{{disambig3|Jazz}}

:''Jazz is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|Movie]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:MovieJazz_promorender.jpg|right|thumb|350px|"Slide with me. Just bounce with me. Now freeze!"]]

First Lieutenant '''Jazz''' is one happy-go-lucky Autobot. Good-natured and always able to take things in stride, he provides a decent contrast to the more serious demeanor of [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] or [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Prime]] himself. He's also a talker, something Ironhide and Prime like to tease him about. He might be the smallest Autobot but he's by no means a coward. His only real complaint is that he always gets stuck fighting [[Frenzy (Movie)|the small ones]].

==Fiction==
===Ghosts Of Yesterday===
Onboard the Ark, Jazz was the first to detect the ''[[Ghost 1]]'s'' presence, and was later badly damaged in a fight with the Decepticons. After being repaired, he and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] fought together against [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]].

===Titan Magazines===

Jazz likes "to keep his bodywork ''buff''" by externalizing his [[Spark]] Core forcefield - in the past, that led to him almost being killed when [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] almost tore out his unprotected Spark. He only survived thanks to fellow Autobot [[Clocker (Movie)|Clocker]], who was killed covering his retreat. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 6}}

When the [[All Spark]] was launched, Jazz, [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] attempted to distract Megatron from pursuing it. They ended up attacked by [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]] and warped across space by a fold-space weapon. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2}}

[[Image:JazzTitan06.JPG|thumb|left|250px|"I HAVE SEEN THE [[Primus|LORD]]!"]]

Jazz ended up on a planet that he dubbed "the Information Highway" - a constantly-morphing world with "the accumulated knowledge of countless alien cultures, condensed into some kind of sensory precipitation". He loved this world and the constant new experiences so much that he deliberately ignored Ratchet's homing beacon, wanting to stay here forever. However, the planet was alive and predatory, and ended up absorbing him into it - he fired off a warning buoy to stop others arriving, and only this led to Ratchet & Ironhide finding where he was and rescuing him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 6}}

He doesn't like the war and, as the Information Highway incident shows, has no qualms about deserting if given the opportunity.

===Transformers The Game (console)===
:''Voice actor'': [[Andrew Kishino]]

====Autobot campaign====
Jazz arrived on Earth as part of Optimus Prime's unit, summoned to Earth by Bumblebee. After taking on the form of a Pontiac Solstice, he met up with the other Autobots. His first mission was to distract Sector Seven and law enforcement units, which he did, buying his fellow Autobots time to escape. Jazz was then surrounded by Sector Seven SUVs and Decepticon drones numerous times, requiring Ironhide's help to escape.

He would then make his way to [[Mission City]], where he engaged [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and two [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] drones. Jazz defeated all four of them, but as he celebrated his great victory, [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] appeared behind him and punctured Jazz's chest with his claw, extinguishing his [[spark]]. [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] arrived just in time to witness the killing, swore he'd make Brawl's death slow, and fought through a horde of Decepticon units to destroy him.
:''('''NOTE''': Press left, up, down(2), left, up, right, at the New game menu. The screen will flash to confirm the code was entered correctly. Go to the bonus features, then the Generation 1 option to use a G1-homage deco on Jazz. This does not change his appearance in the Decepticon campaign, however.)

====Decepticon campaign====
Jazz arrived in Mission City with Sam and Mikaela (taking the role of the destroyed Bumblebee), where he was confronted by [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. After a brief chase through the city, Jazz engaged Barricade in battle, where he was defeated with ease.

===''Transformers: Autobots''===

Jazz's first appearance is with the other Autobots, meeting in an old junk yard. Setting out into the city, he retrieves a number of Sector Seven vehicles before running into [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]; after a tedious battle, Blackout runs. Returning to the group, Jazz reports his findings, and is promptly forgotten about until he's unlocked as a playable character.

===''Transformers: Decepticons''===

Much like in the movie, Jazz's big scene in ''Decepticons'' is his battle with Megatron. At the Hoover Dam, Jazz has set up several automated turrets and Autobot drones around the lower perimeter of the Dam, preventing Megatron from escaping. However, this line of defense only works for so long, since the turrets only fire at air-borne objects. Finally getting up the side of the Dam, Jazz steps in Megatron's path, doing little more than trash talking before Megatron jumps into battle. After a roughly equal fight, Jazz finally falls. Megatron then finishes him off and desicrates his corpse.

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Darius McCrary]] (English), [[Taitem Kusunoki]] (Japanese), [[Torsten Michaelis]] (German)

[[Image:Movie_Jazz_protoformcrash.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Looks like those homers Ruth hit finally came back from orbit. IT'S BACKA HERE!!!!!]]

Jazz was part of Optimus Prime's unit, summoned to Earth by [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] after the latter Autobot came to be in the possession of [[Samuel James Witwicky|Sam Witwicky]]. After his [[protoform]] crashed through a baseball stadium, he investigated a nearby car dealership and chose a Pontiac Solstice hardtop as his vehicle mode.

[[Image:Jazz movie ally.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Sadly, the other car's owner only had liability.]]
Linking up with his fellow Autobots in a deserted alley, Jazz greeted Sam and [[Mikaela Banes]] as "little bitches," stating that Earth seems to be a cool place to hang out. He casually sat on the hood of another car while Optimus Prime explained to Sam they learnt Earth's languages through the internet. He then relayed their mission to find the [[All Spark]] and explained how his [[Archibald Amundsen Witwicky|grandfather's]] glasses were the key to its location.

Soon after, as Sam looked for his grandfather's glasses, the Autobots attempted to assist by clumsily destroying the yard where they went. When it came to hide from [[Ronald Witwicky|the]] [[Judy Witwicky|parents]], Jazz had the easiest time blending into the shadows due to his small stature.

When Sam and Mikaela were captured by [[Sector Seven]], the Autobots mounted a rescue that saw Optimus Prime tearing the roof off [[Reggie Simmons|Agent Simmons']] vehicle. When the agents attempted to resist, Jazz used a magnet to relieve the humans of their weapons. After Bumblebee was captured by Sector Seven during the retreat, Jazz expressed his desire to rescue him, but was overruled by Optimus Prime, who didn't believe it possible to accomplish this without harming the humans, and so they should let them go.

The next day, after Optimus used his navigation scanner on Archibald Witwicky's glasses, Jazz again commented that they could not leave Bumblebee to die at the hands of Sector Seven, to become a human experiment. Optimus replied that Bumblebee would die in vain if they did not find the All Spark, and when Ironhide asked if the primitive and cruel humans deserved to be saved, Optimus countered by asking if Transformers were so different in the past. Going on to explain what he saw in the humans, Prime declared that if it came to it, he would sacrifice himself to destroy the All Spark - the humans should not pay for Cybertron's mistakes. Inspired by his words, Jazz and the other Autobots rolled out, filled with determination.

On the way to [[Hoover Dam]], the Autobots encountered Bumblebee leading a column of Sector Seven assault vehicles. Jazz and his fellow Autobots applied brakes and did a hard u-turn to join the formation.

[[Image:Movie Jazz on Brawl.JPG|thumb|200px|left|"Come on, Decepticon punk!"<br>"MY MISSLE LAUNCHER! That's like a reproductive organ to me!"]]
Entering [[Mission City]], the [[William Lennox|human]] [[Robert Epps|soldiers]] tried to call for air support from their own forces, only to be attacked by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] disguised as a human F-22 fighter. Jazz, oddly, sat in vehicle mode after the explosion which crippled Bumblebee, destroying his legs. When [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]] began shelling the battle site, Jazz lead the Autobot charge toward the Decepticon, speeding to the tank in vehicle mode, then transformed and hopped on top of the turret to distract the Decepticon from the humans. As Devastator also transformed, Jazz managed to wreck his left-side rocket launcher pod before being tossed off. He then sped back to the battle, firing at Devastator, while [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] sliced of Devastator's left arm.

[[Image:Don't kick the baby.JPG|right|thumb|250px|"Don't kick the baby!"]]
Jazz then attacked [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] when he appeared on the scene in order to cover the escape of several fleeing humans, but all he got for his trouble was being blasted by the Decepticon's fusion cannon. As Ironhide and Ratchet escorted Sam and the All Spark to safety, Jazz attempted to buy them some time by taking on Megatron by himself but was completely overmatched. The Decepticon leader tossed him through the air, then landed upon him with the crushing grip of his talons. Valiantly, Jazz fought on to the bitter end as Megatron tore him in two, throwing his pieces to the ground before attacking Optimus Prime.

[[Image:Movie_Prime_Jazz_Ironhide_Ratchet_battleaftermath.jpg|thumb|left|200px|"We lost a great comrade today. We'll miss you, Blues."<br> "His name was ''Jazz'', Prime."<br> "Whatever."]]

After being separated from Sam Witwicky, Ratchet hurried to Jazz, but his [[spark]] had already faded. In the aftermath of Megatron's defeat, Ironhide somberly handed Optimus Prime Jazz's remains as Ratchet reported that he could not save their comrade. The Autobot leader somewhat half-heartedly eulogized him, and quickly moved on. {{Storylink|Transformers (2007)}}

{{-}}

{{note|Despite his quite unambiguous death in the film, the packaging for the Target-exclusive Jazz redeco (below) claims he survived and was repaired by Ratchet, choosing new colors because the silver "scratched too easily." [[Michael Bay]] disagrees with this, stating emphatically, "Jazz is dead." The bio on the redeco is thus from a [[micro-continuity]].}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Legends Class toys====

*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Legends Class, 2007)
:''Japanese name:'' '''EZ Collection Jazz'''
[[Image:Movie_Legends_Jazz_toy.jpg|right|thumb|180px|WhY My buMPeRs hUrT?]]

: A much smaller version of the character, Legends Jazz features limited articulation and detail, along with a much simpler transformation. A rather glaring side-effect of this simplicity, in a desire to mimic the hood chest of the larger toy, is the addition of a second front bumper on the roof of his alt-mode. Whether this means Jazz also includes a second engine to go with this front bumper or an attempt at compensation for a case of [[Barricade (Movie)|police car envy]] is unknown. Ironically, the smallest version of Jazz is the biggest Legends toy in the movie line. Even bigger than Optimus. This may make up for the Arcee toy being taller than his Deluxe figure.

{{-}}

*'''Optimus Prime bonus pack''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

:A Costco exclusive special pack of Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] with Legends Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and Autobot Jazz as bonus figures. None of the three toys is changed from their respective original releases.

{{-}}

*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (Toys'R'Us exclusive Legends multi-pack, 2007)

[[Image:Movie_Allspark_Legends_pack.jpg|thumb|left|120px|Why's the man always putting me down?]]

: A Toys "R" Us exclusive, this six-pack of Legends class figures contains unmodified toys of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], Jazz, [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]].

{{-}}

*'''Autobot Jazz vs. Bonecrusher''' (Legends "Allspark Battles" two-pack, 2008)

[[Image:Movie_Legends_JazzBonecrusher_toys.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Bonecrusher tried to make Jazz smaller by slamming his head in.]]

: As part of the ''AllSpark Battles'' refresh of the ''Movie'' toyline, Legends class Jazz with slightly different deco with more paint for his robot mode chest... but less paint for the vehicle mode hood while the vehicle mode windows are now blue, painted on all sides. He is packed in a versus two-pack with an all-new Legends class figure of [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]].

{{-}}

*'''Battle Jazz vs. Ice Megatron''' (Legends "Allspark Battles" two-pack, 2008)

[[Image:Movie_Legends_JazzIceMegatron_toys.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Megatron's going to have a tough time tearing ''that'' in half.]]

:Once again Legends class Jazz is redecoed, this time in a battle-damaged deco based upon his appearance during the battle in Mission City...... just about 4x bigger. Amusingly, like the Deluxe class Final Battle Jazz toy, the "battle damage" can only be seen in robot mode. He comes packed with a redecoed Legends class Megatron toy colored with blue accents.

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====

*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
:''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-04'''
[[Image:Jazzmovietoydeluxe.jpg|right|thumb|200px|"''Just wait. They'll do me in G1 colors soon...''"]]

:Jazz transforms into a silver [[wikipedia:Pontiac_Solstice|Pontiac Solstice]] Custom Hardtop. Included is a blaster weapon that elongates into a sniper rifle, which may also be clipped directly onto his rear spoiler when in vehicle mode. In robot mode, the section featuring this same rear spoiler may be kept folded onto his back or worn on either shoulder as a shield. An interesting undocumented feature is a hinge joint located on the bottom of the rifle can attach to the ''shield's'' hinge joint, creating three choice weapon configurations: ''(a)'' a mounted long range sniper rifle, ''(b)'' an ambidextrous shoulder-mounted cannon, or ''(c)'' a short range blaster with built-in shield somewhat akin to what has been seen in Jazz's concept art and in the movie itself.

: As with most of the mainline toys, he features a [[Automorph]]ing gimmick that is activated by pushing the car roof down onto his back and locking it into place. This raises his head and slides his chest panels into proper position for the robot mode. This feature, like the weaponry mentioned above, is not documented at all, so one must be careful to not press the chest ''and'' the back at the same time.

{{-}}

*'''Deluxe three-pack''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

:This Costco exclusive three-pack contains an unchanged Deluxe Class Autobot Jazz together with equally unchanged Deluxe Class [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]] toys. It also comes with a niftly poster depicting all three toys in a standoff scene.

{{-}}

*'''Deluxe three-pack''' (multi-pack, UK 2007)

:This three-pack, which was available at general retail in the United Kingdom, contains an unchanged Deluxe Class Autobot Jazz together with equally unchanged Deluxe Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Protoform Optimus Prime]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]] toys.

{{-}}

*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Target Exclusive Deluxe, 2007)
[[Image:Movie_G1Jazz_toy.jpg|left|thumb|220px''|"...''real'' soon.''"]]

: An extensive [[redeco]] of Deluxe class Jazz, this Target-[[exclusive]] is heavily based on ''[[Generation 1]]'' [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz's]] Martini Racing scheme. He's lacking in Martini sponsorship for all the obvious reasons, replacing them with his own name. Disco Jazz doesn't need to advertise really, but he does.

: This figure also features a minor retool of the joint in the forearm. On the initial, mass retail release of Deluxe Jazz, the black hinge-joint was able to slide over slightly as part of the original design. The new version features a shorter joint, which makes it a lot less floppy in robot mode.

{{-}}

*'''Final Battle Jazz''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
:''Japanese ID number:'' '''MA-14'''
[[Image:Movie_FinalBattleJazz_toy.jpg|thumb|right|251px|No [[Jazz (G1)|Cool colors]] in Movie 2? Aww.]]

: An extensive retool of Jazz, modifying his head and most of his legs to give them a broken, battle-scarred appearance. Amusingly, because Hasbro chose to keep his vehicle mode pristine, the rest of his body is undamaged. All the damaged parts have a black and blue deco, representing glowing circuitry and exposed conduits.

: Jazz comes with a brand new spring-loaded weapon (called a ''Crescent Cannon'' on the packaging), partially modeled after the actual weapon Jazz appears with in the film. It can fire a transparent blue projectile and, not unlike his original featured weapon, can be mounted in different configurations: ''(a)'' Mounted on his ''right'' arm with the Crescent Cannon missle launcher (with the crescent up) facing forward a la the film, or ''(b)'' mounted on his ''left'' arm with the flip-out rifle barrel pointed forwards (with the crescent down). The cannon can actually be rotated on the connecting peg, allowing the gun to be mounted in either configuration on either arm.

: Unusual for a regular Deluxe class figure, this version of Jazz is packaged on his card in robot mode, no doubt to highlight the changes to the figure that would not be visible in the vehicle mode.

: In addition to the retooled forearm joint also found on the Target exclusive "G1 color" Jazz, a running change variant of Final Battle Jazz adds another peg to the Crescent Cannon, thus allowing Jazz to use the weapon in all the different configurations on either arm.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40291 Original Allspark thread about the running change mold variant for Final Battle Jazz's Crescent Cannon]</ref>

: In spite of the claim that this is a "final battle" version of Jazz, his torso does not separate easily from his legs.

{{-}}

*'''All Spark-Enhanced Autobot Jazz''' (Target Exclusive Deluxe, 2007)

: This Target exclusive features the Deluxe Class Jazz in unique cylindrical packaging, with the only difference from his standard release being that key robot mode parts are highlighted by the slavish 'All Spark Blue' color for no other reason than [[to sell toys]].

{{-}}

*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Deluxe Class "Premium Series", 2008)

: This more movie-accurate version of Jazz sports a shinier coat of silver paint, along with added paint application detail to his robot mode parts.

{{comingsoontoy}}

====Fast Action Battlers====

*'''Ion Blast Autobot Jazz''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)
[[Image:Movie_FAB_Jazz.jpg|left|thumb|What good am I again?]]

:Though larger than the standard Deluxe class Jazz, Fast Action Battlers 'Ion Blast' Jazz is a simplified toy with comparatively few parts and detailing. In vehicle mode he's kind of a squat and cutified Pontiac Solstice while in robot mode he bears greater resemblance to ''Generation 1'' depictions of Jazz due to the simple transformation sequence. Amusingly, FAB Jazz's head is mounted on a piece of plastic extending from the roof/windshield piece, just like the ''Generation 1'' toy. His articulation is limited to his shoulders, hips and knees, and has a missile launcher in place of his left hand.

: This toy was later redecoed into [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Sonic Shock Smokescreen]].

{{-}}

====Cyber Slammers====

*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Cyber Slammers, 2007)

[[Image:Movie_Jazz_CyberSlammer.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Silver scratches too easy, ask Jazz.]]

: Cyber Slammers Jazz is an amazingly cute Pontiac Solstic that transforms into an amazingly cute Autobot hipster. 'Slam' his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along, slowly transforming back up into robot mode. Like most Cyber Slammers, Jazz manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode.

{{-}}

====Robot Replicas====

*'''Autobot Jazz''' (Robot Replica, 2007)
[[Image:Movie_RobotReplicas_Jazz.jpg|left|thumb|120px|My hand picks up XM.]]

:As part of the [[Robot Replicas]] line, this version of Jazz is a non-transforming action figure that utilizes [[Revoltech]]-style jointing. The sculpt hews much closer to the movie CGI model than is possible with the full transforming toys, plus the universal jointing of the line allows for his forearm to be replaced with his gattling cannon, or parts from other Robot Replica figures. Jazz's shoulders are actually on the wrong sides of the toy.

{{-}}

====Titanium Series====
*'''Autobot Jazz''' (3" Robot Masters, 2007)

[[Image:Movie_TitaniumRM_Jazz.jpg|thumb|right|140px|"Are you looking at me?"]]

:''Titanium'' Jazz is a die-cast metal and plastic figurine, with an accurate sculpt based on the slender CG model owing to the fact he doesn't need to transform. Being a figurine, he only has articulation in his shoulders, neck and waist. Jazz is sculpted with a small handgun that was only featured in concept art early in film developement that still showed Arcee as part of the main cast. Jazz comes with a Movie-style Autobot symbol display stand, as is expected.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Autobot Jazz vs. Decepticon Frenzy''' (2007)
*'''Protoform Jazz vs. Decepticon Brawl''' (2007)
[[Image:Rhjazzbrawl.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Yeah, um, that sure is Jazz.]]
{{-}}

==Trivia==
[[Image:Movie_Jazz_armswordconcept.jpg|thumb|Cool melee weapon in the game, ''totally'' non-existent in the movie.]]

* The packaging text for the Deluxe Jazz figure refers to his weapon as a "telescoping sword". As ridiculous as this sounds considering this weapon ''looks'' like a firearm and can attach to his spoiler in vehicle mode as such, this very idea actually comes from concept drawings of a sword weapon featured on the same concept art that also had Jazz showcasing the short range blaster/shield thingy both featured in the film and included with his Final Battle retool. So, ''really''... not that ridiculous anymore.

* In an earlier draft of the movie script, [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] was supposed to "consume" the Sparks of Autobots he killed. A remainder of this can be found in the novelization and the IDW comic adaption of the movie, which both excplicitly state that Megatron tears out Jazz's Spark. In the movie itself, however, Megatron simply appears to kill Jazz by ripping him apart at the waist, even though [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] was previously able to survive as a detached head. However, a recent rejiggering of Frenzy's biology makes this a moot point.

* Though it is very brief, Jazz does indeed get a face close-up during the Mission City battle when he is shot by Megatron and falls over in pain, before he is ripped in half.

{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Legends of Cybertron]]
[[Category: Movie characters]]
[[Category: Robot Heroes]]
[[Category: Titanium Series]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Spider-Man

2008-04-11T21:35:46Z

72.94.158.36: /* Crossovers */

:''Spider-Man is a [[human]] character in the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Spider-man.jpg|thumb|250px|Someday we may learn more about this mysterious Spider-Man.]]
'''Peter Parker''' is a photographer for a newspaper named ''The New York Daily Bugle'' under Editor-in-Chief [[Joe Robertson]]. Parker is ''also'' the friendly costumed hero '''Spider-Man'''. Sometimes he has a black costume, which he can control with his mind, and can shapeshift into normal clothes. Spider-Man can fire thread-like projectiles from his wrists, which can be used to spin a web of practically any size, or to catch thieves and other assorted rogues just like [[Earth]] insect pests. If you are inquiring as to whether or not he possesses superhuman strength, you would be advised to pay close attention, my friend, when we tell you that this is indeed the case, as a result of his bodily fluid being radioactive in nature.

He's kind of a smartass.

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

In 1984, while covering the news of the new [[Decepticon]] fortress in Oregon, Peter Parker/Spider-Man intercepted [[Gears]], who had been sent on a scouting mission, and attacked, thinking Gears was one of the invaders. When [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] threw a tank at a gaggle of unwary reporters, Gears saved them, convincing Spider-Man he was good.

Spider-Man teamed up with the [[Autobot]]s to help rescue [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] from the [[Decepticon]]s. Spider-Man noted that he has had many adventures in his long history as a superhero. [[Optimus_Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] replied that he is sure tales of his exploits would be interesting... they could possibly even be described as ''amazing''.

Spidey managed to get the Autobots past the army with a little subterfuge, which lasted about ten seconds. While the Autobots dealt with both the human army ''and'' some invading Decepticons, he and Gears made their way into the base. After dispatching the cassettes and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], the pair found Sparkplug, and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]! He used his webbing to completely mummify [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], but it didn't hold for very long. Megatron blasted a hole in the floor of their base, so Gears, and Sparkplug would plummet to their deaths. Webbing saved Spider and Spark, but couldn't hold Gears' weight.

Spider-Man was aghast that the Autobots would treat their comrade's apparent death so nonchalantly. He followed the Autobots back to the [[Ark]], and Prime failed to explain in any adequate sense how Gears was neither dead nor alive right then. But Spider-Man couldn't stick around, so he left. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

''Megatron referenced Spider-Man's involvement just before reprimanding Starscream for challenging his authority.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

Wonder what happened to him.

===Animation continuity===

[[Image:TheAutobotRun-Spideyshirt.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Kid, move your hand. We're more interested in Spider-Man, not you.]]

In 1985, Spider-Man had become an iconic figure wearing a different costume, featuring a red mask with a black spiderweb pattern. T-shirts were made of his likeness! {{Storylink|The Autobot Run}}

===''The Avengers/The Transformers''===

He's still wearing that costume, but the eyes are white!

==Toys==
===Crossovers===
*'''Spider-Man''' (Marvel, 2008)
He kinda looks like arcee...... with a spiderman head.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==External links==
*[[Wikipedia:Spider-Man|Spider-Man information at Wikipedia]]

{{charstub}}
[[Category: Attacktix]]
[[Category: Crossovers characters]]
[[Category: Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Humans]]
[[Category: Marvel properties]]
[[Category: Superheroes]]<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: Alternators

2008-03-19T16:01:11Z

72.94.158.36: /* Alternators */

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

==Car licenses and character selection==
[[Image:BTSmokescreenRakuten.jpg|left|thumb|150px|This photo resulted in collective drooling.]]

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

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

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

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==Alternators==
[[Image:MazdaRX-8.jpg|right|thumb|170px|Who is the Mazda RX-8 Transformer? Who? WHO?]]

In the USA, the '''''Alternators''''' line was launched in December 2003, with the toys being made entirely out of plastic (with the exception of the rubber tires). The first wave consisted ''only'' of Smokescreen, who shipped in a case all by himself. The second wave mixed Smokescreen and Side Swipe in a 50:50 ratio, with new toys being introduced in the following waves (but Smokescreen choked shelves like crazy). Over the time of its original run, the ''Alternators'' line was particularly notorious for including toys that were extremely hard to find due to only shipping in one or two waves (Meister, Tracks, Decepticharge, Swerve), whereas others shipped for multiple waves, despite already been [[shelfwarmer]]s (Swindle, in particular).

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

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

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

The future of the ''Alternators'' line is highly questionable right now, and not very bright. At [[BotCon 2006]], Hasbro staffers said the line was going on "hiatus" during the [[Movie_(toyline)|2007 movie toyline's]] run (which also happens to include licensed representations of real-world vehicles) takes the spotlight. The upcoming second ''[[Universe (2008)|Universe]]'' line --revealed at [[BotCon 2007]]-- is said to fill the gap for "realistic vehicles" during the run of ''[[Transformers Animated]]'', primarily by having unlicensed approximations of vehicles in the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' style (and possibly even Movie style as well).

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

At Toy fair in New York in 2008 Hasbro stated that they might bring the Alternators line back.

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==Binaltech==
[[Image:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|left|thumb|180px|Hasbro vs. Takara - can you guess which one is which?]]

In Japan, the line was known as '''''Binaltech''''', with the primary difference being that ''Binaltech'' figures are more "collector"-oriented, featuring fully-painted car bodies and die-cast metal parts, in comparison to ''Alternators''' color-molded plastic construction. In return, a ''Binaltech'' toy also costs twice or thrice as much as a standard ''Alternators'' figure. Additionally, various ''Binaltech'' figures have same-character variants, usually released concurrently in a 50:50 ratio per case (as Japanese toys usually ship in solid cases), that Hasbro did not release (though there are numerous redecoes and remolds in ''Alternators'' that never saw release in ''Binaltech'').

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

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

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

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==Fiction==
''Binaltech'' has its own storyline written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], though it is only told in small text chunks within each toy's instruction booklet (or, in the case of the exclusives from 2007, on the toys' packaging itself). Taking place during the 'lost years' between the [[Generation 1]] cartoon's second season and [[The Transformers: The Movie]], the story heralds the return of the [[Cosmic Rust]] virus unleashed by the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] on the [[Autobot|Autobots]], forcing them to team up with various name-brand car companies to create new bodies for the infected, which would be immune to the plague. Following the rebuilt Autobots' counter-offensive, an evil conspiracy group named the "[[Concurrence]]", consisting both of human villains from season 2 of the original ''Transformers'' cartoon and obscure villains from ''[[G.I. Joe]]'' spin-offs from the 1990s, hijacks several bodies originally intended for Autobots that fell victim to the Cosmic Rust and uses them as new bodies for damaged Decepticons instead. Another plot of the story involves [[Ravage|Ravage's]] ''Beast Wars'' incarnation returning in another attempt to change history, and the Autobots' attempts to stop him and reverse the damage, ultimately resulting in a timeline-branch. The story ends with Rijie (Mirage) pulling the lever that instantly freezes all Transformers (originally introduced in [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]), which mostly affects the Decepticons due to a recent Binaltech-related upgrade employed by most Autobots. As the Autobots seemingly win the war, only [[Shockwave (G1)|Laserwave]] (Shockwave) and [[Nemesis Prime (Alternators)|Black Convoy]] (Nemesis Prime) remain active, with the latter being revealed to be an avatar of [[Unicron]].

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

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

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

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==Toys==
===Alternators===
{{note|Although most ''Alternators'' ''did'' come out in waves, the number of actually new toys was limited to two or three per season; as a result, they'll simply be listed in order of release without differentiation as to when that release happened.}}

*01. [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003)
*02. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (Dodge Viper SRT-10)
*03. [[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]] (Jeep Wrangler Sport)
*04. [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*05. [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*06. [[Tracks|Autobot Tracks]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
*07. [[Jazz|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8)
*08. [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*09. [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (Ford Mustang GT)
*10. [[Ravage|Battle Ravage]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*11. [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (Honda S2000)
*12. [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockblast]] (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*13. [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (2005 Ford Mustang Street Tuning)
*14. [[Decepticharge]] (Mugen Honda S2000)
*15. [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (Chevrolet Corvette Z06)
*16. [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (Acura RSX)
*17. [[Skids (G1)|Autobot Skids]] (Scion xB)
*18. [[Sunstreaker]] (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*19. [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*20. [[Ricochet (G1) (Autobot)|Ricochet]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*21. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10)
*22. [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (Ford GT)
*23. [[Camshaft (G1)|Autobot Camshaft]] (Acura RSX)
*24. [[Nemesis Prime (Alternators)|Nemesis Prime]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10, Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive)
*25. [[Rumble]] (Honda Civic Si, Wal*Mart exclusive)
*26. [[Ravage]] (Jaguar XK, Wal*Mart exclusive)
*27. [[Hot Rod|Rodimus]] (Ford GT, Hasbro Toy Shop/San Diego Comic-Con exclusive)

{{note|The mass retail Alternators line was officially released in two subsequent assortments. The first one ran from Smokescreen to Prowl, whereas the second one ran from Prowl (who was carried over from the first assortment) to Autobot Camshaft, including re-releases of Autobot Tracks and Meister. Rumble and Ravage were available in a Wal*Mart exclusive assortment of their own, whereas Nemesis Prime and Rodimus weren't part of ''any'' assortment as such.}}

===Binaltech===
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #7 version)
*BT-01. Smokescreen (Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 #8 version)
*BT-02. [[Sideswipe (G1)|Lambor]] (Dodge Viper SRT-10)
*BT-03. [[Bluestreak|Streak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-04. [[Hound]] (Jeep Wrangler Sport)
*BT-05. Dead End (Dodge Viper Competition Coupe)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 yellow version)
*BT-06. Tracks (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 blue version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #1 version)
*BT-07. Smokescreen GT (Subaru Impreza WRC 2004 #2 version)
*BT-08. [[Jazz|Meister]] (Mazda RX-8 white version)
*BT-08. Meister "Velocity Red Mica Edition" (Mazda RX-8 red version, aka [[Zoom-Zoom]])
*BT-09. Swindle (Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom)
*BT-10. Grimlock (Ford Mustang GT)
*BT-11. Ravage (Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible)
*BT-12. [[Overdrive]] (Honda S2000)
*BT-13. [[Shockwave (G1)|Laserwave]] (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)
*BT-14. Wheeljack (2005 Ford Mustang Street Tuning)
*BT-15. Prowl "Patrol Type" (Honda Integra Type-R police version)
*BT-15. Prowl "Vivid Blue Pearl Edition" (Honda Integra Type-R blue version)
*BT-16. Skids (Toyota bB)
*BT-17. [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Black Convoy]] (Dodge Ram SRT-10, Wonder Festival 2007 Winter exclusive)
*BT-18. [[Mirage (G1)|Rijie]] "Electro Disrupter Mode" (Ford GT, e-Hobby exclusive clear version)
*BT-19. [[Bluestreak]] (Subaru Impreza WRX)
*BT-20. Meister (Mazda RX-8 Mazdaspeed Version II)

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

{{-}}

==Trivia==
===Pre-release development===

[[Image:PorscheMiniSubaru.jpg|right|thumb|200px|You'll never ever find us in stores.]]It's not certain what exactly originally led Hasbro and Takara to the concept of a line of Transformers based on licensed vehicles. An interview with Takara's development team<ref>[http://tfarchive.com/fandom/interviews/alternators_binaltech/takara_binaltech_interview_translation.php interview with Takara's Binaltech development team, English translation at TF Archive]</ref> confirmed that both companies initially had different ideas (for example, a different intended scale for the toys) that ultimately resulted in a compromise. It's possible that Hasbro's motivation stemmed from the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' line, where they were required to alter [[X-Brawn]]'s headlights in order to avoid legal trouble with Mercedes, and had to acquire a license from Dodge for all iterations of the [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] mold beginning with the "Super Side Burn" redeco.

* The first toy planned for the line was Jazz (probably to be named "Autobot Jazz" for [[trademark]] reasons) as a Porsche 986. A prototype was made, but Porsche refused to grant Hasbro and Takara the license, stating that "Transformers are not worthy carrying the Porsche trademark. They are war machines and the toyline in no way represents the lifestyle and ideas which Porsche represents."<ref>[http://www.tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24622 Former Porsche employee Addl recounting an informal inquiry with Porsche's licensing department at TF Archive]</ref> As a consequence, the toy ultimately never went into production. Photos of the prototype were depicted in the Japanese book "The Transformers: [[Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide]]", and Hasbro later also displayed the prototype during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour.

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

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

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

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

===Other changes===

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

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

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

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

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

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==Footnotes==
<references />

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

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