are even ''smarter'' than average Transformers. If one were to take these facts as canonically meaningful (rather than simply the whims of the writers of those episodes), it could be guessed that programming a functional Transformer brain from scratch is extremely difficult, such that even Wheeljack is not up to the job. Temporarily super-genius Grimlock may be the only one capable.

At least on the surface, this "built from scratch" approach runs counter to claims in other episodes of the show that [[Vector Sigma]] is needed to create new Transformer life. (See below.) However, since Vector Sigma is presented as being a supercomputer and not a "magical" device like the [[Generation 1 (Marvel comic)|comics']] [[Creation Matrix]], it could fall in with the speculative statements above regarding Grimlock and Wheeljack. Perhaps Vector Sigma is simply an advanced enough computer that it is capable of constructing a working mind.

== Infusion ==

[[Image:Creation Matrix 65.jpg|Right|150px|thumb|Go on, rub it and make a wish...]]
[[Image:VectorSigmaG1.jpg|right|thumbnail|Vector Sigma holds "Disco Night" every Friday at 11 pm.]]

In other stories, once a new Transformer body has been built it, must still be infused with life (what the fiction from the Beast era and after would gloss as a [[spark]]) from a "god-like" outside source. In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, this source is Vector Sigma; in the Marvel comics, it is the Creation Matrix, which houses the essence of [[Primus]], the Transformers' creator-god. In the [[Beast Era|Beast era]] cartoons, sparks arrive from the [[Allspark]], perhaps through Vector Sigma. (In many continuities, each Transformer's life force is a fragment of Primus's own.) The [[Movie (continuity)|live-action movie]] continuities function with the [[All Spark]] being the source of infusion as well, though in that case, "living" and "sentient" are not quite the same thing. (See: [[Real Gear Robot]].)

In the [[Young Corgi]] book ''[[Desert of Danger]]'', Hot Rod refers to his creation after the ''Ark'' left Cybertron as when he was "[http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~sstoneb/tf/books/corgi-adv/desert/22.html matrixed]". How exactly this would have happened if Optimus Prime was aboard the ''Ark'' with the Matrix at the time is unknown, but one option might be the [[Matrix Flame]].

The Matrix Flame is an artifact which allows Transformers on Cybertron to access the power of the Matrix even when it is no longer on Cybertron. Literally a flame, it is used to breathe life in the super warrior [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] in the UK comics. The flame is somehow linked to the Matrix, and when the Matrix is transported to another dimension during "Target: 2006", the flame goes out, forcing the Autobots on Cybertron to investigate.

The [[Dreamwave]] ''[[More than Meets the Eye]]'' guide provides yet another method of infusion. According to the guide, in Dreamwave continuity, Transformers generally begin life as a skeletal mass of partially formed circuits—a [[Protoform]]. These are kept in stasis pods filled with nurturing nutrient gel. They can be built to certain specifications or be fairly general, allowing the robot to form naturally upon introduction of a spark. Sparks, and hence life, usually come from the Matrix, *BUT*, if the Matrix is absent, life can be granted by attuning the protoform to an energy wavelength similar to the Matrix and then applying a concentrated burst of energon. This alternative is rarely used, as it is extremely resource-consumptive, requiring restrictively high amounts of energon.

{{-}}

== Resurrection ==

[[Image:DedPrim.gif|left|thumb|Don't worry kids, he gets better. Again.]]

Though not quite the same as reproduction, a copy of the mind or essence of a previously living Transformer may be introduced into a new body and, through some vague process, return that Transformer to life. This occurs when [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] creates the [[Combaticon]]s in the G1 cartoon, and in the comic when Prime uses copies of the minds of existing Cybertronians to create the second-series Autobot cars on [[Earth]]. Another example from the comic occurs when Optimus Prime himself is returned to life merely by inputting a human's [[floppy disk]] copy of his mind into a new body.

In his ending to the ''[[Beast Wars: Transmetals]]'' video game, [[Ravage]] uses "a prototype cloning device, based on transreplication technology" to clone the deactivated G1 Decepticons on the ''Ark'' into new protoform bodies, thus reviving them without altering the timeline (and erasing himself) by effectively doubling each robot.

This is included as a means of reproduction because it seems likely from the dialogue that the Autobot cars created via copied minds by Prime on Earth still existed on Cybertron when he left, meaning that if they survived the intermediate 4 million years, two of each of these individuals now exist.

In the [[Unicron Trilogy]] story "[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]", [[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] combine energy from their [[spark frame]]s in order to create a new body for the mind/soul of [[Twirl]] to inhabit after her [[Mini-Con storage panel]] is destroyed in battle. This leads to an interesting relationship between Twirl and Falcia. (See "Familial relationships", below.)

== Budding ==

[[Image:Budding.jpg|right|thumb|Budding doesn't look like much fun at ALL. It looks like ''Aliens versus Predator'' all over again.]]

The [[Generation 2 (Marvel comic)|''Transformers: Generation 2'' comic]] introduced the concept of asexual "budding". Bubbles and lesions of apparently liquid metal form on a robot's chest, accompanied by energy discharge. The process grows more intense, until a large mass of liquid metal bursts free from the chest and slowly forms into a [[protoform]]-like blank figure, and then solidifies into a full Transformer. Illustrations suggest that this is something of a communal event, with others surrounding the budding robot in a circle.

[[Image:TNA.gif|left|thumb|150px|With the right early screening, even [[pegwarmer|pegwarming]] might some day be preventable.]]

It was revealed that (in the Marvel continuity at least) early Transformers reproduced this way until they reached the population level Primus desired. At this turning point, the practice stopped and all memory of it was erased. When the [[Cybertronian Empire]] (possibly under influence of the [[Liege Maximo]]) rediscovered and revived the process sometime during the 4 million years after the ''[[Ark]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s loss, the successive generations of robots produced were increasingly less sentient and emotional (as Primus's lifeforce was apparently spread thinner and thinner between them), and the lifeform called [[Swarm|The Swarm]] was created as a byproduct.

It is established here that Transformers do have genetic material (the Transformer equivalent of DNA) within their cellular structures. (Yes, they also apparently have cellular structures—who knew?) This genetic material is passed down from "parent" to "child" through budding. Its make-up is seen in the picture at left. (Apparently, its design is not taught in the Transformer equivalent of high school Biology, as Megatron does not recognize what he's looking at until Perceptor explains.) This genetic material and basic Transformer cellular structure is also passed to the Swarm. Later, in [[IDW]] continuity, Transformer genetic material is given the designation [[CNA]], and it is what is altered by the malevolent Jhiaxus to create female Transformers.

The other notable fact is that Transformers who have undergone the budding process retain some sort of primal link to their offspring, thus even though they are galaxies apart, the G1 Decepticon [[Onslaught]] doubles over in pain when his descendant [[Mindset]] is destroyed, and the Liege Maximo says he would know if his descendant, Megatron, were to die.

== Sexual reproduction ??? ==

[[Image:Tfreprod marvel28.jpg|thumb|left|150px|"Film the birth? No, got some great footage of the conception, though!"]]

Despite most continuities having male and female genders (gender being a mental and social classification, as opposed to "sexes", a physical distinction) and a definite, strong history of romance existing between these genders, there is little canonical evidence for Transformers reproducing sexually. (Though admittedly, there isn't a lot of direct evidence for [[human]]s reproducing sexually in most Transformers media, which is, after all, aimed towards kids.)

In the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, the male Transformer - [[Female Transformers|female Transformer]] romance could perhaps be explained as an artifact of [[Quintesson]] mental programming very closely echoing the organic life forms the Transformers were built to serve.

On only two occasions in Generation 1 do we get a hint of male and female Transformer romance leading to the formation of family units and the creation of offspring. The first is subtle: [[Wheelie]]'s backstory in some versions mentions his crashing on Quintessa with his parents. The second is more explicit: At the end of the Japanese ''[[Victory]]'' manga, we find out that [[Deathsaurus]] and his forces have been fighting all this time for the sake of his wife [[Esmeryl]], the wives and sisters of the other Decepticons, and all their many children. Awww.

Apart from this, the best case for sexual reproduction in the species could probably be made from ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', where [[Rattrap]] makes numerous off-color remarks throughout the series, especially directed at [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]. These comments strongly hint at something sex-like among Transformers, though it could, of course, be merely recreational rather than reproductive.

[[Airazor]] and [[Tigatron]]'s fusion into [[Tigerhawk]] during ''Beast Wars'' could perhaps be seen as an example of sex-like reproduction (i.e., two beings coming together and creating a new being that is a recombination of their components). It could also just be glossed as an extension of the usual Combiner-team type merger.

It is unknown what effect the ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' [[reformatting]] of Transformers into [[technorganic]] beings, which are equal parts organic life and mechanical structure down to a cellular level, has on their reproductive options. It is conceivable but unexplored whether this new form of Transformer life could reproduce sexually.

It should be noted that during a dream-like vision, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt meet in an ethereal state, and the two appear to "merge" their sparks, which may be as close to sexual intercourse as Transformers get, perhaps a more spiritual act than physical.

The [[Transformers (2007)|2007 motion picture]] once again brings up questions about the possibility of a less-than-mechanical form of reproduction. The first and most obvious of these implications comes from [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet's]] less-than-tactful observation of "the [[Samuel James Witwicky|boy]] want[ing] to mate with the [[Mikaela Banes|female]]." Although his grasp of the concept could stem mearly from a familiarity with organic species in general. Optimus Prime's mention of Megatron killing their father, in some related material does suggest Transformers have some understanding of family units.

In the ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' continuity, it seems clear that Transformers do not reproduce sexually. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] appears stunned when [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]] tells him where human babies come from.<ref>Of course, for all we know, she might have whispered, "We buy them on eBay." Or worse.</ref>

On the flip-side, in IDW continuity, female Transformers are specifically created by [[Jhiaxus]]. By altering fundimental [[CNA]] Jhiaxus introduced gender to the species from a malevolent curiousity about what would happen. The depth of the change in this case is unknown, is it limited to appearence and mentality or does it go deeper? If he was truely tring to see how females would affect the evolution of the species it is possible Arcee was created with the capability for some analog of sexual reproduction in mind, but given his abandonment of the experiment and Arcee's resultant unballanced mental state it seems unlikely the depth of the change will be explored.

== Familial relationships ==

[[Image:Bros.gif|thumb|right|150px|The Doublemint Twins they're not.]]

One confusing aspect of this apparent lack of sexual reproduction is the canonical use of genealogical terminology to describe certain relationships. The most common of these is when two Transformers regard each other as siblings: "brothers" (e.g. G1's [[Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker]] or ''Robots In Disguise''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]]) or "sisters" ([[Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker]]).

Again, the Dreamwave ''More than Meets the Eye'' guide provides a partial possible answer. According to the guide, when a spark naturally splits as it's being introduced to a protoform, it creates two robots who are "brothers", such as Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. When such a spark division is artificially induced, the less balanced and less self-reliant pair created are referred to as "clones". (This definition of "brother" may or may not apply to RID Prime and Magnus, whose brotherhood was said to result from the special circumstance of having been created simultaneously by Alpha Trion).

However, the "[[Beast Era|Beast era]]" widened the issue of reproduction with Rattrap referring to his "great-aunt" [[Arcee]] and in general the practice of Maximals and Predacons referring to the Autobots and Decepticons as their respective "ancestors", as well as themselves as being their "descendants", implying a direct genetic (for want of a better term) lineage. Various sources of debatable canonicity suggest that [[Optimus Primal]] is specifically descended from [[Optimus Prime]], usually through the phrase "his ancestor Optimus Prime" (though the events of [[Optimal Situation]] seem to prove that all Maximals could reasonably consider Optimus Prime their ancestor).

In the absence of sexual reproduction, the use and meaning of these genealogical references is difficult to explain. One possible explanation might be a situation such as when [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] is brought to life in ''Beast Wars''. Her [[spark]] and [[protoform]] are heavily damaged, and Cheetor allows some of his parts to be used as replacements while [[Rhinox]] guides the procedure. To compare to humans, this is something like assisting with childbirth and donating blood or organs. It is unlikely that this happened enough to cause "descendants" as they are described, however. The term may also be used in an ideological sense or even a technological sense, much as the CD or MP3 player is, in a way, a "descendant" of the gramophone.

Other family designations exist as well. [[Wheelie]] has "parents" that were lost in his crash on [[Quintessa]], according some background material. The aforementioned Mini-Con Twirl very specifically calls Falcia her "mother" (which Falcia ''hates'') and seems to treat Redline like a father, since the two's spark frame energies went into constructing her physical form. In the ''Armada'' cartoon, [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] refers to [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] as his brother after Hot Shot saves his life, indicating at least an understanding of the concept. The [[Unicron Trilogy]] universe has also used the term "cousin" for certain Transformers on occasion. The Japanese Generation 1 ''Victory'' manga features Decepticon wives and children. Even the live-action movie features an Optimus and Megatron who are brothers, and it is mentioned in the related Nintendo DS game that Megatron "took the spark" of their father.

'''''See also:''' [[Relatives]]''

== Toys ==
[[Image:Classics cosmos concept.gif|thumb|250px|right|Echography of a sadly aborted Transformer.... Yes, those things happen.]]

In the real-life continuity, when two toy manufacturing companies love each other very much, [[Hasbro|one of them]] may start shooting Transformer design propositions to the [[TakaraTomy|other one]]. There, during several months of gestation, engineers will work on those designs, which will be developed into functional and manufacturable Transformers. Once the Transformer is ready to be produced, its design will be sent to marketing and ultimately to the chain manufacturer for the delivery. Voilà! A new Transformer is born!
{{-}}
==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]<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>

Brawn (G1)

2007-12-30T08:56:37Z

72.228.85.3: /* Brawn lives? */ fix

{{picsneeded}}{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot Brawn|the Robots in Disguise Autobot|X-Brawn}}

:''Brawn is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Brawng1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|DON'T GIVE HIM THE STICK! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!]]

'''Brawn''', the Autobots' demolitions expert, is amazingly strong for his size. Due to his small stature, he often attempts to overcompensate by playing up his macho personality. He can be somewhat of a bully, and looks down on noncombatant Autobots. He has a ready, though slightly sarcastic, sense of humor, and a lot of ''chutzpah''. In addition to his great strength, Brawn is also so tough as to be almost indestructible... [[personal canon|''almost'']].

:''Nickname:'' '''Muscles'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Bruto'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Cammello'''<br>
:''Japanese name:'' '''Gong''' (go-n-gu, ゴング)<br>
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Izmos''' ("Hefty")<br>
:''South American name'': '''Jipe''' (pronounced "''hee-pay''")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{note|UK-only stories are in italics.}}

[[Image:Brawnmarvel1.jpg|150px|left|thumb|Gee, ya think? You think that maybe I should use these clamps, that I use every day, at every opportunity? You're a freakin' genius, ya idiot!]]

After the Autobots re-awoke on modern-day Earth, Brawn was one of five Autobots sent out to reconnoiter their new world. When their patrol came under attack from a squadron of Decepticons, Brawn advised the others to stay behind him, as he could absorb the incoming jets' firepower. Later, he clocked Laserbeak. {{storylink|The Transformers (comic issue)|The Transformers}}

''A malfunction caused Brawn to go mad, rampaging in a small town because he thought the cars were being enslaved by humans (and then "killed" the cars when they showed no gratitude). After a destructive chase, the Autobots finally managed to recapture and repair him. To regain his honour, he agreed to be Starscream's opponent in a trial by combat; Optimus Prime had [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] fake Brawn's death to end the battle.''{{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

When the Autobots staged a diversionary attack on the Decepticons' [[Fortress Sinister]], Brawn's strength enabled him to storm through Rumble's localized earthquake, and punch out the little punk. Unfortunately, the little punk had a brother. Frenzy's high-frequency sonic attack knocked Brawn out. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

Brawn was among the Autobots who donated fuel to re-energize five Autobot warriors, in preparation for their last stand against the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} When that gambit failed, he was among the Autobots strung up for spare parts by Shockwave. {{storylink|The New Order}} He was later reactivated by Ratchet along with the others. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

In the rush that followed to catch up with the Decepticons' gains, Brawn and [[Bluestreak]] were charged with the repair of the Ark's [[ionic fusion drive]]. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} When the Autobots overheard Shockwave's plans to drop the captured head of their leader, Optimus Prime, in a nearby swamp, Brawn was among the Autobots who traveled to the swamp with Prime's body. However, the head was actually a decoy head, which, when attached to the body, caused it to go on a murderous rampage. Brawn was one of those wounded before Prime's proper head was returned. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Brawn was part of a team sent to bring in a demented Snarl.''{{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Zapped in the shoulder, no doubt.]]Brawn was witness to a battle between [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster]] for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. After the scene was attacked by [[Ratbat]]'s Decepticons, Brawn soon lost a fight with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], who dismissed the Autobot as having a "bright future as ''spare parts!''" {{storylink|Totaled!}}

When an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream announced that he would "destroy the cities of [[New York]], [[Tokyo]], and [[Buenos Aires]]," Brawn was among the allied Autobot/Decepticon teams sent ahead to New York City. As Starscream approached, [[Goldbug]] led a team of Autobots which included Brawn, and the entire team was destroyed with a "single wave of Starscream's hand"! Oops. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}
{{-}}

====Generation 2====
Brawn was part of a team sent to answer the distress call sent out by their [[human]] allies [[G.I. Joe]]. Landing in [[Springfield]], they ran up against a revived and [[Cobra]]-upgraded [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Assigned by [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] to guard the Autobots' ship, Brawn got himself vaporized when Megatron revealed that he could implode neutrons. {{storylink|Final Transformations}}

Ratchet must wonder why he even bothers.

====3H ''Universe'' comics====
Brawn was [[retcon|abducted]] by [[Unicron]] just before he was atomized by by the Cobra-tanked Megatron, and sent to the [[Cauldron]]. When [[Trailbreaker]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] engineered a mass escape, Brawn, [[Wheelie]] and [[Tap-Out]] subdued the rage-afflicted [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] to keep them from killing each other.

Brawn then escaped Unicron tanks to a portal created by [[Optimus Primal]] and [[Snarl (BM)|Snarl]]. Where he went from there is unknown... hopefully not right back to the neutron implosion.

===Generation 1 Cartoon===
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Corey Burton]] (US), [[Yutaka Shimaka]] (Japan)

Brawn was one of the Autobots on board the ''[[Ark]]'' who awoke in 1984, reformatted by [[Teletraan I]] to have an Earth-based alt-mode of a land rover jeep. He was frequently involved in combat engagements against the Decepticons in the early years of the Earth-based war, including the battle that saw the Decepticons destroy an offshore oil rig. In the flaming chaos that followed, Brawn helped save his fellow Autobot [[Huffer]] who was trapped in the wreckage by cutting him loose with a blowtorch contained in his right arm. In other instances, Brawn also showed himself capable of wielding a large drill for tunneling, and a number of smaller grappling claws from his vehicle mode. The only thing he really lacked was a gun, but, being Brawn, he didn't seem to mind borrowing [[Megatron (G1)|someone else's]] [[fusion cannon|gun]].

Brawn performed admirably in several of the Autobots' missions, most notably during the events which brought [[Cybertron]] into Earth's orbit. During those chaotic times, it was Brawn who repeatedly spearheaded the various attempts to rescue their ally [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] from the clutches of the Decepticons, even traveling to Cybertron itself along with a special rescue team. It was this team that learned of the means which [[Dr. Arkeville]] was using to control his human slaves, and then discovered a way to free them from his clutches.

Another important mission for Brawn involved a super-weapon being built in Peru, where it was he (and his ally [[Trailbreaker]]) who first discovered the Decepticons' plot and informed the other Autobots. In the end, Brawn himself who raced to the top of the ancient pyramid the Decepticons were using as a firing platform, tackled Megatron and helped bring about the weapon's destruction. {{Storylink|Fire on the Mountain}}

When the ''[[Nemesis]]'' was uncovered in an archaeological dig (and Megatron subsequently retrieved the awesome power of the [[Heart of Cybertron]]), Brawn was angered that fellow Autobot [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] did not participate in battles, not understanding that Perceptor's scientific and technical skills necessitated his exclusion from combat missions. To the irritation of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], Brawn decided it was his job to bully the Autobot scientist, insinuating that Perceptor was a coward not prepared to do his duty alongside the other Autobots. Brawn later changed his tune and was a big enough 'bot to appreciate Perceptor's skills when the latter hyper-accurately shot the Heart of Cybertron out of the sky. However, it is unclear whether Brawn was big enough to apologize to Perceptor for his earlier boorish behavior. {{Storylink|Microbots}}

Brawl was shot down by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in 2005, during the hijacking of a shuttle bound for [[Autobot City]], making him one of the first serious fatalities of that famous assault. {{Storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

====Brawn lives?====
[[Image:DeceptiBrawn1.jpg|thumb|right|210px|"Hey guys, I'm back! And I found [[Load Hauler]]!"]]

While nowhere near as prevalent as discussion of "[[Who is Cyclonus?]]", there is recurring debate among [[fandom|Transformers fans]] regarding Brawn's death in the [[shuttle attack]] mentioned above. Generally taken up in partial jest, proponents of Brawn's survival focus on Brawn's well-established toughness and the fact that he had repeatedly survived more serious shots from Megatron than the shoulder wound he received on the shuttle. For example, being shot in the ''head'', '''''twice''''', in "[[Fire on the Mountain]]" and being perfectly okay.

Additionally, Brawn appears in "[[Carnage in C-Minor]]" (an episode which takes place well after the time of his supposed death). However, due to the generally low quality of the animation in that episode, Brawn's appearance is usually dismissed as an [[animation error]]. Brawn was ''not'' mentioned as one of the interred Autobots in "[[Dark Awakening]]"... but [[Huffer]], who appeared alongside Brawn in "Carnage" ''was'' (even though Huffer's death was not portrayed in the film... in fact, he barely appeared at all.)

It is sometimes joked that after the Decepticons abandoned the shuttle on approach to Autobot City, Brawn got up and piloted the shuttle to a safe landing somewhere off-camera. Of course, to hypothesize that, you have to ignore the fact that the shuttle went up in flames after getting shot a few times.

===Dreamwave Comics===
{{charstub}}

{{-}}
==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Brawn''' (Mini-Vehicle, 1984/1985/1986)
: ''Japanese ID number'': '''15'''

: Brawn was part of the original assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s released in 1984. He transforms into a kinda-sorta Jeep with a non-removable spare tire on the roof.

: There are a couple different variations of the toy. Like all of the 1984 releases, some versions have a [[rubsign]] applied to it, where the original runs do not. However, there is also a mold variation: some versions have the [[faceplate]] as part of the front body mold, while others have the faceplate as a part of the back, poking through a hole in the front body like the visor does.

: There are a fair few [[redeco]]s of Brawn from south of the border. In Brazil, version in gold with sand-colored robot parts was released. Peru got a light tan Jeep with dark turquoise robot parts, a light-blue painted helmet and no chrome. Mexico got another sand-colored Jeep in 1986, but with maroon robot parts.

: The Brawn mold was later used to create the [[Malignus]] [[Jipe (Malignus)|Jipe]] and [[Outback]].

* '''Brawn''' (Keychain, 2003)

: The Brawn mold was [[retool]]ed by [[Hasbro]] licensee [[Fun4All]] and made as part of the second wave of ''Transformers'' keychains alongside [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]. A small plastic ring was added to the front bumper, which the metal key chain attaches to. The keychains came on pretty close reproductions of their original cardbacks from 1984. These were originally sold in chains like Hot Topic and video game stores, but over the course of several years, found their way even to the racks of Wal-Mart.

: In Japan, the four Mini Vehicles were sold in small boxes. Each one was also available in a solid-black variation.

{{-}}
==Trivia==
* The mold for Brawn's figure was originally developed for the ''[[Microman]] Microchange'' toyline as a "Jeep". That toyline was meant to depict robots who transformed into toy cars, which is why Brawn's car proportions are a bit exaggerated.

* Brawn was the first figure identified in the ''Transformers'' pack-in toy catalog included in the larger boxed toys.

{{-}}
==External Links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Brawn ToyBin Brawn Toy Gallery]

* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Brawn/brawn.htm Brawn at TFU.info]

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Children of Primus]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category: Universe 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>

Female Transformer

2007-12-30T08:23:20Z

72.228.85.3: /* Appearence */

[[Image:ArceeManga1.jpg|right|300px|thumb| [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], the most famous female Transformer, poses for the boys. Way to set an example there.]]

Despite being robotic lifeforms with generally non-sexual methods of [[Reproduction | reproduction]], the [[Transformer]] species has almost always been shown to include both male and female gender analogues, at least mentally if not physically. '''Female Transformers''' are usually portrayed as comparatively rare, but are considered an official part of the Transformers franchise in pretty much every continuity.

Click here for a '''[[List of female Transformers]]''' from all continuities.

==Appearance==

The appearance of female Transformers in most continuities would seem to suggest a level of "sexual" dimorphism is present in at least the more humanoid members of the Transformers species (the term sexual is used in a gender-based, rather than physical sense, see the reproduction link above for that whole kettle of robo-fish). In almost all cases female Transformers are portrayed as comparatively more graceful of form, and more rounded and curved in general, than their male counterparts. Often they have a more than passing resemblance to an attractive human female made of metal and wearing armor and [[kibble]].

There are exceptions to this rule, and bulky, less overtly human-female-like characters have become more common, particularly among those who have toys. These are especially common in the [[Unicron Trilogy]] series and in latter expansions of the [[Generation 1]] series out of Japan, when the characters are often assigned to pre-existing "masculine" toys.

==Romance==

Despite their robotic nature and likely non-sexual means of reproduction, romance between male and female Transformers is a well-established factor in pretty much every continuity in which both appear (which is pretty much every continuity).

Regardless of the whys and wherefores many romantic male-female Transformer pairings have appeared over the years, including:

*[[Beta]] - [[Alpha Trion]]
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (Ariel) - [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (Orion Pax)
*[[Firestar]] - [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
*[[Chromia]] - [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]
*[[Moonracer]] - [[Powerglide]]
*[[Arcee]] - [[Hot Rod]]
*Arcee - [[Springer]]
*Arcee - [[Chromedome]] {{storylink|The Headmasters}}
*Arcee (she gets around) - [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers}}
*[[Nancy]] - [[Wreck-Gar]]
*[[Esmeryl]] - [[Deathsaurus]]
*[[Clipper]] - [[Holi]]
*[[Rahge]] - [[Stampy]]
*[[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] - [[Tigatron]]
*[[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] - [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Botanica]] - [[Rattrap]]
*<strike>[[Strika]] - [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]</strike> <ref>When Obsidian referres to Strika as his consort in EPISODE{{fact}} he appears to have been using the less-common 'associate' or 'partner' definition. There are no displays of affection between them during [[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]], and [[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|secondary information sources]] describe them only as 'cohorts.'</ref>
*[[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] has a female "life partner" whose name has yet to be revealed.
*[[San Diego (G1)|San Diego]] once had plans to marry [[Discharge]], apparently directly inspired by that aspect of [[human]] culture. Whether there was an actual romantic relationship involved is unknown.

==Fandom==

Probably because of their rarity in official fiction and toylines, female Transformers are popular plot devices in fanfiction, where the term "femme" is often used to descibe them, with "mech" likewise being applied to "male" Transformers.{{fact}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 animated series===
[[Image:G1femmes.jpg|right|450px|thumb|A bunch of [[Female Autobots]] from the G1 toon and [[Alpha Trion]]. His pimp cane was removed in post-production.]]

This continuity makes female Transformers out to be a rarity, once thought extinct. Given the appearance of Beta back in the slave days under [[Quintesson]] rule, it seems clear they were produced alongside the male [[Autobot]]s as part of the Quintessons' domestic product line. There are no [[Decepticon]] females in American continuity, however.

[[Wreck-Gar]] has a "[[Nancy|Junkion lady]]" companion in one episode. Just how relationships function in this isolated, media-based Transformers society is unclear, although it's notable that Wreck-Gar and his lady friend "slept" sitting up next to eachother on giant thrones between television broadcast cycles.

(It's also worth noting that the lady's character model is actually that of a female [[Lithone]], another mechanical race, but whether this is meaningful in any way or simple model recycling is uncertain.)

===''Generation 1'' Marvel Comics continuity===
[[Image:Nomates.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Or maybe Cloudburst is just very scared of committment.]]No female Transformers are ever seen or referred to in the US stories, and when [[Cloudburst]] is pressured into a relationship with the beautiful [[First One]] of [[Femax]], he explains that Transformers, as a species, have no gender. {{storylink|Recipe for Disaster!}} The UK stories corroborate this, and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] is intentionally created by the Autobots to be the sole female Transformer in an attempt to placate [[human]] feminists. {{storylink|Prime's Rib!}} (See her picture above for a hint of how well that went over.)

[[BotCon]]'s ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' fiction, while not including the UK material, introduced [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] in a similar manner as UK Arcee. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

(This continuity has, historically, been surprisingly alone in declaring Transformers to be naturally gender free.)

===Transformers: Victory===
[[Image:Esmeryl-manga.jpg|thumb|150px|right|This is an official ''Transformers'' character. No, really.]]

[[Decepticon]] females make their first (yet still to this day very rare) appearance in official fiction as [[Esmeryl]] ([[Deathsaurus]]' wife) and [[Lyzack]] ([[Leozack]]'s sister) both show up to show the Autobots just what it is Deathsaurus and his crew have been fighting for all this time: their poor female counterparts and countless children back home. This spares the Decepticons' lives in the final battle between the two forces. This certainly casts an odd light on the matter of Transformer [[reproduction]] (and on the manga author).

Meanwhile, in the animated series, the [[Micromaster]] [[Holi]] is shown to have a girlfriend on the planet [[Micro]], [[Clipper]]. There doesn't seem to be much special about her, aside from her being fairly competant and not subservient to guys at all. However, she ''is'' predominantly pink, so, well, baby steps.
{{-}}

===Beast Wars===
[[Blackarachnia]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] both engage in romances with male [[Maximal]]s, the former blatantly and the latter far more subtly.

Over the course of the show Rattrap makes numerous innuendos, especially involving Silverbolt and Blackarchnia's relationship, that suggest that, at least by that era, there may have been something sex-like between Transformers. He also makes references to a bar on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] where the wait-staff go "without their torso-plates on"... which frankly sounds like it'd be really messy.

===Beast Wars II===
[[Scylla]] is the impetus for a big ridiculous love triangle of hilarity and embarrassment in both the animated and manga continuities. She is in love with the squid-bot [[Scuba]], who wants nothing to do with her. Meanwhile, the [[Maximal]] [[Bighorn]] is in love with Scylla, who wants nothing to do with him.

It's also worth noting that non-Transformer female robot [[Artemis]] harbors a crush on both Scuba (poor guy) and [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]].

===Beast Machines===
''Beast Machines''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[technorganic]] reformatting raises even further questions about what it means to be a "female transformer". It is possible that the Technorganic female Transformers, being merged organic and technological life to a cellular level, might actually be ''physically'' female.

[[Rattrap]] and [[Botanica]] end up in a romantic relationship towards the end of ''[[Beast Machines]]'' ("So, I'm a tree-hugger!" Rattrap remarks). What this means for his bar-hopping days is never explored.

The [[Vehicon]] [[Strika]] is referred to as the "consort" of [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], and has been serving by his side, seemingly as an equal, for centuries. Some have taken this to mean the two have a romantic interest in each other, but the show itself does not offer any hints to this.

===Dreamwave comic continuity===
According to DK's ''Transformers: The Ultimate Guide'', "Transformers are inherently non-gender specific, and only some quirk of their timelost origins can account for [female Transformers'] difference in appearance and attitude." Dreamwave was in the process of introducing more female Transformers and explicating their links to the Quintessons in this continuity when it went out of business.

===Unicron Trilogy===
[[Image:Twirl-Baby.jpg|left|thumb|250px|But she's got your altmode!]]

The existance of female Transformers throughout the [[Unicron Trilogy]] is portrayed as slightly uncommon (it is a fiction aimed at young boys, after all), but hardly remarkable. They just exist, as do "males", and no special attention is called to them. Quite a few appear in various places in "[[Motorcycle refugee|civilian]]" roles, as [[Autobot nurse|nurses]], and even on [[Velocitron band|colony worlds]].

There are examples and hints of romantic interest between males and females in both ''[[Armada]]'' ([[Redline]] and [[Falcia]] in the [[Linkage (comic)|''Linkage'' comics]], plus [[Nightscream (Armada)|Nightscream's]] eagerness to appease and defend his [[bulk]] partner [[Airazor (Armada)|Airazor]]), and ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' stories (most obviously [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast's]] intense infatuation with [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack's]] secret crush on [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], plus [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] reportedly has an unnamed female "life partner" lost somewhere on [[Earth]]). This too is treated as a fairly common event.

There are female Transformers in positions of very high power as well: in the [[Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]], [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] is the leader of the entire [[Omnicon]] race, while in ''Cybertron'', Override is the leader of the planet [[Velocitron]]. So far, the Unicron Trilogy is the only ''Transformers'' continuity to ''give'' female Transformers that level of responsibility.

:''('''Note''': In the French version of the ''Energon'' cartoon, Arcee is dubbed by a man. ''Why'' she was is currently unknown.)''

===IDW Comic continuity===
[[Simon Furman]] has stated that he will not use female Transformers in the IDW continuity until and/or unless he comes up with a reason or method for them to exist that makes logical sense to him. He did not rule out doing so however, as he said he had found a similar justification for the [[Pretender]]s, which led to the [[Stormbringer (comics)|Stormbringer]] miniseries.

Despite this, in ''[[Megatron Origin]]'' #2 [[Alex Milne]] has drawn what are clearly intended to be female Transformers hangin' all over a rather pimpin' looking Gundamish bot who's cheering Megatron's first fight in the [[Forge]]. Also, in the same issue, a Transformer clearly based on the female [[Tonka GoBots]] character Crasher is part of [[Clench (G2)|Clench]]'s (and later Megatron's) inner circle/gladitorial team. Whether one wants to treat either of these as anything more than an [[easter egg]] is, of course, up to the individual.

Adding more robo-estrogen to the fire, [[Elita One]] appears with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|her boyfriend]], [[Alpha Trion (G1)|their father]], and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)| close friend]] at [[Bumper]] and [[Fastback]]'s funeral in #3. And [[Chromia]] can be seen just in front of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. Either Furman changed his mind, or the artists are ''waaay'' too easter egg happy, which is ''incredibly'' likely.

With the announcement of the [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] [[Spotlight]] Furman has apparently found his path for including "female" TFs in the IDW-verse. Whether it will include/explain the above cameos remains to be seen, but Furman has stated that he will address the concept at the least. Incidentally the issue also will address the experiments of [[Jhiaxus]] on improving the Cybertronian form. So it's all pretty creepy if you think about it.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category: Female Transformers| ]]
[[Category: Biology]]
[[Category: Transformer culture]]
[[Category: Generation 1]]<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>

Shinji Aramaki

2007-10-22T18:33:43Z

72.228.85.3:

'''Shinji Aramaki''' (born October 2, 1960) is a Japanese mecha designer and animation director who designed several [[Microchange]] toys that would eventually become Transformers, as well as the [[pre-Transformer]] versions of the Deluxe [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]].

According to an interview published in the December 2007 issue of [http://www.otakuusamagazine.com/ Otaku USA] magazine, Aramaki designed [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], the first wave of [[Mini-Cassette]]s, and [[Reflector]]. Aramaki also claims to have not only designed [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], but to have been the first to conceive of a transforming microscope.

It is thus ''possible'' (but unconfirmed) that Aramaki also designed ''Armada'' [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], as [[Aaron Archer]] has stated he named the Mini-Con combiner in honor of the fact the man who designed him had also designed the original Perceptor. It's more likely that Archer was referring to [[Hideaki Yoke]], but, again, there's no confirmation either way.

{{stub}}

==External links==
*[[Wikipedia:Shinji Aramaki|Shinji Aramaki]] at Wikipedia

[[Category:Designers|Aramaki, Shinji]]<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>

Perceptor (Armada)

2007-10-20T03:51:51Z

72.228.85.3: /* Trivia */

{{disambig2|the Mini-Con combined robot|the Generation 1 Autobot|Perceptor (G1)}}

:''Perceptor is a [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Perceptor-Ar-art.jpg|thumb|300px|Rumblebee.]]

'''Perceptor''' is a [[Mini-Con]] combiner made up of [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]], [[Sureshock]], and [[High Wire]].

:''Japanese ''Micron Legend'' name'': '''Bumble'''<br>
:''Japanese ''Superlink'' name'': '''Cliffjumper'''

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===
====Armada====

====Energon====

===Comics continuity===
====Armada====

====Energon====

===Fan Club ''Cybertron'' comic===

==Toys==
===Armada===
*'''Street Action Team''' (Basic, 2002/2003)
:''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-01'''

*'''Street Action Micron Anime Color''' (CD pack-in, 2003)

*'''Magna Convoy DX Set''' (Multi-pack, 2003)

===Energon===
*'''Perceptor''' (Basic, 2004)

: This mold-set was also used to make [[Heavy Metal]] and ''Super Link'' [[Windcharger (Energon)|Windcharger]].

===Universe===
*'''Sunstorm w/ Inferno & Street Action Mini-Con Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)

*'''Perceptor''' (Basic, 2005)

: ''Energon'' Perceptor was repackaged on a ''[[Universe]]''-themed card and sold through discount chains in the US like Big Lots!.

===Cybertron===
*'''Backblast vs Sureshock'''
*'''Blastcharge vs High Wire'''
*'''Scrap Iron vs Grindor'''

: Perceptor's ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' version was not made available as a complete set; he could only be assembled by buying all three of the Street Action Team vs [[Deep Space Mini-Con Team]] two-packs. Since this assortment was the final wave of two-packs, they are somewhat harder to find than the other sets.

===Merchandise===
* A PVC figurine of Perceptor was made as part of the ninth "Act" of Takara's [[Super Collection Figure]] series. He was available in both full-color and pewter-finish versions.

==Trivia==
* According to [[Aaron Archer]] at [[OTFCC 04]], he choose to name the ''Armada'' Mini-Con combiner robot "Perceptor" to honor the [[Takara]] employee who engineered the Street Action Team - because that employee was also responsible for engineering the original ''Generation 1'' Perceptor toy. It's ''likely'' this was [[Hideaki Yoke]], but Archer did not specify at the time. It may be interesting to note that noted mecha designer [[Shinji Aramaki]] also worked on the original Perceptor, at the very least coming up with the initial concept, but given that he was long-gone from Takara and directing the animated movie ''Appleseed'' in 2004, Archer probably didn't mean him.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Mini-Con/Perceptor/perceptor.htm Perceptor at TFU.info]

{{stub}}
[[Category: Armada characters]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Combined forms]]
[[Category: Cybertron characters]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]
[[category: Mini-Cons]]
[[Category: Universe 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>

Talk:Shinji Aramaki

2007-10-20T03:48:09Z

72.228.85.3: New page: Huh, that's interesting about Armada Perceptor... also, I added some of these details to a bunch of the individual character articles without realising this was here, but that seems to hav...

Huh, that's interesting about Armada Perceptor... also, I added some of these details to a bunch of the individual character articles without realising this was here, but that seems to have been caught, so woo-hoo. I didn't do the Deluxe Insecticons, however, and I worry that some of my phrasing is weird or gives Aramaki too much credit. So, you know, edit mercilessly as usual.--[[User:72.228.85.3|72.228.85.3]] 03:48, 20 October 2007 (UTC)<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>

Reflector (G1)

2007-10-20T03:44:05Z

72.228.85.3: /* Trivia */

{{picsneeded|Toy}}

:''Reflector is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ReflectorG1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|It's a Kodak moment.]]

'''Reflector''' likes to watch. He lives (they live?) to observe anything and everything, from scenery, to wildlife, to architecture. But above all else, Reflector likes to watch his comrades, learn their dark secrets, and profit from them. Reflector is also very impressed with his own abilities both in the fields of observation and blackmail.

Reflector is composed of three separate robots - [[Spectro]], [[Spyglass]] and [[Viewfinder]] - who combine into the single camera [[altmode]] that is Reflector.

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===

:''Voice actor:'' [[Chris Latta]] (US), [[Yoku Shioya]] (Japan)

[[Image:ReflectorCartoon1.jpg|left|250px|thumb|I (we?) see EVERYTHING!]]

Reflector is unique among the Decepticons: he is three robots who talk and act in unison as a single mind in three (largely identical) bodies. He was (they were?) with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] on the [[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]] during its assault on the [[Ark]]. He was thus among Megatron's troops after their reawakening on [[Earth]]. Reflector and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] did some scouting shortly after the Decepticons left the Ark. Reflector demonstrated his ability to zoom-focus and print pictures in camera mode.

He later spied on the laboratory of [[Dr. Alcazar]], the mentor of boy genius [[Chip Chase]]. Using his zoom-focus and photographic powers once more, Reflector secretly obtained the entry-code for the laboratory's security system. He claimed that stealing the anti-matter formula was going to be a piece of [[oil cake]]. Megatron used the code to sneak into the laboratory, though he was still too slow, as Dr. Alcazar had enough time to transfer all the information on the anti-matter formula to Chip Chase's home computer via something called the internet. Reflector later gathered valuable intelligence prior to the Decepticon attack on the [[Great Falls]] hydroelectric power plant.

Beyond the trio that makes up the camera, there are other Reflector-type Decepticon soldiers considered separate. One of these with a lens chestplate was nearly sacrificed to send over the [[Space Bridge]] with a shipment of Energon cube. Two more without the lense chestplate were later seen on Cybertron assisting Starscream in transporting an injured Doctor Arkeville. This would constitute the three Reflector-type soldiers that appeared alongside the standard Reflector in "More Than Meets the Eye". What alternate form these soldiers take is unknown at this time.

Reflector becomes less active as the battle for Earth went on, almost disappearing entirely. He was last seen in 2005, participating in the initial Decepticon assault on Autobot City.

''('''Note:''' The individual names Spectro, Spyglass, and Viewfinder are never used in the cartoon, he (all three of him) is simply "Reflector." In his cartoon design all three robots are based on the center (Viewfinder) section of the toy, though they're given a humanized face and only one of the three Reflectors would have the actual camera lens in his chest. The series story bible specifically discouraged writers from using Reflector, as plans to include the toy in the regular toyline were, for some reason, scrapped after the series was developed.)''

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform'' manga====

[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] photographed the incomplete [[Autobot City]], with the aid of Reflector's camera mode, so that Megatron could decipher whether or not it was powerful enough to stand up to [[Trypticon]].

===Dreamwave comics continuity===

Reflector were not part of Megatron's crew, but worked for [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], monitoring the planet and its inhabitants for him from a central mainframe. They were seemingly destroyed by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]].

''('''Note:''' Dreamwave continuity is the only place in official fiction (so far) where the three Reflector components are portrayed as separate characters rather than the single composite being described by their tech spec and shown in the cartoon. The ''[[Keepers Trilogy|Fusion]]'' novel set in Dreamwave continuity erroneously presented Reflector as being on Earth prior to this, and in compensation, its sequel, ''[[Keepers Trilogy|Annihilation]]'', identified the Earthbound Reflector as the "true" Reflector, and the Cybertron-based one as a "copy" of some form.)''

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
* '''Reflector''' (Mail-away, 1986/1987; wide release in Japan, 1985)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''21'''

: Reflector was available only as a mail away promotion in 1986-1987 (ironically after his character had long since disappeared from the cartoon), at a cost of $10 and two [[robot points]]. It is composed of three distinct robots that combine to form a camera. It includes a telephoto lens and old-style flashcube accessories as well as various guns. His role early in the cartoon makes it seem likely his toy was originally planned for inclusion in the original 1984 line. Why Hasbro decided not to release it so late in the game is unknown, as is what reversed the decision later to make it a viable mail-away. However, he was given a full release in Japan.

===Merchandise===
* '''Reflector''' (Decoy, 1986)

: A small plastic [[decoy]] of Reflector was part of the Decoy promotion and given away with many smaller TFs. It was based on the cartoon design of the central (lensed) Reflector unit. He came in either red or purple plastic: the red version is much rareer and goes for a lot more on the secondary market.

==Trivia==
[[Image:Canon Robo.jpg|thumb|right|150px|A screenshot from Solar Adventure. Reflector had kids to feed, dammit!]]

*Reflector's original toy was used in the South Korean cartoon ''[http://www.cyrusfirst.com/guests/digiview/dev/detail.php?p=105 Solar Adventure]'' (초 합금 로보트 쏠라 원, 투, 드리) as the "Canon Robo" in which [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0SZM_G5l3w he kills a bunch of North Koreans].

*Early on in the cartoon, the animators filled out the Decepticon ranks on Earth by adding numerous [[Generic|unnamed robots]] based on the main characters; extra Reflector units were frequently among these. The practice lessened and finally stopped as more actual Decepticon characters were introduced.

*The episode ''[[Divide and Conquer]]'' shows Reflector displaying an ability that is otherwise never spoken of or utilised. When one of his components is hurled backwards at the other two, and impacts with one, it disappears in a flash. The remaining component then topples back into the last one, and again, vanishes in a flash, leaving only one Reflector robot remaining. This seems to suggest that Reflector may be one individual who is capable of duplicating his form; such an idea would help explain the appearance of the numerous Reflector-style robots noted above.

[[Image:PreReflector.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Say "Cheese" and die.]]
* Not so surprisingly, Reflector (or rather his [[Microchange]] counterpart, Microx) was first designed as a single unit. Apparently, the primary designer of the final toy, and possibly this initial design, was mecha designer [[Shinji Aramaki]], who designed the robots for ''[[w:Megazone 23|Megazone 23]]'' and ''[[w:Genesis Climber Mospeada|Genesis Climber Mospeada]]''.
{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Decoys/Reflector/reflector.htm Reflector at TFU.info]

[[Category: Combined forms]]
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Spies]]
[[Category: Mail order exclusives]]<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>

Perceptor (G1)

2007-10-20T03:38:41Z

72.228.85.3: /* Trivia */

{{Template:Disambig3|Perceptor}}

:''Perceptor is an [[Autobot]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Transformers2-Perceptor.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Surprisingly well armed for [[Mirage (G1)|someone who doesn't like to fight]].]]

'''Perceptor''' is a scientist, one of the most brilliant minds the whole of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] can offer. He is always looking to learn more, and his discoveries have proven invaluable time and time again. Though his specialties lie in metallurgy, electrical engineering, and other sciences closely related to Transformer physiology, his thirst for knowledge has made him kind of a scientific jack-of-all-trades.

One of Perceptor's most infamous qualities is his tendency to speak using overly scientific terms, which can baffle – and occasionally frustrate – his comrades. The cheerful robot just doesn't seem to realize that not everyone has his extensive vocabulary.

Not much for fighting, he is always content to contribute to the Autobot cause in his own way but will engage in combat if the situation calls for it. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] often relies on Perceptor's genius and considers him as valuable as any of his officers.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Percepto'''<br>
:''Italian name'': '''Supervista'''
:''Hungarian name'': '''Észlelő'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
On Cybertron, Perceptor was often considered an officer or otherwise highly ranked personage by other Cybertronic life forms in the vicinity, inspiring in the aforementioned others a tendency to view him as a "commander" of a faction of Autobots who engaged in armed conflict against localized enemy forces until such a point as the aforementioned combat unit, or the surviving portions thereof, crossed the multidimensional warp system for transport, otherwise known as the Space Bridge, to join the forces based on the planetary body known to the overwhelming majority of those of his species who had shifted their operations to its locality as Earth. He was later deactivated for a somewhat extended period of time, by human standards if not by those of his species, by the opposing faction (as judged by an outside observer who insists on a binary classification system) in the Underbase conflict, so named for the goal of the conflict, a legendary storehouse of Cybertronic knowledge.

===Animated continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Paul Eiding]] (US), [[Ken Shiroyama|Chikao Shiroyama]] (Japan)

Perceptor arrived on Earth during a period of time occurring after the initial impact of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' into the planet. It is unknown exactly when he arrived, but the malfunctions he suffered during the [[Cybertonium]] depletion crisis would lead one to conclude that he had been present when the ''Ark'' crashed onto prehistoric Earth during the encounter wih the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. During his period of habitation on that planetary body, he experienced a myriad of adventures. Included in that scope were incidents such as: being abducted by the [[Decepticon]]s, along with [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]; reconfiguring his mass ratio to a microscopic scale in order to sever the connection of the [[Heart of Cybertron]] to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s body{{storylink|Microbots}}; traveling through the interstellar void with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] to reacquire [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] from Saturn's moon Titan; and landing on an unexplored world in which Cybertronian lifeforms were minuscule in relation to the immense indigenous population. He also synthesized a panacea to remedy the deadly [[Cosmic Rust]] epidemic.

Perceptor's actions continued to be of intrinsic strategic import, particularly following the distinct tactical deficiencies during the battle of Autobot City that resulted in the expiration of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. He also accompanied [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]] on a multitude of his manifold peregrinations.

===Victory===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Masaharu Satō]] (Japanese)

Perceptor, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] and [[Minerva]] were summoned, called forth, or otherwise sought out by [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] to save, preserve, and defend the life of the critically damaged and weakened [[Ginrai]]. They succeeded, converting the former [[Transtector]] into the mighty [[Victory Leo]].

===Japanese G2===
[[Image:G2StoryPageWheeljackPerceptor1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Look at him, all tiny back there.]]

Perceptor, along with Wheeljack and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], discovered [[Reconfiguration Matrix|new properties]] of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] which allowed Optimus Prime to revive himself as Laser-Rod Optimus Prime subsequent to a crushing defeat by Megatron.

===Universe: The Wreckers===

Perceptor counciled [[Hot Rod|Rodimus Prime]] against making a leadership decision that, when one considers both the opinions of observers that are generally regarded as wise, to such an extent as observers with finite capacity for knowledge can comprehend the infinite, and the final results of the decision in question, could be regarded as less than optimal.

Knowing the commander in question many of those reading this documentation may surmise the result..

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Perceptor was again held to be an officer or leader, a position he occupied with Blaster, among a group of underground Autobots on Cybertron after the unexpected return of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], who had disappeared along with Optimus Prime many years ago in an early [[space bridge]] test, commanding the [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]], an army of [[Seeker]]-form drones. The combat efficiency of these Air Warriors, as they were also known, led to a Decepticon conquest of Cybertron, as well as the enslavement of many Autobots. During this period, Perceptor theorized that if Megatron had survived the space bridge explosion, one could logically conclude that Optimus Prime also survived. At a base appropriately designated the [[Think Tank]], Perceptor designed and built a device intended to locate Optimus Prime. Before a proper test of the device could be conducted, Perceptor's group managed to capture an Air Warrior, with the intentions of examining it's systems with the hope of finding an effective counter measure against the drones. {{storylink|The War Within: The Age of Wrath}} Unfortunately, financial irregularities on the part of [[Dreamwave]]'s [[Pat Lee|President]] resulted in the company filing for Chapter 11, where it currently remains in Bankruptcy court to this day, precluding any possible end to the story at this time.

Millions of years after the aforementioned events, Perceptor again allied with a group of Autobots who opposed the oppressive regime of the Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. He presented evidence of Shockwave's unorthodox experiments on various Transformers to the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]], though any censure or movement against Shockwave was discontinued due to a rampage on the part of the [[Stunticon]]s. After Optimus Prime escaped custody and united the various resistance movements, Perceptor participated in the [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]'s offensive against [[Shockwave's tower|Shockwave's fortifications]] within Hub Capital Iacon. He also helped to repair Grimlock, commander of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s, despire the latter's well known bias against intellectuals. {{storylink|War and Peace}}

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

===IDW comics continuity===
Perceptor embarked upon a mission in which the [[Ark-17]] was the principle mode of transport as likewise did [[Springer]], attempting to disentangle [[Kup]] from a scenario that would all but undoubtedly lead to his expiration. Perceptor, as was the general consensus of those who had embarked upon the voyage, attempted to dissuade Springer of the less than optimal, considering resource allotment, military operation he had accepted. {{storylink|Spotlight: Kup}}

===Teletraan Go! Go! comics===
[[Image:TGGPerceptor1.jpg|left|150px|thumb|The doctor is in...sane.]]
Sent to gather data on Perceptor, [[Teletraan 15]] found him giggling creepily over a microchip and telling it that it was time for its check-up.

[[Image:TGGPerceptor2.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Wheeee!]]As she recoiled in horror, Perceptor's tone became clinical and, retracting his faceplate, he demanded that she identify herself.

After Teletraan 15 recorded her notes on the Autobot scientist, he transformed into his seldom-seen mobile battle mode and took her for a ride...whether she wanted it or not.

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Perceptor''' (Autobot, 1985)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-39'''

[[Image:G1Perceptor_toy.jpg|left|thumb|Because its easier to see small things when you have a giant laser cannon aiming at them.]]

: Formerly a [[Microchange]] MC-20 Micro Scope, Perceptor transforms into a predominantly red, functional microscope. His magnification is limited to 1X due to the relatively crude nature of his lens. In robot mode, Perceptor is armed with a red laser rifle and a spring-loaded rocket launcher that can fire one of three red missile-shaped projectiles.

: A holdover from his Microchange origins, Perceptor can also transform into a 'tank' mode.

: The Japanese version does ''not'' launch missiles from the scope, despite what some sources say.

: There is an old variant of this toy: some have a more golden-hued chrome than the normal silver. This is not a very common variant.

*'''Perceptor''' (Autobot, 2005)

===Classics===
*'''Perceptor''' (Legends, 2006)
[[Image:ClassicsLOCPerceptor_toy.jpg|left|thumb|Perceptor will blow up your whole city. ''For science.'']]

: Available as part of the first assortment of ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' ''[[Legends of Cybertron]]'', Perceptor is a [[redeco]] of the ''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]. He transforms into a BTR-90 armored personnel carrier with a large missile/laser cannon/microscope/telescope.

{{-}}
==Trivia==

*In the animated portion of Perceptor's original toy commercial he is presented as being quite small, the size a microscope would be in relation to Prime's robot form, and not growing at all, but remaining just as tiny in robot form.

* A Perceptor [[Action Master]] was planned at one point, but apparently went no further than a concept sketch. Unlike some other Action Masters, the art is based solely on the toy, including its faceplate. It has the distinction of carrying on Perceptor's well-armed legacy, with not just one but TWO shoulder mounted microscope cannons, arm shields, and a large handgun <ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p110</ref>. The figure may have been intended as a pilot or driver for an Action Master vehicle, as the handgun has handlebars jutting off either side. Or, perhaps, the aforementioned munition was engineered to be wielded in an akimbo manner.

*The initial inspiration for Perceptor came from the anime series [[w:Armored Trooper Votoms|Armored Trooper Votoms]]. [[Shinji Aramaki]], designing toys for Takara at the time, liked the microscope look of the heads of the mecha from that series, and applied it in a more literal sense with the Microchange toy, but his involvement ended at the conceptual stage.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Perceptor/perceptor.htm Perceptor at TFU.info]

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

==Footnotes==
<references/>

{{stub}}
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Legends of Cybertron]]
[[Category: Scientists]]<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>

Soundwave (G1)

2007-10-20T03:34:29Z

72.228.85.3: /* Trivia */ Shinji Aramaki

{{disambig3|Soundwave}}

:''Soundwave is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In the Japanese series, he later took the name '''Soundblaster'''.''

[[Image:Soundwave_mixalot.jpg|thumb|300px|Big butts: preferred. Lying: impossible.]]

'''Soundwave''' is one of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s most reliable troops, and has positioned himself comfortably and irreplaceably in Megatron's upper command structure, and stands at the Decepticon leader's side as confidant. Though Communications Officer, he is comparable to [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in rank, and the only one of the three that has consistently displayed loyalty to Megatron. Soundwave guards his place in the hierarchy fiercely. Though loyal to Megatron, the other Decepticons see him as a two-faced snake. As Communications Officer, Soundwave sees and hears all, and will not hesitate to use blackmail to keep himself high in Megatron's esteem. The other Decepticons wouldn't mind abandoning him on the battlefield -- if they thought Megatron would let them get away with it.

Soundwave commands [[Mini-Cassette|a legion of cassette troops]] to carry out tasks big and small. He has a symbiotic relationship with them, providing them transportation and a cheap, if cramped, place to live in his chest. Sometimes he lets them all out to watch impromptu gladiator games, or takes them to discotheques. In return, they perform spy and recon missions for him, and make sure no one calls him "unchrasimatic".

He also has all the personality of a stump (as evidenced in his computer-style speech). He also has no imagination, sending the aforementioned cassettes on operations with mundane names.

:''Italian name'': '''Memor''', '''Vizar''' (as Soundblaster)<br>
:''RTM dub name'': '''New Soundwave''' (as Soundblaster)<br>
:''French-Canadian name'': '''Radar''', '''Sonore''' (as Action Master)
:''Hungarian name'': '''Fülelő''' (meaning Listener)

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
''(Note: Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.)''
[[Image:Contentedfools.jpg|left|thumb|200px|[[Ravage]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and Soundwave, the first Decepticons.]]
After the Transformers' awakening on Earth, Soundwave served quietly under Megatron, before he was overthrown by [[Shockwave]]. Under Shockwave's command, Soundwave attacked the [[Blackrock Aerospace Plant]] and secured it for Decepticon use. {{storylink|Warrior School!}} The plant's facilities were used to create the [[Constructicons]], who built a massive radio dish that Soundwave used to beam a message back to Cybertron. {{storylink|The Next Best Thing to Being There!}} ''Soundwave assumed leadership of the Decepticons a short time later and led them against the Autobots during the "Dinobot Hunt," during a brief period when both Megatron and Shockwave were missing in action.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

When Megatron resurfaced, rendered immobile in a Wyoming coal mine due to lack of fuel, Soundwave sped to his rescue, re-energizing him. {{storylink| I, Robot Master!}} ''Using the splintered state of the Decepticon forces to his advantage, Soundwave worked both sides of the field, reporting to both Megatron and the returned Shockwave, without the other's knowledge. When Shockwave learned that the human [[Buster Witwicky]] had begun to suffer [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]-induced visions of the [[combiner|next leap in Transformer evolution]], Soundwave reported this to Megatron, prompting him to battle Shockwave for leadership. The Decepticons' human ally, [[Robot Master]], televised the battle, much to Soundwave's distaste, and in order to prevent the Decepticons from looking like fools, interrupted the duel and insisted that they agree to a joint leadership.'' {{storylink|Second Generation!}}

[[Image:Laserbeakwarriorschool.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Fly, my pretties, fly!]]
''When the [[Robot-Master]] hoax the Decepticons were perpetrating was threatened by the investigate work of [[Joy Meadows]], Soundwave was instrumental in ending the conflict that ensued between the Decepticons and the Dinobots by holding the reporter hostage and destroying her footage.'' {{storylink|In the National Interest!}} ''Not long thereafter, when the deranged future Decepticon, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], traveled back in time, Soundwave was intrigued by the fact that he was unable to scan his mind to discern the truth of his identity. Siding with Megatron when conflict erupted, Soundwave and his leader were buried under an avalanche by Galvatron, and then rescued by the Autobots in the name of forming an alliance to defeat their common enemy.'' {{storylink|Target 2006}}

''It would be some time before Soundwave came back to the fore, and his return to the spotlight was an ignominious one. With Megatron having apparently died, Soundwave was now once again under Shockwave's command, and, while patrolling on the Decepticon's mobile island base, found himself attacked and subdued by the time-travelling freelance peace-keeping agent, [[Death's Head]], and tricked into giving up information on the whereabouts of Galvatron.'' {{storylink|Hunters!}} ''Although Death's Head's attempts to track down the Decepticon met with failure, Galvatron was ultimately entombed in lava, where he was later discovered by [[Susan Hoffman]]. Soundwave observed a televised broadcast of her discovery, and he and the [[Combaticon]]s attempted to destroy Galvatron with explosives planted around the volcano in question. After a battle with the [[Throttlebot]]s, Soundwave found that he was unable to remotely detonate the explosives planted around the volcano thanks to Blaster jamming his signal.'' {{storylink|Ladies' Night}}

[[Image:Soundwave uscomics.jpg|thumb|left|G2 before it was cool.]]When Shockwave was removed from power, Soundwave smoothly transitioned to serving under the new Decepticon leader Ratbat, and helped to operate his [[Realvision]] playback system to decode data from Autobot tapes [[Grand Slam]] and [[Raindance]]. {{storylink|The Flames of Boltax!}} The tapes, it was discovered, contained information on the [[Underbase]], the power of which was soon claimed by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], who immediately targeted the Earth. Soundwave co-led the defense of New York alongside [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], but was deactivated by a blast of cosmic power from Starscream. {{storylink|Dark Star!}}

''It would be some time before Soundwave was operational again, but was back on his feet by the time that Starscream, now a [[Pretender]], was busy doubting his self-worth.'' {{storylink|Fallen Star}} He continued to operate under the command of the new Decepticon Earth commander, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].

''In 2007, in the alternate future world of [[Earth-120185]], Soundwave was second-in-command of the Decepticon forces under Shockwave, and succeeded him after Death's Head assassinated him on the orders of [[Unicron]].'' {{storylink|The Legacy of Unicron!}} ''In 2008, Soundwave entered into an alliance with the [[Quintesson]]s, arranging to attack the Autobots as part of a larger plan. He was, however, unaware of the aliens' true plans to take control of Cybertron, and found himself double-crossed when the Quintessons ambushed the Decepticons en route to their attack on the Autobots. The Autobots, led by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], saved Soundwave's forces from the Quintessons, and they joind forces to repel the Quintesson invasion.'' {{storylink|Space Pirates!}} ''Finally, in 2009, Soundwave led the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]] back in time to 1989, where they briefly participated in the "Time Wars," before returning to their own time in the midst of the conflict to save their own hides.'' {{storylink|Time Wars}}

====Earthforce====

''In the tangent timeline that is home to the Autobot [[Earthforce]] team, Soundwave nominally served on Megatron's side during the Decepticon Civil War, but, once again, was not above exploiting the conflict for his own ends. When an energon shipment was hijacked by Shockwave's forces thanks to information he had given them, Megatron came to suspect the presence of a traitor in his ranks, but ironically assigned Soundwave to identify them. To keep his own duplicity a secret, he sets up [[Wildrider]] to take the fall, and Megatron destroys the [[Stunticon]].'' {{storylink|Secrets}}

''Approached by Starscream with a plan to make them both Decepticon leaders, Soundwave joined forces with the schemer and lured Megatron and Shockwave to an airport, tipping off the Autobots to their location. With the two leaders thus occupied, Soundwave and Starscream take control.'' {{storylink|Internal Affairs!}}'' Subsequently, Soundwave led an all-out attack on the Earthforce base as a diversion, while Starscream attempts to plunder an oil tanker. Starscream meets with failure, however, leading Soundwave to withdraw his forces, and wonder if he should not take leadership for himself alone.'' {{storylink|Divide and Conquer!}} ''Starscream is aware of Soundwave's goals, and when he is attacked by a group of alien assassins, suspects that he has ordered the hit and strikes back at him. Soundwave is able to convince him he is not responsible - in actuality, it was the work of Megatron and Soundwave.'' {{storylink|External Forces!}}

''Learning that human reporter [[Irwin Spoon]] had secured an interview with the Autobots that could potentially resolve public view of the Transformer war. Seeking to prevent this, he has the Stunticons captured the journalist, and although the Autobots are able to rescue him, a carefully planted [[cerebro-shell]] ensures that the story Irwin writes is anything but accurate.'' {{storylink|End of the Road!}}

===Animated continuity===
====''The Transformers''====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (US), [[Issei Masamune]] (Japan)
[[Image:Cybertronsoundwave.jpg|thumb||left|Before the tape recorder, he was a lamp post. It's hard to take him seriously sometimes.]]

Prior to his arrival on Earth, Soundwave had the questionably useful [[altmode]] of a space-age lamp-post. This allowed him to get as close to Autobot headquarters as the street leading into [[Iacon]], but thankfully his chest-dwelling minion [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] could snoop even closer. The loyal Laserbeak overheard talk of the Autobot mission to seek new energy sources off Cybertron, which prompted the fateful Decepticon interception mission that eventually landed both teams on Earth.

Immediately after the Transformers awakened on Earth in 1984, Soundwave played an essential role in the generation of [[energon cube]]s and the formation of plans for a new space cruiser to return the Decepticons to Cybertron. He sounded really cool when he talked about these, too. Soundwave was reformatted as a portable cassette player, which allowed him to dupe a grabby and none-too-questioning [[Spike Witwicky]] into carrying his shrunken form into the [[Ark]] headquarters. This was to happen many times to the seemingly tape-deck addicted citizens of Earth.

Later, he used his mind-reading talents to acquire an [[antimatter]] formula for the Decepticons from the brain of [[Chip Chase]]. One of Soundwave's most notable misadventures came in in 1985, when, operating a plan conceived by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], he brainwashed humans with ultrasonic vibrations inside the Decepticon-built night club [[Dancitron]] in [[New York City]], leading to a confrontation with his Autobot Communications Officer counterpart, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], beginning a lasting rivalry between the two.

[[Image:Soundwaveg1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|We'll get you next time, Gadget.]]

Soundwave rarely displayed much emotion, and only infrequently exhibited any cunning and self-serving traits. He came across as extremely loyal to Megatron, even going so far as to recover the mortally wounded leader after being left for dead at the Battle of Autobot City in 2005. But while Soundwave was loyal, he was far from stupid, and kept his mouth shut when Megatron was subsequently ejected into space, and although he did suggest himself as a replacement leader, he again loyally served Megatron when he returned as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].

In the year 2006, although operating in a less prominent capacity for most of the time, Soundwave played a prominent role in Galvatron's attempt to learn the secret of a sonic weapon on the planet [[Eurhythma]], where sound and music were the way of life, leaving Soundwave entranced by the planet's perfect melodies. Recording each piece of the harmony that formed the devastating sonic effect, Soundwave was defeated when the Eurhythmans countered the harmony with white noise, and was again pulled into a confrontation with Blaster, who erased his recordings.

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformer'' manga=====

While Megatron and the Decepticons engaged the Autobots in battle in Arizona, Soundwave and his cassettes were dispatched to do something unspecified but likely ''evil'' in Tokyo. Optimus Prime dispatched a unit of Autobots, lead by Bumblebee and [[Kenji]] to track them down. He was ultimately defeated when Bumblebee got the drop on him with his patented "Bumble-Kick" and shattered his chest, making it impossible for his cassette forces to return to him, leaving them to be captured as well.

''The manga maintained something resembling continuity: during his appearance in the third issue of the book, Soundwave was shown to have bandages over his chest. Adorable.''

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformer'' story pages=====

In the second "Anime Theater" story page, titled ''Sick em, Hound!'', the Autobots decided to keep themselves in shape by having a friendly race. Soundwave learned of the race and set up a trap within a narrow canyon. He walled the Autobots up within the canyon and began shooting them all. Luckily, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] arrived on the scene and delivered a powerful punch to his chest, shattering his tape door. Soundwave immediately fled.

====''Headmasters''====

Shortly after the arrival of the [[Headmaster]]s, Soundwave and Blaster engaged in their final clash in the Arctic circle as the Autobots and Decepticons were in the process of searching for the missing Autobot [[Matrix]] of Leadership. The two opponents inflicted fatal damage on each other, and Soundwave's body exploded even as Blaster collapsed, but his fragments were recovered by his cassettes. Using reconstructive technology from the planet [[Master]], the leader of the Decepticon Headmasters, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] successfully rebuilt and resurrected Soundwave as '''Soundblaster''' - essentially identical to his former self, except for his predominantly black color scheme. As Soundblaster, Soundwave served the same role as he had previously under the leadership of Galvatron and later Scorponok, frequently embarking on spying missions with [[Ratbat]].

=====''Headmasters'' manga=====

After the Decepticons had been vanquished from Earth, [[Scorponok (G1)|Mega Zarak]] ordered Soundblaster to remain on Earth in secret to act as a spy for the Decepticons. Soundblaster made his presence and intentions known almost instantly (not a very good spy) by kicking [[Wheelie]] square in the face and taking the [[Spike Witwicky|Witwicky]] family hostage. Strangely enough, the Autobots considered these acts to be hostile. [[Chromedome]] was left powerless to do anything but surrender, as [[Slugfest]] and [[Overkill]] brutalized [[Spike Witwicky|Spike]] and threatened [[Carly]]. Daniel finally snapped and beat the living crap out of the two Cassette dinosaurs, leaving Soundblaster open to Chromedome's poorly named "Master-Chrome Hurricane Throw to the End of Hell!" Chromedome chucked Soundblaster over the horizon where he landed near the rogue Decepticon, [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]].

===Kid Stuff Talking Story Books continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' Unknown

In ''[[When Continents Collide]]'', [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] calls Soundwave a "blundering tape-filled idiot." This is notable because it is hilarious. Also, Soundwave is really, really whiny in these stories.

===''Beast Wars''===
Soundwave is shown among the many Transformers strewn about the interior of the Ark when the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] infiltrates the ship on his mission to destroy Optimus Prime.

In the [[3H]] ''Tales of the Beast Wars'' comics, Soundwave is one of the ancient warriors who appears from [[J'nwan]] to help battle the warlord [[Shokaract]].

{{-}}

===Dreamwave Generation 1 continuity===
Soundwave was chosen by Megatron to lead his second assassination team against the new Autobot supreme Commander, Optimus Prime. With the aid of his cassette troops, most notably Ravage, as well as [[Shrapnel]], [[Bombshell]], and [[Kickback]], it was assumed he would have no problem with a young, peace loving Autobot. Soundwave, like many others, underestimated Prime's resolve and was quickly incapacitated. He recovered quickly enough to rescue Megatron after the latter's own battle with Prime.
Soundwave was among the Decepticons who quickly joined Shockwave's forces upon returning to Cybertron. It seems clear, however, that Soundwave had little loyalty to him, as he readily joins up with Starscream when the [[Seeker]] decides to return to Earth and take over. Though Soundwave feigned subservience to Starscream, it is later revealed that he had been serving Megatron the entire time in secret.

{{-}}

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

===IDW comics continuity===
{{spoiler}}
Long before the war began, Soundwave was the personal assistant to Senator [[Ratbat]]. When [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caught Ratbat's eye as a champion of the illegal underground gladiatorial matches, Ratbat sent Soundwave to offer Megatron funding and weapons technology. When [[Bumper|two]] [[Fastback|Autobots]] were discovered listening in on their conversation, Soundwave dispatched Ravage and Laserbeak to capture them. Some time later, Soundwave was assigned to find a warrior with flight capabilities. He found the [[Seeker]]s Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker. During a recruitment rally where Megatron attempted to kill [[Decimus|Senator Decimus]], a raid by the Autobots under [[Sentinel Prime]] resulted in the partcipants being arrested. Soundwave, however, was freed under [[Senate]] directive, something which greatly angered the Prime. {{storylink|Megatron Origin}}

Centuries later, Soundwave was working for Megatron directly (or at least, Megatron believed he was). After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] disappeared, Megatron assigned [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] to delve into his research and relay all the information back to him. As the Decepticon leader did not fully trust Bludgeon, he also assigned Soundwave to spy on him. Soundwave followed Bludgeon and his team as they left for Earth in 1984 and established a base within Mt. St. Helens, eventually discovering that they intended to resurrect [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]. Though he tried to stop them, [[Iguanus]] used an experimental cannon from Shockwave's arsenal to lock him in his alt mode while they instigated a volcanic eruption. He was eventually recovered by a team of unwitting humans who sold him to a pawn shop. He remains sitting in the window to this day. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Soundwave''' (Decepticon, 1984/1985, 2003)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''17''', '''TFC-10'''

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

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

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

*'''Soundblaster''' (Decepticon, 1987, 2005)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-101''', '''TFC-18'''

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

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

*'''Soundwave with Wingthing''' (Action Master, 1990)

: [[Action Master]] Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure who combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new partner [[Wingthing]].

===Generation 2===
*'''Soundwave''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
: A [[redeco]] of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Gearhead]], Soundwave transforms into a Ford Thunderbird stock car with precision wheels and wire axles, compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" playsets and tracks (which he was properly sized to fit).

: Notably, his color scheme is very '''loud''', being bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue. This is one time fans can actually get away with describing a toy's color scheme as [[neon]].

===Machine Wars===
*'''Soundwave''' (Mega, 1997)
: ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Soundwave was a [[redeco]] of the [[Predator]] [[Stalker]] minus Stalker's handgun and its missiles and with the sighting gimmick having been removed from the missile. In this incarnation Soundwave transforms into tracked missile carrier.

===Smallest Transformers===
*'''Soundwave and Ravage''' (2003)
: Like all of the ''[[Smallest Transformers]]'', this version of Soundwave is a tiny replica of his G1 form. He came with ''Smallest Transformers'' Ravage, who is probably ''the'' smallest Transformer ever.

===Universe===
*'''Soundwave & Space Case''' (Ultra, 2004)
: The ''Machine Wars'' version of Soundwave was redecoed for release in the ''[[Universe]]'' line in an Ultra-level two-pack with [[Space Case]]. Due to the lack of fiction, it is ''possible'' that this incarnation is in fact an alternate-universe version of Soundwave, or possibly a new character altogether.

===Titanium===
*'''Soundwave'''
: A new representation of his G1 form, this Soundwave transforms into a slightly redesigned version of his original microcassette player mode. He also comes with a VERY tiny Laserbeak that transforms into a black rectangle vaguely resembling a microcassette and is almost (but not quite) as small as ''Smallest TF'' Ravage. He can also fit inside of Soundwave's chest. Both of Soundwave's guns resemble batteries and fit into the battery compartment on his back.

===Classics (2006)===
*'''Soundwave''' (Commemorative Edition, 2007)

: Despite having packaging that claims ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Soundwave is "Identical to the original toy", this version is actually a redeco of the [[Transformers Collection]] Sound''blaster'' reissue in Soundwave's original colors. Like the Soundblaster reissue, ''Classics'' Soundwave is packaged with "Battle" Ravage, as well as Laserbeak, recolored from Soundblaster's Buzzsaw. In a move rare for a US release of this toy, the set included two [[Takara]] clear plastic cassette cases. Exclusive to Toys 'R' Us stores, Soundwave had been intended for the [[Commemorative Series]], but after the cancellation of that line he was added to ''Classics'', although the phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box.

:''(It is interesting to note that while the actual product uses the Soundblaster mold, the package photos show Soundwave with the single-tape door mold used for Takara's TFC-10 reissue.)

===Attacktix===
*'''Soundwave''' (Booster, 2007)

===Unreleased===
:In ''Generation 2'', a [[redeco]] of the [[Laser Cycle]] [[Road Pig]] was planned as Soundwave, but ultimately never released, one of many planned redecos that never made it. Some packaged samples do exist.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Music label soundwave.jpg|left|thumb|200px|SOUNDWAVE: SUPERIOR. ALL OTHER MUSIC PLAYERS: INFERIOR.]]
===Soundwave Playing Audio Player (2007)===

* Released by [[TakaraTomy]]'s Music Label (which also puts out a not-half-as-cool Convoy iPod stand), Soundwave is an MP3 player which takes a miniSD card. The box says it can take up to 1 GB, but many claims have shown it can support upwards to 2 GB. Uses 1 AAA battery. An optional accessory, sold separately, feature headphones that transform into [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]].
* The player also features a transformation almost entirely accurate to his G1 appearance. He also comes with two sets of hands, his shoulder cannon, and a sidearm.
* As of this writing, SanDisk has not indicated any plans to release tie-in miniSD cards named [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] or [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. It's sure to [[Transformers:_Rise_of_the_Chevy_Autobots|only be a matter of time]], though.

==Trivia==
*According to an interview in the magazine ''Otaku USA'' (issue 3, pg. 102-3), the original Microchange toy and the accompanying cassettes were at least partially designed by famed mecha designer and anime director [[w:Shinji Aramaki|Shinji Aramaki]]. He did not come up with the transformation scheme, but designed most of the outward appearance and details. He also worked on the toys that became the deluxe [[Insecticon]]s, [[Reflector]], and [[Perceptor]].
* Including the ''Microchange'' "Cassette Man" version, the original Soundwave mold has sported at least four different tape doors:
** The original MC-10 version had a cassette door that had "Cassette Man" emblazoned on it, and featured a hinge that was internal to the robot's body.
** For the initial ''Transformers'' release by Hasbro, the "Cassette Man" text was removed.
** When Takara's Soundwave was released, the hinge was remolded so the bottom of the door attached to the outside of the robot, on either side of the "buttons", which had also been remolded.
** The Soundblaster version had a door that retained the external hinge and added the capacity for holding a second cassette.

[[Image:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Say hello to my leetle friend!]]

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

* Animation from early ''Transformers'' commercials featured a Soundwave model colored in very light blue, versus the dark blue used later. Also, instead of the cassettes ejecting themselves from his chest, he reached into his chest compartment with his own fingers and threw the (tiny) tapes into the air.

* Soundwave's distinctive voice proved to be one of G1's most memorable aspects. The highly-processed voice began with Frank Welker basically doing his Dr. Claw voice. Whether due variations in the performance or the processing, the final result varied quite a bit across Soundwave's three seasons on the show. Occasionally, as in the episodes [[Roll For It]] and [[Webworld]], the processing was left out and Welker's actual voice can be heard.

* The Marvel US comics chose a purple scheme for Soundwave. This could have been an error, an early look for him that was dropped in other media, or perhaps an attempt to distinguish him from the other Decepticons, who were mostly blue (especially since blacks also ended up as blues in the industry's then-limited color palette). The Marvel UK comics colored him blue like everywhere else.

[[Image:Bm soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|Soundwave gets [[slag (slang)|slagged]] by Vehicons, and Nightscream escapes. How's that for injustice?{{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}]]

* Soundwave's computer model was used for one of the generic transformers in Beast Machines seen in [[Nightscream]]'s flashback being cornered by [[Vehicon]] drones just before Nightscream fled into the lower levels of Cybertron. Though the model was recolored, it was still really <span title="This may not be an actual word" style="cursor:help;">'Soundwavey,'</span> causing much confusion among fans.

* Later, Soundwave's character model showed up numerous times in various color schemes as a generic background character in [[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]].

* [[Sideways]] listened to music using a tape deck resembling Soundwave in the [[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]] cartoon. Later, after a new [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] was found, ''Cybertron'' [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]] held tape deck Soundwave in his arms.

*In the Japanese dub of the [[Generation 1 (television series)|Generation 1 cartoon]] as well as the [[manga]], all of Soundwave's cassette forces which could talk referred to him as "big brother". What this says about his relationship with them is unknown, but it does give new meaning to the phrase [[Wikipedia:Big Brother (Nineteen Eighty-Four)|"Big Brother is watching over you"]]. It should probably be noted, though, that this is a fairly common way to refer to others you admire and such in Japanese. Then again, it's also seen as a cute term of endearment from girls and young women, so... yeah. Take it as you will.

{{-}}

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

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

{{stub}}
[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Go-Bots]]
[[Category: Letters page answerers]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Universe characters]]
[[Category: Unreleased 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>

Submarauder (G1)

2007-10-16T03:31:28Z

72.228.85.3: minor

{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig2|the American [[Pretender]]|his Japanese counterpart from [[Masterforce]]|Gilmer}}
:''Submarauder is a [[Decepticon]] [[Pretender]] in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].

Much like his fellow Pretender, [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]], '''Submarauder''' has developed an intense connection with the creatures represented by his outer Pretender shell. He enjoys spending extensive periods of time alone underwater, observing all that the living seas have to offer. Interrupting his musings is a serious mistake, as his explosive temper will be instantly turned on any Autobot who dares enter his domain. Unfortunately for his fellow Decepticons, they too will suffer the same fate if they disturb the creatures of the deep.

:''French-Canadian name'': '''Sousmaraudeur'''
:''Italian name'': '''Reptilo'''

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

After commandeering a genetics research lab on Earth, [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] was able to recreate and perfect the science of Pretender shells using synthoplasmic chambers constructed by him and [[Vorath]]. Submarauder was one of six Decepticon volunteers transformed by the process into new Pretenders. {{Storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}}

===Dreamwave Comics===

Submarauder served as a member of [[Ratbat]]'s [[Ultracon]] faction during the Dark Ages. He was present as Tyger Pax for the signing of the peace treaty between Ratbat, [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. He fought alongside various Autobots and Decepticons against the [[Predacon (War Within)|Predacons]] when they interrupted the proceedings.

==Toys==
*'''Submarauder''' (Pretender, 1988)

:Submarauder transforms into a submarine. His outer [[Pretender]] Shell is a sea creature with gills, a head-mounted dorsal fin, and scales.

==External Links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Submarauder/submarauder.htm Submarauder at TFU.info]

[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]<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>

Easter egg

2007-08-27T02:27:03Z

72.228.85.3: /* The problem of intentionality */ The Wikipedia article might be better, but I figure it's better to stay in-wiki when possible

{{Cleanup|May 2007}}
An '''Easter egg''' is a special treat hidden in something, (a comic book, a web site, a DVD) as a reward for the person who finds it. Since an Easter egg presumably requires extra effort to find or recognize, it represents a reward for the more 'hardcore' fan.

'''Example Easter egg:''' Some of the trashed bodies in the Quintesson jail cell in Transformers: The Movie are recolored robots from the [[Wikipedia:Gundam|Gundam]] series, a long-running Japanese robot franchise.

==Easter eggs: threat or menace?==
[[Image:Devcon empty.jpg|thumb|So is it actually Devcon, or is he...?]]
Easter eggs are generally enjoyed by most fans... when used with restraint. [[Dreamwave]] was notable for its frequent ''unrestrained'' use of Easter Eggs; often Japanese logos on Cybertron or obscure toys and background characters.

Unfortunately, the frequent use of such Easter Eggs resulted in some confusion. Is the [[Empties|Empty]] near the [[Old Slave Trails]] (at right) ''actually'' Devcon... or did the writer/artist simply throw him in as a [[Wikipedia:Fanwank|fanwank]] to cause 20-something fans to go ''OMG! I rcgniz taht 1!'' and experience near-orgasmic nostalgic delight quite independent of what's actually going on in the story? This could be compared to a "walk-on [[Wikipedia:Cameo appearance|cameo]]" by an actor previously associated with the franchise, like if William Shatner appeared in a crowd shot in ''Star Trek: Enterprise''... except in this case Shatner would be dressed like Capitan Kirk, but not intended to ''be'' him, which is really more wierd than pleasing.

''[[First Encounter]]'', the pilot for the [[Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon series]], has a scene wherein multiple "lookalikes" of [[Generation 1]] characters appear... but are not supposed to actually ''be'' those characters. It is considered by some to be the highlight of an otherwise plain episode.

==The problem of intentionality==
[[Image:Shouki.jpg|thumb|Aero Raid is the spiky set of wings right below Shouki's armpit.]]
Possibly the best example of the problem of unrestrained Easter-egging is Aero Raid in [[Skyfire (comic issue)|Dreamwave's G1 ongoing #3]]. In a large meeting-hall scene, several Japanese and [[Generation 2]] Transformers are used as crowdfiller. Most of the Transformers in attendance can be assumed to "be" themselves -- but there is a problem with one of the ''Generation 2'' [[Cyberjet]]s. Specifically, the character this toy represents ([[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]) is both on [[Earth]] and [[Death|dead]]. As it can not be Air Raid, we are left with three choices;
# It is actually [[Aero Raid]], a Japanese character that, despite having one toy (this one) identical to Air Raid's, is a separate character.
# It is a previously unknown robot identical to both Air Raid and Aero Raid.
# None of these robots actually represent any particular character -- they're just throwing in the ''likeness'' of obscure characters to thrill readers, they're not actually supposed to ''be'' those characters.

Option #2 means that we cannot trust anything we read/watch to tell us anything meaningful about the Universe. The non-speaking robot we assume is [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] in the episode [[Day of the Machines]] may in fact be an unrelated identical twin.

Option #3 means that Devcon was not Devcon -- ''and'' Gears may not be Gears (after all, the script probably didn't name him by name, he was just added to fill in the background of [[Autobot Headquarters]]!) A character is only "there" if they are ''[[author intent|indended]]'' to be there by the writers.

Option #1 means that it was Aero Raid in the crowd, even though the writer/artist almost certainly intended it to be Air Raid. This is an argument ''against'' author intention, essentially saying "the story says what it says, and if Bush didn't know what he was saying... well he still said it."

By default, a limited version of Option #1 is used on this Wiki. Easter eggs are treated at face value unless it makes no sense to do so.

[[Category:Fandom]]<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>

Constructicon Maximus

2007-06-18T17:51:48Z

72.228.85.3: /* Energon */ Tense

:''Constructicon Maximus is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] continuity family.''

[[Image:Constructiconmaximus_tv.jpg|right|thumb|300px|First I build em, then I knock em down]]

'''Constructicon Maximus''' is one of four ancient [[Combiner]] robots chosen to guard the [[Super Energon]] pools deep within [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He and his peers were awakened from countless years of stasis by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] when [[Superion Maximus]]'s brother is destroyed by the Decepticon leader.

He and his friend [[Bruticus Maximus]] are quite willing to abandon their duty to follow a strong leader whom they believe represent Cybertron's future, a Decepticon-dominated future.

He is the combined form of the [[Construction Team]]:

*[[Steamhammer (Energon)|Steamhammer]]
*[[Bonecrusher (Energon)|Bonecrusher]]
*[[Duststorm]]
*[[Sledge (Energon)|Sledge]]
*[[Wideload (Energon)|Wideload]]

''Japanese name:'' '''Buildron'''

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===
====''Energon''====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Don Brown]] (English), ? (Japanese)

When Megatron destroys Superion Maximus's brother, he unlocks the living seal on the Super Energon pool and awakens the remaining Combiners. While Superion Maximus is aghast at his brother's destruction, the Decepticon combiners are merely curious about who managed to reactivate them. Megatron declared that the Super Energon was his and that he was master of all Decepticons. {{Storylink|Ambition}}

Superion Maximus protested that the Super Energon belonged to all Transformers as Megatron jumped into the pool, changing into Galvatron once again. When the Autobot combiner tries to attack reborn Decepticon leader to no avail, Galvatron orders the two Decepticon combiners to give chase as Superion Maximus flees. Later, Superion confronts the two Decepticons, saying that they've been protecting the Super Energon for millions of years now, so why do they let one transformer have control of it all. Bruticus Maximus and Sontructicon Maximus merely reply that Galvatron is their master now, and that he represents the future of Cybertron. {{Storylink|Galvatron (Energon episode)|Galvatron}}

[[Image:Constructiconmaximus_pinned.jpg|left|thumb|160px|Dignified death, being held down.]]

Constructicon Maximus eventually paid for his treachery when a vengeful Superion Maximus attacked both Decepticon combiners. Surprised by the Autobot combiner's ferocity, both Decepticons were caught off-guard at first, until they over-confidently held him down, which proved to be their downfall. Superion launched all of his limbs at Constructicon Maximus, pinning against a wall, as Superion's cental component [[Storm Jet (Energon)|Storm Jet]] crushed the Decepticon combiner's spark, killing him.

After Bruticus Maximus managed to destroy the Autobot's limbs, Superion Maximus powerlinked with Constructicon Maximus' limbs and attacked the confused Bruticus, piercing his spark, and causing a massive explosion which destroyed the remaining Decepticon. {{Storylink|Spark (Energon)|Spark}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Energon===
*'''Constructicon Maximus''' {2004, 2005)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''EX-01'''

[[Image:ConstructiconMaximus_toy2.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You probably don't have my legs.]]

:Constructicon Maximus is comprised of his five team members, with Steam Hammer forming his central body component. His limb's Energon Weapons form his hands and feet. Similarly to [[Generation 1]]'s [[Scramble City]] combiner teams, Constructicon Maximus (as well as Superion Maximus and Bruticus Maximus) feature universal connection points for the limbs, allowing many different combinations and even swapping of limbs from different teams.

:Only Steamhammer, Sledge and Dust Storm were initially released in 2004 for the North American, Asian and Australasian markets, with Wideload and Bonecrusher released much later in 2005 and even 2006. This unfortunately led to many consumers having an incomplete Constructicon Maximus for many months.

:The Japanese release of Constructicon Maximus, named '''Buildron''', was a Toys "R" Us Japan [[exclusive]] giftset. There are several paint deco and plastic colour differences between the US and japanese versions.

:This mold was redecoed into [[Classics]] [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]].

{{-}}

==Trivia==
*Constructicon Maximus' character model in the Energon cartoon has a recurring error in which the scoop that forms his left "shoulderpad" is either misplaced, misconnected, or just missing.

{{stub}}
[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[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>

Transformers: Armada (mini-comic)

2007-05-20T07:34:53Z

72.228.85.3: /* Volume 1 */

{{nav-armada}}The Armada toyline included a series of 4 mini-comics rolled out as the line progressed.

==Volume 1==
[[JaAm]]!

==Volume 2==

===Synopsis===
We come into the story with [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus]] at the [[Autobot]]s' trusty bat-cave, talking on the bat-TV to [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]], who are building a satellite dish, but calling it a satellite. (No doubt they call a receptacle outlet a 'plug', and refer to The Monster as "Frankenstein", too, the filthy bolsheviks). Construction is going well until the [[Destruction Team]] arrives and starts throwing around their massive might, until Scavenger steps on one and intimidates the others with his enormous...but just then [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] pops up to blow it...the satellite dish...to smithereens. He's [[Bomber Bill]]'s number-one fan! Poor Starscream, though...he brought a plane to a bulldozer fight, and gets pushed off a cliff. Yay! Scavenger is all gloomy now because his satellite dish is ruined and he still thinks it's called a "satellite", but Rollbar reminds him that they can just build another one. They clink wrenches, and all is well.

==Volume 3==
==Volume 4==
[[Image:Armada minicomic 4.jpg|thumb|Battle of the armor-up characters!]]
===Synopsis===
[[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] has been defeated and is being transported to an Autobot prison, escorted by Optimus Prime and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]. However, being captured was actually Galvatron's '''master plan''' to destroy Optimus Prime without the other Autobots around to interfere! The Decepticon [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] frees Galvatron and fuses with him, becoming a robot powerful enough that even the Overload's impressive firepower mode cannot stop. However, before the battle can begin in earnest, the [[Mini-Con]] [[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] cries out in horror for Galvatron to look up!<br/>
[[Unicron]] has arrived...

===Trivia===
* Overload appears to be a separate entity from [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] here, chiming in his own opinions.

==External Links==
[http://www.insecticons.com/ae-toycomics.html Armada mini-comics online at Insecticons.com]

[[Category:Armada|Mini-comic]]
[[Category:Comics]]<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>

T-AI

2007-05-14T22:47:20Z

72.228.85.3: /* Merchandise */

{{disambig2|the Robots in Disguise computer system|the Binaltech Asterisk policewoman|Ai Kuruma}}

:''T-AI is an [[Autobot]] computer from the [[Robots in Disguise]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:T-AI-colorsheet.jpg|thumb|right|250px|I, am, your sing-ing tele-gram! *BANG!*]]

'''T-AI''' (pronounced "tie", short for Tactical Artificial Intelligence) is the Autobot's main computer system. She keeps tabs on events across Earth, coordinates Autobot forces across the globe, maintains the elaboate [[Space Bridge]] network, and generally keeps things running smoothly at the base... or as smoothly as possible considering the variety of odd personalities that make up the Autobot ranks. She is an incredibly advanced computer that displays distinct emotions, self-awareness, a sense of humor, and -perhaps most notably- the ability to lose her patience. She is quick to verbally berate any Autobot found slacking off or just doing something really dumb.

Which happens with distressing frequency.

T-AI manifests herself with a holographic avatar, taking the form of a young [[human]] girl in a maroon uniform similar to a Japanese policewoman's. It's possible she chose this form to better acclimate the Autobots to dealing with humans, as well as help their human ally [[Koji_Onishi|Koji]] better deal with being surrounded by giant alien robots.

She is reportedly the "daughter" of the [[Teletraan I]] computer system of the RiD universe. What exactly this means is unknown.

''Japanese name:'' '''Ai-chan''' (アイちゃん)

==Fiction==
===Animated continuity===
====''Robots in Disguise''====
[[Image:Tai-projector.jpg|thumb|left|Snotty beamed me twice last night.]]
:''Voice Actress:'' [[Sandy Fox]] (US), [[Chieko Higuchi]] (Japan)

====Dreamwave ''Summer Special'' comic====
When [[Scourge_(RID)|Scourge]] and [[Sky-Byte]] attempted to steal an experimental nuclear generator from a plant in Arizona, T-AI tried to find any Autobots who were available to respond to the situation. Ultimately, [[Optimus Prime (RiD)|Optimus Prime]] was the only one not currently occupied by some other emergency.
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Merchandise===
* '''T-AI''' (PVC figure, 2004). This figurine was produced by [[KT]], and included in a set of four others. It is notable in that T-AI is portrayed bathing in a hot spring, and is thus completely nude, aside from her hat. A [[super-deformed]] [[Super Fire Convoy]] is seen peeking over the side, and a minature [[Sky-Byte]] bath toy is in T-AI's hands.

Yes, it's creepy.[http://www.bwtf.com/pvc/kt/]

==Trivia==
* In the ''Car Robots'' continuity, Ai-chan is a "Spherical Computer", akin to [[Vector Sigma]] of [[Generation 1]], and [[Navi]] and [[Envoy]] of ''[[Beast Wars II]]''.

* T-AI is clearly the inspiration for the [[Ai Kuruma]] character in the ''[[Alternators#Binaltech|Binaltech Asterisk]]'' line.

{{stub}}
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Computers]]
[[Category: Robots in Disguise 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>

Optimus Prime (G1)/toys

2007-05-14T07:12:55Z

72.228.85.3: /* ''Transformers'' (2007) */ This edit is sponsored by the letter "H"

[[Image:Convoy-final1024.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Decepticons, leave this place or die!]]

Over the past 23 years, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Generation 1 '''Optimus Prime''']] has received the largest number of toys for any single [[Transformers]] character, a testament to the character's enduring popularity and status as a hero to many fans.

==Toys==

===Generation 1===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1984, 1985, 1991, 2000, until the end of time)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-01'''

: The original Optimus Prime toy, as well as Diaclone Battle Convoy that it based based upon, transformed into a late 1970s red Freightliner FL86 Cabover Engine triple-axle semi trailer truck. His cab is partially constructed of die cast metal with rubber tires. The windscreen section can open to reveal ultimately-unused chairs that were originally designed for Diaclone's driver figures.

:His trailer opens up into his [[Combat Deck]], which features a missile-armed repair drone pod (with seating for one) mounted upon a boom lift arm. Situated in the base of this boom is a spring-loaded launcher that can be used to launch [[Roller]] out of the Combat Deck. Roller himself has seating for 4 passengers, and can be equipped to carry Optimus Prime's rifle or a fuel pump. The interior space of the trailer allows storage room for one Autobot car.

:In robot mode, Optimus Prime's design would go on to influence every Optimus Prime toy that will follow this iconic version. He is armed with a black photon rifle, that, due to design, cannot be held straight. His fists are actually inserted into his headlights and must be stored elsewhere while in vehicle mode (there are pegs to store them in the trailer).

: Optimus was made available as a mail-away toy in the [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]] offer in the US in 1986. He cost $21.50 and 5 [[robot points]].

:Over 23 years, there have been many, many releases and variants of this mold. [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys #Trivia|See the list here]]. The cab robot was also used, with a different trailer, as the cab for G1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]].

* '''Convoy Jnr.''' (1985)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''TF Jnr-01'''
[[Image:Convoy_Junior_toy.jpg|right|thumb|130px|Prime's kid brother.]]

: Convoy Jnr. was a smaller, simplified version of G1 Convoy. He featured a very similar transformation sequence, but had no clear windows nor rubber tires. He was intended as a low-cost alternative for younger children.

:He did not have a plastic trailer included, but did have a cardboard trailer that the owner was supposed to construct themselves.

* '''Convoy''' (Versus set, 1985)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-X'''

: This Japanese-[[exclusive]] release of Optimus Prime came with the Japanese release of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. There are no differences between this release of Convoy and the individually released toy.

* '''Good-Bye Convoy''' (Multipack, 1986)

: This set contains a special version of Convoy with blue windows and was packed with [[Mirage (G1)|Ligier]] and [[Red Alert (G1)|Alert]].
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Powermaster, 1988, 2003)

[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|My Japanese release has a lot more bling.]]

:Powermaster Optimus Prime is the first new toy of the Autobot leader since the original toy's release in 1984. He is an all-new design, utilizing the [[Powermaster]] gimmick of requiring the partner figure, who transforms into an engine module, to be inserted into a special area on the main toy before it is able to transform.

:Optimus Prime is comprised of two parts, his truck cab and his trailer. His new truck cab is reminiscent of the original Optimus Prime truck cab, but is constructed entirely of plastic, lacks vacuum-metalized plastic and has no clear windows. It also transforms differently in that the front of the truck is no longer the robot mode's chest. His chest is now formed out of the truck's cabin rear, styled after his cartoon appearance. He is armed with two long black rifles, based in part upon his cartoon rifle.

:Prime's new trailer is essentially a heavily armed version of the original, with two double-barreled heavy laser cannons mounted on two arms with visible fists. The rear has a fold-down ramp to allow the storage of a smaller transformer, or perhaps spare accessories. The trailer can be transformed into a Powermaster battlestation that can allow other Powermaster engine figures to man the heavy laser cannons.

[[Image:GodGinrai_toy.jpg|right|thumb| And bigger boots, too.]]

:The main selling point of the toy is the ability of the truck cab to combine with the trailer to form Powermaster Optimus Prime. The cab portion folded in half and sat in the chest cavity of the trailer's torso, giving him the classic Optimus Prime truck-chest appearance. The two double-barreled cannons were attached to his shoulders and a large, separate head piece was mounted onto the hole on top of the truck cab.

:The Japanese release actually represented a new character named [[Ginrai]] and had a cab that was partly constructed out of die-cast metal, vacuum-metalized plastic and had clear blue windows. The trailer was retooled so the super robot's fists could slide in and out of the arms. This Japanese version was eventually used for Hasbro's own reissue in 2003 as part of the Commemorative Reissue collection. This set also included the originally Japanese-exclusive God Bomber drone trailer that attached onto the back of Ginrai's trailer in vehicle mode, and could become extra armour in super robot mode.

:This toy was later redecoed into the Japanese-exclusive Nucleon Quest Super Convoy.

:There were several different prototypes made for this toy. [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys #Trivia|See a list here]].

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Action Master, 1990)

[[Image:ActionMasterPrime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Eastbound and Down.]]

: The largest ''[[Action Master]]'' set, Optimus Prime came with long nose truck pulling a large, heavily armed trailer, referred to as an "Armored Convoy". Optimus Prime could sit in the cab of the truck, while other Action Master figures could stand on the guard rails or sit in the turret in the trailer.

:As with all ''Action Master'' toys, Optimus Prime himself could not transform. His sculpt is based heavily upon the Generation 1 cartoon model, though the colour scheme appears to be based upon his Powermaster body. However, his truck cab vehicle and the trailer do transform, though neither have robot modes. The truck cab can transform into a small plane, while the trailer transforms into a battle station with turrets that several Action Masters can man.

:Action Master Optimus Prime's figure and rifle was included with the Japanese-exclusive "New Year" reissue of G1 Convoy in 2002.

{{-}}

* '''Star Convoy''' (Powered Master, 1991, 2005)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-372'''
[[Image:StarConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|"... and that's why you're my Micromaster now, [[Hot Rod (G1)|bitch]]"]]

: A Japanese-exclusive, the final new-design G1 Convoy toy was a departure from previous versions. He now transformed into a small long nose cab truck of made-up model pulling an implausibly large trailer equipped with motorized caterpillar treads. The trailer could additionally pull along the auxiliary trailer transformer [[Grandus]], on which the shuttle [[Sky Garry]] could land, forming the spaceship '''"Battlestars"'''. Even without combining, Star Convoy's truck mode was a behemoth, including a [[Micro Trailer]] semi as a small accessory and an upgraded [[Roller]] that was now patterned after a tracked ballistic missile carrier.

:Unlike previous Convoy toys, the cab section did not seperate from the trailer, instead forming the arms of his imposing 12-inch tall robot mode. He lacks any sort of leg articulation in this mode, but his battery powered treads can provide him with locomotion. Star Convoy's chest can open to reveal a control center for [[Micromaster]] figures such as his partner figure [[Hot Rod|Hot Rodimus]] to ride in.

:He can also form a Micromaster base, that is more like his legs opened up, with his upper torso more or less staying exactly the same. Like [[Dai Atlas]], his base mode can connect with other Micromaster base sets.

:Star Convoy was reissued by Takara in 2005, with notable paint deco and sticker improvements, such as his white parts being painted metallic silver and the star crest on his chest painted with plated gold chrome paint..

* '''Nucleon Quest Super Convoy''' (2001)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-307X'''

:This release of the God Ginrai tooling was a Toys ''R'' Us Japan [[exclusive]] black repaint, made to represent the original Convoy/Optimus Prime equipped for a special mission. All of his red and blue plastics were changed to black, his clear blue windows were now tinted red, making his overall colour scheme very reminiscent of the now-familiar 'Black Convoy' colour schemes.

* '''Orion Pax''' (2006)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''67'''

[[Image:OrionPaxDion_toys.jpg|right|thumb|150px|"Welcome to The Past!"]]

: This Japanese e-Hobby exclusive was a redeco of [[Targetmaster]] [[Kup]], made to represent the character [[Orion Pax]] from the G1 television series episode [[War Dawn]]. He came with a redeco of [[Wheelie]] as [[Dion]].

===Generation 2===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (1993, 1994)
[[Image:G2Prime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.]]

:The first ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy was largely identical in sculpt to the original release. However, his trailer was cast in black plastic, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one that had "Optimus" in large block letters on it. The trailer also featured a soundbox attachment with a sculpted Autobot symbol on the front. The soundbox could activate a truck engine noise, a laser gun sound effect and a (badly) garbled voice that said "I am Optimus Prime!". This soundbox could also be attached onto Optimus Prime's back and be used as a sort of backpack.

:The other new additions were two black spring-loaded missile launchers that fire red projectiles. In vehicle mode, these attached to the soundbox (an echo of Powermaster Optimus Prime's cannons, perhaps), and could be held in Optimus Prime's fists in robot mode.

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Hero, 1994)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-1'''
[[Image:CombatheroPrime_toy.jpg|right|thumb|BE A HEEEERO]]

: Hero Optimus Prime was the first new-mold Optimus Prime toy in the ''Generation 2'' line. He transformed into a Kenworth truck of unknown model. The truck and trailer forms his robot mode, but cannot disconnect.

:In robot mode, the front halves of his truck cab become his feet, with the bottom of the trailer section becoming his chest and arms. His primary gimmick is an air-powered missile launcher, that can fire one of three foam missiles using an air bellows.

: This mold was also used to create [[Sureshot (G2)|Sureshot]] and the Kay-Bee Toys-exclusive [[Destructicon]] [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]].

* '''Laser Optimus Prime''' (1995, 2006)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''TRF-13'''

[[Image:LaserOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|Not cast in the 2007 movie.]]

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

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

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

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

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
[[Image:G2GobotsPrime.jpg|right|thumb| Sweet ride, Prime]]

: Gobots Optimus Prime transforms into a red Hot Wheels-sized Lambourghini Diablo. In robot mode his transformation and headsculpt greatly resemble [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. Like most Go-Bots, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. He is armed with a small red laser rifle.

:The Japanese release of this toy swapped out the orange plastic for neon yellow, and had a large tampograph on the car's hood that was shaped like a stylised letter 'T', with the Transformers logo in it. Going against the grain, this toy was released in Japan with the name "Optimus Prime" instead of "Convoy".

:This toy was redecoed from the ''Generation 2'' Gobot [[Firecracker]]. The plastic colors are a "solid" version of Firecracker's color layout, substituting opaque red for transparent red plastic.

===Machine Wars===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Ultra, 1997)
[[Image:MachineWarsPrime.jpg|left|thumb|Minus mouthplate]]

: Available only at Kay-Bee toys (well, at first), ''[[Machine Wars]]'' Optimus Prime is a redeco and slight modification of the European Generation 1 exclusive [[Turbomaster (subgroup)|Turbomaster]] leader [[Thunder Clash]], transforming into a Cybertronic truck cab. The Trailer unit unfolds to become a missile-launching assault tower. The tower's gravity-feed missile launchers were retooled to accommodate the new, longer spring-loaded missiles in lieu of the much smaller original projectiles due to projectile choke-gate [[For safety reasons|safety testing]].

{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
* '''G1 Convoy''' (2003)
: ''Japanese ID Number:'' '''GTF-01A (truck) and GTF-01B (trailer)'''
[[Image:WSTF_Convoy.jpg|right|thumb|You didn't find my trailer, did you? Haw haw.]]

: ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' Convoy is the smallest fully transforming Optimus Prime toy yet. He features an accurate transformation sequence based on the original full-sized toy, but understandably has no detachable hands, and has little articulation. His sculpt is based upon his cartoon appearances. He comes with a tiny version of his photon rifle.

:His [[Combat Deck|trailer]] was available separately as a shortpacked figure.

:This mold was repainted in wave 2 of ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'', this time in cartoon colours and as a limited 'chase' variant based upon Ultra Magnus' colours. In wave 2.5 he was again available in cartoon colours, with the chase figure being the trailer painted in cartoon colours.

===20th Anniversary/Masterpiece===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
[[Image:20thAnniversary_OptimusPrimesm.jpg|left|thumb|And the fandom rejoiced (and complained).]]

: ''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime is the most successful attempt to have a somewhat authentic 1980s Freightliner cab-over truck transform into a cartoon-proportioned robot mode of Optimus Prime.

:Sculpted with detail, Optimus Prime is loaded with non-obtrusive gimmicks such as working spring-loaded suspension, a 'talking' movable [[mouthplate]], flip-up communications panels and a light-up Matrix chamber with a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.

:In robot mode, he is able to assume many poses, yet limited to the top-heavy design of the robot mode. In vehicle mode, he has a hitch for a trailer, but none was included due to cost. He is partially constructed of die cast metal and features rubber tires.

:Optimus Prime features many accessories including the aforementioned Matrix, his photon rifle and Megatron in gun mode, with stock, silencer and scope accessories. This small Megatron can be held in his hand, but cannot transform.

:The initial Hasbro release of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime featured his photon rifle cast in grey plastic, with later assortments cast in black plastic. Further releases included a small poster featuring artwork by [[Pat Lee]].

:The main difference between the US and Japanese releases is the fact the US release has much smaller smokestacks, while the Japanese release has full-size stacks. Hasbro reported that this change was due to safety concerns.

:The Japanese Takara release of this toy, dubbed ''"Masterpiece'' Convoy", has a cardboard trailer that the owner must construct himself.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''Masterpiece'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]].

{{-}}

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

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

:[[Roller]] is conspicuously absent from this 'Perfect' edition. Additionally, there have been reports that this release of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy has much poorer quality control, as the paint on his chest chips more easily.

===Robot Masters===
* '''G1 Convoy''' (2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
[[Image:RMConvoy_toy.jpg|left|thumb|120px|My vehicle mode is dangerous and unroadworthy!]]

: Robot Masters G1 Convoy is essentially a heavily simplified version of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, featuring a similar sculpt and a similar (though significantly easier) transformation sequence. However, due to its size and pricepoint, it does not feature a Matrix chamber or the number of gimmicks in his larger toysake.

:Included is a photon rifle and a small missile launcher.

* '''G1 Convoy with DVD''' (2004)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-10'''
[[Image:RM_DVDConvoy_toy.jpg|right|thumb|120px|I'm shiny!]]

: This special edition release of G1 Convoy is decked out in metallic paint and the photon rifle is painted black. In addition to the sculpted Autobot sigil on its left shoulder, another Autobot sigil is tampographed onto the right shoulder. Otherwise it is the same toy.

:It comes packed with a DVD containing a short cartoon detailing the Robot Masters storyline up to that point.

* '''G1 Convoy Limited Black Version''' (2005)

: This release is simply a black repaint of Robot Masters G1 Convoy.

: Available only via mail-order through ''Dengeki Hobby'' magazine

===Universe===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Spychanger, 2004)
[[Image:SpychangerG1Prime.jpg|right|thumb|Why won't they repaint my full-size toy in these colours?!?]]

: Universe G1 Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] of the ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]'s [[Spychanger]] toy. He replaces most of the black plastic with predominantly red and blue, with silver for detailing, with an overall deco making him resemble the original Optimus Prime. Like most Spychangers, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly.

===Hybrid Style===
*'''G1 Convoy''' (2006)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''THS-02'''
[[Image:THS02Convoy.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Expensive and tiny.]]

: THS-02 G1 Convoy is a finely detailed, partially die-cast metal transforming toy of G1 Optimus Prime. As with most modern G1 Optimus Prime toys, he is based somewhat upon 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, but is a totally new designed created under the supervision of famed Macross mecha designer [[Shoji Kawamori]].

:Standing at 3' 3/4 inches tall in robot mode, THS-02 Convoy features possibly the most complex transformation sequence ever seen on a Transformers figure this small. However, the small size also works against the design, as concessions from the vehicle mode truck cab had to be made to accommodate the proportions of the robot mode.

:He comes with a fully-transforming and highly detailed trailer that opens up into his Combat Deck/repair bay, with a functioning repair drone and Roller, who features six-wheel steering. His other accessories include his Photon rifle (with adjustable grip), his energy axe, Sideswipe's jet pack, and several different hands, all of which can be stored in individual compartments within the trailer.

===Alternators===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2006)
:''Alternator ID number:'' '''21'''
[[Image:Alternators_OptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|I don't come with a creepy girl...]]

: [[Alternators]] Optimus Prime transforms into an accurate 1:24th scale Dodge Ram SRT-10. The vehicle mode features rubber tires, functional steering, opening hood, tail gate and doors with a detailed cabin interior. His robot mode body sculpt details are based upon the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime toy. However, his headsculpt is based upon Powermaster Optimus Prime. He is armed with a small pistol that is formed from his engine.

: This mold was later redecoed into [[Kiss Players]] Convoy and Alternators [[Nemesis Prime]].

===Kiss Players===
* '''Convoy w/ Marissa Fairborne''' (2006)
[[Image:Kiss_Convoy_toy.jpg|left|thumb|150px|...And yet, I do!]]

: Kiss Players Convoy is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Optimus Prime. Unlike the Alternator's bare red plastic, he is covered in a deeper red paint. Some of his body parts are cast in different colours, such as his shins, and has a much more intricate paint deco based upon Masterpiece Convoy. He is armed with his small engine pistol and a pink surfboard that can be reconfigured into either two small blades or a large double-bladed sword.

:He comes with a small figurine of [[Marissa Faireborne]] and a Kiss Players CD featuring recordings of the radio play.

{{-}}

===Titanium===
* '''War Within Optimus Prime''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumRMWWPrime.jpg|right|thumb|90px|Squattie]]

: War Within Optimus Prime is the first toy representation of Optimus Prime as he appears in the popular [[War Within]] comic book series. Constructed partially of die-cast metal, this three inch version cannot transform and has some articulation, limited to his shoulders, head and waist.

* '''Optimus Prime''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumRMG1Prime.jpg|left|thumb|90px|Drop and give me twenty, soldier!]]

: The first Titanium representation of G1 Optimus Prime has a well-proportioned sculpt based on his 20th Anniversary toy. Constructed partially of die-cast metal, this three inch version cannot transform and has some articulation, limited to his shoulders, head and waist.

* '''War Within Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
[[Image:TitaniumHeroes_WWPrime.jpg|right|thumb|150px|And then some squirrels quietly disappeared.]]

: The second War Within Optimus Prime toy in the Titanium series, but also the first official transforming toy from the War Within series. Personally designed by comic artist [[Don Figueroa]] (who created much of the War Within comic designs), Optimus Prime transforms into a cybertronic truck. He is armed with a silver painted photon rifle, on which the words 'DON' can be clearly seen sculpted into the body.

:He is partially constructed out of die-cast metal and plastic, but some design flaws lead to relatively weak plastic joints holding up heavy die-cast parts.

* '''Optimus Prime (Battle Damaged)''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)

: This is a repaint of the 3" G1 Optimus Prime titanium figurine, with a 'battle-damaged' deco.

===Classics===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager-class, 2006)
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|210px|Rub my symbol, Marissa. Oops, wrong toyline.]]

: Classics Optimus Prime is an all-new modern Optimus Prime design based upon the original Optimus Prime, as is the intention for the ''Classics'' toyline. He transforms into a modern cab-over style truck of made up model, dominated by a large aerofairing on his roof. He was not designed to pull a trailer, and subsequently does not come with one.

:In robot mode, he transforms similarly to Powermaster Optimus Prime and the recent [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Cybertron Optimus Prime]] in that the back of the truck forms the front of the robot mode's torso. His proportions are based heavily upon the cartoon and comic models of Optimus Prime. In this mode, his aerofairing transforms into a large photon rifle, and his smokestacks transform into a smaller blaster. Additionally, both can combine together to form a back-mounted shoulder weapon.

:As with most Classics toys, he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:This mold was repainted into Classics [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]].

* '''Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
[[Image:ClassicsPrime_Vs.jpg|left|thumb|They did me right, [[#20th_Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|once]].]] [[Image:ClassicOptimusVsVehivule.jpg|right|thumb|Not even a [[Guiltar]] wannabe.]]

: This Classics Optimus Prime is a smaller, deluxe-class toy bearing a greater resemblance to the original G1 toy. He is only available in a special Versus pack with a similarly unique Classics [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] toy. His vehicle mode and robot mode is based upon the original toy, but due to limitations in design, budget and gimmick, does not succeed very well. His thighs cannot collapse into his lower legs, meaning they are exposed in vehicle mode, as is his head. Although to be fair, you wouldn't really notice the leg thing if he had a trailer.

:He comes armed with a small machine gun that can be mounted on the back of his truck like a turret. Oh, and he can throw a wild punch with a push of the button on his back.

{{-}}

* '''Optimus Prime''' (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
[[Image:DVD_20thPrime.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Discounted at a Walmart near you.]]

: This is a redeco of the 2004 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, released to coincide with the 20th Anniversary of the original Transformers animated movie and DVD release. He is painted in flatter, non-metallic colours to more closely resemble the original cartoon model, as well as the Voyager-class Classics Optimus Prime figure. The color of the light of his feet has changed too. As a cost-cutting measure, all vacuum-metalized plastic has been replaced with with silver and gold paint. Confusingly, his photon rifle is now cast in blue plastic.

:He comes with all the accessories he was packed with in his previous release, but includes a display base that can say phrases and sound effects from the movie. However, original actor [[Peter Cullen]] was unavailable, forcing Hasbro to use an in-house voice that sounds nothing like Optimus Prime and a lot like Christopher Walken.

{{-}}

===Revoltech===
* Series No. 019 '''Convoy''' (2007)
:A non-transforming but ''highly'' articulate Optimus Prime action figure(ine), Revoltech Convoy uses the Revoltech "revolver joints" for maximum poseability. Prime comes with a Matrix and photon rifle accessories, as well as a few alternate hands. His sculpting is explicitly in the style of [[Pat Lee|Pat "serfdom" Lee]]'s interpretation of Prime, but due to physical constraints has no lack of perspective.

:This figure was (surprise, surprise) also redecoed into an [[Ultra Magnus]] variant.

{{-}}

===Transformers Music Label===
* '''Convoy iPod Docking Bay''' (2007)

==Merchandise==
===Metalforce===
* '''Convoy''' (2000)
: ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MFC-01'''
[[Image:MetalforceConvoy.jpg|left|thumb|180px|I'm expensive!]]

: ''Metalforce'' Convoy is a large vinyl figurine sculpted to very closely resemble Optimus Prime as he appeared in the original television series, and at the time was the most accurate product depiction of Optimus Prime's cartoon appearance.

:Articulated at the shoulders, head and waist, he is fully painted and pre-assembled, but true to his garage figure origins his photon rifle must be cut free using a hobby knife, then assembled. His clear blue chest window piece is removable to allow the installation of his [[Matrix of Leadership]], as is a [[The Transformers: The Movie (1986)|Movie]]-style Matrix cover (not pictured). He also comes with an alternate hand that allow him to hold his accessories, as well as unpainted and uncut duplicates of his Matrix, hands and helmet, for some reason...

:Metalforce Prime was available in both a matte-paint "anime" version that more precisely echoed the colours of the actual series, and a metallic-paint version (pictured), which is less [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] but more shiny. The plain-colours version was the first release, apparently. It also has an Autobot symbol tampograph on his shoulder as per [[Generation 1 (television series)|the cartoon]], while the metallic-finish version does not.
{{-}}

===Heroes of Cybertron===
The ''Heroes of Cybertron'' PVC figurine line is an adaptation by Hasbro of Takara's own ''Super Figure Collection'' line. The main differences between the two lines is that Hasbro cast Autobot and Decepticon figures in clear blue or clear red PVC respectively, then completely painted the figurines. This allowed the eyes to 'glow' when placed in front of the light source.

* '''Optimus Prime''' (2002)
[[Image:HOCPrime.jpg|right|thumb|80px|Hey Spike, pull my finger.]]

: This figurine of Optimus Prime is sculpted based upon his television appearances. He is armed with his black photon rifle and his articulation is limited to his shoulders and neck.

* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime Apex Armor''' (2002)
[[Image:Aaoptimus.jpg|left|thumb|80px|Don't tell anyone, but this crap is HEAVY!]]

: Actually a repaint of SFC God Ginrai, this figurine's sculpt is based upon Ginrai's television appearances in the series [[Masterforce]]. The figure is depicted as fully combined with both his trailer and Apex Bomber.

* '''Optimus Prime with Plasma Weapon''' (2002)
[[Image:HOCPrime_axe.jpg|right|thumb|90px|Energon Axe: Only used in one episode. Ever.]]

: The second third HOC Optimus Prime figure is a modification of the first - replacing his right hand/rifle with his energon axe, and replacing his left pointing hand with a closed fist.

* '''Powermaster Optimus Prime Spark Attack''' (2002)
[[Image:Pmoptimus.jpg|left|thumb|80px|IT BURNS, PRECIOUS!]]

: This figure was based upon the God Ginrai "Fire Guts" repaint.

{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (2007)===
*'''Optimash Prime''' (2007)

*'''Softimus Prime''' (2007)

: Softimus Prime is, as his name suggests, a plush G1 Optimus Prime toy. Obviously he has no problems with articulation and passes the drop test with flying colours. His main drawcard is the ability to 'Transform' into his Freightliner FL86 vehicle mode by turning the plush toy inside out. He is love.

{{-}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
*'''Optimus Prime Vs Ravage''' (2007)

: Packed with [[Ravage]], Optimus Prime is one of the first figures in the Transformers segment of the ''Heroes'' franchise. As with all ''Heroes'' figures, Optimus Prime is a simple, yet well-detailed two-inch tall figurine with exaggerated, cartoony proportions. He is sculpted holding his Ion Blaster rifle in his right fist and his left arm in a pointing pose. He is also love.

{{-}}

===''Gold Convoy Trophy''===

: A gold chrome [[Gold Convoy Trophy|trophy]] in the likeness of Optimus Prime was given as an award to an unknown number of distinguished [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] employees way back in the 1980s. If you're an Optimus Prime merchandise completist, good bloody luck finding this one.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[image:PrototypeTHB.jpg|100px|left|thumb|Not so Optimus Prime.]]

*The first prototype for Battle Convoy, the ''[[Diaclone]]'' originator of Optimus Prime, was vastly different from the final version, complete with an entirely different transformation and a car carrying trailer. The head lacked the faceplate.

*At [[BotCon 2005]], [[Hideaki Yoke]] revealed that Optimus Prime (or more accurately, ''Diaclone'' Battle Convoy) was not designed by a single person, but rather a team of [[Takara]] designers as the one who was originally assigned the job had fallen behind. It is said that a young [[Shoji Kawamori]] was also a member of this team at some point, who would design '''THS-02 Convoy''' over 20 years later. The patent for the toy, however, lists Hiroyuki Obara as the designer.

{{-}}

*The toy that would ultimately end up as the original Optimus Prime toy was originally released in August 1983 as No.17 Battle Convoy from Takara's Diaclone Car Robo toyline in Japan. In 1984, Joustra released their own version (still with ''Diaclone'' sticker on the trailer) as part of their Diaclone line in Europe, either simply called ''Truck'' (according to the pack-in catalog) or ''Diaclone'' (in the pack-in comic). It's possible that GiG also released a version called ''Camion Convoy'' as part of their Trasformer line in Italy, but to this day no packaged sample has surfaced.

===The many releases of Optimus Prime===
Over the years, the toy has been repackaged and reissued multiple times:
*In the USA and Canada, limited edition promotional versions were available sporting Pepsi stickers;
*In addition to the standard Japanese 01 Convoy release, Takara also released the toy as part of the VSX Convoy vs. Megatron two-pack in 1985;
*Takara released a variant sporting clear blue windows and as part of the ''Good Bye Convoy'' set (packaged with Alert/Red Alert and Ligier/Mirage) in 1986;
*French company Ceji Revell released a version with red feet in the UK in 1984;
*Milton Bradley (MB) released the toy in Europe in late 1985, following trademark issues;
*Hasbro re-released the toy in Europe in 1986, including another red feeted variant;
*GiG released the toy as ''Commander'' as part of their Transformers line in Italy in 1985, including an all-plastic variant in 1986;
*Hasbro reissued the original toy as part of their European ''Classic'' line of reissues in 1991;
*Hasbro released a redecoed version with additional accessories as part of their ''Generation 2'' line in 1993;
*Takara reissued the original toy in its original 1985 Japanese packaging in 2000, with an all-black recolor being available from assorted Japanese conventions and another variant with gold chromed parts as a lucky draw prize;
*Takara reissued the toy again as ''New Year Special'' version in January 2002, sporting clear blue windows (similar to Good Bye Convoy) and featuring additional such as a Matrix necklage and a cartoon accurate recolor of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure;
*Hasbro reissued the toy in the USA and the UK as part of their ''Commemorative Series'' line of reissues in 2002, sporting shortened down smokestacks for safety reasons;
*Takara reissued the toy once again in 2003, as part of their ''Transformers Collection'' line of reissues, numbered 00 and featuring additional accessories such as an energon axe;
*Takara released a recolored version featuring a new trailer in December 2005, called ''[[Pepsi Convoy]]''.
*Takara is scheduled to release [http://seibertron.com/advertisement.php?id=8 "Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers"] in July 2007. It is an iPod speaker/dock in the shape of a truck, featuring an all-white version of Convoy with a remolded head reminiscent of Masterpiece Convoy as the cab, and a trailer housing a pair of speakers and a docking point for an iPod.

===Powermaster Optimus Prime===
[[Powermaster]] Optimus Prime, being the grand toy rebirth of Optimus Prime post-movie, apparently received a lot of thought during the design process. Prime went through an inordinate number of design changes from concept to final with at least three very major revisions:

[[image:EarlyPMPrime1.jpg|100px|right|thumb|Overcompensating.]]
*The earliest version, as shown in the first patent application for the toy, was to have the Prime cab be a triplechanger, turning from truck cab to jet or robot<ref>Patent #JP63-132686</ref>. The nosecone of the jet and robot legs were released by the Powermaster lock in the same fashion as the legs in the final version. Optimus would have had winged arms in non-super robot mode. The super robot mode's head was also integrated into the trailer's hitch... and lacked a faceplate.

[[image:EarlyPMPrime2.jpg|100px|left|thumb|Blockhead.]]
*The second known version <ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p22, p106</ref> ditched the triplechanging gimmick on the cab and simplified things a good bit. Interestingly, this design was used for the animation model for the commercials. The animation model was apparently also used by Marvel, as Powermaster Prime has several distinct characteristics only seen in the second design, such as the wider "block head" and two faux smokestacks on top of either shoulder as opposed to one. Also, in a rather odd twist, this design features a black head and fists for both super and regular modes rather than the traditional blue. It also had yellow eyes in either mode a la the original Optimus Prime.

{{-}}

*The third version <ref>[[Transformers Generations Deluxe]], p106</ref> would quite possibly have been the most gimmick loaded Transformer in the history of the line, simultaneously being a Powermaster, [[Headmaster]], and triple changer. The Headmaster also would have been a triplechanger, turning into a sort of armored four-wheeled rover (Roller II?) and robot as well as a rather silly looking Optimus Prime head with four vertically aligned wheels jutting off the sides. It seems that when the extra Headmaster gimmick was scrapped, the super mode head remained separate rather than being reintegrated into the trailer hitch such as on the earliest design. Notably, the body of this design is extremely close to the final design.

*A fourth version is shown in the 1987-88 Transformers product catalog that has several minor differences from both Powermaster Prime and [[Ginrai|God Ginrai]], such as having God Ginrai's sliding fists but in red, a completely different trailer hitch assembly partially based on the third design, an offset Autobot symbol in base mode, extended feet also based on third design, far more detailed super mode outer leg panels, completely different front bumper, and the first instance of single faux shoulder smokestacks rather than two. It is still unknown as to why Powermaster Prime has completely different arms from God Ginrai or all earlier concept versions.

'''Minor note:''' Powermaster Prime's animation model as used in the commercials and as a character guide for the Marvel comics is a composite of the second and third designs. The body of the model is actually a straight tracing of the concept lineart for the third version (including its different rifles and twin faux shoulder stacks), with a slightly simplified drawing of the second version's head drawn on top.

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Optimus+Prime ToyBin Optimus Prime Toy gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime on TFU.info]

== Footnotes ==
<references />

[[Category: Action Masters]]
[[Category: Alternators]]
[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Autobot leaders]]
[[Category: Battlestars characters]]
[[Category: Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category: Classics characters]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Convention exclusives]]
[[Category: E-Hobby]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category: Go-Bots]]
[[Category: Kiss Players]]
[[Category: Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category: Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category: Powermasters]]
[[Category: Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]
[[Category: Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category: Unreleased 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>

Talk:Super deformed

2007-05-13T05:54:53Z

72.228.85.3:

Huh, I didn't know about "Superdeformers" being closed due to threat of legal action... anyone have more information? --[[User:72.228.85.3|72.228.85.3]] 04:13, 13 May 2007 (UTC)

: Wait, what? Superdeformers was in OFFICIAL HASBRO MATERIALS, for chrissakes. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 05:00, 13 May 2007 (UTC)
::[http://transformers.wikia.com/index.php?title=Super_deformed&diff=63741&oldid=62098] . The site seems to be down, but that's probably bandwith or server expenses getting in the way rather than "legal action" -- should have trusted my instinct that it wasn't true.--[[User:72.228.85.3|72.228.85.3]] 05:54, 13 May 2007 (UTC)<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>

Talk:Super deformed

2007-05-13T04:13:50Z

72.228.85.3: New page: Huh, I didn't know about "Superdeformers" being closed due to threat of legal action... anyone have more information? --~~~~

Huh, I didn't know about "Superdeformers" being closed due to threat of legal action... anyone have more information? --[[User:72.228.85.3|72.228.85.3]] 04:13, 13 May 2007 (UTC)<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>