MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Ricochet (Headmasters)

2009-06-13T18:55:56Z

75.68.240.231: /* Alternators */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Ricochet}}
:''Ricochet is an [[Autobot]] from the [[The Headmasters (franchise)|Headmasters]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Ricochetdoesnthavemuchart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] gets pimped.]]
'''Ricochet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s function is Rapid-Fire Attack, and he's well suited to it. He is the most accurate marksman the Autobots have and a [[Targetmaster]] as well, further augmenting his incredible skill. Unfortunately he's also quick-tempered and very easily provoked. This leads to him having a hard time maintaining friendly relations or even conversations with his teammates. In his favor, Ricochet has an uncommonly strong sense of justice (exactly twice as strong as the ordinary Autobot).

His Targetmaster partner is [[Nightstick (Ricochet)|Nightstick]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Stepper'''

==Fiction==
===Japanese cartoon continuity===
====''The Headmasters'' comic====
Ricochet accompanied [[Artfire]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] in responding to a building fire. While the Autobots attempted to rescue people and put out the flames, the [[Decepticon]] Targetmasters attacked. However, the arrival of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], who dropped [[fire-retardant foam]] on the buildings in starship mode, gave the two Autobot Targetmasters the chance they needed to combine with their gun-partners and send the Decepticons flying away uncontrollably. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 7|The Headmasters #7}}

====Transformers Collection reissue bio====
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Ricochet often had marksmanship contests with his friends [[Fusion (Autobot)|Fusion]] and [[Bluestreak]].
(It's anyone's guess how the hot-tempered Ricochet, who couldn't maintain friendly conversations with other Autobots, could be pals with the chatterbox Bluestreak.)

Ricochet's metabolic functions were damaged in an unspecified "incident." Nightstick, an engineer on the planet [[Master (Headmasters)|Master]], volunteered to help him by undergoing a unique form of [[binary bonding]]. While ostensibly becoming a Targetmaster, Nightstick's gun mode wasn't merely hand-held. He instead plugged into Ricochet's robot-mode back, serving as a life-support system.

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Though he was never activated, Ricochet was apparently one of several [[Cloning|clones]] created by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in the same program that produced [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}}

{{note|This origin is at odds with what little else we know about Ricochet. Of course, [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] wasn't a clone in most stories either...}}

==Toys==
===The Headmasters===
[[Image:G1Stepper toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Former holy grail.]]
*'''Stepper''' (Targetmaster, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-109'''
**''Accessories:'' "Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack

: A [[retool]] and [[redeco]] of the 1984 Autobot [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], Stepper transforms into a 1976 Porsche 935 Turbo sports car. As a [[Targetmaster]], he came with a smaller partner robot named [[Nebulon (Autobot)|Nebulon]]. In gun mode, Nebulon could peg into Stepper's car mode spoiler, or could attach to a separate bracket that mounted over his robot-mode shoulder. Stepper did not come with any of Jazz's accessories.

: As a late addition to the Japanese ''Headmasters'' series (he was a tail-ender release and was unlikely to have been on shelves for very long as stores would reset for the new [[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)|''Super-God Masterforce'' toyline]]) and one of the earliest Japanese-only Transformers, though Stepper was not ''particularly'' rare, he was perceived as such in the West. As such, for several years Stepper commanded top dollar on the secondary market... until the reissue (see below) pretty much iced that.

{{-}}
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Stepper reissue.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Modern heavily-discounted shelfwarmer.]]
*'''Ricochet w/ Nightstick''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TFC-15'''
**''Accessories:'' "Nightstick/Nebulon" Targetmaster partner, gun mount backpack, rifle, missile launcher backpack, 3 missiles

: Announced first by [[Hasbro]] but released almost simultaneously by both Hasbro and [[Takara]], Stepper (now called Ricochet for his Hasbro debut) was released through Toys "R" Us in the United States in ''[[Commemorative Series]]'' IX, and as part of Takara's ''[[Transformers Collection|T/F Collection]]'' reissue series. His arsenal was bolstered by the addition of Jazz's weapons, chromed gold for the Takara version, and solid black plastic for the Hasbro release. Additionally, Nightstick was retooled with a slender peg extension to allow Ricochet to actually hold him in his hand as well as changing the plastic clasp that held his legs in (this part was easily broken) to the more sturdy pin and solid plastic holder.

: Amusingly enough, neither version sold all that well, and in the United States was eventually sent to the "closeout" chain Tuesday Morning, where he could be purchased for $8 (original TRU price: $35). Japan saw similar clearance sales on the piece.

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alternators Ricochet toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, Ricochet's brilliant plan to score [[fembots]] by becoming a lifeguard failed miserably.]]
*'''Ricochet''' (Alternator, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''20'''
**''Accessories:'' Intercooler/gun

: A late-run [[Alternator]], Ricochet is a [[redeco]] of the Subaru Impreza WRX mold used to make [[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]]. He features opening doors, hood and trunk, has a detailed interior, and his intercooler becomes a hand-held (non-firing) weapon. He is one of the few Alternators with a state-specific license plate; Ricochet is registered in New Jersey. With his attitude, he'll fit right in.

: Though publicity photography give Ricochet a fully-gold face, for unknown reasons the final product's nose was white. Contrary to popular belief, it was not left unpainted, as his head is made out of black plastic.

: This mold was retooled to make [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]].

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
*'''Ricochet vs Predaking''' (2-pack, 2009)

[[Image:Robotheroesricochetpredaking.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Finally, someone to redeco every Jazz into.]]
A two-pack with [[Predaking]].

The US release of this two-pack has been cancelled, but it has been found in Singapore, Germany and the UK.
{{-}}

==Notes==
*Stepper and Artfire's Targetmaster partners' names were switched from their [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|English-language]] [[Fracas|counterparts]]. There has been some speculation among fans that "Stepper" and "Artfire" may have been switched as well; this is fueled by the fact that the ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' Ricochet homage [[Hot Shot (RID)|Hot Shot]]'s Japanese name was Artfire, not Stepper.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Stepper/stepper.htm Ricochet at TFU.info]
* [http://www.tfarchive.com/comics/japanese/trans296.php Headmasters #7 translated in English]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]

Nova Prime

2009-05-23T17:45:30Z

75.68.240.231: /* Notes */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Matrix bearer from the IDW comics|the Matrix bearer from the Marvel Comics|Prime Nova}}

:''Nova Prime may be an [[Autobot]] in the [[IDW Publishing]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''Nemesis Prime'''.''

[[Image:Novaprime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Furmanism|Ahead, hovering, like some vast, predatory bird...]]]]
'''Nova Prime''' was the predecessor to [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. An expansionist and a supremacist, Nova Prime believed that [[Transformers]] were the greatest among all life forms and that they should bring their glory to the myriad of lesser races throughout the universe.

{{bigquote|''Nova was forever seeking, forever testing the limits of science and faith. He had a certain moral...ambiguity about the Cybertronian ideal''.|[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], ''[[Spotlight: Optimus Prime]]''}}

==Fiction==
===IDW comics continuity===
Long ago in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron's]] past, before the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Nova Prime made efforts to evolve the Cybertronians in preparation for their "destiny". At his behest, [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]], his chief technical adviser, altered [[Pretender Monster|six Transformers]] to be able to [[Combiner|combine]] into a being of higher intellect and strength. However they were driven mad by the merging, and they devolved into [[Monstructor|a monster]]. After this, he ordered the construction of the first ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. Despite [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme's]] objections, Nova deceived the Cybertronian populace into believing that the ''Ark'' was intended for exploration, rather than its true mission of conquest. {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}} Nova Prime disappeared along with the rest of the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew into an anomaly in the [[Benzuli Expanse]] and was presumed dead. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}} Despite his aggressive intentions, these never came to light, and the Transformers honored Nova Prime's memory with a statue. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

[[Image:Jhiaxusnemesisprimedevastation.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Not even a toy yet and he's already got a [[black repaint]].]]
However, countless years later, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] downloaded himself into [[infraspace]] to survive an attack from [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], he sensed the presence of Nova Prime... and was filled with an incredible sense of dread. {{storylink|Escalation issue 6|Escalation #6}} These feelings led Optimus Prime to seek information from Omega Supreme, and shared with him his belief that Nova might still be alive, and his feelings of dread. In turn, Omega told Optimus of Nova's story, and later learned of Monstructor. Optimus was left with the knowledge that the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] lineage was corrupt, and it gave the Autobot leader something to ponder about. {{storylink|Spotlight: Optimus Prime}}

It was later learned that Optimus Prime's assessment was right: Nova Prime was still functioning, though in a strange half-dead state in the [[Dead Universe]], and was now the fearsome figure known as '''Nemesis Prime''', powered by the almighty mind-altering anti-Matrix, the [[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]], which ruled the Dead Universe. His grand plan, the [[Expansion]], was intended to merge the Dead Universe with the real one, allowing him to both return home at long last ''and'' direct the merged universe into a new, more ''ordered'' era.

He already had an outpost and minions on [[Gorlam Prime]], ready to direct his coming Expansion. He'd had already had [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] captured by [[Sports Car Patrol|some of his minions]] and programmed {{storylink|Spotlight: Nightbeat}} to assassinate Optimus Prime at a set time, {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}, as he subconciously knew the Darkness would behave like the Matrix and jump from him to Optimus if given the chance. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

With that secured, Nemesis Prime decided that the Expansion was ready to begin. He dispatched [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in a mission to secure [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]], kill the Autobots guarding him, and bring the [[Pretender]] to the Dead Universe. Galvatron secured Thunderwing, but spared the Autobots, viewing it as a small rebellion against Nova. {{storylink|Spotlight: Galvatron}} After observing the [[Reapers]] about to destroy [[Earth]], he ordered Galvatron there to stop them, since the Earth was part of their expansion plan. {{storylink|Devastation issue 3|Devastation #3}} Galvatron performed his task well, but Prime remarked to Jhiaxus that he was aware that Galvatron had his own agendas and secrets. {{storylink|Devastation issue 6|Devastation #6}}

After [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] secured the [[Nega-Core]] and activated its guardian, Nemesis Prime initiated the [[Expansion]] with the rest of the [[Dead Universe]] crew. {{storylink|Spotlight: Cyclonus}}

[[Image:NemesisMatrix.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Well, isn't ''that'' ominous.]]
Nemesis Prime was found by Jhiaxus on the remains of the ''Ark'', thinking back on old times and planning for the future. Upon receiving the latest intelligence on both Cyclonus and Nightbeat, he dismissed the former and requested Jhiaxus take care of the Nightbeat situation personally. When Jhiaxus reported Nightbeat's death, Nemesis was unmoved, deciding he would take over Nightbeat's mission and deal with Optimus Prime himself. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}}

[[Image:DarknessNemesis.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Nemesis Prime [[The Gathering Darkness|gathers Darkness]].]]
Nemesis Prime attacked the prison facility on [[Garrus-9]] while Optimus Prime was inspecting it. The Autobot defense forces were helpless against him: Nemesis was immune to all their firepower and used his deadly decaying touch to instantly snuff out their lives. Seeing that conflict was futile, Optimus Prime ordered all the defenders to retreat, then faced Nemesis Prime directly. Nemesis gloated about the upcoming Expansion, then revealed to Optimus Prime the nature of the Darkness and channeled it as a weapon against Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

[[Image:NemesislightningOptimusjpg.jpg|right|250px|thumb|'''UN-LI-MUH-TED POW-AHHH!!!''']]'''
Unfortunately for Nemesis, the Darkness ''did'' want to leap to Optimus as he'd feared, and it would do so if he either used it or touched Optimus. Enraged, Nemesis backed off and resorted to firing a torrent of normal energy. Optimus was able to withstand the blast however, but their fight ended abruptly when Nemesis, distracted by the battle, was shot in the back and killed by Galvatron, as part of his plan to claim the Darkness for himself.

Though Optimus Prime soon destroyed the Darkness-infused Galvatron (or so he thought), Optimus remarked that he couldn't mourn his predecessor, noting that Nova Prime was long dead. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:NovaPrime variousmodes.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Nova Prime's smaller inner robot. Toy, Hasbro, please? Pretty please?]]
* Nova Prime was actually an Optimus Prime design that artist [[Don Figueroa]] had made for [[Hasbro]], but it was never made as a toy. In fact, part of the combined super robot mode concept art was first seen on the [[BotCon 2005]]-exclusive cover for [[Infiltration issue 0|''Infiltration'' issue 0]].

* It's unclear when the Autobots evolved as a faction in the IDW-verse. Clearly, by ''[[Megatron: Origin]]'', they were a police force working for the [[Senate]]. However, it's not known for sure if they existed during Nova Prime's era; therefore, Nova may '''not''' be an Autobot.

* According to Nova Prime's design sketches by Don, seen in the back of ''[[Spotlight: Optimus Prime]]'', the form seen in the story is Nova Prime's winged cab/trailer super robot. He also has a smaller robot mode consisting of only the cab. The transformation of the cab is pretty similar to that of [[Rodimus (Energon)|''Energon'' Rodimus]].

* Apparently, being an undead Prime means you have to reverse your colour scheme.

* Nova Prime is the only [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] to be called [[Nemesis Prime]]. Even then, he's still the only evil Prime that '''doesn't''' work for [[Unicron]].

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Comic-only characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]

Gears (G1)

2009-05-22T23:32:17Z

75.68.240.231: /* Cartoon continuity */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}
{{disambig2|the Generation 1 Autobot Gears|the seasoning, grated gears|Cybertronian food}}
:''Gears is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:Gearsg1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gears, ironically, hates bright colors.]]
'''Gears''' hates [[Earth]], a lush, green planet practically as unlike his cozy, gray, metallic [[Cybertron (planet)|homeworld]] as possible. He grumbles and complains about being shipwrecked on it—complains and grumbles to a ridiculous extent, until he becomes a source of amusement, rather than negativity. This is usually his intent—unlike his fellow [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], Gears has a desire to help his fellow Autobots see good in a bad situation. Still, he does get depressed from time to time.

Gears is strong and tough, not so much in lifting but in endurance, and carrying heavy loads with little effort, be they energon cubes, disabled Autobots, or potatoes for the farmers' market. He is fitted with infrared vision sensors.

In robot mode, Gears can release controlled bursts of compressed air from his feet, launching himself to altitudes over 100,000 feet, and floating back down. In doing so, he must be careful not to lose air pressure before coming close enough to the ground for a safe landing.

:''Nicknames:'' '''Ox''', '''Sourball'''<ref>Nicknames found in early ''[[Transformers Universe (Marvel comic)|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comics Magazine]]</ref>
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comics):'' '''Engrenagem'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Fuvaros''' (meaning Hauler)
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comics):'' '''Mecano'''
:''Italian name:'' '''Mulo'''
:''South American name:'' '''Pick-Up'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Rollo'''

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Gearsg1firstappearance.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Wish we saw more of the design on the right. Yikes!]]
{{quote|The only thing '''Gears''' wants to learn about this planet is how to get off it. I hate this place already. I just know you're going to use me as a mobile transport unit again, once we have to set up. Nuts. Let's go home.|The worst words out of his mouth.}}

Gears was one of Cybertron's great warriors, and was chosen to join the [[Ark (G1)|Ark ]] mission to save Cybertron from an asteroid belt—a mission that saw him stranded on [[Earth]] for four million years. Once he woke up in 1984 and was rebuilt as an Earth truck, he immediately began complaining. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[Image:Spider-man.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Spider-Man's amazing friend.]]
Shortly after arriving on Earth, Gears teamed up with [[Spider-Man]], using his ability to launch himself upward using compressed air and fly alongside the superhero in an attempt to reach the mountaintop [[Decepticon]] fortress. When Gears ran low on power, he began to fall before Spidey caught him in webbing. Although Spider-Man's webbing is extremely strong, the Autobot's weight threatened to break it, and Spider-Man completed Gears' ascent using the webbing for assistance. After a fight with the Decepticons, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] caused Gears (and human [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to fall through a hole in the fortress. Although Spidey was able to rescue Sparkplug, and attempted to catch Gears as he had done before, the added momentum of the fall proved too much strain on the webbing, and Gears crashed to the ground. Gears was quickly patched up enough to tell the Autobots that Megatron had gotten what he wanted (a fuel conversion process) from Sparkplug. His complete restoration was seemingly interrupted when, following recriminations, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] needed to drive Sparkplug to the hospital to treat his sudden heart attack. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}}

[[Image:Buzzsawyikes2.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Ow ow ow.]]
When the Autobots overheard Shockwave's plans to drop the captured head of their leader, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], in a nearby swamp, Gears 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. [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] shot Gears right in the face! {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Gears was eventually restored, however, and joined [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] in searching for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the Dinobot Hunt. Their mission was suddenly cut short by the arrival of [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] and the Decepticons, who shot the Minibots in the back and took them prisoner. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] soon rescued his disabled comrades from the Decepticon cruiser, but they were too badly injured and remained inactive for some time thereafter. {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}''

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Barely snuck into the margins during his own death scene.]]
Gears was repaired in time to witness a battle between [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. While Autobots around him cheered vehemently for either combatant, Gears seemingly didn't really care, choosing to watch in stoic silence. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

Gears was among the Autobots who answered [[Buster Witwicky]]'s distress call from just outside the Decepticons' [[Club Con|headquarters]] in the Arctic. Shortly thereafter, when an [[Underbase]]-powered Starscream announced that he would "destroy the cities of [[New York City|New York]], [[Tokyo]], and [[Buenos Aires]]", Gears was among the allied Autobot/Decepticon teams sent ahead to New York City. As Starscream approached, [[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]] led a team of Autobots which included Gears, and the entire team was destroyed with a "single wave of <strike>[[To sell toys|a market executive's]]</strike> Starscream's hand"! Oops. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

Gears's torso, head, and right arm were shown in the midst of attempted repairs while Optimus Prime explained the bleak condition of their fallen to [[Cloudburst]] and [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

===Cartoon continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Don Messick]] (English), [[Toshio Ishii]] (Japanese)

[[Image:ChangingGears Gears Bee acrobatics.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Bumblebee and Gears - [[Powerlinx]]!!]]
Gears was one of the original crew of Autobots on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' spaceship when it crash-landed on Earth millions of years ago. When he awoke in 1984, he was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] so that his alt-mode was an Earth-based pickup truck. Not a combatant, he didn't participate in too many of the Autobots' most famous battles against the Decepticons, but he did his part despite his complaints. Gears' infrared sensors were useful in capturing [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] when the Decepticon was caught trespassing at the Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] stole a chip from Gears to complete his [[Solar Needle]], a weapon that will pierce the sun itself. The removal of the chip altered Gears' personality from cranky to jovial. Nobody wanted to fix him, but, sadly, if they didn't the Solar Needle would destroy the sun. Tough choices. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

In 2005, Gears was stationed on [[Moonbase One]] under Optimus Prime's command. It is unknown whether he left for Earth with Prime and the Dinobots to repel Megatron's attack on [[Autobot City]], or if he remained behind. If he did, his chances aren't that good, as only [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and Cliffjumper were seen escaping from [[Unicron]]'s smelting pits. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
Gears was part of the Ark's original crew, crash-landing on Earth four million years ago and awakening in 1984. Like all the Transformers of Earth, he was believed dead for many years after the mid-air explosion of the ''[[Ark II]]''. In fact, Gears was one of many robots who were salvaged by the mercenary known as [[Lazarus]], who began the time-consuming process of installing remote control programming into his inert Cybertronian captives. Lazarus was doomed to failure, however, for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] regained control of his own body shortly after the human reactivated him. With the Decepticons back in action thanks to Megatron, Gears and the other Autobots held captive by Lazarus were left at their mercy. Although a small group of Autobots were free under Optimus Prime's command to combat the Decepticons, most of the 'bots recovered by Lazarus (including Gears) were too badly damaged to be reactivated for that first battle. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

Gears and the other deactivated Autobots were recovered, though, and were back to full functionality by the time [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived from Cybertron. {{storylink|New World Order}} As the Autobot forces split in two, Gears went with Optimus Prime and his contingent back to Cybertron aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Back on his home planet, Gears participated in the insurrection by Autobot dissidents against the rule of Shockwave. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Much to his dismay, Gears was soon put in the position of having to return to Earth. With Prime temporarily out of action due to injuries, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had assumed command of the Ark's crew on Cybertron, and made the decision that a new base of operations needed to be constructed on Earth, to fortify Autobot interests there. Gears reluctantly left his beloved homeworld behind to return to Earth, and begin work on the construction of [[Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===IDW ''Generation 1'' comics continuity===
Millions of years ago, Gears was one of several mourners seen at the gravesite of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback]], after Megatron killed them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3}}

In the modern era, Gears was seen reacting to the return of [[Blaster (G1)|"The Voice"]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

===IDW ''[[Hearts of Steel]]'' continuity===
Gears participated in the pursuit of [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], helped clear rubble, and got hammered by Decepticon artillery. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4}} His altmode appears to be a boxcar.

===Coloring books===
[[Image:G1 GearsPotatoes AutobotSmasher.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Steve Ditko is noted for his superb use of shading, his handling of facial expressions, and his ability to do cosmic vistas of mystery. Here he was asked to do a line drawing of a truck carrying potatoes.]]
Gears was hauling a load of potatoes, with plans to sell them for oil and gas money. (Really.) He was tricked by the Decepticons into taking a detour, which led him to their "[[Autobot Rest Stop]]"—a car crusher disguised with pillows and a set of curtains. Gears rolled into the Rest Stop and was enjoying himself when [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] activated the machine, crushing Gears flat.

Gears was later restored by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], with no ill effects. {{storylink|The Autobot Smasher}}

{{note|This coloring book was illustrated by [[Steve Ditko]], co-creator of none other than... the amazing [[Spider-Man]]! Coincidence? Probably.}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Gears toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Grumble... I suppose they want me to supply my own penny..."]]
* '''Gears''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/1985)

: Part of the first assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Vehicles]], Gears transforms into a blue and red "penny racer"-proportioned pickup truck of indeterminable model. For reasons unknown, he was the only Mini Vehicle not made available as part of [[Takara]]'s original retail line in any capacity (while [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] were not available at normal retail, both were offered as mail-away toys).

: There were a few variations of Gears south of the border, where he was known as "Pick-Up". Initial releases had the same plastic colors but retained the sticker designs from his original Micro Change release, while later toys had the plastic colors changed to make him a red truck with orange robot parts (pre-Malignus). In Mexico, and subsequently also found in some European markets, a maroon and white version was released, possibly to bring the character of [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] over without the use of a new mold.

: This mold was used to make the [[Malignus]] [[Pick-Up (Malignus)|Pick-Up]], the Autobot [[Small Foot]] and was [[Retool|retooled]] to make Swerve.

*'''Minibots Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
*''Japanese ID number'': '''TFC-12'''

: Gears was ''finally'' put out at Japanese retail in 2004, as part of the [[Transformers Collection]] "Minibot" set, containing Gears, a retooled [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Cosmos, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and Warpath. This set was later [[Redeco|redecoed]] to make the [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]] [[G1 GoBots]] team.

==Trivia==
* The Gears toy was originally from [[Takara]]'s ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' line, in the same coloration, as the "Micro Robot 04 4WD Off-Road". This is the source of the "M" on his truck-mode hood.

* In his first appearance, Gears sported a more humanoid [[character model]] that looked less like his toy than his final animation model. He would also use this model in the UK annual story [[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]], while ''[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]'' was inexplicably drawn with this model in the earlier UK story "[[The Enemy Within!]]".

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Gears/gears.htm Gears at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Gears Gears' Universe entry at NTFA.net]

{{charstubfiction}}

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]

Wreck-Gar (Animated)

2009-05-20T02:19:14Z

75.68.240.231: /* Animated cartoon */

{{factions|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the garbage truck from ''Transformers Animated''|the Junkion from Generation 1|Wreck-Gar (G1)}}
:''Wreck-Gar is a very confused individual from the [[Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Wreck-garanimatedpoint.jpg|right|360px|thumb|Put down that chainsaw and listen to me!]]
Recently brought to life by the power of the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]], '''Wreck-Gar''' is simple-minded and highly suggestible. As he attempts to learn more about his identity, he never loses his sense of humor. His trash bin is an impressive bag of tricks, able to stash and deploy many useful (and even more useless) items at a moment's notice, or make them seemingly disappear forever. This ability is a bit of a mixed blessing, as Wreck-Gar will frequently confuse your request with something that sounds vaguely similar.

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

{{bigquote|I am Wreck-Gar! I am only good for one thing... '''GARBAGE!'''|Wreck-Gar cheerily takes [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] at his word, "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [["Weird Al" Yankovic|"Weird Al" Yankovic]] (English), [[Joachim Kaps]] (German)

[[Image:Wreck-garisgoodforonlyonething.jpg|left|180px|thumb|OKAY I CAN HEAR YOU NOW!]]

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

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

[[Image:Wreck-garanimatedvehicle.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Buy some sensible shoes and a Chevrolet!]]

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

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

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

[[Image:Wreck Gar Polka Party.jpg|thumb|180px|left|You better squeeze all the Charmin you can, when Mr. Whipple's not around!]]

Eventually roused from his lakebed slumber by the crude raft of [[Sari Sumdac]]'s [[Scrapper (Animated)|ragtag]] [[Snarl (Animated)|crew]], he joined the [[Substitute Autobots]] to help liberate Detroit from the grip of [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]]. A bit less befuddled than in previous encounters, he proved (mostly) effective in aiding Sari in battle, only being defeated once Soundwave was able to focus his attentions solely on controlling [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]. Afterward, he enthusiastically pitched in on the cleanup efforts, collecting the scraps of hundreds of [[Porter C. Powell]]'s damaged Soundwave toys.

[[Image:TFAni_Human_Error_Part2_Wreck-Gar_Merry_Trashmas.jpg|thumb|right|180px|The sleigh bells are ringing and the carolers are singing while the air raid sirens blare!]]

He even got into the [[Christmas|holiday]] spirit a bit, playing Santa and handing out garbage to all the good little girls and boys. {{storylink|Human Error, Part II}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
[[Image:Wreckgaranimatedvoyager.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ya gotta buy one if you wanna get one free!]]
*'''Wreck-Gar''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories'': 2 scissor-blade weapons

: Wreck-Gar transforms into a garbage truck with articulated lifting-forks. Pushing a small spring-loaded lever on the back of either of the lifting forks will extend the fork forward. The sliding lever on the top of the truck exposes both of his weapons from slots in the rear. These blade- or scissor-like weapons can attach to his forearms, or combine into a single bladed weapon which can also attach to either of his forearms. (Don't run with them!) His [[Shellformer|transformation]] involves pulling nearly his entire robot mode out from under the truck mode, meaning he wears his vehicle mode like a backpack. However, you don't care because Wreck-Gar is awesome (and it's show-accurate).

:According to the back of his box, he collects things others throw out, watches more TV than even Bumblebee, and believes everything he reads on the internet. How he manages to watch TV and browse the internet ''at the bottom of a river'' is unknown, but this is still awesome.

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

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

* Wreck-Gar's line "I ''dare'' to be stupid!" is something of a double-callout, as the Weird Al song "[[Dare to Be Stupid]]" was featured in the original [[The Transformers: The Movie|''Transformers'' movie]], and Wreck-Gar himself is voiced by Al.

* Then, of course, there's the accordion in one of the above images. Al himself has been an accordion player since the age of 7.

* ''Transformers Animated'' story editor [[Marty Isenberg]] stated in an interview that the idea of a garbage bin that Wreck-Gar can pull anything out of was inspired by Harpo Marx.<ref>[http://www.cvcomics.com/artandstory/?p=242 CVComics.com's Art & Story 68 audio interview with Marty Isenberg.]</ref>

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]

Sparkplug (Animated human)

2009-03-23T01:52:15Z

75.68.240.231: /* Animated cartoon */

{{disambig3|Sparkplug}}
:''Sparkplug is a [[Human|human]] from the [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:Anisparkplugwitwicky.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He wants to be John Goodman in the worst way.]]
'''Sparkplug''' is a construction worker in New [[Detroit|Detroit]].

Whether or not he's related to [[Spike Witwicky (Animated)|any]] [[Carly Witwicky (Animated)|other]] [[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|citizens]] is unknown.

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bumper Robinson|Bumper Robinson]] (1st appearance) and [[David Kaye|David Kaye]] (2nd appearance)

Sparkplug was overseeing two construction bots in a mine, being paid by [[Isaac Sumdac|Isaac Sumdac]] to find something. Only problem was, that something found them...and it had [[Space barnacles|friends]]. Sparkplug was attacked, and was presumed dead. {{storylink|Nature Calls|Nature Calls}}

Except he got better. While the [[Autobot|Autobots]] were looking for [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] and [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]], the Autobot [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] thought that Sparkplug's truck was Mixmaster, and fired several bursts from his stingers, which did nothing to damage the truck. Upon being attacked by another alien lifeform, Sparkplug displayed both calmness and familiarity with modern slang by asking "Dude, why you whaling on my truck?" after Bumblebee's attack. Guess that encounter in the mines wasn't as bad as we thought. {{storylink|Sari, No One's Home|Sari, No One's Home}}

He later was driving an oil tanker and got mugged by the Constructicons. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd|Three's a Crowd}}

==Trivia==
*Sparkplug is clearly a homage to [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug Witwicky]], patriarch of the [[Witwicky|Witwicky]] family from [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]. And he's still wearing that hardhat. Why he talks like a frat boy in his second appearance is anybody's guess.

[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Humans]]

Transformers Animated (cartoon)

2009-03-15T22:57:17Z

75.68.240.231: /* Episodes */

{{Nav-Animated}}

{{SemiprotectSpoilers}}

'''''Transformers Animated''''' is a cartoon series which debuted in early 2008, in support of the [[franchise]] of [[Transformers Animated|the same name]].

The cartoon is produced by [[Cartoon Network]], scripted in the United States, with character and background designs by the crews behind shows like ''[[wikipedia:Teen Titans (TV series)|Teen Titans]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Ben 10|Ben 10]]'', while animation is being provided by Japanese studios [[Mook]], [[The Answer Studio]], and [[Studio 4°C]].

''Animated'' sees several G1 voice actors reprise their old roles ([[Susan Blu]], [[Corey Burton]], [[John Moschitta]], etc.), and is the first Transformers show featuring [[David Kaye]] in which he won't be voicing [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]].

==Overview==
[[Image:TransformersAnimatedPoster.jpg||thumb|250px|left|"When there's trouble you know who to call..."]]
''Animated'' follows the adventures of a small crew of Autobots, who come into possession of the all-powerful AllSpark artifact. Stranded on Earth and living among the population of [[Detroit]], they face off against a series of human villains and their mighty Decepticon foes, who seek to possess the AllSpark. Though they were originally a lowly space bridge repair crew, these five Autobots must rise to their circumstances to deal with threats large and small.

The series eschews the ever-continuing space opera storylines of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons to return to the episodic approach of ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''; most episodes are standalone stories, but with larger story arcs that stretch through the whole series. The focus is on characterization, dynamic action, and humor.

The episodes center not only on the war between the [[Autobot]]s and the [[Decepticon]]s, but also on the Autobots' interactions with many of [[Detroit]]'s [[human]] supervillain denizens, including a [[Angry Archer|maladjusted marksman]], a [[Nanosec|speedy racer]], and a guy who [[Prometheus Black|looks good in a pimp suit]]. The idea is to present the Decepticons as more of an ongoing background threat instead of having them be repeatedly defeated each episode and look like bumbling fools. The arrival of a Decepticon in battle is a big deal, requiring multiple Autobots working together to stop even a single one. The human villains give the Autobots "everyday" threats, and some of their schemes are the result of Decepticon treachery. Note well: [[Doctor Arkeville|human]] [[Lord Chumley|adversaries]] [[Circuit Breaker|are]] [[Cobra Commander|not]] [[Abdul Fakkadi|new]] [[Lazarus|in]] [[Hydra and Buster|''Transformers'']] [[Overlord|continuity]].

Season 3 is already in the works, and season 4 is quite possible.

While the series is not a sequel to the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]], they have many thematic elements in common, most notably the central role of the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] and the revelation that all modern technology has been reverse-engineered from the dormant body of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. Hasbro also carried over some design elements from the live-action movie into Animated designs, including not just the aforementioned cube but also [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]]'s medical readout striped deco, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]'s black racing stripe, and [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]'s helmet. These are meant to be "connection points," helping kids who had seen the theatrical film but had no prior Transformers experience ease into understanding the new series.

{{-}}

==Cast==
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]

|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
;Main Cast
* [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] ([[David Kaye]])
* [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] ([[Bill Fagerbakke]])
* [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] ([[Bumper Robinson]])
* [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] ([[Jeff Bennett]])
* [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] ([[Corey Burton]])
;[[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]]
* [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] ([[David Kaye]])
* [[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]]
* [[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]]
;[[Cybertron Elite Guard]]
* [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] ([[Jeff Bennett]])
* [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]] ([[Phil LaMarr]])
* [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Townsend Coleman]])
* [[Longarm Prime| Longarm/Longarm Prime]] ([[Corey Burton]])
;Others
* [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] ([[Susan Blu]])
* [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]] ([[John Moschitta]])
* [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]]
* [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Elita-1]] ([[Cree Summer]])
* [[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]] ([[Corey Burton]])
* [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]] ([["Weird Al" Yankovic]])
* [[Wasp (Animated)|Wasp]] ([[Tom Kenny]])

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
;Main Cast
* [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] ([[Corey Burton]])
* [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] ([[Cree Summer]])
* [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] ([[Bumper Robinson]])
* [[Lugnut]] ([[David Kaye]])
* [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
;[[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]]
* [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
* [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] ([[Jeff Bennett]])
;Others
* [[Lockdown]] ([[Lance Henriksen]])
* [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] ([[Jeff Bennett]])
* [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] ([[Fred Willard]])
* [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] ([[Corey Burton]])

| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" |
;Main Cast
* [[Sari Sumdac]] ([[Tara Strong]])
* [[Isaac Sumdac]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
* [[Captain Fanzone]] ([[Jeff Bennett]])
;[[:Category:Supervillains|Supervillains]]
* [[Angry Archer]] ([[Jeff Bennett]])
* [[Meltdown (Animated)|Meltdown]] ([[Peter Stormare]])
** [[Colossus Rhodes]] ([[Corey Burton]])
* [[Headmaster (Animated)|The Headmaster]] ([[Alexander Polinsky]])
* [[Master Disaster]] ([[Bill Fagerbakke]])
* [[Nanosec]] ([[Brian Posehn]])
* [[Professor Princess]] ([[Kath Soucie]])
* [[Slo-Mo]] ([[Tara Strong]])
;Others
* [[Porter C. Powell]] ([[Bumper Robinson]])
* [[Mayor Edsel]]
* [[Mayor Edsel's aide]] ([[Tara Strong]])
* [[Spike (Animated)|Spike]] ([[Corey Burton]])
* [[Carly (Animated)|Carly]] ([[Tara Strong]])
* [[Daniel (Animated)|Daniel]] ([[Tara Strong]])
* [[Sparkplug (Animated Human)|Sparkplug]] ([[Bumper Robinson]])/([[David Kaye]])

|}
{{-}}

==Episodes==
{{see|List of Transformers Animated episodes}}

{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFFFFF" | Season 1: 2007-08
! style="background:#FFFFFF" | Season 2: 2008
! style="background:#FFFFFF" | Season 3: ?

|-
| style="background:#FFFFFF" valign="top" |
# [[Transform and Roll Out!#Part 1|Transform and Roll Out! (Part One)]]
# [[Transform and Roll Out!#Part 2|Transform and Roll Out! (Part Two)]]
# [[Transform and Roll Out!#Part 3|Transform and Roll Out! (Part Three)]]
# [[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]
# [[Total Meltdown]]
# [[Blast from the Past]]
# [[The Thrill of the Hunt]]
# [[Nanosec (episode)|Nanosec]]
# [[Along Came a Spider]]
# [[Sound and Fury]]
# [[Lost and Found (Animated episode)|Lost and Found]]
# [[Survival of the Fittest]]
# [[Headmaster (episode)|Headmaster]]
# [[Nature Calls]]
# [[Megatron Rising - Part 1]]
# [[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]

| style="background:#FFFFFF" valign="top" |
# [[The Elite Guard]]
# [[The Return of the Headmaster]]
# [[Mission Accomplished]]
# [[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]
# [[Velocity]]
# [[Rise of the Constructicons]]
# [[A Fistful of Energon]]
# [[SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy]]
# [[Autoboot Camp]]
# [[Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday]]
# [[Sari, No One's Home]]
# [[A Bridge Too Close - Part 1]]
# [[A Bridge Too Close - Part 2]]

| style="background:#FFFFFF" valign="top" |

# [[Transwarped]]

[[Category: Animated episodes| ]]
[[Category:Episode lists|Animated]]

==Reception==
''Transformers Animated'' debuted January 5, 2008, at 10:30am EST as the number one television show among boys 6-11 in both cable and network television. In addition, the strength of the showing helped lift the ratings of all its neighboring shows in Cartoon Network's "Dynamite Action" scheduling block. <ref>[http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1701434,00.html Transformers Animated Premieres #1 on All Television Among Boys and Boosts Kids 6-11 and 2-11 Delivery by Powerful Double-Digits]</ref>

==Trivia==
* The series is the first in over a decade to re-establish the classic Generation 1 convention of blue eyes for Autobots and red eyes for Decepticons.
* As well as the aforementioned Generation 1 voice actors, [[Townsend Coleman]] returns to a Transformers series. He voiced [[Rewind]] in the original Generation 1 cartoon.
* It seems like the Autobots like faceplates in this series. (i.e. Optimus, Prowl, Bumblebee, Sentinel Prime.)
* Yes, they have large chins. Shut up about it.
* For some reason, a lot of fans want to believe that ''Animated'' is full of references to the anime ''[[Wikipedia:Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann|Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'', selecting lots of random, generic, anime-influenced hand motions and assorted design quirks throughout season 1 as "obvious" nods to the series. Then Derrick Wyatt announced that he hadn't even seen the show until the production of Season 1 was finished. ''HA''. Of course, the possibility exists that the second season may see some ''Lagann'' references, as Wyatt notes that it and ''[[Wikipedia:Diebuster|Diebuster]]'' have since inspired the production staff, but Wyatt singles out ''[[Wikipedia:Mighty Orbots|Mighty Orbots]]'' and the British comic ''[[Wikipedia: 2000 AD|2000 AD]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> ''[[Wikipedia:ABC Warriors|ABC Warriors]]'' strip as the biggest influences on the character designs, with ''Lagann''/''Diebuster'' producers [[Wikipedia: Gainax|Gainax]] animation studio as a constant source of influence. <ref>[http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=21975298&postID=8564559979841180115 Comment section of "Back from Botcon" entry in Derrick Wyatt's blog]</ref>
*In May 2008, when North American broadcasts of the series were only four episodes into season two, all the remaining episodes of the season aired in Dubai. While almost nobody in the fandom has personally seen these episodes (and no one has seen them in English as they were intended), gossip based on viewer reviews and screencaps has resulted in many plot developments and potential surprises being spoiled. Hooray.

==References==
<references/>

==External Link==

*[http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/ Derrick Wyatt's blog]

[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Television series]]
[[Category:Continuities]]<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>