MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Microbots

2026-01-02T03:12:13Z

CamilleHiiragi: better way to do this

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=34
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=25
|prev2=Auto Berserk
|next2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=33
|prev3=The Insecticon Syndrome
|next3=Blaster Blues
|image=Microbots shrink.JPG
|caption=In the '80s, every cartoon had to have a shrinking episode.
|title="Microbots"
|season=2
|season ep=18
|production code=#700-33
|airdate=[[October 7]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Anime R]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kDzSX7cqXM
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Perceptor, Brawn, and Bumblebee must shrink themselves to go inside Megatron and retrieve an artifact, the Heart of Cybertron, that gives him enormous power.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:NemesisMicrobots1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"We've passed here for the past 20 years! How could we never have spotted this before?!" "Every time we passed here, you pointed to that rock with the funny shape on the other side of the road, Mike."]]

While digging for [[Mayas|Maya]] artifacts in [[South America]], a group of archaeologists stumble upon an ancient spacecraft. As news of the discovery is broadcast on the news, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] recognize it as the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon ship]] they traveled to Earth in four million years ago. Megatron states that there is something on that ship which he wants, and sets out to get it.

Meanwhile, at the [[Autobot]]s' [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]], [[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] is using a [[transmat reduction beam|shrinking-enlarging device]] to repair one of [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide's]] memory chips while being insulted by [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] for not being a soldier. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] walks in and tries to make him stop, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders Brawn and Bumblebee to follow him to South America along with [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], to stop Megatron from obtaining what he wants.

[[File:Microbots Megatron energy blasts.JPG|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Now you will experience the full power of the dark side.]]
As Megatron's troops blast their way through a rainforest in order to avoid satellite detection, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] manages to first miss blasting a tree and then get attacked by a giant snake, to the amusement of [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Meanwhile, [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] has met his match in the form of a real jaguar, which attacks him but Ravage slaps it and it flees. The Autobots arrive and decide not to burn the forest down, because Optimus says "that's not our style".

Megatron gets through the forest first, and reaches the ship. Blasting it open, he retrieves the ship's energy core, the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] implants it into Megatron's torso, vastly increasing his power level. Optimus Prime then arrives and orders the Autobots to attack, but they are all defeated by Megatron's new ability to continuously fire energy from his fingertips. The Autobots only manage to escape when Optimus orders [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] to generate a smokescreen, allowing them to bring a hill down on the Decepticons.

[[File:Microbots Decepticons drunk.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Soundwave superior. Lightweights inferior.]]
After limping back to base, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] creates a force-field to keep Megatron at bay. Perceptor hatches a plan to shrink himself, Brawn and Bumblebee to microscopic sizes in order to infiltrate Megatron's body and disconnect the Heart of Cybertron.

Meanwhile, the Decepticons sit around and get <s>plastered</s> overcharged on [[energon]]. After Megatron rambles on about the "good ol' days" and passes out, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] delivers the tiny Autobots into his body. This wakes up Megatron, who fires a few parting shots at Powerglide. Finding that none of his warriors can even stand up (or in [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak's]] case, ''fly straight''), Megatron departs to destroy the Autobots himself.

[[File:Microbots Brawn and heroic Perceptor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you." "I think I would just cut the wire."]]
Perceptor, Brawn and Bumblebee make their way through Megatron's body, avoiding his [[electro-sanitizer]]s, until they reach the Decepticon's [[brain module|brain]]. The others have to restrain Brawn from destroying the brain, since the fall would likely cause the Heart of Cybertron to explode. Megatron reaches Autobot headquarters and begins firing on the force field protecting Optimus Prime. The miniaturized trio ride one of Megatron's [[evil brain impulse]]s to the Heart of Cybertron, which Perceptor disconnects while dodging more brain impulses. Taking the heart, they make a dash for safety as the shrink-ray's effects begin to wear off. Megatron, deprived of his weapon and knocked flat by Optimus, is shocked by the sight of three rapidly-growing Autobots jumping out of his shoulder joint, and flies off.

Observing that the Heart of Cybertron has become unstable, Brawn tosses it two thousand miles into the sky, at which point Perceptor detonates it with a blast from his cannon. After this, Brawn shows much more respect for Perceptor.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (11)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (20)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (21)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (22)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (25)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (28)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (33)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (34)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (15)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (16)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (17)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (19)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (29)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (31)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (32)
|c3=
*[[Merrick]] (1)
*[[Jose (cartoon)|Jose]] (2)
*[[Joan]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Microbots RumbleScavenger.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
"Nice scenery." 
"Yeah, let's waste it! I hate nice things."
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Scavenger''' are why we can't have nice things.

[[File:G1toon snakes on a plane.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Starscream: Get this thing off me! [[Cobra Commander]]: I was once a man, A MAN!]]
''[Starscream shoots at a tree and misses]'' 
"Good shot, Starscream!" 
"Shut up or I'll blast ''you'', punk!" 
"Hey, hold that pose! I wanna remember you that way!" 
''[A snake wraps itself around Starscream's neck]'' 
"Help! Get this thing off me!" 
"I think it looks stunning on ya!"
:—'''Rumble''' and the Constructicons laugh at '''Starscream'''.

"He'll blow us away if we attack." 
"He'll blow us away if we just stand here! ''Charge!''"
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Cliffjumper''' debate whether or not to attack the powered-up Megatron.

'''Brawn''': Are you ''defective?'' ''How''<nowiki>'</nowiki>re we gonna do ''that?!'' 
'''Perceptor''': Simple! We use my transmat reduction beam to shrink down to microscopic size. Then, we crawl into Megatron, and rip the blasted heart out! 
'''Optimus''': What do you think of his intelligence now, Brawn? 
'''Brawn''': Ahhh, I reserve judgment.
:—'''Brawn''' is just being pissy at this point.

[[File:Microbots-DrunkThundercracker.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
'''Megatron''': Decepticons: a toast. To the imminent destruction of the accursed Autobots! 
''[The Decepticons begin drinking Energon]'' 
'''Starscream''': Energy! We won't need to conserve it after tomorrow. We can bleed this planet dry! 
'''Rumble''': ''[hiccups]'' Boy, these are good. ''[hiccups]'' I needed to refuel. Energy! 
'''Megatron''': Energy! Energy! 
'''Thundercracker''': Hey! This stuff's the greatest! ''[passes out]'' 
'''Megatron''': Ah, those were the good ol' days, back on Cybertron... Didn' hafta... sneak around in these... ugly Earth disguises, heh... 
''[Powerglide arrives]'' 
'''Powerglide''': Time to cut the jets and glide...! What in the world? 
'''Megatron''': Good ol' Cybertron! Land... of the metal moon!
:—The Decepticons give us what is quite possibly the intentionally funniest scene in the series.

"How come it's so quiet?" 
"Because he isn't engaging any of his main brain functions." 
"Then I got a honey of an idea. Let's bash brain!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' in Megatron's cranial chamber

[[File:Microbots brain impulse.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
"What are they?" 
"Brain impulses... ''evil'' brain impulses!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' discuss Decepticon neuroscience.

"It's all over, Prime!" 
"Not until every last Autobot program is erased, Megatron."
:—'''Megatron''' anticipates the destruction of the Autobots, as if it was a new thing.

"You filthy [[retrorat]]s!! Rrrarrgh!!" 
:—'''Megatron,''' realizing that three Autobots have been messing with his insides.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 15th February 1985
* There were 3 recording sessions for this episode, the first of which was with [[Jack Angel]], [[John Stephenson]], [[Michael Chain]] and [[Morgan Lofting]]. The second recording session with every other performer featured in the episode except for [[Casey Kasem]] who needed a seperate third recording session later on.

===Continuity notes===
*[[Nemesis (G1)|The Decepticon ship]] is the same one last seen in the series pilot episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]". A decade later, it would be given a name and a central role in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] cartoon episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
[[File:Microbots impulse ride.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Maybe this is how Teletraan I is able to detect "[[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|evil presences]]".]]
*Scavenger detects traces of [[cybertroid alloy]], suggesting the Decepticon ship is made of it.
*Hook uses [[cyber-forcep]]s.
*We learn quite a bit about Megatron's physiology in this episode:
**He can fly at least 600 miles per hour (100 miles in ten minutes, per Prime's reading of [[Teletraan I]].)
**He has an open spot amid his chest circuitry for the Heart of Cybertron, much like Ultra Magnus and Hot Rod have reserved spots (holes) for the Matrix.
**He has a wristwatch on his left wrist, which he looks at while flying around (causing concern for the Autobots within his shoulder joints). Oddly enough, this has [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|precedent]].
**While drunk, Megatron rants about disliking his "ugly Earth disguise", yet in 2005, he still has the same alt-mode. Surely he could have found time to change his gun mode if he really hated it that much! Maybe he doesn't like his ''troops<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' [[alternate mode]]s, or perhaps he simply despises the concept of taking Earth alternate modes to begin with.
**[[Evil brain impulse]]s!
*Perceptor compares the explosion of the Heart of Cybertron to a "[[hyperbomb]]", which could level the planet.
*Warpath actually fires shells from his cannon, rather than the usual lasers.
*Warpath's [[Tech Spec]] weakness comes into play: he is "helpless if upended".
*Megatron calls the Autobots "filthy [[retrorat|retro-rat]]s".

===Real-world references===
*The pulsating sound heard when Perceptor and company approach the Heart of Cybertron within Megatron is the same one used for the [[Dalek]] control rooms in all episodes of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' since its debut in 1963.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The excavation site changes radically between shots. When the archeologists first strike the Decepticon ship, they're digging downward into flat ground. In the next shot, they've removed an entire hillside, while still standing on flat ground. In the third shot ("this thing's been here longer than the hill!") the hill has become much bigger.
*Coloring errors:
**As Soundwave is looking at the giant computer in Decepticon Headquarters, the white parts of his face guard are blue for a split second just as he turns to call for Megatron.
**As Perceptor unshrinks Ironhide's microchip, Perceptor has a red Decepticon symbol.
**Scavenger's head is colored light gray instead of dark gray as Rumble mocks him for missing.
**After Megatron hands the Heart of Cybertron to Hook, Hook's head is white instead of black.
**Perceptor's eyes are white instead of blue when he reacts to the damaged Autobots.
**While Perceptor is giving his monologue about shrinking down and going into Megatron, Optimus Prime's waist is red instead of white.
*When the Constructicons laugh at Starscream, they use Rumble's laughter while Rumble is talking. This laughter is reused a second later by Rumble himself when he is done talking.
*Megatron gives the order to "'''''cut''''' the ship open". Hook proceeds to blast a huge explosive hole in the vessel.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**In three different scenes, only Ratchet, Prime, Bumblebee and Brawn are shown making the journey to South America. After the first commercial break, however, lots more Autobots just show up in the middle of the battle (Cliffjumper, Bluestreak, Ironhide, Huffer, Smokescreen, Windcharger, Hoist...)
*The doofy shot of Megatron firing upwards at the Autobots on the hill keeps getting re-used, even after the Autobots are no longer attacking from the hill.
*Optimus falls forwards down the hillside, but ends up on his back in the very next shot.
*One gun, many lasers:
**In the same sequence of shots, multiple beams of energy are streaking in towards the Autobots from multiple directions, despite Megatron only having two hands to fire the beams from. (There's no on-screen evidence that the other Decepticons have joined in the firing at all.)
*When Smokescreen finds Prime, he's lying in a completely different spot than where he fell after getting knocked out.
*The damaged Autobots include Ratchet and Hoist, who didn't have a mark on them when the battle concluded. They also include Wheeljack and Gears, who weren't seen at the battle at all.
*When the Decepticons get drunk, Soundwave is seen drinking amongst the crowd, despite having a faceplate. Maybe it can drop down like that of [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (as seen in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]").
*Flying Autobots:
**As Brawn leaps up to attack the electro-sanitizers, he has a flight sound effect.
*After he leaps back down, the top of his backpack is yellow instead of olive green.
*The animation of Megatron stepping aside to avoid Warpath's shells is played twice in a row, which means the first shell's explosion is missing in the second shot.
*In typical cartoon fashion, the energy shield shatters like glass, complete with breaking glass sound effects. The [[Dome of Invulnerability]] went down the same way in "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"
*When Prime opens fire on Megatron, his shots don't quite reach the whole, oh, maybe 50 feet of distance between him and Megatron.
*After Megatron falls, a closeup shot shows the joint in Megatron's shoulder. The next shot is a tighter closeup; the joint has suddenly gone from solid to hollow (allowing us to see the Autobots running past.)
*As the three Autobots flee Megatron's interior and start to return to their normal size, the Heart of Cybertron grows right along with Brawn during the first growing spell.
*The line "But it's destabilizing. It could explode at any second!" is voiced by Brawn, but Perceptor's mouth moves. The line sure sounds like it was written for Percy.
*When the Heart of Cybertron is supposedly 1,500 miles above the ground, it's still in front of the night sky clouds.
*As he shoots at the Heart of Cybertron, Perceptor's laser blast is given a rocket sound effect.

===Continuity errors===
*The archaeologists at the beginning of the episode are digging for Mayan artifacts in South America, though in the real world the Maya civilization never reached further south than modern-day Honduras.
*Megatron rather strangely identifies the vessel as "''a'' Decepticon ship", as if he's never seen it before, despite later verifying that it is "our ship".
*Optimus is hesitant to cut down a path so his forces can drive through. Yet he does EXACTLY that in "Changing Gears". Did he have a change of heart or does he have something against African Jungles? To be fair, in this episode the Autobots had plenty of time to reach the Decepticons, while in "Changing Gears" the ENTIRE SOLAR SYSTEM was about to be vaporized by its own exploding sun.
*Do the Decepticons ''really'' need to carve a path the size of an interstate highway? Wouldn't a single-file pathway be a lot quicker?
*The Decepticons' ship was depicted as being the same size as the ship used by the Autobots in the opening episode, but here it's considerably smaller.
*Would the ship's vital, fragile power source really be that close to its exterior hull?
**Would said hull also be quite vulnerable to a small hand-held weapon?
*Was there ''nothing'' else in the ship that would be of value to the Decepticons?
*Why on Earth are the Decepticons sitting around in the middle of the desert somewhere? And how does Powerglide know to find them there?
*Prime has "all available Autobots" move out to attack Megatron. Responding to the call are... Cliffjumper, Windcharger and Warpath. What happened to everybody else?!
[[File:Microbots Heart throw.JPG|right|upright=1.4|thumb|"Why don't we install it in Optimus, Perceptor?" "Because you're an idiot, Brawn."]]
*At one point, Brawn proposes killing Megatron from the inside (by PUNCHING HIS BRAIN TO PIECES). Perceptor stops him, saying that if he fell while flying, the impact could detonate the Heart of Cybertron. But while they're having this debate, Megatron lands, so it wouldn't seem to be a concern anymore. Perhaps even a short fall would have been enough? Maybe not, since Megatron falls right over when Prime shoots him a moment later! Also, with Megatron's change in orientation, the room that Perceptor and company are in should really undergo a 90 degree gravity shift, but nothing changes.
**As a sub-point, why do they never employ that tactic afterward? The hardest part is getting inside Megatron.
*Why is it so hard for Perceptor to reach the wire that's right in front of him? He's not damaged or anything!
*For that matter, why did he have to cut all three himself, when Brawn was ready and willing to help? It didn't seem like a particularly complex procedure.
*We're not doubting the strength of the almighty, indestructible Brawn or anything, but... can something as tiny and light as the Heart of Cybertron really be ''thrown'' 2,000 miles into space?
*For that matter, Perceptor's tracking report means the Heart is moving at about 250 miles ''per second''. Wouldn't it have incinerated in the lower atmosphere at such speeds?

===Trivia===
[[File:Microbots Huffer charges.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Huffer charging at Megatron...]]
*"Microbots" features some of the most beautifully animated sequences in the entire series: Ratchet tumbling into the camera as he's shot, Soundwave trying to outrun the avalanche, Brawn ripping apart the electro-sanitizers, Cliffjumper getting hit by rocks, Warpath's shells closing on Megatron...
*When Perceptor shoots down the Heart of Cybertron, the numbers "37564" appear on his targeting display. In Japan, this combination of numbers is a play-on-words, where combining the first syllable of each number in Japanese creates "minagoroshi" meaning annihilate, massacre, kill them all, etc.
*Brawn's assertion that "five of us are functional" actually accords with the animation; Prime calls on Ratchet, Grapple and Hoist, and Bumblebee and Brawn are shown still standing in the preceding shot. Amusingly, Grapple is never seen in the animation at all.
*Decepticons make funny, happy drunks.
*Writer David Wise [[David Wise#Recycle-o-matic|recycled]] much of this episode's plot from his ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' episode "Day of the Machines". Mainly, the plot in which the heroes have to shrink themselves and crawl inside a machine to disable it. He would further recycle the script for a ''Mighty Orbots'' episode, "Leviathan," in 1984, and again, almost word-for-word, in parts of the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' (1987) episode "Shredder and Splintered". That same ''He-Man'' episode was also cannibalized for the ''Transformers'' episodes "[[Day of the Machines]]" and "[[Kremzeek!]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (Canadian and European French broadcasts):'' "'''Les Microbots'''" ("The Microbots")
:*''Title (European French DVD release):'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*All the logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
::*Perceptor calls Brawn "mon gros" ("big boy").
::*The whole dialogue between the Autobots as they walk in the forest is missing.
::*Scavenger's lines are missing as he's looking for traces of cybertroid alloy.
::*Megatron's line "Hook! You cyber-forceps!" was misunderstood by the translator, who thought it was "Look! Your cyber-force". Consequently, that is what Megatron says even if it does not really make sense.
::*The drunk Decepticons scene is very softened. Rumble's hiccups sound more like "Ah!", and Thundercracker's line "This stuff's the greatest!" is replaced by "I've been craving ''indigestion'' for a while". Plus, Megatron speaks pretty normally during his ''indigestion''. The very strict French censorship laws of the time may have something to do with it.
::*Powerglide's lines as he arrives above the Decepticons are missing from the dub.
::*Perceptor's line "Thanks, Bumblebee!" is missing after he got saved.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Nel corpo di Megatron'''" ("In Megatron's Body")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's speech about "good ol' Cybertron" was changed by having him saying: «Those were good times for our beloved Cybertron! Then you didn't have to fight with anyone to get your own energy! Do you remember it?», which in quite off-character since it makes it look like Megatron dislikes war. Then Megatron proceeds by saying: «Good ol' Cybertron, I'll never forget what you managed to bring me: life!», a sentence which totally makes no sense but, after all, he was drunk, so... whatever...
::*Instead of saying that the Decepticons have "over energized", Powerglide explicitely says that they were drunk, which is quite the opposite of what happened in the French dub.
::*When the Autobots get to Megatron's shoulder joint, instead of saying: «Just hope he doesn't make any sudden moves.», Perceptor tells Brawn to not make any sudden moves.
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Micro no Kesshi Tai'''" (ミクロの決死隊, "The Micro Suicide Squad")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 27]], [[1985]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Xiǎo Jīqìrén '''" (小机器人, "Small Robots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 12: Size Matters ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 7 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200128200918/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-33.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1R3KXXFSwRLjgT5D7Hr0mxPmYSp6S2xIJ First draft script, submitted on 15th February 1985]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZ5gkdcelFELowblzT-7BoIP9vsfkmLZ/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Microbots

2026-01-02T03:11:32Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Synopsis */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=34
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=25
|prev2=Auto Berserk
|next2=Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=33
|prev3=The Insecticon Syndrome
|next3=Blaster Blues
|image=Microbots shrink.JPG
|caption=In the '80s, every cartoon had to have a shrinking episode.
|title="Microbots"
|season=2
|season ep=18
|production code=#700-33
|airdate=[[October 7]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]], [[Anime R]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kDzSX7cqXM
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''Perceptor, Brawn, and Bumblebee must shrink themselves to go inside Megatron and retrieve an artifact, the Heart of Cybertron, that gives him enormous power.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:NemesisMicrobots1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"We've passed here for the past 20 years! How could we never have spotted this before?!" "Every time we passed here, you pointed to that rock with the funny shape on the other side of the road, Mike."]]

While digging for [[Maya]] artifacts in [[South America]], a group of archaeologists stumble upon an ancient spacecraft. As news of the discovery is broadcast on the news, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] recognize it as the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon ship]] they traveled to Earth in four million years ago. Megatron states that there is something on that ship which he wants, and sets out to get it.

Meanwhile, at the [[Autobot]]s' [[Ark (G1)|headquarters]], [[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] is using a [[transmat reduction beam|shrinking-enlarging device]] to repair one of [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide's]] memory chips while being insulted by [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] for not being a soldier. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] walks in and tries to make him stop, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] orders Brawn and Bumblebee to follow him to South America along with [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]], to stop Megatron from obtaining what he wants.

[[File:Microbots Megatron energy blasts.JPG|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Now you will experience the full power of the dark side.]]
As Megatron's troops blast their way through a rainforest in order to avoid satellite detection, [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] manages to first miss blasting a tree and then get attacked by a giant snake, to the amusement of [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Meanwhile, [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] has met his match in the form of a real jaguar, which attacks him but Ravage slaps it and it flees. The Autobots arrive and decide not to burn the forest down, because Optimus says "that's not our style".

Megatron gets through the forest first, and reaches the ship. Blasting it open, he retrieves the ship's energy core, the [[Heart of Cybertron]]. [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] implants it into Megatron's torso, vastly increasing his power level. Optimus Prime then arrives and orders the Autobots to attack, but they are all defeated by Megatron's new ability to continuously fire energy from his fingertips. The Autobots only manage to escape when Optimus orders [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] to generate a smokescreen, allowing them to bring a hill down on the Decepticons.

[[File:Microbots Decepticons drunk.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Soundwave superior. Lightweights inferior.]]
After limping back to base, [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] creates a force-field to keep Megatron at bay. Perceptor hatches a plan to shrink himself, Brawn and Bumblebee to microscopic sizes in order to infiltrate Megatron's body and disconnect the Heart of Cybertron.

Meanwhile, the Decepticons sit around and get <s>plastered</s> overcharged on [[energon]]. After Megatron rambles on about the "good ol' days" and passes out, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] delivers the tiny Autobots into his body. This wakes up Megatron, who fires a few parting shots at Powerglide. Finding that none of his warriors can even stand up (or in [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak's]] case, ''fly straight''), Megatron departs to destroy the Autobots himself.

[[File:Microbots Brawn and heroic Perceptor.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"You're not the guy to make the sacrifice play, to lay down on a wire and let the other guy crawl over you." "I think I would just cut the wire."]]
Perceptor, Brawn and Bumblebee make their way through Megatron's body, avoiding his [[electro-sanitizer]]s, until they reach the Decepticon's [[brain module|brain]]. The others have to restrain Brawn from destroying the brain, since the fall would likely cause the Heart of Cybertron to explode. Megatron reaches Autobot headquarters and begins firing on the force field protecting Optimus Prime. The miniaturized trio ride one of Megatron's [[evil brain impulse]]s to the Heart of Cybertron, which Perceptor disconnects while dodging more brain impulses. Taking the heart, they make a dash for safety as the shrink-ray's effects begin to wear off. Megatron, deprived of his weapon and knocked flat by Optimus, is shocked by the sight of three rapidly-growing Autobots jumping out of his shoulder joint, and flies off.

Observing that the Heart of Cybertron has become unstable, Brawn tosses it two thousand miles into the sky, at which point Perceptor detonates it with a blast from his cannon. After this, Brawn shows much more respect for Perceptor.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] (6)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (7)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (8)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (9)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (10)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (11)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (20)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (21)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (22)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (25)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (28)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (30)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (33)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (34)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (15)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (16)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (17)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (19)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (29)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (31)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (32)
|c3=
*[[Merrick]] (1)
*[[Jose (cartoon)|Jose]] (2)
*[[Joan]] (3)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:Microbots RumbleScavenger.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
"Nice scenery." 
"Yeah, let's waste it! I hate nice things."
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Scavenger''' are why we can't have nice things.

[[File:G1toon snakes on a plane.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Starscream: Get this thing off me! [[Cobra Commander]]: I was once a man, A MAN!]]
''[Starscream shoots at a tree and misses]'' 
"Good shot, Starscream!" 
"Shut up or I'll blast ''you'', punk!" 
"Hey, hold that pose! I wanna remember you that way!" 
''[A snake wraps itself around Starscream's neck]'' 
"Help! Get this thing off me!" 
"I think it looks stunning on ya!"
:—'''Rumble''' and the Constructicons laugh at '''Starscream'''.

"He'll blow us away if we attack." 
"He'll blow us away if we just stand here! ''Charge!''"
:—'''Ratchet''' and '''Cliffjumper''' debate whether or not to attack the powered-up Megatron.

'''Brawn''': Are you ''defective?'' ''How''<nowiki>'</nowiki>re we gonna do ''that?!'' 
'''Perceptor''': Simple! We use my transmat reduction beam to shrink down to microscopic size. Then, we crawl into Megatron, and rip the blasted heart out! 
'''Optimus''': What do you think of his intelligence now, Brawn? 
'''Brawn''': Ahhh, I reserve judgment.
:—'''Brawn''' is just being pissy at this point.

[[File:Microbots-DrunkThundercracker.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
'''Megatron''': Decepticons: a toast. To the imminent destruction of the accursed Autobots! 
''[The Decepticons begin drinking Energon]'' 
'''Starscream''': Energy! We won't need to conserve it after tomorrow. We can bleed this planet dry! 
'''Rumble''': ''[hiccups]'' Boy, these are good. ''[hiccups]'' I needed to refuel. Energy! 
'''Megatron''': Energy! Energy! 
'''Thundercracker''': Hey! This stuff's the greatest! ''[passes out]'' 
'''Megatron''': Ah, those were the good ol' days, back on Cybertron... Didn' hafta... sneak around in these... ugly Earth disguises, heh... 
''[Powerglide arrives]'' 
'''Powerglide''': Time to cut the jets and glide...! What in the world? 
'''Megatron''': Good ol' Cybertron! Land... of the metal moon!
:—The Decepticons give us what is quite possibly the intentionally funniest scene in the series.

"How come it's so quiet?" 
"Because he isn't engaging any of his main brain functions." 
"Then I got a honey of an idea. Let's bash brain!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' in Megatron's cranial chamber

[[File:Microbots brain impulse.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]
"What are they?" 
"Brain impulses... ''evil'' brain impulses!"
:—'''Brawn''' and '''Perceptor''' discuss Decepticon neuroscience.

"It's all over, Prime!" 
"Not until every last Autobot program is erased, Megatron."
:—'''Megatron''' anticipates the destruction of the Autobots, as if it was a new thing.

"You filthy [[retrorat]]s!! Rrrarrgh!!" 
:—'''Megatron,''' realizing that three Autobots have been messing with his insides.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 15th February 1985
* There were 3 recording sessions for this episode, the first of which was with [[Jack Angel]], [[John Stephenson]], [[Michael Chain]] and [[Morgan Lofting]]. The second recording session with every other performer featured in the episode except for [[Casey Kasem]] who needed a seperate third recording session later on.

===Continuity notes===
*[[Nemesis (G1)|The Decepticon ship]] is the same one last seen in the series pilot episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]". A decade later, it would be given a name and a central role in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] cartoon episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
[[File:Microbots impulse ride.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|Maybe this is how Teletraan I is able to detect "[[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|evil presences]]".]]
*Scavenger detects traces of [[cybertroid alloy]], suggesting the Decepticon ship is made of it.
*Hook uses [[cyber-forcep]]s.
*We learn quite a bit about Megatron's physiology in this episode:
**He can fly at least 600 miles per hour (100 miles in ten minutes, per Prime's reading of [[Teletraan I]].)
**He has an open spot amid his chest circuitry for the Heart of Cybertron, much like Ultra Magnus and Hot Rod have reserved spots (holes) for the Matrix.
**He has a wristwatch on his left wrist, which he looks at while flying around (causing concern for the Autobots within his shoulder joints). Oddly enough, this has [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|precedent]].
**While drunk, Megatron rants about disliking his "ugly Earth disguise", yet in 2005, he still has the same alt-mode. Surely he could have found time to change his gun mode if he really hated it that much! Maybe he doesn't like his ''troops<nowiki>'</nowiki>'' [[alternate mode]]s, or perhaps he simply despises the concept of taking Earth alternate modes to begin with.
**[[Evil brain impulse]]s!
*Perceptor compares the explosion of the Heart of Cybertron to a "[[hyperbomb]]", which could level the planet.
*Warpath actually fires shells from his cannon, rather than the usual lasers.
*Warpath's [[Tech Spec]] weakness comes into play: he is "helpless if upended".
*Megatron calls the Autobots "filthy [[retrorat|retro-rat]]s".

===Real-world references===
*The pulsating sound heard when Perceptor and company approach the Heart of Cybertron within Megatron is the same one used for the [[Dalek]] control rooms in all episodes of ''[[Doctor Who]]'' since its debut in 1963.

===Animation and technical errors===
*The excavation site changes radically between shots. When the archeologists first strike the Decepticon ship, they're digging downward into flat ground. In the next shot, they've removed an entire hillside, while still standing on flat ground. In the third shot ("this thing's been here longer than the hill!") the hill has become much bigger.
*Coloring errors:
**As Soundwave is looking at the giant computer in Decepticon Headquarters, the white parts of his face guard are blue for a split second just as he turns to call for Megatron.
**As Perceptor unshrinks Ironhide's microchip, Perceptor has a red Decepticon symbol.
**Scavenger's head is colored light gray instead of dark gray as Rumble mocks him for missing.
**After Megatron hands the Heart of Cybertron to Hook, Hook's head is white instead of black.
**Perceptor's eyes are white instead of blue when he reacts to the damaged Autobots.
**While Perceptor is giving his monologue about shrinking down and going into Megatron, Optimus Prime's waist is red instead of white.
*When the Constructicons laugh at Starscream, they use Rumble's laughter while Rumble is talking. This laughter is reused a second later by Rumble himself when he is done talking.
*Megatron gives the order to "'''''cut''''' the ship open". Hook proceeds to blast a huge explosive hole in the vessel.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**In three different scenes, only Ratchet, Prime, Bumblebee and Brawn are shown making the journey to South America. After the first commercial break, however, lots more Autobots just show up in the middle of the battle (Cliffjumper, Bluestreak, Ironhide, Huffer, Smokescreen, Windcharger, Hoist...)
*The doofy shot of Megatron firing upwards at the Autobots on the hill keeps getting re-used, even after the Autobots are no longer attacking from the hill.
*Optimus falls forwards down the hillside, but ends up on his back in the very next shot.
*One gun, many lasers:
**In the same sequence of shots, multiple beams of energy are streaking in towards the Autobots from multiple directions, despite Megatron only having two hands to fire the beams from. (There's no on-screen evidence that the other Decepticons have joined in the firing at all.)
*When Smokescreen finds Prime, he's lying in a completely different spot than where he fell after getting knocked out.
*The damaged Autobots include Ratchet and Hoist, who didn't have a mark on them when the battle concluded. They also include Wheeljack and Gears, who weren't seen at the battle at all.
*When the Decepticons get drunk, Soundwave is seen drinking amongst the crowd, despite having a faceplate. Maybe it can drop down like that of [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (as seen in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3]]").
*Flying Autobots:
**As Brawn leaps up to attack the electro-sanitizers, he has a flight sound effect.
*After he leaps back down, the top of his backpack is yellow instead of olive green.
*The animation of Megatron stepping aside to avoid Warpath's shells is played twice in a row, which means the first shell's explosion is missing in the second shot.
*In typical cartoon fashion, the energy shield shatters like glass, complete with breaking glass sound effects. The [[Dome of Invulnerability]] went down the same way in "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]"
*When Prime opens fire on Megatron, his shots don't quite reach the whole, oh, maybe 50 feet of distance between him and Megatron.
*After Megatron falls, a closeup shot shows the joint in Megatron's shoulder. The next shot is a tighter closeup; the joint has suddenly gone from solid to hollow (allowing us to see the Autobots running past.)
*As the three Autobots flee Megatron's interior and start to return to their normal size, the Heart of Cybertron grows right along with Brawn during the first growing spell.
*The line "But it's destabilizing. It could explode at any second!" is voiced by Brawn, but Perceptor's mouth moves. The line sure sounds like it was written for Percy.
*When the Heart of Cybertron is supposedly 1,500 miles above the ground, it's still in front of the night sky clouds.
*As he shoots at the Heart of Cybertron, Perceptor's laser blast is given a rocket sound effect.

===Continuity errors===
*The archaeologists at the beginning of the episode are digging for Mayan artifacts in South America, though in the real world the Maya civilization never reached further south than modern-day Honduras.
*Megatron rather strangely identifies the vessel as "''a'' Decepticon ship", as if he's never seen it before, despite later verifying that it is "our ship".
*Optimus is hesitant to cut down a path so his forces can drive through. Yet he does EXACTLY that in "Changing Gears". Did he have a change of heart or does he have something against African Jungles? To be fair, in this episode the Autobots had plenty of time to reach the Decepticons, while in "Changing Gears" the ENTIRE SOLAR SYSTEM was about to be vaporized by its own exploding sun.
*Do the Decepticons ''really'' need to carve a path the size of an interstate highway? Wouldn't a single-file pathway be a lot quicker?
*The Decepticons' ship was depicted as being the same size as the ship used by the Autobots in the opening episode, but here it's considerably smaller.
*Would the ship's vital, fragile power source really be that close to its exterior hull?
**Would said hull also be quite vulnerable to a small hand-held weapon?
*Was there ''nothing'' else in the ship that would be of value to the Decepticons?
*Why on Earth are the Decepticons sitting around in the middle of the desert somewhere? And how does Powerglide know to find them there?
*Prime has "all available Autobots" move out to attack Megatron. Responding to the call are... Cliffjumper, Windcharger and Warpath. What happened to everybody else?!
[[File:Microbots Heart throw.JPG|right|upright=1.4|thumb|"Why don't we install it in Optimus, Perceptor?" "Because you're an idiot, Brawn."]]
*At one point, Brawn proposes killing Megatron from the inside (by PUNCHING HIS BRAIN TO PIECES). Perceptor stops him, saying that if he fell while flying, the impact could detonate the Heart of Cybertron. But while they're having this debate, Megatron lands, so it wouldn't seem to be a concern anymore. Perhaps even a short fall would have been enough? Maybe not, since Megatron falls right over when Prime shoots him a moment later! Also, with Megatron's change in orientation, the room that Perceptor and company are in should really undergo a 90 degree gravity shift, but nothing changes.
**As a sub-point, why do they never employ that tactic afterward? The hardest part is getting inside Megatron.
*Why is it so hard for Perceptor to reach the wire that's right in front of him? He's not damaged or anything!
*For that matter, why did he have to cut all three himself, when Brawn was ready and willing to help? It didn't seem like a particularly complex procedure.
*We're not doubting the strength of the almighty, indestructible Brawn or anything, but... can something as tiny and light as the Heart of Cybertron really be ''thrown'' 2,000 miles into space?
*For that matter, Perceptor's tracking report means the Heart is moving at about 250 miles ''per second''. Wouldn't it have incinerated in the lower atmosphere at such speeds?

===Trivia===
[[File:Microbots Huffer charges.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Huffer charging at Megatron...]]
*"Microbots" features some of the most beautifully animated sequences in the entire series: Ratchet tumbling into the camera as he's shot, Soundwave trying to outrun the avalanche, Brawn ripping apart the electro-sanitizers, Cliffjumper getting hit by rocks, Warpath's shells closing on Megatron...
*When Perceptor shoots down the Heart of Cybertron, the numbers "37564" appear on his targeting display. In Japan, this combination of numbers is a play-on-words, where combining the first syllable of each number in Japanese creates "minagoroshi" meaning annihilate, massacre, kill them all, etc.
*Brawn's assertion that "five of us are functional" actually accords with the animation; Prime calls on Ratchet, Grapple and Hoist, and Bumblebee and Brawn are shown still standing in the preceding shot. Amusingly, Grapple is never seen in the animation at all.
*Decepticons make funny, happy drunks.
*Writer David Wise [[David Wise#Recycle-o-matic|recycled]] much of this episode's plot from his ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' episode "Day of the Machines". Mainly, the plot in which the heroes have to shrink themselves and crawl inside a machine to disable it. He would further recycle the script for a ''Mighty Orbots'' episode, "Leviathan," in 1984, and again, almost word-for-word, in parts of the ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' (1987) episode "Shredder and Splintered". That same ''He-Man'' episode was also cannibalized for the ''Transformers'' episodes "[[Day of the Machines]]" and "[[Kremzeek!]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (Canadian and European French broadcasts):'' "'''Les Microbots'''" ("The Microbots")
:*''Title (European French DVD release):'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*All the logo transitions were cut. It is unknown if it was that way for the original broadcast or if the episode was chopped for the DVD release.
::*Perceptor calls Brawn "mon gros" ("big boy").
::*The whole dialogue between the Autobots as they walk in the forest is missing.
::*Scavenger's lines are missing as he's looking for traces of cybertroid alloy.
::*Megatron's line "Hook! You cyber-forceps!" was misunderstood by the translator, who thought it was "Look! Your cyber-force". Consequently, that is what Megatron says even if it does not really make sense.
::*The drunk Decepticons scene is very softened. Rumble's hiccups sound more like "Ah!", and Thundercracker's line "This stuff's the greatest!" is replaced by "I've been craving ''indigestion'' for a while". Plus, Megatron speaks pretty normally during his ''indigestion''. The very strict French censorship laws of the time may have something to do with it.
::*Powerglide's lines as he arrives above the Decepticons are missing from the dub.
::*Perceptor's line "Thanks, Bumblebee!" is missing after he got saved.

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Nel corpo di Megatron'''" ("In Megatron's Body")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Megatron's speech about "good ol' Cybertron" was changed by having him saying: «Those were good times for our beloved Cybertron! Then you didn't have to fight with anyone to get your own energy! Do you remember it?», which in quite off-character since it makes it look like Megatron dislikes war. Then Megatron proceeds by saying: «Good ol' Cybertron, I'll never forget what you managed to bring me: life!», a sentence which totally makes no sense but, after all, he was drunk, so... whatever...
::*Instead of saying that the Decepticons have "over energized", Powerglide explicitely says that they were drunk, which is quite the opposite of what happened in the French dub.
::*When the Autobots get to Megatron's shoulder joint, instead of saying: «Just hope he doesn't make any sudden moves.», Perceptor tells Brawn to not make any sudden moves.
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Micro no Kesshi Tai'''" (ミクロの決死隊, "The Micro Suicide Squad")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 27]], [[1985]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Xiǎo Jīqìrén '''" (小机器人, "Small Robots")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Microbots'''"
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 12: Size Matters ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 2: Series 2.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 7 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 04: Stagione Due Parte Seconda ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200128200918/http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-33.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1R3KXXFSwRLjgT5D7Hr0mxPmYSp6S2xIJ First draft script, submitted on 15th February 1985]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZ5gkdcelFELowblzT-7BoIP9vsfkmLZ/view?usp=drive_link Model sheets and background layouts]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Joan

2026-01-02T03:11:10Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* The Transformers cartoon */

:''Joan is a [[human]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:Archeologistjoan.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|My boots would be a whole lot cooler. Like robot boots. And for some reason, I got blue hair. You ''gotta'' have blue hair.]]

'''Joan''' is a field archeologist. She likes to make $10 bets with a male colleague on who'll uncover something first at a dig site. She also has blue hair. Perhaps her last name is Bouvier?

==Fiction==
===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Morgan Lofting]] (English), [[Gara Takashima]] (Japanese)|[[Monique Thierry]] (European French)}}

Joan and a fellow archeologist named [[Merrick]] were working at a research site in [[South America]]. While digging into a hillside, Joan discovered something extraordinary. Instead of [[Mayan]] pottery and artifacts, she uncovered a metal panel. Extensive excavation revealed the panel was part of the rear of a [[Nemesis (G1)|giant alien spacecraft]].

Her discovery gained her international exposure on [[television]], which was how the Autobots and Decepticons found out about the ship.

Joan wanted to open the craft but before she and her team could try, the Decepticons interrupted them and opened fire. Joan and the others climbed into their Jeeps and drove off, and were never heard from again. {{storylink|Microbots}}

==Notes==
*The [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list entry for "Microbots" notes that Joan is Merrick's wife.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Joan''' (ジョーン ''Jōn'')
*''French:'' '''Joanna''' (Europe)

[[Category:Archaeologists]]
[[Category:Cartoon-only characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon humans]]

Maya

2026-01-02T03:10:55Z

CamilleHiiragi: Created page with "The '''Mayas''' were a group of people who lived in South America somewhere around 1300 years go. They presumably did not have spacecraft. ==Fiction== While digging for artif..."

The '''Mayas''' were a group of people who lived in South America somewhere around 1300 years go. They presumably did not have spacecraft.

==Fiction==
While digging for artifacts in [[South America]], a group of archaeologists stumble upon an ancient spacecraft. As news of the discovery is broadcast on the news, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] recognize it as the [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon ship]] they traveled to Earth in four million years ago. Megatron states that there is something on that ship which he wants, and sets out to get it. {{storylink|Microbots}}

==Notes==
*In reality, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization Maya civilization] did not extend as far south as South America, rather it was primarily located in the Yucatán peninsula, which is now in [[Mexico]]. It's possible that the Mayans were simply confused for the Incas during the script-writing process, as the Inca empire did occupy a sizable portion of South America.

More than Meets the Eye, Part 1

2025-05-14T12:45:03Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Trivia */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=1
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=1
|next2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=1
|next3=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|image=MTMtE Part1 Prime repair.jpg
|caption=Prime spends a few hours at a discount tanning salon.
|title="More than Meets the Eye, Part 1"
|season=1
|season ep=1
|production code=4023
|airdate=[[September 17]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[George Arthur Bloom]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1ujpoDlgRU
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''In search of energy, the Autobots leave Cybertron and are pursued by the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:MTMtE1 Wheeljack and Bumblebee collect energy.jpg|left|thumb|"That's not that impressive. I can transform too, y'know."]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], many [[MYA|millions of years ago]], the [[Autobot]]s are on the verge of extinction. Eons of war with the [[Decepticon]]s, their bitter enemies, have drained the planet's once plentiful resources. Autobots [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] have managed to find a scant few [[Conductor|energy conductors]] and muse that what they've found won't last very long. Bumblebee loads the conductors into Wheeljack and they head back towards [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. However, as they reach the bridge to home base, they run into a Decepticon patrol. Wheeljack's attempt to drive through is cut short by enemy fire, and they're soon literally surrounded by a ring of fire, thanks to the Decepticons' flame throwers. The pair manage to escape the flames and ram their way through the Decepticons, two of whom give chase. The pursuing Decepticons manage to hit Bumblebee with their lasers, and the smaller Autobot is forced to drive aboard Wheeljack. Wheeljack manages to evade the two Decepticons by heading underground and arrives at Iacon. As they enter the fortress, a nearby sensor lamp reveals itself to be [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], who dispatches [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] to do some spying. Also returning to Iacon is [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], who reports to [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] that he was unable to find any energy in Cybertron's lower regions. Optimus confers with Jazz, [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] on the plan to leave Cybertron on a mission to search for energy elsewhere. Having heard all they need, Laserbeak and Soundwave depart.

[[File:MTMtE1 Ark and Nemesis over Earth.jpg|thumb|Starting a long, long tradition of Transformer ships crashing on Earth.]]
Inside [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|their base]], [[Decepticon leader]] [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] plots to intercept the Autobots, and leaves his [[second-in-command|first lieutenant]] [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] in charge of Cybertron. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asserts the war would have been won if the Decepticons were under his leadership.

The Autobots blast off aboard [[Ark (G1)|their spaceship]], and the Decepticons give chase in their [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]]. The Autobots immediately run into trouble when two large asteroids collide in front of them, resulting in a storm of rock that pelts both ships, until [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] uses the ship's weapons to clear a path. The Autobots next detect the pursuing ship, but are unable to outrun the Decepticon cruiser, which locks onto them with [[tractor beam]]s. The Autobot ship's lasers are out of power, so the Autobots are forced to instead engage the Decepticons in combat once they board. With no one at the respective helms, both ships drift into [[Earth]]'s gravity well, and despite Prime's best efforts to right the Autobot ship, both vessels spin out of control and crash. The Autobot ship embeds itself in the side of a volcano.

Four million years pass. It is the year 1984, and volcanic activity stirs the half-buried ship, awakening the computer systems aboard. [[Teletraan I]] sends out a [[Sky Spy]] satellite to reconnoiter this new world, and scans examples of terrestrial machinery in order to reformat the Transformers into new [[Alternate mode|alt modes]]. The Decepticon [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] happens to be the one who is in the path of the repair beam, and thus is awakened first. He revives Megatron, and the other Decepticons follow. Leaving the Autobot ship, Megatron observes that much time has passed since the crash but declares their mission to find energy is unchanged. An impudent Starscream leaves a parting shot, blasting the rocks over the ship in an attempt to bury it further. However, he unwittingly knocks Optimus Prime into the repair beam and the Autobot leader is revived.

[[File:Cliffgun.JPG|thumb|left|"You see the size of that gun he fired at us? It was bigger than him!"]]
The Decepticons locate a clearing and Megatron puts Starscream in charge of converting the area for the construction of a [[Victory (G1)|new star cruiser]]. Soundwave, Starscream and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] head for a nearby power station to find the needed raw materials. Meanwhile, the Autobots have all been repaired. Optimus Prime announces that they need to find out what the Decepticons are doing, and dispatches [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] to scout the area. Starscream and his team arrive at the power station, where Starscream again grouses about wanting to lead the Decepticons, and has Rumble use his pile drivers to level the plant. Some time later, Hound and Cliffjumper find the Decepticons in the middle of work on their ship. Though Cliffjumper's keen to wade in, Hound listens in as the Decepticons plan to take [[energon cube]]s back to Cybertron. Cliffjumper rashly takes a shot at Megatron, but misses, and Soundwave unleashes Laserbeak in pursuit. Though the pair split up, Laserbeak detaches a laser cannon so he can pursue both Autobots. While Cliffjumper manages to deal with the cannon, Laserbeak blasts Hound, sending him off a cliff.

[[File:MTMtE Part1 OilRig battle.jpg|thumb|Do yourself a favor, don't smoke at a Cybertronian waterpark.]]
Autobot medic [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Hauler]] come to fetch Hound. Cliffjumper apologizes for giving away their position as Hound is winched to safety. Meanwhile, Decepticons [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] spot an Earth vehicle approaching. The two human workers find the demolished power station, but while they're puzzling over what happened to it, [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] attacks and frightens them away.

Hound is repaired, and reports what he overheard: that the Decepticons are on the hunt for energy. Prime has Jazz assemble a battle group to go after them and the Autobots roll out. Elsewhere Laserbeak returns to the Decepticon construction site with the news that he's found a new source of energy. The Decepticons attack an off-shore [[oil rig]], where [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] and his son [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] work. The humans attempt to resist, but it's futile and they end up jumping or falling overboard. The Decepticons begin filling energon cubes from the [[oil]] pipeline, but as Megatron is telling Starscream that they will need a lot more energy, the Autobots arrive to spoil their party. A battle erupts on the drilling platform until the Decepticons simply grab what they can and take off. Megatron blasts the rig's supports, tipping it into the ocean and taking the Autobots with it. Another shot ignites the oil, turning the surface of the sea into an inferno. Realizing the humans are in danger, Optimus Prime tries to save Spike and Sparkplug while the Decepticons retreat with their energon plunder.

'''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|To be continued...]]'''
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (14)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (19)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (20)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (21)
*[[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (23)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (24)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (25)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (26)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (27)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)
*[[Teletraan I]] (30)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (31)
*[[Hauler]] (33)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (4)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (5)
*[[Sunstorm (G1)|Yellow Seeker]] (6)
*[[Hotlink (G1)|Purple Seeker]] (7)
*[[Bitstream (G1)|Light blue Seeker]] (8)
*[[Nacelle (G1)|Dark blue Seeker]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (17)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (22)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (32)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (36)

|c3=
*[[Joe (MTMTE)|Joe]] (34)
*[[Frank (G1)|Power plant worker]] (35)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (37)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (38)

}}

==Quotes==
[[File:MTMTE1-JazzProwlPrimeTrailbreaker.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
"Prime told me there'd be days like this." 
"And you didn't believe him?" 
"I do now!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Wheeljack''' under fire.

"When do we start the search mission?" 
"Soon as you're ready to launch."
:—'''Prowl''' is told to hurry up by '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Fear not, Megatron. Cybertron shall remain as you leave it."
:—'''Shockwave''', more accurate than he realizes.

"Leakin' lubricant!"
:—'''Ironhide'''

"What about materials?" 
"Use your imagination!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Here's something to keep you warm."
:—'''Megatron''' as he ignites the oil spill.

==Season 5==
{{note|When this episode was rebroadcast in [[The Transformers (cartoon)#Season 5|the fifth season]] of ''The Transformers'', it contained new bookending segments with original story material.}}

[[File:PrimeTakesTommyIntoSpace.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"There's no ''air'' in space!" "But there's an Air in Space Museum!"]]

The young human [[Tommy Kennedy]], a resident of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], needs help from [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. He runs out into the middle of a barren wasteland, calling Prime's name. Prime arrives via rocket-boots and, after lifting Tommy up to his head, asks him what's the trouble. As it turns out, Tommy has a "special project" for school that's due soon and only Prime can help him. Optimus inquires what the project is about, but Tommy dodges the question, simply saying that he needs to know how the Autobots arrived on Earth. Prime concedes, "Okay Tommy, I've handled enough emergencies to know that ''some things'' just can't wait." Prime then launches into the tale of how the Autobots and the Decepticons left Cybertron, crash-landed on Earth and began their war for energy anew...

Prime continues into the next part of his story, about their first encounter with humans and whatnot, but Tommy stops him. Tommy says he's out of time and he ''really'' has to get back to Autobot City. Prime offers to give him the ride on the condition that next time they hang out, he tells him the juicy details of this "special project". Prime then blasts off into space with Tommy clinging to his shoulder (and somehow not dying horribly).

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script submitted: 8th February 1984
* Script revisions: 13th March 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 27th August 1984
* Official Sunbow Productions synopsis:
:''In search of the precious energy needed to rebuild their war torn planet Cybertron - the Autobots venture forth into outer space. But the evil Decepticons attack them and the two robot armies crash on Earth.''
:''Four million years later, the Autobots and Decepticons are reactivated and the battle between the forces of good and evil rages anew. Megatron, the brutal leader of the Decepticons, vows to conquer the Universe. And only the Autobots have a chance of stopping him. Megatron's first step: to plunder the Earth's sources of energy.''
:''The Decepticons capture an offshore oil rig, convert the oil into Energon cubes and destroy the rig, leaving the workers and their Autobot rescuers trapped in the burning wreckage.''
:''Then the evil robots create a tremendous tidal wave which threatens to destroy a power plant and flood an entire valley...''
:''And Megatron discovers the Ruby Crystals of Burma - the ultimate power source that will enable him to conquer the universe...''
:''In a race against time, the Autobots track the Decepticons to the Crystal Mines of Burma, but their dangerous mission backfires and Optimus Prime must risk his very existence in a desperate space battle as the Decepticons rocket back to Cybertron with enough energy to rule the universe forever.''<ref>This is the only time an official Sunbow Productions synopsis would cover an entire miniseries instead of the individual episodes.</ref>

===Deleted scenes===
Added Scenes
* Shockwave's appearance was added in script revisions during March 1984, under the early name of Flash Beam. Presumably as a reaction to the toy line's retail success at Toyfair 1984 the month before, as Hasbro would have given the green light to plans for the toyline's second year.

Changed Scenes
* After the montage at the start of Act II, after the volcanic eruption “Four Million Years Later”. We cut to “Several Days Later” when the lava from the eruption has dried and hardened. Inside the ship, Teletraan I comes back online. It uses an Electron Gun that emerges from the side of the ship to blast through the rock. Its beam punching through the volcano wall and bouncing off several rocks in the area to form a “satellite dish” of energy. Through this energy, Teletraan receives data on Earth, displayed on its monitor. It then uses this data to repair the wrecked occupants of the ship, with Soundwave the first to be revived. This sequence was changed during storyboard revisions to have Teletraan I send out manual Sky Spies to collect data for Earth modes, rebuilding those placed in its repair beam into those new modes.
* Throughout the miniseries, wherever possible to do so without affecting the plot, instances of the Autobots flying are replaced by them driving or are cut entirely.
* Some scale issues are present, likely due to using toys for reference. The script describes Soundwave as being the size of Andre The Giant, while Megatron does not mass-shift when transforming to gun mode, nor is he wielded by other Decepticons. Instead he transforms into a giant gun mode and remains in mid-air while firing (similar to the show's intro).

Deleted Scenes
* The Decepticon “welcoming committee” is a blockade at one end of a bridge. Wheeljack deploys his deflector shields and he and Bumblebee crash through the barriers, with several generic Decepticons in pursuit. The two get halfway across the bridge before they see another blockade waiting for them at the other end. Wheeljack swerves to a halt as the two Autobots are now caught in crossfire.
* As Wheeljack brings the damaged Bumblebee into Iacon, Soundwave is skulking in the shadows outside. We get many establishing shots of the Ark being constructed. Ratchet works on Bumblebee in the med bay, who is praised for his energy-finding efforts by Optimus Prime.
* After Soundwave recalls Laserbeak and takes off, we cut to a “futuristic” airfield with the Decepticon starship in the distance, resting at a launch tower. A plane-mode Soundwave lands and transforms. Like his earlier lamppost mode, this was an example of George Arthur Bloom's idea that the Transformers could assume any form for disguise, which would be largely eliminated during script revisions to maintain [[Show-accuracy|toy-accuracy]].
* General scenes aboard the Ark include Trailbreaker and Prime consulting on energy sources. Ironhide complaining to Mirage about wanting to see action. Mirage in turn reminiscing about Cybertron before the war.
* Prowl reports to Prime that they're possibly being followed. Prime orders “release the Viewtrex!”. A metallic sensor rod emerges from the ship and scans space. Meanwhile, aboard the Decepticon ship, Megatron orders Soundwave to “execute cover phase”. Much to Starscream's irritation, who suggests blowing up the Autobots instead. Megatron shoots down that idea “If Optimus Prime knows of an energy source, let him lead us to it.”, thus explaining why Megatron didn't take Starscream's suggestion and just end them right there when they were all in one place. “Cover phase” is a form of cloaking device, the Decepticon ship disappearing both onscreen and on the Autobots’ monitors.
* Rumble uses his piledriver arms at the base of a mountain that supports one end of a railroad trestle. A freight train above is crossing as the trestle begins to fall apart, its cars plunging into the water while the engine makes it to safety. The other Decepticons collect the steel girders of the wrecked trestle, Starscream noting “I’m glad you’re on our side, Rumble!”
* While Hound and Cliffjumper are spying on the Decepticon base, Skywarp and Thundercracker are grumbling about doing grunt work. Megatron appears before them and berates Skywarp. When Thundercracker attempts to apologise, Megatron hits him in the head with such force that he is sent flying across the construction site. Landing in a heap and having to twist his own head back into place.
* As Thundercracker reports back to base about the approaching humans, Skywarp randomly finds a frisbee (“some Earth gadget”). Throwing it to a disinterested Starscream, who throws it back, only for it to be blasted out of mid-air by Megatron. Demanding Starscream get to work, who then chafes at being given orders. This argument is interrupted by Thundercracker's transmission reaching Soundwave.
* Discussing Hound's report, Prowl suggests warning humanity about the Decepticons, to which Jazz replies “They’d never believe us, Prowl.”. Optimus Prime agrees, stating “...and it’s up to us. We brought them here.”
* The Autobot “battle unit” is brought to a halt by Prime, who sees on his “vista scope” the Decepticons flying to the oil rig. The Autobots transform and take to the skies in pursuit.
* The final major scene of the episode sees Brawn and Huffer atop the last intact derrick on the burning oil rig, carrying the rig's large hose. Ignoring Huffer's complaints that it won't work, Brawn calls down to Windcharger to turn the water on. Their firefighting efforts aren't enough, even with the water supply turned all the way up. The derrick collapses and tips into the sea. Brawn jumps free, but Huffer lands with the Derrick and is entangled in the metal girders. Brawn rushes over to free him, while a short distance away, Prime is still trying to free Spike and Sparkplug with the ring of fire coming ever closer.

===Continuity notes===
* Wheeljack says there isn't enough energy in the conductors they find to "last a [[Units of time|quartrex]]". Bumblebee and Wheeljack were "one [[Units of length|megamile]]" from the bridge to Iacon. Prowl provides a report from the Autobot ship's "[[Viewtrex]]".
* Along with the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|first issue of the Marvel comic]] (of which this series is ''technically'' an adaptation), this episode establishes several iconic aspects of the cartoon and the entire [[Transformers brand]]. The planet Cybertron and its city Iacon both appear in many other media and continuities. The crash of the Ark and the four-million-year slumber of its inhabitants likewise recur in several other versions of the Generation 1 story.
* The orange Seeker from the "welcoming committee", visible for all of about two seconds, was [[Retcon|retroactively established]] to be the neo-G1 character [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. Other characters in the same shot were later named [[Hotlink (G1)|Hotlink]] (the purple Seeker with the flamethrower), [[Bitstream (G1)|Bitstream]] (the blue Seeker behind him holding his weapon like a rifle), and [[Nacelle (G1)|Nacelle]] (the dark blue Seeker barely visible between Sunstorm and Hotlink).
[[File:Cybertronlaserbeak.jpg|thumb|Tommy! How's the peeping?]]
* We get a look at Cybertronian alternate modes for Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Jazz, and Soundwave. Meanwhile, Laserbeak is given a Cybertronian ''robot'' mode. Soundwave's toy can totally be configured into that lamp-post mode.
*Trailbreaker's presence alongside Jazz and Prowl on Cybertron is just about the ''only'' indication of his "defense strategist" [[function]] in the cartoon.
*Three episodes from now, we will see that Shockwave was true to his word, and Cybertron has not changed one iota in four million years.
*The Decepticon vessel is last seen spiraling out of control, unpiloted, toward Earth. It will be rediscovered in the Season 2 episode "[[Microbots]]". The unnamed ship would finally be given a title almost 15 years later, when it was referred to as the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
*The events of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon take place during the 4 million years in which the Autobots and Decepticons lie dormant in the wreckage of the Ark... a time frame covered by about 5 seconds of footage in this episode.
[[File:Sky Spy.jpg|thumb]]
*As the satellite-like probe (later dubbed a [[Sky Spy]]) leaves the Ark, we see a city skyline in the distance. While the cartoon's animation could never make up its mind about what was around the crashed ship (oceanside cliffs? desert? forests and rivers?), one might take this city to be [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], later established to have jurisdiction over the land where the Autobot ship rests.
[[File:MTME1 Reflector camera.jpg|thumb|Yep, pretty clearly an SLR.]]
[[File:Ratchetg1cartoon.jpg|thumb|Repair bay optional.]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**Wheeljack raises deflector shields<ref>Specifically named in deleted dialogue.</ref> in vehicle mode to block the Decepticon laser-blasts.
**Wheeljack deploys a pair of tiny spinning blades from his front bumper, which lets him... drive through fire? Per the original script, it was supposed to be a metal battering ram with "spinning propeller-like blades" on the end of it.
**Laserbeak spies with a pair of cylindrical doodads that come out of the side of his head.
**Rumble demonstrates his earth-quake-making power, which consists of banging the ground with a couple of big pile drivers that replace his arms. This will become one of the cartoon's most frequently-seen special powers, to the point that it eventually would carry over to the Marvel comics as well. (This power also seems to exclude Rumble himself from its effects, as the ground under him never cracks open.)
**Hound pops out a little wrist radar dish that lets him hear what the Decepticons are saying from some distance away.
**Soundwave can display graphics—the space cruiser, in this case—on his chest door.
**Cliffjumper somehow stores on his person a [[Cliffjumper's bazooka|bazooka]] that's as big as he is. We don't want to know how he does this. Although it does look like it's collapsible.
**Cliffjumper also can deploy a gun from the rear of vehicle mode that fires his signature [[glass gas]].
**Laserbeak's cannons are shown to be able to disconnect from him, fly on their own and target Autobots independently. Although an ability actively described in his ''[[The Transformers Universe (Marvel)|Universe]]'' profile, this would be the only time Laserbeak would employ his weapons this way.
**Ratchet is shown splitting into his robot form and his repair bay; however, the repair bay is never seen again.
**Reflector, being a super-advanced space robot, can take a photograph and instantly spit out a paper print of the resulting image. Instant photographs?! It must be THE FUTURE!
**Starscream "activates the <s>noal</s> null ray", which freezes the device it's aimed at.
[[File:Hauler01-sm.jpg|thumb|Frank Lloyd ''Wrong''.]]
*A [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]]-like crane named [[Hauler]] is seen with Cliffjumper, recovering Hound; he's never seen again, however. Fans have speculated that this was to be an earlier release of Grapple's toy, aborted for reasons unknown.
*[[Energon cube]]s make their first appearance here. They have to be compressed before they convert the fuel they have been filled with into energon, at which point they glow a sort of yellowish-white iridescent-y rainbow-y sort of color. The "compressing a stack" aspect of the cubes was quickly done away with after the pilot mini-series, but the rainbow-glow would stick around for a little while before being phased out in favor of a pink-purple coloration that became the standard representation of energon cubes down through ''Transformers'' history.
*Despite being known for the command "Autobots, transform!", Optimus Prime doesn't actually issue it until two episodes later, in [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|part 3]]. Megatron beats him to it with the less-common counterpart "Decepticons, transform!" command to his troops on the oil-rig. They, however, do not actually transform - just Megatron himself.

===Real-world references===
*As with the corresponding [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue of the Marvel comic]], the here-unnamed [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] is certainly inspired by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.
*''The Transformers'' made heavy use of the sound effects library that sprung out of the movie ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. Fans have a tendency to make tiresome shocked exclamations that Laserbeak sounds like a [[TIE Fighter]]; it is therefore instructive to catalog these sound effects, which are used ''far'' more extensively than just a couple of TIE engine roars. About half a dozen sound effects tend to appear in nearly every episode, and at least a dozen total are known to have been used on ''The Transformers''. In this episode:
**The sound of the [[Death Star]] firing to destroy Alderaan, and Alderaan's subsequent explosion, is used as Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe Bumblebee and Wheeljack, and again as they abandon their pursuit.
**The sound of the Seeker training sphere aboard the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'', along with [[Luke Skywalker|Luke]]'s [[lightsaber]] humming and igniting, is used as Soundwave begins making energon cubes.
*We also get the lesser-used ''[[Star Trek]]'' sliding door sound effect as Soundwave sends Laserbeak after Hound and Cliffjumper.
*There are also hints of the Sonic Screwdriver sound effect from ''[[Doctor Who]]'', most notably Wheeljack opening and closing his rear door.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the very first shot, stars are shown passing in front of Cybertron.
*Soundwave's mouthplate doesn't move during his "Autobots are set to launch" line.
[[File:Sunstorm Cartoon.jpg|thumb|Then again, Thundercracker has ''two'' wings.]]
*The Decepticon "welcoming committee" is a bit confusing:
**The initial shot shows [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]]. None of these characters were in this scene in the original script, which just credited the characters as "Decepticons"; Starscream, in particular, is shown to be at Decepticon headquarters in a minute, and the voice that comes out of his mouth ("Autobots! Stop them!") is intended for a generic character and is provided by [[Dan Gilvezan]] instead of [[Chris Latta]].
**All three are absent from the second shot, which shows four new characters: a purple one with a flamethrower, a golden-yellow one, a rich blue one, and a dark navy one.
**The third shot, as Wheeljack bears down on the group, shows a total of five Seekers, all very small figures with block coloring, one purple, one black, and the other three grey. In the very next shot, Wheeljack is shown barrelling through Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker again.
**The final shot of the group sees Thundercracker and Skywarp transforming to pursue them. Though originally scripted only to be generic Decepticons, the pair subsequently have lines in what will become recognizable as their normal voices ("They've gone underground, we'll never catch 'em now!"/"We'd better report back to Megatron," provided by [[John Stephenson]] and [[Frank Welker]] respectively), indicating the script was reworked with the genuine intention of placing the two characters in the scene.
**Less explicable, though, is the voice heard declaring "After them!" just before Skywarp and Thundercracker take off. No speaker is obvious (nobody's mouth is seen moving on-screen) and the line was not in the original teleplay for the episode. Presumably, it was meant to be another generic Decepticon from the group ordering the two into action, but as the line is provided by Frank Welker, the possibility exists that it's supposed to be Skywarp speaking. If so, though, the voice is way off from his normal one, sounding almost exactly like Megatron.
*Bumblebee steps out of Wheeljack and immediately fires a shot in the completely opposite direction from their attackers. Was he testing his gun??
*Bumblebee is repeatedly shown to be a hovercar... yet somehow he's got wheels and an axle when the Seekers manage to hit him.
*Bumblebee is repeatedly shown to be ''wider'' than Wheeljack in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], yet he has no trouble driving right into Wheeljack's cargo compartment. He ''keeps'' driving in until he's completely out of sight, even though we can see at least half of the compartment.
*As Wheeljack opens his cargo compartment to let Bumblebee in, the energy conductors clip through his vehicle mode.
*Coloring errors:
**As Megatron gives Shockwave his orders, Starscream is missing his canopy lines, and Soundwave's eject button is blue, while his backpack is white.[[File:MTMTEProwlstreak.jpg|thumb|TakaraTomy later used this shot as a justification for giving ''Masterpiece'' Prowl his shoulder cannons.]]
**Bluestreak is colored like Prowl as the Autobots stumble around in the wake of the asteroid collision; Trailbreaker, meanwhile, has one white and one gray hand.
**Starscream has a red "collar" around his neck as he prepares the tractor beam.
**When the Autobots and Decepticons fight aboard the ''Ark'', there are two Starscreams - one fighting Prowl, the other fighting Ironhide.
**As Starscream fires on the Autobot ship, the top segment of his canopy is red instead of gray in some frames.
**As the gathered Decepticons gaze at the desert from atop the volcano, Skywarp's arm cannon is colored teal.
**Part of Megatron's fusion cannon is white as he says "we'll set up here".
**Soundwave's eject button is blue instead of white as Megatron orders him to plan the new space cruiser.
**After landing at the power plant, Soundwave's eject button is blue, instead of... y'know what? Let's just say the colorists screwed up this little detail ''all the freaking time'', and leave it at that.
**As Starscream talks about his plans with Soundwave and Rumble standing behind him, the tip of Soundwave's shoulder cannon is colored entirely black.
**When Optimus Prime assigns Hound his mission, the establishing shot has Cliffjumper with Bumblebee's yellow colors.
**In the long shot of the Decepticons building their base, Soundwave appears in Sideswipe's colors. The Seekers also appear to have the wrong colors in this shot - the one standing behind Megatron is colored as Skywarp and the one opposite him is colored as Starscream, but in the next shot they become Starscream and Thundercracker respectively.
**Cliffjumper's mirror housings are white instead of red as he delivers his "moonbeam" line.
**Ratchet's Autobot symbol is gray before he jumps off the cliff.
**Prime's running light housings are white instead of red as he orders Jazz to organize a battle unit.
**In the pan across the battle unit, Sideswipe's helm is red instead of black, and the top of Trailbreaker's chest is white instead of black.
**The center segment of Megatron's fusion cannon is white as the wrenches & etc. bounce off of him.
**Soundwave's cheekguards are blue instead of white as he starts making energon cubes.
*The retracting segments of Iacon's dome appear to come out of solid, unbroken metal. The interior shot of the bridge also shows the segments retracting incorrectly. Since the ship is upright at a 90-degree angle, the retracting segments should go from camera-right to camera-left, down the length of the ship.
*Sideswipe's missing his shoulder launcher as he mans an Ark console.
[[File:ArkCartoon1.jpg|thumb|If it's supposed to be transparent, then it probably shouldn't be blocking out the scenery behind it.]]
*The Ark's exhaust comes from ''behind'' the thruster ports.
*The Decepticon insignia on the Nemesis is missing its "eyes" as the Ark blasts off.
*Presumably, an impact is supposed to be knocking Jazz out of the pilot's seat; what the animation actually shows, however, is Prime saying "Jazz!", to which Jazz responds by spontaneously flying out of his seat.
*Immediately after a shot of Optimus Prime rallying his troops to prepare to repulse Decepticon boarders ("Prepare for battle!"), the same animation is re-used, but this time with Megatron's voice urging his troops to "Attack! Attack!" When the episode was re-done for the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' series, this scene was amended by placing a shot of Megatron sitting on this throne from earlier in the episode over the image, shouting the command. (In the same shot, Prowl's eye is missing and the cameraman's hand can be seen for a few frames during the second instance, which ''was'' fixed for the Rhino DVD release)
*A shot of Soundwave being kicked out of frame by Ironhide is immediately followed by Soundwave sparring with Ratchet.
*After Ratchet is thrown into the console, Optimus Prime and Megatron enter the frame, struggling with each other. Megatron is missing his fusion cannon in this shot, but it reappears when the angle changes to show them grappling as Prime asks for a status report.
*Ratchet is shown being thrown by Soundwave, but after Optimus Prime asks for a status report, Ratchet is seen fighting with Thundercracker on the other side of the room.
*When Soundwave tosses Ratchet into a console aboard the Ark, the Autobot Medic is sporting a Decepticon symbol in the center of his chest windshield, most likely the result of the animator carrying over Soundwave's design.
*As the above shot pans across the bridge to the right, we see Soundwave has teleported from one side of the bridge to the other, slumped against a console.
*In the pan shot on the Ark when the Transformers find out they're going to crash, there are TWO Soundwaves and TWO Starscreams.
*As the Ark rocks and sends the combatants tumbling, the left arm of the second Soundwave turns into an extended smear of gray paint for a couple of frames.
*The voice that reports about g-forces is Prowl's, but he's struggling with Starscream and doesn't seem to have time to read a console or make a report or anything. Although it's hard to tell due to the ship shaking, Jazz's mouth seems to be moving, and he ''does'' seem to be looking at machinery.
*Quite a few generic robots are mixed in among the identifiable inert Transformers in the crashed ship, including an orange one that might be [[Hauler]] and a yellow version of Jazz.
*The land around the volcano changes frequently between shots. Sometimes it's rocky desert; other times it's got forests and a river, sometimes both at once. This trend would continue throughout the whole series.
*When Megatron orders Skywarp to revive the other Decepticons, his voice is missing the metallic echo usually applied to it.
*Megatron is missing his barrel as he speaks to his newly revived troops. In a close-up, he has a "five o'clock shadow", as the central segment of his face is a darker shade than the rest of it.
[[File:Mtmte1 prepare the energon cubes.jpg|thumb]]
*Starscream has no transformation sound as he lands at the power plant.
*Hound's voice carries a soundproof-room echo as he comments on how different Earth is.
*Hound says that he got shot in the drive train, but Laserbeak shot him topside. Did the shot go straight through him??
*Reflector's three component robots are standing shoulder-to-shoulder as they turn to look at the truck, but are standing in a line in the next shot.
*After Thundercracker informs Soundwave about the approaching vehicle, there's a [[scene transition]]. The final frame of the scene transition is faded into an image of Sparkplug and Wheeljack working on Optimus Prime from "Divide and Conquer".
*In the Autobot roll call scene, when Jazz calls Prowl's name, Cliffjumper transforms as well. Ratchet is shown in vehicle mode, even though Jazz never called his name. Finally, near the end, Optimus Prime's headlights are red instead of white, but in the next scene this is corrected.
*Rumble isn't a big guy, but he should at ''least'' be a few feet taller than a human. He's shown the same height as Sparkplug.
*Starscream is missing his wing insignia as Megatron returns to his robot form.
*Ironhide and Starscream are shown sparring with poles, while Prowl and Thundercracker have a shootout from cover. In the very next shot, Ironhide is taking on Skywarp and Thundercracker, while Starscream is now busy with Huffer and Gears, and Prowl is grappling with a Reflector. In the shot after that, Prowl is suddenly free from Reflector and charging toward Skywarp.
*A red robot of indeterminate character model is shown retreating with the Decepticons. It looks a bit like an upside-down Sideswipe.
*When Rumble knocks Spike into the water, Sparkplug yells "Pike!", due to an editing error in the creation of the dialog track. (The original 'unslugged' cassette from the recording session has "Spike!")
*Frank Welker is not listed among the voice actors in the credits sequence. This error would be repeated in the other two parts of the miniseries as well.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:MTMtE Part1 Cybertron.jpg|thumb|Pale silver dot]]
*Later episodes will go to some length to establish that Cybertron is outside of our galaxy. There's even some implication that it's not inside ''any'' galaxy, but that unlikely notion is put to the lie by the very first shots of this episode, which show its surface illuminated by an unseen sun, and the space around it filled with stars.
*Whether for reasons of cost (unlikely considering how much effort was expended on this episode's artwork) or to avoid confusing the kiddies, hardly any of the Transformers were designed to have Cybertronian [[robot mode]]s (Laserbeak is the sole exception). Thus we get the strange phenomena of, for example, Jazz having a Porsche 911 bumper on his chest, four million years before Porsches were invented. This also leads to some strange transformations, with guys like Bumblebee and Wheeljack not having a single part from their vehicle forms visible in their robot modes.
*Soundwave is in robot mode outside of Iacon, not transforming back to lamppost mode until Jazz is practically on top of him. How could Jazz have failed to notice the big blue Decepticon right in front of him?
[[File:Shockwave Hands.jpg|thumb|''My honey my baby Don't put Shockwave upon no shelf She said don't gimme no lines And keep your hands... hand... whatever... to yourself!'']]
*During the scene in [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]], Shockwave is consistently drawn with two hands. This may not be an error ''per se'', as he shows up a couple of other times with two hands, and plenty of characters can retract their hands and replace them with various gadgets and weapons. Not to mention that the 4 million year gap between this episode and his next appearance (when his left hand is replaced with a laser cannon) leaves plenty of time for him to have lost and subsequently replaced the hand offscreen. However, this still goes against his toy design and his established character model.
*Two asteroids in deep space just show up out of nowhere and collide? Right by the passing ship? The cosmic improbability beggars the imagination.
*Oddly enough, nobody opens fire during the scuffle when the Decepticons board the Ark... not even Megatron.
*The Transformers' interplanetary cruise is ''incredibly'' short. At no point do they engage any kind of faster-than-light drive, yet somehow they go from Cybertron to Earth in what seems to be a matter of minutes. The only possible gap that might account for this is the scene cut between the Decepticon launch and the asteroid collision.
*The animation would have us believe that the Autobot spacecraft has just been sticking out of the side of this active volcano for ages, without anybody noticing. The intended gist might have been that the eruption uncovered it, but the animation doesn't show it.
*Cliffjumper somehow stores on his person a [[Cliffjumper's bazooka|cannon]] that's as big as he is.
*Okay, maybe it's not an actual error. But considering how many ordinary Transformers are shown to have enhanced visual abilities (Hot Rod, Rumble, Arcee, etc.) it seems a tad ridiculous that Thundercracker needs to use Reflector's camera mode to zoom in a little bit on the approaching truck. It's ''insanely'' ridiculous that Reflector produces Polaroid prints. He's not even that kind of camera! (More to the point, he should just be able to see what's visible through his own viewfinder.)
*While he is getting repaired by Ratchet, Hound refers to an Energon cube as "some kind of cube", implying that the Autobots don't know what Energon cubes are. The inference that energon cubes are a Decepticon invention holds true for almost the entirety of the pre-movie cartoon, during which time they are never used by the Autobots (something that is even made a plot point in "[[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]]"). We say "almost" because of a contradictory flashback in "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]" that shows what appear to be energon cubes being used by Autobots nine million years in the past. By the time of the movie, the Autobots are shown to have begun using the cubes, and continue to do so throughout the third season. It's possible that Hound is a younger Autobot and was not created until after Autobots stopped using Energon cubes. Optimus would know what they are, since he was there back then in "War Dawn".
*During Jazz's roll-call of the Autobots, he neglects to call out Cliffjumper's name. The little red guy transforms anyway.
*The large cast frequently gave the animators trouble in remembering which secondary characters should or should not be present, especially concerning the Autobots. Thus, we frequently must catalog appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Jazz's battle group consists of Prowl, Cliffjumper, Trailbreaker, Wheeljack, Mirage, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, and Ironhide. Even before they've left headquarters, the problems start, as Ironhide disappears and Ratchet takes his place. Ratchet is still with the group when they arrive.
**Bluestreak joins the group as they fly toward the oil rig.
**Huffer and Brawn are with them as they land on the platform.
**Gears is visible in a wide shot of the battle.
*In what ''universe'' is it legal for a fourteen-year-old American kid to be working on an oil rig, even ''with'' his father? The original script offers an unexpected answer for this: Spike was SUPPOSED to be seventeen! While still not meeting real-life legal requirements (you have to be 18 to work on an oil rig), it's at least a ''little'' better. This intended info about Spike's age was either unnoticed or ignored by the writer(s) who put together the show's subsequent story bible, which declared Spike to be fourteen—a fact that worked its way into "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]", where Spike states he isn't old enough to drive yet.
[[File:MTMtE1 spare seeker.jpg|thumb|right]]
*Until the oil platform attack, the episode has consistently portrayed the Decepticon forces as Megatron, Soundwave, 3 tapes, 3 jets, and 3 Reflectors. Things start to fall apart here, as a purple jet is shown diving alongside Thundercracker. It gets ''much'' worse in the following episodes.
*''The Transformers'' had a tendency to frequently exaggerate the capabilities of humans to survive being dropped, punched, swatted, hit, etc. As a main protagonist, Spike Witwicky was especially susceptible to this treatment; thus we catalog the adventures of ''Superhuman Spike!'':
**Spike punches Rumble in the back without breaking or even seeming to hurt his fist.
**Spike survives being bashed aside by Rumble's metal fist without even bruising a rib.
*When Starscream fires his [[null-ray]], ice appears on the machinery that the ray hits. However, a null ray only stops the flow of electricity; it doesn't cause freezing. (Megatron prompts him with the strange command to "activate the null ray", as if it's some external piece of equipment.)
*Flying Autobots:
**In this and the following two episodes, the Autobots are all shown flying just as easily as the Decepticons. Once the show went into full production, this ability mostly disappeared, with occasional exceptions due to special abilities (Wheeljack, Sideswipe, the Dinobots), and some [[Roll for It|scripting]], [[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|animation]] and [[The Master Builders (episode)|sound]] [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|effect]] screw-ups. The change was, in part, to help distinguish the two forces (and perhaps because it doesn't make sense for the Autobots to drive places if they can just fly there instead).

===Trivia===
*Shockwave's appearance hints that Hasbro was already planning for expansion of the toyline. His toy was not among the initial 28 characters advertised by the 1984 Transformers catalog, yet there he is, making a short appearance that obviously sets up the possibility of future appearances. His toy would be one of the very first 1985 toys to see release, and his character would return in the very first post-pilot episode.
[[File:Cartoon Cybertron Marvel Iacon case 1.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb]]
*While Ironhide exclaiming "leakin' lubricant!" was in the original script, him ''physically'' leaking lubricant was not called for, suggesting the storyboard artist was unaware that Ironhide was merely using a catchphase from his character bio.
*The episode ends with a preview of "Part 2". While other multi-part Transformers episodes generally refer to the episode by its title ("Next time, on ''The Transformers'': 'The Ultimate Doom'"), this preview uses the series title, ''The Transformers'', as "More Than Meets the Eye" is a retroactive name for the three-part episode, which began as a mini-series before becoming a regular program.
*Many later episodes would mine this one for recycled footage, particularly the line up of transforming Autobots near the end. Transformation sequences (with and without new backgrounds) from this episode appear in "[[Heavy Metal War]]", "[[Blaster Blues]]", and others. Optimus Prime's third-act transformation sequence from this episode was revised and improved for "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]", and the revision was used in ''dozens'' of episodes thereafter.
*Imagery of Cybertron from this episode was used to depict Iacon in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel story]] "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]". Several buildings are clearly taken from the cartoon, and the most precious comparison has to be the tunnel entrance used by Wheeljack and Bumblebee to get energy conductors to the cartoon's dome-shaped Autobot headquarters, which is exactly the same as the one [[Fusion (Marvel)|Fusion]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] used to get shatter bombs to the [[Great Dome]]. The only difference is that the next piece of road for Fusion and Bluestreak is the same road Wheeljack and Bumblebee drove over before entering the tunnel.
[[File:G2DoubleTargetmasters.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb|The new RCA Colortrak, with Commercial-in-Commercial feature!]]
*The mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "More Than Meets the Eye" was granted the {{w|Film Advisory Board}} Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover above. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, that.
*The three parter was released on video in the United Kingdom in 1986 under the title "Arrival from Cybertron".
*Footage from the [[commercial]] featuring the Autobot [[Targetmaster (technology)|Double Targetmaster]] trio was spliced into the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' version of this episode by way of the [[Cybernet Space Cube]]. Outside of this, they never actually appeared in the cartoon.
*Footage from this episode was used to represent a historical video in "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", the opening episode of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]''.
*In 2016, "Transformers At The Moon" released onto YouTube<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwOQhJ_UA5E</ref> a collection of audio clips from the original Sunbow Productions "unslugged" cassette tapes and included many scenes deleted from the final show.
** Also on this tape is what [[Wally Burr]] terms "Body English", which consists of various Autobots and Decepticons grunting and groaning during the fight on the oil platform; "Body English" was recorded for Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, Wheeljack, Reflector, all of the Decepticon troops, and the workers
{{--}}

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Plein la vue - Partie 1'''" ("Show off - Part 1")
:*''Original airdate (France):'' [[June 1]], [[1985]]
:*''Original airdate (Canada):'' [[March 30]], [[1985]]
::*Concerning the European French dub:
:::*Wheeljack's "Megamile" becomes a "Megakilometer". Don't ask about conversions.
:::*The Seeker's phrase "They've gone undeground" is dubbed by "They disappeared in the mines".
:::*When transforming back as [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] arrives, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] does not say anything. In the original version, he warns [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].
:::*The dialogue between Hound and Cliffjumper as they drive is missing too. The dialogue only starts at "You smell something, Cliffjumper?"
:::*Reflector speaks with a unique voice instead of three voices.
:::*For some reason, the dialog between [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and Soundwave is left in English. ("Thundercracker to Soundwave, Thundercracker to Soundwave!" - "Proceed, Thundercracker.")
:::*This is the first episode of a long series in which various Transformers names are replaced by additional dialogue to avoid pronouncing the rather difficult English names ("Move!", "Come on!", "Wake up!" or Soundwave saying "Warning!" every time he ejects a cassette). Some other names are distorted and will stay that way for most of the episodes (Irok, Soundax, Balbee...). Here are some dodged names:
::::*Wheeljack's phrase "Bumblebee! Get in quick!" is dubbed by "Snap out of it!".
::::*Megatron calling "Shockwave!" is dubbed by a "We have no choice" which completes his precedent phrase. Consequently, it's Shockwave who asks "So what do you decide for me?".
::::*Optimus Prime's phrase "Ironhide! Man the laser gun!" is dubbed by "Wake up! The laser gun!".
::::*Megatron does not pronounce Soundwave's and Starscream's names when he explains them the plan on Earth.
::::*Soundwave says "Warning!" every time he sends a cassette instead of its actual name. That trick will be used in other episodes. However, Megatron tells him to send "someone" to investigate, and Soundwave says "Did you hear that? Prepare for flight".
::::*Strangely, Jazz calls Prowl by his name, then says "Wake up guys" instead of "Trailbreaker!", then he does not say anything for Wheeljack. Then he calls Ironhide, Mirage and Ratchet by their names, before saying "In formation!" instead of "Sideswipe!". The voice actor only wanted to pronounce the easy ones!
::::*When Laserbeak comes back, Soundwave simply says "''He'' returned to base, ''he'' discovered a new source of energy".

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Im Weltraum verschollen'''" (''Generation 2'', "Lost in Space")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 30]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Fuga da Cybertron'''" ("Escape from Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Hauler is not named, so it looks like he is actually Grapple.
::*Reflector is called "Reflector'''s'''".
::*When Megatron orders Soundwave to release Ravage, in this dub he instead orders Ravage to attack, despite the latter being inside Soundwave.
::*When Jazz calls the Autobots by name, he says nothing when he calls Sunstreaker in English, and then calls his name when he should instead call Sideswipe. The latter in not mentioned at all.
::*In the next episode preview, Sherman Dam is called by its English name, despite being translated as ''diga di Sherman'' in the episode itself.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Molto più di quel che appare - Prima parte'''" ("Much More than What Appears - First Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Hauler is renamed "Grapple" in order to retcon them as the same character.
::*When Rumble is ejected for the first time, Soundwave [[FIRRIB|calls him Frenzy]].

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chikyū e no Michi'''" (地球への道, "The Road to Earth")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 6]], [[1985]]
::*When [[Hotlink (G1)|the Seeker]] fires the ring of flame around [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] from his flame-thrower, he shouts out the name of his "special attack" in traditional anime-style. It was called the "Fire Attack", by the way.
::*'''Cut:''' Immediately after [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] says, "Megatron, my leader, we are alive again", a few seconds of the close-up of him and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] staring at each other and the fade away into the next scene is cut. Megatron's line, "Quickly, we must revive the other Decepticons", followed by him carrying and dropping [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], was also cut. The sequence resumes right after Megatron sets Reflector down next to [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]].
::*"[[Hauler]]" is not referred to by name in this version and most Japanese fans just presumed him to have been [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]]. Most Japanese fans, [[Hirofumi Ichikawa|but not all]].

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dìyī Tiān'''" (第一天, "The First Day")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais do Que Os Olhos Veem, Parte 1'''" ("More than Meets the Eye, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*This episode did not air in the 1980s and was first released on DVD with a different dub from the rest of the show.

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ne vsjo tak prosto (Chast' 1)'''" (Не всё так просто (Часть 1), "Not All Is So Simple (Part 1)")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Više nego što se vidi prvi deo'''" (''Generation 2'', Више него што се види први део, "More than Meets the Eye Part 1"), "'''Sile zla prvi deo'''" (''Generation 2'', Силе зла први део, "Forces of Evil Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:G1toy-SunstormeHobby.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|WHAT HAVE WE DONE]]
*'''''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' 89 [[Sunstorm (G1)#Collector's Edition|Sunstorm]] ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]], 2003/2009)'''
:An [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] redeco of the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]] toy, representing the yellow [[generic]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] seen in this episode. In part thanks to being given additional prominence in [[Dreamwave Productions]]' comic books, the character would subsequently spawn a plethora of additional toys, including ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figures by both Hasbro and Takara. While most "Sunstorm" figures are based on the standard Seeker body-type that transforms into an Earth jet, both the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' "Cybertron Heroes" [[Sunstorm (G1)#Titanium Series|Sunstorm]] figure and the ''[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends]] of [[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Sunstorm (Universe)#Cybertron|Sunstorm]] figure (the latter of which represents the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] version of Sunstorm) transform into Cybertronian fighter jets that are heavily inspired by the Seekers' "tetrajet" alternate mode seen in this episode. The original Sunstorm figure was later re-released in 2009, once again exclusive to e-HOBBY.

[[File:MP Prowl.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|The shoulder cannons absolutely needed to be justified with an episode screencap… which actually shows an animation error.]]
*'''''Collector's Edition'' 88 [[Hauler#Collector's Edition|RoadHauler]] (Takara, 2003)'''
:An e-HOBBY exclusive redeco of the original ''Generation 1'' [[Grapple (G1)#Generation 1|Grapple]] toy in a [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]-inspired green color scheme, intended to represent the Grapple lookalike seen in this episode, with the choice for his colors taking inspiration from "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]" and "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]".

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-13 [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Soundwave]] (TakaraTomy, 2013)'''
:One of the accessories included with the figure is a display grid that attaches over his chest door: The last page of the instruction booklet features a pair of cutouts you can place underneath the grid to simulate Soundwave projecting them on his chest, one of them being the space cruiser blueprints from this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-17 [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Prowl]] (TakaraTomy, 2013)'''
:Although they were technically based on the original ''Generation 1'' toy, TakaraTomy specifically used a screencap from this episode to "justify" the inclusion of shoulder cannons with their ''Masterpiece'' toy of Prowl… a screencap that actually depicts an ''animation error'' with ''[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]'' colored like Prowl (see above), hence the shoulder cannons.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-29 [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Destron Laserwave]] (TakaraTomy, 2016)'''
:Among the other accessories, this figure includes a normal left hand that replaces his laser gun to recreate Shockwave's two-handed appearance in this episode, plus an alternate right hand to recreate the salute he gives to Megatron.

*'''''[[War for Cybertron: Siege]]'' (2019)'''
:Representing Cybertronian forms rather than Earth modes, many of the figures from ''Siege'' are either directly based upon or incorporate features or design elements referencing this episode. Voyager [[Starscream (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Starscream]] transforms into a tetrajet based on thie episode, [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Soundwave]] has an "easter egg" third mode of "Cybertronian Sensor Lamp", and although ''Siege'' [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Laserbeak]] still resembles his more bird-like form, his head design is a direct reference to his cartoon Cybertronian form.

*'''''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]'' [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Cliffjumper]] (2020)'''
:This figure comes with the giant cannon from this episode as one of its accessories. The ''Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' redeco of the figure features a deco that closely resembles the weapon's color in the show.

*'''''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' [[Ark (G1)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Autobot Ark]] (2021)'''
:A Titan-class transforming figure based directly off the Ark's appearance in this episode. One of its included accessories is the [[Sky Spy]] drone that provided the Autobots and Decepticons their Earth alt-modes

*'''''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BuzzworthyOrigin|Origin Bumblebee]] (2021)'''
:This figure is based on Bumblebee's Cybertronian form, and comes with five [[Conductor|conductor rods]].

*'''''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Studio Series|Coronation Starscream]] (2022)'''
:The throne accessory included with this figure is based on the one Megatron [[:File:Mtmte1 megatron throne.jpg|uses]] in the Nemesis from this episode.

*'''''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Origin Autobot Jazz]] (2023)''
:This figure is based on Jazz's Cybertronian form.

*'''''[[Transformers: Legacy|Transformers Legacy Evolution]]'' [[Nemesis (G1)#Legacy 2|Nemesis]] (2023)''
:A Titan class transforming figure based directly on the ship the Decepticons used to follow the Autobots to Earth. One of its advertised features is a boarding dock to simulate the Decepticon attack on the Ark.

*'''''[[Transformers: Legacy|Transformers Legacy United]]'' [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Legacy|Origin Wheeljack]] (2024)''
:A Voyager class based on his Cybertronian form, being the first on-screen Transformer, and can fit [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BuzzworthyOrigin|Bumblebee]] (even including sculpted conductor rod storage racks!) into his trunk. Oddly, this toy is not part of the Buzzworthy lineup.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 1: "More than Meets the Eye" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1985 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' ([[VAP]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Junior Video Club]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — More than Meets the Eye ([[Malofilm|Seville Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Exclusively from Blockbuster ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Two (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 1 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — Cult Sci-Fi Legends (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Studios|Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — More than Meets the Eye (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hd2wbHm760yJOXTQ2toOyVUAPosa2suB/view?usp=drive_link Full episode script, with revision pages dated 13th March 1984]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Kenzan

2025-03-02T04:50:02Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Transformers Gum */

{{factions|{{factions/icons|custom=Samswordbotsym.png|cSize=30px|cLink=Swordbot}}|autobot}}
:''Kenzan is an [[Autobot]] [[Swordbot]] from the [[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (franchise)|Go!]] portion of the [[Aligned continuity family]].''

[[File:Go ep 1 Kenzan.jpg|thumb|400px|''Hanamichi On Stage!'']]

'''Kenzan''' (ケンザン) is the leader of the [[Swordbot]] [[Swordbot Samurai Team|Samurai Team]]. Despite his relative youth, he takes himself and his role very seriously. That sense of responsibility, combined with his bravery and great martial skill, make him a fearsome warrior, but he is sometimes prone to recklessness. He values the training in swordsmanship he received from [[Go Prime]], and respects such skills in others.

He can combine with [[Jinbu]] and [[Ganoh]] in various configurations. With Kenzan as the top, '''GoKenzan''' (ゴウケンザン ''Gōkenzan'') is formed. After the arrival of [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Exprime]] on [[Earth]], he also gained the ability to combine with Optimus and the [[Swordbot Shinobi Team|Shinobi Team]] leader [[Gekisoumaru]]. With Kenzan forming the head, shoulders, and arms, the combined form is called '''DaiKenzan''' (ダイケンザン ''Daikenzan''). His [[Mini-Con]] partner is [[Zan]].

{{bigquote|I'm Kenzan, of the Emergency Double-Blade Style! I fight using the Samurai principles of Zan, Jin, and Gan! |Kenzan|''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (cartoon)|Transformers Go!]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''Go!'' cartoon===
{{voiceactor|[[Kazuyuki Okitsu]] (Japanese)}}
[[File:TFGoSamurai1 Kenzan vehicle mode.jpg|thumb|left|250px|On the scene!]]
The Swordbot Samurai Team were woken from their slumber by [[Isami Tatewaki]] when [[Budora (Go!)|Budora]] and [[Gaidora (Go!)|Gaidora]] tried to obtain the [[Legendisc]] he was protecting. Confronted by the [[Jaki]] which the two Predacons summoned, the team switched through their various combinations, culminating in them using their GoKenzan form to finish off [[Goradora]]. On striking the two Predacons, the Autobots and Isami found themselves briefly transported back in time where they saw two armies carrying Legendiscs. On their return to present day, Kenzan invited Isami to help them fight the Decepticons, and they discovered that Isami's friend [[Tobio Fūma]] had also encountered the [[Swordbot Shinobi Team]]. {{storylink|Triple Combination! Swordbot - Samurai!}} {{storylink|Triple Combination! Swordbot - Ninja!}}

The Swordbots built an underground base beneath Isami's dojo which Kenzan showed off to the boy, before [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] briefed the team and their friend on what was known about the Legendiscs. Sometime later, history started changing causing buildings to disappear, and Isami's Legendisc transported the team back in time again. In the past they encountered [[Musashi Miyamoto]] whose Legendisc had been stolen by the Predacons, and the Swordbots helped him get it back by fighting the Jaki in their GoJinbu form. Isami and the Swordbots were returned to present day, though without the disc. {{storylink|Pursue! The Legendiscs!}} {{storylink|Discover! The Legendiscs!}}

[[File:TFGoSamurai4 GoKenzan.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Hiya, Barbie!" "Hi, Kenzan!" "Do you want to go for a ride?"]]
On another occasion Isami and the Autobot team went back in time and encountered [[Ryōma Sakamoto]]. On that occasion, they battled the Jaki in their GoGanoh form, however they again returned to the future emptyhanded. {{storylink|The Invincible Swordsman - Ryōma Sakamoto!?}} Isami was discouraged, but Kenzan gave him a pep talk to try and bolster his spirits. They again headed to the past, this time helping [[Musashibō Benkei]] fight off the Predacons in their GoKenzan form, and again returned to present day without the Legendisc. {{storylink|Showdown! Musashibō Benkei!}}

On their next jaunt into the past, Isami managed to obtain the Legendisc, only to be confronted by Gaidora, [[Judora (Go!)|Judora]] and the awakened [[Dragotron]] on their return to present day. Though they were no match for Dragotron, even in their GoKenzan form, the team was soon joined by Optimus Exprime. {{storylink|Depart! Optimus Exprime!}} The Predacons abducted Isami, and the Samurai Team merged into GoJinbu to give chase. They arrived at [[Mount Fuji]] to find the Shinobi Team was also there as Tobio had also been kidnapped. Imbued with the power of all five Legendiscs, Dragotron proved impossible to beat, however Tobio and Isami managed to demerge from him. The two boys had duplicated the power of the Legendiscs, and used it to allow Optimus and the two teams to merge into DaiKenzan. This provided them with enough power to defeat Dragotron and seal the Predacons away once more. {{storylink|Final Battle! Link-Up Triple Combination DaiKenzan!}}

{{note|The Samurai and Shinobi Go! series have near-identical finales, with the main difference in "[[Final Battle! Link-Up Triple Combination DaiGekisou!]]" being that Gekisoumaru forms the top of the Optimus combiner instead of Kenzan.}}

===''BeCool'' shorts===
Kenzan was part of the crew of a film that was interrupted by a fire brigade who thought the pyrotechnics were a real fire. {{storylink|The Story of the Fire Brigade Dispatch!}}

===''Kre-O'' comic===
[[File:Kre-O_DaiKenzan.jpg|thumb|left]]

DaiKenzan stood next to [[Raiden]] during [[Megatron (Kre-O)|Megatron]]'s hanami party. {{storylink|Soundwave's Trap? Stop Operation Brainwash Humanity!}}

===Legends World===
During [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]'s battle to revert the world back to how it was in the '80s, [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] attempted to stop him by singing the praises of modern-day Transformers such as GoKenzan. {{storylink|Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 5|Bonus Edition Vol. 5}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Go!''===
[[File:GoKenzanToy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I'm a samurai. A real one. Not like Drift.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Kenzan''' (Swordbot, [[2013]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''G01'''
:*''Release date'': [[June 22]], 2013
:*''Accessories:'' Two "Samurai Cross" swords, kabuto helmet/weapon
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] and [[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Junichi Akutsu]] (concept artist)}}

{{picsneeded|[[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Exprime|Optimus Exprime]] combo}}

: Part of the second wave of [[TakaraTomy]] ''[[Triple Combination: Transformers Go! (toyline)|Go!]]'' toys, Kenzan is a roughly Voyager-sized toy that transforms from a Japanese-style police interceptor into a samurai-styled robot, even including a robotic {{w|chonmage}} topknot! He has two swords (with [[5 mm post|5mm]] handles) that can be held or stored on tabs on his backpack or shoulders. He also has essentially no lower torso, with his legs and ''kusazuri'' flap masquerading as his abdomen.

: He can also form the top, middle or bottom of the Swordbot Samurai Team's three combined robot forms. His ''kabuto'' helmet is worn in GoKenzan form to form the super-robot's head. It can also transform into a large, ungainly double-barreled cannon which can attach to Kenzan's back or, via 5 mm post, be held by the robot or mounted atop the police car.

:Kenzan features complex electronic lights and sounds. In vehicle mode, pressing the Autobot-symbol button on his roof activates flashing lights and a repeating siren. Transformation into robot mode triggers a shout of "Transform!" and the classic transformation sound. In robot mode, pressing the same button triggers a number of phrases (in Japanese, natch). The button's functionality changes when held down: in police car mode, it now activates yet another phrase, while in robot mode, it triggers shouts by all three Swordbot Samurai to combine, followed by a musical "combination sequence" tune that plays until a) his kabuto is snapped in place, b) the button is pressed again, or c) his batteries run out. This music is accompanied by a strobing three-color LED.

:Once a combined form is completed, the kabuto attached determines what clips further presses of the button will play, but they are all dialogue delivered by the appropriate voice actor of the top third of the combination. In addition, GoKenzan's dialogue is punctuated with a blue LED, GoJinbu's with yellow, and GoGanoh's with red. The combined robot mode is armed with a giant melee weapon formed from all of their individual melee weapons, as well as an aesthetically-questionable, but proportionally less ungainly blaster/cannon made of the unused kabuto helmets. Unlike the other Swordbots, Kenzan's soles form the palms of GoKenzan's hands, the fingers and thumbs folding out from his heels and toes. This gives the gestalt additional articulation.

:His kabuto helmet was redecoed with gold chrome as a [[campaign item#Transformers Go!|promotional campaign]].

:Upon his initial release, Kenzan included his [[Arms Micron]] partner [[Zan]] when purchased from a large number of retailers (including [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan, [[AEON]], Yodabashi Camera, and [[Amazon|Amazon Japan]]).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/Kenzan/kenzan.htm More information on Kenzan at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/GoKenzan/gokenzan.htm More information on GoKenzan at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/DaiKenzan/daikenzan.htm More information on DaiKenzan at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Kuromusha}}
[[File:Gotoy-KenzanKuromushaVer.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Kenzan Kuromusha ver.''' (Swordbot, 2013)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[November 16]], 2013
:*''Accessories'': Two "Samurai Cross" swords, kabuto helmet/weapon

: "Kenzan Kuromusha ver." is a [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] [[redeco]] of his normal-retail toy, replacing his blue plastic and paint with black, his silver plastic and paint with gold, and his clear-blue plastic with clear-red.

: "Kuromusha" (黒武者) means "Black Warrior".

{{-}}{{anchor|BeCool}}
[[File:Gotoy-BeCool-Kenzan.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67|Sure, why not.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Samurai Team BeCool Set''' (Multi-pack, 2013)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''G24'''
:*''Release date'': [[October 26]], 2013

: Part of the sixth wave of ''Go!'' toys, ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' Kenzan is a redeco of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' Series 1 [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Prowl]] with [[Mirage (G1)#Bot Shots|Mirage]]'s hood and front bumper. He transforms into a tiny, [[super deformed]] police car with a [[Autotransformation|spring-loaded automatic transformation]] to robot mode triggered when his front bumper is pressed. He has a "spinner" in his chest that depicts various symbols: the expression on his face, his twin swords, and the Japanese character 斬 (''zan'').

: He comes in a three-pack with equally small, super deformed versions of [[Jinbu#BeCool|Jinbu]] and [[Ganoh#BeCool|Ganoh]].
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Gum''===
[[File:TransformersGum Kenzan.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66]]
*'''Kenzan''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, kabuto helmet/weapon

:Released in the seventh wave of the revived ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' series, this transforming model kit of Kenzan is made from blue and yellow plastic and decorated with a large number of stickers for details. Like his larger toy, he can be combined with the Jinbu and Ganoh sets into any of their three combined forms. He came with a thin square of banana-flavored gum, vaguely resembling a skin graft. After ten years in the packet, the gum has developed a peculiar texture which actually becomes ''less'' soft the longer you chew, until it feels like a piece of gristle cut from the flesh of one of the {{w|Bananas in Pajamas}}.

==Notes==
*''BeCool'' Kenzan's toy indicates that the ''zan'' in his name is derived from "cut", "behead", or "kill" (斬); ''ken'' probably comes from "sword" (剣). The name is also a play on ''kenzan'' ({{w|lang=ja|見参}}), a term for "visiting" or "arrival" associated with samurai and Japanese period drama. Specifically, "(name), ''kenzan''!" is shouted by characters upon taking the stage to announce their presence in the scene.

[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! Autobots]]
[[Category:Go! combiners]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]

Catalogue

2025-02-12T01:48:37Z

CamilleHiiragi: Redirected page to Catalog

#REDIRECT [[Catalog]]

Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity

2024-12-07T16:17:03Z

CamilleHiiragi:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{suite}}

[[File:Binaltech Asterisk Sunstreaker and Junko.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
Read about the adventures of '''Sunstreaker''' in the [[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]!

==''The Transformers'' cartoon==
{{voiceactor|[[Corey Burton]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese, "SOS Dinobots"), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese, "Dinobot Island, Part 2", "Trans-Europe Express"), [[Kōki Kataoka]] (Japanese, "The Golden Lagoon"), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese, "The Core")|[[Yao Huang]] (Chinese), [[Guillermo Romano]] (American Spanish), [[Reinhard Brock]] (German, "The Autobot Run"), [[Michael Rüth]] (German, "Hoist Goes Hollywood"), [[Claus Brockmeyer]] (German, ''Generation 2'' "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2", "Dinobot Island, Part 1"), [[Tonio von der Meden]] (German, ''Generation 2'' "S.O.S. Dinobots"), [[Crock Krumbiegel]] (German, ''Generation 2'' "The Autobot Run", "The Core", "The Golden Lagoon"), [[Thomas Albus]] (German, ''Generation 2'' "Roll For It"), [[Mário Monjardim]] (Portuguese), [[Hélio Ribeiro]] (Portuguese, "Transport to Oblivion"), [[Dario de Castro]] (Portuguese, "The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"), [[Henrique Ogalla]] (Portuguese, "A Plague of Insecticons"), [[Ayrton Cardoso]] (Portuguese, "Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1"), [[Marcos Miranda]] (Portuguese, "The Golden Lagoon"), [[Carlos Seidl]] (Portuguese, "Hoist Goes Hollywood"), [[Mário Jorge Andrade]] (Portuguese, "Trans-Europe Express"), [[Celso Alves]] (Portuguese, DVD dub), [[Albert Augier]] (European French), [[Jacques Ferrière]] (European French, "S.O.S. Dinobots" and "A Plague of Insecticons"), [[Jean Roche]] (European French, "Roll for It"), [[Michel Bedetti]] (European French, "The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French, "The Autobot Run"), [[François Leccia]] (European French, "Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1"), [[Henry Djanik]] (European French, "Hoist goes Hollywood")}}

{{bigquote|I knew the humans would turn on us some day. They're such undependable creatures. Inferior lifeforms.|Sunstreaker on humans|"[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]"}}

[[File:MoreThanMeetstheEye Part3 Sunstreaker veh.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|The "Super Tuning" custom job is more impressive than you might think at first glance.]]
Sunstreaker was part of the original crew of Autobots aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] that crashed on [[Earth]] four million years ago. When reawakened in [[1984]], he and his brother [[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] were reformatted into Lamborghini sports cars. They were both deployed during the Autobot counter-attack on a human [[oil rig]], but didn't really do very much. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After the Autobots' defeat at [[Sherman Dam]], Sunstreaker and Sideswipe came to the rescue of [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and their new human allies, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] and his father [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] when they were attacked by [[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon jets]]. One of the Decepticons managed to graze Sunstreaker and damage his new paint job, infuriating the vainer of the two Autobot brothers. After he forced the Decepticons to break off for repairs, Sunstreaker was still grousing about his scuffed paint, to which his brother suggested that nobody would notice if he just made left turns. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} The Autobot brothers were among those that volunteered to attack and totally fail to stop the [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon space cruiser]]. Sunstreaker celebrated the apparent demise of the Decepticons when their ship crashed and cheered [[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]]'s role in its sabotage. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Sunstreaker was part of a group of Autobots who were lured into a cave by a reprogrammed [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and ambushed by the Decepticons. ([[Animation error|Maybe.]]) {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion}}

[[File:RollForIt Sunstreaker Chip.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|A more kid-friendly sociopath.]]
When [[Chip Chase]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons and brought to the recently conquered [[antimatter]] laboratory of [[Alcazar|Dr. Alcazar]], the Autobots successfully staged a rescue operation to get him back. Sunstreaker then led a second team of Autobots into the lab, declaring that they had to get the antimatter cubes before it was too late, smashing a Sunstreaker-shaped hole in the wall. Unfortunately, he and the other Autobots were damaged when Megatron threw an antimatter cube at them. After returning to the Ark, Sunstreaker was heard to complain about a 'very sensitive junction' in his elbow, but was soon repaired quickly enough to arm wrestle with Sideswipe. When the antimatter-fueled Decepticons attacked the Ark, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker took to the air to battle with the incoming Seeker jets, in a rambunctious — if ultimately ineffective — display of "[[jet judo]]." After the Decepticons were defeated, Sunstreaker congratulated Chip, declaring him a hero and gave him a ride on his shoulder. {{storylink|Roll for It}}

{{bigquote|Hey, not the ''face'', okay? I just had it chromed!|Sunstreaker|"[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]"}}

When the munitions factory was attacked by the Decepticon jets, Sunstreaker transformed to roll out with the Autobots in Autobot Headquarters, but never actually bothered showing up. Later, while watching [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] attempt to repair the severely damaged [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], Sunstreaker and the remaining Autobots were rallied into repulsing a Decepticon attack by Spike. Sunstreaker was shot by [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] before recovering, only to be buried in a landslide by [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Sunstreaker complained about Trailbreaker's force field deflecting [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]'s flame breaths into his face when the newly constructed [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] went haywire. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[File:SOSDinobots Sunstreaker nottheface.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Insert flaming joke.]]
Later, when responding to a Decepticon diversionary attack on [[India]]'s coast, Sunstreaker complained about the fact his newly installed water skis clashed with his base coat, but Optimus Prime told him to redecorate himself later, as they had Decepticons to worry about. When [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and the Decepticons escaped without taking any energy, Sunstreaker realized they had been set up. Soon after, the Autobots attacked the Decepticon undersea headquarters to rescue the captive Sparkplug, during which Sunstreaker was concerned that the salt water would damage his body enamel. After returning to base for repairs, Sunstreaker fidgeted as Ratchet attempted to repair him, worried that the medic would scorch his selenium shin guards. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} When [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] was brought into Earth's orbit as part of Megatron's latest scheme, Sunstreaker retreated with the other Autobots due to audio disruptor waves generated by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

Sunstreaker was part of an Autobot unit sent to investigate reports of [[Insecticon (G1)|giant insect monsters]] attacking [[Bali]], [[Indonesia]]. When the road to the coordinates of the attack was blocked by a local village celebration, Sunstreaker questioned his brother's knowledge of the local area, a criticism warranted when Sideswipe led them into a dead end canyon. Sunstreaker continued to criticize Sideswipe's sense of direction as Sideswipe very slowly tunneled underneath the villagers. As the Autobots made their way to a nearby [[oil]] refinery under attack from the Decepticons, [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] used his override waves on both Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, taking control of their driving mechanisms and forcing them to drive headfirst into the other Autobots. Sunstreaker implored the other Autobots to shoot our their tires, but fortunately, Trailbreaker was able to interrupt the override waves. During the ensuing battle at the [[oil refinery]], Sunstreaker was more concerned about his enamel being damaged by Wheeljack during a counterattack than enemy fire. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

[[File:ChangingGears jungleclearing.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|Hey, Jazz, let's get rid of ALL the trees, so we can build a highway.]]
After Spike was critically injured in a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons, his consciousness was transferred into the body of [[Autobot X (G1)|Autobot X]]. However, this process proved too stressful for his mind to take, and so he lashed out in blind anger. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe attempted to restrain him, only to be tossed aside by "Autobot Spike's" enormous strength. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} During a Decepticon attack on a mining camp as part of an plot to capture [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], Sunstreaker was among the Autobots who rolled out to confront them. He was hit by a boulder "energized" by Megatron (instead of just being shot, or something a logical enemy would do). When it was discovered Megatron was tapping into the [[Sun]] with his [[Solar Needle]], the Autobots ''drove'' to the "geographical center of Africa", only to be hindered by the dense jungle, which Optimus Prime ordered Jazz and Sunstreaker to blast their way through. Jerks. {{storylink|Changing Gears}} Sunstreaker got to use his jet skis again when the Autobots were sent to investigate the disappearance of the [[Empire State Building]] in [[New York City]]. Sadly, the skis still clashed with his base coat. He was rather pessimistic about their chances against the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons']] remote-controlled taxi cabs. Wimp. {{storylink|City of Steel (episode)|City of Steel}}

{{bigquote|When they built me, they broke the mold!|Sunstreaker on how fantastic he is, not on how his toy will never be reissued|"[[The Autobot Run]]"}}

In the aftermath of [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] firing randomly at a hologram of [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] during a demonstration of Wheeljack's latest invention, the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]], Sunstreaker had to help Bluestreak vacuum up the rubble. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}} When the Autobots agreed to a charity race/stunt show, Sunstreaker was sure that a large audience would appreciate his performance. During the race, Sunstreaker arrogantly shoved his way past the slower Autobots, but despite all of his bluster, he was slower than Jazz and Mirage. He didn't seem to mind too much, as he was the star of a car jump stunt over the other Autobots...until he failed to finish that, as well. However, during the race, the Autobots had unwittingly been locked into their [[alternate mode]]s, which freaked out Sunstreaker, as he couldn't transform back into his handsome robot form. After Chip Chase and the unaffected Autobots reversed the effects via a special ''grenade'', Sunstreaker was the first to regain the ability to transform and was very pleased to see his true beauty. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} When the Decepticons allied themselves with the underwater kingdom of [[Sub-Atlantica]], Sunstreaker was present during the battle in [[Washington, D.C.]] and on the sub-sea city itself, but didn't actually do anything. Jerk. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}}

[[File:TheCore Sunstreaker planting dominator disc.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Ow, my knee! It hur- Hey, my wedding ring!]]
Sunstreaker was one of many Autobots helping to install detection panels in the Ark. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} He was present when the Autobots were confronted with the dilemma of two Optimus Primes. Though he didn't put forward any helpful suggestions, he observed the inconclusive results of the tests that the Autobots ran on the two Primes and later rolled out to investigate energy readings coming from a crevasse filled with [[korlonium crystal]]s. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}} Sunstreaker got his chance to command a team of Autobots investigating a missing river, when they stumbled on a Decepticon operation to drill into the Earth. Unfortunately, they were spotted and attacked by [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]], though they were able to defeat the giant through teamwork. Sunstreaker was part of a subsequent mission to plant [[dominator disk]]s on the Constructicons, and he managed to attach one to [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] by hiding in a hole. During the next battle, the Autobots were able to use the disks to take control of Devastator. They used the giant to attack the Decepticon drilling operation in the caves, and during this fight, Sunstreaker had to rescue Chip Chase when the boy was caught in a cave-in. Megatron eventually regained control of Devastator, and the combiner turned on Sunstreaker and Ironhide. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[File:DinobotIsland2 Sunstreaker carrying mammoth.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Where can I put this one?]]
When the Dinobots again ran wild at Autobot Headquarters, Sunstreaker was on hand, and at least this time didn't get his paint job scorched. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} He and Sideswipe were part of the response team when a time warp opened near the city library, and they had to cope with barbarians on woolly [[mammoth]]s. Though the unwashed primitives almost damaged his finish, they were soon contained, and he used his gun to hold the warp open long enough to return the barbarians to their own time. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 2}} Sunstreaker took part in the [[Autobot Day]] parade in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], reflecting that he never knew that humans had "such exquisite taste". Unfortunately, things soon turned sour, as a video was played incriminating the Autobots in energy theft, and the humans turned against their former allies. Sunstreaker commented that he always knew that humans would turn on the Autobots and declared them an inferior lifeform...right as Chip, Spike, and Sparkplug Witwicky were in the control room. They probably shouldn't have been too insulted, as Sunstreaker considers everyone else an inferior lifeform.

[[File:MMP1 Sunstreaker rails.jpg|thumb|upright=1.34|"Who wants a hug?"]]
The Autobots were put on trial and, to their dismay, found guilty and ordered to leave the planet on a spaceship supplied by [[Shawn Berger]]. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} The ship was locked on a course into the Sun by Megatron, leaving the Autobots in dire peril. Utilizing Trailbreaker's force fields and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], not to mention some unwitting help from [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], they were able to escape before the heat crazed Sunstreaker's body work, and they returned to Earth to depose the Decepticons from their position of power. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} Like the rest of the Autobots, Sunstreaker suffered from [[Cybertonium]] depletion, preventing him from functioning until Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots were able to obtain some more. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}}

Sunstreaker transformed to roll out and investigate the Decepticon theft of the [[Voltronic Galaxer]], but disappeared at some point before the response team reached the observatory. He later rolled out again to help humans who were experiencing difficulty as a result of Megatron jamming the world's radio signals. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}} When the first group of Autobots to face the [[electrum]]-coated Decepticons reported failure, Sunstreaker told them to let a pro handle it. Unfortunately, his weapon proved just as ineffective, and it wasn't until the Autobots found the golden lagoon and coated themselves in electrum that the Decepticons were overcome. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon}}

[[File:HoistGoesHollywood Sunstreaker Tracks masks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|left|<s>Yet to be realised as a toy.</s>]]
Sunstreaker was one of several Autobots who glommed onto [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]'s job as a Hollywood extra in the hopes of becoming a movie star. After he, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] crashed the filming, the [[Attack of the Alien Robots director|director]] employed them all as stunt vehicles, which involved Sunstreaker doing some literal crashing—into a burning building. The movie was soon reworked into ''[[Attack of the Alien Robots]]'', leading to Sunstreaker having to wear a ridiculous [[alien]] mask and spout out stilted, wooden dialog—and goose-step, for some reason. During one of the shoots, an out-of-control explosion almost wiped out the four Autobots, and they discovered that the Decepticons were working behind the scenes to cover up an operation. After everything was resolved, Sunstreaker and the others decided to stay out of the movie business. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

[[File:TFTM Sunstreaker hereandthere.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Honestly, we're surprised Ichikawa didn't try to explain this one in the Binaltech storyline.]]
Sunstreaker and Sideswipe took part in the [[Europa 2000]] in order to keep an eye on [[Auggie Cahnay (G1)|Auggie Cahnay]]'s high-tech automobile. After Sideswipe forced the pair to take a detour in [[Italy]], they were ambushed by the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s, who boxed them in so that [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] could shoot them. {{storylink|Trans-Europe Express}} They and most of the rest of the Autobots rolled out to rescue [[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] from a Decepticon trap and were subsequently infected by [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]]. Luckily, Perceptor was able to work out a way to create more [[corrostop]] and cure them all. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} After the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s used the space bridge to move Earth towards the Sun, Sunstreaker was part of a combined Autobot/Decepticon team who traveled to Cybertron to prevent Earth's destruction. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

Before the [[Battle of Autobot City|Decepticon attack]] on [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] in the year [[2005]], Sunstreaker was helping [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] move a roadblock. He was knocked over when [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] drove through it.

Meanwhile, he was '''also''' on Moon Base One and helped pilot the shuttle that flew Optimus Prime and the Dinobots to Autobot City.

Seriously. He's ''THAT'' good. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}
{{note|Sunstreaker’s involvement in these events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic mini-series "[[Transformers: The Animated Movie]]."}}
{{-}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain}} {{storylink|Heavy Metal War}} {{storylink|Traitor (episode)|Traitor}} {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}}}

==Japanese cartoon continuity==
===''Generations Selects Special Comic'' (1)===
Four million years ago, Sunstreaker was one of the Autobots on the bridge of the ''Ark'' before it was attacked by the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]''. {{storylink|Super Megatron comic 2}}

===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' story pages===
Sunstreaker was a participant in a battle in New York City, early in the Autobot/Decepticon war taking place on Earth. The Autobots were victorious that day. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (story page)|Broadcasting on TV! Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers}}

===''Legends'' comic===
In the late 1980s, Sunstreaker had his [[transformation cog]] modified to let him form a limb for the experimental [[combiner]] [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]], who the Autobots formed to defeat [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] during the battle for the [[Transform Super Cog]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

===''The Battle of the Star Gate''===
When the Decepticons made their second play for control of the human-built ''[[Trigger]]'' interstellar teleportation system in the late 1990s, Sunstreaker was among the Autobot forces who stood against them. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] subsequently took control of the ''Trigger'', forcing Megatron and Optimus Prime to combine their power to destroy the ''Trigger''. Sunstreaker and all the other Transformers were caught backwash from the incredible cosmic explosion and plummeted back to Earth, not to be heard from again for several months. {{storylink|The Battle of the Star Gate}}

===''Story of Binaltech''===
In [[2003]], Sunstreaker was one of numerous Autobots who were rendered helpless when they were infected with [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] by the Decepticon, [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]. Working with the [[Earth Defense Command]] and several Earth automotive companies, the Autobots developed "Binaltech" technology, creating new bodies into which their [[spark]]s were place so they could carry on the fight. It was intended for Sunstreaker to gain a new Dodge Viper body like his brother Sideswipe, but the Decepticons infiltrated the operation and hijacked the body for use by the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] instead. {{storylink|Arise! Evil Binaltechs}}

====BT World====
As the Binaltech conflict raged on, the timeline was eventually altered by [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]]. In this alternate timeline, Sunstreaker was present at the [[Earth Defense Command]] Antarctic base, shortly after the appearance of the [[Protector]]. {{storylink|Binal Time}}

===''Asterisk Story''===
[[File:SunstreakerBTA.jpg|120px|thumb|Dig me!]]
Sunstreaker was a member of the Autobot Race Team, which may or may not have had any other [[Transformer]]s on it. He was sort of a mascot for them, and the team didn't actually use him in races. He resented that people paid more attention to him as a promotional image than as a race car.

After being drafted into the [[Interplanetary Personnel Exchange Program]] by Officer [[Clampdown (G1)|Clampdown]], Sunstreaker was partnered with the human "race queen" model [[Kelly (RID)|Junko Shiragami]] and acted as her car. Once, Sunstreaker got into a race with a human-driven sports car, much to Junko's dismay. He used his transformation ability to take a particularly sharp curve, destroying a road sign in the process, for which Junko chewed him out. {{storylink|I'll Show You Some Great Scenery}}

It was said that Sunstreaker drove faster when he smelled Junko's marigold-scented hair. Make of that what you will.

===''The Headmasters'' cartoon===
[[File:FourWarriors SunstreakerBlitzwing.jpg|thumb|left|A five-second cameo, and all I do is avoid Blitzwing? Slag it!!]]
Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Sunstreaker engaged the Decepticons with his comrades. Later, on Earth, Sunstreaker was present for a suspiciously similar battle with the Decepticons that resulted in the death of Optimus Prime. In 2011, [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] recalled the Cybertronian skirmish that Sunstreaker took part in—or another one very much like it. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

When the Decepticons launched a major attack on Cybertron in 2011, Sunstreaker appeared briefly in vehicle mode evading jet mode [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]'s attacks. Sunstreaker escaped into a tunnel, and Blitzwing bounced off its exterior and crashed. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
Sunstreaker was on Cybertron when the planet was devastated in [[2011]], and was among the survivors located and evacuated by an Autobot rescue team. Ten years later, he had acquired a new [[combiner]] body and was present on the restored Cybertron as [[Grand Galvatron]] clashed with [[Sky Reign]]. {{storylink|Sky Reign Chapter}} [[Megaempress]] and her [[4 Guards]] also arrived to cause trouble, leading Sunstreaker to combine with his comrades to form Optimus Maximus with the newly revived Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Megatronia Chapter}}

When [[Unicron]] stirred up even more trouble by delivering the Commandos to 2021, Optimus Maximus and [[Sky Reign]] split back into their separate components as Sunstreaker and the Autobots rolled out. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part One}} Unicron threatened to use the Unite components to connect with Cybertron, turning it into his new robot body. Sunstreaker and the Autobots joined forces with many of their adversaries, opposing Unicron again as Optimus Maximus. Unicron was defeated, but in seven days Optimus Prime returned to his deactivation period. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part Two}}

Sunstreaker and the other members of [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus]] traveled to [[Hawaii]] for "special surfing training". Sunstreaker spent his time on the beach with his old partner, [[Kelly (RID)|Junko]], lubricating his joints. {{storylink|Crossing the Pacific Ocean!?}}

===''Generations Selects Special Comic'' (2)===
In [[2050]], Sunstreaker and the Autobots initially defended their human allies at [[Neo Scramble City]] when Megatron led a rebellion alongside the human-forged [[Selector]]s. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 1}} The Autobots soon realized the Selectors also deserved freedom and supported their revolution. The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s remained loyal to their friend Carly and the Witwickys, and so Sunstreaker was forced to fight them. {{storylink|Volcanicus comic 2}}

==Full Throttle Scramble Power!==
[[File:Scramblepower autobots say no.jpg|thumb|275px]]

Following the destruction of the Decepticons' [[Omega Wave Cannon]], Sunstreaker and several other Autobot cars raced after Megatron and his troops to keep them from escaping. They caught up with the Decepticons and kept them busy until Autobot reinforcements could arrive. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}
{{--}}

==''Cloud''==
The Sunstreaker of "OG001 Spacetime" was caught up in the tussle between the [[Optimus Prime (Cloud)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (Cloud)|Megatron]] of [[Cloud World]] when they came to his spacetime. {{storylink|TFC-A01}}

==Notes==
*According to a [[story page]] in the October 1985 issue of ''[[TV Magazine]]'', Sideswipe and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] are brothers, with Sideswipe being slightly older than Red Alert. This connection may have been invented because, aside from Sideswipe and Red Alert sharing the same mold, Sunstreaker was not sold in the Japanese market outside of a special "versus" set with [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]. However, the familial dynamic between Sideswipe and Sunstreaker was not changed in the Japanese dub of the original ''Transformers'' cartoon, leading some Japanese fans to consider the three Lamborghini characters as triplets.

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Binaltech Asterisk characters]]
[[Category:Cloud Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]

Transformers: Armada (cartoon)

2024-05-17T14:51:06Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Characters */

{{nav-armada}}
[[File:Galactic Heroes Cybertron.jpg|thumb|400px]]
'''''Transformers: Armada''''', known as '''''Chō Robot Seimeitai Transformers Micron Densetsu''''' (超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマーマイクロン伝説 , "Super Robot Lifeform Transformers Legends of the Microns") in Japan, is a ''Transformers'' cartoon series that ran from [[2002]]–[[2003]], in support of the franchise of the same name. Animation for the series was produced by [[Actas Inc.]] (with animation for the Japanese [[title sequence]] being produced by [[Raretrick]]). The series initiated a total continuity reboot, setting up a brand new ''Transformers'' universe separate from any previous storyline. Together with its two sequels, ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'', this continuity family is now known as the [[Unicron Trilogy]].

''Legends of the Microns'' has the [[Japanese themes|opening songs]] "[[Transformer: Dream Again|TRANSFORMER -Dream Again-]]" and "[[Transformers: Kōtetsu no Yūki|Transformers ~Kōtetsu no Yūki~]]", with the ending songs "[[Never Ending Road]]" and "[[Don't Give Up!!]]".

==Storyline==
[[File:Alliance-Unicronmoon.jpg|thumb|200px]]
''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s universe is most distinguished by the presence and importance of [[Mini-Con]]s, a race of human-sized Transformers that, when "[[Powerlinx]]ed" to their larger brethren, would unleash a flood of energy. Because of the great potential for their exploitation, the Mini-Cons attempt to abstain from the [[Autobot]]/[[Decepticon]] war and flee [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], crashing on [[Earth]] and the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]]. When some Mini-Cons are accidentally reactivated in [[2010]] by clumsy teenagers, a beacon alerts both the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron, who track them to Earth and continue their battle here.

Mini-Cons can also form powerful weapons, which Megatron wants his greedy mitts on. Eventually, new recruits for the two factions appear, and the Transformers find out Unicron created the Mini-Cons, and is planning to feed on the hatred developed by the Transformers battling, and the Autobots and Decepticons unite to defeat the bigger bad.
{{--}}

==Characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] ([[Garry Chalk]])
**[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] ([[Brian Drummond]])
**[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]]
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] ([[Brent Miller]])
**[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] ([[Scott McNeil]])
**[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]]
*[[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]]
*[[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] ([[Brian Dobson]])
**[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]]
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] ([[Ward Perry]])
**[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]]
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] ([[Sam Vincent]])
**[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]]
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen/Hoist]] ([[Dale Wilson]])
**[[Liftor]]

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron/Galvatron]] ([[David Kaye]])
**[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]]
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] ([[Don Brown]])
**[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]]
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] ([[Alvin Sanders]])
**[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]]
*[[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] ([[Michael Dobson]])
**[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] ([[Colin Murdoch]])
**[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]]
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] ([[Doug Parker]])
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] ([[Michael Daingerfield]])
**[[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]]

|c3=
*[[Rad White]] ([[Kirby Morrow]])
*[[Alexis Thi Dang]] ([[Tabitha St. Germain]])
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] ([[Andrew Francis]])
*[[Carlos Lopez]] ([[Matt Hill]])
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] ([[Tony Sampson]])

|c4=
*[[Narrator]] ([[Jim Conrad]])
;[[Unicron]]
*[[Unicron]] ([[Mark Acheson]])
**[[Dead End Drone]]s
*[[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] ([[Paul Dobson]])
**[[Mirror]] (Paul Dobson)
*[[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] (Paul Dobson)

|h5=[[Mini-Con]]s|c5=
;[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]
*[[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] (?)
**[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] ([[Terry Klassen]])
**[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (?)
**[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (?)

;[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]
*[[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]]
**[[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]]
**[[Runway (Armada)|Runway]]
**[[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]

;[[Race Mini-Con Team]]
*[[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]]
**[[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]]
**[[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]]
**[[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]]

;[[Space Mini-Con Team]]
*[[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]
**[[Astroscope]]
**[[Payload (Armada)|Payload]]
**[[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]]

;Others
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]]
*[[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]]
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]]
*[[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]]
*[[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]]
*[[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]]
*[[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]]
*[[Iceberg]]
*[[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]]
*[[Oceanglide]]
*[[Oval]]
*[[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]]
*[[Spiral]]
*[[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]]
*[[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]]
*[[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]]
*[[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]]
*[[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]]
*[[Unicron of Light]]

|nonumbering=true
}}

==Major locations==
* [[Lincoln, Nebraska]], U.S.A.
* [[High Desert]]
* [[Cybertron Base (Armada)|Cybertron Base]] (Autobot HQ)
* [[Cosmoscope Research Center]]
* [[Mount Astrogate]]
* [[Lunar Base (Armada)|Lunar Base]] (Decepticon HQ)
* [[Cybertron (planet)#Unicron Trilogy|Cybertron]]

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Armada episodes}}

{{collist|4|
#[[First Encounter]]
#[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]
#[[Base]]
#[[Comrade]]
#[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]
#[[Jungle]]
#[[Carnival]]
#[[Palace]]
#[[Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation]]
#[[Underground (episode)|Underground]]
#[[Ruin]]
#[[Prehistory]]{{dag|red}}
#[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]
#[[Overmatch]]
#[[Gale]]
#[[Credulous]]
#[[Conspiracy]]
#[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]
#[[Vacation]]
#[[Reinforcement]]
#[[Decisive Battle]]
#[[Vow]]
#[[Rebellion (Armada)|Rebellion]]
#[[Chase (episode)|Chase]]
#[[Tactician]]
#[[Linkup]]
#[[Detection]]{{dag|red}}
#[[Awakening (Armada)|Awakening]]
#[[Desperate]]
#[[Runaway]]
#[[Past]]
#[[Past II]]
#[[Sacrifice]]
#[[Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration]]
#[[Rescue]]
#[[Mars (episode)|Mars]]
#[[Crack (episode)|Crack]]
#[[Threaten]]
#[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]
#[[Remorse]]
#[[Depart]]
#[[Miracle (episode)|Miracle]]
#[[Puppet]]
#[[Uprising (Armada)|Uprising]]
#[[Dash (episode)|Dash]]
#[[Drift (episode)|Drift]]
#[[Portent]]
#[[Cramp]]
#[[Alliance]]
#[[Union]]
#[[Origin]]
#[[Mortal Combat]]
}}
{{dag|red}} ''[[Clip show]]''
{{note|Starting with episode #41 "Depart" (or [[Remorse#Second English dub|alternately]] episode #40 "Remorse"), the Hasbro-market title sequence included the "'''The Unicron Battles'''" branding, heralding the coming of, well, Unicron, the ultimate evil.}}

==Production==
''Armada'' was the first Transformers cartoon to be co-developed in the United States and Japan. The show was produced in Japan with animation by [[Actas Inc.]], but the English localization by [[Voicebox Productions]] was the first to reach air; the "original" Japanese version was not broadcast in its home country until six months after the American premiere. Following a summer hiatus of the American broadcast in 2003, the "Hydra Cannon" episodes and the beginning of "The Unicron Battles" arc debuted on [[Canada|Canadian]] television, while the final nine episodes of the series first aired in the [[United Kingdom]]. Even the Japanese versions of most of these post-hiatus episodes were aired in Japan ahead of the United States, except for the final three; these were burned off as part of a week-long run of daily broadcasts on [[Cartoon Network]] just two weeks before the Japanese broadcast of the series concluded.

When ''Armada'' was first announced, an unnamed Hasbro source was quoted as claiming [[Mainframe Entertainment]] had been "tapped" to make the show. This would later be proven to be false.<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/infozone/armada.php The 2002 Armada page at Seibertron]</ref>

===Prominent technical issues===

[[File:TacticianMiniConChanges.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Between the American (top) and Japanese (bottom) airings, the entire back row of Mini-Cons was changed or recolored.]]
====Scripting and dubbing====
To put it straight, the English dub of ''Armada'' was riddled with dubbing errors. Technical faults on a scripting and production level make it clear that the show was put together in an extremely short timeframe, as a lot of what was produced was not up to modern broadcast standards when it was released. The most explicit of faults the show suffered from are the repeated instances of characters being referred to with the wrong name, particularly the Mini-Cons. Evidence strongly suggests that many scripts were translated only very roughly, and never given proper re-writes to adapt them for a Western audience, making some instances hard to follow. Supporting this are instances where characters would get referred to by their Japanese names, meaning that some scripts never made it to the point where the English names were added. Other instances of poor dubbing include: characters giving long, rambling, semi-coherent monologues and characters reacting strangely to one another's dialogue, making for some very disjointed conversations. There were also some minor cases of characters having their voices swapped, leading to them being referred to by the wrong name, or in a couple of instances, Cyclonus's voice being used for Demolishor, showing the latter having out-of-character outbursts of crazy laughter. Unfortunately, as the English dub is the version of the show most other countries received, a lot of the aforementioned flaws made it into foreign dub scripts as well.

====Animation====
Due to ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s rushed production schedule, the animation quality was known to fluctuate from scene to scene. Many of its episodes not only received [[Animation error/gallery#Armada cartoon|animation error]]s, but would often have cases where characters were badly-drawn and off-model. Some of this animation was cleaned up for the show's later broadcast in Japan; the most publicized example being the episode "[[Linkup]]", which featured some significantly altered and corrected animation; specifically the [[:File:Linkup Jet Prime Comparison.jpg|combined form of Optimus Prime and Jetfire]]. Smaller alterations were made in many episodes, such as changing incongruous Mini-Con lineups or fixing blatant coloring mistakes, such as Cyclonus being colored as Demolishor for one scene in "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]". However, a lot of the original errors were still present in the Japanese version of the show, despite the extra work put in.

====Rushed schedule====
As mentioned above, ''Armada''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s flaws mainly stem from a rushed production schedule, [[The Transformers (cartoon)|something which isn't entirely uncommon for ''Transformers'' cartoons]], and as such it should be noted that ''Armada'' is an English dub of a Japanese series that was not ready to air until six months after the dub premiered. The cause of this rush job is still under speculation, but there appear to be two primary suspects:

*It was allegedly claimed that initial plans called for [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] to supply [[character model]]s for the series, but that never materialized, possibly throwing off production schedules.
*[[Cartoon Network]], the channel that aired the show, reportedly would not sign off on the series without a certain number of episodes already finished, forcing a rush job to get the cartoon out to coincide with the toyline's release.
{{--}}
==Reception==
While [[2001]]'s ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' was the first to establish the idea of a "[[continuity|reboot]]" to Western audiences, the first ''true'' reboot of the brand as a whole was ''Armada''. Continuing the trend that would be dubbing Japanese anime, ''Armada'' didn't present a very strong start to the [[Unicron Trilogy]] for adult fans of the ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' brand, and as such, has earned itself a mixed reputation among older fans. On the same note, however, the show gave birth to a new generation of fans who hold the series in high regards despite the technical flaws present.

===Initial fan reaction===
Debuting as a premiere three-part "movie" at the same time as the 21st century reinventions of other '80s properties like ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]'' and ''{{w|He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002 TV series)|He-Man and the Masters of the Universe}}'', the immediately-apparent twin flaws in dubbing and animation led ''Armada'' to stumble out of the gate into a torrent of hatred from the internet fandom that stands out as one of the rare moments in fan history when everyone seemed to be on the same page. Flak continued to pile up as the first quarter of the series proved to be a sequence of repetitive one-shot adventures in which the [[Pokeformers|same small groups of Autobots and Decepticons hunt for Mini-Cons]] in one episode after another. The later inclusion of Unicron, as well as the gradually expanding cast, eventually led to more wide-ranging stories, in particular a well-received story arc centering on Starscream, but the consistently poor animation and dubbing, coupled with the fact that by the time these stories came around, the show had been consigned to the 6am "death slot" on Cartoon Network, meant the show never truly recovered in the eyes of adult fans.

===Fan reception today===
''Armada'' is widely regarded as a mixed bag. While the show has its flaws, and many fans have had their gripes, most of these gripes appear to have run their course in today's ''Transformers'' fandom; after all, there is always [[Ruined FOREVER|something new for people to hate]]. Despite the dubbing and animation issues, plot elements and characters are remembered fondly by the generation of fans it spawned.

Regardless of anyone's feelings, [[to sell toys|the show sold toys]], so [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] are happy either way!
{{--}}

==Home video releases==
{{anchor|DVD}}
===''Legends of the Microns''===
{{main|Columbia Music Entertainment}}
The ''Legends of the Microns'' version of ''Armada'' was released on DVD by Columbia Music Entertainment in [[Japan]] while the series was still on air for a total of thirteen volumes. Initial releases of each volume included a bonus Mini-Con figure and [[Linkage (comic)|an original comic side story]] which helped to fill in some of the series's gaps.
[[File:Tf micron legend vol 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 1 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 2 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 3 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 4 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 5 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 6 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 7 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 8 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 9 (2003)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 10 (2004)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 11 (2004)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 12 (2004)
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' 13 (2004)

{{main|Geneon Universal Entertainment}}
Geneon Universal Entertainment released all of the episodes in one set.
*''Transformers: Legends of the Microns'' DVD Set (2016)
{{-}}

===''Armada''===
====United Kingdom====
{{main|Right Entertainment}}
[[File:Armada Collector's Edition DVD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Right Entertainment (with distribution under [[Universal]]) released several DVD collections of ''Armada'' in the UK.
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:01 (2003)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:02 (2003)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:03 (2005)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Triple Collection (2005)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 (2005)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Collector's Edition (2007)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Bumper Double DVD Collection (2008)
{{-}}

====Australia====
{{main|Warner Bros.}}
Warner Music Video released a random assortment of ''Armada'' DVD collections in Australia.
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:02 (2003)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:04 (2003)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:09 (2003)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 (2003)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:14 (2003)
{{-}}

====United States====
{{main|Rhino Entertainment}}
[[File:KidRhinoTransformersArmadaPart1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Kid Rhino released a few DVD collections in the United States, before releasing the entire series in two box sets.
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Battles (2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks (2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons ([[June 22]], 2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Power of the Mini-Cons ([[June 22]], 2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Best of the Autobots (2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Best of the Decepticons (2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One (2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (2006)

Additionally, three episodes were released by [[Tiger Electronics]] as a boxed set for their VideoNow system.
{{-}}
{{main|Shout! Factory}}
Shout! Factory released the complete series on an eight-disc DVD set, plus an individual volume release of the first disc from the complete set, in 2014.
*''Transformers Armada'': The Complete Series (2014)
*''Transformers Armada'': Volume One (2014)
{{-}}

====Italy====
{{main|Cinehollywood}}
Cinehollywood released the first half of the series in Italy in a series of 9 DVDs, with 3 episodes in each of them.

*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 01 - Primo contatto (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 02 - Gioco di squadra (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 03 - Il confronto (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 04 - Scontro sotterraneo (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 05 - La Spada Stellare (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 06 - La trappola (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 07 - Battaglia decisiva (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 08 - Ribellione (2002)
*''Transformers Armada'' Volume 09 - Piano di battaglia (2002)

====Germany====
{{main|New KSM}}
KSMFilm released two DVD boxsets in Germany, each including 26 episodes with German and English audio. A complete collection of the series was released in 2011.
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One (2008)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two (2009)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Superbox (2011)

====France====
{{main|TFou Vidéo}}
[[File:Armada-DVD-TFouVideo-Vol3.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
TFou Vidéo released 4 DVDs, including the first 20 episodes in total. The rest of the series has been broadcast on TV but never released on DVD.
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 1 (2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume 2 (2004)
*''Transformers: Armada'' — Le combat recommence... (2007)

====Russia====
{{main|Union Video}}
Union Video released a DVD collection in Russia.

====China====
{{main|Sihaiyizu Release}}
Sihaiyizu Release released a full DVD collection in China in 2006.

====South Korea====
There is no known release of the Korean dub. It aired weekly on SBS from December 20, 2004, officially ending at episode 39.<ref>https://namu.wiki/w/%ED%8A%B8%EB%9E%9C%EC%8A%A4%ED%8F%AC%EB%A8%B8%20%EC%95%84%EB%A7%88%EB%8B%A4</ref>
{{--}}

==Foreign names==
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Léitíng Jiànduì''''' (China, 变形金刚：雷霆舰队, "Transformers: Thunder Fleet")
*''Korean:'' '''''Eunha Yeongung: Cybertron''''' (은하영웅 사이버트론 ''Eunha Yeongung Saibeoteulon'', lit. "Galactic Heroes: Cybertrons")

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20160710044424/http://www.geocities.co.jp/Playtown-Knight/6670/my_micron/armada-legend.html Site comparing animation differences between ''Armada'' and ''Legends of the Microns'']

{{DEFAULTSORT:Armada (cartoon)}}
[[Category:Armada media| ]]
[[Category:Television series]]

Downshift (G1)

2024-05-17T14:18:36Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Toys */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Downshift}}
:''Downshift is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:G1DownshiftMTMTE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''[[Runabout (G1)|Those]] [[Runamuck (G1)|punks]] will rue the day they [[Decepticon Graffiti!|made trouble]] on MY watch.'']]
'''Downshift''' is an [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] who's dedicated to his job, but sometimes his superiors wish he wasn't so ''much'' so. As both a security agent<ref name="flyer">"[[You Have Been Chosen.]]" [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|pack-in flyer]]</ref><ref name="Dreamwave">Downshift's [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More Than Meets the Eye'' comic]] profile</ref> and a scout,<ref name="Takara">Downshift's [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] bio, in the [http://tflab.net/japaspe/tf2010/rp05.html original Japanese] and [[User talk:Apcog#Translating the Omnibot bios|fan-translated English]]. Note that "Camshaft" is the relevant one, since their names were switched in Japan.</ref> he tends to think that guarding something means not just securing the object of his duty, but also actively seeking out foes ''before'' they strike, whatever entanglements this may produce and however vulnerable this may actually leave his charges.

He keeps up-to-date on all the latest law enforcement and military security tactics, and his disarmament techniques are at an expert level.<ref name="Dreamwave" /> He takes great pride in being on the cutting edge of anti-Decepticon spy warfare, but his excitability can lead to mistakes.<ref name="Takara" />

He and the other Omnibots are [[:Category:Dimension hoppers|dimension-hoppers]],<ref name="flyer" /><ref name="Binaltech">Overdrive's ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toy pack-in bio in [http://www.fantofan.jp/photo%20gallery/binartech/bt-12/bt-12a.jpg fan-translated English.]</ref> so it's unclear whether his appearances in various [[Continuity|realities]] are separate entities or the same individual.

==Fiction==
===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
[[File:Lookinsideforaspecialoffer.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|"Everybody STAND BACK. This mall looks like it's been ''improperly securitized."'']]

Downshift and the other two Omnibots were featured in several [[S.T.A.R.S. continuity|recruitment messages]] directed at [[human]] allies. The first message detailed the Omnibots' arrival on [[Earth]]: The [[Autobot]]s marooned on that planet had sent an S.O.S. to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], despite not knowing if anyone would be there to receive it. Luckily, their plea was answered in the form of the Omnibots, [[Powerdasher]]s, and [[Time Warrior (G1)|Time Warrior]]s. The Omnibots quickly adapted to Earth's highways, scouting for and attacking [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Reinforcements from Cybertron!}} This message was later repeated almost verbatim, with minor changes made to accommodate a recruitment drive for [[S.T.A.R.S.]] {{storylink|The battle is far from over!}}

The Omnibot [[Overdrive]] personally narrated the next message, describing how he and his comrades had turned the tide in the Autobots' favor and were gearing up to strike at hidden Decepticon bases. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] was holding back until human allies had been mobilized. Overdrive seemed to be speaking specifically to military personnel, and his message segued into the activities of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and [[Cobra]]. {{storylink|Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!}}

The next pair of messages told the story of [[Johnny (G1)|Johnny]], a young S.T.A.R.S. member whose town came under [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]'s energy-draining attack. He summoned a squad of [[Autobot Cars|Autobot cars]] as well as the Omnibots, but it is unknown how the presumed battle unfolded. {{storylink|Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?}} {{storylink|Can one boy, alone, hold back the evil Decepticons?}}

The final message involving the Omnibots was delivered from [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] to the potential new S.T.A.R.S. Commander. Magnus provided the first glimpse into Downshift's personality (that he was a security agent), then claimed that the Omnibots were "destined to fight a war in another universe on March 31, 1987" if the S.T.A.R.S. Commander did not requisition them. {{storylink|You Have Been Chosen.}} And, indeed, they were absent from all future messages.
{{-}}

===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[File:TrainWars Downshift.jpg|thumb]]
====''Legends'' comic====
Downshift was among the Autobots who defended [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] when the Decepticons came to steal the [[Transform Super Cog]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

====Wars comics====
When [[The Fallen]] attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the hopes of merging with [[Vector Sigma]], [[Overdrive]] sought additional help using the power of his [[Quantum Dial]]. Further empowering the dial with the help of the Oracle, Overdrive reached across space and time to recruit inter-dimensional warriors, as well as his fellow Omnibots, Downshift and Camshaft. {{storylink|Train Wars}} The Fallen assumed a combination form, however, and managed to impale Downshift and the reinforcements using energy spikes. [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the [[Trainbot]]s, the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]], and the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] soon arrived to turn the tide, and the Fallen was ultimately defeated. In the aftermath, Downshift and the Omnibots returned the foreign warriors home after the battle. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}
{{--}}

===''The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers''===
[[File:Omnibots group.jpg|left|thumb|Downshift is the one pointing at his crotch. With ''that look'' on his face.]]

During a massive battle on Cybertron, Galvatron introduced his latest combining warrior, [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]]. Predaking simultaneously took out [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] with a single punch, causing much worry for the Autobots, as [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] was already engaged in battle on Earth.

[[File:Downshift vehicle.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Upshift?]]
From out of nowhere came [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]], Downshift and Overdrive. They swiftly shifted into vehicle mode(s) and circled Predaking, tying up his legs with cable. Predaking swatted at them to no avail!

Then the Omnibots transformed into their battle modes and...''drove'' at Predaking, which caused him to topple backwards onto [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], taking them all out.

The assembled Autobots cheered for these three mighty warriors of great justice. {{storylink|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 5|The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers #5}}
{{--}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Omnibots passive aggression.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

Downshift and his fellow Omnibots acted as guards outside the detention facility on Cybertron. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} After [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] unleashed Menasor on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], the Omnibots were sent by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] to stop him. They did not succeed and may have been killed by the rampaging giant. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}
{{--}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Stormbringer issue 1|''Stormbringer'' #1]]}}
[[File:Downshift punched IDW24.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Watch your language!]]

Downshift hung out with fellow Omnibot Overdrive on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub]] under the command of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Stormbringer issue 1|Stormbringer #1}} He remained on the Hub under [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]'s command, when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] was brought to them by [[Ku'arn]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}} When [[Nova Prime|Nemesis Prime]] broke into the Hub, Downshift was part of the defensive line to keep him at bay, but he and his teammates were called off the assault by Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Spotlight: Doubledealer}}

He later served as the security chief at the [[Kimia Facility]], and was quite proud of the "top-notch" defenses he oversaw. When [[Cloudburst]] and [[Grotusque]] arrived for a routine inspection of the space station, Downshift took personal offense to their presence, assuming his job performance was under scrutiny. He was in the midst of telling the two to take a hike when [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] and an army of [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]]s began laying siege to the place. Downshift managed to lament the cruel irony of the situation right before Cyclonus caved his face in. {{storylink|Chaos Part One: Lamentations|Lamentations}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
{{picsneeded|The third "flight/attack" mode}}
[[File:Downshift_G1_Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Downshift''' ([[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]], 1984)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Camshaft'''
:*''Accessories'': 2 "Magnetic-Guided Rocket Launchers", "[[Rust-ray rifle|Rust Rifle]]"
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Downshift (aka Camshaft in Japan) transforms into a white Toyota Celica Supra (or as it was known in Japan at the time, Celica XX) sports car. He also has a third "flight/attack" mode, which flips down his side panels, revealing mounting points for his "Magnetic-Guided Rocket Launchers", plus reveals a rooftop double-barreled blaster (which can also serve as a clip for his "Rust Rifle").

:Early releases of Downshift have "CELICA" printed on his license plate decal. Later releases blanked this out for obvious reasons.

:Both [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] released him only through mail-order promotions rather than at regular retail (though in the US, some grocery store chains ultimately got bins full of them at discount). In the US, Downshift cost $5 and 4 [[Robot Point]]s; they first appeared in the vey first mail-away offer, "[[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]". In Japan, he cost 980 yen and 2 Robot Points.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Downshift/downshift.htm More information on Downshift at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W3CPrivateDownshift.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Private Downshift, Special Ops•Security Agent''' (2019)
**'''Wave 3C: Convention Pack 2019'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T02/T03'''
**''Stars: ''8
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:TFGenerations2014 Rejected Downshift.jpg|thumb]]
*The road to having a personality has been a long and rocky one for Downshift.
**The bio included with his North American toy was buried in his instructions, and all it said was that the Omnibots were in the early stages of their evolution and had not yet been tested.<ref>[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Downshift&ImgURL=/archive/instructions/autobot/1985/instr_downshift.jpg Downshift's original English-language instruction-sheet bio] (such as it is; see third panel)</ref>
**He was given his "Security Agent" function in the [[You Have Been Chosen.|last mail-in flyer that offered him]], just in time for him to venture off into "another dimension." That would be the long and short of his official English-language characterization for almost twenty years.
**In Japan, [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''did'' release a bio with the toy, though his function of "Scout" did not match up with the American one.<ref name="Takara" />
**None of this reflected the profile found in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] [[Production bible|bible]], which was written in both [[The Transformers Universe|''Transformers Universe'']] form and in the pared-down style of an on-package bio (with [[Tech Spec]]s, even!), giving him a very different personality from any other portrayal: His function wasn't "Security Agent" or "Scout," but rather "Air Defense," and he was said to be depressed and war-weary, only grudgingly following orders. His one joy came from Earth and human children, since they were something fresh and new that had nothing to do with the millennia of war he had known.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20071230230833/http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=40992 Downshift's Marvel comic bible profile]</ref> This was never officially released to the public.
**The English-speaking public finally got an official profile for Downshift in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s 2003 [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More Than Meets the Eye'' comic]]. This naturally presented ''another'' personality, which seemed to take Takara's overeagerness and apply it to Hasbro's security-agent function.
*Downshift was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Double Changer Celica XX". There are no notable differences between the ''Transformers'' and ''Diaclone'' versions, save the obvious addition of [[insignia|faction symbols]] and the aforementioned sticker variation.
* A mock-up of a new Downshift toy in the form of a ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generations|Wheeljack]] redeco was shown in ''[[Transformers Generations 2014 Volume 1]]'' as one of ten potential exclusives for Vol. 2. The mock-up promised that if produced, the final product would make use of some [[Tracks (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Turbo Tracks]] tooling. During the [[Fan polls#Generations Magazine Exclusive Character Popularity Vote|fan poll]] held to determine which of the ten would be produced, however, Downshift placed dead last, having claimed only 1% of the votes. The indignity!<ref>[http://millionhero.sblo.jp/article/101898683.html Poll results at Hero-X]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Camshaft''' (カムシャフト ''Kamushafuto''), '''Downshift''' (ダウンシフト ''Daunshifuto'')

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Security officers]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

Overload (G1)

2024-05-17T14:17:46Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* The Transformers */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Overload}}
:''Overload is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:G1Overload MTMTE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|KAPOW!!!]]
'''Overload''' gazed too long into the abyss. His desire to be the best battlefield tactician led to an obsessive interest in understanding how [[Decepticon]]s think. His superiors decided this was unhealthy. (Given [[Starscream (G1)|how most Decepticons think]], they probably decided it was unhealthy for ''themselves.'') Overload was thus reassigned to the transport division.<ref>''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]'' #4</ref> Despite this non-combat posting, he'll often break away from cargo-hauling missions to join the battlefield and use his hard-won tactical genius on the front lines.<ref>On-package bio</ref>

==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Zone'' story pages====
When the ocean-covered world of [[Wall]] was attacked by [[King Poseidon|Oceanic Fish General King Poseidon]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Dinosaur General Trypticon]], [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]] charged into battle, but was quickly overwhelmed. Luckily, the four commanders, Overload, [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], [[Missile Bull]], and [[Skywave]] arrived to save him. Commanding the [[Off Road Patrol|Off Road]], [[Jet Patrol Team|Jet]], and [[Race Car Patrol]] Teams, they arrived in time to save the drowning citizens of Wall, rescue Victory Saber and beat back the [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 3}}

====''Legends'' comic====
In 2038, Overload was on [[Micro|Zone]] when it was invaded by the forces of [[Violengiguar]] and [[Dark Nova|Unicron Neo]]. Along with a number of fellow Micromasters, he swarmed the possessed body of [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]], distracting the Decepticon spirit inside until heavier weaponry could be brought to the battlefield. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] once told [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] a story about Overload, but his name was misheard as "[[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]" by nearby security cameras programmed to listen out for anyone mentioning said name. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

==Commercials==
Overload was included in an army of Micromaster Autobots who swarmed and overwhelmed a [[Zarak Maximus|Giant Decepticon Soldier]]. He was also part of a vast Micromaster city/society that could fit in the palm of [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s hand. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Micromaster transports|Micromaster transports commercial}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}{{anchor|Zone}}
{{picsneeded|The toy on its own, without the trailer}}
[[File:G1-toy Overload.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Transforms from truck to deadly Battle Toboggan™!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Overload''' (Micromaster Transport, [[1989]]/[[1990]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Roadjet'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''C-337'''
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/jet
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Released in the sixth year of Hasbro's US ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline (fifth in European markets), Overload transforms into a blue semi cab pulling a grey and red [[car carrier trailer]]. Overload's robot mode bears more than a passing resemblance to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], whilst his trailer even includes the iconic stripe down the side, albeit as a molded detail rather than a decal. The ramp/gate at the back of the trailer folds down, allowing one to transport up to two smaller Micromasters inside, and two more on the top deck (where they are not secured in any way whatsoever). The trailer unfolds into a jet which Overload can ride in the back of.

: Overload was sold in Japan a year later as ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' "Roadjet". The Takara release replaces the black paint on the truck grill with silver, but is otherwise identical to the Hasbro release.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Overload/overload.htm More information on Overload at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Mini-Con Combiners, <s>2015</s>)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Bazooka, [[Phaser (weapon)|phaser]], Uzi, scoped pistol, [[Klingon]] blaster

:"Mini-Con Combiner"' Optimus Prime comes with one standard Kreon and four ''Cityville''-style mini-Kreons of the same character, each one a different incarnation from various franchises. With some extra parts, the mini-Kreons become limbs to make a larger combiner-bot.

: Two of his limbs are based on ''Armada'' Optimus Prime; one "normal" (Inferno helmet), one pre-[[Earth]]-body (Knock Out helmet). The main torso-bot is based on Generation 1 Optimus's original body. Another limb-bot is based on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action Optimus]] (Soundwave helmet), and the remaining one (Ironhide helmet)... is apparently based on Overload, who looks suitably concerned to be there! We don't know, folks. We just report this stuff.

:[https://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=400&size=1&image=29 First shown at New York Toy Fair 2015], the Mini-Con Combiners were apparently cancelled without fanfare... a decision that must have come late in the day, as they went on to star in their own promotional animation, "[[Stuck in a Tree]]", released about eight months after the trade show.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* In Japan, "Roadjet" is characterized as a kind elder Micro Transformer, chief of overland operations, treating the soldiers in his care like he was their father.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Roadjet''' (ロードジェット ''Rōdojetto'')
*''French:'' '''Surchargé'''
*''Italian:'' '''Bomber'''

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

Erector (G1)

2024-05-17T14:17:05Z

CamilleHiiragi: guess I'll have to specify

{{factions|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot from Generation 1|the Autobot from ''Animated''|Erector (Animated)}}

: ''Erector (giggle) is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:G1Erector MTMTE.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Maybe I should form a support group with [[Heave]] and [[Discharge (G1)|Discharge]].]]

'''Erector''' is horrified by the destruction of war, and goes out of his way to construct battle plans that minimize loss of life and collateral damage. Indeed, he will sometimes put himself at risk to save beautiful buildings or scenery. As a result, his fellow Autobots respect his reticence, not least because of his immense durability and strength. They also admire the cunning plans he uses to trap Decepticons without gunfire (many of them involving his trailer's hydraulic crane, which can throw 'Cons into the next county). As a construction engineer, he specializes in fortifications.<ref>''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' #2</ref>

{{bigquote|Everyone loses if there's nothing to win.|Erector's [[bio]] quote}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
When the Decepticons attempted to take control of a submarine transporting plutonium rods, Erector and his mini-base were one of the Autobots assets transported to the scene using a cargo ship. {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 13|The Energon Trap}}

====''Regeneration One''====
[[File:Clar macro jungle war to end all wars.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
After twenty-one years of peace, the resurrected Decepticon [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and infected most of the Autobots with a [[Gene Key]] that turned them into Decepticons. Having undergone this process, Erector assisted Scorponok and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] in creating a planet-scale version of the Gene Key in the [[Sonic Canyons]]. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part Four}} Having recovered, Erector joined the [[Construction Patrol]] and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] in building the [[Nebulos|Nebulan]] end of the [[space bridge]] network in the [[Clar Macro-jungle]]. This probably didn't end well, thanks to the [[Dark Matrix]] creature tainting [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and taking control of the space bridge network. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 1}}

====''Transformers '84''====
Erector was one of the Autobots present in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] during the construction of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. {{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}}

===''Zone'' story pages===
When the ocean-covered world of [[Wall]] was attacked by [[King Poseidon|Oceanic Fish General King Poseidon]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Dinosaur General Trypticon]], [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]] charged into battle, but was quickly overwhelmed. Luckily, the four commanders, [[Overload (G1)|Overload]], Erector (chuckle), [[Missile Bull]], and [[Skywave]] arrived to save him. Commanding the [[Off Road Patrol|Off Road]], [[Jet Patrol Team|Jet]], and [[Race Car Patrol]] Teams, they arrived in time to save the drowning citizens of Wall, rescue Victory Saber, and beat back the [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 3}}

===''Lil Formers''===
[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] noted that Erector was 7660th in the line of succession to be [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], just after [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], but before [[Chip Chase]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Wheelie|Lil Formers}}

===''Mini Mayhem!''===
Erector and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] were walking along when they came across Grimlock, Jazz, and Shockwave, discussing the upcoming nomination for the [[2011]] [[Transformers Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]]. The trio mistook Erector for Bumblebee, and so spared him any ridicule, but verbally tore into Waspinator. After insisting that the Predacon would never stand a chance against them, Grimlock and the others walked off, taking "Bumblebee" with them. {{storylink|Mini Mayhem!}}

===''Hall of Fame'' bio===
[[File:ErectorHaulerVsConstructiconsPanel.jpg|right|thumb|"Ya Yellow Bellied Runt!".]]
Once a member of the [[Constructicon (disambiguation)|Constructicon]]s, Erector was rejected in favor of [[Hook (disambiguation)|Hook]] because he wasn't green. After helping win the battle of [[Tyger Pax]] through the power of being a superlative bullet magnet, Erector became known as the top Autobot engineer, designing the [[Armada Laserbeak Surveillance System]] and the [[Real Gear Quick Action Weaponry]]. {{storylink|Transformers Hall of Fame}}

{{note|Many of the early Hall of Fame entries were skewed towards the new [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]. Erector's bio seemed to lean this way as well, but as there is no such established character as Aligned Erector yet in any fiction, the entry has been placed here. Where it finally belongs is open to debate.}}

===''Wings Universe''===
Erector and [[Hauler]] were part of an Autobot taskforce who ambushed the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s at [[Elevation Recostalus]] and succeeded in neutralizing the Decepticon team. {{storylink|Transformers I.Q.#issue 45|Transformers I.Q. last issue review}}

===''TransTech''===
[[Cragun's List]] was presumably founded by a version of Erector. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/10/01}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Having survived the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Erector returned to the front lines in the 24th century to combat the [[Resistance]] when the [[Grand Uprising]] began. His new position in the [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] military saw him leading the [[74th Division]] from [[Tesarus (polity)|Tesarus]]. Erector's forces clashed repeatedly with [[Steel Jaw]]'s [[Pack]], and soon the two leaders developed a grudging but healthy respect for the other's tactical acumen.

As the war drew to a close, Erector—already dissatisfied with their shrinking territory and the useless [[Cyberdroid]] recruits the [[Builder Assembly]] kept foisting on him—tried to buoy morale amongst his increasingly demoralized soldiers as they prepared fortifications for the next battle. They were caught unaware by the Pack, who, on [[Lio Convoy]]'s orders, had gone in for a suicidal frontal assault against the 74th to capture and open the road to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. Although the [[Dark Skies Patrol]] managed to seize the Resistance's artillery batteries and began a retaliatory bombardment on Erector's orders, the 74th Division fell that day; Erector himself was slain by the stealthy [[Maximal]] [[Snarl (BW)|Diablo]] as the tattered but triumphant Pack overran their foes and seized the city. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:StormHorizonPart1-ChromedomeErector.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Maybe I'll get Tumblr fanart if I stand next to the popular character.]]
Erector was a crew member on the starship ''[[Fist of Iacon]]'' under the command of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], and accompanied his captain to the planet [[Kworia]] in the [[Decimus Sector]] while searching for [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] after shooting down an alien ship. Their initial sweep turned up nothing, he helped [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] track Magnus's signal before [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and his crew of splice-thieves ambushed their ship and took the crew hostage, collateral that would force Magnus into assisting them. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 1}} As part of a conditional bargain, Spinister released Erector and several other members of the crew, who piloted their ship into the [[Black Sphere]] system to find Trion. Erector stood by with several other members of the crew as Magnus faced off against Spinister's crew, and watched as [[Victory Leo]] took on the villains. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 2}}
{{--}}

==Commercials==
[[File:Erector-commercial.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|He knows his place.]]
Erector was included in an army of Micromaster Autobots who swarmed and overwhelmed a [[Zarak Maximus|Giant Decepticon Soldier]]. He was also part of a vast Micromaster city/society that could fit in the palm of [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s hand. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Micromaster transports|Micromaster transports commercial}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
As a battlefield engineer, Erector specialized in building fortifications and xenoarchitecture—the study of alien engineering methods. Despite his imposing frame and great strength, he devoted his life to protecting buildings from pointless aggression. {{storylink|Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}} Athough nominally an Autobot, the Constructicons regarded him as a stand-in member of the team. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{picsneeded|The toy on its own, without the trailer}}
{{anchor|Generation 1}}{{anchor|Zone}}
[[File:G1-toy Erector.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Now that's a set.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Erector''' (Micromaster Transport, [[1989]]/[[1990]])}}</ul>
:* ''Takara name'': '''Gragun'''
:* ''Takara ID number'': '''C-339'''
:* ''Accessories'': Crane trailer/battle station

: Released in the sixth year of Hasbro's US ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline (fifth in European markets), Erector transforms into a yellow and gray semi cab pulling a relatively huge [[Crane|crane trailer]]. Being asymmetrical, the cab does not resemble traditional semi cabs, instead looking like the front end of a (one-piece) mobile crane, such as [http://www.kato-works.co.jp/eng/products/allterr/r01.html this Kato model]. His fifth wheel hitch nominally allows the cab to turn as it tows the trailer (out of the box, it's too tight a fit for this). The crane itself can be removed from the trailer, and connected directly to Erector's hitch.

: His crane trailer transforms into a battle station, with a main gun and a smaller double-barreled gun that Erector can man (though he can't grasp the handles). He can man it either standing (there's a peg for his feet), or sitting (there's a circular indentation that fits the hitch on his calves).

: Erector was sold in Japan a year later as ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' "Cragun"; this release is identical to the Hasbro release.

::* ''[https://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Erector/erector.htm More information on Erector at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
[[File:HOF-BW-Erector.jpg|right|250px|thumb|All those birds and animals, they just take from the land. But the beaver? He gives a dam.]]
* Erector's Japanese Generation 1 name, "Cragun", apparently comes from his trailer, which is a "crane-gun" (クレーンガン ''kurēn gan''). His Takara portrayal is not far from the Hasbro one, where he leads the development and construction of fortifications.
* According to [[Hasbro]] designer [[Joe Kyde]]'s [http://web.archive.org/web/20090101122334/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=4EC7EA7D-D56F-E112-46AC70D02754072E design notes on Hasbro's Transformers website], [[Mudflap (Movie)#Toys|Mudflap]] from the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 movie toyline]] was initially going to use the unreleased ''Cybertron'' [[Landslide (Decepticon)#Toys|Landslide]] deco, with the name "Sawtooth". It was decided that Landslide's deco wasn't realistic enough for a movieverse toy, so a new deco based on Erector was chosen. The names "Sawtooth" and "Erector" were unavailable, so he got stuck being Mudflap. We. Were. Robbed.
* As a [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] nominee, Erector's name was rendered as "Autobot Erector". This was something of an empty gesture, as putting "Autobot" in front of his name wouldn't actually allow Hasbro to use that trademark in the field of toys. (Granted, a write-up on a webpage isn't actually something that you can trademark...)
* Erector's Hall of Fame candidacy came about from a push by various ''Transformers'' message boards, starting with TFW2005. Though some board admins reported that many of Erector's Hall of Fame votes came from new users who signed up just to vote for him, the campaign nonetheless attracted a lot of followers. These dedicated fans even had badges produced and handed out for free at BotCon, business cards, vinyl banners, and an online store for Erector apparel, which donated all of its profits to charity. There were mixed feelings about Erector's candidacy, and when Erector fans carried a series of banners into the Hall of Fame auditorium, there was a lot of booing in response.
* Due to Erector's near-total lack of fictional appearances at the time, [[Hasbro]] had to take a different approach to Erector's Hall of Fame nomination video than has been used for other characters. The video is more analogous to the videos for human inductees, featuring a series of interviews, and describes a long history of instances of Erector almost, but not quite, turning up in later incarnations of the brand. Visuals include a ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' redeco of his toy in colors reminiscent of the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], a ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' version with a beaver [[alternate mode]]<ref>Since-deleted DeviantArt post by eric-j, 22 April 2014</ref> (at right), an ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' [[Erector (Animated)|Erector]] who would have formed the "pants" of an ''Animated'' [[Devastator (Animated)|Devastator]], a [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] Erector design, and an Erector-based ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' cover. There was also a ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]''-styled Erector designed by [[Jagex]]. All of this was, of course, completely fictional and invented for the video. Following the video, [[Aaron Archer]] noted that doing this was fun once, but asked the fandom to please not do a similar thing again.
* [[Josh Perez]] also recolored his and [[Casey Coller]]'s artwork of Erector and Hauler confronting the Constructicons into an ultimately unpublished ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' version,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=OH- I was also asked to do a Shattered Glass version of this! I don't know if it was ever used, but I'll toss it here since I don't think it'll pop up anywhere anytime soon. https://t.co/KimkGYgy7e|link=https://twitter.com/dyemooch/status/1221445489071218694|name=Josh Perez|site=Twitter|year=2020|month=01|day=26|(defunct=)}}</ref> with evil Erector taking [[Flattop (G1)|Flattop]]'s colors.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Micro master Flattop, I think!|link=https://twitter.com/dyemooch/status/1221462411456188416|name=Josh Perez|site=Twitter|year=2020|month=01|day=26|(defunct=)}}</ref>
* As the word "Erector" in the domain of toys is [[trademark]]ed by {{w|Meccano Ltd}} for [[Erector set]] construction toys—they even own it [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77878820&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch specifically for toy robots]—the only chance of seeing it on a ''Transformers'' toy again would be if Meccano Ltd were to suddenly go out of business.

===Foreign names===
* ''Japanese:'' '''Cragun''' (クレーガン ''Kurēgan'')
* ''French:'' '''Éregon'''
* ''Italian:'' '''Tractor'''

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Constructicons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

BotCon 1994

2023-11-20T01:47:06Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Notes */

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 1994
|next=BotCon 1995
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=BotCon94Program.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|date=[[July 16]], [[1994]]
|city=[[Fort Wayne]], [[Indiana|IN]]
|venue=Grand Wayne Center
}}

The very first convention dedicated entirely to Transformers, '''BotCon 1994''' was organized by [[Jon Hartman]] and [[Karl Hartman]]. It was the first in the long-lived series of conventions bearing the [[BotCon]] name.
{{TOCclear}}

==Merchandise==

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*An otherwise-unreleased ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' edition of the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] [[Breakdown (G1)#Generation 2|Breakdown]]. Breakdown is the only G2 Stunticon who was released at all. 300 Breakdowns were produced, with 204 of those being made specifically for the convention.
[[File:G2-toy Breakdown.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|You can just '''taste''' the '90sness through your screen.]]
{{-}}
===Other merchandise===
*Red and purple shirts featuring the ''Generation 2'' faction logos were available. The shirts also displayed the name and location of the convention.
*All preregistrants received an individually-numbered badge and button set, and a twelve-page official program guide.

==Guests==
Two [[Hasbro]] employees attended the convention as guests:
*Marketing Director [[Tom Bowman]]
*Product Manager [[Carl Fritz]]

==Events==
===Foreign toys presentation===
Fan [[Tony Preto]] held a "foreign toys" panel, focusing on various toys released only in Japan (which were virtually unknown in the North American fandom of the time).

===Hasbro presentation===
Hasbro guests Tom Bowman and Carl Fritz presented upcoming 1994 and 1995 product, including:
*[[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]] and [[Smokescreen (G2)|Smokescreen]], the final product of the 1994 assortment, quoted as costing "about $24.99".
[[File:ClearRacingRigDriver.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
* [[Go-Bot (G2)|Superspeedbot]]s "[[Gearhead]]", "[[Double Clutch (G2)|Double Clutch]]", "[[High Beam]]", "[[Firecracker]]", "[[Motormouth]]" and "[[Blowout]]" ("about 2-3 dollars apiece") and the [[Go-Bots Racing Rig|Superspeedbot Racing Rig]]. At the time, none of the Superspeedbots had been named. Instead of being in [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]]'s deco, the Superspeedbot shown with the Racing Rig was mostly transparent clear plastic, which the presenters indicated was intentional.
* [[Cyberjet]]s "[[Skyjack (G2)|Skyjack]]", "[[Space Case (G2)|Space Case]]" and [[Hooligan (G2)|Hooligan]], respectively referred to as a "stealth fighter", an "x-fighter", and an "F-18". Only Hooligan was referred to by name.
*[[Power Master]]s "[[Bulletbike (G2)|Bulletbike]]", [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]], "[[Meanstreak]]" and [[Staxx]]. Only Ironhide and Staxx were mentioned by name.
*[[Laser Cycle]]s "[[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]]" and "[[Road Pig (G2)|Road Pig]]", referred to as "akin to a Yamaha racing bike" and "akin to a Harley".
*[[Auto Roller (G2)|Auto Roller]]s "[[Dirtbag]]" and "[[Roadblock (G2)|Roadblock]]".
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime Octane]], described as having "the [[Laser Rod]] feature" and shipping in "the spring of 1995".

[[File:Generation2Pothole.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]

*New packaging for the 1995 line was also showcased, featuring differently colored bands at the bottoms of the cards so a consumer could easily tell the sub-segments apart. Alongside proof cards of Hooligan and Staxx, an early mock-up featuring [[Pothole]] was used in the demonstration.
*The [[Real Action Pop-Ups 3-D Transformer Trading Card]]s were previewed. The presenters mentioned they "know a lot of you guys are very into the illustrations", but they acknowledged that "some of the illustrations that are done now aren't quite the quality they were in the past", because Hasbro wasn't "using the [[Hidetsugu Yoshioka|Japanese illustrators]] anymore" due to cost considerations.
{{-}}

==Notes==
In 2004, Jon and Karl Hartman wrote retrospective essays on their history of ''Transformers'' collecting and the creation of BotCon 1994 in specific for [[Fumihiko Akiyama]]'s unofficial ''[[Unofficial guidebooks|BotCon Legends: Ten Years' Chronology]]'' fanzine. Among their revelations:

*The genesis of the convention came from Jon and Karl wanting to somehow celebrate the tenth anniversary of the franchise.
*The name "BotCon" was coined by Jon, and was meant to convey both a shortening of "roBOT CONvention" and "AutoBOT and DeceptiCON".
*It was Hasbro's Carl Fritz who suggested picking from among the smaller ''Generation 2'' [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s for the show's exclusive, as they were cancelled for general release. The Hartmans' top two choices were [[Blades (G1)#Generation 2|Blades]] and Breakdown, but they ultimately went with Breakdown.
*Jon and Karl did not receive many pre-registration inquiries until a few weeks before the convention itself. This almost lead to the cancellation of the show due to a perceived lack of interest.
*The Hartmans had the staff of the Grand Wayne Center put an advertisement for the convention on their electronic marquee, which featured the G2 Autobot and Decepticon logos and information about the show. Unfortunately, the two logos ended up upside-down.
*Just prior to Carl Fritz and Tom Bowman presenting the 1995 product assortment, Jon and Karl had lunch with them, during which time the Hasbro employees revealed the abortive existence of the [[Rock Bot (G1)|Rock Bot]]s. Oh, what might have been...

==External links==
*[http://www.botconarchives.com/archive/1994/index.html BotCon 1994 in the BotCon archives]

[[Category:Conventions]]

Meiji

2023-11-10T09:53:44Z

CamilleHiiragi: may need some cleanup

{{stub}}{{picsneeded}}
'''Meiji''' is a Japanese candy company. In 1988 they released small, super-deformed, articulation-free versions of the [[Beastformer]]s via Gachapon machines.
==Merchandise==
===1988===
*1 - [[White_Leo#Meiji_candy_toys|White Leo]]
*2 - [[Flykick#Meiji_candy_toys|Flykick]]
*3 - [[Hedgehog#Meiji_candy_toys|Hedgehog]]
*4 - [[Badshark#Meiji_candy_toys|Badshark]]
*5 - [[Bowdog#Meiji_candy_toys|Bowdog]]
*7 - [[Bluehorse#Meiji_candy_toys|Bluehorse]]
*8 - [[Giader#Meiji_candy_toys|Giader]]
*9 - [[Violethorn#Meiji_candy_toys|Violethorn]]
*10 - [[Bombsheep#Meiji_candy_toys|Bombsheep]]
*11 - [[Deaspider#Meiji_candy_toys|Deaspider]]
*12 - [[Crabhit#Meiji_candy_toys|Crabhit]]
*13 - [[Killer_Fish#Meiji_candy_toys|Killer Fish]]
*14 - [[Devilbat#Meiji_candy_toys|Devilbat]]
*15 - [[Alligatron#Meiji_candy_toys|Alligatron]]
*16 - [[Beafox#Meiji_candy_toys|Beafox]]
*17 - [[Flying_Attacker#Meiji_candy_toys|Flying Attacker]]
*18 - [[Platinum_Tiger#Meiji_candy_toys|Platinum Tiger]]
*19 - [[Koala_Gray#Meiji_candy_toys|Koala Gray]]
*20 - [[Zebra_Ball#Meiji_candy_toys|Zebra Ball]]
*21 - [[Rabbit_Kid#Meiji_candy_toys|Rabbit Kid]]
*26 - [[Graysharp#Meiji_candy_toys|Graysharp]]
*27 - [[Grayox#Meiji_candy_toys|Grayox]]
*29 - [[Power_Jaguar#Meiji_candy_toys|Power Jaguar]]
*30 - [[Bonga#Meiji_candy_toys|Bonga]]
*35 - [[Wavemoose#Meiji_candy_toys|Wavemoose]]
*37 - [[Jungaroo#Meiji_candy_toys|Jungaroo]]
*39 - [[Beavop#Meiji_candy_toys|Beavop]]

Scrounge (G1)

2023-11-09T22:23:37Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Combiner Wars */

{{factions|autobot|velocitron}}
{{disambig3|Scrounge}}
:''Scrounge is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Scroungefullbody.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Just keep 'em turning, don't stop 'em rolling, the fire is on!]]
'''Scrounge''' has a special arm. There is no other like it.

He is a lot like [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]—he is relatively small, weak, and over-eager to prove himself to the other Autobots; he's a passable spy thanks to the fact that he has a special arm (there is no other like it) specially designed for surveillance; he is yellow. Unlike Bumblebee, with his eagerness to please and general excitability, he has a habit of imagining any little bit of info he stumbles across into a huge and vital revelation that will change the course of the [[Great War (G1)|war]].

The Autobots have heard him cry [[turbofox]] a few too many times, and so treat any info he uncovers with a good helping of doubt. Even his friend and partner [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] tends to treat him as a useless, tag-along loser.

Maybe he'll get a bit more respect as part of the combiner [[Computron (G1)|Computron]].
==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
[[File:Scroungealtmode.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|He gets around, nyuk nyuk.]]
Scrounge, while searching for a clue on the whereabout of the abducted [[neutral]] scientist [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], infiltrated [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]] and obtained coded information that was of great value to the [[Decepticon]]s. He radioed his accomplishment to [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and urged to meet with him, but failed to show up himself when [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] captured him in the [[Dead End (place)|Dead End]]. Scrounge was brought before [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], who ripped off his special arm because the Autobot refused to disclose what he had discovered. Right after, Straxus decided it didn't matter what Scrounge knew, since he would never be able to tell [[Cybertron Seven|his comrades]]. Without another thought, Scrounge was thrown into the [[smelting pool]].

[[File:Scroungedisarmed.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|And thus the Armmasters were born!]]
Blaster belatedly came to save his little buddy, who was little more than a melting torso by that point. Scrounge died a heroic death getting the Autobots the info, making them realize that they misjudged him, and leaving Blaster with a whole lot of angst, anger, and guilt to work through by killing as many Decepticons as he was able and generally being a hardass. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}}

Scrounge's death continued to hit Blaster hard as the war progressed, first as a reason to not repeat his loss when the scientist [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]] went missing. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}} Blaster angrily brought up Scrounge's death later on [[Earth]], after [[G.B. Blackrock]] questioned Blaster's credentials as an Autobot warrior. {{storylink|Crater Critters}}

====''Classics''====
Decades later, Blaster recalled Straxus's culpability in killing Scrounge in a discussion with [[Straxus (SG)|negative polarity Straxus]]. {{storylink|Falling into Place}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Megatron Origin issue 2|''Megatron Origin'' #2]]}}

[[File:Post ScroungeAbused.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.8|And thus his long run of abusive cameos begun.]]

Long before the war, Scrounge served as medical equipment for a particularly abusive [[blacksmith]] as they pulled a newborn [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Orion Pax]] from the sparkfield. Once his services were no longer required, Scrounge was callously knocked aside. {{storylink|Post}}

[[File:PostHoc-Scrounge.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.7|That doesn't look like Scr-- [[Scrounge (Animated)|ohhhhh...]]]]
At one point during the [[Clampdown (event)|Clampdown]], Scrounge was walking past [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's New Oil House]] carrying some [[conductor]]s. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|Post Hoc}} Not long thereafter, he could be found scrounging for trash in the deepest, darkest slums of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. He still has a special arm. How many others are like it is unknown at this point. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}}

Before the war, Scrounge was begging on the streets and would often receive money from Bumblebee who insisted he not spend it all on [[Simultronic]]s. When Bumblebee had a bad day at work, he was unable to give Scrounge any money. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} Scrounge narrowly avoided being crushed when [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] fought [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] in a massive battle above the streets of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. {{storylink|Primacy issue 3|Primacy #3}}

During the war, Scrounge fell in with the Autobots, but was on the list of warriors to be utilized only as a last resort, presumably because, like [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], he's low on useful skills. (Besides his special arm, of course. There is, after all, no other like it.) {{storylink|Spotlight: Wheelie}}

[[File:ScroungeIDW 2.JPG|upright=1.2|left|thumb|Scrounge really wanted a TV guest spot.]]
He was seen on the [[Orvus Base]] space station orbiting over [[Salvvatan VI]], mere seconds before [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] ripped through it. Sixshot threw Scrounge through the main viewing monitor, presumably out of jealousy of his special arm. After all, he has six modes but nothing like it! {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}

That was not the end of Scrounge's story, as he was saved from almost certain death by the intervention of the [[time travel]]ling [[Mortilus|Necrobot]] and secreted away on the [[Necroworld]]. After emerging from stasis, he was left behind by [[Team Rodimus (G1)|Team Rodimus]] when they went to track down the ''[[Lost Light]]'' and almost killed by the [[Disappeared]] Decepticon [[Rapidfire (G1)|Rapidfire]], before being rescued by [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|Sardines}}

After commissioning [[Starscream: The Movie (film)|a film]] about himself, [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] recounted to [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] the time when he'd heroically saved Scrounge from being beaten by [[Impactor (G1)|Impactor]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]], and [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]]. Thundercracker questioned the veracity of the tale considering the attackers' personalities. {{storylink|Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie}}
{{-}}

===''TransTech''===
{{bigquote|Scrounge is what folks call me, but that’s just my ''nom-de-guerre,'' sir. But I'm really [[Emirate]] [[Xaaron]], from [[Universal stream|universe]] [[Primax 093.0 Epsilon]].}}
When [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]], CEO of [[RoboCo]], found his [[spark]] trapped inside a "[[lowtech]]" body that was not his own, a poor deluded lowtech named Scrounge was the only other Transformer who offered sympathy. Just like Bulletbike, Scrounge claimed to be someone he was not, by all outward appearances, but unlike Bulletbike, Scrounge was indeed mistaken. Insane though he may have been, he was lucid enough to be of legitimate help, plus he was harmless enough.

Scrounge agreed to help Bulletbike find [[EconTerm]], though at increasing peril. Bulletbike was finding a growing appetite for violence, a troublesome tick that Scrounge was able to narrowly avoid. Ultimately, Scrounge was instrumental in providing support for Bulletbike's crusade to locate the beings who had transplanted his spark into another body, even if it resulted in Bulletbike's death.

[[File:Kre-OScrounge-CMW.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.8]]
In the aftermath, Scrounge was given excellent treatment by [[Cheetor (TransTech)|Commander Cheetor]]. The poor thing just needed some proper care. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

When the [[Waruder]]s caused a blackout in [[Axiom Nexus]], a [[Kreon]] Scrounge within the offworlder maximum security prison was caught in the middle of a brawl with his fellow inmates. A Kreon [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] in particular caused him grief, coming after him even after Scrounge's arm had come off! {{storylink|Cybertron's Most Wanted}}

===Ask Sideways===
Known liar [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] claimed that he was the reason for Scrounge's death. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Sideways, 2015/07/05}}

===''Of Masters and Mayhem''===
During the Great War, Scrounge was drafted into the ranks of the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] to help enhance [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] following the recruitment of [[Boltax (G1)|Cybaxx]]. It was hoped that this upgrade, which allowed Computron to tap into the power of the [[Underbase]], would allow the Autobot combiner to defeat [[Thunder Mayhem]].

It didn't. {{storylink|Lively Pursuit}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Tread & Circuits Part 2|''Tread & Circuits'' #2]]}}
[[File:Tread&Circuits3 ScroungeSpecialMic.jpg|left|upright=1.3|thumb|Only me and [[Rung (G1)|God]] have one of these.]]
A native [[Velocitron|Velocitronian]], Scrounge was on stage during the opening ceremony of the [[Speedia|Speedia 500]]. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 2}} When [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]] interfered and hacked into the communication feeds, he used the finger microphone in his special arm to try and warn the racers of the terrorist attack. Local [[Security Operations]] commander [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]] grabbed Scrounge's mic-finger (rude!) and issued his own instructions to the crowd to evacuate for their own safety. Scrounge and the other race officials then waited on stage, wondering if the Speedia 500 and thus their entire method of choosing a new [[Senate|First Senator]] had been ruined by Mayhem. However, [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] eventually arrived at the finish line, and Scrounge rejoiced with the others over the successful result. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 3}} Broadcasting to the public, Scrounge reported on the events of the race before Knock Out's official inauguration as First Senator. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Combiner Wars''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Scrounge.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|From having a special arm to being a special arm.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Computron''' (Collection Pack, 2016)}}</ul>

: ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Scrounge is a redeco and minor retool of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]] Thrilling 30'' [[Cosmos (G1)#Generations|Cosmos]] with a new head based on his IDW design. Like Cosmos, Scrounge can transform into a flying saucer. In this mode, he can attach to ''Combiner Wars'' [[Strafe (G1)#Generations|Strafe]]'s arm mode to serve as a shield for [[Computron (G1)#Combiner_Wars|Computron]]. Due to their unique shared construction, he can also attach as a shield to ''Combiner Wars'' [[Mirage (G1)/toys#CombinerWars|Mirage]] and [[Drag Strip (G1)#Generations|Dragstrip]] in their arm or leg modes. He includes a small partner, [[Boltax (G1)#Toys|Cybaxx]], who can transform into a [[5 mm post|5 mm]] gun or into a space shuttle which can "dock" onto Scrounge's vehicle/shield mode.

: Scrounge was only available as part of a Computron box set, including a poster and a collector card based on the set's packaging art. The set was one of several so-called "Collection Packs" that were "online exclusives" in the United States, available from online retailers such as [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], [[Entertainment Earth]], [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]], and [[BigBadToyStore]] as well as the online stores of "big box" retailers such as [[Toys"R"Us]], [[Walmart]], [[Target]], and [[Kmart]]. In Hasbro's Asian markets such as Singapore and Taiwan, the set was available at general retail. In Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, it was sold at Toys"R"Us stores, whereas in Spain, it was available via the Spanish subsidiaries of [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] and Carrefour, as well as the department store chain El Corte Inglés, supposedly also only available online.

: The original version of this mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)#Japanese toy line|Adventure]]'' [[Cosmos (RID)#Adventure|Adams]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Autobot/CWScrounge/scrounge.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Scrounge at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:Scroungespecialhand.jpg|upright=0.9|thumb|Autobots with silly abilities like turning invisible or making holograms only wish they could do this.]]
[[File:KreonScroungeConcept.jpg|right|thumb]]
*Scrounge's death haunted Blaster for a long time. He's kind of like Blaster's [[wikia:marvel:James Buchanan Barnes (Earth-616)|Bucky Barnes]], only Bucky got a special arm AFTER he "died".
*Scrounge has a special arm (how many times can we mention that?) with two [[sensor]]ed fingers that pick up sound and video. He claims there is no other like it. However, in the ''Classics'' story "[[Games of Deception]]", [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] had a similar setup. And in ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'', [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] had a setup where he could make his fingers control a headmaster unit. The fingers detached like Scrounge's. [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] has a microphone thumb, but it's [[Interiors|definitely not detachable]]. Should have registered that patent, Scrounge.
*The Scrounge in "[[I, Lowtech]]" who thinks he's actually Emirate Xaaron isn't very good at being Xaaron. He claims he has a [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] and that he's from universe Primax 093.0 Epsilon. [[Universal stream|Decoding that technobabble]] allegedly pegs him as an Emirate Xaaron from Transformers Fan Club fiction published in [[1993]]. Yyyyyeah.
*[[Bob Budiansky]] revealed at one of his [[BotCon 2010]] panels that Scrounge was partially based upon Gunga Din, but we didn't find out that he meant the {{w|Gunga Din (film)|1939 Cary Grant film}} version of the character (as opposed to {{w|Gunga Din|the original poem}}) until his [[2013]] interview in the [[Transformers: 30th Anniversary Collection]].
*In the cartoon episode "[[Heavy Metal War]]", [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] is at one point addressed using the name "Scrounge", and a Hasbro Briefing Binder for [[1985]] product confirms that this was a preliminary name for the Constructicon. When that didn't happen, apparently Bob Budiansky found a use for the name elsewhere.[http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/ron-friedman-auction-hasbro-briefing.html]
* The ''Kre-O'' version of Scrounge from the "Cybertron's Most Wanted" comic was based on an unused concept for a Kreon Scrounge. He would have had the helmet of ''Kre-O'' [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], placed on backwards to simulate his odd, wedge shaped head. [https://twitter.com/The_TF_Club/status/762813580513271809]

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Scrounge''' (スクラウンジ ''Sukuraunji'')
*''Portuguese:'' '''Crava''' (Portugal comic), '''Surrupio''' (Brazil comic)

[[Category:Disappeared]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Surveillance specialists]]
[[Category:Technobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]

Soundwave (SG)

2023-11-09T22:11:21Z

CamilleHiiragi:

{{factions|sgDecepticon|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3.5|the heroic Decepticon|his evil counterpart|Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave}}
:''Soundwave is a heroic [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:SGSoundwave&BlasterFight BlitzwingBop.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|[[Ryu|Come on, FIGHT!]]]]
Sir '''Soundwave''' is a righteous dude! He and his gnarly [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|cassettes]]—[[Laserbeak (SG)|Laserbeak]], [[Buzzsaw (SG)|Buzzsaw]], [[Frenzy (SG)|Frenzy]], [[Rumble (SG)|Rumble]], [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]], [[Ratbat (SG)|Ratbat]], [[Overkill (SG)|Overkill]], [[Garboil (SG)|Garboil]], [[Howlback (SG)|Howlback]], and [[Slugfest (SG)|Slugfest]]—bring the good vibrations to [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron's]] fight against the totally heinous [[Autobot]]s! Though the charismatic Soundwave is the Decepticons' "Morale Officer", he's also an expert in communications. He can tap into any data source just through proximity, which not only helps him link his fellow Decepticons together while in battle, but also helps him tap any errant Autobot transmission.

Sir Soundwave carries a sonic cannon that can also convert into a monomolecular blade which vibrates at the speed of sound. He is sometimes known as '''Monstroso, the Robot Horror from Beyond'''.

{{quote|You dudes may be numerous, but there's one thing you don't know. I have no mouth... Yet I must ''rock''.|Soundwave. How can you not love this guy?|"[[Eye in the Sky]]"}}

==Fiction==
===Fun Publications ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
[[File:Soundwave buzzsaw shattered glass.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|It's hard to imagine there was ever a time when Soundwave was a background character.]]
As the [[Decepticon]]s followed [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]]'s plan to disable the ''[[Ark (SG)|Ark]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launching platform, Soundwave was among the ground forces that followed Starscream, [[Divebomb (SG)|Divebomb]] and [[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]]'s initial assault. Later in the battle he was seen assisting the injured [[Slugslinger (SG)|Slugslinger]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

When the Autobots tried to take the [[Arch-Ayr]] fuel dump from the [[Decepticon]]s and it was starting to look bleak, Soundwave called in the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]] as the "cavalry". {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}

Starscream reported to Soundwave that the [[Slugfest (SG)|Slugfest]] and [[Overkill (SG)|Overkill]] were missing. Soundwave checked the security tapes, but found only minor glitches. The two [[Dinobot (SG)|Dinocons]] were soon discovered, having transformed into octaltrack data cartridges.

When boarding the ''[[Nemesis (SG)|Nemesis]]'', [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] assigned Soundwave to the comm. Soundwave brought with him his usual complement of [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|tapes]] as well as the newcomers Slugfest and Overkill.

Soundwave manned the comm throughout the clash with the ''Ark''. He volunteered to stay and help Starscream guide the damaged Nemesis down to [[Earth]], but Cliffjumper insisted that Soundwave seek the safety of an escape pod, because he would need to communicate with Cybertron about their situation. {{storylink|Do Over}}

[[File:DH Soundwave SG.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|right|[[Street Fighter II × Transformers|Street Fighter]] superior!]]
Before the ''Nemesis'' crash-landed on Earth, Soundwave jettisoned in an escape pod, but went into [[stasis lock]] when it landed. [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] found him at a scenic spot named [[Wyatt's Roadsideaganza]] and reactivated the escape pod's systems and the on-board scanner, which [[Scanning|scanned]] a vehicle nearby for Soundwave and reactivated him. Soundwave tore a flag from a nearby pole and used it as his {{w|hachimaki}}, then detonated the stasis pod as the pair of them set out to find their fallen comrades. {{storylink|The Desert Heat!}}

Soundwave and Heatwave tracked down the ''Nemesis'' crash site, inadvertently hooking up with [[Henri Arkeville|Professor Arkeville]] and his students who were also out looking to see what had crashed. Soundwave quickly befriended them and defended the humans in general against Cliffjumper's complaints about the ship being shot down. He and the other Decepticons were disappointed when it turned out that the Autobots had survived the crash of the ''Ark'' as well, and had commandeered the humans' [[Global Orbiting Defense Satellite|orbital laser]]. [[Will Hayes|Will]], [[Rick Ottman|Rick]], and Soundwave disguised themselves as ice cream delivery and infiltrated [[Burpleson Air Force Base]], which the Autobots had taken over. While Heatwave broke into the base in a more conventional manner, Soundwave kept the Autobots busy while his comrade talked to the orbital laser control system. Everyone got clear before the control system used the orbiting laser to destroy the base. {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}

For his various heroic deeds, he was knighted and given the title Sir Soundwave. Shortly thereafter, he attended a [[Misfits]]/[[Cold Slither (band)|Cold Slither]] concert. After Heatwave was lost in an Autobot [[Space bridge|stellar spanner]] experiment, Soundwave realized that an [[oPod]] that Will had installed in [[Blitzwing (SG)|Blitzwing]]'s systems was broadcasting on an Autobot frequency. Unfortunately Blitzwing's broadcast began to spread to Decepticons frequencies, though naturally Soundwave was immune, and went looking for the triple changer so they could surgically remove the oPod. He briefly located Blitzwing at [[Wyatt's Roadsideaganza]], before his target fled in jet mode. Eventually [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]] spotted a [[Yatter]] update pointing to a particular alleyway, and arrived just as [[Blaster (SG)|Blaster]] found Blitzwing. Soundwave and Blaster fought, until they were interrupted by the arrival of [[Thunderwing (SG)|Thunderwing]] who arrested Soundwave for a transmission he made four million solar cycles ago. Soundwave managed to talk him into suspending the arrest on a technicality and tracked Blaster down as he was preparing to send Blitzwing to Cybertron using the stellar spanner. After Soundwave tricked Blaster into confessing a crime, Thunderwing attempted to arrest the Autobot, allowing Soundwave free reign to rescue Blitzwing. They returned to base, where Thunderwing sentenced Soundwave to 500 hours community service. {{storylink|Blitzwing Bop}}

The Decepticons got their own stellar spanner working, and Soundwave was overjoyed to discover that Heatwave had survived his trip to Cybertron. Soundwave was among the Decepticons who attended the unveiling of [[R.J. Blackrock]]'s new [[Mega-Rig]] and found himself facing a group of Autobots who attacked the ceremony. When following the attack [[Sephie Beller]] had herself augmented with Cybertronian technology, Starscream and Soundwave were concerned for their human ally, but she reacted badly to Starscream confining her to base, and Soundwave sent Ravage to talk to her. She had already gone to attack the Autobots, and when the Decepticons went to help, they stepped into an Autobot trap. With the Decepticons bound, the Autobots prepared a firing squad, and were going to shoot Soundwave first to stop the electronic jamming when Soundwave pointed out it wasn't ''him'' doing the jamming. The arrival of Blackrock piloting a [[Centurion (SG)|Centurion]] mech kept the Autobots distracted, and Soundwave freed himself using high-frequency vibrations. Unfortunately before he could do anything, Blackrock knocked him out with an EMP blast. He recovered in time to watch Sephie destroy the Centurion, and took Sephie and Rick back to base. He was disappointed when Sephie turned down a spot on the Decepticon team, though unbeknownst to him, she took the opportunity to copy his [[power chip rectifier]] before leaving. {{storylink|Transhuman}}

[[File:Invasion-Soundwaveslice.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67|To complete your Soundwave, you have to buy two box sets to give him a second weapon-arm.]]

When the Decepticons were tipped off by Optimus Prime that Ultra Magnus had escaped his prison on [[Paradron]], Soundwave joined [[Treadshot (SG)|Treadshot]]'s team to hunt him down. They traveled through a portal to a strange parallel universe where they encountered Magnus and his army battling their destination universe's heroic Autobots. Here Magnus was after this universe's [[Rarified Energon]] so that he could open up a hole in space time to bring its Earth to his Cybertron, destroying them both. But when Soundwave and the Decepticons appeared, Magnus used his stolen [[Terminus Blade]] to stage an escape.

The heroic Autobots of that dimension were understandably confused, so Soundwave caught them up to speed. (He "tells it ''way'' better" than Treadshot.) The heroic Autobots and heroic Decepticons joined forces and fought back the insidious [[Junkion (species)#Shattered Glass|Junkion]] hive, but after a while Soundwave realized he should sneak away to put an end to Ultra Magnus's scheme. The Junkions swarmed him, however, and Soundwave's end was imminent until he was rescued by [[Overlord (G1)|Gigatron]] and his evil Decepticons. Ultimately, Soundwave was able to expand the forcefield surrounding Ultra Magnus's enigmatic contraption below ground to cover the entire Earth. Soundwave and the heroic Decepticons believed this had averted the crisis, but Magnus scoffed. He wanted to destroy this Earth, yes, but he'd also set in motion the destruction of its entire universe! As Earth was pulled into orbit over their universe's Cybertron, the Earth's entire former dimension was destroyed.

Magnus declared victory and retreated as Soundwave sought reassurance that they had won on some level. {{storylink|Invasion (issue)|Invasion}}

[[Image:Dancitron Sunrise.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Entertainment 7-20! ''PEACE!'']]

With the stellar spanner damaged, Soundwave was unable to return to his friends on negative polarity Earth. The heroic [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] created a new "mental spanner" to compensate, allowing Soundwave to project his consciousness across space to possess a secondary body created for him on Earth by Deputy Commander Starscream. On Earth, Soundwave was confronted by Blaster, who managed to find a way back to the planet from the moon. {{storylink|Solar Requiem}}

With Blitzwing, Soundwave was invited to the [[Dancitron]], where he excitedly told Blitzwing about his experience with Solarbot. {{storylink|Sunrise}}

===Recordicons===
[[File:Recordicons6-Soundwave.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Run for the border, dude!]]
While hiding outside a [[Taco Horn]], Soundwave cautioned [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]] to enter stealth mode, including not updating [[Yatter]]. A few moments later, Ravage updated his [[Boxball]] account, as Mexican restaurants were worth three points, and they were consequently found by [[Blaster (SG)|Blaster]]. Soundwave was very disappointed. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 6|Recordicons #6}}

Soundwave was concealed as a light pylon when [[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]] and [[Hosehead (SG)|Hosehead]] passed by. Unfortunately Ravage picked that moment to fall out, giving away Soundwave's disguise, much to his annoyance. Ravage attempted to blame gravity. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 17|Recordicons #17}} Soundwave grabbed [[Laserbeak (SG)|Laserbeak]], as he needed a guitar so he could play a set as part of [[Tape-Filled Idiots]]. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 25|Recordicons #25}}
{{--}}

===''Timelines''===
[[File:EpilogueTwo SoundwaveMegatronStarscream.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Soundwave was present with several of his comrades on Earth to observe the captured infiltration robot [[Nightbird (SG)|Nightbird]].
{{storylink|Epilogue Two}}
{{-}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' comic===
[[File:SG Soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|Soundwave learned about Howard Stern during his Earthican getaway.]]
Before the Great War broke out, Soundwave was an anchor for [[ABN]], stepping in after [[Blaster (SG)|Blaster]] was caught on camera insulting the viewers' intelligence. Soundwave later went to visit Blaster at a musical event, hoping to mend fences, only to earn his predecessor's ire. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 2|Shattered Glass II #2}}

Soundwave was the Decepticons' top Morale Officer during the war. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 3|Shattered Glass #3}} Alongside [[Cannonball (SG)|Cannonball]]'s crew, Soundwave worked to protect [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s [[Titan Net]] from [[Windblade (SG)|Windblade]] and [[Lightbright (SG)|Lightbright]]'s "Citycrashers". {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 4|Shattered Glass II #4}} A member of Megatron's forces on Earth, he was present for the final battle in [[Hollywood]], gathering with the rest of the troops as Megatron gave a rallying speech and engaging the Autobots behind his leader. Later, he retreated back to Cybertron with the surviving Decepticon forces as the tide of battle turned sour and Megatron stayed behind to engage Optimus in combat. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 2|Shattered Glass #2}}

Over a megacycle after the end of the war, Soundwave had built himself a new existence hiding away in a [[Kaon (polity)|Gold City]] bolthole, aided by Laserbeak and Ravage in keeping an eye on any Decepticons still alive, reaching out to them on secured frequencies to help them as needed. He reunited with his former commander, as well as Starscream, when the duo came to him seeking aid in reconnecting with their scattered brethren in preparation to take back Cybertron. Soundwave agreed, but was firm that there were some he would not contact under any circumstances, refusing to put those dealing with particular traumas to stress themselves any further, and let them know he'd already called the Seekers once Megatron and Starscream agreed to his terms. He then immediately began starting to strategize the best way to utilize their remaining forces when Starscream stopped him, commending him and asking when the last time he stepped away from duty was. Soundwave responded that he couldn't risk leaving his equipment, refusing to potentially not be there when somebody who needed him hit rock bottom, then switched topics by mentioning that everybody was talking about Starscream's [[Shattered Glass issue 1|lightshow]] near [[Metroplex (SG)|Metroplex]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 3|Shattered Glass #3}}

Soundwave was present for the full scale Decepticon assault on [[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug's]] fortress after soldiers began answering Megatron's call. He was engaged with both [[Ratchet (SG)|Ratchet]] and [[Blaster (SG)|Blaster]] when all on the battlefield heard [[Jetfire (SG)|Jetfire's]] anguished cry over Starscream's death, and later blasted a path into the compound itself along with [[Dirge (SG)|Dirge]] and [[Reflector (SG)|Reflector]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 5|Shattered Glass #5}}

As the Decepticons began rebuilding New Kaon, the [[Wreckers]] sent Blaster to destroy Soundwave's communications console only for Soundwave to catch him in the act. Though Soundwave failed to defeat his opposite in combat, Blaster beat a hasty retreat when outside fighting started to spill over to the building. After the Wreckers killed Blaster for failing his mission, {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 2|Shattered Glass II #2}} [[Wheeljack (SG)|Slicer]] used his severed head to keep abreast of Soundwave's tranmissions. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 3|Shattered Glass II #3}}

When the Metroplex reactivated, Soundwave was part of the force that met his advance. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 4|Shattered Glass II #4}} After being briefed on the full danger by Megatron, Soundwave made for Metroplex, managing to recruit Slicer as a temporary ally. Upon scaling the Titan, the two discovered that [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] had swapped bodies with [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]]. As Magnus monologued, Soundwave listened to Starscream and Metroplex's minds fusing before the Titan stumbled. The distraction allowed Soundwave to break through the Wrecker lines, kill [[Drift (SG)|Drift]] and [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]], before he freed the bound Jetfire, the two managing to disconnect Starscream's spark from Metroplex. After Jetfire flew off with Starscream's spark, Soundwave faced off against Ultra Magnus, taunting the Autobot about his self-confidence issues, before he was saved by Slicer shooting Magnus in the chest. After being carried to safety by [[Laserbeak (SG)|Laserbeak]], Soundwave reflected on the state of the world and that, no matter what, he would never stop the fight to bring peace to Cybertron. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 5|Shattered Glass II #5}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
Soundwave took part in a battle which prevented the Autobots from launching from Cybertron in a battleship. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (Legends)|Shattered Glass}}

==Toys==
===''Music Label''===
[[File:Soundwave mp3 spark white.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|"So what? I'm a different character now? When did this happen?"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Soundwave Playing Audio Player''' ([[2007]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Electric launcher, "Wave Bluster", 2 closed fists (left & right), 2 gun-holding pose fists (left & right), 2 eject-button pose fists (left & right), headphones
{{note|Soundwave's first body was [[repurposing|repurposed]] from the Sonic White version of ''Music Label'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Music Label|Soundwave]].}}

: Released in [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers Music Label|Music Label]]'' series, [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Music Label|Soundwave]] is an MP3 player which takes a miniSD card. The box says it can take up to 1 GB, but many claims have shown it can support up to 2 GB. The player uses one AAA battery. The player also features a transformation almost entirely accurate to his Generation 1 appearance. He also comes with two sets of hands, his shoulder cannon, and a sidearm. It's totally awesome to so many degrees.

:'''Controls'''
:*Play/Pause (Press and hold for three seconds to power on or off)
:*Next
:*Previous
:*Volume Up
:*Volume Down.

: It also treats Folders as Albums.

: An LED behind the "cassette" door turns on and flashes to indicate the power's on. The single AAA battery lasts for about 6 hours of continuous play. Soundwave was initially released in two color schemes: "Spark Blue", his normal blue and silver colors; and "Sonic White", a mostly white color scheme with some blue detailing, echoing the traditional iPod color scheme.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Destron/MLSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Music Label Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Timelines''===
{{anchor|TLSoundwave}}
[[File:Timelinestoy-BC2012Soundwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Headband sold separately? That's not righteous at all!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''Invasion''' (Multi-pack, [[2012]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Blaster/blade weapon

:''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Soundwave is a [[retool]] of ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Deluxe Class [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ironhide]], featuring a new head, transforming into an SUV of indeterminate, probably-made-up model, lovingly slathered with a [[Cold Slither (band)|Cold Slither]] mural on the side. Soundwave is armed with a double-ended weapon, which deploys a translucent melee blade from one end, and a gatling cannon from the other. His chest features an [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]]-like gimmick that sees mechanical detailing raise up behind his chestplate when his bumper is lowered. Soundwave's head is designed to look fully forward, rather than tilt down like Ironhide or Ratchet's toys. His [[Soundwave's headband|headband]] is a plastic piece sold separately (with a Soundwave trading card) at the Club store.

: There's a difference in plastic color in the official photos of the robot and vehicle modes. In robot mode, the piece behind his head is white, and in vehicle mode, that same piece forms the roof and is black. While the tinier image of the toy in robot mode within BotCon registration gives Soundwave a black crotch in addition to the piece behind his head, the final toy used a white piece behind his head while having a black crotch and solid-white roof in alt mode. Oddly, the cards that come with the toy *and* the headband still show all these areas as white in the artwork.

: Soundwave was released in a [[BotCon 2012]] [[exclusive]] box set with [[Ultra Magnus (SG)#Timelines|Ultra Magnus]], [[Tracks (SG)#Toys|Tracks]], [[Treadshot (SG)#Toys|Treadshot]], [[Overlord (G1)#Timelines|Gigatron]], and [[Metalhawk (G1)#Timelines|Metalhawk]].

: This mold was also retooled to make ''Universe'' [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ratchet]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/BCSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on ''Timelines'' Soundwave at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.yojoe.com/archive/actfig/soundwave/invasionsw.shtml Additional information at YoJoe.com]''
{{UniverseIronhideMold}}
{{-}}

===''Shattered Glass''===
{{anchor|SGSoundwave}}
[[File:SGtoy-SolarRequiemSoundwave.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''SG Soundwave vs SG Blaster''' (Multi-pack, [[2013]])}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''VSE'''
:*''Accessories'': Rocket launcher, 3 rockets, "concussion blaster"

: "SG Soundwave" is a redeco of ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#EncoreSoundblaster|Soundblaster]] (the then-most-recent iteration of the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Soundwave]] mold), transforming into a microcassette recorder. His extra-deep tape-door chest panel allows him to store two cassettes at once. The two "batteries" that store in the back of the cassette mode becomes a non-firing shoulder-mounted cannon and a spring-loaded rocket launcher for robot mode; as a Japanese-market release, the launcher is fully-functional as it does not have to comply with [[for safety reasons|US toy projectile regulations]].

: He also has a number of extra customer-applied stickers on a big sheet for the whole set, which includes his "headband". As his headband is ''entirely made out of stickers'', transforming him back with the headband applied will ''damage'' the sticker. Either you have to display him in robot mode with the headband applied, or make a cloth headband by scratch.

: He was only available in a big boxed versus set which also includes [[Blaster (SG)#Toys|SG Blaster]], and the microcassettes [[Slugfest (SG)#Toys|SG Slugfest]], [[Ratbat (SG)#Toys|SG Ratbat]], [[Rewind (SG)#Toys|SG Rewind]], [[Ramhorn (SG)#Toys|SG Ramhorn]], and [[Solarbot#Toys|Solarbot]], as well as [[Solar Requiem|a 12-page comic]]. This set was sold through [[e-HOBBY]] in Japan, and imported by [[Fun Publications]] to the US as a "shared exclusive".

::*''[http://tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/SGSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on ''Shattered Glass'' Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}
{{-}}

===''Shattered Glass Collection''===
[[File:TF-Shattered-Glass-Collection-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Now that's righteou...No, [[Photodegradation|that's not righteous at all!]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-sd|'''Soundwave''' (Voyager Class, [[2022]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Barrel gun, shoulder cannon, hinged blaster

: The fifth and final release in the second assortment of [[Hasbro Pulse]]'s exclusive [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Shattered Glass Collection|''Shattered Glass Collection'']] subline, Soundwave is a white and blue redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#2020Netflix|Soundwave]]. He transforms into a microcassette recorder which can hold a single "cassette" from the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege| Siege]]''-based line of "shield"-bots. In robot mode, he features a new headsculpt with his distinctive headband. Each forearm features a flip-out non-firing blaster, remnants of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#WAr for Cybertron: Siege|''Siege'' Soundwave toy tooling]], where they also act as landing skids for his starship mode.

: Soundwave comes packed with his cassette minions [[Ravage (SG)#Shattered Glass Collection|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (SG)#Toys|Laserbeak]], and ships with a copy of ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass II|Shattered Glass II]]'' [[Shattered Glass II issue 5|issue #5]] outside the box.

: Unfortunately, some parts of his white plastic, like the material used for his shoulder joints and barrel gun, are prone to [[photodegradation]], even immediately right out of the box.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''Magic: The Gathering''===
[[File:MTG-SG-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Cowabunga!]]
*'''Soundwave, Sonic Spy / Soundwave, Superior Captain''' (2022)
**''ID number:'' '''028'''
**''Set code:'' '''BOT'''
**''Color identity:'' '''White/Blue/Black'''
**''Casting cost:'' '''{1}{W}{U}{B}''' (front), '''{2}{W}{U}{B}''' (back)

:"Soundwave, Sonic Spy" is part of the 2022 ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' ''[[wikia:mtg:Universes Beyond|Universes Beyond]]'' ''[[wikia:mtg:Transformers|Transformers]]'' card set, found in Collector Booster packs of ''Magic''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> ''[[wikia:mtg:The Brothers' War|The Brothers' War]]'' set. It can be reversed to become "Soundwave, Superior Captain", representing Soundwave in cassette player mode.
:Soundwave can generate [[wikia:mtg:Token|tokens]] of [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Magic: The Gathering|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Magic: The Gathering|Ravage]]. Unfortunately, ''Shattered Glass'' versions of the tokens are not officially available, requiring players to either use the Generation 1 versions or create proxies.
:A variant of this card was available in both Set Booster and Collector Booster packs, depicting [[Soundwave (G1)/merchandise#Magic: The Gathering|"Generation 1" Soundwave]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
*Soundwave was conceived by [[Greg Sepelak]] and [[Trent Troop]] as a hair metal himbo/surfer dude, a character archetype they felt that ''Transformers'' was lacking. Cited inspirations include {{w|Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)|Michelangelo}} from ''{{w|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}}'',<ref>{{citesocial|quote=SG Soundwave was us FINALLY giving TF its Michelangelo, a character type it's been missing.|link=https://twitter.com/MSipher/status/1576358556340604928|name=MSipher|site=Twitter|year=2022|month=10|day=2|}}</ref> Valhallen from ''{{w|Dexter's Laboratory}}'', and {{w|Bill & Ted|Bill S. Preston and Theodore Logan}}.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=I mean he's a bit more these dudes [images attached of Bill & Ted and Valhallen] than a surfer-type Michelangelo, more hair metal, but the general vibe is the same.|link=https://twitter.com/MSipher/status/1576361393397252097|name=MSipher|site=Twitter|year=2022|month=10|day=2|}}</ref>
*Soundwave's body in "Epilogue Two" is modeled on the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Onslaught (G1)#CombinerWars|Onslaught]] toy.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Soundwave''' (サウンドウェーブ ''Saundowēbu'')

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=''Shattered Glass'' Soundwave
|disambig=Soundwave (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Soundwave (SG Animated)|Soundwave]], the heroic counterpart to [[Soundwave (Animated)|''Animated'' Soundwave]].
*[[Soundwave (SG BB)|Soundwave]], the heroic counterpart to [[Soundwave (ROTF)|''Movie'' Soundwave]].}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:Convention-original characters]]
[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:E-HOBBY exclusives]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Knights]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Decepticons]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]

Transformation Is Magic

2023-11-04T02:41:24Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Featured characters */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise!]]'' #1
|prev=
|next=Shine Like a Diamond
|image=MLPTF 1 cvrA.jpg
|title="Transformation Is Magic"
|caption='''Twilight''': Wouldn’t it have been interesting if we crossed over with our [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|sister series]] that debuted alongside us instead of [[Evergreen|the same old]]- '''Hasbro''': Lalalalaala can’t hear you!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|published in=[[Friendship in Disguise! issue 1|''Friendship in Disguise!'' #1]]
|date=[[August 5]], [[2020]]
|coverdate=July 2020
|written by=[[James Asmus]]
|art by=[[Tony Fleecs]]
|colors by=[[Tony Fleecs]] and [[Lauren Perry]]
|letters by=[[Jake M. Wood]]
|editor=[[Megan Brown]], [[David Mariotte]], and [[Bobby Curnow]]
}}

'''The evil Queen Chrysalis summons changelings from another world to conquer Equestria, but doesn't get quite what she intended...'''

==Synopsis==
In the magical land of [[Equestria]], it's just an ordinary day for the citizens of [[Ponyville]] until the sky darkens and lightning crackles, heralding a ferocious storm! But this is no ''ordinary'' storm; the villainous [[Queen Chrysalis]] and her shapeshifting [[changeling]]s, having recently escaped their imprisonment, plan to conquer Equestria. The storm intensifies as the queen works her complex [[magic]], weaving a powerful spell that will summon "fellow changelings" from other worlds to Equestria, ready to aid her mission of complete destruction...

Many dimensions away, the [[Autobot]]s of the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] valiantly defend a [[Space bridge|spacebridge]] from [[Decepticon]] attack. But [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] reports to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] that this spacebridge is faulty—somehow, it's not just reaching out to other ''planets'', it's reaching out to other ''dimensions''! Megatron warns his subordinate not to activate it, but Shockwave doesn't even get to finish his sentence before the bridge mysteriously activates and spirits all of the assembled Cybertronians away... all of them, that is, except for a very confused [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], who arrives on the scene too late.

As this magically-enhanced spacebridge pushes through dimensions and materializes in the sky over Equestria, Queen Chrysalis delights in her moment of triumph, even as Princess [[Twilight Sparkle]] and her royal guards arrive to stop the evil queen. But Twilight's arrived too late: as she watches in horror, beams of colored light—each a dimensionally-displaced Cybertronian—streak through the portal, shoot all across Equestria, and come to land where they may, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and Bumblebee, who materialize in the air above a nearby mountain range and plummet towards certain doom! Twilight immediately takes off to investigate, while Chrysalis turns her attention to Megatron, demanding to know what he is and how he can be of use—a question that bemuses the Decepticon conqueror.

Optimus Prime desperately tries to raise [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] for an aerial rescue, but the flying Autobot's too far away and has problems of her own, having encountered an incredulous [[Rainbow Dash]] and the [[Wonderbolt]]s above the clouds. Bumblebee's convinced that this is the end... but Prime valiantly prepares to sacrifice himself to save Bumblebee, intending to cushion Bumblebee's fall using his own body. That's ''not'' what Twilight expected to hear as she swoops in to save the pair; using her unicorn magic, she sets the two Autobots down on a nearby cliff and says as much. Optimus and Bumblebee introduce themselves and explain that they hail from the planet Cybertron, though Twilight informs them that their "shapeshifting magic" won't be of much use on a world like Equestria. The [[pony]] princess is just relieved that Chrysalis has accidentally foiled her own plan by summoning such friendly beings to Equestria, but Optimus sadly corrects her: not all Transformers are benevolent. ''Some'' Cybertronians seek only conflict and destruction, and their presence will only bring war to this peaceful world—Cybertronians like Megatron and the Decepticons, who roll out with their new allies in tow...

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (10)
* [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] (11)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (12)
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (15)
* [[Gauge]] (18)
* [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (23)

|c2=
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (13)
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (16)
* [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (17)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (21)
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Skrapnel]] (22)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (29)

|h3=[[Equestria]]ns|c3=
* [[Golden Harvest]] (1)
* [[Cloud Kicker]] (2)
* [[Quibble Pants]] (3)
* News vendor (4)
* [[Minuette]] (5)
* [[Lyra Heartstrings]] (6)
* [[Daisy (MLP)|Daisy]] (7)
* [[Rose (MLP)|Rose]] (8)
* [[Queen Chrysalis]] (9)
* [[Twilight Sparkle]] (19)
* Royal Guards (20)
* [[Spitfire (MLP)|Spitfire]] (24)
* [[Soarin]] (25)
* [[Rainbow Dash]] (26)
* [[Surprise]] (27)
* [[Fire Streak]] (28)

}}

==Quotes==
"'''See?''' This is why these '''nonsense crossover stories''' shouldn't even happen! What '''continuity''' is this even supposed to take '''place''' in? If Dr. Caballeron still has his castle, then this should be '''before''' Daring Do '''has''' the Sapphire Skull!" 
"I think it's just supposed to be '''fun.'''"
:—'''Quibble Pants''' ignores the '''news vendor''' and declares this to be the Worst! Crossover! Ever!

"Yeah! Me, Grimlock, ready to—aw... friends '''ditch''' Grimlock again?"
:—'''Grimlock'''

"Uh—'''Optimus?''' Are my '''optics''' busted... or are we '''plummeting''' to a surprisingly colorful '''doom'''?"
:—'''Bumblebee'''

"Well, we're from the planet '''Cybertron'''. But we're happy to '''blend''' in to avoid scaring anyone! Does '''this''' help?" 
"Wow!...um... not really? But almost everypony here wouldn't judge you for being different!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Twilight Sparkle''' get acquainted

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* The conversation about [[continuity]] between an unnamed news vendor and the {{w|Comic Book Guy|Comic Book Guy}}-esque spoilsport [[Quibble Pants]] is definitely meant to tell fans of both franchises to relax, have fun, and not take this wacky story ''too'' seriously... but we couldn't call ourselves a wiki if we didn't at least ''try'' to point out some significant continuity beats!
* [[IDW Publishing]]'s ongoing ''My Little Pony'' continuity has always played pretty fast and loose with the cartoon's canon. Although everything we've seen in the issue—Chrysalis's "imprisonment" (see below); Twilight Sparkle appearing backed by royal guards; the complete lack of [[wikia:MLP:Princess Celestia|Celestia]] and [[wikia:MLP:Princess|Luna]] during a crisis—suggests it takes place after Twilight's coronation as Equestria's ruler in the [[wikia:MLP:The Last Problem|series finale]], the [[changeling]]s Chrysalis commands present a major sticking point: in the cartoon, they rejected Chrysalis and renounced their villainous ways in the [[wikia:MLP: To Where and Back Again - Part 2|season six finale]] (outside of a few rogues who didn't fully reform until [[wikia:MLP: To Change a Changeling|episode 17 of the following season]]), taking on new metamorphosed forms unlike the classic designs seen in this comic; indeed, one of these reformed changelings [[Ocellus]], appears in a [[Finale (Friendship in Disguise!)|later issue]]. But, as the news vendor says...
* Chrysalis seeks revenge against the ponies for "imprisoning" her. This is likely in reference to her imprisonment in stone in the cartoon's [[wikia:MLP:The Ending of the End - Part 2|penultimate episode]], but her being free would also mean the escape of fellow villains [[Tirac|Tirek]] and [[wikia:MLP:Cozy Glow|Cozy Glow]], which would make their omission rather strange since three major villains running loose should be a much bigger deal and—''*sigh*'' Right, right, "just supposed to be fun." Never mind.

===Transformers references===
* Like several other [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] stories IDW's published in recent years, the comic's Transformer cast features the traditional mainstays—[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], etc.—and modern headliner [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]]. One 'bot you might ''not'' recognize at first glance is [[Gauge]], a young, mint-green Transformer who had recently debuted over in [[Transformers (2019 comic)|IDW's concurrent ''Transformers'' comic]] as [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'s mentee.
* The [[space bridge]] seen here, both the tower on Cybertron and the colorful ring that opens above Equestria, is drawn to resemble its original appearance from the ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' cartoon, most prominently the episodes "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]" and "[[Roll for It]]". However, it's referred to here as one word, "spacebridge", as per the [[2005 IDW continuity]].
* Most of the classic Autobots and Decepticons are drawn to resemble their counterparts from the 1984 cartoon, minus [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], who turns into a tank instead of a handgun, and Bumblebee, who transforms into an unusually toy-accurate hatchback based on his [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|2008 ''Universe'']] toy.

===My Little Pony references===
* Continuing the fourth-wall breaking silliness, Quibble Pants reads (and complains about) a crossover comic entitled ''"[[wikia:MLP:Daring Do|Daring Do]] and the [[wikia:MLP:Power Ponies (characters)|Power Ponies]]''", two fictional (as in, fictional in the ''My Little Pony'' universe) franchises that frequently appeared in the ''Friendship Is Magic'' cartoon. He namedrops [[wikia:MLP:Dr. Caballeron|Dr. Caballeron]], villain of the ''Daring Do'' novel series, who was later revealed to be a real individual, and...look, it's complicated, okay?
* A group of bunnies fleeing the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]]s on page seven are all drawn to resemble [[Fluttershy]]'s pet rabbit [[wikia:MLP:Angel|Angel]].

===Errors===
* On page four, Megatron's eyes are miscolored blue
* The teleportation scene on page four appears to feature ''two'' Bumblebees, one in the foreground next to Gauge, and another in the background next to [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. Now, it ''could'' be [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] or [[Glyph (Universe)|Glyph]] or someone, but...
* On page nine, the yellow patch on Fire Streak's flight suit is miscolored red.

===Other trivia===
* The comic's lettering helps paint the medium as these two wildly different worlds collide: while the Cybertronian speech bubbles use the traditional lettering style we're familiar with from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005]] and [[2019 IDW continuity|2019]] continuities, the ''My Little Pony'' characters use their own whimsical typeface from ''their'' comics. In contrast, the text announcing each location is actually rendered in the ''opposite'' franchise's font for a fun bit of mix-and-match.
* The news vendor bears a strong resemblance to the comic's artist, Tony Fleecs, and has previously appeared in other ''My Little Pony'' issues he's drawn. In an interview for the second volume of ''My Little Pony: Art is Magic'', Fleecs said if he had his own OC, he'd name it Cheeseburger.

[[Category:My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise! issues]]

Gearhead

2023-10-29T18:34:26Z

CamilleHiiragi: nevermind

{{factions|autobotg2}}
:''Gearhead is an [[Autobot]] [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:G2GearheadCardArt.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]

'''Gearhead''' is a stock car on the outside, and an [[Autobot]] warrior engineered for fighting on the inside. It's hard to say which half of his nature he enjoys more. Upon his arrival on the planet [[Earth]] he entered the professional racing circuit. Obviously confident in the power source beneath his titanium-plated hood, he proudly informs his opponents that if they race him, they'll lose. Gearhead is always anxious for the checkered flag, yet his desire for combat with the [[Decepticon]]s has not diminished. In fact, a call to arms will send him speeding to the battlefield at speeds even higher than those he reaches on the racetrack.

He might have a [[Relatives|brother]] named [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]].<ref>The proposed packaging for the unreleased Generation 2 toy Greasepit identified them as brothers. As unreleased material it is of uncertain canonicity.</ref>

==Fiction==
===''Wings Universe''===
[[File:G2Redux-Go-BotsvsDoublePunch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
Gearhead and the Go-Bots were part of the "second generation" of Transformers created on Earth in the 21st century, using a combination of human, [[Nebulan]], and Cybertronian sciences. He became an Autobot working for [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] when the new Transformers inevitably started to battle amongst themselves. In 2010, Gearhead and the Go-Bots arrived in Switzerland to assist [[Rapido]]'s team against the Decepticons after Pyro was captured. They fought alongside [[Scorch (G1)|Scorch]] against the massive Decepticon, [[Double Punch]]. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
Gearhead, with other Autobots, oversaw an attempt to wipe the [[Commando (RID)|Combatrons]]' [[Predacon (BW)|Destronger]] programming. However, before they could be reprogrammed, [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] interrupted the process and whisked away the Combatrons. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part One}}

==Toys==
===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2-toy Gearhead.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a2|'''Gearhead''' (Go-Bot, 1995)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: Part of the first assortment of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], Gearhead transforms into a [[NASCAR]]-style {{w|Ford Thunderbird}} stock car with through-axle tires, making him largely compatible with "{{w|Hot Wheels}}" and "{{w|Matchbox (toy)|Matchbox}}" playsets and tracks.

: He was also released in the second assortment, but the clear-plastics of his [[robot mode]] were replaced with opaque plastics using the same general colors (the clear-colorless plastic turned to opaque silver), due to the [[gang-molding]] process that saw changes to his wave-mates.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed to make the Go-Bots version of [[Soundwave (G2)#Generation 2|Soundwave]], [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Spychanger]] [[W.A.R.S.#Toys|W.A.R.S.]], and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Camshaft (G1)#Universe (2003)|Camshaft]]. It was slated to be used for the [[Go-Bots Racing Rig]] pilot [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]], but this toy was ultimately [[Unreleased toy|never released]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1995/Autobot/Gearhead/gearhead.htm More information on Gearhead at TFU.info]''
{{G2GearheadMold}}

==Notes==
*Gearhead's card-art mistakenly gives him [[High Beam]]'s rifle.
*Though most of the Go-Bots were never released in Japan, Gearhead did gain a Japanese name via a [[BotCon Japan 1997]] [[exclusive]] [http://www.botconarchives.com/archive/1997j/bcj97post2f.jpg poster], which featured bios for all of the new ''Generation 2'' characters released in the U.S. who weren't part of the Japanese line: the [[Axelerator]]s, the [[Skyscorcher]]s, [[Rotor Force]], four of the Go-Bots, and the [[Color Changer]]s.
*The trademark "Gearhead" was later almost used for the ''[[Kre-O]]'' Autobot ultimately named [[Roadhound]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Gearhead''' (ギアヘッド ''Giaheddo'')
*''French:'' '''Turbo-Stockcar''' (France/Belgium), '''Engrenage''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Ariete'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Earth-born Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Journalists]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

Gearhead

2023-10-29T18:32:11Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Generation 2 */

{{factions|autobotg2}}
:''Gearhead is an [[Autobot]] [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:G2GearheadCardArt.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]

'''Gearhead''' is a stock car on the outside, and an [[Autobot]] warrior engineered for fighting on the inside. It's hard to say which half of his nature he enjoys more. Upon his arrival on the planet [[Earth]] he entered the professional racing circuit. Obviously confident in the power source beneath his titanium-plated hood, he proudly informs his opponents that if they race him, they'll lose. Gearhead is always anxious for the checkered flag, yet his desire for combat with the [[Decepticon]]s has not diminished. In fact, a call to arms will send him speeding to the battlefield at speeds even higher than those he reaches on the racetrack.

He might have a [[Relatives|brother]] named [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]].<ref>The proposed packaging for the unreleased Generation 2 toy Greasepit identified them as brothers. As unreleased material it is of uncertain canonicity.</ref>

==Fiction==
===''Wings Universe''===
[[File:G2Redux-Go-BotsvsDoublePunch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
Gearhead and the Go-Bots were part of the "second generation" of Transformers created on Earth in the 21st century, using a combination of human, [[Nebulan]], and Cybertronian sciences. He became an Autobot working for [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] when the new Transformers inevitably started to battle amongst themselves. In 2010, Gearhead and the Go-Bots arrived in Switzerland to assist [[Rapido]]'s team against the Decepticons after Pyro was captured. They fought alongside [[Scorch (G1)|Scorch]] against the massive Decepticon, [[Double Punch]]. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
Gearhead, with other Autobots, oversaw an attempt to wipe the [[Commando (RID)|Combatrons]]' [[Predacon (BW)|Destronger]] programming. However, before they could be reprogrammed, [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] interrupted the process and whisked away the Combatrons. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part One}}

==Toys==
===''Generation 2''===
{{picsneeded|Clear plastic version of the toy}}
[[File:G2-toy Gearhead.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a2|'''Gearhead''' (Go-Bot, 1995)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: Part of the first assortment of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], Gearhead transforms into a [[NASCAR]]-style {{w|Ford Thunderbird}} stock car with through-axle tires, making him largely compatible with "{{w|Hot Wheels}}" and "{{w|Matchbox (toy)|Matchbox}}" playsets and tracks.

: He was also released in the second assortment, but the clear-plastics of his [[robot mode]] were replaced with opaque plastics using the same general colors (the clear-colorless plastic turned to opaque silver), due to the [[gang-molding]] process that saw changes to his wave-mates.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed to make the Go-Bots version of [[Soundwave (G2)#Generation 2|Soundwave]], [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Spychanger]] [[W.A.R.S.#Toys|W.A.R.S.]], and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Camshaft (G1)#Universe (2003)|Camshaft]]. It was slated to be used for the [[Go-Bots Racing Rig]] pilot [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]], but this toy was ultimately [[Unreleased toy|never released]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1995/Autobot/Gearhead/gearhead.htm More information on Gearhead at TFU.info]''
{{G2GearheadMold}}

==Notes==
*Gearhead's card-art mistakenly gives him [[High Beam]]'s rifle.
*Though most of the Go-Bots were never released in Japan, Gearhead did gain a Japanese name via a [[BotCon Japan 1997]] [[exclusive]] [http://www.botconarchives.com/archive/1997j/bcj97post2f.jpg poster], which featured bios for all of the new ''Generation 2'' characters released in the U.S. who weren't part of the Japanese line: the [[Axelerator]]s, the [[Skyscorcher]]s, [[Rotor Force]], four of the Go-Bots, and the [[Color Changer]]s.
*The trademark "Gearhead" was later almost used for the ''[[Kre-O]]'' Autobot ultimately named [[Roadhound]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Gearhead''' (ギアヘッド ''Giaheddo'')
*''French:'' '''Turbo-Stockcar''' (France/Belgium), '''Engrenage''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Ariete'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Earth-born Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Journalists]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

Gearhead

2023-10-29T18:31:56Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Toys */

{{factions|autobotg2}}
:''Gearhead is an [[Autobot]] [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:G2GearheadCardArt.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]

'''Gearhead''' is a stock car on the outside, and an [[Autobot]] warrior engineered for fighting on the inside. It's hard to say which half of his nature he enjoys more. Upon his arrival on the planet [[Earth]] he entered the professional racing circuit. Obviously confident in the power source beneath his titanium-plated hood, he proudly informs his opponents that if they race him, they'll lose. Gearhead is always anxious for the checkered flag, yet his desire for combat with the [[Decepticon]]s has not diminished. In fact, a call to arms will send him speeding to the battlefield at speeds even higher than those he reaches on the racetrack.

He might have a [[Relatives|brother]] named [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]].<ref>The proposed packaging for the unreleased Generation 2 toy Greasepit identified them as brothers. As unreleased material it is of uncertain canonicity.</ref>

==Fiction==
===''Wings Universe''===
[[File:G2Redux-Go-BotsvsDoublePunch.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.0]]
Gearhead and the Go-Bots were part of the "second generation" of Transformers created on Earth in the 21st century, using a combination of human, [[Nebulan]], and Cybertronian sciences. He became an Autobot working for [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] when the new Transformers inevitably started to battle amongst themselves. In 2010, Gearhead and the Go-Bots arrived in Switzerland to assist [[Rapido]]'s team against the Decepticons after Pyro was captured. They fought alongside [[Scorch (G1)|Scorch]] against the massive Decepticon, [[Double Punch]]. {{storylink|Generation 2: Redux}}
{{-}}

===''Unite Warriors''===
Gearhead, with other Autobots, oversaw an attempt to wipe the [[Commando (RID)|Combatrons]]' [[Predacon (BW)|Destronger]] programming. However, before they could be reprogrammed, [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] interrupted the process and whisked away the Combatrons. {{storylink|Ruination Chapter, Part One}}

==Toys==
===''Generation 2''===
{{picsneeded|clear plastic version of the toy}}
[[File:G2-toy Gearhead.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a2|'''Gearhead''' (Go-Bot, 1995)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rifle

: Part of the first assortment of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)| Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], Gearhead transforms into a [[NASCAR]]-style {{w|Ford Thunderbird}} stock car with through-axle tires, making him largely compatible with "{{w|Hot Wheels}}" and "{{w|Matchbox (toy)|Matchbox}}" playsets and tracks.

: He was also released in the second assortment, but the clear-plastics of his [[robot mode]] were replaced with opaque plastics using the same general colors (the clear-colorless plastic turned to opaque silver), due to the [[gang-molding]] process that saw changes to his wave-mates.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed to make the Go-Bots version of [[Soundwave (G2)#Generation 2|Soundwave]], [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Spychanger]] [[W.A.R.S.#Toys|W.A.R.S.]], and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Camshaft (G1)#Universe (2003)|Camshaft]]. It was slated to be used for the [[Go-Bots Racing Rig]] pilot [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]], but this toy was ultimately [[Unreleased toy|never released]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1995/Autobot/Gearhead/gearhead.htm More information on Gearhead at TFU.info]''
{{G2GearheadMold}}

==Notes==
*Gearhead's card-art mistakenly gives him [[High Beam]]'s rifle.
*Though most of the Go-Bots were never released in Japan, Gearhead did gain a Japanese name via a [[BotCon Japan 1997]] [[exclusive]] [http://www.botconarchives.com/archive/1997j/bcj97post2f.jpg poster], which featured bios for all of the new ''Generation 2'' characters released in the U.S. who weren't part of the Japanese line: the [[Axelerator]]s, the [[Skyscorcher]]s, [[Rotor Force]], four of the Go-Bots, and the [[Color Changer]]s.
*The trademark "Gearhead" was later almost used for the ''[[Kre-O]]'' Autobot ultimately named [[Roadhound]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Gearhead''' (ギアヘッド ''Giaheddo'')
*''French:'' '''Turbo-Stockcar''' (France/Belgium), '''Engrenage''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Ariete'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Earth-born Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Journalists]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

Takara ID numbers

2023-10-27T22:11:43Z

CamilleHiiragi: It's about time someone did this. It's gonna save a lot of peoples time and sanity.

#REDIRECT [[List of Japanese ID numbers]]

More than Meets the Eye, Part 1

2023-10-22T23:56:43Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Real-world references */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=1
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=1
|next2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=1
|next3=More than Meets the Eye, Part 2
|image=MTMtE Part1 Prime repair.jpg
|caption=Prime spends a few hours at a discount tanning salon.
|title="More than Meets the Eye, Part 1"
|season=1
|season ep=1
|production code=4023
|airdate=[[September 17]], [[1984]]
|written by=[[George Arthur Bloom]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
|packaged with=[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]]
|video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1ujpoDlgRU
|videosite=YouTube
}}
'''In search of energy, the Autobots leave Cybertron and are pursued by the Decepticons.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:MTMtE1 Wheeljack and Bumblebee collect energy.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"That's not that impressive. I can transform too, y'know."]]
On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], many [[MYA|millions of years ago]], the [[Autobot]]s are on the verge of extinction. Eons of war with the [[Decepticon]]s, their bitter enemies, have drained the planet's once plentiful resources. Autobots [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] have managed to find a scant few [[Conductor|energy conductors]] and muse that what they've found won't last very long. Bumblebee loads the conductors into Wheeljack and they head back towards [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. However, as they reach the bridge to home base, they run into a Decepticon patrol. Wheeljack's attempt to drive through is cut short by enemy fire, and they're soon literally surrounded by a ring of fire, thanks to the Decepticons' flame throwers. The pair manage to escape the flames and ram their way through the Decepticons, two of whom give chase. The pursuing Decepticons manage to hit Bumblebee with their lasers, and the smaller Autobot is forced to drive aboard Wheeljack. Wheeljack manages to evade the two Decepticons by heading underground and arrives at Iacon. As they enter the fortress, a nearby sensor lamp reveals itself to be [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], who dispatches [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] to do some spying. Also returning to Iacon is [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]], who reports to [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] that he was unable to find any energy in Cybertron's lower regions. Optimus confers with Jazz, [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] on the plan to leave Cybertron on a mission to search for energy elsewhere. Having heard all they need, Laserbeak and Soundwave depart.

[[File:MTMtE1 Ark and Nemesis over Earth.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Starting a long, long tradition of Transformer ships crashing on Earth.]]
Inside [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|their base]], [[Decepticon leader]] [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] plots to intercept the Autobots, and leaves his [[second-in-command|first lieutenant]] [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] in charge of Cybertron. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] asserts the war would have been won if the Decepticons were under his leadership.

The Autobots blast off aboard [[Ark (G1)|their spaceship]], and the Decepticons give chase in their [[Nemesis (G1)|Decepticon cruiser]]. The Autobots immediately run into trouble when two large asteroids collide in front of them, resulting in a storm of rock that pelts both ships, until [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] uses the ship's weapons to clear a path. The Autobots next detect the pursuing ship, but are unable to outrun the Decepticon cruiser, which locks onto them with [[tractor beam]]s. The Autobot ship's lasers are out of power, so the Autobots are forced to instead engage the Decepticons in combat once they board. With no one at the respective helms, both ships drift into [[Earth]]'s gravity well, and despite Prime's best efforts to right the Autobot ship, both vessels spin out of control and crash. The Autobot ship embeds itself in the side of a volcano.

Four million years pass. It is the year 1984, and volcanic activity stirs the half-buried ship, awakening the computer systems aboard. [[Teletraan I]] sends out a [[Sky Spy]] satellite to reconnoiter this new world, and scans examples of terrestrial machinery in order to reformat the Transformers into new [[Alternate mode|alt modes]]. The Decepticon [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] happens to be the one who is in the path of the repair beam, and thus is awakened first. He revives Megatron, and the other Decepticons follow. Leaving the Autobot ship, Megatron observes that much time has passed since the crash but declares their mission to find energy is unchanged. An impudent Starscream leaves a parting shot, blasting the rocks over the ship in an attempt to bury it further. However, he unwittingly knocks Optimus Prime into the repair beam and the Autobot leader is revived.

[[File:Cliffgun.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|left|"You see the size of that gun he fired at us? It was bigger than him!"]]
The Decepticons locate a clearing and Megatron puts Starscream in charge of converting the area for the construction of a [[Victory (G1)|new star cruiser]]. Soundwave, Starscream and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] head for a nearby power station to find the needed raw materials. Meanwhile, the Autobots have all been repaired. Optimus Prime announces that they need to find out what the Decepticons are doing, and dispatches [[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] to scout the area. Starscream and his team arrive at the power station, where Starscream again grouses about wanting to lead the Decepticons, and has Rumble use his pile drivers to level the plant. Some time later, Hound and Cliffjumper find the Decepticons in the middle of work on their ship. Though Cliffjumper's keen to wade in, Hound listens in as the Decepticons plan to take [[energon cube]]s back to Cybertron. Cliffjumper rashly takes a shot at Megatron, but misses, and Soundwave unleashes Laserbeak in pursuit. Though the pair split up, Laserbeak detaches a laser cannon so he can pursue both Autobots. While Cliffjumper manages to deal with the cannon, Laserbeak blasts Hound, sending him off a cliff.

[[File:MTMtE Part1 OilRig battle.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Do yourself a favor, don't smoke at a Cybertronian waterpark.]]
Autobot medic [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] and [[Hauler]] come to fetch Hound. Cliffjumper apologizes for giving away their position as Hound is winched to safety. Meanwhile, Decepticons [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] spot an Earth vehicle approaching. The two human workers find the demolished power station, but while they're puzzling over what happened to it, [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] attacks and frightens them away.

Hound is repaired, and reports what he overheard: that the Decepticons are on the hunt for energy. Prime has Jazz assemble a battle group to go after them and the Autobots roll out. Elsewhere Laserbeak returns to the Decepticon construction site with the news that he's found a new source of energy. The Decepticons attack an off-shore [[oil rig]], where [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] and his son [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] work. The humans attempt to resist, but it's futile and they end up jumping or falling overboard. The Decepticons begin filling energon cubes from the [[oil]] pipeline, but as Megatron is telling Starscream that they will need a lot more energy, the Autobots arrive to spoil their party. A battle erupts on the drilling platform until the Decepticons simply grab what they can and take off. Megatron blasts the rig's supports, tipping it into the ocean and taking the Autobots with it. Another shot ignites the oil, turning the surface of the sea into an inferno. Realizing the humans are in danger, Optimus Prime tries to save Spike and Sparkplug while the Decepticons retreat with their energon plunder.

'''[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|To be continued...]]'''
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (2)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (12)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (13)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (14)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (15)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (18)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (19)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (20)
*[[Teletraan I]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (24)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (25)
*[[Hauler]] (26)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (32)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (33)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (34)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (35)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (36)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (37)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (38)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (4)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (5)
*[[Sunstorm (G1)|Yellow Seeker]] (6)
*[[Hotlink (G1)|Purple Seeker]] (7)
*[[Bitstream (G1)|Light blue Seeker]] (8)
*[[Nacelle (G1)|Dark blue Seeker]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (10)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (11)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (17)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (22)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (23)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (27)

|c3=
*[[Joe (MTMTE)|Joe]] (28)
*[[Frank (G1)|Power plant worker]] (29)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (30)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (31)
}}

==Quotes==
[[File:MTMTE1-JazzProwlPrimeTrailbreaker.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
"Prime told me there'd be days like this." 
"And you didn't believe him?" 
"I do now!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Wheeljack''' under fire.

"When do we start the search mission?" 
"Soon as you're ready to launch."
:—'''Prowl''' is told to hurry up by '''Optimus Prime'''.

"Fear not, Megatron. Cybertron shall remain as you leave it."
:—'''Shockwave''', more accurate than he realizes.

"Leakin' lubricant!"
:—'''Ironhide'''

"What about materials?" 
"Use your imagination!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron'''

"Here's something to keep you warm."
:—'''Megatron''' as he ignites the oil spill.

==Season 5==
{{note|When this episode was rebroadcast in [[The Transformers (cartoon)#Season 5|the fifth season]] of ''The Transformers'', it contained new bookending segments with original story material.}}

[[File:PrimeTakesTommyIntoSpace.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"There's no ''air'' in space!" "But there's an Air in Space Museum!"]]

The young human [[Tommy Kennedy]], a resident of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], needs help from [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. He runs out into the middle of a barren wasteland, calling Prime's name. Prime arrives via rocket-boots and, after lifting Tommy up to his head, asks him what's the trouble. As it turns out, Tommy has a "special project" for school that's due soon and only Prime can help him. Optimus inquires what the project is about, but Tommy dodges the question, simply saying that he needs to know how the Autobots arrived on Earth. Prime concedes, "Okay Tommy, I've handled enough emergencies to know that ''some things'' just can't wait." Prime then launches into the tale of how the Autobots and the Decepticons left Cybertron, crash-landed on Earth and began their war for energy anew...

Prime continues into the next part of his story, about their first encounter with humans and whatnot, but Tommy stops him. Tommy says he's out of time and he ''really'' has to get back to Autobot City. Prime offers to give him the ride on the condition that next time they hang out, he tells him the juicy details of this "special project". Prime then blasts off into space with Tommy clinging to his shoulder (and somehow not dying horribly).

{{--}}

==Notes==
===Production information===
* Script revisions: 13th March 1984
* Returned to the US for telecine: 27th August 1984
* Official Sunbow Productions synopsis:
:''In search of the precious energy needed to rebuild their war torn planet Cybertron - the Autobots venture forth into outer space. But the evil Decepticons attack them and the two robot armies crash on Earth.''
:''Four million years later, the Autobots and Decepticons are reactivated and the battle between the forces of good and evil rages anew. Megatron, the brutal leader of the Decepticons, vows to conquer the Universe. And only the Autobots have a chance of stopping him. Megatron's first step: to plunder the Earth's sources of energy.''
:''The Decepticons capture an offshore oil rig, convert the oil into Energon cubes and destroy the rig, leaving the workers and their Autobot rescuers trapped in the burning wreckage.''
:''Then the evil robots create a tremendous tidal wave which threatens to destroy a power plant and flood an entire valley...''
:''And Megatron discovers the Ruby Crystals of Burma - the ultimate power source that will enable him to conquer the universe...''
:''In a race against time, the Autobots track the Decepticons to the Crystal Mines of Burma, but their dangerous mission backfires and Optimus Prime must risk his very existence in a desperate space battle as the Decepticons rocket back to Cybertron with enough energy to rule the universe forever.''<ref>This is the only time an official Sunbow Productions synopsis would cover an entire miniseries instead of the individual episodes.</ref>

===Deleted scenes===
Added Scenes
* Shockwave's appearance was added in script revisions during March 1984, under the early name of Flash Beam. Presumably as a reaction to the toy line's retail success at Toyfair 1984 the month before, as Hasbro would have given the green light to plans for the toyline's second year.

Changed Scenes
* After the montage at the start of Act II, after the volcanic eruption “Four Million Years Later”. We cut to “Several Days Later” when the lava from the eruption has dried and hardened. Inside the ship, Teletraan I comes back online. It uses an Electron Gun that emerges from the side of the ship to blast through the rock. Its beam punching through the volcano wall and bouncing off several rocks in the area to form a “satellite dish” of energy. Through this energy, Teletraan receives data on Earth, displayed on its monitor. It then uses this data to repair the wrecked occupants of the ship, with Soundwave the first to be revived. This sequence was changed during storyboard revisions to have Teletraan I send out manual Sky Spies to collect data for Earth modes, rebuilding those placed in its repair beam into those new modes.
* Throughout the miniseries, wherever possible to do so without affecting the plot, instances of the Autobots flying are replaced by them driving or are cut entirely.
* Some scale issues are present, likely due to using toys for reference. The script describes Soundwave as being the size of Andre The Giant, while Megatron does not mass-shift when transforming to gun mode, nor is he wielded by other Decepticons. Instead he transforms into a giant gun mode and remains in mid-air while firing (similar to the show's intro).

Deleted Scenes
* The Decepticon “welcoming committee” is a blockade at one end of a bridge. Wheeljack deploys his deflector shields and he and Bumblebee crash through the barriers, with several generic Decepticons in pursuit. The two get halfway across the bridge before they see another blockade waiting for them at the other end. Wheeljack swerves to a halt as the two Autobots are now caught in crossfire.
* As Wheeljack brings the damaged Bumblebee into Iacon, Soundwave is skulking in the shadows outside. We get many establishing shots of the Ark being constructed. Ratchet works on Bumblebee in the med bay, who is praised for his energy-finding efforts by Optimus Prime.
* After Soundwave recalls Laserbeak and takes off, we cut to a “futuristic” airfield with the Decepticon starship in the distance, resting at a launch tower. A plane-mode Soundwave lands and transforms. Like his earlier lamppost mode, this was an example of George Arthur Bloom's idea that the Transformers could assume any form for disguise. Which would be largely eliminated during script revisions.
* General scenes aboard the Ark include Trailbreaker and Prime consulting on energy sources. Ironhide complaining to Mirage about wanting to see action. Mirage in turn reminiscing about Cybertron before the war.
* Prowl reports to Prime that they're possibly being followed. Prime orders “release the Viewtrex!”. A metallic sensor rod emerges from the ship and scans space. Meanwhile, aboard the Decepticon ship, Megatron orders Soundwave to “execute cover phase”. Much to Starscream's irritation, who suggests blowing up the Autobots instead. Megatron shoots down that idea “If Optimus Prime knows of an energy source, let him lead us to it.”. “Cover phase” is a form of cloaking device, the Decepticon ship disappearing both onscreen and on the Autobots’ monitors.
* Rumble uses his piledriver arms at the base of a mountain that supports one end of a railroad tressle. A freight train above is crossing as the tressle begins to fall apart, its cars plunging into the water while the engine makes it to safety. The other Decepticons collect the steel girders of the wrecked tressle, Starscream noting “I’m glad you’re on our side, Rumble!”
* While Hound and Cliffjumper are spying on the Decepticon base, Skywarp and Thundercracker are grumbling about doing grunt work. Megatron appears before them and berates Skywarp. When Thundercracker attempts to apologise, Megatron hits him in the head with such force that he is sent flying across the construction site. Landing in a heap and having to twist his own head back into place.
* As Thundercracker reports back to base about the approaching humans, Skywarp randomly finds a frisbee (“some Earth gadget”). Throwing it to a disinterested Starscream, who throws it back, only for it to be blasted out of mid-air by Megatron. Demanding Starscream get to work, who then chafes at being given orders. This argument is interrupted by Thundercracker's transmission reaching Soundwave.
* Discussing Hound's report, Prowl suggests warning humanity about the Decepticons, to which Jazz replies “They’d never believe us, Prowl.”. Optimus Prime agrees, stating “...and it’s up to us. We brought them here.”
* The Autobot “battle unit” is brought to a halt by Prime, who sees on his “vista scope” the Decepticons flying to the oil rig. The Autobots transform and take to the skies in pursuit.
* The final major scene of the episode sees Brawn and Huffer atop the last intact derrick on the burning oil rig, carrying the rig's large hose. Ignoring Huffer's complaints that it won't work, Brawn calls down to Windcharger to turn the water on. Their firefighting efforts aren't enough, even with the water supply turned all the way up. The derrick collapses and tips into the sea. Brawn jumps free, but Huffer lands with the Derrick and is entangled in the metal girders. Brawn rushes over to free him, while a short distance away, Prime is still trying to free Spike and Sparkplug with the ring of fire coming ever closer.

===Continuity notes===
* Wheeljack says there isn't enough energy in the conductors they find to "last a [[Units of time|quartrex]]". Bumblebee and Wheeljack were "one [[Units of length|megamile]]" from the bridge to Iacon. Prowl provides a report from the Autobot ship's "[[Viewtrex]]".
* Along with the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|first issue of the Marvel comic]] (of which this series is ''technically'' an adaptation), this episode establishes several iconic aspects of the cartoon and the entire [[Transformers brand]]. The planet Cybertron and its city Iacon both appear in many other media and continuities. The crash of the Ark and the four-million-year slumber of its inhabitants likewise recur in several other versions of the Generation 1 story.
* The orange Seeker from the "welcoming committee", visible for all of about two seconds, was [[Retcon|retroactively established]] to be the neo-G1 character [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. Other characters in the same shot were later named [[Hotlink (G1)|Hotlink]] (the purple Seeker with the flamethrower), [[Bitstream (G1)|Bitstream]] (the blue Seeker behind him holding his weapon like a rifle), and [[Nacelle (G1)|Nacelle]] (the dark blue Seeker barely visible between Sunstorm and Hotlink).
[[File:Cybertronlaserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Tommy! How's the peeping?]]
* We get a look at Cybertronian alternate modes for Bumblebee, Wheeljack, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Jazz, and Soundwave. Meanwhile, Laserbeak is given a Cybertronian ''robot'' mode. Soundwave's toy can totally be configured into that lamp-post mode.
*Trailbreaker's presence alongside Jazz and Prowl on Cybertron is just about the ''only'' indication of his "defense strategist" [[function]] in the cartoon.
*Three episodes from now, we will see that Shockwave was true to his word, and Cybertron has not changed one iota in four million years.
*The Decepticon vessel is last seen spiraling out of control, unpiloted, toward Earth. It will be rediscovered in the Season 2 episode "[[Microbots]]". The unnamed ship would finally be given a title almost 15 years later, when it was referred to as the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']] episode "[[Nemesis Part 1]]".
*The events of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon take place during the 4 million years in which the Autobots and Decepticons lie dormant in the wreckage of the Ark... a time frame covered by about 5 seconds of footage in this episode.
[[File:Sky Spy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*As the satellite-like probe (later dubbed a [[Sky Spy]]) leaves the Ark, we see a city skyline in the distance. While the cartoon's animation could never make up its mind about what was around the crashed ship (oceanside cliffs? desert? forests and rivers?), one might take this city to be [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], later established to have jurisdiction over the land where the Autobot ship rests.
[[File:MTME1 Reflector camera.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Yep, pretty clearly an SLR.]]
[[File:Ratchetg1cartoon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Repair bay optional.]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**Wheeljack raises deflector shields<ref>Specifically named in deleted dialogue.</ref> in vehicle mode to block the Decepticon laser-blasts.
**Wheeljack deploys a pair of tiny spinning blades from his front bumper, which lets him... drive through fire? Per the original script, it was supposed to be a metal battering ram with "spinning propeller-like blades" on the end of it.
**Laserbeak spies with a pair of cylindrical doodads that come out of the side of his head.
**Rumble demonstrates his earth-quake-making power, which consists of banging the ground with a couple of big pile drivers that replace his arms. This will become one of the cartoon's most frequently-seen special powers, to the point that it eventually would carry over to the Marvel comics as well. (This power also seems to exclude Rumble himself from its effects, as the ground under him never cracks open.)
**Hound pops out a little wrist radar dish that lets him hear what the Decepticons are saying from some distance away.
**Soundwave can display graphics—the space cruiser, in this case—on his chest door.
**Cliffjumper somehow stores on his person a [[Cliffjumper's bazooka|bazooka]] that's as big as he is. We don't want to know how he does this. Although it does look like it's collapsible.
**He also has a little cannon that pops out of his vehicle mode's backside. In the original script, this was his [[glass gas]] gun, but in the completed episode, it's merely a laser. His line "it's a gas!" hints at this earlier version, but is rendered out-of-place by the new visuals.
**Laserbeak's cannons are shown to be able to disconnect from him, fly on their own and target Autobots independently. Although an ability actively described in his ''[[The Transformers Universe|Universe]]'' profile, this would be the only time Laserbeak would employ his weapons this way.
**Ratchet is shown splitting into his robot form and his repair bay; however, the repair bay is never seen again.
**Reflector, being a super-advanced space robot, can take a photograph and instantly spit out a paper print of the resulting image. Instant photographs?! It must be THE FUTURE!
**Starscream "activates the <s>noal</s> null ray", which freezes the device it's aimed at.
[[File:Hauler01-sm.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Frank Lloyd ''Wrong''.]]
*A [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]]-like crane named [[Hauler]] is seen with Cliffjumper, recovering Hound; he's never seen again, however. Fans have speculated that this was to be an earlier release of Grapple's toy, aborted for reasons unknown.
*[[Energon cube]]s make their first appearance here. They have to be compressed before they convert the fuel they have been filled with into energon, at which point they glow a sort of yellowish-white iridescent-y rainbow-y sort of color. The "compressing a stack" aspect of the cubes was quickly done away with after the pilot mini-series, but the rainbow-glow would stick around for a little while before being phased out in favor of a pink-purple coloration that became the standard representation of energon cubes down through ''Transformers'' history.
*Despite being known for the command "Autobots, transform!", Optimus Prime doesn't actually issue it until two episodes later, in [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|part 3]]. Megatron beats him to it with the less-common counterpart "Decepticons, transform!" command to his troops on the oil-rig. They, however, do not actually transform - just Megatron himself.

===Real-world references===
*As with the corresponding [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue of the Marvel comic]], the here-unnamed [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] is certainly inspired by the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.
*''The Transformers'' made heavy use of the sound effects library that sprung out of the movie ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]''. Fans have a tendency to make tiresome shocked exclamations that Laserbeak sounds like a [[TIE Fighter]]; it is therefore instructive to catalog these sound effects, which are used ''far'' more extensively than just a couple of TIE engine roars. About half a dozen sound effects tend to appear in nearly every episode, and at least a dozen total are known to have been used on ''The Transformers''. In this episode:
**The sound of the [[Death Star]] firing to destroy Alderaan, and Alderaan's subsequent explosion, is used as Skywarp and Thundercracker strafe Bumblebee and Wheeljack, and again as they abandon their pursuit.
**The sound of the Seeker training sphere aboard the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'', along with [[Luke Skywalker|Luke]]'s [[lightsaber]] humming and igniting, is used as Soundwave begins making energon cubes.
*We also get the lesser-used ''[[Star Trek]]'' sliding door sound effect as Soundwave sends Laserbeak after Hound and Cliffjumper.
*There are also hints of the Sonic Screwdriver sound effect from ''[[Doctor Who]]'', most notably Wheeljack opening and closing his rear door.

===Animation and technical errors===
*In the very first shot, stars are shown passing in front of Cybertron.
*Soundwave's mouthplate doesn't move during his "Autobots are set to launch" line.
[[File:Sunstorm Cartoon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Then again, Thundercracker has ''two'' wings.]]
*The Decepticon "welcoming committee" is a bit confusing:
**The initial shot shows [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]], and [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]]. None of these characters were in this scene in the original script, which just credited the characters as "Decepticons"; Starscream, in particular, is shown to be at Decepticon headquarters in a minute, and the voice that comes out of his mouth ("Autobots! Stop them!") is intended for a generic character and is provided by [[Dan Gilvezan]] instead of [[Chris Latta]].
**All three are absent from the second shot, which shows four new characters: a purple one with a flamethrower, a golden-yellow one, a rich blue one, and a dark navy one.
**The third shot, as Wheeljack bears down on the group, shows a total of five Seekers, all very small figures with block coloring, one purple, one black, and the other three grey. In the very next shot, Wheeljack is shown barrelling through Starscream, Skywarp, and Thundercracker again.
**The final shot of the group sees Thundercracker and Skywarp transforming to pursue them. Though originally scripted only to be generic Decepticons, the pair subsequently have lines in what will become recognizable as their normal voices ("They've gone underground, we'll never catch 'em now!"/"We'd better report back to Megatron," provided by [[John Stephenson]] and [[Frank Welker]] respectively), indicating the script was reworked with the genuine intention of placing the two characters in the scene.
**Less explicable, though, is the voice heard declaring "After them!" just before Skywarp and Thundercracker take off. No speaker is obvious (nobody's mouth is seen moving on-screen) and the line was not in the original teleplay for the episode. Presumably, it was meant to be another generic Decepticon from the group ordering the two into action, but as the line is provided by Frank Welker, the possibility exists that it's supposed to be Skywarp speaking. If so, though, the voice is way off from his normal one, sounding almost exactly like Megatron.
*Bumblebee steps out of Wheeljack and immediately fires a shot in the completely opposite direction from their attackers. Was he testing his gun??
*Bumblebee is repeatedly shown to be a hovercar... yet somehow he's got wheels and an axle when the Seekers manage to hit him.
*Bumblebee is repeatedly shown to be ''wider'' than Wheeljack in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], yet he has no trouble driving right into Wheeljack's cargo compartment. He ''keeps'' driving in until he's completely out of sight, even though we can see at least half of the compartment.
*As Wheeljack opens his cargo compartment to let Bumblebee in, the energy conductors clip through his vehicle mode.
*Coloring errors:
**As Megatron gives Shockwave his orders, Starscream is missing his canopy lines, and Soundwave's eject button is blue, while his backpack is white.[[File:MTMTEProwlstreak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|TakaraTomy later used this shot as a justification for giving ''Masterpiece'' Prowl his shoulder cannons.]]
**Bluestreak is colored like Prowl as the Autobots stumble around in the wake of the asteroid collision; Trailbreaker, meanwhile, has one white and one gray hand.
**Starscream has a red "collar" around his neck as he prepares the tractor beam.
**When the Autobots and Decepticons fight aboard the ''Ark'', there are two Starscreams - one fighting Prowl, the other fighting Ironhide.
**As Starscream fires on the Autobot ship, the top segment of his canopy is red instead of gray in some frames.
**As the gathered Decepticons gaze at the desert from atop the volcano, Skywarp's arm cannon is colored teal.
**Part of Megatron's fusion cannon is white as he says "we'll set up here".
**Soundwave's eject button is blue instead of white as Megatron orders him to plan the new space cruiser.
**After landing at the power plant, Soundwave's eject button is blue, instead of... y'know what? Let's just say the colorists screwed up this little detail ''all the freaking time'', and leave it at that.
**As Starscream talks about his plans with Soundwave and Rumble standing behind him, the tip of Soundwave's shoulder cannon is colored entirely black.
**When Optimus Prime assigns Hound his mission, the establishing shot has Cliffjumper with Bumblebee's yellow colors.
**In the long shot of the Decepticons building their base, Soundwave appears in Sideswipe's colors.
**Cliffjumper's mirror housings are white instead of red as he delivers his "moonbeam" line.
**Ratchet's Autobot symbol is gray before he jumps off the cliff.
**Prime's running light housings are white instead of red as he orders Jazz to organize a battle unit.
**In the pan across the battle unit, Sideswipe's helm is red instead of black, and the top of Trailbreaker's chest is white instead of black.
**The center segment of Megatron's fusion cannon is white as the wrenches & etc. bounce off of him.
**Soundwave's cheekguards are blue instead of white as he starts making energon cubes.
*The retracting segments of Iacon's dome appear to come out of solid, unbroken metal. The interior shot of the bridge also shows the segments retracting incorrectly. Since the ship is upright at a 90-degree angle, the retracting segments should go from camera-right to camera-left, down the length of the ship.
*Sideswipe's missing his shoulder launcher as he mans an Ark console.
[[File:ArkCartoon1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|If it's supposed to be transparent, then it probably shouldn't be blocking out the scenery behind it.]]
*The Ark's exhaust comes from ''behind'' the thruster ports.
*The Decepticon insignia on the Nemesis is missing its "eyes" as the Ark blasts off.
*Presumably, an impact is supposed to be knocking Jazz out of the pilot's seat; what the animation actually shows, however, is Prime saying "Jazz!", to which Jazz responds by spontaneously flying out of his seat.
*Immediately after a shot of Optimus Prime rallying his troops to prepare to repulse Decepticon boarders ("Prepare for battle!"), the same animation is re-used, but this time with Megatron's voice urging his troops to "Attack! Attack!" When the episode was re-done for the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' series, this scene was amended by placing a shot of Megatron sitting on this throne from earlier in the episode over the image, shouting the command. (In the same shot, Prowl's eye is missing and the cameraman's hand can be seen for a few frames during the second instance, which ''was'' fixed for the Rhino DVD release)
*A shot of Soundwave being kicked out of frame by Ironhide is immediately followed by Soundwave sparring with Ratchet.
*After Ratchet is thrown into the console, Optimus Prime and Megatron enter the frame, struggling with each other. Megatron is missing his fusion cannon in this shot, but it reappears when the angle changes to show them grappling as Prime asks for a status report.
*Ratchet is shown being thrown by Soundwave, but after Optimus Prime asks for a status report, Ratchet is seen fighting with Thundercracker on the other side of the room.
*When Soundwave tosses Ratchet into a console aboard the Ark, the Autobot Medic is sporting a Decepticon symbol in the center of his chest windshield, most likely the result of the animator carrying over Soundwave's design.
*As the above shot pans across the bridge to the right, we see Soundwave has teleported from one side of the bridge to the other, slumped against a console.
*In the pan shot on the Ark when the Transformers find out they're going to crash, there are TWO Soundwaves and TWO Starscreams.
*As the Ark rocks and sends the combatants tumbling, the left arm of the second Soundwave turns into an extended smear of gray paint for a couple of frames.
*The voice that reports about g-forces is Prowl's, but he's struggling with Starscream and doesn't seem to have time to read a console or make a report or anything. Although it's hard to tell due to the ship shaking, Jazz's mouth seems to be moving, and he ''does'' seem to be looking at machinery.
*Quite a few generic robots are mixed in among the identifiable inert Transformers in the crashed ship, including [[Hauler]] and a yellow version of Jazz.
*The land around the volcano changes frequently between shots. Sometimes it's rocky desert; other times it's got forests and a river, sometimes both at once. This trend would continue throughout the whole series.
*When Megatron orders Skywarp to revive the other Decepticons, his voice is missing the metallic echo usually applied to it.
*Megatron is missing his barrel as he speaks to his newly revived troops. In a close-up, he has a "five o'clock shadow", as the central segment of his face is a darker shade than the rest of it.
[[File:Mtmte1 prepare the energon cubes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*Starscream has no transformation sound as he lands at the power plant.
*Hound's voice carries a soundproof-room echo as he comments on how different Earth is.
*Megatron's mouth doesn't move when he asks who is firing after Cliffjumper attempts to assassinate him.
*Hound says that he got shot in the drive train, but Laserbeak shot him topside. Did the shot go straight through him??
*Reflector's three component robots are standing shoulder-to-shoulder as they turn to look at the truck, but are standing in a line in the next shot.
*After Thundercracker informs Soundwave about the approaching vehicle, there's a [[scene transition]]. The final frame of the scene transition is faded into an image of Sparkplug and Wheeljack working on Optimus Prime from "Divide and Conquer".
*In the Autobot roll call scene, when Jazz calls Prowl's name, Cliffjumper transforms as well. Ratchet is shown in vehicle mode, even though Jazz never called his name. Finally, near the end, Optimus Prime's headlights are red instead of white, but in the next scene this is corrected.
*Rumble isn't a big guy, but he should at ''least'' be a few feet taller than a human. He's shown the same height as Sparkplug.
*Starscream is missing his wing insignia as Megatron returns to his robot form.
*Ironhide and Starscream are shown sparring with poles, while Prowl and Thundercracker have a shootout from cover. In the very next shot, Ironhide is taking on Skywarp and Thundercracker, while Starscream is now busy with Huffer and Gears, and Prowl is grappling with a Reflector. In the shot after that, Prowl is suddenly free from Reflector and charging toward Skywarp.
*A red robot of indeterminate character model is shown retreating with the Decepticons. It looks a bit like an upside-down Sideswipe.
*When Rumble knocks Spike into the water, Sparkplug yells "Pike!", due to an editing error in the creation of the dialog track. (The original 'unslugged' cassette from the recording session has "Spike!")
*[[Norm McCabe]] is miscredited as Nor M McCabe. This error also occurs on the other two parts of the miniseries.
*Frank Welker is not listed among the voice actors in the credits sequence. This error would be repeated in the other two parts of the miniseries as well.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:MTMtE Part1 Cybertron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Pale silver dot]]
*Later episodes will go to some length to establish that Cybertron is outside of our galaxy. There's even some implication that it's not inside ''any'' galaxy, but that unlikely notion is put to the lie by the very first shots of this episode, which show its surface illuminated by an unseen sun, and the space around it filled with stars.
*Whether for reasons of cost (unlikely considering how much effort was expended on this episode's artwork) or to avoid confusing the kiddies, hardly any of the Transformers were designed to have Cybertronian [[robot mode]]s (Laserbeak is the sole exception). Thus we get the strange phenomena of, for example, Jazz having a Porsche 911 bumper on his chest, four million years before Porsches were invented. This also leads to some strange transformations, with guys like Bumblebee and Wheeljack not having a single part from their vehicle forms visible in their robot modes.
*Soundwave is in robot mode outside of Iacon, not transforming back to lamppost mode until Jazz is practically on top of him. How could Jazz have failed to notice the big blue Decepticon right in front of him?
[[File:Shockwave Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|''My honey my baby Don't put Shockwave upon no shelf She said don't gimme no lines And keep your hands... hand... whatever... to yourself!'']]
*During the scene in [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]], Shockwave is consistently drawn with two hands. This may not be an error ''per se'', as he shows up a couple of other times with two hands, and plenty of characters can retract their hands and replace them with various gadgets and weapons. Not to mention that the 4 million year gap between this episode and his next appearance (when his left hand is replaced with a laser cannon) leaves plenty of time for him to have lost and subsequently replaced the hand offscreen. However, this still goes against his toy design and his established character model.
*Two asteroids in deep space just show up out of nowhere and collide? Right by the passing ship? The cosmic improbability beggars the imagination.
*Oddly enough, nobody opens fire during the scuffle when the Decepticons board the Ark... not even Megatron.
*The Transformers' interplanetary cruise is ''incredibly'' short. At no point do they engage any kind of faster-than-light drive, yet somehow they go from Cybertron to Earth in what seems to be a matter of minutes. The only possible gap that might account for this is the scene cut between the Decepticon launch and the asteroid collision.
*The animation would have us believe that the Autobot spacecraft has just been sticking out of the side of this active volcano for ages, without anybody noticing. The intended gist might have been that the eruption uncovered it, but the animation doesn't show it.
*Cliffjumper somehow stores on his person a [[Cliffjumper's bazooka|cannon]] that's as big as he is.
*Okay, maybe it's not an actual error. But considering how many ordinary Transformers are shown to have enhanced visual abilities (Hot Rod, Rumble, Arcee, etc.) it seems a tad ridiculous that Thundercracker needs to use Reflector's camera mode to zoom in a little bit on the approaching truck. It's ''insanely'' ridiculous that Reflector produces Polaroid prints. He's not even that kind of camera! (More to the point, he should just be able to see what's visible through his own viewfinder.)
*While he is getting repaired by Ratchet, Hound refers to an Energon cube as "some kind of cube", implying that the Autobots don't know what Energon cubes are. The inference that energon cubes are a Decepticon invention holds true for almost the entirety of the pre-movie cartoon, during which time they are never used by the Autobots (something that is even made a plot point in "[[Traitor (episode)|Traitor]]"). We say "almost" because of a contradictory flashback in "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]" that shows what appear to be energon cubes being used by Autobots nine million years in the past. By the time of the movie, the Autobots are shown to have begun using the cubes, and continue to do so throughout the third season. It's possible that Hound is a younger Autobot and was not created until after Autobots stopped using Energon cubes. Optimus would know what they are, since he was there back then in "War Dawn".
*During Jazz's roll-call of the Autobots, he neglects to call out Cliffjumper's name. The little red guy transforms anyway.
*The large cast frequently gave the animators trouble in remembering which secondary characters should or should not be present, especially concerning the Autobots. Thus, we frequently must catalog appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Jazz's battle group consists of Prowl, Cliffjumper, Trailbreaker, Wheeljack, Mirage, Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, and Ironhide. Even before they've left headquarters, the problems start, as Ironhide disappears and Ratchet takes his place. Ratchet is still with the group when they arrive.
**Bluestreak joins the group as they fly toward the oil rig.
**Huffer and Brawn are with them as they land on the platform.
**Gears is visible in a wide shot of the battle.
*In what ''universe'' is it legal for a fourteen-year-old American kid to be working on an oil rig, even ''with'' his father? The original script offers an unexpected answer for this: Spike was SUPPOSED to be seventeen! While still not meeting real-life legal requirements (you have to be 18 to work on an oil rig), it's at least a ''little'' better. This intended info about Spike's age was either unnoticed or ignored by the writer(s) who put together the show's subsequent story bible, which declared Spike to be fourteen—a fact that worked its way into "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]", where Spike states he isn't old enough to drive yet.
[[File:MTMtE1 spare seeker.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Until the oil platform attack, the episode has consistently portrayed the Decepticon forces as Megatron, Soundwave, 3 tapes, 3 jets, and 3 Reflectors. Things start to fall apart here, as a purple jet is shown diving alongside Thundercracker. It gets ''much'' worse in the following episodes.
*''The Transformers'' had a tendency to frequently exaggerate the capabilities of humans to survive being dropped, punched, swatted, hit, etc. As a main protagonist, Spike Witwicky was especially susceptible to this treatment; thus we catalog the adventures of ''Superhuman Spike!'':
**Spike punches Rumble in the back without breaking or even seeming to hurt his fist.
**Spike survives being bashed aside by Rumble's metal fist without even bruising a rib.
*When Starscream fires his [[null-ray]], ice appears on the machinery that the ray hits. However, a null ray only stops the flow of electricity; it doesn't cause freezing. (Megatron prompts him with the strange command to "activate the null ray", as if it's some external piece of equipment.)
*Flying Autobots:
**In this and the following two episodes, the Autobots are all shown flying just as easily as the Decepticons. Once the show went into full production, this ability mostly disappeared, with occasional exceptions due to special abilities (Wheeljack, Sideswipe, the Dinobots), and some [[Roll for It|scripting]], [[Attack of the Autobots (episode)|animation]] and [[The Master Builders (episode)|sound]] [[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|effect]] screw-ups. The change was, in part, to help distinguish the two forces (and perhaps because it doesn't make sense for the Autobots to drive places if they can just fly there instead).

===Trivia===
*Shockwave's appearance hints that Hasbro was already planning for expansion of the toyline. His toy was not among the initial 28 characters advertised by the 1984 Transformers catalog, yet there he is, making a short appearance that obviously sets up the possibility of future appearances. His toy would be one of the very first 1985 toys to see release, and his character would return in the very first post-pilot episode.
[[File:Cartoon Cybertron Marvel Iacon case 1.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb]]
*While Ironhide exclaiming "leakin' lubricant!" was in the original script, him ''physically'' leaking lubricant was not called for, suggesting the storyboard artist was unaware that Ironhide was merely using a catchphase from his character bio.
*The episode ends with a preview of "Part 2". While other multi-part Transformers episodes generally refer to the episode by its title ("Next time, on ''The Transformers'': 'The Ultimate Doom'"), this preview uses the series title, ''The Transformers'', as "More Than Meets the Eye" is a retroactive name for the three-part episode, which began as a mini-series before becoming a regular program.
*Many later episodes would mine this one for recycled footage, particularly the line up of transforming Autobots near the end. Transformation sequences (with and without new backgrounds) from this episode appear in "[[Heavy Metal War]]", "[[Blaster Blues]]", and others. Optimus Prime's third-act transformation sequence from this episode was revised and improved for "[[Transport to Oblivion]]", and the revision was used in ''dozens'' of episodes thereafter.
*Imagery of Cybertron from this episode was used to depict Iacon in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel story]] "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]". Several buildings are clearly taken from the cartoon, and the most precious comparison has to be the tunnel entrance used by Wheeljack and Bumblebee to get energy conductors to the cartoon's dome-shaped Autobot headquarters, which is exactly the same as the one [[Fusion]] and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] used to get shatter bombs to the [[Great Dome]]. The only difference is that the next piece of road for Fusion and Bluestreak is the same road Wheeljack and Bumblebee drove over before entering the tunnel.
[[File:G2DoubleTargetmasters.jpg|upright=1.95|thumb|The new RCA Colortrak, with Commercial-in-Commercial feature!]]
*The mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "More Than Meets the Eye" was granted the {{w|Film Advisory Board}} Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover above. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, that.
*The three parter was released on video in the United Kingdom in 1986 under the title "Arrival from Cybertron".
*Footage from the [[commercial]] featuring the Autobot [[Targetmaster (technology)|Double Targetmaster]] trio was spliced into the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Generation 2]]'' version of this episode by way of the [[Cybernet Space Cube]]. Outside of this, they never actually appeared in the cartoon.
*Footage from this episode was used to represent a historical video in "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", the opening movie for ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]''.
*In 2016, "Transformers At The Moon" released onto YouTube<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwOQhJ_UA5E</ref> a collection of audio clips from the original Sunbow Productions "unslugged" cassette tapes and included many scenes deleted from the final show.
** Also on this tape is what [[Wally Burr]] terms "Body English", which consists of various Autobots and Decepticons grunting and groaning during the fight on the oil platform; "Body English" was recorded for Optimus Prime, Megatron, Starscream, Wheeljack, Reflector, all of the Decepticon troops, and the workers
{{--}}

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Plein la vue - Partie 1'''" ("Show off - Part 1")
:*''Original airdate (France):'' [[June 1]], [[1985]]
:*''Original airdate (Canada):'' [[March 30]], [[1985]]
::*Concerning the European French dub:
:::*When transforming back as [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] arrives, [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] does not say anything. In the original version, he warns [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].
:::*For some reason, the dialog between [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and Soundwave is left in English. ("Thundercracker to Soundwave, Thundercracker to Soundwave!" - "Proceed, Thundercracker.")
:::*This is the first episode of a long series in which various Transformers names are replaced by additional dialogue to avoid pronouncing the rather difficult English names ("Move!", "We have no choice!", "Come on!", or Soundwave saying "Careful!" every time he ejects a cassette). Some other names are distorted (Irok, Soundax, Balbee...).

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Im Weltraum verschollen'''" (''Generation 2'', "Lost in Space")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 30]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Fuga da Cybertron'''" ("Escape from Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Hauler is not named, so it look like he is actually Grapple.
::*Reflector is called "Reflector'''s'''".
::*When Megatron orders Soundwave to release Ravage, in this dub he instead orders Ravage to attack, despite the latter being inside Soundwave.

:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Molto più di quel che appare - Prima parte'''" ("Much More than What Appears - First Part")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*Hauler is renamed "Grapple" in order to retcon them as the same character.
::*When Rumble is ejected for the first time, Soundwave [[FIRRIB|calls him Frenzy]].

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chikyū e no Michi'''" (地球への道, "The Road to Earth")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[July 6]], [[1985]]
::*When [[Hotlink (G1)|the Seeker]] fires the ring of flame around [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] from his flame-thrower, he shouts out the name of his "special attack" in traditional anime-style. It was called the "Fire Attack", by the way.
::*'''Cut:''' Immediately after [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] says, "Megatron, my leader, we are alive again", a few seconds of the close-up of him and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] staring at each other and the fade away into the next scene is cut. Megatron's line, "Quickly, we must revive the other Decepticons", followed by him carrying and dropping [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]], was also cut. The sequence resumes right after Megatron sets Reflector down next to [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]].
::*"[[Hauler]]" is not referred to by name in this version and most Japanese fans just presumed him to have been [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]]. Most Japanese fans, [[Hirofumi Ichikawa|but not all]].

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Dìyī Tiān'''" (第一天, "The First Day")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Brazilian Portuguese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Mais do Que Os Olhos Veem, Parte 1'''" ("More than Meets the Eye, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
::*This episode did not air in the 1980s and was first released on DVD with a different dub from the rest of the show.

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Ne vsjo tak prosto (Chast' 1)'''" (Не всё так просто (Часть 1), "Not All Is So Simple (Part 1)")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Više nego što se vidi prvi deo'''" (''Generation 2'', Више него што се види први део, "More than Meets the Eye Part 1"), "'''Sile zla prvi deo'''" (''Generation 2'', Силе зла први део, "Forces of Evil Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:G1toy-SunstormeHobby.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|WHAT HAVE WE DONE]]
*'''''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' 89 [[Sunstorm (G1)#Collector's Edition|Sunstorm]] ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]], 2003/2009)'''
:An [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] redeco of the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Starscream]] toy, representing the yellow [[generic]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]] seen in this episode. In part thanks to being given additional prominence in [[Dreamwave Productions]]' comic books, the character would subsequently spawn a plethora of additional toys, including ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figures by both Hasbro and Takara. While most "Sunstorm" figures are based on the standard Seeker body-type that transforms into an Earth jet, both the ''[[Titanium Series]]'' "Cybertron Heroes" [[Sunstorm (G1)#Titanium Series|Sunstorm]] figure and the ''[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends]] of [[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Sunstorm (Universe)#Cybertron|Sunstorm]] figure (the latter of which represents the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]] version of Sunstorm) transform into Cybertronian fighter jets that are heavily inspired by the Seekers' "tetrajet" alternate mode seen in this episode. The original Sunstorm figure was later re-released in 2009, once again exclusive to e-HOBBY.

[[File:MP Prowl.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|right|The shoulder cannons absolutely needed to be justified with an episode screencap… which actually shows an animation error.]]
*'''''Collector's Edition'' 88 [[Hauler#Collector's Edition|RoadHauler]] (Takara, 2003)'''
:An e-HOBBY exclusive redeco of the original ''Generation 1'' [[Grapple (G1)#Generation 1|Grapple]] toy in a [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]-inspired green color scheme, intended to represent the Grapple lookalike seen in this episode, with the choice for his colors taking inspiration from "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]" and "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]".

*'''''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' MP-13 [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Soundwave]] (TakaraTomy, 2013)'''
:One of the accessories included with the figure is a display grid that attaches over his chest door: The last page of the instruction booklet features a pair of cutouts you can place underneath the grid to simulate Soundwave projecting them on his chest, one of them being the space cruiser blueprints from this episode.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-17 [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Prowl]] (TakaraTomy, 2013)'''
:Although they were technically based on the original ''Generation 1'' toy, TakaraTomy specifically used a screencap from this episode to "justify" the inclusion of shoulder cannons with their ''Masterpiece'' toy of Prowl… a screencap that actually depicts an ''animation error'' with ''[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]'' colored like Prowl (see above), hence the shoulder cannons.

*'''''Masterpiece'' MP-29 [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Destron Laserwave]] (TakaraTomy, 2016)'''
:Among the other accessories, this figure includes a normal left hand that replaces his laser gun to recreate Shockwave's two-handed appearance in this episode, plus an alternate right hand to recreate the salute he gives to Megatron.

*'''''[[War for Cybertron: Siege]]'' (2019)'''
:Representing Cybertronian forms rather than Earth modes, many of the figures from ''Siege'' are either directly based upon or incorporate features or design elements referencing this episode. Voyager [[Starscream (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Starscream]] transforms into a tetrajet based on thie episode, [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Soundwave]] has an "easter egg" third mode of "Cybertronian Sensor Lamp", and although ''Siege'' [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Laserbeak]] still resembles his more bird-like form, his head design is a direct reference to his cartoon Cybertronian form.

*'''''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise]]'' [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Cliffjumper]] (2020)'''
:This figure comes with the giant cannon from this episode as one of its accessories. The ''Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' redeco of the figure features a deco that closely resembles the weapon's color in the show.

*'''''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' [[Ark (G1)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Autobot Ark]] (2021)'''
:A Titan-class transforming figure based directly off the Ark's appearance in this episode. One of it's included accessories is the [[Sky Spy]] drone that provided the Autobots and Decepticons their Earth alt-modes

*'''''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BuzzworthyOrigin|Origin Bumblebee]] (2021)'''
:This figure is based on Bumblebee's Cybertronian form, and he comes with five conductor rods.

*'''''[[Studio Series]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Studio Series|Coronation Starscream]] (2022)'''
:The throne accessory included with this figure is based on the one Megatron [[:File:Mtmte1 megatron throne.jpg|uses]] in the Nemesis from this episode.

*'''''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Origin Autobot Jazz]] (2023)''
:This figure is based on Jazz's Cybertronian form.

*'''''[[Transformers: Legacy|Transformers Legacy Evolution]]'' [[Nemesis (G1)#Legacy|Nemesis]] (2023)''
: A Titan-class transforming figure based directly off the ship the Decepticons used to follow the Autobots to Earth. One of it's advertised features being a boarding dock to simulate the Decepticon attack on the Ark.
{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 1: "More than Meets the Eye" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1985 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' ([[VAP]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|A.M.T. Video Gems]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|V.I.P. Video Gems]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''The Transformers'' — Arrival from Cybertron ([[Video Gems|Little Gems Junior Video Club]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: Generation 2'' — More than Meets the Eye ([[Malofilm|Seville Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Exclusively from Blockbuster ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers: Generation 2'' ([[Maverick Entertainment|Sony Wonder]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume Two (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Complete Original Series: Deluxe Edition (Sony Wonder) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume One (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 1: Series 1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 1 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 1 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2006 — The Best of ''The Transformers'' (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — Cult Sci-Fi Legends (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Episodes (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 01: Stagione Uno Parte Prima ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season One (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — More than Meets the Eye (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2011 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Original Series (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete First Season: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hd2wbHm760yJOXTQ2toOyVUAPosa2suB/view?usp=drive_link Full episode script, with revision pages dated 13th March 1984]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys

2023-10-18T01:34:56Z

CamilleHiiragi: I fell for this myself once, so I might as well take the responsibility in hopefully quelling this. Also because most people won't click 'view source'.

{{factions|hofsilver}}
{{suite}}
[[File:OptimusPrimeUT-Armada.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Hiyaaah...]]
Like [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|other Optimuses]], [[Unicron Trilogy]] '''[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]''' has a lot of toys.

{{TOCclear}}

==''Armada''==
{{anchor|SuperBase}}
[[File:Superbase ArmadaPrime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Stand up and be counted, container! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Super Base, [[2002]]/[[2003]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Convoy Super Mode'''
:*''Sonokong name'': '''Super Optimus'''
:*''Takara/Sonokong ID number'': '''MC-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/base/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Hironori Kobayashi]] (Takara)}}

{{note|These toys do not catch fire, see [[Misconceptions_and_urban_legends_about_Transformers#Unicron_Trilogy_misconceptions|this]] for more details.}}
: The first [[Unicron Trilogy]] Optimus Prime toy transforms into a longnose truck cab of made-up model. His clear-plastic smokestacks can detach and form a double-barrelled pistol that he can hold in [[robot mode]], and a button on top of his head causes his [[mouthplate]] to jiggle up and down as if he were talking (the irony being that while this was a familiar trait of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1 cartoon Optimus Prime]], in the ''Armada'' animated series, this Prime's mouthplate remained static when he talked). He can also hold a large cannon—inspired by his G1 counterpart's [[ion blaster]]—that is stored within his [[trailer]], and his chest flips down to reveal a (non-removable) [[Matrix of Leadership/toys|Matrix of Leadership]]. He is packaged with his Mini-Con partner [[Sparkplug (Armada)#Toys|Sparkplug]]. His tires are branded with the fictional tyre company "[[Monster Convoy|MONSTER CONVOY]]".<ref>{{citesocial|quote=So it was never going to be called Monster Convoy, but I think I wanted something on the wheels. Again, I wanted an ultimate sense of storytelling that wherever you're looking at these things you're getting- it's just some sort of brand, the fake-out brand they use on Cybertron or whatever. Nothing other than that, it was never a name of the character or any of that.|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_iWRrz1W1o&t=932s|name=Aaron Archer|site=''The Toy Armada''|title="11 - Creating A Legend: Transformers Armada Optimus Prime"|year=2023|month=11|day=03}}</ref>

: The toy's primary gimmick is its auto-transforming trailer, which assumes one of three configurations when [[motorized movement|triggered]] by an infra-red signal transmitted from the cab robot. Transforming the cab into robot mode will cause the trailer to automatically flip open into a battle station for Mini-Cons, which Prime can stand in the centre of. The base features a central tower with a pop-out artillery emplacement and a mount for Prime's large cannon; a rotating missile-firing turret; two Mini-Con storage bays, one of which featured a manually-activated tab to launch Mini-Cons out; and two live [[Powerlinx]] hardpoints, one of which pops up a non-firing turret, the other activating a laser noise.

[[File:Armada JetOptimusMegaweapon toy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Gunjob Spacepants! (''Jet Optimus on the left, Optimus Prime Megaweapon on the right'')]]
: Prime's cab and trailer can also combine to form his "[[Super Mode]]". Transforming the cab into the torso portion sends the transformation command to the trailer, which raises itself up off the ground to become a pair of immobile, statuesque legs (as long as you're not playing with it on carpet), and when the pair are connected, the Super Mode head pops up with a metallic shriek sound effect. Pressing the Autobot symbol on the figure's chest activates a pulsing laser sound effect, and the small grey button on his right shoulder illuminates his fist with a red LED, which can illuminate either of his guns, as well as the [[Star Saber (Armada)#Toys|Star Saber]] (the Star Saber was specifically cast in clear plastic for this purpose, but in practice, the light failed to carry even halfway up the blade). Prime's firing missile and Mini-Con activated gimmicks remain accessible in this mode, but look a bit doofy if you deploy them. The initial [[Hasbro]] release of Prime had tabs in its Super Mode shoulders that prevented them from rotating above the horizontal default position, so as not to break the wires that run through the toy's right arm. Coupled with the limited elbow joints, this left Optimus Prime able only to point his weapons towards the ground, and the tabs were removed on subsequent editions of the figure.

[[File:LOTM Convoy.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|(''Takara version pictured'')]]
: Instead of his trailer, Prime can alternately combine with ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]], who forms a pair of legs, as "'''Jet Prime'''" ('''Jet Optimus''' in the cartoon and Korea; "'''Jet Convoy'''" in Japan). In addition to this, ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)#Toys|Overload]] (Ultra Magnus in Japan and Korea) can form a pair of massive cannons that attach to either Prime's base mode, or mount over the shoulders of his Super Mode torso (with either his trailer or Jetfire as legs), forming '''Optimus Prime Megaweapon''' ('''Magna Convoy'''/'''Magna Jet Convoy''' in Japan; '''Magna Optimus'''/'''Magna Jet Optimus''' in Korea). When combined with Overload, Prime's smokestacks have to be removed, so that his smaller robot forearms' [[5 mm post]]s can plug into the designated ports on Overload. It appears that Overload wasn't entirely designed with the Jetfire combination in mind, as Jetfire's cockpit section interferes with Overload's speaker box, causing the cockpit to either pop off the friction hinge, or Overload to not sit properly in his designated spot with the 5 mm posts in Prime's smaller robot forearms, so one either has to remove the cockpit or leave Overload hanging "loosely" in the friction slots, without the 5 mm posts and ports lined up.

[[File:LOTM Convoy Combos.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|'''From left to right:''' "Jet Convoy", "Magna Convoy", and "Magna Jet Convoy".]]
: The [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''Legends of the Microns'' '''Convoy Super Mode''' and [[Sonokong]] ''Eunha Yeongung: Cybertron'' '''Super Optimus''' releases of Optimus Prime from the following year made a few changes, noticeably replacing the gold paint and plastic of the Hasbro toy with bright yellow and much brighter gold. The deco had been tweaked to be a bit closer to the original prototype glimpsed in early catalogs, with yellow added back to cab Prime's feet, the cab grill painted silver, and the Super Mode's waist getting much more paint. This version of the figure was never burdened with the mobility-inhibiting shoulder tabs of the initial Hasbro release. Completing the Super Mode combination triggers a new clip of Prime shouting "Convoy, Super Mode!" in Japanese instead of generic mechanical sounds. It's currently unknown what sounds the Korean release makes.

: Care must be taken while articulating the toy's base-robot elbow joints, as the lower joint has been known to snap. This doesn't appear to be [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]] like many in the [[fandom]] have hastily concluded—instead, it seems likely that the break occurs when the elbow joint is moved while the arms are positioned on the back of the combined mode, and have been forced ''just'' enough for them to break. To prevent this, pull the shoulder out and bend the elbow at the red joint first, before moving the arm in any other direction. Other uses of the mold have been known to break in the same place, in the exact same way, and with ''very'' noticeable stress marks, indicating no form of GPS is present. Remember, kids: if a figure breaks and leaves visible cracks and stress marks, it's ''not'' GPS. GPS occurs with no warning signs, and leaves a clean break. The rivets and pins in the elbows being misfired also likely play a big part in these breaks too.

: As the flagship toy of the line, this set was central to a number of [[campaign item|store-exclusive promotional freebies]] in Japan. Ito Yokaido offered one of the three [[Destruction Mini-Con Team#Undergrove|Undergrove Edition Destruction Microns]] with purchase in [[January]]. [[Toys"R"Us]] offered one of three [[Land Military Mini-Con Team#Ultimate|Ultimate Edition Land Military Microns]] in [[March]], with Hello Mac stores having the same offer in [[May]]. Most infamous though was [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores' [[Destruction Mini-Con Team#SpaceGalaxy|Space Galaxy Edition Destruction Micron]] promotion, where one member of this team was [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] into the actual Convoy Super Mode boxes in May. Yes, ''inside''. Good luck.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Super Base Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Super-Con}}
[[File:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Fans typically refer to this mold as "Bendy Prime", but it's really more of a shimmy-shimmy Prime. Mini-Con-activated shimmy-shimmy.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Super-Con Class, 2002)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''STD Convoy'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''MC-06'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
:*''Accessories'': Left & right smokestacks
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Hironori Kobayashi]] (Takara)}}

: This highly-poseable "Super-Con Class" version of ''Armada'' Optimus Prime is an entirely original mold, retaining the ability to tow Super Base Optimus Prime's trailer, though he cannot combine with it. He comes with the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)#Toys|Over-Run]] (Surge in Japan), who can transform into a gun for him, or can peg onto the Powerlinx plug on Optimus's back to activate a double-fisted "punching" action. Like the Super Base figure, Prime has a flip-down chestplate, but in a deliberate choice he lacks a molded-in Matrix (though he does have a molded gap in the center where the Matrix would go, which ''does'' match the end of the show, after he [[:File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|relinquishes]] it).<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Dlx Optimus does Not combine with Jetfire. He is able to pull the "big" optimus trailer. Dlx Optimus Mini-con feature is a punching feature, Arms move side to side. Dlx Optimus Mini-con Over-Run (silver-jet) will probably not be in the show. 98% of the Autobots/Decepticons are in the show. 65% of the available Mini-cons are in the show. with redecos and partner Mini-cons we are talking almost 75 Mini-cons! That is way to many to include in the show. To plate on Dlx Optimus opens up like "big" Optimus but the Matrix is not there.... (story TBD) "big" Optimus combines with Jetfire and a item to be shown later. SUPER COOL. Dlx Megatron is NOT planned. Thats the facts,|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=circa 2002}}</ref><ref>{{citesocial|quote=He might get small in the show for an episope, but it is not final. It would be a way to explain the scale change.|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=circa 2002}}</ref><ref>"So our idea was there that, yeah we had already done it for the 'super build' part of the torso and I think my thought process at the time—remember this is early days, I don't know everything future me would know—I was like well maybe he's this little guy and when he puts the Matrix in his chest that's when he becomes super. So the little guy wouldn't have the Matrix just sitting there, or maybe he hasn't earned it yet, or just some other… and you noticed it right, that it ''wasn't'' there so… that was the point."—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2iKv7DrL4&t=1948s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2022/10/25]</ref> His smokestacks can be removed (and in many cases will simply fall off), but cannot peg together as a gun. Shipping in a great many waves throughout most of the later run of the line, Super-Con Optimus became a notorious [[shelfwarmer|pegwarmer]].

: The initial release of the figure featured silver lights on his roof; later on, the lights were changed to yellow, and later still, an Autobot emblem was added to the hood of the vehicle. These changes were not made on the Japanese release of the figure, which bore the unfortunate appellation of "STD", meaning "standard".<ref>Written in Japanese as {{ruby|STD|スタンダード}}コンボイ (''Sutandādo Konboi''). "STD" is actually a common naming format used in Japanese toylines that release a toy in two different sizes or price points; these usually being the smaller, "Standard" or "STD" release, and the larger "Deluxe" or "DX" (or something else along those lines) release. ''Legends of the Microns'' "Convoy Super Mode" (aka ''Armada'' Super Base Optimus Prime) would be the equivalent of a "DX" figure. Takara notably used these two price points and titles quite a bit during the [[Brave series|''Brave'' series]].</ref>

: The toy is notable for being one of the earliest instances of an important character receiving a second, more affordable toy without this being rationalised as an entirely new body in-fiction—as not all markets would receive the bigger price-points.<ref>"There was a very literal sense, even with ''Beast Wars'' and stuff, where we had to come up with a whole new gimmick for a reason to redo a different guy, right? We had to have Transmetals, Transmetals 2, and Fuzors and stuff like that. […] It had been traditionally: go, well, you put your high-end, most important characters, the leaders, in the highest price point—or a higher price point—so that you guarantee a certain level of sale I guess, or you're putting your best foot forward because you certainly don't want to have a high-end Rando, that would be even worse. So this was an opportunity where we were also, as co-development goes, trying to get more global, trying to expand the reach of just ''Transformers'' being in- England, Japan, Italy, […] North America let's call it. But there were still parts of the globe that couldn't engage with ''Transformers''; the price points weren't right, the scales weren't right, the- various things. So what that Optimus originally did—and would continue to do until the molds literally fell apart—was offer a more affordable leader character that is the primary character in the animation. So that was a very important step in this whole process to get Optimus at a ten-dollar-or-under price point."—[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2iKv7DrL4&t=1765s Aaron Archer on ''The Toy Armada'', 2022/10/25]</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/SuperConPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Supercon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldArmada}}
[[File:Armadatoy gold convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''''Kinpika'' Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, [[August]] 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

:This Japanese-exclusive [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] golden redeco of Convoy Super Mode, whose name means "Shining Golden", was available as a prize in several draws, including a colouring contest held in the pages of ''[[TV-Kun]]'' magazine, and in-store lottery draws at Tobu Department Stores. Between the draws, at least 58 "''Kinpika'' Convoy" toys are known to have been given away, making it one of the more widely available [[Lucky Draw figure]]s, comparatively speaking. It came packaged in a plain white box, and including all the accessories and features of the standard release of the figure, including a gold-chromed "Prime" Micron.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+super+mode+convoy/1084/gold+super+mode+convoy.html More information on Kinpika Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Powerlinx}}
[[File:Powelinx Armadaprime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Dracula Prime?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime with Corona Sparkplug''' (Super Base, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A late-run extensive redeco of the Super Base ''Armada'' Optimus Prime toy, "Powerlinx Optimus Prime" sports the darker color scheme the character takes on in the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]] episode "[[Origin]]" following a Mini-Con power-up, but he is not precisely [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]]—the deco would later be fine-tuned with more accurate details for release in Japan as the Magna Convoy DX giftset ([[#MagnaConvoyDX|see below]]). In addition to now sporting fully-mobile Super Mode arms without the movement-impeding tabs, Prime still comes with all his features and accessories, though for this release, his Mini-Con partner Sparkplug got retooled with a new rear chassis and a blinged-out golden chrome body as "Corona Sparkplug".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Powerlinx Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Crystal}}
[[File:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Optimus Prime can't avoid his toy contracts even when he's dead!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Crystal Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, [[October]] 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Surge Mini-Con, left and right smokestacks

: A Japanese ''[[TV Magazine]]''-[[exclusive]], this release of the STD Convoy toy has almost all of his parts cast in translucent coloured plastics—hence the "crystal" moniker—representing the character's disembodied [[spark]] after his destruction in the ''Armada'' cartoon episode "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]" and resurrection in "[[Miracle]]". What that means for poor "Surge" (Over-Run), also cast in translucent plastic, we couldn't say! Available via mail-order, only 5000 pieces were distributed in October of 2003.
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MatrixMultipack}}
[[File:Armada-optimus-prime-gold-kmart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A K-Mart-exclusive set released on "[[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]" (the day after Thanksgiving, the most hellishly busy shopping day of the year), this set consists of Super Base "Powerlinx Optimus Prime" (not to be confused with the ''actual'' Powerlinx Optimus Prime), "[[Jetfire (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Powerlinx Jetfire]]" (again, not really), their respective partner Mini-Cons "Corona Sparkplug" (seriously, not that ''actual'' Corona Sparkplug) and [[Comettor (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Comettor]], the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team#MatrixMultipack|Adventure Mini-Con Team]], and oddly enough, [[Longarm (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Longarm]]. Optimus Prime's red plastics and paint were replaced with gold, the only changes made to anyone in the set. It is this set from which the name of Optimus Prime's combined mode with Jetfire, "Jet Prime", comes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/KMartPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Battle for the Matrix Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MagnaConvoyDX}}
[[File:Armada MagnaConvoyDX1.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I think he needs another gun.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Magna Convoy DX Set''' (Multi-pack, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''MC-XX'''
:*''Release date'': [[November 19]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: This set is a [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan exclusive, consisting of "Convoy Final Battle Coloration" (Powerlinx Optimus Prime), redecoed with more show-accurate colours, principally a silver [[mouthplate]] instead of red and varying color saturation from the Hasbro version), "[[Overload (Armada)#MagnaConvoy|Ultra Magnus Special Clear Version]]", and an exclusive [[Exdimensions]] redeco of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team#Exdimension|Street Action Microns]]. This set is entirely "new" content not available in the normal mass-retail ''Legends of the Microns'' line, and is also the last release of Exdimensions Microns. Rather than come with individual bio cards for the various characters, the set came with only a single card for the combined "Magna Convoy" form.
{{--}}

==''Built to Rule!''==
{{anchor|AmradaBTR}}
[[File:BTR-toy Optimus-Armada.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|"My Matrix for a quick death." (How could this happen to me?)]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 missiles

:''Armada'' ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into a fair approximation of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], but the robot mode is quite inaccurate, due to the very broad, flat Trans-Skeleton with thin, stick-like limbs attached to it. The set came with a very simplistic "Mini-Con" Sparkplug partner kit that did have a more dedicated "Powerlinx" connector than the standard construction pegs, though these are a bit too thin to be used as attachment points for regular Mini-Cons (they stay, sort of, but it's a very loose connection). The 101-piece set also features pressure-launch missile-firing "smokestack" cannons.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTROptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Built to Rule! Armada Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonBTR}}
[[File:BTR EnergonPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Blocktimus Prime]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Built to Rule!, [[2005]])}}</ul>
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles''

: The ''Energon'' version of ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' Optimus Prime was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic truck cab with a trailer-mounted, pressure-launch dual-missile cannon (with electronic lights and sounds) to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.

: Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of the ''Built to Rule!'' line overall, the ''Energon'' versions only had a limited, test-market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many Tuesday Morning and Ollie's chain stores at drastically dropped prices.
{{--}}

==''Energon''==
{{anchor|EnergonSuper}}
[[File:Energon Prime toy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Form feet and legs! Form arms and body! And I'll form… the head!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, [[2003]]/[[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Grand Convoy'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SC-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 25]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': "Fire-1", "Copter-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing)}}

: Leader Class ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into a Cybertronic short-nosed truck cab. A switch on his back offers four selectable sound effects, each one corresponding to one member of the [[Prime Force]] ("Grand Force" in Japan), the four drone vehicles contained within Prime's parallelogram-shaped trailer. A tiny, slightly recessed button above the switch activates the sounds. When Prime transforms to [[robot mode]], the trailer stands upright to become a launch base of sorts for the Prime Force, with three of the trailer's four storage compartments featuring launching mechanisms that propel the vehicles into action. The Prime Force consists of "Fire-1", a fire truck with an extending ladder and rotating turret; "Copter-2" ("Gyro-2" in Japan), a helicopter with spinning rotors; "Digger-3", a drill tank with a gear-wheel-activated spinning drill; and "Submarine-4", a submarine with opening capture claws beneath its bow. The four interchangeable drones can combine with Prime to create his [[Super Mode]]; any drone is capable of forming any limb. When in Super Mode, Prime's chest panels are opened, in turn pressing a button on his side that creates more electronic sounds and lights up a red LED in his chest, representing the [[Spark of Combination]].

: Prime is armed with a spring-loaded missile launcher that stores on the rear of his truck mode (which becomes the backpack of his robot mode) when not in use. Like most of the weapons of the ''Energon'' line, it sports a [[5 mm post]], allowing it to be held by most every ''Energon'' figure, to combine with assorted other weapons and [[energon weapon]]s released in the series, and to peg into numerous compatible ports shared by many figures, like the hole in the radar of Prime's own trailer, or even conveniently placed 5mm screw holes like those of the Prime Force.

[[File:Energontoy prime combinations.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
:In lieu of combining with the Prime Force, Optimus Prime can also merge with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Toys|Wing Saber]] in a similar fashion, with Wing Saber splitting into four components that connect to Prime as limbs. Wing Saber's red and white torso components can become arms for Prime while his legs attach to Prime's own, creating Prime's "Flight Mode", but the parts can also be swapped around, with Wing Saber's legs deploying large missile launchers and becoming arms to make Prime's "Fight Mode" (both forms are just called "Wing Convoy" in Japan). Alternately, Prime can combine with ''Energon'' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to form what his packaging calls "Powerlinx Omega Supreme" ("Optimus Supreme" in the cartoon; "Omega Convoy" in Japan). The Prime Force drones can attach to four connectors on Optimus Supreme's body.

: The earliest releases of ''Energon'' Optimus Prime have no ridges on the inside of the chest windows, and a different head sculpt featuring an [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]-style mouth-slit in his mouthplate. This was soon replaced with a full mouthplate, and it was this version of the toy which appeared in the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]] and was released by Takara. Other changes made to the Takara ''Super Link'' "Grand Convoy" release of the toy involved a chromed front grill, more vibrant plastic colors on Digger-3 and Submarine-4, a darker blue plastic on Prime himself, and more intricate [[paint operation]]s. Takara's release also lacks the electronic sound effects seen in Hasbro's version, which were also commonly gutted for the Japanese releases of any Autobot toys who had them, though Prime still retains his light-up chest.

: The Takara's Grand Convoy was also tied to a number of [[campaign item|store-exclusive promotional items]], namely a series of unique-colors [[energon weapon]]s. In late December/early January, buying the toy at [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores netted you the [[:File:En-toy EnergonSpear-CoronaFlame F2F.jpg|Energy Spear Corona Flame Edition]], the [[:File:En-toy EnergyAxe-BlackHole.jpg|Energy Axe Black Hole Edition]] at Ito Yokado, and finally the [[:File:En-toy EnergonSpear-RoyalClear F2F.jpg|Energy Spear Royal Clear Edition]] came with buying Grand Convoy at Hello Mac, Posful, Pelican, Joshin Denki & Heiwado stores. Later in [[July]], Grand Convoy and Wing Saber were the promo-buy-items for the [[:File:En-toy EnergyCutter-DaylightAttack.jpg|Energy Cutter Daylight Attack Edition]] and [[:File:En-toy EnergonBlade-PhantomNight F2F.jpg|Energy Blade Night Phantom Edition]], but this promotion was never advertised, and the most information anyone could get out of Takara's customer service after the fact was that they were available at "1500 select stores".

: The mouth-plated version of this mold was redecoed into ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Year of the Snake" [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Platinum Edition|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Energon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnDx}}
[[File:Energontoy sl grand convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Those upper legs vs. [[Chun-Li]]'s - whose are more powerful??]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''SL Grand Convoy''' (2004)}}</ul>
**''ID number'': '''SC-13'''
**''Release date'': [[March 25]], 2004
**''Accessories'': Rifle

: As had first been done in the ''Armada'' line, Takara elected to supplement their release of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy figure with a new-mold Combat Class-sized toy. Coming without his trailer, the Grand Force, or electronics, this Grand Convoy discarded the larger toy's ability to form his Super Mode in favor of being able to [[Powerlinx]] with the other compatible toys of the ''Super Link'' line, forming either a torso or a pair of legs that the other Cybertrons (Autobots) could connect to. Like the ''Legends of the Microns'' "STD Convoy", this one too was on the small side for its "size class", but just as that figure could, this small Convoy can still tow the Leader-sized figure's trailer.

: Customers who bought this toy at [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores received the [[:File:En-toy EnergyAxe-VioletCluster.jpg|Energy Axe Violet Cluster Edition]] as a [[campaign item|freebie]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/PXOptimusPrime/pxoptimusprime.htm More information on SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Kicker2pack}}
[[File:STD Grand Convoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Kicker! I have escaped from the box! I'll come back for you!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''SL Grand Convoy & Kicker''' (multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''SS-03'''
:*''Release date'': March 25, 2004
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

:A slight redeco of Takara's Combat Class-size Grand Convoy was released as part of a special set commemorating both the 20th anniversary of ''Transformers'' and the 30th anniversary of its progenitor, ''[[Microman]]''. Coming with an exclusive metallic redeco of Takara's [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], which was based on the ''Microman'' body, this Prime featured a chromed grill where the original had painted plastic, and supposedly slightly shinier plastics. ''Very'' slightly.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/AnnivGrandConvoy/grandconvoy.htm More information on 20th Anniversary SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|OprimusMegsTRU}}
[[File:Energontoy prime vs megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime versus Megatron''' (2-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

: The SS-03 version of Takara's Combat Class-sized Optimus figure, based on the Anniversary release, was released in Hasbro markets in a two-pack with the smaller Japanese Mega Class-sized "[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Energon|Galvatron]]" figure (aka Takara's release of Megatron). There are some tiny but notable differences between this and the Anniversary figure; the Hasbro version uses a more neutral dark-gray for the main body as opposed to the Takara version's blue-tinted dark-gray, plain dark-blue plastic rather than dark-blue-with-sparkles, and plain yellow paint for the cab's lights rather than sparkly-yellow/gold.

: This set was a Toys"R"US-[[exclusive]] in the US, but sold at pretty much any retailer that wanted to carry it elsewhere in the world.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/PXOptimusPrime/pxoptimusprime.htm More information on Deluxe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonGold}}
[[File:Energontoy gold grand convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Core Change: '''Re-Rising Gundam!'''"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Gold Grand Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' "Fire-1", "Gyro-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

: This golden-chromed redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy figure was initially offered as a prize to five lucky winners of a colouring contest held in the pages of the ''TV Magazine''. Additional units were later given away via in-store draws at Toys"R"Us Japan; precisely how many is unknown, but the regularity with which the toy appeared on auction sites throughout 2005 suggests it was quite a few.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+grand+convoy/1094/gold+grand+convoy.html More information on Gold Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FireSL}}
[[File:Firegrandconvoy.JPG|upright=1.67|thumb|Am I Fire Guts or Burning Convoy? I can't decide!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Fire SL Grand Convoy''' (''TV Magazine''-exclusive, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

: This vibrant red and orange redeco of the Combat Class-sized Grand Convoy figure was a ''TV Magazine'' exclusive, limited to 3,000 pieces. It shipped in a unique monochrome red version of the traditional ''Super Link'' packaging, and did not include a character card.

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonSLGold}}
[[File:Energontoy gold sl convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''SL Grand Convoy Mēki Version''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Rifle

: Released as part of the "W Convoy" campaign ("Double" Convoy, that is!) alongside a silver chrome version of "[[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus Convoy]]", this gold chrome "Mēki" ("plating") version of the Combat Class-sized Grand Convoy toy was available only as a prize in a mail-in [[Robot Point]]s contest. Initially limited to 20 units in the original draw, it appears that many more were made available through toy store drawings, given how many went on to appear on online auction sites through 2005 and 2006.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+sl+grand+convoy/1091/gold+sl+grand+convoy.html More information on SL Grand Convoy Mēki Version at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CostCoOverload}}
[[File:Energontoy costco prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|How many times has this set been reused?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Overload with Rollout & Optimus Prime with Corona Sparkplug''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A [[Costco]]-exclusive redeco of the ''Armada'' Super Base Optimus Prime toy in black, yellow, and brick red, it also came with a redeco of ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)#Energon|Overload]]. It is from this set that the name of Prime's combined form with Overload, "Optimus Prime Megaweapon", comes (though the term "Megaweapon" first appeared on Powerlinx Optimus Prime's packaging).

: The stock images to the right are not accurate to the final product. All of Optimus Prime's translucent parts on the final figure are yellow. This includes the windshield, the smokestacks, his rifle, the sensor on the trailer, and the flip-up screen in the trailers' base mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/CostcoPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Costco Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomColorEnergon}}
[[File:Energontoy custom color prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Grand Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''SC-01'''
:*''Accessories:'' "Fire-1", "Gyro-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

: The color scheme of this special redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy was decided through a colouring contest held in the [[December]] 2004 issue of ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants coloured in lineart of Convoy in the scheme they wanted to see. The winning entry rendered Convoy in a… ''distinct'' palette of grey, cream, dark red, and purple chrome, with blue, white, and yellow drones. It was limited to only ten pieces, making it one of the rarer ''Transformers'' toys in existence.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+grand+convoy/1105/custom+grand+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Santa}}
[[File:Energontoy unreleased prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader Class, unreleased)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Fire-1", "Copter-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

:A redeco of the Leader Class Optimus Prime mold with a primarily red cab, much deeper blue, and a Prime Force uniformly colored in black was planned to be released with ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] as a [[Target]]-exclusive. The toy got far enough along in development to have package artwork created by [[Dan Khanna]], which was later revealed online, but it was canceled shortly before making it to full production. Its red, white, and black coloration earned it the festive nickname of "Santa Prime" among fans online.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/energon-autobots-166/optimus-prime-with-mini-optimus-prime-unreleased-4079/ More information on this unreleased Optimus Prime at TFW2005]''
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''Cybertron''==
[[File:Cybertrontoy leader optimus prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|"Well... a fire truck is bigger." (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2004 / 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Galaxy Convoy'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''GC-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 28]], 2004
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Matrix [[Cyber Key]]
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''l8p3'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing), [[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: The first ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Optimus Prime toy transforms into a heavily-armed fire truck of made-up model, topped with two large cannons. The cannons and the sides of the truck fold down to create an unlikely flight mode for the vehicle. His right-side cannon fires a spring-loaded missile, while plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into its key jack pops two more spring-loaded missile launchers out from its sides. Plugging a Cyber Key into his left-side cannon opens up the cannon's outer casing, revealing the inner barrel, lighting the red LED at its tip and playing an electronic "charging up" noise. Pressing the small blue button just over the battery casing plays a "firing" sound effect with accompanying light flash. In this mode, he can also deploy ''another'' pair of (non-firing) cannons from under the main cannons.

: In true Prime style, the forward portion of the vehicle mode detaches to become Optimus himself, while the rear "trailer" transforms into a gun emplacement. In robot mode, the barrel of the missile-launching cannon detaches to become a hand-held rifle. Atypical of most Unicron Trilogy figures, Prime's hands are ''not'' designed to accommodate weapons with [[5 mm post]]s, instead featuring a small peg-hole in his palm that allows him to tightly grip objects designed to fit there, like his own rifle, [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Toys|Leobreaker]]'s whip, ''Cybertron'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber's]] swords, and ''Cybertron'' [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Metroplex]]'s [[Sparkdrinker|axe]]. However, Wing Saber's sword hilts ''can'' be used as adaptors, allowing Prime to hold and use 5mm weapons. His chest has a compartment to hold his removable Matrix of Leadership accessory; Prime's gigantic hands mean that he can't hold it especially ''neatly'', but he can certainly get a grip on it.

: Of course, Optimus can transform into a Super Mode by combining with his vehicle-mode back end, which becomes a massive winged backpack with under-slung main guns, and a pair of large boots, with the non-firing cannons ending up around his knees. To complete his Super Mode look, a small lever of the back of Prime's head raises his traditional mouthplate into place, covering his Optimus Primal-style mouth slot, and two "crests" fold out from either side of his helmet. Hasbro's instructions and stock photography awkwardly orient the wings so that the two cannons point ''over'' Prime's shoulders; the cartoon portrayed them in the under-slung orientation, as would all subsequent Hasbro redecos of the toy. In Super Mode, Prime is a rather top-heavy robot, and his hip joints are not that tight, which makes standing him up a challenging prospect.

: In Super Mode, Optimus Prime can combine with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Voyager|Leobreaker]] to form "Savage Claw Mode", which sees the feline Autobot become a gigantic clawed arm for his leader. Alternately, if Prime's backpack is removed, he can merge with [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber]] into "Sonic Wing Mode", with the aerial ace forming a new winged backpack and chestplate for Optimus, and providing him with new hand-held sword weapons and firing missile launchers that connect to his Super Mode boots. The nature of the combination means that the two partners cannot combine with Prime at once—at least, not without physically removing one of Prime's own arms.

: The Takara ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]]'' "Galaxy Convoy" version of the toy was released first, and features a number of paint differences from the later Hasbro ''Cybertron'' release. The most immediately-noticeable is that Galaxy Convoy's unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key has its "frame" painted gold, where Optimus's is unpainted clear-blue plastic, save for the Autobot symbol and the Hasbro-only [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] printed on its back. The other differences are small but numerous: Galaxy Convoy has more thoroughly painted knees, main cannons and leg-armor cannons, the signal lights above the cab are painted yellow, his leg-wheel hubcaps are painted gold, and his nose is inexplicably painted silver. Galaxy Convoy's wings are also held in place with long metal pins, where the Hasbro version has them just held in place with friction so they can pop off rather than ''break'' off if the toy is dropped.

: Galaxy Convoy was three-part [[AEON|JUSCO]] promotion, tied to the release of Ligerjack and the ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Hybrid Style|THS-01 Galaxy Convoy]] in late April: buying him netted you the free all-white version of [[Hellflame Mini-Con Team|Hellflame Micron]] [[Quasar]]. (Buying the other two toys got you the other two all-white Hellflame Microns.)

: Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right: in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded around to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC1}}
[[File:LOC CybertronPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Takara's version pictured on the left, Hasbro's version pictured on the right.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)}}</ul>

: [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] Optimus is a very simplified version of ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime, with no weapons or trailer, just the front portion of the truck. It transforms into the standard robot mode, with a very similar transformation scheme to the full-sized toy, and has no useful articulation of the shoulders.

: The figure was released in Japan under the "EZ Collection" banner, in the same packaging as the Hasbro release but with a small card insert featuring the Japanese logo and nomenclature, similar to a [[USA Edition]]. As with all the EZ Collection figures, this release features a substantially greater number of paint operations that increase Optimus's resemblance to his larger figure.

: This mold was redecoed to create ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Menasor (G1)#Classics|Menasor]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Hot Spot (G1)#Universe (2008)|Hot Zone]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/LOCOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaloConvoy}}
[[File:GF MetallicGalaxyConvoy Legends toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|To [[scale]] with something? Blasphemy!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Megalo Convoy''' (Leader Class, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''GC-23'''
:*''Release date'': [[August 29]], 2005

: A special metallic-paint version of Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime was included with the Takara ''Galaxy Force'' release of [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Megalo Convoy aka Metroplex]], as a demonstration of their actual size difference as depicted on the television series.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy gold galaxy convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This gold-chrome and clear-plastic redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure was first offered as a prize in a mail-in contest held through ''[[TV Magazine]]'' alongside a silver chrome version of the same toy ([[#SilverGF|see below]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" (again, [[#CustomGF|see below]]).

: Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right, in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded round to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1099/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SilverGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy silver galaxy convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Convoy Silver Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This silver-chromed redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure first saw the light of day as a prize in a ''TV Magazine'' mail-in, offered alongside a gold chrome version of the same toy ([[#GoldGF|see above]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" ([[#CustomGF|see below]]). Despite being offered in equal quantities in these contests, this silver version is apparently much harder to come by.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/silver+galaxy+convoy/1797/silver+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Silver Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy custom color convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|It's not that easy being Prime.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: One of the single rarest [[Lucky Draw figure]]s in existence, this "Custom Color" redeco of Super Optimus Prime was limited to only ''one'' in the world. It was the grand prize of a coloring contest held in September 2005's ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants colored in line-art of Prime with the deco they wanted to see. The winning entry was in green, blue and gold, while ten runners-up received one of five gold or five silver Lucky Draw versions of Prime.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy/1104/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EZClear}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy ez clear optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''EZ Collection Clear Set''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>

: A Takara exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Starscream]] recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Prime's cast, both his blue and red plastics became translucent. A mail-away exclusive to ''[[TV Magazine]]'' in October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.

::*''[http://plasticcrack.net/archives/2007/07/photo-review-takara-galaxy-force-ez-telemag-exclusive-3pack More information on the EZ Collection multi-pack at PlasticCrack.net]

{{-}}{{anchor|SonicConvoy}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy sonic convoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I'm gorgeously shiny!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Sonic Convoy''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''EX-02'''
:*''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This redeco of Leader-class Optimus Prime replaced most of the plastics in the cab robot with colored translucent equivalents. He also has numerous chromed parts, including chrome-silver wrist-pipes, red chrome window frames and side-cannons, and a chromed Autobot symbol on his Key. His trailer remained opaque, but was cast in much deeper red plastic, with a more metallic silver used for his cannons. He also lacks the weird silver nose-paint, and has the Hasbro trailer assembly with the pop-off-able wings.

: He was available only in a [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan exclusive giftset released in October 2005, packed in with a redeco of [[Wing Saber (Energon)#SonicConvoy|Wing Saber]] and the [[Cobybot|Coby ''Sen'yō'' Ramble]].

: None of the toys in this box set were given bio cards. Aww.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/galaxy-force-cybertrons-341/galaxy-convoy-clear-2412 More information on Sonic Convoy at TFW2005]''

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldMetroplex}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy gold ez convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Megalo Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)}}</ul>

: A golden-chrome redeco of ''Cybertron'' Metroplex was offered as a contest prize in the December 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', and came with an equally blinged-out Legends/EZ Collection Optimus Prime figure. Fifteen of this set were available as prizes in the initial contest; a single Metroplex was later offered as one of many prizes in a Takara website contest, but this version came only with the standard metallic paint version of Prime.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1103/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold EZ Collection Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Magnus2-pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy ridprime magnus 2pack.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ultra Magnus & Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Cannon, 2 missiles

: A red redeco of the 2003 ''Universe'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]] was sold with a repackaged version of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' version of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] Ultra Magnus in a [[Costco]]-[[exclusive]] multi-pack in 2005. Sold under the ''Cybertron'' banner, their continuity of origin was ambiguous for years until clarified in 2015 by the Facebook edition of [[Ask Vector Prime]].

{{-}}{{anchor|LeaderGalaxyForce}}
[[File:Cyb GalaxyForceOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Sowing confusion on message boards everywhere.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Galaxy Force Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''lo9x'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Released in fourth and final wave of ''Cybertron'' Leaders, this redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure introduced a new color scheme that several other tail-end releases would emulate. Taking its name from the Takara version of ''Cybertron'' and with a bio noting that this new body depicts Prime after he embarks on his galaxy-spanning mission at the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon, "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime replaces the original toy's blue parts with black and the translucent blue with smokey clear, and molds several—but not all—grey parts out of red plastic, including the toy's rifles, rail gun covers, missile launchers, and Super Mode leg guns. In the realm of new paint operations, Prime now sports all four Cyber Planet Key symbols on his shoulders, and his unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key finally has a gold-painted border, as it had always had in Japan. Additionally, Prime's hip joints were tightened up with this release, making it easier to stand him up in Super Mode.

: This toy was later re-released in a [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] multi-pack ([[##VsCrumplezone|see below]]).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/GFOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.transformers-universe.com/include.php?path=content/ToyDB_Info.php&Toy_ID=1839 More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at Transformers Universe]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CybDx}}
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|You've [[:File:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|already]] [[:File:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|bought]] [[:Nemesis Prime (Armada)|me]] [[:Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Universe|five]] [[:File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|times!]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d56b'''
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Premiering in the eighth wave of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes, this Optimus is a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[#Super-Con|Super-Con ''Armada'' Optimus Prime]], recolored in red and black to resemble the Leader Class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure.

: He does not come with the mold's nominal Mini-Con partner. Instead, Optimus Prime and his [[wave]]-mate [[Demolishor (Armada)#Cybertron|Demolishor]] debuted a new brand of Cyber Key: [[retool]]ed from the standard Cybertron style key, this version lacked a sculpted [[insignia]], so that any symbol could be [[tampograph]]ed on to it, and featured a [[Mini-Con]]-style [[Powerlinx]] socket on the back, allowing it to operate the figure's formerly-Mini-Con-activated "punching" feature without the figure itself having to be retooled.

: The key sports a tampographed Autobot insignia, a red border, and the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "d56b" tampographed on the back. This code, when entered on Hasbro's website, was ''supposed'' to unlock additional information on the character or the toy, but due to an error on behalf of Hasbro, it unlocked information intended for his wave-mate Demolishor. Optimus Prime's information was instead unlocked using the code "dt67", which was on the back of Demolishor's Cyber Key.

: As was the case with the ''Universe'' [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Universe .282003.29|"Battle in a Box" Ultra Magnus]] release of this sculpt, initial shipments of Optimus Prime had the forearms [[Misassembly|swapped]], leaving his elbow joints useless. This was corrected for later shipments. A further [[variant|running change]] saw tampographeded graphics depicting the four planet symbols added to the truck mode's cab.

: This sculpt was later redecoed once again for a 2008 ''Universe'' [[#Universe (2008)|multi-pack version of ''Cybertron'' Optimus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/DlxOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Deluxe Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCGalaxyForce}}
[[File:Cybertron GFOptimusPrime Legends toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)}}</ul>

: Like the Deluxe Class figure before it, this redeco of ''Legends of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime was designed to resemble the Leader class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure, essentially replacing the blue with black, the yellow with silver and adding the Cyber Key symbol tampographs onto his shoulders. It was released in the fourth and final wave of the ''Cybertron'' Legends-class assortment.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/LOCGFOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Galaxy Force" Legends Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Gorilla}}
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime beast toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|It's a Double [[Garry Chalk]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories''" "'Jet-powered' flying board", missile, Jungle Planet Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d7s9'''
{{toydesigner|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Available in the ninth and final wave of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes, this unusual iteration of Optimus Prime is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Optimus Primal]], transforming into a robotic gorilla in the pseudo-[[technorganic]]-looking style of the other [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] toys. He comes with a "'jet-powered' flying board" with two [[5 mm post|5mm post]]s at the base, allowing him to ride it in his gorilla mode, or hold it in robot mode via the 5mm posts on his robot palms/gorilla feet. When a [[Cyber Key]] is inserted at the rear of the board, a spring-loaded extending "assault blade" deploys, and a trigger is revealed to allow one to use the spring-loaded missile launcher at the tip. Though it is not intended to be removed, the blade can be popped off and held in Primal's hand thanks to his poseable thumbs.

: This figure contains an unusual amount of sculpted detail on the inside of the plastic. The gorilla mode's chest has a ribcage, and the inside of the gorilla's face has a sculpted microphone, which lines up perfectly with the robot mode's head! Also, opening this toy's chest in robot mode reveals sculpted detail resembling the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] as it appeared in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''. His beast mode features a painted scar over his one eye, a seeming homage Peter Jackson's ''[[King Kong]]'' (released the previous year).

: While this mold was first released as part of the ''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' line and is obviously meant to be Optimus Primal, it was developed to fit in with ''Cybertron's'' Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" the ''Beast Wars'' Anniversary release didn't pan out (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

: This mold was also used to make [[BotCon 2014]] [[Apelinq (BM)#Timelines|Apelinq]] and [[Primal Prime#Timelines|Primal Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Jungle Planet Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Costco2pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy prime wingsaber 2pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime / Wing Saber''' (Multi-pack, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

: Released in Fall of 2006, this Costco-exclusive two-pack bundled the original version of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure with his combination partner [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber]] and a DVD including the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] episode "[[United (episode)|United]]".

: This set comes in a particularly huge box, and sold for $35.99, five dollars less than the MSRP for Optimus Prime by ''himself''. Now that's a deal!

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCTarget4pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy LOCtarget4pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Megatron / Soundwave / Jetfire / Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2007)}}</ul>

: This four pack of Legend-class Optimus Prime, [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#LegendsMegs|Megatron]], [[Jetfire (Armada)#LOC|Jetfire]], and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)#Legends|Soundwave]] was exclusive to [[Target]] stores. All of the toys were identical to their individual releases.
{{-}}

==''Hybrid Style''==
{{anchor|THS01}}
[[File:HybridStyletoy galaxyconvoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy''' ([[2006]])
**''ID number:'' '''THS-01'''
**''Accessories'': Trailer/backpack, leg armor (x2), standard head, Super Mode head, left and right fists, left and right pointing hands, left and right open hands, left and right gripping hands, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip (x2)

:The first in TakaraTomy's ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' series, Galaxy Convoy is a partly die-cast figure with scaled-down equivalents of the accessories that came with the Leader-class figure. This highly-intricate figure retains all the transformation abilities of the original figure—vehicle, flight mode, robot, and Super Mode—and even its Cyber Key-activated features (even coming with two keys so they can be deployed simultaneously), with additional touches like spring-loaded mechanisms that snap his cannons into place, and hand-grips on the weapons for Super Mode. While he does lack electronics or firing missiles, Prime still includes his Matrix, super-tiny yet still removable, and has four alternate sets of hands: two clenched fists, two with pointing index fingers, two with splayed palms, and two curved hands for holding his various weapon handles. Given the figure's small size, a reconfigurable head was infeasible, so it also comes with an alternate Super Mode head with a mouthplate and crests deployed, though the standard head must be attached in order for the figure to be transformed to vehicle mode.

: Starting in late April, customers who purchased this toy at [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores received an exclusive all-white version of the [[campaign item|promotional freebie]] [[Hellflame Mini-Con Team|Hellflame Micron]] [[Graviton (Cybertron)|Graviton]].

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/HybridGalaxyConvoy/galaxyconvoy.htm More information on Hybrid Style Galaxy Convoy at TFU.info]
{{--}}

==''Classics''==
[[File:Classicstoy legends cybertron prime.jpg|thumb|125px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, [[2007]])

: Bizarrely enough, Optimus Prime was one of three ''Cybertron'' Legends toys straight-released in ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' packaging, though with the modifier "Cybertron Collection" printed on the cardfront. The toy itself is identical to the ''Cybertron'' release.
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2007)==
[[File:TargetGenerationsLegends.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Generations Legends''' (Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

: A Target exclusive, this four-pack of Legends Class figures contains two versions of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, namely Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Movie Legends Optimus Prime]], Legends of Cybertron Megatron and [[Megatron (Movie)/toys|Movie Legends Megatron]]. The toy itself is identical to the ''Cybertron'' release.
{{--}}

==''Universe'' (2008)==
[[File:Universe2008toy BftCPK optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys''' (Sam's Club exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

: For ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'', a redeco of the ''Armada'' Super-Con [[#Super-Con|Optimus Prime]] in more Generation 1-inspired colors was released in a [[Sam's Club]] exclusive five-pack alongside [[Runamuck (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Runamuck]], [[Longrack (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Longrack]], [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Blurr (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Blurr]]. Optimus was the only toy in the set different from the original releases. He came with a translucent red version of the remolded style of Cyber Key previously included with this mold's release during the ''Cybertron'' line, featuring a Powerlinx port to activate his punching gimmick.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/SamsClubOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Universe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|VsCrumplezone}}
[[File:Universe2008CybOptimusPrimeAndCrumplezone.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs Crumplezone''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

: This Costco exclusive set contains [[#LeaderGalaxyForce|Leader-class "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime]] and the original [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]]. Both toys were unchanged from their previous individual releases.
{{--}}

==''Bot Shots''==
{{anchor|BotShotJumpShot}}
[[File:BotShots JumpShot Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B004'''
***''Fist strength'': '''515'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''625'''
***''Sword strength'': '''475'''

: Part of the second wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, this new-mold Optimus Prime is heavily based on ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], transforming from a robot armed with a gun, into a futuristic firetruck. As a Jump Shot, he springs up when auto-transforming.

:He was redecoed into [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSJSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShot3pack}}
[[File:BotShots 3pack Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime / Cindersaur / Autobot Jazz''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''BP008'''
***''Fist strength'': '''404'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''854'''
***''Sword strength'': '''362'''

: Part of the second wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 three-packs, this redeco of Jump Shot Optimus Prime has a brighter red, a painted silver forehead crest and "nose-strap", blue windows, and glossy blue paint on his legs, head, and firefighting section, among other minor deco changes. He comes with [[Cindersaur (G1)|Jump Shot Cindersaur]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#SuperBot|Super Bot Autobot Jazz]].

:The second wave of Series 2 three-packs didn't reach mass retail in the United States, only showing up in discount stores like Ross.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSJS3pkOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 3-pack Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Platinum Edition''==
[[File:PlatinumEditiontoy-YOTSOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Platimus.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Year of the Snake exclusive, 2013)
**''Accessories:'' Firetruck drone, helicopter drone, drill tank drone, submarine drone, trailer, rifle, missile
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Year of the Snake" Optimus Prime is a redeco of [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'']] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Energon|Super Class Optimus Prime]] inspired by his [[Show-accuracy|Generation 1 color scheme]]. In lieu of combining with his drones, Optimus Prime can also combine with ''Platinum Edition'' [[Omega Supreme (WFC)#Platinum Edition|Omega Supreme]] to form what his instructions ''also'' call "Super Optimus Prime". The drones are color-matched to Omega Supreme, and can attach to four connectors on his body. In an undocumented feature, Prime can also merge with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Energon|Wing Saber]].

:Though the [[stock photography]] shows the original mouthed-face head and smooth inner chest windows, the final toy uses the face-plated head and ridged inner windows. The [[packaging]]'s [[bio]] is every [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] bio ever (well, [[Optimus Prime (SG)|mostly]]), [[Ask Vector Prime]] would eventually declare him to be a version of Unicron Trilogy Optimus.

:''Platinum Edition'' Optimus Prime is exclusive to BigBadToyStore and Amazon.com in America, but was also released at Philippine mass retail in limited quantities, in Australia as a Kmart exclusive and in Canada as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive. All electronics have been omitted from this version, even the light-up feature retained by Takara's Superlink release, trading the LED for an open hole in the chest.
{{--}}

==''Kre-O''==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Mini-Con Combiners, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Bazooka, [[Phaser (weapon)|phaser]], Uzi, scoped pistol, [[Klingon]] blaster

:"Mini-Con Combiner"' Optimus comes with one standard Kreon and four ''Cityville''-syle mini-Kreons of the same character, each one a different incarnation from various franchises. With some extra parts, the mini-Kreons become limbs to make a larger combiner-bot.

: Two of his limbs are based on ''Armada'' Optimus Prime; one "normal" (Inferno helmet), one pre-[[Earth]]-body (Knock Out helmet). The main torso-bot is based on Generation 1 Optimus's original body. Another limb-bot is based on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action Optimus]] (Soundwave helmet), and the remaining one (Ironhide helmet)... actually looks to be based on the Optimus-like-but-not-Optimus [[Micromaster]] [[Overload (G1)|Overload]]! The heck?

:[https://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=400&size=1&image=29 First shown at New York Toy Fair 2015], the Mini-Con Combiners were apparently cancelled without fanfare... a decision that must have come late in the day, as they went on to star in their own promotional animation, "[[Stuck in a Tree]]", released about eight months after the trade show.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''War for Cybertron: Siege''==
[[File:WFC-Siege-WFC-S40-Leader-Class-Galaxy-Upgrade-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Technically not ''Cybertron'' Optimus by this wiki's classification.]]
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#S40}}

:The [[2019]] ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' subline of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' includes "Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime", which is based heavily on ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime in its vehicle and Super modes.
{{--}}

==Canceled prototype==
[[File:Generations_Armada_Convoy_Prototype.jpeg|thumb|''Life could be a dream...'']]
*'''Armada Convoy'''

:Revealed as a grayscale prototype at the [[Wonder Festival]] [[2019]] Winter convention, this Voyager-sized Optimus Prime mold is modelled after his ''Armada'' design, though adding many stylized details. Though a pair of hands are visible in the hollows of his legs, the prototype was not designed with a super-mode conversion<ref>{{citesocial|quote=When I [pitched ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus Prime] to TT, I actually sent over the Wondercon Takara Tomy prototype image that was shown at that event. They explained to me that the grey model their domestic team showed off did not have the super mode combining ability.|link=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr2DhHyscWT/|name=Mark Maher|site=Instagram|year=2023|month=05|day=05}}</ref> (and was likely too early in its production to be able to change at all).

:TakaraTomy claimed at Wonder Festival [[2020]] Winter that this figure was not "cancelled", but was not a development priority at that time, and that its proper toyline was not determined.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/2020-winter-wonder-festival-information.1188365/page-21#post-17643985 Report from Gamerlingual on the TFW2005 Forums, 9 February 2020]</ref> [[#Legacy|An entirely different tooling of the character]] would later be released as part of the ''Legacy'' line - and ironically, the unproduced prototype made one final appearance in the ''Legacy:Evolution'' box art mural (the stylized chest grill and curved forearm smokestacks being a dead giveaway), presumably because it was the reference material on hand at the time.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''Legacy''==
[[File:TF-Legacy-Commander-Class-Armada-Optimus-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|The time has come for...SUPER Bendy Prime!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Armada Universe Optimus Prime''' (Commander Class, [[2023]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-48'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[November]], 2023
:*''Accessories'': Ion blaster, Matrix, insignia plate, left and right smokestack guns
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[[April 4]], [[2023]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qv8dh66d48 Hasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream] on YouTube, with [[Ben MacCrae]], [[Evan Brooks]], [[Mark Maher]], [[Sam Smith]], [[Shogo Hasui]] and [[Delaney Norris]]</ref>

: Marking the 20th anniversary of the ''Armada'' franchise, ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy: Evolution]]'' "Armada Universe Optimus Prime" is a Commander Class figure modeled after the original Super Base toy listed above, but trades the trailer's remote-controlled autotransformation [[gimmick]] and primary robot's electronics for markedly superior articulation in both regular and "super" robot modes. The deco and some elements of the sculpt are heavily based upon Prime's appearance in the [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|anime]], hence the regular robot mode's silver fists, black chest stripes, and the layout of the gold waist deco on the super mode. The gold itself is a compromise between the original Hasbro figure's darker gold and Takara's bright yellow.

: He comes with a large ion blaster that can be held in both robot modes, and smokestacks that can detach and combine with the rifle as part of his [[Evo-Fusion]] feature; however, the gimmick's logo is oddly absent from the box itself. His trailer unfolds into a base mode and combines with him to form his super mode. The smaller robot is roughly Voyager-sized figure with a removable [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]. An undocumented feature beneath the Matrix chamber is what appears to be a spark chamber modeled after [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s from the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]] episode [[Master Blaster]]. The Autobot insignia on his truck roof/super mode chestplate is also removable — a sign of [[Jetfire (Armada)| things to come]], perhaps?

: The turret section for Optimus' trailer/base comes separated in the packaging and must be attached by slightly reconfiguring the trailer, bending the turret's hinges appropriately, then finally pegging it in and tabbing the trailer back into place. A feature undocumented in the instructions is that Prime's ion blaster can remain pegged into the center of the turret when converting back into trailer mode, as there's just enough clearance to both leave the blaster in place and tab the trailer together. The blaster can also store on the super mode's back via a 5mm hole. Another undocumented feature involves a conspicuous rectangular port located on the trailer/base section which forms super Optimus' backpack—if you have an ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)#Toys|Overload]] figure in cannon-pack mode on-hand, you can slot Overload into this port and the gap just above it to form "Megaweapon" Optimus!

: The instructions for transforming Optimus into super mode have the torso clip into the backpack first, then drop down onto the legs. You technically ''can'' do these steps in reverse to better replicate the original ''Armada'' super mode transformation, but doing so makes hooking Optimus into the backpack much more difficult. On another note regarding the super mode, all Hasbro photography has the trailer's stabilizer posts mistransformed in super mode—as the instructions show, they're meant to flip out and peg into the gold sections on super Optimus' shins, mimicking the cannon detailing of the original Super Base toy.

: He was officially revealed on the [[April 4]] [[Hasbro Pulse]] Fanstream, and went up for pre-order on [[April 18]].

:*''[https://www.instagram.com/p/Cr2DhHyscWT/ Designer commentary on ''Legacy'' Armada Optimus Prime (and the above prototype) from Mark Maher on Instagram]''
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:MonsterConvoy.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Arise, Bigfootimus Prime.]]
* The first test shots of Superbase Optimus Prime had a [http://www.behindthetoys.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7661 molded and recessed Autobot insignia] on the chest button rather than a flat surface with a tampographed symbol. It is unknown why this change was made.
* One of the earliest ''Armada'' Optimus Prime concepts depicts him as being an ENORMOUSLY HUGE MONSTER TRUCK.
* Pre-dating Powerlinx Optimus Prime, designer Aaron Archer asked fans on the TFW2005 forums what they'd want out of a redeco of the large toy—throwing out ideas such as a Scourge deco, a modified vehicle mode, new SFX, a transparent trailer, an added sword accessory, and the remote possibility of a new Mini-Con!<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Okay I give. If we did redeco the Elec. Optimus item as is (no new tools) what would you like to see to make you buy it again? Deco excatlly like Scourge? or another ? VM? New sound FX? New Mini-con probably wouldn't happen but what would be a good Vh for a evil Optimus? Clear trailer? Added Sword weapon? Keep this orderly and helpful, I have timing and cost issues to deal with so if you want to complain about next getting a new trailer and that we are killing you with cost them I understand but keep it to yourself. If you want to help make this worth rebuying them let me hear it...!|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=circa 2002}}</ref> In the end, Prime's Mini-Con was in fact retooled into the [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]]-like Corona Sparkplug.
* ''Energon'' Optimus Prime's combination with the Prime Force is...well, it's pretty much as close to a Sentai Robo that ''Transformers'' has ever gotten. It's also highly reminiscent of Voltron, as noted by our captions for that toy's image. That being said, Transformers characters who combine with non-sentient drones have become more common in the years since ''Energon'', so it seems less unusual now than when it was new.
*Under his various Japanese names, Optimus was ''three'' candidates in [[TakaraTomy]]'s [[Fan polls#Masterpiece Fan's Choice|''Masterpiece'' Fan's Choice]] poll, which asked fans to determine which Autobot/Maximal leader from the franchise's then-30 year history should receive a new toy in the prestigious ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line. ''Armada'' Optimus placed third (with 24.3% of the votes), ''Energon'' Optimus placed tenth (with 1.5%), and ''Cybertron'' Optimus placed seventh (2.5%).
* ''Cybertron'' Optimus's design would see re-use for the [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''original'' Optimus]] many years later, with the 2018 ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege]]'' toyline's "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#S40|Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime]]".

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime at TFU.info]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/optimus_prime_mini_optimus_prime/ Energon Optimus Prime redeco with Smallest Transformers Optimus Prime gallery]

[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Armada combiners]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Built to Rule!]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron combiners]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon combiners]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Legacy Autobots]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us Japan exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Off-Road Mini-Con Team

2023-10-17T06:06:20Z

CamilleHiiragi:

{{factions|minicon|autobot}}
{{picsneeded}}

The '''Off-Road Mini-Con Team''' is a trio of [[Autobot]]-aligned [[Mini-Con]]s who assist in the search for raw [[energon]] deposits. It comprises:

*[[Torque (Energon)|Torque]] the off-road pickup truck.
*[[Crunch (Energon)|Crunch]] the dune buggy.
*[[Spoil]] the snow groomer

==Toys==
===Super Link===
*'''Torque''' (Micron Booster, 2004)
*'''Crunch''' (Micron Booster, 2004)
*'''Spoil''' (Micron Booster, 2004)

:The members of the Off-Road Mini-Con Team are [[redeco]]es of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]]. The team members were only available in Vol. 1 of the [[Micron Booster]] sets, sold individually in [[Blindpacking|blindpacked]] boxes.

:These molds were also used to make the partner Mini-Cons [[Armorhide (Armada)|Armorhide]], [[Cliffjumper (Armada)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Ironhide (Armada)|Ironhide]] as well as the [[Lunar Assault Mini-Con Team]].

==Notes==
* The team name of the Off-Road Mini-Con Team was not established until a [[2015]] entry of the Facebook version of [[Ask Vector Prime]].

[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]
[[Category:Energon subgroups]]
[[Category:Mini-Con teams]]

Mini-Con

2023-10-10T18:20:04Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Toys */

{{factions|minicon|{{factions/icons|custom=PotP-MicronusPrime.png|cSize=30px|cLink=Micronus Prime}}|unicron}}
{{disambig3|Minicon}}
[[File:Minicon symbol.png|upright=1.4|thumb|Intentionally designed to look like the letter "M", the Mini-Con symbol is also reflected in the design of Unicron's helmet.]]

'''Mini-Cons''' (aka '''Minicons''') are a race of small [[Transformer]]s. Like the [[Micromaster]]s they resemble, Mini-Cons are roughly human-sized—quite small compared to most [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s—but while the Micromasters deliberately downsized into smaller bodies to conserve fuel, the naturally diminutive Mini-Cons overflow with energy. Most Mini-Cons possess the ability to impart a portion of this power on larger Cybertronians, granting them extra abilities or greatly increasing their strength through a process known as [[Powerlinx]]ing.

Various stories have connected these mystical abilities to the influence of various godly beings: across the ''Transformers'' [[multiverse]], different continuities have depicted them as the children of [[Unicron]], the [[Last Autobot]], or [[Micronus Prime]]. Regardless of their origins, however, their abilities make them useful allies and valuable partners—valuable to the point where different factions have come into conflict over these deceptively powerful beings.

{{bigquote|Our presence is a '''catalyst''' for war. It follows us around like a bad smell.|[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]]|[[Dreamwave Armada issue 9|''Armada'' #9]]}}

==Conceptual history==
[[File:Metamorphcontact.JPG|thumb|left|250px]]

Mini-Cons debuted as the signature [[gimmick]] of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise and in doing so resurrected the "micro [[play pattern]]" that began with the [[Micromaster]]s and [[Mini-Cassette]]s from the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' toyline. Compared to these predecessors, however, the Mini-Cons sported increased articulation, a wide variety of [[alternate mode]]s, and relatively complex transformation schemes, with some even able to [[combiner|combine]] into an accessory or a larger super robot. Each Mini-Con figure included a [[Powerlinx]] port, a [[5 mm post|5mm]] round peg-slot that allowed them to connect to a larger toy and, in most cases, activate a spring-loaded play feature.

While every piece of tie-in ''Armada'' fiction featured Mini-Cons in some capacity, individual stories offered radically different portrayals of the Mini-Cons and their role in the conflict. The ''Armada'' cartoon initially portrayed them as artificial "smart tools" who communicated using [[R2-D2]]-style bleeps and bloops, occasionally manifested supernatural powers, and later revealed that [[Unicron]] had created them to deliberately agitate the raging Autobot-Decepticon war. [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]'s ''[[Linkage (comic)|Linkage]]'' manga, a midquel set around the same time as the ''Armada'' television show, substantially expounded upon their biology and psychology, and explained various developments in the cartoon by introducing new concepts like [[Digital Entity Frame]]s and the eponymous [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage dimension]]. [[Dreamwave Productions]]' [[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|''Armada'' comic]], on the other hand, merely depicted the Mini-Cons as an ordinary Cybertronian subgroup unconnected to Unicron. Unlike their cartoon counterparts, these Mini-Cons were fully articulate beings who resented their role in the war, to the point where extremists like [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] renounced both factions in the name of Mini-Con independence.

[[File:11MicronusPrime.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Although ''Armada'''s early storylines—which generally focussed on capturing small, colourful characters with limited vocabularies—drew [[Pokeformers|unfavourable comparisons]] from cynical members of the adult fandom, the concept proved a smash hit with the target audience, and Hasbro and Takara extended the gimmick into both ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]''. After that, however, Mini-Cons faded into the background; promotional material from the [[Live-action film series|live-action films]] identified a number of small Decepticons like [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] as Mini-Cons, and the vaguely film-adjacent ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' line featured Mini-Cons who could become either weapons or armor for their larger partners. From this point on, most stories dropped the conceit that Mini-Cons were a third faction unto themselves; like Micromasters before them, Mini-Con was used merely to describe their abilities rather than a factional designation.

Although some subsequent stories batted around other origins for the Mini-Cons that never caught on, it would be the launch of the [[Aligned continuity family]] in [[2010]] that pushed the Mini-Cons back into the forefront. As per the [[Binder of Revelation]] created to underpin the endeavour, the Mini-Cons were a diminutive race of Cybertronians who inhabited the planet's [[Moonbase One|two]] [[Moonbase Two|moons]]. In a notable departure from what had come before, Hasbro backported the term to apply to basically ''all'' small Transformers, including characters like [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] and [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]]. The Aligned continuity would go on to introduce a new origin story for the Mini-Cons that would carry forward into the next decade and largely eclipse ''Armada's'' Unicron mythology: 2013's ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]'' introduced [[Micronus Prime]], a member of the [[Thirteen]] and the first Mini-Con. Comments from Hasbro representatives at the time clarified that, in this continuity, all Mini-Cons were his descendants. 2015's ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' cartoon featured a number of new Mini-Con characters; carrying on from [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]]'s relationship with [[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] in the ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' cartoon, the show used the pre-existing term "[[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]]" to describe those Cybertronians who formed a partnership with one or more Mini-Cons, and later "[[Weaponizer (RID)|Weaponizer]]" in reference to a different group of Mini-Cons who transformed into weapons for their partners to wield.

With the end of the Aligned continuity in 2020 and the subsequent rise of heavily-[[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]]-focused media like the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'', franchise, Mini-Cons again fell by the wayside after Hasbro shifted back to marketing small characters as Micromasters and Mini-Cassettes. 2022's ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' toyline featured the release of other "[[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]]" characters like [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], but without their partner Mini-Cons, leaving the future of the concept ambiguous.

{{--}}

==Powerlinx==
{{Main|Powerlinx}}
[[File:HotShotPowerlinx.gif|thumb|left|250px]]

Across the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|Unicron Trilogy]], all Mini-Cons possess the ability to [[Powerlinx]] with other forms of technology—including both sentient [[Transformer]]s and mundane machines—and instantly reconfigure their physical construction by sharing their own supernatural power. In this way, a Mini-Con for instance, modify ordinary cars into jet-powered assault vehicles, or upgrade Transformers with new weapons or additional functions. The Mini-Con is not required in order to activate these weapons again, but linking to a Mini-Con again simply enhances their firepower.

The Japanese ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Legends of the Microns]]'' dub called the phenomenon "Evolution", and had Autobots call out the phrase when they Powerlinxed. This has caused some confusion in the Armada viewing audience due to dub issues and the downplaying of the "Evolution" theme, although the term was used twice in the American series by Megatron.

Other [[continuity family|continuity families]] have offered alternate interpretations of the process. Many of the Mini-Cons who have appeared in "[[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]]"-based stories appear to lack the ability entirely; in the [[Aligned continuity family|"Aligned" continuity family]], meanwhile, Mini-Cons can voluntarily interlock with larger Transformers but require genetic augmentation to access the ability to share their energy with their partners.

{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Unicron Trilogy continuity family===

====Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity====
[[File:Armada3-wooooosh.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The ultimate friends to the boys and girls.]]

Mini-Cons were a second race of Transformer whose diminutive proportions and physical fragility led to Cybertronians treating them as second-class citizens. Despite their lowly status on pre-war Cybertron, each Mini-Con can naturally tap into a unique extradimensional power source, but most, naturally wary of this seemingly unlimited power, have installed inhibitors designed to prevent them from accessing this ability. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye #3}}

In the years before the Autobot-Decepticon war, the Mini-Cons inhabited a designated Mini-Con Sector on Cybertron and divided that sector into a number of loose, largely autonomous "villages". However, this isolation left them open to attack when [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] led his Decepticons on capture raids. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 1|Dreamwave Armada #1}} Through experimentation on Mini-Con prisoners, the Decepticons used an ancient technological process to forcibly rewire their prisoners so that they could [[Powerlinx]] with them against their will. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye: Transformers: Armada|More than Meets the Eye #3}} Fleeing the Decepticon advance, a small group of Mini-Cons escaped to the planet's abandoned [[Garbage Disposal District]] salvaged [[Exodus (Armada)|a junked ship]] with the intent of rescuing as many Mini-Cons as they could. As Megatron and his army used their new slaves to conquer [[Cyber City]], [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]], [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]], and [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] led a raid on Megatron's primary prison complex, freed as many Mini-Cons as they could, and escaped Cybertron. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 2|Armada #2}}

[[File:Armada11-moonbasedestroyed.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Y'know, Megatron, most people just bring a gift basket when they come over.]]

While Megatron and the Decepticons used their monopoly on the remaining Mini-Cons to run amok, the ''Exodus'' suffered a debilitating engine failure that ended with the ship breaking apart—half the ship crash-landed on ancient Earth and scattered dormant Mini-Cons across the planet, while the other half landed on the Moon. One million years later, [[Rad White]] and his friends discovered the crashed starship and inadvertently tripped the ship's restoration protocols, which alerted the Autobots and Decepticons on Cybertron to the location of the remaining Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} When the Autobots and Decepticons arrived on Earth to find the Mini-Cons, Sparkplug and a number of recently reactivated Mini-Cons made the decision to Powerlinx with the Autobots to defeat the Decepticons, but made it clear that this alliance had to be a two-way partnership: if the Autobots treated them like slaves, they'd walk. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

Not all Mini-Cons willingly fell in with the Autobots, however: some, like the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team|Land Military Team]], remained free agents who openly distrusted both the Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}} Others took the concept of Mini-Con independence to its logical extreme: marooned on the Moon with a small group of Mini-Cons who'd survived the crash, [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] took command of the group and spent the next million years establishing a concealed [[Mini-Con Moonbase]]; ostensibly a place where Mini-Cons could live freely. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} The reactivation of the Earthbound Mini-Cons prompted Dualor to forcibly de-escalate the situation by sending a specialized "[[Mini-Con Ark]]" to Earth, which hypnotized the Mini-Cons and brought them back to Dualor's lunar fortress. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} Despite his attempts to convince [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]], and [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] of his good intentions, Sparkplug felt that the paranoid, abusive Dualor would force them to join his cause, just as the Autobots and Decepticons had. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}}

Although Dualor's followers successfully repelled the first Decepticon incursion, a full-scale assault ended with the destruction of their moonbase; while many Mini-Cons boarded escape pods to Earth, Dualor, [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] fell into a triumphant Megatron's clutches. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11|Armada #11}} However, thanks to a cleverly integrated failsafe program, they were able to prevent Megatron from using their power against their will and allowed Dualor to strike a deal: they'd help him in exchange for a degree of leadership. {{storylink|Fire & Ice}} After their combined power drove Cyclonus insane, Megatron mused that he knew that the Mini-Cons would betray him as he retrieved them. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}}

[[File:Mini-cons.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gotta catch 'em all!]]

Fleeing the advance of a dimension-hopping [[Unicron]], the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] abandoned his native universe aboard a [[null-reality pod]] in the hopes of finding another dimension that could stand up to the planet-eater. He brought with him the [[Mini-Con Matrix]], an artifact into which all the Mini-Cons of his universe had placed their spark essences. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 13|Armada #13}} Upon arriving, he immediately set up a beacon which attracted the attention of [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s alike. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] arrived first but were shot down by [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], who attempted to claim Over-Run for himself, seeing him merely as another Mini-Con to be used for battle and not realizing his origins. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} After realizing Over-Run's true nature, he joined the Autobots as they tried to locate Optimus Prime, who'd been cast adrift in the [[multiverse]] by Over-Run's arrival. Upon rallying Sparkplug and a number of other Mini-Cons to break into the Decepticon's base and retrieve the pod, the Mini-Cons transported themselves to [[Primax 703.09 Gamma|another dimension]] and rescued Optimus and Jetfire moments before Unicron destroyed that reality's Cybertron. The Mini-Con Matrix powered up all five of their forms, allowing Optimus Prime and Jetfire to combine, while the Mini-Cons linked with them, and together they blasted Unicron hard enough to make him notice them before warping back to their universe. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

After bringing together all of [[Earth]]'s Mini-Cons, Over-Run led them through a space bridge portal to Cybertron, where they channeled all of their spark essences through the Mini-Con Matrix and destroyed Unicron. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====Cartoon continuity====
[[File:Prehistory-MiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|250px|It's time to battle, for a battle, 'till you drop.]]

Mini-Cons are unique "digital entities": while other Cybertronians comprised of [[living metal]] derive life and sentience from their individual [[spark]]s, Mini-Cons are entirely comprised of a unique form of self-sustaining energy known as a "[[Digital Entity Frame]]", Part soul, part genome, this inexhaustible power source dictates a Mini-Con's programming and physical appearance and allows them to physically alter an object's molecular structure or [[Powerlinx]] with larger Transformers. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}} If needed, a Mini-Con can enter a unique form of low-power [[stasis lock|stasis]] by dissipating their physical forms and converting back into pure energy stored within a tiny, nearly-indestructible "[[Mini-Con storage panel|storage panel]]". {{storylink|Prehistory}}

All Mini-Cons possess a "[[Servility Program]]" that compels them to imprint upon the "[[bulk]]" who activates them and obey their new partner, no matter how cruelly they might be treated. {{storylink|Linkage Part 5}} Although all Mini-Cons are creations of Unicron, "free" Mini-Cons who have developed the capacity for thought and free will are connected through a metaphysical dimension known as the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage]]. Without a physical form to ground them in the material world, they will diffuse into the sea of consciousness. The [[Master Key]] acts as a final failsafe; should a Mini-Con deviate from their original programming by connecting to the Linkage, they will lose access to their full power. {{storylink|Linkage Part 7}}

Although the vast majority of Mini-Cons spoke an indecipherable binary language, {{storylink|Force of Habit}} Mini-Cons can choose to form a mental link with other beings to allow for a more direct medium of communication. {{storylink|Linkage Part 2}}

{{--}}

=====''Armada'' cartoon=====
[[File:Drift-MiniConBirth.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Unicron created the Mini-Cons from his own cells, mindless drones who would agitate and amplify the civil war raging on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Once unleashed on Cybertron, the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s would battle for control of these power-enhancing "smart tools"; the negative psychic energy unleashed by the rampant death and destruction would indirectly fuel Unicron; once he'd gathered enough power, the Mini-Cons would incapacitate their partners and Unicron would fully awaken to consume Cybertron and eliminate his biggest obstacle to devouring all of existence. {{storylink|Origin}} Unicron invested a large portion of his power into three Mini-Con teams who combined into weapons: the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]], and the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. This not only made them weapons of unimaginable power and potent sources of energy, but also the key to awakening Unicron from his hibernation. {{storylink|Portent}}

A number of other Mini-Cons displayed unusual powers: some could [[combiner|combine]] to form a larger robot, {{storylink|Comrade}}, others could Powerlinx with and control inanimate machines like [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s trailer, {{storylink|Jungle}}, and one, [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], displayed the ability to manipulate time. Through this ability, three [[human]] children from the future--[[Rad White]], [[Carlos Lopez]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang]]—were sent to the Mini-Cons' birthing chamber inside [[Unicron]] just seconds before the small robots emerged from their pods. As the Mini-Cons had been designed to form mental bonds with other life forms, Rad's contact with a newborn High Wire caused the newborn race to develop free will, empathy, and the capacity for self-determination. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

[[File:Street action team.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Catch you, catch me.]]

At some point after this, the Mini-Cons emerged on Cybertron in the midst of the Autobot-Decepticon civil war. The Decepticons quickly discovered the power offered by Powerlinxing and began enslaving every Mini-Con they encountered; in response, a group of Mini-Cons [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] formed an alliance with the heroic Autobots and willingly shared their power with their partners. As the war dragged on, both sides realized the Mini-Cons had become the centerpiece of their conflict, and an agreement was made: the Mini-Cons would receive a [[Exodus (Armada)|ship]] that would let them leave Cybertron and find a new home somewhere else in the universe. To make the trip, the majority of Mini-Cons converted themselves into storage panels, leaving only a skeleton crew to pilot and maintain their ship. However, when the ''Exodus'' launched, the Decepticons ambushed the ship in an attempt to claim all the Mini-Cons, but the Autobots provided enough cover fire for the ship to safely warp out of Cybertronian space. {{storylink|Prehistory}} Unfortunately, the Decepticon attack and strain of passing through multiple [[warp gate]]s damaged the ship and sent it and its cargo drifting aimlessly through space for many millions of years until the ''Exodus'' finally collided with [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]] and broke apart. As half of the ship fell into Earth's atmosphere, emergency systems fired Mini-Con panels in every direction and scattered them across the planet. {{storylink|First Encounter}}

While most of the Mini-Cons remained hidden over the intervening millennia, an advanced ancient culture discovered the three Mini-Cons who formed the Star Saber; when they unleashed its power during a war with another nation, the energies unleashed sunk their city beneath the sea and gave rise to the legend of [[Atlantis]]. {{storylink|Ruin}} Another civilization in the [[Sahara]] discovered [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]]'s panel and built a temple around it. {{storylink|Palace}}

[[File:Origin-Unicrons.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Everybody Polkamon!]]

In the year [[2010]], Rad, Carlos, and Alexis discovered the wreckage of the ''Exodus'' buried beneath [[Lincoln, Nebraska]] and inadvertently activated a beacon that summoned both the Autobots and Decepticon to Earth in search of the newly reactivated Mini-Con panels. {{storylink|First Encounter}} {{storylink|Prehistory}} The two factions hunted Mini-Con after Mini-Con, but the three Mini-Con weapons eventually ended up in the hands of the Decepticons thanks to Unicron's servant [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] and the conflicted loyalties of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} They'd be used to power the Decepticon's planet-destroying [[Hydra Cannon]], which was only prevented from destroying Earth by Optimus Prime's sacrifice {{storylink| Threaten}}{{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}} By pooling their power with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the Autobot-allied Mini-Cons were capable of restoring Optimus to life. {{storylink|Miracle}}

When the Autobot and Decepticons found themselves under assault by Unicron's minion [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], the assembled Mini-Cons used their powers as a group to restore and empower their larger partners. {{storylink|Puppet}} When their creator finally reared his head to assault Cybertron, the Mini-Cons would merge into [[Unicron of Light|a giant doppelganger]] to face him. {{storylink|Union}} However, Unicron was able to temporarily reset the Mini-Cons and return them to their original mindless states, although the deep connection between the Rad and his Mini-Con friend High Wire permanently broke Unicron's hold over them. {{storylink|Origin}}

{{--}}

=====''Linkage'' comic=====
[[File:Arm-art Linkage01-UnderAttack.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

When humanity interfered with the newly born Mini-Cons at the moment of their creation and granted them something akin to a soul, not ''all'' the Mini-Cons were freed. A small number of Mini-Cons remained loyal to their creator and made it their mission to hunt down their "renegade" brethren—specially programmed [[Fixer Bug]]s forcibly Powerlinxed with their victims and cut them off from the Linkage by overwriting their core programming and reducing them back to a storage panel form. Once reactivated and released, the "new" Mini-Con would once again be a slave to Unicron. {{storylink|Linkage Part 5}}

In the modern day, Unicron loyalists [[Midship]] and [[Top Gear]] travelled to Earth to capture and reprogram the Mini-Cons recently loosed upon the planet. After forcibly recruiting [[Tailslide]] to their side, the trio pursued the recently reacitvated [[Super Stunt Team]], who'd recently taken shelter with the [[human]] [[Stella Holley]] after using their powers to hastily reconfigure her car into a weapon. {{storylink|Linkage Part 2}} In between trying to elude their Unicronian brethren activating other Mini-Cons, [[Redline]] began searching for a way to truly free his people, inspired by a vision of "the terrible one" while freeing [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]]'s spirit from the Linkage, he turned his attention to finding a way to unlock the [[Master Key]]: when Mini-Cons gained sentience and free will, Unicron's failsafe would activate and "lock away" much of their power. {{storylink|Linkage Part 8}}

[[File:Arm-art Linkage13-City.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

Thanks to obtaining scans of the Unicron-allied Mini-Cons, Redline devised an "evolution" device that would allow them to finally unlock the Master Key programming, break their Servility Programs, and awaken their true abilities. {{storylink|Linkage Part 9}} However, as they prepared for this momentous leap forward, the [[Aqua Raider Team]] unleashed the murderous, [[Doomstone]]-enhanced [[Ravenus]] on the free Mini-Cons; using his enhanced [[Powerlinx]] abilities, he forcibly Powerlinxed witih [[Twirl (Armada)|Twirl]] and [[Servo (Armada)|Servo]] with the intent of using this link to unleash the Doomstone's negative psychic energy into the Linkage and permanently return the Mini-Cons to their original state by destroying the Linkage. {{storylink|Linkage Part 10}} The upgraded Mini-Cons, now growing in number as the Master Key spread to all "free" Mini-Cons through the Linkage, used their new powers to reverse the mutations and return Ravenus to his original form, as well as safely remove the Doomstone from his body. Following this, the remaining Mini-Cons on Earth departed to meet up with the Autobots as they prepared for their battle against Unicron. {{storylink|Linkage Part 12}}

After Unicron's destruction, all of the Mini-Cons created [[Mini-Con city|a city]] somewhere on Earth, safe from the machinations of Unicron or the Decepticons, and extended an invitation to their friend Stella to join them. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13}}
{{--}}

=====''Cloud''=====
The existence of Mini-Cons as a great source of power was not known to the denizens of the [[Cloud World]] till the [[Starscream (Cloud)|Starscream]] of that world forced a pursuit into the [[spacetime]] known as 15-MD. The native [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] of that spacetime was seeking a Mini-Con when the Cloud Worlders arrived, and so Cloud Starscream joined his counterpart to find the Mini-Con in some [[South America]]n ruins. {{storylink|Encounter}} In the resulting battle that ensued between [[Optimus Prime (Cloud)|Optimus Prime]], [[Brawn (Cloud)|Brawn]], and the two Starscreams, the [[Mini-Con storage panel]] was destroyed by Cloud Starscream, angering everybody else involved. {{storylink|Hammer (Cloud)|Hammer}} However, the soul of the Mini-Con within the panel—[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]]—was able to contact [[SARA]], and the Cloud World entity was able to tap into the power of the Mini-Cons through incorporating this soul within her. Using the Mini-Cons' energy as a form of "[[spacetime energy]]", SARA was able to return all of the visitors to their home reality. {{storylink|Return}}

=====''Energon'' cartoon=====

Ten years after Unicron's defeat, most of the Mini-Cons had left Earth, although the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Team]] remained active in [[Ocean City]]. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} Later, the [[Energon Saber|Energon Saber Mini-Con Team]] fled [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] and [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]]'s attack on [[Mars City]], and used their combined form to great effect as [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] 's private weapon. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

{{--}}

=====''Cybertron'' cartoon=====
{{note|[[Fun Publications]] fiction has linked the ''Cybertron'' Mini-Cons, who otherwise had no real origin story in the cartoon, to the original group from ''Armada'' by implying that an ancestral population of Mini-Cons migrated to planets like [[Gigantion]], [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]], and [[Velocitron]] along with full-sized Cybertronian colonists. However, this does not fully line up with the fiction, as the Mini-Cons in ''Armada'' are explicitly shown appearing during the Autobot-Decepticon war, long after the collapse of the galactic [[space bridge]]s.}}

[[File:Scourge-BudMiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Aloha e komo mai.]]

During the war against the forces of [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]], the citizens of [[Gigantion]] used their [[Cyber Planet Key]] to grow to colossal sizes and emerged triumphant. However, the sudden size discrepancy left them unable to interact with many of the computers and delicate machines they utilized. Thus, the Mini-Cons who'd arrived with the original colonists found a new role as “little detail” workers who assisted their larger companions with the delicate tasks and intricate work they could no longer perform as they toiled away on their endless construction projects. As a result of these unique selective pressures, future generations of Mini-Cons would convergently evolve a brain structure similar to a [[human]]’s, which offered an increased capacity for creative thought and lateral thinking. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}} As on Cybertron, individual Cybertronians could Powerlinx and formed symbiotic partnerships with their larger comrades. {{storylink|Giant}}

The citizens of Gigantion built an entire Mini-Con scaled city to house these smaller workers in-between construction projects; to accommodate the unique, human-like needs of its citizens, it featured ample greenery, playgrounds, museums, and even an amusement park. In time, however, this city, like all the other cities created by the citizens of Gigantion, would be quietly abandoned and sealed over millennia. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}}

During the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis, [[Vector Prime]] brought [[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] and the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] to Earth, where they quickly befriended the human children [[Coby Hansen|Coby]], [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], and [[Lori Jiménez|Lori]]. {{storylink|Fallen (episode)|Fallen}} When the search for the four Cyber Planet Keys brought Optimus Prime and his allies to Gigantion, several Mini-Cons accompanied Bud to the lower levels of their homeworld, where [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] taught his human friend their history. {{storylink|Scourge (episode)|Scourge}}

After reaching the ''[[Lemuria (Cybertron)|Lemuria]]'' at the core of Giant Planet, Gigantion leader [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] was forced to fight the renegade [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]]. Their battle ended when their respective Mini-Cons [[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] and [[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] leapt in the way and forced the pair to come to a peaceful resolution. {{storylink|Optimus (episode)|Optimus}} After [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Galvatron]]’s final defeat, a number of Mini-Cons, both Cybertron and Gigantion, took part in the ceremony that marked the rebirth of the long-abandoned [[space bridge]] project. {{storylink|Beginning}}

{{--}}

=====''Cybertron'' comic=====
[[File:RevelationsPart5-MiniConCivilWar.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

By the time of the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis, most of the Mini-Cons living on Cybertron had relocated to Cybertron's moons, where they established a number of self-sufficient colonies under the governance of an appointed [[Mini-Con Council of Sages|Council of Sages]] who desired independence from both the Autobots and Decepticons. As the Singularity threatened to consume Cybertron and its myriad satellites, Council member [[Anti-Blaze]] began work on a self-sufficient evacuation fleet that would take every Mini-Con to the [[S-K System]]... only for [[Thrust (Cybertron)|Thrust]], agent of a group of Mini-Con insurgents, to destroy six stellar cycles of work in an hour. This opening salvo heralded the beginning of the [[Mini-Con Civil War]] between Anti-Blaze's independents and a group of malcontents led by the [[Sky Terror Mini-Con Team]] and abetted by the [[Decepticon]]s. Although Anti-Blaze quickly marshalled a fighting force and pushed the rebels back into a neighbouring asteroid field, {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 11|Anti-Blaze, Scythe, & Checkpoint's profile in Club magazine #11}} rumours of a Decepticon superweapon prompted Anti-Blaze to swallow his pride and contact Cybertron for help. {{storylink|Revelations Part 4}}

Aided by a dimension-hopping [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Sentinel Maximus]], the remaining Autobots on Cybertron took the fight to the insurgents; the brief war came to a swift end shortly afterwards, when a reborn [[Unicron]] arrived on the battlefield and killed many of the rebel Mini-Cons while absorbing the life forces of their Decepticon partners. After Primus's reactivation and the subsequent closure of the Unicron Singularity, [[Alpha Trion (Energon)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] promised to assist Anti-Blaze in hunting down the remaining Mini-Con separatists. {{storylink|Revelations Part 6}} After the fall of the Sky Terror Team, [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]] assisted in mopping up the remainder of the rebels. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 12|Street Action Team's profile in Club magazine #12}}
{{--}}

=====''Timelines''=====
[[File:Astrotrain-CybComic.jpg|thumb|left|200px]]

A hidden arsenal on [[Combatron (planet)|Combatron]] housed many of the most dangerous weapons known to Cybertronians, including several Mini-Con storage panels. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

The Powerlinx process involved a data transfer protocol; through this, a full-sized Cybertronian could obtain information from one or more Mini-Cons by linking with their data banks and reading their memories. The Powerlinx process could also prove extremely addictive, {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}} to the point where some Cybertronians who'd completely succumbed to their addiction would force unwilling Mini-Cons to bond with them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18}} A few 'bots like [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] would turn a mere partnership into a true symbiosis by undergoing a [[binary bonding]] process that physically merged the two together into a single shared robot form. {{storylink|Force of Habit}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/18}}

In the years after Unicron's second defeat, some Mini-Cons switched over to speaking [[Cybertronian Standard]] to facilitate communication with their larger partners, {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}} although by this time some Cybertronians eschewed Mini-Cons and [[Energon star|energon chip]]s in favour of the more reliable [[Cyber Key]]s. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

{{--}}

====Panini ''Armada'' comic====
[[File:CounterStrike MirageCaptured.jpg|thumb|right|300px|They'll trip you up, give you a flat tire, or make your socks go missing in the dryer.]]

The war on Cybertron began with a series of Decepticon raids upon the planet's Mini-Con villages. Decepticons found ways to forcibly re-engineer the Mini-Cons so that they would power-link with unwilling partners. Although the Autobots rose up to fight back, some Mini-Cons viewed both sides with distrust—on one occasion, the Mini-Con separatist Dualor engineered a phony crisis that would wipe out both Optimus Prime and Megatron, but [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] warned Optimus of the ruse and foiled his plan. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Counter-Strike!}} Eventually, Sparkplug and most of the remaining free Mini-Cons departed Cybertron aboard a spaceship, which later crashed on Earth's moon and scattered multiple Mini-Cons across Earth. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

In [[1959]], the United States military chanced across the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]], who'd they found buried underneath [[Los Angeles]]. The top-secret [[Extra-Terrestrial Response Division]] made an effort to understand the aliens, and later used [[inhibitor clamp]]s to turn them into mindless weapons, but the trio overrode the clamps, went rogue, and escaped to the nearby town of [[Stillwater]] before the ETRD recaptured their assets, but not before the team passed along a message to local human [[Amos Hume]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Blast from the Past!}} Fifty years later, Rad White and his friends chanced across the crashed spaceship and triggered a planetary reactivation beacon that reached Cybertron. {{storylink|First Encounter!}}

[[File:FriendsAndFoes-MiniCons.jpg|thumb|left|300px|From the stars and the ancient past; they come to play, but they'll never last.]]

As the Autobots and Decepticons arrived to locate the lost Mini-Cons, Sparkplug and his allies initially declined to choose a side in the war, but later joined forces with Optimus and his troops. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}} Despite the misgivings of both the humans and the Mini-Cons, Optimus Prime later decided to send the Mini-Cons back through a [[space bridge]] to Cybertron for safekeeping, but when they stood their ground against a Decepticon attack Optimus let them stay. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}} Although Sparkplug, [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] tried to free the Decepticon Mini-Cons, they found that Leader-1 and his compatriots were quite happy to serve the Decepticons. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|Into the Lions' Den}} Other Mini-Cons like the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]] were quite happy to remain independent from the war, {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|Devices and Desires!}} but later found themselves captured by the ETRD and learned what had befallen their brethren in the Land Military Team. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 5|'We Are Not Alone!'}} The team eventually crashed an ETRD auction and rescued their fellow Mini-Cons with the assistance of Rad and Amos. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|Sale of the Century!}}

In the meantime, Optimus and his forces rescued a number of dormant Mini-Cons from Megatron on the moon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}} [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] later tried to force the Air Defense team to form the mighty Star Sabre by deactivating their personality chips, but without their individual personalities to modulate the sword's power Starscream nearly lost control of his weapon. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|[The Two-Edged Blade!}} Later, Optimus pretended to surrender the Mini-Cons in exchange for amnesty; {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}after his successful doublecross, the Mini-Cons adrift aboard a [[solar barge]] rescued themselves from [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Lost in Space!}} Dualor and the other members of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], seeking vengeance against ''all'' Cybertronians, Powerlinxed with Cyclonus and overrode his own motor functions until Starscream used a [[Sonic destabiliser]] to forcibly disengage the Powerlinx. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 9|Dawn of Destruction!}}

====Reader's Digest ''Armada'' novels====
Four million years ago, the Mini-Cons found themselves caught in the middle of the Autobot-Decepticon war, which came to a head when the Mini-Cons were gathered in a giant orbiting storage facility as the ultimate prize. However, after the destruction of Cybertron's moon, both sides called a truce and sent the Mini-Cons away aboard a starship. To keep the Mini-Cons from being used by other alien races, their ship included a [[warp gate]] that would teleport representatives from both the Autobots and Decepticons should the need arise. However, gathering the Mini-Cons together had an unexpected side effect; their collective intelligence grew, and they developed feelings of independence and solidarity. By the time that their ship crashed on the Moon, the Mini-Cons' existence became a half-forgotten legend amongst the other Transformers as war reignited between the two factions; when humans discovered the Mini-Cons, the warp gate brought Cybertronians to Earth to continue their battle. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Battle Begins|The Battle Begins}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
In one reality, many thousands of years after their return to Cybertron, the Mini-Cons remembered and honoured the generosity of their long-dead human friends by celebrating [[Halloween]]. {{storylink|Something Robotic This Way Comes}}

In another universe, the Mini-Con [[QuickFire]] brought his comatose partner [[Riptide (Armada)|Riptide]] to Earth to recover. While Riptide's body and mind healed, Quickfire, who transformed into Riptide's engine block, could remotely control his larger partner's alternate mode. {{storylink|Lonesome Diesel}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
In a unique variation of {{w|Batesian mimicry}}, a number of Mini-Cons have adopted the names of particularly powerful or dangerous Cybertronians in an attempt to intimidate those who might otherwise capture them. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/15}}

In universe [[Aurex 1104.30-DB Zeta]], [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] reverse-engineered [[combiner]] technology and applied it to a number of Mini-Cons. The upgrade changed them into [[Micromaster]]s, an entirely new breed of Transformer; with six beings Powerlinxing together, they packed tremendous energy into a frame no larger than the average Cybertronian. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 31/7/2015}}

The Mini-Cons of [[Aurex 304.0 Epsilon]] were creations of [[Primacron]], and sparked a three-way war between the Autobots, Decepticons, and [[Omnicon]]s until [[Megazarak (Universe)|Megazarak]] and the [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]]s invaded. From this conquest, Megazarak acquried [[Caliburn (Armada)|Caliburn]] as his personal Mini-Con. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/11}}

In [[Aurex 1104.30-JH Zeta]], time-travelling [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s fought the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] for control of the Mini-Cons hidden on Earth. Although some Mini-Cons willingly joined forces with the Beast Warriors, others remained neutral. The conflict ended with [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and his followers rescuing all the Mini-Cons in [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s custody. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 8, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/13}} Another parallel-universe iteration of the Beast Wars in [[Aurex 615.03 Epsilon]] had the Mini-Con crews of the ''[[Hyperion (Armada)|Hyperion]]'' and ''[[Doomsday]]'' journey to [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]]'s [[Alpha Q's universe|universe]] to provide reinforcements. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/23}}

[[Vector Prime]] observed the many similarities between Mini-Cons, [[Micromaster]]s, and [[Cyberdroid]]s, and noted that, due to [[trans-dimensional harmonic resonance]], a Mini-Con might have identical counterparts who belonged to one of these other groups in other universal clusters, while small Autobots like [[Minimus Ambus]] had Mini-Con, Micromaster, and Cyberdroid counterparts elsewhere in the [[multiverse]]. More than once, Vector opined that the distinction between the three subgroups boiled down to linguistics—in his opinion, different realities used different names to describe the same core concept. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/20}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/07}}

====Spacewarp's Log====
Early in her career, [[Spacewarp]] spent her time searching for a rumoured "lost tribe" of Mini-Cons who'd fled the war and established a colony somewhere in the vicinity of the planet [[Tasumo|Tasmos]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime|Spacewarp's Log (1), 2015/10/30}}

===Generation 1 continuity family===
====3H comics====
[[Ramulus]] sardonically compared the timid [[CatSCAN]] to an "apologetic Mini-Con". {{storylink|Betrayal}}

====''Classics''====
[[File:Lastautobotnewworld.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

In the aftermath of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]'s devastating attack on Cybertron in [[1991]], [[Hi-Q]] and a group of humans discovered the mythical [[Last Autobot]] and roused him from his slumber. Although the Last Autobot realized that his power would be needed elsewhere, he recognized that Cybertron had suffered severe damage and created a race of stewards who would gradually rebuild Cybertron and nurse the wounded world back to health. Using data acquired from the [[binary bonding|binary-bonded]] fusion of Hi-Q and the rebuilt [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Action Master]] body, he created the Mini-Cons, and imbued each with a fragment of his own [[spark]] so that they could access his own formidable powers. [[Modus Prime]], the first Mini-Con created, became the leader of this new race. {{storylink|The New World}}

An explosion at a [[nucleon]] processing plant mutated the full-sized [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]] [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] into a Mini-Con form. Despite his dramatic loss in physical size, he enjoyed his new form's speed and accuracy. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 18|Swoop's profile in Club magazine #18}}

Over the next fifteen years, the Mini-Cons worked to repair Cybertron, in anticipation of the day when all Cybertronians could return home; in addition to rebuilding the planet's infrastructure, the Mini-Cons waged a brutal extermination campaign against the [[Demon]]s and [[Mutant (G1)|Mutant]]s who dwelt in the planet's labyrinthine underlevels. However, as their work neared completion, a number of Mini-Cons began questioning their appointed roles after one Mini-Con, [[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]], discovered the Decepticon philosophy; after more than a decade of waging war against Primus's discarded experiments, he grew fearful that Primus would cast ''them'' aside too. In the name of preserving the world they'd built for Mini-Cons and Mini-Cons alone, Broadside orchestrated the assassination of Modus Prime, silenced anyone who'd seen the crime, and lied about a fabricated "madness plague" to justify the quarantine of Cybertron. However, news of Broadside's role in the murder soon spread, and before long Cybertron collapsed back into a new civil war between Broadside's rogue faction and the loyalists. {{storylink|The New World}}

{{--}}

====Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity====
[[File:LegendsVol19-Groundshaker.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
The Mini-Cons of this universe are a sub-set of the diminutive [[Micromaster]]s. When most of the Micromaster population fell under the command of [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] to found their own civilization on [[Micro|Planet Micro]], some elected to remain with the Autobots to help them continue the war. These little 'bots partnered up with larger Transformers, adopting weapon and equipment [[alternate mode]]s (in addition to their vehicular forms) which their partners could wield. Like the Mini-Cons from other universes, they provide their partners with a power-up by connecting to them when in weapon mode. Some of the earliest known include [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] and [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s partners [[Groundshaker (Legends)|Groundshaker]] and [[Phaser (G1)|Phaser]]. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter|Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter}}

Evidence suggests that Mini-Cons would persist into the [[Beast Era]]: the enigmatic [[Wedge Shape]], as well as several of the combatants involved in the "[[Micron Booster#Micron Booster Ver. 4: Endless Battle—Eternal Prisoner|Eternal Prisoner]]" conflict, professed [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] allegiances. {{storylink|Micron Booster|Micron Booster Ver. 4}} Additionally, Mini-Con [[Dragoyell]] took part in the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]]. {{storylink|Dragoyell|Dragoyell's bio}}
{{--}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
[[File:ThePermanentRevolution-toocooltoenunciate.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

After the conclusion of the [[First Cybertronian Civil War]], [[Micronus Prime]] left Cybertron aboard the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] [[Prion (Titan)|Prion]] and together they colonized a [[Prion (planet)|distant world]]. {{storylink|White Heat}} Using the [[Hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] within his body, Prion birthed a civilization of Mini-Cons. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}} Approximately seven million years ago, Micronus left the colony to fend for itself while he retreated into a unique sub-atomic realm known as [[Microspace]]. {{storylink|Crisis Intervention}}

In the 21st century, the peaceful planet met its end when the robo-phobic [[Black Block Consortia]] discovered and promptly sterilized the planet. The sole survivor, a female four-changer named [[Nickel]], joined up with the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] when they chanced across the ruined world a few days after the attack. {{storylink|The Permanent Revolution}}

When the Transformers first encountered the [[Stentarian]] species, they mistook the tiny [[Ammonite]]s for miniature Decepticons, and [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] nicknamed them "Minicons". {{storylink|Little Victories}}

===Fun Publications ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] referred to his Micromaster partner [[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]] as his "Mini-Con", short for "mini-Decepticon". {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|Whisper's profile in Club magazine #25}}

{{--}}

===Live-action film series===
[[File:HeavyweightvsAutotrooper-CMW.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Mini-Cons are a mysterious group of small Transformers. Known Mini-Cons include [[Longarm (Movie Mini-Con)|Longarm]], [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]], [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], [[Chopster]], and [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]].

In a reality where [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] won the battle of [[Chicago]], he recruited a trio of Mini-Cons that included [[Boombox]], Scalpel, and [[Heavyweight]]. {{storylink|Cybertron's Most Wanted}} The whole lot of them were transported to [[Axiom Nexus]] when Megatron plummeted off a space bridge after a battle against [[Hot Rod (DOTM)|Rodimus Prime]]. Though Heavyweight and the other Mini-Cons were identified by the TransTechs, they overlooked Megatron himself, believing his truck mode to simply be a derelict heap. {{storylink|Megatron (Movie)#TransTech|BotCon 2015 Megatron bio card}}

{{--}}

===''Power Core Combiners''===
[[Commander (PCC)|Commander]]s had the ability to combine with Mini-Cons, which powered up their abilities in vaguely defined ways.<ref>[[Smolder (PCC)|Smolder]]'s bio, [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]]'s bio, [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]]'s bio, and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]]'s bio.</ref> Some power ups are given more specific descriptions: [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] became faster, stronger, and smarter; [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]] got extended operational duration; [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] became invisible to sensors; and [[Darkstream]] received enhanced maneuverability.<ref>See respective toy bios.</ref>

{{--}}

===''Animated''===
[[File:TheStunticonJob-Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

The Autobots used Mini-Cons to guard high-security prison facilities like [[Trypticon Prison]] in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]]. {{storylink|The Stunti-Con Job}} Although Mini-Cons were supposedly loyal to the Autobot regime, a few cynics like [[Sideswipe (Animated)|Sideswipe]] had their doubts. {{storylink|The AllSpark Almanac Addendum}}

{{--}}

===Aligned continuity family===
[[File:Deployer DarknessRising3.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

'''Mini-Cons''' (sometimes spelled '''Minicons''') are a race of small, human-sized Transformers who inhabit Cybertron's two moons. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}} Descendants of [[Micronus Prime]], the first Mini-Con,<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011-hasbro-story-building-panel-172316/ TFW coverage of Botcon 2011 Hasbro Story Building Panel]</ref> they come in a great variety of shapes; though some adopt humanoid forms, others possess animalistic [[beast mode]]s instead.

In these realities, the majority of Mini-Cons do not Powerlinx with larger Transformers, and only Mini-Cons who have been specifically altered at the [[CNA|genetic level]] can utilize a variation of this power. Instead, Mini-Cons who form partnerships with the Autobots or Decepticons adopt specialized [[alternate mode]]s that allow them to interlock with their larger partners to form an additional layer of armor. These specialized "[[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer]]s", as they are known, can be summoned into action by their larger partner, whereupon they detach and transform back into their robot configurations. By the time of Cybertron's restoration following the end of the war, such Mini-Cons are subdivided into three groups: Autobot "buzzsaws," Decepticon "torpedoes," and unaligned "Cyclones," who have spherical alternate modes. {{storylink|Knock, Knock!}}

{{--}}

====Aligned novels====
Although some Cybertronians displayed prejudice against Minicons—[[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]] despised them, while [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Orion Pax]] associated them with distrust—they nevertheless had a political presence in the pre-war era, with representative [[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]] serving on the planet's [[Autobot High Council|High Council]]. Minicons could choose to communicate with other Cybertronians, but while conducting espionage or sabotage missions they usually communicated via a series of tightly coded electronic pulses.

During the buildup to the planet's Great War, the nascent Decepticon movement made extensive use of Minicons in various terrorist acts: thirty-six Decepticon-allied Minicons bombed the [[Six Lasers Over Cybertron]] amusement park, and another destroyed [[Fort Scyk]]. A number of Mini-Cons attended the fateful meeting of the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]] that saw Orion Pax promoted to the rank of [[Prime (rank)|Prime]].

When war broke out in earnest, a pair of Autobot-allied Minicon saboteurs stole the secrets of Decepticon [[combiner]] technology, which allowed the Autobots to create [[Defensor (WFC)|Defensor]]. Multiple Decepticon Minicons served aboard the [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] facility during the final battle before the exodus to [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus|Exodus}}

====Cartoon continuity====
=====''Prime'' cartoon=====
[[File:DeusExMachina AMT-Party.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Did you bring hummus?]]

{{note|The Arms Micron backstory was told specifically in reference to the "partner" Microns packed in with larger toys, but it is assumed that it holds true for all toys called "Arms Microns" regardless of release type.}}

A new group of Mini-Cons were created on [[Earth]] when the planet's energon infused the Transformers' weapons with life and the power to transform. These new robots became known as the [[Arms Micron]]s. {{storylink|Arms Micron Theater}}

{{--}}

=====2015 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon=====
[[File:HuntingSeason Mini-Cons.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

During the Great War, Decepticon scientists captured and genetically modified seven Mini-Cons into "[[Weaponizer (RID)|Weaponizer]]s", an aberrant group of Mini-Cons who could transform into weapons and override the motor functions of the Transformers who Powerlinxed with them. Anyone who could Powerlinx with all seven at once would become even stronger than even a [[Prime (rank)|Prime]]. {{storylink|Mini-Con Madness (RID)|Mini-Con Madness}} {{storylink|Worthy}} The project was incomplete when Megatron dissolved the Decepticons, and [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] discovered their stasis-locked bodies in the depths of [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]] while fleeing [[Skylynx (Prime)|Skylynx]] and [[Darksteel (Prime)|Darksteel]]. Before he could turn them to his own ends, however, the Weaponizers escaped and fell in with the [[Scavengers (RID)|Scavengers]] to take them somewhere off Cybertron before Starscream could find them. {{storylink|Mini-Con Madness (RID)|Mini-Con Madness}}

Another group of Mini-Cons, known as [[Caretaker Mini-Con|Caretaker]]s, appear to have been mass-produced through some unknown process. While some members of this group, including those found aboard a wrecked spaceship from the Great War, acted like pre-programmed [[drone]]s, {{storylink|Deep Trouble (RID)|Deep Trouble}} the [[Autobot High Council]] considered them self-sufficient to the point where they could autonomously run large prison ships such as the ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]''. Some of these Caretakers, most prominently [[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]], possessed the capability for free will and independent thought, but reverted to a mindless "sentry mode" when [[Denny Clay]] tampered with his internal workings. {{storylink|The Trouble with Fixit}} When the ''Alchemor'' crashed on Earth, the freed Decepticon prisoners revolted and enslaved the Mini-Cons. When the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]] arrived to take the ship, they joined in overthrowing their captors and eventually returned to Cybertron. {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Decepticon Island (Part 2)}}

[[File:MightyBigTrouble-Weaponizers.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

Shortly after this, the Weaponizers arrived on Earth, pursued by Starscream and a number of rogue agents; after clashing with the Scavengers a few times, the Weaponizers sided with the Autobots. Starscream attempted to merge with the Mini-Cons, only for it to fail because [[Tricerashot]] was missing, but even after obtaining the power of all seven Fixit was able to activate a signal and separate [[Aerobolt]]. Aerobolt Powerlinxed with Optimus, and gave the Autobot leader the last boost of power he needed to destroy the super-powered Starscream. Afterwards, Aerobolt and his fellow Mini-Cons left Earth aboard the Scavenger's sub-orbital ship to find a new planet where they could live in peace. {{storylink|Worthy}}

The [[Autobot High Council|Cybertronian High Council]] experimented on the Mini-Cons [[Stuntwing]], [[Trickout]], [[Goldgear]], and [[Hi-Test (RID)|Hi-Test]]; in addition to erasing their memories, they also received the power to upgrade Transformers through Powerlinxing and open [[GroundBridge]]s to the [[Shadowzone (dimension)|Shadowzone]] in order to assist Soundwave in his escape. {{storylink|Collateral Damage}}

{{--}}

=====''Rescue Bots'' cartoon=====
[[File:TheNeedForSpeed Bounce.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Back against the wall, you gonna give it your all.]]

After escaping the prison ship ''[[Alchemor (RID)|Alchemor]]'', the rogue Mini-Con [[Bounce]] fled through the [[Bee Team (RID)|Bee Team]]'s [[GroundBridge]] and made a mess of [[Griffin Rock]] until [[Blurr (Prime)|Blurr]] and [[Sideswipe (RID)|Sideswipe]] recaptured him. {{storylink|The Need for Speed}}

{{--}}

===''TransTech''===
The first dimensionally-displaced Mini-Cons to arrive in the city of [[Axiom Nexus]] were misidentified as [[Micromaster]]s until the discovery of the [[Aurex]] cluster. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}} During the "Mass Reemergence", numerous Mini-Cons in the Aurex Cluster suddenly appeared on the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s' scanners. These Mini-Cons became pawns in the Autobot-Decepticon war and eventually attracted [[Unicron]], who sought to use them to make himself more powerful. Howeve,r the Mini-Cons combined their power to single-handedly defeat Unicron, and an unlikely peace prevailed when the Mini-Cons demanded to be left alone. The [[Transcendent Technomorph]] [[Heinrad (TransTech)|Heinrad]] emerged into this Aurex universe and offered the Mini-Cons a choice: stay and help the Autobot-Decepticon war effort, or leave to live in peace in [[Axiom Nexus]]. Most chose the latter option. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}}

Upon arriving in Axiom Nexus, many Mini-Cons who hailed from "Alpha" universal clusters, where Mini-Cons spoke their own unique language, failed the [[Ambus Test]] used to gauge the sentience of mechanical beings. Eventually, the Mini-Con [[Sprite]], native of a "Gamma" universe in which Mini-Cons spoke intelligibly, campaigned for increased awareness of Mini-Con rights. Thanks to her efforts, the Ambus Test was subsequently phased out and replaced with the more inclusive [[Turtler Test]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}}

Mini-Cons who hailed from [[Aurex 906.29 Alpha]] were known for their crude humor. {{storylink|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News Reporter|Andromeda - Axiom Nexus News, 2016/05/04}}

==Toys==
[[File:Armada Blackout toy.jpg|thumb|Blackout Powerlinxing with Demolishor]]
:Mini-Con toys debuted as the signature element of the ''Armada'' franchise, bringing the "micro [[play pattern]]" back to ''Transformers'' after many years' absence. Much like ''Armada'' itself, the Mini-Cons proved to be a smash hit with fans and kids, and Hasbro scrambled to include them in the subsequent franchises.

:Most Mini-Cons stand around 2" tall, roughly the same size as their [[Micromaster]] predecessors. Most Mini-Cons are considerably more complex, as well; unlike Micromasters, there's no single dominant transformation scheme. With dozens of molds, Mini-Cons cover a wide range of articulation, size, [[alternate mode]]s, and complexity. Aesthetically, their facial designs tend toward the unorthodox.

:Each Mini-Con includes one or more [[Powerlinx]] ports somewhere on their body, a [[5 mm post|5mm]] round peg-slot that allows them to be attached to any "[[Bulk]]" figure with a corresponding Powerlinx peg. These pegs were standard-issue on the larger, original-mold ''Armada'' toys, where at least one such peg could be used to activate various gimmicks on each large figure. Toys from subsequent franchises have featured Powerlinx pegs only as a static feature. Due to the center-peg of the Powerlinx port, they are incompatible with normal 5mm posts. Later Mini-Cons (starting with the ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' series) would sometimes have 5mm holes without the "signature" center-peg.

{{note|Because of the overwhelming number of Mini-Con redecos—we're talking well into the hundreds—the following list is of unique first-use ''molds'' only. For a full list of Mini-cons, including the redecos, see [[Armada (toyline)]].}}

===''Armada''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Adventure Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]] (dune buggy), [[Iceberg]] (snowcat), [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]] (jeep)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (Concorde jet), [[Runway (Armada)|Runway]] (supersonic bomber), [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (space shuttle)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (cargo jet), [[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (recon jet), [[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (stealth bomber)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Destruction Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (excavator), [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (mining vehicle), [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] (tank)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Emergency Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (fire engine), [[Makeshift (Armada)|Makeshift]] (VTOL plane), [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] (police cruiser)}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (missile transport), [[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (armored personnel carrier), [[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (tracked missile platform)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Race Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (rally SUV), [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (Le Mans racer), [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (Indy racer)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Sea Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Oceanglide]] (solar-powered boat), [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (speedboat), [[Waterlog (Armada)|Waterlog]] (hovercraft)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Space Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Astroscope]] (space station), [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] (rocket transporter), [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] (rocket)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (skateboard), [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (dirtbike), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (motor scooter)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (sportscar), [[Oval]] (sportscar), [[Spiral]] (sportscar)}}
|[[File:Armada airmilitaryteam toys.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Air Military Mini-Con Team]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super Optimus Prime]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (partner: [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Hot Shot]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Liftor]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Supercon Optimus Prime]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (partner: [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (partner: [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] (partner: [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (partner: [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Refute (Armada)|Refute]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] (partner: [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]])}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (partner: [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (partner: [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (partner: [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (partner: [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] (partner: [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]] (partner: [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thunderclash (Armada)|Thunderclash]] (partner: [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]] (partner: [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] (partner: [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]])}}
|
[[File:Armada Leader1 toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Leader-1, with wider hips than were entirely necessary.]]
</ul>
|}

===''Legends of the Microns''===
[[File:Armadatoy unicron of light.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Unicron of Light]]
*'''Hikari no Unicron''' (campaign prize item)
**''Accessories:'' Chest missile, 6 leg missiles

: The "[[Unicron of Light]]" toy is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] in an emerald, light green, blue, and white color-scheme. This Unicron was the prize for a lucky-draw contest in Japan.
{{-}}

===''Energon''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Energon Saber]] Team''': [[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (Concorde), [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (space shuttle), [[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (supersonic bomber)}}
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (hoverboard), [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (motorbike), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (four-wheeler)}}
|[[File:Energon saber.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|The Energon Saber]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Other'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Kicker/Highwire 2-pack}}
|[[File:Energon Kicker HighWire toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Kicker with High Wire]]
</ul>
|}

===''Cybertron''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Drill Bit (Cybertron)|Drill Bit]] (partner: [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Stripmine]] (partner: [[Quickmix (Cybertron)|Quickmix]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Heavy Load (Cybertron)|Heavy Load]] (partner: [[Menasor (Cybertron)|Menasor]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Safeguard (Cybertron)|Safeguard]] (partner: [[Vector Prime]])}}
|
[[File:Cyb-toy HeavyLoad.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Menasor's partner Heavy Load]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''3-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Recon Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]] (helicopter), [[Six-Speed (Cybertron)|Six-Speed]] (LeMans race car), [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]] (pickup truck)}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]]''': [[Deepdive (Cybertron)|Deepdive]] (submarine), [[Longarm (Cybertron)|Longarm]] (double-crane truck), [[Overcast (Cybertron)|Overcast]] (military cargo plane)}}
|
[[File:Cyb-toy SixSpeed Kabaya.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Kabaya Six-Speed]]
</ul>
|}

===''Classics''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Demolition Team]]''': [[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]], [[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]], [[Wideload (Classics)|Wideload]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Dinobot (Classics)|Dinobots]]''': [[Knockdown (Classics)|Knockdown]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Terrorsaur (Classics)|Terrorsaur]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Night Rescue Team]]''': [[Divebomb (Classics)|Divebomb]], [[Firebot (Classics)|Firebot]], [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|'''[[Clear Skies Team]]''': [[Nightscream (Classics)|Nightscream]], [[Steel Wind]], [[Thunderwing (Classics)|Thunderwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Dirt Digger Team]]''': [[Dirt Rocket (Classics)|Dirt Rocket]], [[Grindor (Classics)|Grindor]], [[Oil Slick (Classics)|Oil Slick]]}}
{{Bp-d1|'''[[Predator Attack Team]]''': [[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]], [[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]], [[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]]}}
|[[File:TFC Clear Sky.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Clear Skies Team]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Star Wars Transformers''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*[[TIE Fighter]]s (partner: [[Darth Vader]])
|[[File:SWTIE Fighter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|TIE Fighters]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Universe .282008.29|Hot Shot]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Nightstick (G1)|Nightstick]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys|Cyclonus]])}}
|
[[File:UniverseHotShotJolt.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.4|Jolt with Hot Shot]]
</ul>
|}
{{note|Nightstick, despite being a [[Nebulan]] [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]], is oddly identified as a Mini-Con on the "Battle in Space" packaging.}}
{{-}}

===''Power Core Combiners''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Airlift (PCC)|Airlift]] (partner: [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Backwind]] (partner: [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Caliburst (PCC)|Caliburst]] (partner: [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw]] (partner: [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Chopster]] (partner: [[Smolder (PCC)|Smolder]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundspike]] (partner: [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pinpoint]] (partner: [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Throttler]] (partner: [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Waterlog (PCC)|Waterlog]] (partner: [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]])}}
|
[[File:PCC-toy Chopster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Chopster (with Smolder)]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Prime''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Laserbeak (WFC)|Laserbeak]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ravage (WFC)|Ravage]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
|[[File:Primetoy-HasbroTakaraTomy-Laserbeaks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Laserbeak with Soundwave]]
</ul>
|}
{{note|Neither Laserbeak or Ravage were branded as Mini-Cons on-package, with Ravage instead being referred to as a "mini-figure".}}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Arms Microns'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Arc]] (Partner: [[Arcee (WFC)|Arcee]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Arcee Blade]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[B.B.]] (Partner: [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Baro]] (Partner: [[Skywarp (WFC)|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (WFC)|Thundercracker]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[B.H.]] (Partner: [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bido]] (Partner: [[Shockwave (WFC)|Shockwave]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bogu]] (Partner: [[Unicron]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bulkhead Knuckle]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Bumblebee Sword]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[C.L.]] (Partner: [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dado (Prime)|Dado]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dago]] (Partner: [[Frenzy (WFC)|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (WFC)|Rumble]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dobo]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Giza (Prime)|Giza]] (Partner: [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Gobu]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Gora]] (Partner: [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Guru]] (Partner: [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hades]] (Partner: [[Megatron (WFC)|Darkness Megatron]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ida]] (Partner: [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Igu]] (Partner: [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Iro]] (Partner: [[Ironhide (WFC)|Ironhide]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jaze]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Jida]] (Partner: [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Jigu]] (Partner: [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[L.P.]] (Partner: [[Lio Convoy]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Magi]] (Partner: [[Silas|Silas Breakdown]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron Cannon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Noji]] (Partner: [[Vehicon (Prime)|Jet Vehicon]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[O.P.]] (Partner: [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime Blaster]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ozu (Prime)|Ozu]] (Partner: [[Wildrider (Prime)|Wildrider]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Pral]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[R.A.]] (Partner: [[Ratchet (WFC)|Ratchet]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ratchet Spanner]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[S.S.]] (Partner: [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sou]] (Partner: [[Swerve (Prime)|Swerve]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ulma]] (Partner: [[Ultra Magnus (WFC)|Ultra Magnus]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wheeljack Kunai]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Wuji]] (Partner: [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Zado]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Zori]] (Partner: [[Soundwave (WFC)|Soundwave]])}}
|[[File:Prime-toy OP.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|O.P.]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''3-pack team molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-mc|'''[[Mini-Con Assault Team]]''': [[Heavytread (Generations)|Heavytread]], [[Runway (Generations)|Runway]], [[Windshear]]}}
|[[File:Generationstoy-TakaraTomy-Centuritron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Centuritron and the Mini-Con Assault Team]]
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===''Robots in Disguise'' (2015)===
{{stub|All the new Minicon toys, plus partners/enemies must be included}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Individual Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Aerobolt]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Bashbreaker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Beastbox (RID)|Beastbox]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Back|Decepticon Back]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Anvil (RID)|Decepticon Anvil]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bludgeon (RID 2015)|Decepticon Bludgeon]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Divebomb (RID)|Divebomb]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Dragonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Glacius]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Lancelon]]}}
|
|width="40%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Major Mayhem]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ransack (RID Mini-Con)|Ransack]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ratbat (WFC)|Ratbat]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sandsting]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sawback]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sawtooth (RID)|Sawtooth]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Slipstream (RID)|Slipstream]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tricerashot]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Velocirazor]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Windstrike]]}}
|
[[File:Slipstream RID 2015 toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Slipstream]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Cons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jetstorm (RID)|Jetstorm]] (Partner: [[Drift (RID)|Drift]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Airazor (RID)|Airazor]] (Partner: [[Fracture (RID)|Fracture]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hammer (RID)|Decepticon Hammer]] (Partner: [[Crazybolt (RID)|Crazybolt]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Backtrack (RID)|Backtrack]] (Partner: [[Overload (RID)|Overload]])}}
|[[File:RID15-toy Backtrack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Overload's partner Backtrack]]
</ul>
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Other'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fixit (RID)|Fixit]] (One Step Changer)}}
{{Bp-a1|Fixit (Legion Class)}}
|[[File:2015 RID One-Step Fixit.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|One-Step Fixit]]
</ul>
|}

===''Legacy''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="40%" valign="top"|'''Partner Mini-Con molds'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Jolt (Armada)#Legacy|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#LegacyPowerlinx|Powerlinx Hot Shot]])}}
|
</ul>
|}
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===''Attacktix''===
[[File:AttacktixMiniConS1.jpg||thumb|Goooood.]]
*'''Mini-Con''' (Booster, 2006)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF01
|faction=Autobot
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback - 4/26 (15%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

: The first assortment of Transformers ''[[Attacktix]]'' figures included a "generic" Mini-Con, based on [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]]. Each Mini-Con figure has 3 points of articulation, including waist and shoulders; however, their shoulders move together due to their gun. One of the shortest, most squat ''Attacktix'' figures, the Mini-Con is very stable despite its small base.

:Its Special Power, "Attackback", allows a free move and attack for any of your in-play Autobot pieces. Mini-Con is an excellent support figure for [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], whose "Shootback" power allows up to three Mini-Cons to make a free attack.

{{-}}
[[File:AttackitxMiniConS2.jpg||thumb|Eeeevil.]]
*'''Minicon''' (Booster, 2007)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF03
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

:An as-yet unreleased redeco of the ''Attacktix'' "Minicon" (''sic'') piece is set for the second series' Booster Packs, though this time as a Decepticon-aligned piece. It features a color scheme not on any incarnation of the actual [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]/Skyboom toy, but wouldn't that be neat? The exact details of its Attackback special power are as yet unknown.

: This piece was later characterized as "[[Bunker-Buster]]" in the members-only portion of the [[Fun Publications]] [[Transformers Collectors' Club]] website.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Why are they called Mini-Cons, with a "con" as in Decepticons? According to [[Aaron Archer]], the thought just didn't occur to Hasbro!<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Mini-Bot was too generic, for sure... I don't think we thought of it that deep! The way you just described it, I don't think we realized that maybe we should have considered that nomenclature?|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNgWvNmMJfE&t=1894s|name=Aaron Archer|site=The Toy Armada|year=2021|month=12|day=14}}</ref>
*During the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line, the term "Mini-Con" was also the name of a [[size class]] which consisted of three-packs of small toys (which were also individually referred to as "Mini-Cons"). Other size classes from the ''Armada'' line were named "Super-Con", "Max-Con" and "Giga-Con". However, the name "Mini-Con" was the only one actually used in the corresponding fiction. In the toyline, it was ''also'' used for other small figures of the same size that were available as companion figures with the larger toys. Due to its use in fiction, the name was also carried over into subsequent lines such as ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', and was used as (part of) the name of a price point again in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, the "Mini-Con Class" consisting of two-packs. The later ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' toyline returned to the original three-pack style.
* Perceptor, the Star Saber, the Skyboom Shield and the Requiem Blaster were the earliest Mini-Con products developed, with a common combining play-pattern, before the decision was made to pack an individual Mini-Con in with each larger robot.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The idea that they combined was an early idea, and I think they combined with almost those forms too! Takara had those in 2D concept when we were going over different things. Because we did the Requiem Blaster, the [Skyboom] Shield, Star Saber and Perceptor here—we did all those at the same time. We wanted to turn three of the Mini-Cons into a combining robot, and then that could be another type of protector for the kids as well.|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2iKv7DrL4&t=2217s|name=Aaron Archer|site=The Toy Armada|year=2022|month=10|day=25}}</ref> These toys ended up being split across the first three waves of the line.
* There have been a number of characters or toys that either have Powerlinx "catcher" ports but are not Mini-Cons, or are recolored from Mini-Con molds (often even having the molded-in faction symbol) but who are nonetheless, according to their associated bios or fiction, not actually Mini-Cons. These include ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Caliburn (Universe)|Caliburn]]; ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)|Laserbeak]]; the [[Search and Destroy Robot]]; and the ''[[Transformers United EX|United EX]]'' [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] partners [[Spanner (United)|Spanner]], [[Firebug (United)|Firebug]], [[Groundbreak (United)|Groundbreak]], [[Deduce (United)|Deduce]], [[Wheezel (United)|Wheezel]], and [[Rotorbolt (United)|Rotorbolt]].
**Conversely, the ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (franchise)|Rescue Bots]]'' [[Transformers: Rescue Bots (toyline)|toyline]] credits [[Servo (RB)|Servo]] as a Mini-Con, while in the actual television show he's merely referred to as a "Cybertronian Helper Bot".
*Hasbro and Takara's design departments originally conceived the [[Omnicon]]s and [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] as being "evolved" forms of the ''Armada'' Mini-Cons. Takara's marketing department, the only people directly talking to [[We've]], completely ignored this, so the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]] established an entirely different backstory for the group.<ref name="ichikawa">{{citesocial|link=http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/43847f79db724831|name=Hirofumi Ichikawa|site=alt.toys.transformers|quote=One of the most useful pieces of background info was that the Omnicons and Terrorcons were evolved Mini-Cons. At that point, which was just before SUPER LINK started airing, I had a discussion with We've in which I asked them, "Would it be okay if I drew several Mini-Cons in the final episode of 'Linkage' in their evolved state as Omnicons or Terrorcons?" Surprisingly, though, they knew nothing about this background info and had already created their own explanation for the origin for the Omnicons. Apparently, in the meetings between the anime production staff and Takara, the only people attending from Takara were from the Marketing Department, so none of the ideas or requests from the Development Deparment people were conveyed.|year=2004|month=11|day=20}}</ref> A vestige of this idea ''may'' have persisted into [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)|Energon]]'' comic, which depicts the Omnicons inhabiting the former Mini-Con villages, and features a scene in which the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] describes them as the product of an artificially-induced "evolutionary step". However, the comic never explicitly confirms that they ''are'' evolved Mini-Cons, so draw your own conclusions. Fun Publications would later canonise the idea for the pack-in comics continuity with [[Armada Volume 5|''Armada'' Volume 5]].
* A proposed episode of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'''s [[Transformers Animated season 4|unproduced fourth season]] would've focused on the Mini-Cons, who nominally ran Trypticon Prison, running amok in [[Detroit]] after Megatron teleported the prison complex to [[Earth]]. Another episode, concieved as a broad spoof of ''{{w|Gulliver's Travels}}'', would've seen [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] transported to a planet of Mini-Cons that worshipped him as a god.
*In [[Beast Wars: Uprising]] many Mini-Cons were reinterpreted as [[Micromaster]]s and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], probably in reference to how the line between the concepts has blurred substantially over the years. This happened exclusively to those with vehicle modes, any Mini-Con [[Beast mode|beastformers]] were instead [[Maximal]]s or [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] in this continuity.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Micron''' (マイクロン ''Maikuron''), '''Mini-Con''' (ミニコン ''Minikon'')
*''Dutch:'' '''Miniteam'''
*''French:'' '''Minican''' (France, cartoon dub), '''Minimodus''' (Canada and France, toys)
*''Korean:'' '''Micron''' (마이크론 ''Maikeuron'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Mínǐ Jīn'gāng''' (迷你金刚, "Mini Vajra")
*''Spanish:'' '''Minimodus'''

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Beast Wars species]]
[[Category:Classics species]]
[[Category:Cybertron species]]
[[Category:Energon franchise]]
[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 factions]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons| ]]
[[Category:Unicron]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron subgroups]]

Tigertrack

2023-10-09T23:23:37Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Notes */

{{faction|autobot}}
:''Tigertrack is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Japanese cartoon]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Tigertrack-card.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|I must order you because God told me to.]]
A fierce and dedicated sentry, '''Tigertrack''' (タイガートラック ''Taigātorakku'') patrols Autobot installations with unmatched vigilance. His incredibly acute sensor packages enable him to spot approaching enemies through extreme low-visibility conditions, and can even see through camouflage screens and other optical illusions. Combined with powerful weapons and blazing speed, Tigertrack is one tough bot to get past!<ref>''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' Tigertrack bio card</ref>

==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[File:Controverse TigertrackStripes.jpg|thumb|left|150px]]
====''Legends'' comic====
In the late 1980s, Tigertrack and [[Stripes]] tried to protect the [[Transform Super Cog]] in the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' from being stolen by the [[Decepticon]]s, but the [[Battlecharger]]s were able to snatch it from right under their noses. {{Storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}}

====Controverse====
In early [[2011]], as the trial of [[Primacron]] approached, Tigertrack and Stripes remained on guard outside the [[Galactic Court]]. Tigertrack's advanced sensor package detected multiple anomalies and suspicious attendees arriving for the trial. The subtle attack he was expecting never came. Instead, the Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] did a bombing run on the walkways while [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] made a door in his own unique style. {{storylink|Controverse}}

====''Generations Selects Special Comic''====
In 2011, [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] attempted to reform himself out of the bodies of his disciples. Tigertrack was present with Autobot and Decepticon alike fighting to stop him. {{storylink|Super Megatron comic 1}}

===''TransTech''===
Tigertrack was one of countless "offworlders" residing in [[Axiom Nexus]]. {{storylink|Gone Too Far}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
[[File:G1tigertrack toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Sideswipe's Sunstreaker cosplay.]]
*'''Tigertrack''' (November [[2003]])
**''ID number:'' '''90'''
**''Accessories'': [[lazer homing SAM launcher]], [[electron pulse gun]], 3 [[missile]]s
:A mail-away [[exclusive]] through issue 60 of ''[[Figure Ō]]'' magazine, Tigertrack is a [[redeco]] of the original [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe]] toy, transforming into a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|Lamborghini Countach LP500S]], with a color scheme based on the yellow version of the original ''[[Diaclone]]'' "New Countach LP500S" toy. As he was released only in Japan, his spring-loaded missile launcher is fully operational. Several factory-applied decals on the original version were replaced by painted [[tampograph]]s, like his headlamps.

:Pre-orders for this toy closed on [[December 20]] of [[2002]].

:The base mold is also used for [[Clampdown (G1)#Toys|Clampdown]], [[Deep Cover#Toys|Deep Cover]], and [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Red Alert]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/Tigertrack/tigertrack.htm More information on Tigertrack at TFU.info]''
{{G1SideswipeRedAlertMold}}
{{--}}

===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:Masterpiece-MP12TTigertrack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Seen here without his insignia sticker for maximum ''[[Diaclone]]'' goodness!]]
*'''Tigertrack''' (July [[2013]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-12T'''
**''Accessories:'' lazer homing SAM launcher, electron pulse gun, two screw driver pile drivers
:Exclusive to [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2013 and [[TakaraTomy Mall]], ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' Tigertrack is a redeco of [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-12 Lambor]], while using the face of [[Red Alert (G1)#Masterpiece|MP-14 Alert]], Lambor's [[retool]]. He transforms into a licensed Lamborghini Countach LP500S, and even features a Lamborghini-supervised paint scheme, such as glossy yellow [[Paint operation|paint]] covering the ''entirety'' of his vehicle mode panels and robot shoulders, various bits of black detailing to make it accurate to the real-life vehicle, as well as some toy-accurate paint details on his feet. Standing at around 6 1/4 inches (or 15 1/2 centimeters) from head to toe in robot mode, he is also in [[scale]] with MP-10 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10|Optimus Prime]], and can fit inside [[Combat Deck (G1)#MP10|Prime's trailer]] in vehicle mode. In contrast to larger entries in this line, Tigertrack lacks [[die-cast]] parts, and his tires are cast in hard, non-rubberized plastic.

: For accessories, he comes with his hand-held electron pulse gun, and his non-firing Lazer homing SAM launcher, which is jointed at the peg to allow it to pivot up and down, and can mount on either shoulder in robot mode. Both his launcher and gun can be combined and mounted on a self-covering peg-hole on his vehicle roof/robot back. He also comes with a pair of "screw drivers", which can snap onto the ends of his forearms when either hand is flipped in, and are based on the jackhammer-like pistons Sideswipe uses in "[[Dinobot Island, Part 2]]".

: Tigertrack also comes with two differently-sized, customer-applied [[insignia]] [[sticker]]s for his hood-chest. He comes in a shiny monochrome box with monochrome [[instructions]], both of which have detail on the history of this obscure character.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/MPTigertrack/tigertrack.htm More information on ''Masterpiece'' Tigertrack at TFU.info]''
{{MP12Mold}}
{{--}}

===''Generations Selects''===
[[File:GS-toy Tigertrack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Studio Series|Hot Rod needn't have worried.]]]]
*'''Autobot Tigertrack''' (Deluxe Class, [[2020]])
**''Series'': '''''War for Cybertron: Earthrise'''''
**''ID number'': '''WFC-GS18'''
**''Accessories:'' missile launcher, missile, electron pulse blaster
:A ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' add-on to ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'', Tigertrack is a redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Sideswipe]], transforming from robot to Cybertronian car and back. He includes three weapons compatible with the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]]: Sideswipe's (non-firing) missile launcher and missile, and [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Red Alert]]'s gun. Tigertrack also features multiple hardpoints all over himself and his weapons to accommodate "Fire Blasts" from the [[Battle Master]]s assortment, which can be used to simulate blaster fire or explosions.

:Interestingly, the [[Hasbro Pulse]] write-up for the toy explicitly references the 2013 Masterpiece figure as the inspiration for the toy, rather than the 2003 Figure Ō mail-away release.

:Tigertrack was made available for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse on [[June 26]], 2020, and was shipped out in early November.
{{WFCSiegeSideswipeMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Tigertrack's coloration is based on the [[Pre-Transformer|pre-''Transformers'']] ''Diaclone'' toy that would be redecoed into [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] but, during pre-production of the original ''Transformers'' line, said toy was originally intended for ''[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]'' (then named "[[Spin-Out (G1)|Spinout]]"). The Lamborghini brothers evidently [[Sideswipe (G1)#Notes|swapped molds]] later in development, but not before Sideswipe's ''[[The Transformers Universe]]'' bio was written, describing him with several features of the other toy. Tigertrack's "Electron Pulse Gun" takes its name from a handheld weapon mentioned in Sunstreaker's ''Universe'' profile, and given that the [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|original Sunstreaker mold]] doesn't ''include'' such a weapon, it was almost certainly a designation for the [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe toy's]] otherwise-unnamed rifle. It's funny how circularly that worked out.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://tfsource.com/blog/2013/07/30/who-is-tigertrack-part-2/ TFSource history article on Tigertrack]

[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Japanese-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Security officers]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Autobots]]

Redeco

2023-10-09T21:34:57Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Foreign names */

{{disambig2|'''toys''' sharing a physical model|'''characters''' sharing a physical model|Body-type}}
[[File:G1catalog84-DecepticonPlanes-Redeco.jpg|upright=2|thumb|It may be a surprise to some that these three toys are actually the same toy but in three different color schemes!]]
A '''redeco''', or recolor, is a toy which uses the same [[mold]]s as a previously-released toy, but has been reproduced with different plastic colors and/or different paint applications. A redeco can either be officially marketed as the same [[character]] in different colors or as a different character. A redeco uses exactly the same tools or molds as the original toy. If any changes have been made, even something as simple as giving the toy a different head or additional pegs for locking body parts into place, it is more properly categorized as a [[retool]].

For example: the first three [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]], and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]], are redecos while the second year Seekers [[Dirge (G1)/toys|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)/toys|Ramjet]], and [[Thrust (G1)/toys|Thrust]] are retools of the same base mold.

The term "[[repaint]]" is also in wide use among fans as a synonym for "redeco". "Redeco", however, is the term used by the people on [[Hasbro]]'s ''Transformers'' team. Additionally, the term "repaint" is technically wrong* in almost all instances of a same-mold-new-colors toy, as typically more than the paint applications are changed when a toy is redecoed.

*Don't worry, you won't be burned at the stake for calling redecos "repaints". Still, we use the proper term for this wiki.

==Why redecos?==
[[File:Encoreratchetemergencygreen.jpg|left|upright=1.35|thumb|Some people just don't know when to stop.]]
The single most expensive step in making a Transformers toy is making the steel-cut [[mold]]s required to hold then cool molten plastic. Add to this the salaries of the designers and engineers, and there is a very considerable expense involved in making a single new-mold toy. Many of these development expenses are not involved in making a redeco, giving the company a chance to make a larger profit on a single mold and put more product on the shelves with a smaller investment.

Another reason is that the toy market moves far, far faster today than it did when the line first started. Retailers do not like product to linger, and shipping older toys in new assortments can give the impression that some items simply do not sell. (Of course, [[Shelfwarmer|some don't anyway]], but that's beside the point.) With this much shorter sales window in mind, companies use redecoes to keep molds in use longer (to help make back the money spent in development plus a worthwhile profit), and oftentimes keep popular characters still in circulation while maintaining a "fresh" look on the shelves, making the retailers happy. [[Retool]]s have a much longer development lead time than redecoes, even for small parts. It may not cost much more to give a reused mold a new robot mode head, but timing concerns may be the deciding factor in choosing to redeco the old one.<ref>[http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=11518 Hasbro Q&A at cybertron.ca]</ref>

Members of the [[Hasbro]] Transformers team have repeatedly pointed out that they never expected anyone to ''buy'' all the redecoes made; [[Aaron Archer]] was apparently baffled by the premise.
{{-}}

==Redecos as exclusives==
[[Image:OTFCC04toy-Megazarak.jpg|right|upright=1.2|thumb|[[OTFCC 2004]] [[Megazarak (Universe)#Toys|Megazarak]] is a redeco of a toy available at mass retail.]]
Most [[exclusive]] toys, be they for conventions<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/50ee7c561e688de7/50b5edb5139f83a1?lnk=st&&rnum=7&hl=en#50b5edb5139f83a1 Tengu explains why convention toys aren't new molds, alt.toys.transformers post archived on Google]</ref> or stores, are redecoes and [[retool]]s of previously-released toys. With just one exception, all exclusives that used previously-unreleased molds are toys that had been developed for normal retail but were temporarily in "limbo" when their intended toylines were ended. The one exception, [[Swerve (Chevy)|Aveo Swerve]], was a new mold produced for a gigantic multinational corporation.

The simple reason for this is, again, cost; making the steel molds is prohibitively expensive, as well as the engineering and so forth. Because most exclusives are produced in numbers far less than a normal retail toy, there are fewer units to amortize what production costs ''do'' remain, which means the toys must either sell for more to cover costs and make a worthwhile profit, or the profit margin per item must be reduced, or even both at once.

While it is certainly not outside the realm of possibility that a major retail chain might get a new-mold toy as an exclusive (as they can move thousands and thousands of units nationwide over several months), the odds of a convention getting one are almost nonexistent due to these cost considerations, as the production runs of these toys rarely reach far beyond 1000. At most, therefore, one can expect a few retools of select parts from a toy, often a new-mold robot mode head.
{{-}}

=="Virtual" redecoes==
[[File:Mayhem suppression squad.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.35|Guess how many of these toys existed when this comic was published. Now half that.]]
While character model re-use has been a cost-cutting staple of the brand since its inception, a peculiar, fantastically nerdy trend began to materialize in [[Transformers Timelines (franchise)|collector-oriented fiction]] around the turn of the 2010s: slavishly toy accurate art of existing molds, but with decoes that did not exist on real toys. These "virtual" redecoes can have many motives, from "backdoor pilots" for future exclusives, to [[customizing|customizer]] bait, to a simple game of I Spy for [[TFWiki.Net|huge nerds]].

Some prominent sources of virtual redecoes include:
*[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|''Shattered Glass'']]
*''[[Beast Wars: Uprising|Beast Wars: Uprising]]''
*''[[GoBots]]'', somehow
*''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Legends]]''
*The [[Precursor World continuity|Precursor World]]
*The [[Cybertron Satellite]] promotional campaign
{{-}}

==Popular redeco themes==
[[File:Bruticus redecos.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|Not [[knockoff]]s.....]]
Redecos can be marketed either as the same [[character]] in different colors, or as a different character. For both versions, some recurring themes have been established between Hasbro and Takara.

*[[Black repaint|Black redecoes]] - commonly used for "stealth" forms and evil clones.
*Clear redecoes - sometimes inspired by specific character abilities or plots (such as Generation 1 [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage's]] invisibility or [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] as a ghost).
*"Fire"-themed redecoes - often representing a power-enhanced version of a character (such as the "Fire Guts" version of [[Ginrai (robot)|God Ginrai]] or the "Super" redeco of [[Side Burn (RID)#Super|Side Burn]]).
*Metallic redecoes - particularly gold or silver [[vacuum metallizing|chromed]]. These are often used for [[Lucky Draw figure]]s.
*[[Homage]] redecoes - designed to resemble a previous (often [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]) character. This is particularly prevalent with [[Constructicon (G1)|construction vehicles]] and [[Dinobot (G1)|dinosaurs]].
{{-}}

==Popular redeco characters==
[[File:Class06-toy Skywarp.jpg|right|upright=1.45|thumb|[[Skywarp (disambiguation)|Skywarp]] is usually redecoed from [[Starscream (disambiguation)|Starscream]].]]
Some toys of a certain character are frequently designed to be redecoed as one or more other characters (with or without various levels of retooling). Some of those different-character redeco themes are directly rooted in [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]], while others are indirectly inspired by Generation 1, and still others are more recent additions to the Transformers lore. Some well-known examples include:
*[[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] into [[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]], [[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]] and [[Motormaster (disambiguation)|Motormaster]].
*[[Megatron (disambiguation)|Megatron]] into [[Galvatron (disambiguation)|Galvatron]].
*[[Soundwave (disambiguation)|Soundwave]] into [[Blaster (disambiguation)|Blaster]].
*[[Bumblebee (disambiguation)|Bumblebee]] into [[Cliffjumper (disambiguation)|Cliffjumper]].
*[[Seeker (body-type)|The Seekers]].
*[[Prowl (disambiguation)|Prowl]], [[Bluestreak (disambiguation)|Bluestreak]], [[Smokescreen (disambiguation)|Smokescreen]], and [[Barricade (disambiguation)|Barricade]].
*[[Rumble (disambiguation)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (disambiguation)|Frenzy]].
*[[Ironhide (disambiguation)|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (disambiguation)|Ratchet]].
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]], and [[Red Alert (G1)/toys|Red Alert]].
*[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]] [[Tigatron|into]] [[Cataclysm (BW)|various]] [[Ravage (G1)/toys|other]] [[CatSCAN|cats]].

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Redeco''' (リデコ ''Rideko'')
*''Chinese'': '''重涂'''（Chong Tu）

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
*[[Repaint]]
*[[Retool]]
*[[Gang-molding]]
*[[Mold]]
*[[Paint operation]]
*[[Body-type]]

[[Category:Toys]]

Roughstuff

2023-10-03T21:14:25Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Toys */

{{factions|decepticon|ascenticon}}
:''Roughstuff is a [[Decepticon]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[File:G1Roughstuff MTMTE.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|Give him your purse, or he'll shoot you.]]

'''Roughstuff''' is the poster-child for "trigger-happy". (Actually, [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]] is the poster-child for "trigger-happy", but Roughstuff can be the poster-nephew, or something.) At the slightest hint of a target, he'll fire. "Verifying the target" and "aiming" are for sissy-bots. In a rare sign of wisdom, his superiors have transferred him very far from the front lines. This has just made him even more hungry for things to shoot at.<ref>''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' #5</ref>

When he doesn't have a gun in his hands, Roughstuff unsurprisingly fits the bill for "dumb muscle" and can hold down a job as a bouncer at local watering holes on Cybertron.

==Fiction==
===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
Roughstuff, like most Micromasters, was created by the Autobots and Decepticons in a joint venture several million years ago to increase manpower. During the training period, he was one of several Micros who respected the hot shot named [[Barricade (G1)|Runner, aka Barricade]], and apparently joined up with the Decepticon cause after the [[Meltdown Riots]]. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}} Sometime later, he was acting as a bouncer in [[Little Iacon]], checking Micros before they were allowed into the bar. {{storylink|The Gray Race}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Rise of the Decepticons: Tremors|''Transformers'' #21]]}}
[[File:WarWorldHunt RoughstuffSwindle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right]]
Roughstuff had the unenviable task of transporting the most unstable members of [[the Rise]] (which included [[Rage (G1)|Rage]], [[Quake (G1)|Quake]], [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Fangry (G1)|Fangry]], and [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]]) to a new remote base to keep them out of trouble. Then a groundquake opened up a fissure that he and his convoy fell into. Then Triggerhappy shot him for no reason. Sucks to be Roughstuff. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Tremors|Tremors}}

Roughstuff was later getting repaired by [[Flatline (G1)|Flatline]] while in the carrier with [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] before a mob of Ascenticon supporters attacked the carrier. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Prisoners|Prisoners}} Then he got sprung from the clink by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] and recruited as a henchman for the guy. Sucks less to be Roughstuff. {{storylink|War World: Hunt|Hunt}}

Roughstuff got along fine with the staff of [[Swindle's]], doing muscle and intimidation work. He did get a little uncomfortable around [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], who was obsessed with [[mentor]]s and his own failings as one. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Swindle's II|Swindle's II}}

Swindle started to question Roughstuff's value as an employee, though. Roughstuff allowed the non-aligned [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] into the club after Iacon became a Decepticons-only town, giving little resistance as a bouncer. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part One}} Roughstuff escorted the regulars out of the bar when Swindle had to close up early to pay back a favor to [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]. However, the Autobot brought incredible heat down on Swindle's trying to smuggle the prisoner [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] out through the underground network. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Two}} [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] and the [[Ascenticon Guard|Decepticon Guard]] laid siege to Swindle's to apprehend the Autobots. Roughstuff saw which way the wind was blowing, turning in his resignation and turning Swindle himself over to Sixshot for making deals behind their backs. {{storylink|Darkness, Once Gazed Upon: Part Three}}

[[File:WarsEndPartOne GutcruncherRoughstuff.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|left]]
Roughstuff took the badge and became an official Decepticon. He was placed on guard duty with [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]], swapping stories with his predecessor about how Swindle came up with ways to avoid paying both of them. However, they ended up being the latest in Decepticon guards who failed to keep Cyclonus from going where he wanted. {{storylink|War's End Part One}} With growing concerns being raised about the return of [[Exarchon]], Sixshot took Roughstuff and other Decepticons out into the [[Sonic Canyons]] to follow the reports. They found members of the Rise willingly working with the Threefold Spark. {{storylink|War's End Part Two}} They formed an uneasy alliance with [[Pyra Magna]]'s squad of Autobots, deeming Exarchon the greater threat. The Threefold Spark was beaten, leaving Roughstuff and the Decepticons to return to Megatron with the newly arrived [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. {{storylink|War's End Part Four}}

{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{picsneeded|The toy on its own}}
[[File:G1-Zone-toy Roughstuff-MissileBull.jpg|thumb|upright=1.95|After [[Rescue Roy (1-2-3)|the red stuff and the wet stuff]], the little-known third element of cyber-roshambo.]]
*'''Roughstuff''' (Micromaster Transport, 1989)
**''Accessories'': "[[Military transport]]" trailer, double missile turret, 2 missiles

: ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Roughstuff transforms into a green and blue military truck cab of undetermined, possibly made-up model. The truck tows the [[military transport]] trailer/jet which looks like... a folded up jet, rather than a trailer transporting some kind of missile launcher. Roughstuff's robot mode is unusual in that nearly his entire vehicle mode is on his back. He also has the distinction of being one of the few (If any!) Micromasters that can look down. The trailer turns into a weird jet thing. Roughstuff can sit in the rear area of the vehicle, behind a handle bar.

: This toy was sold in Japan as the [[Autobot]] [[Missile Bull]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Decepticon/Roughstuff/roughstuff.htm More information on Roughstuff at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''European:'' '''Tornado'''
*''French:'' '''Convoi''' (France, "Convoy"), '''Brutus''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Tornado'''

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Defense specialists]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]

Flattop (G1)

2023-10-03T21:14:14Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Toys */

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the Decepticon Micromaster|the UK Autobot|Flattop (Autobot)}}
:''Flattop is a [[Decepticon]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Flattop boxart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Did his legs get cut off?]]
The scourge of the seven seas, '''Flattop''' sinks everything he encounters while fantasising about floating on a sea of burning [[Autobot]] fuel.

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
Flattop was clearly notorious, as the Autobots built [[Flattop (Autobot)|their own copy, also called Flattop]]! It's not a gaffe! {{storylink|...Perchance to Dream|#255's Dread Tidings}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
Flattop's days are spent on long-term solo missions, flying sorties from his [[Platonix|aircraft carrier]] and searching for targets (e.g., Autobots, fishing vessels, whales, fellow [[Decepticon]]s he doesn't particularly like). When he finds one, he sets the carrier to attack on automatic, and then strafes from another direction. In the evenings he dreams of swimming in a sea of burning fuel and charred Autobot remains. Ah, simple pleasures. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|Flattop's ''More than Meets the Eye'' profile}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Flattop commanded the carrier ''[[Platonix]]'' on behalf of [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]] and the Builders' Navy in the battle of the [[Rust Sea|Great Rust Sea]] at the [[Yuss Straits]]. When the subsea element of the Navy was overwhelmed by the Resistance due to their Beast Upgrades, one of the surviving Micromasters tried to clamber aboard the ''Platonix'', but Flattop accidentally shot him before realizing friend from foe. Caught between a Resistance battleship above, and unknown dangers below, Flattop chose to abandon his post rather than remain, and converted his carrier to aerial mode to flee. {{Storylink|Derailment}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{picsneeded|The toy on its own}}
[[File:G1-Zone-toy FlattopCarrier-Skywave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.9|A jet that rides a jet... what?]]
*'''Flattop''' (Micromaster Transport, [[1989]])
**''Accessories:'' 2 "[[laser cannon]]s"
:Flattop transforms into a purple-and-gray F4 Phantom fighter jet. He has functional landing gear wheels in the rear, but a peg in place of the front landing gear for use with two holes on the deck. Flattop is unusual for a [[Micromaster Transport]] in that he is not a "towing" vehicle with a large trailer accessory, but a fully-independent vehicle on his own with a fully-independent, non-towed [[Platonix|aircraft carrier]] Transport. Unlike the other three transports, Flattop is drastically out of scale with his own transport, his jet cockpit almost being larger than the aircraft carrier's entire command tower.

:The carrier vehicle transforms into an "interstellar jet"; Flattop can either clip into the cockpit area while standing or sit inside.

:This toy was released in Japan without changes as the Autobot [[Skywave]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Decepticon/Flattop/flattop.htm More information on Flattop at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''French:'' '''L'Invincible''' (France, "The Invincible"), '''Platonix''' (Canada)
*''Italian:'' '''Turbojet'''

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Sea specialists]]

Overload (G1)

2023-10-03T21:14:00Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Toys */

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Overload}}
:''Overload is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:G1Overload MTMTE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|KAPOW!!!]]
'''Overload''' gazed too long into the abyss. His desire to be the best battlefield tactician led to an obsessive interest in understanding how [[Decepticon]]s think. His superiors decided this was unhealthy. (Given [[Starscream (G1)|how most Decepticons think]], they probably decided it was unhealthy for ''themselves.'') Overload was thus reassigned to the transport division.<ref>''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye]]'' #4</ref> Despite this non-combat posting, he'll often break away from cargo-hauling missions to join the battlefield and use his hard-won tactical genius on the front lines.<ref>On-package bio</ref>

==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Zone'' story pages====
When the ocean-covered world of [[Wall]] was attacked by [[King Poseidon|Oceanic Fish General King Poseidon]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Dinosaur General Trypticon]], [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]] charged into battle, but was quickly overwhelmed. Luckily, the four commanders, Overload, [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], [[Missile Bull]], and [[Skywave]] arrived to save him. Commanding the [[Off Road Patrol|Off Road]], [[Jet Patrol Team|Jet]], and [[Race Car Patrol]] Teams, they arrived in time to save the drowning citizens of Wall, rescue Victory Saber and beat back the [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 3}}

====''Legends'' comic====
In 2038, Overload was on [[Micro|Zone]] when it was invaded by the forces of [[Violengiguar]] and [[Dark Nova|Unicron Neo]]. Along with a number of fellow Micromasters, he swarmed the possessed body of [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]], distracting the Decepticon spirit inside until heavier weaponry could be brought to the battlefield. {{storylink|The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 4: LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One|LG-EX Big Powered Prologue Part One}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] once told [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] a story about Overload, but his name was misheard as "[[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]" by nearby security cameras programmed to listen out for anyone mentioning said name. {{storylink|Remembrance Day}}

==Commercials==
Overload was included in an army of Micromaster Autobots who swarmed and overwhelmed a [[Zarak Maximus|Giant Decepticon Soldier]]. He was also part of a vast Micromaster city/society that could fit in the palm of [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s hand. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Micromaster transports|Micromaster transports commercial}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}{{anchor|Zone}}
{{picsneeded|The toy on its own}}
[[File:G1-toy Overload.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Transforms from truck to deadly Battle Toboggan™!]]
*'''Overload''' (Micromaster Transport, 1989)
**''Takara ID number'': '''C-337'''
**''Accessories'': Trailer/jet

: ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Overload transforms into a blue semi cab pulling a grey and red [[car carrier trailer]]. Overall, the colour scheme is quite similar to that of the ''[[Diaclone]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#MoviePreview|Powered Convoy]] toy that was later [[redeco]]ed into Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Ultra Magnus]]. The similarities continue, as Overload's robot mode bears more than a passing resemblance to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], whilst his trailer even includes the iconic stripe down the side, albeit as a molded detail rather than a decal. The ramp/gate at the back of the trailer folds down, allowing one to transport up to two smaller Micromasters inside, and two more on the top deck. The trailer unfolds into a jet which Overload can ride in the back of.

: The Overload toy was sold in Japan a year later as ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' "Roadjet". This Takara release replaces the black paint on the truck grill with silver, but is otherwise identical to the Hasbro release.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Overload/overload.htm More information on Overload at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Kre-O''===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Mini-Con Combiners, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Bazooka, [[Phaser (weapon)|phaser]], Uzi, scoped pistol, [[Klingon]] blaster

:"Mini-Con Combiner"' Optimus Prime comes with one standard Kreon and four ''Cityville''-style mini-Kreons of the same character, each one a different incarnation from various franchises. With some extra parts, the mini-Kreons become limbs to make a larger combiner-bot.

: Two of his limbs are based on ''Armada'' Optimus Prime; one "normal" (Inferno helmet), one pre-[[Earth]]-body (Knock Out helmet). The main torso-bot is based on Generation 1 Optimus's original body. Another limb-bot is based on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action Optimus]] (Soundwave helmet), and the remaining one (Ironhide helmet)... is apparently based on Overload, who looks suitably concerned to be there! We don't know, folks. We just report this stuff.

:[https://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=400&size=1&image=29 First shown at New York Toy Fair 2015], the Mini-Con Combiners were apparently cancelled without fanfare... a decision that must have come late in the day, as they went on to star in their own promotional animation, "[[Stuck in a Tree]]", released about eight months after the trade show.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Roadjet''' (ロードジェット ''Rōdojetto'')
*''French:'' '''Surchargé'''
*''Italian:'' '''Bomber'''

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

Erector (G1)

2023-10-03T21:13:39Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Toys */

{{factions|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot from Generation 1|the Autobot from ''Animated''|Erector (Animated)}}
:''Erector (giggle) is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:G1Erector MTMTE.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Maybe I should form a support group with [[Heave]] and [[Discharge (G1)|Discharge]].]]

'''Erector''' is horrified by the destruction of war, and goes out of his way to construct battle plans that minimize loss of life and collateral damage. Indeed, he will sometimes put himself at risk to save beautiful buildings or scenery. As a result, his fellow Autobots respect his reticence, not least because of his immense durability and strength. They also admire the cunning plans he uses to trap Decepticons without gunfire (many of them involving his trailer's hydraulic crane, which can throw 'Cons into the next county). As a construction engineer, he specializes in fortifications.<ref>''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' #2</ref>

{{bigquote|Everyone loses if there's nothing to win.|Erector's [[bio]] quote}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====''Transformers Comic-Magazin''====
When the Decepticons attempted to take control of a submarine transporting plutonium rods, Erector and his mini-base were one of the Autobots assets transported to the scene using a cargo ship. {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 13|The Energon Trap}}

====''Regeneration One''====
[[File:Clar macro jungle war to end all wars.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
After twenty-one years of peace, the resurrected Decepticon [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] returned to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and infected most of the Autobots with a [[Gene Key]] that turned them into Decepticons. Having undergone this process, Erector assisted Scorponok and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] in creating a planet-scale version of the Gene Key in the [[Sonic Canyons]]. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part Four}} Having recovered, Erector joined the [[Construction Patrol]] and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] in building the [[Nebulos|Nebulan]] end of the [[space bridge]] network in the [[Clar Macro-jungle]]. This probably didn't end well, thanks to the [[Dark Matrix]] creature tainting [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] and taking control of the space bridge network. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 1}}

====''Transformers '84''====
Erector was one of the Autobots present in [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] during the construction of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''. {{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}}

===''Zone'' story pages===
When the ocean-covered world of [[Wall]] was attacked by [[King Poseidon|Oceanic Fish General King Poseidon]] and [[Trypticon (G1)|Dinosaur General Trypticon]], [[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]] charged into battle, but was quickly overwhelmed. Luckily, the four commanders, [[Overload (G1)|Overload]], Erector (chuckle), [[Missile Bull]], and [[Skywave]] arrived to save him. Commanding the [[Off Road Patrol|Off Road]], [[Jet Patrol Team|Jet]], and [[Race Car Patrol]] Teams, they arrived in time to save the drowning citizens of Wall, rescue Victory Saber, and beat back the [[Decepticon]]s. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|Zone Part 3}}

===''Lil Formers''===
[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] noted that Erector was 7660th in the line of succession to be [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], just after [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], but before [[Chip Chase]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Wheelie|Lil Formers}}

===''Mini Mayhem!''===
Erector and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] were walking along when they came across Grimlock, Jazz, and Shockwave, discussing the upcoming nomination for the [[2011]] [[Transformers Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]]. The trio mistook Erector for Bumblebee, and so spared him any ridicule, but verbally tore into Waspinator. After insisting that the Predacon would never stand a chance against them, Grimlock and the others walked off, taking "Bumblebee" with them. {{storylink|Mini Mayhem!}}

===''Hall of Fame'' bio===
[[File:ErectorHaulerVsConstructiconsPanel.jpg|right|thumb|"Ya Yellow Bellied Runt!".]]
Once a member of the [[Constructicon (disambiguation)|Constructicon]]s, Erector was rejected in favor of [[Hook (disambiguation)|Hook]] because he wasn't green. After helping win the battle of [[Tyger Pax]] through the power of being a superlative bullet magnet, Erector became known as the top Autobot engineer, designing the [[Armada Laserbeak Surveillance System]] and the [[Real Gear Quick Action Weaponry]]. {{storylink|Transformers Hall of Fame}}

{{note|Many of the early Hall of Fame entries were skewed towards the new [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned continuity]]. Erector's bio seemed to lean this way as well, but as there is no such established character as Aligned Erector yet in any fiction, the entry has been placed here. Where it finally belongs is open to debate.}}

===''Wings Universe''===
Erector and [[Hauler]] were part of an Autobot taskforce who ambushed the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s at [[Elevation Recostalus]] and succeeded in neutralizing the Decepticon team. {{storylink|Transformers I.Q.#issue 45|Transformers I.Q. last issue review}}
{{--}}

===''TransTech''===
[[Cragun's List]] was presumably founded by a version of Erector. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/10/01}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Having survived the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Erector returned to the front lines in the 24th century to combat the [[Resistance]] when the [[Grand Uprising]] began. His new position in the [[Builder of Cybertron|Builder]] military saw him leading the [[74th Division]] from [[Tesarus (polity)|Tesarus]]. Erector's forces clashed repeatedly with [[Steel Jaw]]'s [[Pack]], and soon the two leaders developed a grudging but healthy respect for the other's tactical acumen.

As the war drew to a close, Erector—already dissatisfied with their shrinking territory and the useless [[Cyberdroid]] recruits the [[Builder Assembly]] kept foisting on him—tried to buoy morale amongst his increasingly demoralized soldiers as they prepared fortifications for the next battle. They were caught unaware by the Pack, who, on [[Lio Convoy]]'s orders, had gone in for a suicidal frontal assault against the 74th to capture and open the road to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. Although the [[Dark Skies Patrol]] managed to seize the Resistance's artillery batteries and began a retaliatory bombardment on Erector's orders, the 74th Division fell that day; Erector himself was slain by the stealthy [[Maximal]] [[Snarl (BW)|Diablo]] as the tattered but triumphant Pack overran their foes and seized the city. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:StormHorizonPart1-ChromedomeErector.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Maybe I'll get Tumblr fanart if I stand next to the popular character.]]
Erector was a crew member on the starship ''[[Fist of Iacon]]'' under the command of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], and accompanied his captain to the planet [[Kworia]] in the [[Decimus Sector]] while searching for [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] after shooting down an alien ship. Their initial sweep turned up nothing, he helped [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] track Magnus's signal before [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and his crew of splice-thieves ambushed their ship and took the crew hostage, collateral that would force Magnus into assisting them. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 1}} As part of a conditional bargain, Spinister released Erector and several other members of the crew, who piloted their ship into the [[Black Sphere]] system to find Trion. Erector stood by with several other members of the crew as Magnus faced off against Spinister's crew, and watched as [[Victory Leo]] took on the villains. {{storylink|Storm Horizon Part 2}}
{{--}}

==Commercials==
[[File:Erector-commercial.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|He knows his place.]]
Erector was included in an army of Micromaster Autobots who swarmed and overwhelmed a [[Zarak Maximus|Giant Decepticon Soldier]]. He was also part of a vast Micromaster city/society that could fit in the palm of [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s hand. {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Micromaster transports|Micromaster transports commercial}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
As a battlefield engineer, Erector specialized in building fortifications and xenoarchitecture—the study of alien engineering methods. Despite his imposing frame and great strength, he devoted his life to protecting buildings from pointless aggression. {{storylink|Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook|Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}} Athough nominally an Autobot, the Constructicons regarded him as a stand-in member of the team. {{storylink|Decepticon Directive}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}{{anchor|Zone}}
{{picsneeded|The toy on its own}}
[[File:G1-toy Erector.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|If you experience an Erector lasting more than three hours, contact your doctor immediately.]]
*'''Erector''' (Micromaster Transport, [[1989]]/[[1990]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''C-339'''
**''Accessories'': Crane trailer

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Erector transforms into a yellow and gray semi cab pulling a relatively huge [[Crane|crane trailer]]. Being asymmetrical, the cab does not resemble traditional semi cabs, instead looking like the front end of a (one-piece) mobile crane, such as [http://www.kato-works.co.jp/eng/products/allterr/r01.html this Kato model].

:Despite their small size, Erector and his trailer have lots of sculpted detailing; e.g., he has windshield wipers 1/8th" (3.2 mm) long. For [[paint operation]]s, by contrast, he's limited to orange paint on his face, windshield, and side window (the trailer has none whatsoever). His fifth wheel hitch nominally allows the cab to turn as it tows the trailer (out of the box, it's too tight a fit for this). The crane itself can be removed from the trailer, and connected directly to Erector's hitch.

:Erector's transformation, as for most Micromasters, is trivial: flip his conjoined legs around, fold up his head, and you're done. His only articulation is at his (oddly-placed) hips and shoulders. His crane trailer transforms into a battle station, with a main gun and a smaller double-barreled gun that Erector can man (though he can't grasp the handles). He can man it either standing (there's a peg for his feet), or sitting (there's a circular indentation that fits the hitch on his calves).

:Erector was sold without changes a year later in Japan as ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' "Cragun".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Erector/erector.htm More information on Erector at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:HOF-BW-Erector.jpg|right|250px|thumb|All those birds and animals, they just take from the land. But the beaver? He gives a dam.]]
*Erector's Japanese Generation 1 name, "Cragun", apparently comes from his trailer, which is a "crane-gun" (クレーンガン ''kurēn gan'').
*According to [[Hasbro]] designer [[Joe Kyde]]'s [http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20090101122334/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=4EC7EA7D-D56F-E112-46AC70D02754072E design notes on Hasbro's Transformers website], [[Mudflap (Movie)#Toys|Mudflap]] from the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 movie toyline]] was initially going to use the unreleased ''Cybertron'' [[Landslide (Decepticon)#Toys|Landslide]] deco, with the name "Sawtooth". It was decided that Landslide's deco wasn't realistic enough for a movieverse toy, so a new deco based on Erector was chosen. The names "Sawtooth" and "Erector" were unavailable, so he got stuck being Mudflap. We. Were. Robbed.
*As a [[Transformers Hall of Fame]] nominee, Erector's name was rendered as "Autobot Erector". This was something of an empty gesture, as putting "Autobot" in front of his name wouldn't actually allow Hasbro to use that trademark in the field of toys. (Granted, a write-up on a webpage isn't actually something that you can trademark...)
*Erector's Hall of Fame candidacy came about from a push by various ''Transformers'' message boards, starting with TFW2005. Though some board admins reported that many of Erector's Hall of Fame votes came from new users who signed up just to vote for him, the campaign nonetheless attracted a lot of followers. These dedicated fans even had badges produced and handed out for free at BotCon, business cards, vinyl banners, and an online store for Erector apparel, which donated all of its profits to charity. There were mixed feelings about Erector's candidacy, and when Erector fans carried a series of banners into the Hall of Fame auditorium, there was a lot of booing in response.
*Due to Erector's near-total lack of fictional appearances at the time, [[Hasbro]] had to take a different approach to Erector's Hall of Fame nomination video than has been used for other characters. The video is more analogous to the videos for human inductees, featuring a series of interviews, and describes a long history of instances of Erector almost, but not quite, turning up in later incarnations of the brand. Visuals include a ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' redeco of his toy in colors reminiscent of the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], a ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' version with a beaver [[alternate mode]]<ref>Since-deleted DeviantArt post by eric-j, 22 April 2014</ref> (at right), an ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' [[Erector (Animated)|Erector]] who would have formed the "pants" of an ''Animated'' [[Devastator (Animated)|Devastator]], a [[Movie (franchise)|movie]] Erector design, and an Erector-based ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'' cover. There was also a ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]''-styled Erector designed by [[Jagex]]. All of this was, of course, completely fictional and invented for the video. Following the video, [[Aaron Archer]] noted that doing this was fun once, but asked the fandom to please not do a similar thing again.
*[[Josh Perez]] also recolored his and [[Casey Coller]]'s artwork of Erector and Hauler confronting the Constructicons into an ultimately unpublished ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' version,<ref>{{citesocial|quote=OH- I was also asked to do a Shattered Glass version of this! I don't know if it was ever used, but I'll toss it here since I don't think it'll pop up anywhere anytime soon. https://t.co/KimkGYgy7e|link=https://twitter.com/dyemooch/status/1221445489071218694|name=Josh Perez|site=Twitter|year=2020|month=01|day=26|(defunct=)}}</ref> with evil Erector taking [[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]]'s colors.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Micro master Flattop, I think!|link=https://twitter.com/dyemooch/status/1221462411456188416|name=Josh Perez|site=Twitter|year=2020|month=01|day=26|(defunct=)}}</ref>
*As the word "Erector" in the domain of toys is [[trademark]]ed by {{w|Meccano Ltd}} for [[Erector set]] construction toys—they even own it [http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=77878820 specifically for toy robots]—the only chance of seeing it on a ''Transformers'' toy again would be if Meccano Ltd were to suddenly go out of business.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cragun''' (クレーガン ''Kurēgan'')
*''French:'' '''Éregon'''
*''Italian:'' '''Tractor'''

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Autobots]]
[[Category:Engineers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Constructicons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech Autobots]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Zone Autobots]]

Micromaster

2023-10-01T21:24:03Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Micromaster Six-Teams */

{{stub|Fiction, images}}
{{disambig3|Micromaster}}
[[File:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]
'''Micromasters''' (or '''MicroMasters'''<ref>''Universe'' and ''Cybertron'' packaging.</ref>) are Transformers with small and extremely fuel-efficient bodies. Some were created that way, others were created as ordinary Transformers (or [[Macromaster|guzzlers]], as Micromasters sometimes call normal-sized Transformers) and rebuilt into Micromasters. Transforming into ([[Scale#Undersized alternate modes|usually]]) tiny cars, planes, and other vehicles, they are depicted as roughly human-sized in robot mode in most continuities.

Some Micromasters are also [[Combiner]]s. One kind are the '''[[Micromaster Combiner]]s''', who can each form either the front or back half of a combined vehicle. They are not constrained to joining only with their Combiner partner; they can join with any other as well as to the back of any [[Micro Trailer]]. In addition, there are the '''[[Combi-Micromaster]]s''', who combine in another humanoid robot. No character has ever been specifically designated as one, but the description at least fits the members of the [[Multiforce]].

The Multiforce have another name all their own, namely '''DX Micromasters'''. What exactly a DX Micromaster ''is'' has never been explained. Perhaps it's a Micromaster who is [[Action Master Elite|no longer small and extremely fuel efficient]]?

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Generic decepticon 3 marvel uk 230.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Makin' Micromasters!]]
The Micromasters were created by the Autobots as a downsizing means to increase fuel efficiency. ''Though at first the technology was created by the Autobots, the Decepticons were able to capture and study the [[Battle Patrol]] to learn the secrets themselves, and the first Decepticon Micromasters were born.'' {{storylink|A Small War!}}

''The Micromasters served under [[Emirate]] [[Xaaron]], with [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] acting as one of the base's medics.'' {{storylink|Demons!}} {{storylink|Dawn of Darkness}}

[[File:Micromastercoats s.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb]]
Two of the Micromaster squads were deployed to Earth to assist [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s forces, but they quickly went their own way. {{storylink|King Con!}} Soon they had all but integrated into [[New York City]] society, their small size allowing them to interact easily with humans. Only the arrival on Earth of the Decepticon [[Air Strike Patrol]] shook them loose from this position. {{storylink|The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!}}

[[File:Sportscarpatrol-backfromthedead.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb]]
The Air Strike Patrol soon proved to have ulterior motives for coming to Earth, as they, along with the [[Sports Car Patrol]], were working for [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Back from the Dead}} While the Air Strike Patrol manipulated [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]] and Optimus Prime into a battle, the Sports Car Patrol kidnapped [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] and laid explosives aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. {{storylink|The Resurrection Gambit!}} [[Blackjack (G1)|Blackjack]] wasn't able to maintain control of the Ark, however, and the rest of the patrol were defeated by [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]'s [[Pretender]] team. {{storylink|All the Familiar Faces!}} {{storylink|Skin Deep}}

The Micromaster Autobots continued to play roles in the Autobot insurgency on Cybertron, though the [[Rescue Patrol (G1)|Rescue Patrol]] prepared to leave for Earth. A teleportation accident transported them to the center of Cybertron, {{storylink|Yesterday's Heroes!}} where they nearly but not quite managed to defeat the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] with help from their larger brethren. {{storylink|The Primal Scream|Primal Scream}}

''Having arrived on Earth, the Rescue Patrol tangled with the Air Strike Patrol before Optimus Prime called them off upon realising how much damage their battle was causing to the planet's environment.'' {{storylink|The Greatest Gift of All!}}

The Air Strike Patrol would eventually meet their fate in [[Louisiana]] at the hands of a pissed-off [[Dynamo|mutant oil rig worker]]. {{storylink|The Human Factor!}}

In the absence of Ratchet, Fixit served as the chief medic aboard the Ark. {{storylink|Eye of the Storm}} {{storylink|The Pri¢e of Life!}}

''A few of the Micromasters were still active many years later, when the Autobots followed the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to [[Hydrus Four]] to rescue them and prevent the resurrection of Megatron.'' {{storylink|Another Time & Place}}

====Earthforce====
{{earthforcefiction}}
Grumpy old fogeys [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Wheeljack]] moaned about all the confusing new [[to sell toys|types of Transformers]] in the war, Micromasters among them. {{storylink|Starting Over!}} One such Micromaster, [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]], was part of the "new age" who attended [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s meeting with [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] about his old-school violent methods. Poor Stakeout was stuck under the table, unseen until Grimlock chucked it at the wall. {{storylink|Break-Away!}}

===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[File:Liner team.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5|The Liner Team make themselves at home on Earth.]]
"Micro" Cybertronians fall into three separate classifications: '''Micromasters''' (マイクロトランスフォーマー ''Micro Transformer''), small but otherwise normal Transformers; '''Micromaster Sixteams''' (マイクロマスター ''Micromaster''), who can combine in groups of six into larger robots; and '''[[Mini-Con]]s''' (マイクロン ''Micron''), who convert into weapons and equipment for larger Transformers to wield.

The story of these tiny Transformers began during the four-million-year period that followed [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s departure from Cybertron. A large number of the planet's non-transforming Autobot "[[Cyberdroid]]" population, unable to contribute to the war effort in any meaningful way due to their diminutive height and lack of conversion capabilities, decided instead to leave their homeworld and search for Optimus and the lost [[Matrix of Leadership]]. Most of their number were placed in hibernation capsules for the long space voyage, but this did not protect them from what was to come: partway into their journey, the Cyberdroids' ship was stuck by a dimensional shockwave, which catapulted them across the galaxy to the planet [[Earth]] in the early 1980s. The shockwave mutated and evolved their tiny bodies, granting them the ability to transform, but it also corrupted the minds of several of the crew, turning them into Decepticons. Adopting Earthly vehicular forms to hide on the strange new planet they now found themselves on, the Autobot Micromaster [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] and [[Sixturbo|Turbo Team]] searched Earth for any sign of Optimus Prime, while simultaneously working to awaken the still-hibernating forms of their brethren before the Decepticon Micromaster [[Sixwing|Wing Team]] could seize the capsules and convert the tiny 'bots within to the side of evil. {{storylink|The Transformers: Micromaster}} Precisely how the Micromasters' conflict on Earth played out is unknown; Optimus and Megatron's forces awoke a few years after they arrived, and no information has been divulged about what happened to the Micromasters during this time. In the year 2035, however, the teams seen active during the early 80s conflict were still operative on Earth, defending it against the forces of Decepticon High Regent [[Scrash (G1)|Scrash]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (story page)|Operation Combination}}
[[File:TFLegends19 micro transformers and rodimus.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.75]]
In the intervening years, former Autobot commander [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] took the other Micromasters under his command, becoming a Micromaster himself. Together, they decamped to another planet and built their own civilization, naming it after themselves: [[Micro|Planet Micro]]. Some elected to remain with the Autobots to help them continue the war, adopting weapon and equipment alternate modes and partnering up with larger 'bots: known examples of these "Mini-Cons" include [[Phaser (G1)|Phaser]] and [[Groundshaker (Legends)|Groundshaker]], partnered with [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], respectively. {{storylink|Transformers 2015 Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter|Tailgate/G1 Mini-Con Chapter}}

By the year 2025, Micro had become a thriving, technologically advanced world overseen by [[Riker|Governor Riker]], and even had representatives [[Holi]], [[Pīpō]], [[Fire]] and [[Boater]] serving in the Autobot army under [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Transformers: Victory}} [[File:TFZone storypage1.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5]] The development of [[Energon Z]] on Micro led to a military reinforcement program that saw the planet overhauled, refitted with a variety of new defense systems, and renamed "Zone". With the planet's new strategic importance in the renewed war against supernatural enemies like [[Violengiguar]] and [[Dark Nova]], many high-ranking Autobots adopted alternate forms that could be used by Micromasters, like the [[Powered Master]]s and the [[Battlestars]], who each also took on a personal Micromaster partner. {{storylink|Transformers: Zone (franchise)|Transformers: Zone}} {{storylink|Transformers: Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy}} The Micromasters' primary role was to make contact with other planets and races for the betterment of all; presumably their small, non-threatening forms were important in this task. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)#Part 5|''Zone'' story page #5}}

Following Dark Nova's defeat, the Autobot [[Air Patrol|Sky Patrol Team]] were chosen for the Autobots' [[Power Core Combination]] process. Three of their number were upgraded into full-size "[[Master Class]]" Transformer bodies able to combine with drone units to form even larger, more powerful robots. Unfortunately, while he did not undergo the process, team leader [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]] defected to the Decepticons and took knowledge of the new technology with him, enabling the villains to create their own "[[Master Chaos]]" warriors, who were then used by Scrash in his 2035 campaign. {{storylink|Transformers United EX}}

Having begun life as Autobots, this is the allegiance most "Micro" 'bots retain. Aside from those turned into Decepticons by the dimensional shockwave, and the teams that those converts then themselves converted (who would all apparently regain their original Autobot allegiance by 2035 anyway), and the defector Eagle Eye, there is only one known Decepticon Micromaster team: the [[Race Track Patrol|Race Track Patrol Team]], who were known to have willingly betrayed their Autobot comrades and joined Violengiguar's forces. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)#Part 5|''Zone'' story page #9}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
Micromaster technology was developed over 3.5 million years ago in response to the dwindling energy resources on Cybertron. With Autobot and Decepticon soldiers shutting down across the planet, both sides got to work developing smaller, energy-efficient bodies for the sake of continuing the war. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye #8}} At the earliest stages, this involved downsizing troops. However, the process was unrefined, posing a danger to applicants, and worse than that, inefficient.

[[File:DW MM 4a.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
It was Shockwave who suggested the idea of both sides pooling resources to try and create new soldiers, before letting them choose which side they wanted to take. Somehow not suspecting the leader of the Decepticons of any ulterior motive, the Autobots agreed. Using whatever energy they could scrounge together, and with Shockwave secretly using [[Vector Sigma]] itself, a great many Micromasters were created, before being sequestered in a city named "Little Iacon" to acclimate to life on Cybertron. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}} As part of the cross-factional experiment, both sides put the new 'bots through a joint training program during which they learned about both factions, allowing them to choose which one to join. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

[[File:Golddendisk paradron.jpg|thumb||left|upright=1.1]]
Data on a [[Golden Disk (Paradron)|Golden Disk]] discovered on [[Paradron]] had predicted this development, causing [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] to wonder if becoming Micromasters to better interact with the universe's smaller beings was the Transformers' destiny. {{storylink|Recipe for Hate}}

Of course, the program soon fell apart, and Little Iacon fell into rioting, later labeled the "Meltdown Riots" by the Micromasters, {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}} with both sides swooping in to grab whoever they could. This resulted in a generation of new Autobots and Decepticons hesitant to fight against those they'd been friends with, for a cause that only saw them as another step in the war. Little Iacon soon degenerated into a ghetto for the Micromasters to hang out and ignore the war entirely.

Over time, friction began to grow between some of the Micromasters and the "Guzzlers". The Decepticons, to no-one's surprise, frequently bullied or belittled their smaller comrades, often finding ways to deprive them of Energon. {{storylink|Destined for Nothing}} Or in some cases, just killed them for the small amount of Energon they carried. {{storylink|The Gray Race}}

By the time Countdown and Groundshaker returned from Operation: Containment, most of the "first-gen" Micromasters were dead. {{storylink|The Gray Race}}

On his return to Cybertron, the ambitious Skystalker tried to engineer the deaths of the larger mechanoids, only for his nemesis Countdown to talk them into presenting a unified front against the Decepticons. Once that was over, Countdown feared the brief alliance would disintegrate. His attempts at talking Big Daddy into helping maintain it went nowhere, though. {{storylink|Victims of the Revolution}}

===2005 IDW continuity===

[[File:Spotlight Nightbeat Detour and Blackjack.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.5|[[:File:BlackjackRecruited.jpg|Let's pretend this didn't happen...]]]]

The Micromasters were the results of [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] modifying the [[Gorlamite|organic inhabitants]] of [[Gorlam Prime]] to be able to exist in both the [[universe (universe)|universe]] and [[Dead Universe]] in anticipation of the [[Expansion]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} The [[Sports Car Patrol]] confronted [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] beneath Gorlam Prime. {{storylink|Spotlight: Nightbeat}} Nightbeat and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] returned to find the population frozen in a transitional, [[technorganic]] state. They were pursued by many Micromasters. {{storylink|Spotlight: Hardhead}} Jhiaxus' Micromaster lackeys were last seen being dismembered by [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]. The inhabitants of Gorlam Prime eventually emerged from their chrysalis state in new, apparently wholly mechanical, bodies. They renamed their planet '''Cybertron'''. {{storylink|Spotlight: Sideswipe}}

Then a few years later, the entire population of "Cybertron" was lured into the Dead Universe and eaten by [[D-Void]]. Oh well. {{storylink|Heart of Darkness issue 2|Heart of Darkness #2}}

Meanwhile, the inhabitants of [[Devisiun (planet)|Devisiun]] evolved into a civilization of [[Micromaster Combiner|small combining twins]]. While linked to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s mind, [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] caught a glimpse of [[Fireshot]] and [[Vanquish]] separating from each other on their homeworld. {{storylink|Windblade issue 4|Windblade vol. 1 #4}} Along with several other Cybertronian colonies, they were instrumental in the formation of the [[Council of Worlds]]. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

===Fun Publications ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
[[File:SGRazorclawRicochet DoOver.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1|[[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]], a Decepticon Micromaster, and Ricochet with his Targetmaster partner [[Nightstick (SG)|Nightstick]]]]
Micromasters were an innovation of the Decepticons during the war, refitting bots with more efficient bodies using new engineering techniques that used less materials and smaller parts. [[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]] [[Nightflight (SG)|and]] [[Storm Cloud (SG)|his]] [[Tailwind (SG)|brothers]] were among the first generation of Micromasters. These Decepticon Micromasters were nicknamed "[[Mini-Cons]]", as in "mini-Decepticon". {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 25|Whisper's profile in Club magazine #25}} A number of Micromasters were paired up with larger Decepticons, like Whisper with [[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]] and [[Astrotrain (SG)|Astrotrain's]] team. The Autobots would later develop their own Micromasters, and [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] would innovate the process by creating [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], Micromasters who possessed a third weapon mode that allowed them to be wielded (or control) larger bots. {{storylink|Do Over}} Both this universe's incarnations of the [[Predacon (SG)|Predacons]] and the components of [[Superion (SG)|Superion]] were Micromasters. {{storylink|Memory's Splinter}}

===''Wings Universe''===
With Cybertron's energies dwindling, the [[Micromaster Initiative]] arose as a solution to the planet's energy woes. The Micromaster [[Cop-Tur (G1)|Cop-Tur]] teamed up with [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] to spread the word of this initiative and convinced [[Flak (G1)|Flak]] into joining them. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 6}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
[[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] developed Micromaster technology during the war, shortly before seizing leadership of the Decepticons from [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]. {{storylink|Cultural Appropriation}} As fuel supplies ran low, both sides began substituting Micromasters in favor of full-sized units. {{storylink|Identity Politics}}

[[File:Micro-Aggressions HotRodGrimlock.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.5|Face it, you always wanted to see this.]]

Eventually, however, the war was called to a close. With the full-sized Autobots and Decepticons too exhausted and fuel-inefficient to fight, the Micromasters were some of the only [[Builder of Cybertron|Builders]] still capable of independent movement. The Builders looked down on the Micromasters as a new manual and military class, and though they were still considered Builders, Micromasters were not initially allowed to serve on the Builder Assembly. {{storylink|Identity Politics}} As energy rations ran low, the Micromasters founded "[[Micropolis]]", a permanent cross-factional conglomeration of Micromaster bases which eventually grew into a full-fledged, Micromaster-scaled city. Hot Rod was one of the very few Builders to undergo the downsizing process. Inspired by his example, members of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s, [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, and [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s would do the same over the next seventy years. As a consequence of the low energy supplies, all Micromasters were kept at a quarter of full energon rations. {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}}

When the Maximals and Predacons appeared on the scene, the Micromasters were made superior to their more energy-efficient successors. In instances where both sides went off-world, Micromasters served as political officers, making sure both toed the line while making sure neither worked together. {{storylink|Intersectionality}} Additionally Micromasters served as guards on important facilities such as [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] or the Forever Vaults, rather than Maximals or Predacons. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} {{storylink|Head Games}} {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}} When the [[Grand Uprising]] began, all Micromasters got bumped up to half-rations to better combat the growing [[Resistance]]. {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}} The various Micromaster armies were pushed back all across Cybertron by [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron's]] [[Beast mode|Beast Upgrade]]. {{storylink|Safe Spaces}} The war between [[Resistance]] and Builder took an unexpected turn when [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]] were introduced to the mix. Under [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s command, the surviving Micromasters allied themselves with the [[Army of the Resistance]] to fend off the attack. After the conclusion of the first [[Vehicon Apocalypse]], full-sized Builders were almost extinct, but Micromasters remained to carry on their legacy alongside the Maximals and Predacons. {{storylink|Derailment}}
{{-}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
====Shell Game continuity====
Micromasters such as [[Beta Maxx (RID)|Beta Maxx]] were constructed millions of years ago, during the planet's [[Golden Age]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/30}}

===Unicron Trilogy===
====Ask Vector Prime====
In [[Aurex 1104.30-DB Zeta]], [[Brian Jones|Dr. Jones]] reverse-engineered [[combiner]] technology and applied it to a number of Mini-Cons. The upgrade changed them into Micromasters, an entirely new breed of Cybertronian life. However, the Decepticons stole this upgrade and used it to create their own team of Micromasters, who combined to form [[Devastator (Universe Micromaster)|Devastator]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 31/7/2015}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
[[Vector Prime]] observed the many similarities between [[Mini-Con]]s, Micromasters, and [[Cyberdroid]]s, and noted that, due to [[trans-dimensional harmonic resonance]], a Mini-Con might have identical counterparts who belonged to one of these other groups in other universal clusters, while small Autobots like [[Minimus Ambus]] had Mini-Con, Micromaster, and Cyberdroid counterparts elsewhere in the [[multiverse]]. More than once, Vector opined that the distinction between the three subgroups boiled down to linguistics--in his opinion, different realities used different names to describe the same core concept. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/20}} {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/07}}

===''TransTech''===
The first Mini-Cons who arrived in [[Axiom Nexus]] were misidentified as Micromasters. {{storylink|Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist|Rook - Axiom Nexus News, 2015/05/09}}

===Full-sized Micromasters===
[[File:Timelinestoy-FlakWoH.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
For various reasons, Micromaster characters have occasionally shown up in ''Transformers'' fiction as full-sized robots in scale with regular Cybertronians.

*[[Flak (G1)|Flak]] and [[Sunrunner (G1)|Sunrunner]] in Marvel Comics' UK story, ''[[Aspects of Evil!|Aspects of Evil]]''
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]], [[Groundshaker (G1)|Groundshaker]], and [[Skyhopper]] in Dreamwave's [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Generation 1 comics]]
*Flak, [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]], [[Vanquish]], [[Terror-Tread]], [[Cement-Head]], and [[Tread Bolt]] in the ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wingsverse]]''
*[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]], [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]], [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]], [[Grit]], [[Knockout (G1)|Knockout]], Vanquish, [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]], [[Blackjack (G1)|Blackjack]], [[Oiler]], and [[Slide]] in IDW's [[2005 IDW continuity|2005-2018 comics]]
*[[Big Daddy (SG)|Big Daddy]] in ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]''
*The [[Battle Squad]] in ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]''
*Tread Bolt, [[Sky High (Micromaster)|Sky High]], and [[Blaze Master]] as [[Master Class]] in ''[[Transformers United EX|United EX]]''
*[[Whisper (G1)#2019 IDW continuity|Visper]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)#2019 IDW continuity|Storm Cloud]], [[Flak (G1)|Flak]], [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]], [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)|Hyperdrive]], [[Blackjack (G1)|Blackjack]], [[Tracer (Micromaster)|Tracer]], [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]], and [[Neutro|Groundbuster]] in IDW's [[2019 IDW continuity|2019 comics]]
{{--}}

==Games==

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] said he trusted [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] about as far as a Micromaster could throw him.{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars|Networking}}{{Charstubgames|{{Storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
[[File:89micromaster catalog.jpg|right|upright=1.8|thumb|It [[Transformers: Zone (franchise)|sucked]] to be American.]]
:The Micromasters were first released in the US and European markets in the two final years of the Generation 1 toyline, 1989 and 1990, as a market response to the growing popularity of ''[[Micro Machines]]''. The Generation 1 Micromasters were packaged as Patrols, Squads, Transports, Stations, or Bases.

:Each Micromaster stands about two inches (5 cm) high in robot mode, making them the smallest Transformers released to that point (since surpassed by a few members of the [[Smallest Transforming Transformers]] line). Many share a standardized [[transformation scheme]] of "flip out rear of vehicle to form legs; swing up arms from side." Articulation is generally limited to swiveling shoulders and knee joints (the latter limited by conjoined uni-feet).

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Patrols''' (1989)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain]], and [[Tote]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Race Car Patrol]] ([[Tailspin]], [[Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]], and [[Swindler]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rescue Patrol (G1)|Rescue Patrol]] ([[Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]], [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]], and [[Red Hot]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
{{Bp-a1|[[Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot]], [[Sidetrack (G1)|Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner (G1)|Sunrunner]], and [[Flak (G1)|Flak]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]], [[Whisper (G1)|Whisper]], and [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Detour (G1)|Detour]], [[Blackjack (G1)|Blackjack]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)|Hyperdrive]], and [[Road Hugger (G1)|Road Hugger]])}}
|[[File:Micromaster-rescuepatrol-toys.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The Rescue Patrol]]
</ul>
|}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Patrols''' (1990)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Construction Patrol]] ([[Neutro]], [[Groundpounder (G1)|Groundpounder]], [[Crumble]], and [[Takedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Patrol]] ([[Sky High (Micromaster)|Sky High]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]], [[Blaze Master]], and [[Tread Bolt]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Monster Trucks Patrol]] ([[Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke]], [[Big Hauler]], and [[Heavy Tread]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)|Big Daddy]], [[Trip-Up]], [[Greaser]], and [[Hubs]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Race Track Patrol]] ([[Roller Force]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog]], and [[Motorhead (G1)|Motorhead]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)|Bombshock]], [[Tracer (Micromaster)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]], and [[Growl (G1)|Growl]])}}
|
|[[File:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|The Sports Car Patrol]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The Patrols came carded in four-packs beginning in 1989, with a couple following in 1990. All were sold at the $5 price point. Each patrol's alternate modes generally have a recurring common theme—for example, military vehicles in the case of the Military Patrol, or planes and helicopters in the case of the Air Patrol.
|}

{{-}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Squads'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner]], [[Oiler]], [[Slide]], [[Power Run]], and [[Strikedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser (G1)|Phaser]], [[Blast Master]], [[Moonrock]], [[Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)|Barrage]], and [[Heave]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
{{Bp-d1|[[Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch]], [[Fireshot]], and [[Vanquish]])}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)|Hammer]], [[Grit]], and [[Knockout (G1)|Knockout]])}}
|
|[[File:Micromastercombiners-vehicles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The First Combinental Congress]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
{{main|Micromaster Combiner}}
The Combiner Squads were sold in carded six-packs in 1990. Each Squad consist of six Micromaster Combiners, thus making three vehicles in their alt mode. Micromaster Combiners transform into half of a vehicle form, which can use standardized connection plugs to combine with any other Micromaster Combiner to form a complete vehicle. Not all combinations make a lot of sense—the rear half of a dump truck connected to the front half of a space shuttle isn't anything you can win a war with, eh?
|}

{{-}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Transports''' (1989)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Erector (G1)|Erector]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overload (G1)|Overload]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
{{Bp-d1|[[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Roughstuff]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-toy Erector.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Erector? I hardly knew 'er!]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
{{main|Micromaster Transport}}
The [[Micromaster Transport]]s are single Micromasters that come with a transforming vehicle with which they can interact in some way. Flattop transforms into a jet and comes with an aircraft carrier, whereas the other three transform into trucks and pull transforming trailers. Except for Erector's trailer, all the additional vehicles transform into jets. They were released in 1989.
|}

{{-}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Transports''' (1990)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Launcher]] with [[Retro]] and [[Surge (G1)|Surge]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Tanker Truck]] with [[Pipeline]] and [[Gusher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cannon Transport]] with [[Terror-Tread]] and [[Cement-Head]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-toy TankerTruck.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The Tanker Truck. THE Tanker Truck. Apparently it's the only tanker truck in the whole Transformers universe.]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
{{main|Micromaster Combiner Transport}}
The Combiner Transports consist of a pair of Micromaster Combiners and a big transforming trailer. Each trailer can optionally transform into a big battle station or into two separate fighting vehicles, each manned by one of the Combiners.
|}

{{-}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Stations''' (1989)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot House (Micromaster)|Hot House]] with [[Hot House (facility)|fire station]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Ironworks (Micromaster)|Ironworks]] with [[Ironworks (facility)|construction station]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
{{Bp-d1|[[Greasepit (Micromaster)|Greasepit]] with [[Greasepit (facility)|gas station]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Airwave (Micromaster)|Airwave]] with [[Airwave (facility)|airport]]}}
|
|[[File:G1-Zone-toy Airport.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The Airport, featuring the largest plane length to runway length ratio of any airport in the universe.]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The stations are big bases commanded by a single Transformer and disguised as human buildings. Hot House's station stands out a bit, as it is ''mobile'' in its alternate mode instead of being a stationary base.
|}

{{-}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Bases''' (1989)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Groundshaker]] with [[ATV]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] with [[Rocket Base]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
{{Bp-d1|[[Skyhopper]] with [[Helicopter]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] with [[Thunder Arrow|Interstellar shuttle]]}}
|
|[[File:CountdownToy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The Rocket Base is one hundred and forty kilometers due west of the Autobot camp.]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The Micromaster Bases are huge fighting vehicles that transform into even bigger battle stations. They are commanded by a single Micromaster. Countdown's and Skystalker's vehicles are a big chunk taller than those of Groundshaker and Skyhopper, indicating that these two should be seen as the respective leaders of their Micromaster factions.
|}

{{-}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Micromaster Combiner Bases''' (1990)
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Battlefield Headquarters]] with [[Full-Barrel]] and [[Overflow]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Anti-Aircraft Base]] with [[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] and [[Spaceshot]]}}
|
|[[File:G1 Anti-Aircraft Base toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The Anti-Aircraft Base, operated by two guys who become an aircraft. Self-loathing, much?]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
The Combiner bases are large vehicles commanded by a combiner duo. While the Decepticon Anti-Aircraft Base is pretty similar in concept to the previous year's Bases (transforming from a tank into a battle station), the Battlefield Headquarters lacks a base mode, instead transforming from an earthbound vehicle (a truck) into two airborne ones (a space shuttle and an attack jet).
|}
*'''Micromaster Bases''' (''Unreleased'')
:*A [[Micromaster carrier-base]]

:A resin prototype for a base akin to the Rocket Base was produced at some point, but the toy was never taken into production.

===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
Japan as well released lots of Micromasters during their ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Zone]]'', ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Return of Convoy (toyline)|Return of Convoy]]'', and ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (toyline)|Operation Combination]]'' toylines (and later rereleases during ''[[The Transformers: Micromaster|Micromaster]]''). Most of them were identical to their western releases, but some were recolored or renamed and most Decepticons were depicted as Autobots. Next to this, the characterization they received in fiction differed heavily from their Western appearances, depicting them as childish, young and inexperienced compared to the bigger Transformers.

====Micro Trailer====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''Return of Convoy'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Monster Truck Patrol|Big Truck Team]] ([[Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke]], [[Big Hauler]], and [[Heavy Tread]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod Patrol|Hot Rod Team]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)|Grease]], [[Trip-Up|Vanishing]], [[Greaser|Legs]], and [[Hubs|Lucas]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Military Team]] ([[Bombshock (G1)|Bombshock]], [[Tracer (Micromaster)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]], and [[Growl (G1)|Growl]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Shuttle Rocket W Team]] ([[Phaser (G1)|Phaser]], [[Blast Master]], [[Moonrock]], [[Missile Master]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Fire Tanker W Team]] ([[Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner]], [[Oiler]], [[Slide]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Radar Hover W Team]] ([[Barrage (Micromaster)|Barrage]], [[Heave]], [[Power Run]], [[Strikedown]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Dump Shovel W Team]] ([[Hammer (G1)|Hammer]], [[Sledge (G1)|Sledge]], [[Grit]], [[Knockout (G1)|Knockout]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
{{Bp-a1|[[Crane Cannon W Team]] ([[Direct-Hit]], [[Excavator (G1)|Excavator]], [[Power Punch]], [[Stonecruncher (G1)|Stonecruncher]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Jet Tank W Team]] ([[Fireshot]], [[Vanquish]], [[Meltdown (G1)|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)|Half-Track]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rescue Patrol Team]] ([[Boater]], [[Fire]], [[Holi]], [[Pīpō]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Battle Patrol Team]] ([[Gunlift]], [[Sidetrack (Zone)|Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner (Zone)|Sunrunner]], and [[Powerbomb]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Super Car Patrol Team]] ([[Black Heat]], [[Deadhour]], [[Gingham]], [[Road Hugger (Zone)|Road Hugger]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Return of Convoy|Hot Rodimus]] (only available with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Return of Convoy|Star Convoy]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Shotbomber]] (only available with [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]])}}
|[[File:Microtrailer.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|A Micro Trailer]]
</ul>
|}

====Micromaster Six-Teams====
Apart from releasing US-made Micromasters, Takara also developed the Micromaster concept further on their own, resulting in the Micromaster Six-Teams, Micromasters that combined to form a bigger robot similar to the full-size Transformer [[combiner]]s.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''Return of Convoy'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixliner]] ([[Alan (G1)|Alan]], [[D-Go]], [[Joe (G1)|Joe]], [[Leaf]], [[Night]], [[Spark (G1)|Spark]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''Operation Combination'''''
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixbuilder]] ([[Crush-Bull]], [[Digger]], [[Gran Arm]], [[Iron Lift]], [[Mixing]], [[Treader]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixtrain]] ([[Atlan]], [[Converter]], [[Desire]], [[Raise]], [[San D-Go]], [[Windy (G1)|Windy]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixturbo]] ([[Circuit (OC)|Circuit]], [[Discharge (G1)|Discharge]], [[Glide (G1)|Glide]], [[Neo-Wheel]], [[Road Police]], [[Sireen]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixwing]] ([[Chain Gun]], [[Falcon (OC)|Falcon]], [[Flanker]], [[Missile Run]], [[Raker]], [[Supersonic]]}}
|[[File:OC-toy Sixturbo.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Sixturbo]]
</ul>
|}

====[[Powered Master]] partners====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''Zone'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Drillbuster]] (only available with [[Roadfire]], who could be purchased with or without [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] and [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sonic (G1)|Sonic]] (only available with [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]], who could be purchased with or without [[Roadfire]] and [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Speeder]] (only available with [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]], who could be purchased with or without [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] and [[Roadfire]])}}
</ul>
|[[File:Zone-toy Drillbuster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
|}

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''''Return of Convoy'''''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Spinner]] (only available with [[Grandus (G1)|Grandus]])}}
</ul>
|}

===''Micro Transformers: American Rescue Team''===
[[File:Americanrescueboxart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
{{main|Micro Transformers: American Rescue Team}}

An obscure toyline released only in Japan, the one-shot ''[[Micro Transformers: American Rescue Team]]'' line saw yet ''another'' re-release of the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|''Zone''-era Japanese Generation 1]] [[Rescue Patrol Team]] (now dubbed the "American Rescue Team") in [[1996]], after the canceled ''[[Block Town]]'' line (which was ''also'' going feature the team—among other figures). The line itself features no branding to place it within any established continuity or timeline, the figures don't have any names beyond what they turn into, and the line lacks all forms of faction [[insignia]], making it hard to determine what the intent is for this line and who these 4 are even supposed to be.

The American Rescue Team members were each sold separately in boxes which were marked on the front as to which figure was included. Each figure came with a puzzle piece that made up a city-schemed playmat, and a sweet. All of the figures are essentially identical to both the [[Hasbro]] [[Rescue Patrol (G1)|Rescue Patrol]] and all three Takara Rescue Patrol Team releases. The only noticeable differences for this release is a "CHINA" stamp tampographed onto the leg of each member.

<ul class="iconlist">
:{{Bp-multi|[[Holi#Micro Transformers: American Rescue Team|Patrol Car]]}}
:{{Bp-multi|[[Pīpō#Micro Transformers: American Rescue Team|Ambulance]]}}
:{{Bp-multi|[[Fire#Micro Transformers: American Rescue Team|Fire Engine]]}}
:{{Bp-multi|[[Boater#Micro Transformers: American Rescue Team|High Speed Boat]]}}
</ul>
{{--}}

===''Armada''===
[[File:Arm-toy Mirror.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
Not originally sold as a "Micromaster" in the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toyline, an entry of [[Ask Vector Prime]] [[Retcon|retroactively]] referred to the combined form of [[Mini-Con]]s [[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] as a "Micromaster".{{fact}}

:{{Bp-mc|[[Mirror]] ([[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]], only available with [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]])}}
{{--}}

===''Micromaster''===
Released in six separate waves, each of the first five waves of the ''[[The Transformers: Micromaster|Micromaster]]'' toyline comprised a reissue of a combining Sixteam from the ''Return of Convoy'' and ''Operation Combination'' toylines, while the final wave was a reissue of ''Victory''{{'}}s Multiforce, now rebranded "DX Micromasters." Each team was redeco'd from the original figures to different extents (some received entirely new color schemes, while others remained the same), but all of them featured new [[tampograph]]s and [[Paint operation|paint application]]s instead of [[sticker]]s. From the second wave onward, in every case of 12 figures, two figures were available in a rare "chase" coloration, usually representing the team's transformed or powered-up state, as featured in the storyline.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixliner]] ([[Alan (G1)|Alan]], [[D-Go]], [[Joe (G1)|Joe]], [[Leaf]], [[Night]], [[Spark (G1)|Spark]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixtrain]] ([[Atlan]], [[Converter]], [[Desire]], [[Raise]], [[San D-Go]], [[Windy (G1)|Windy]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixturbo]] ([[Circuit (OC)|Circuit]], [[Discharge (G1)|Discharge]], [[Glide (G1)|Glide]], [[Neo-Wheel]], [[Road Police]], [[Sireen]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixwing]] ([[Chain Gun]], [[Falcon (OC)|Falcon]], [[Flanker]], [[Missile Run]], [[Raker]], [[Supersonic]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Sixbuilder]] ([[Crush-Bull]], [[Digger]], [[Gran Arm]], [[Iron Lift]], [[Mixing]], [[Treader]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Sixbuilder]] ([[Bonecrusher (Micromaster)|Bonecrusher]], [[Scavenger (Micromaster)|Scavenger]], [[Scrapper (Micromaster)|Scrapper]], [[Gren]], [[Mixmaster (Micromaster)|Mixmaster]], [[Long Haul (Micromaster)|Long Haul]])}}
|[[File:MCtoy-Sixtrain-Red-Mode.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Sixtrain "Red Mode"]]
</ul>
|}

{{toystub|waves etc}}

===''Universe'' (2003)===
The "MicroMasters" returned to North American markets in 2004 under the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' label as [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]]s. Inspired by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s slightly-[[redeco]]ed Sixteam reissues, Hasbro decided to sell them as well. Sixturbo, Sixwing, and Sixbuilder were further redecoed and renamed to evoke the ''Generation 1'' [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s, and [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s, respectively. Sixtrain was not redecoed, but he was renamed according to the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]] [[Team Bullet Train]] (with a few additions).

In Europe, the Micromasters were available as mass retail releases, but in ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' (Protectobots, Constructicons) and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' (Railbots, Aerialbots) instead of ''Universe'' packaging.

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Defensor (Universe)|Defensor]] (slightly redecoed Sixturbo): [[First Aid (Universe)|First Aid]], [[Groove (Universe)|Groove]], [[Hot Spot (Universe)|Hot Spot]], [[Prowl (Universe)|Prowl]], [[Red Alert (Universe)|Red Alert]], [[Streetwise (Universe)|Streetwise]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Rail Racer (Universe)|Rail Racer]] (Sixtrain): [[Midnight Express (Universe)|Midnight Express]], [[Overload (Universe)|Overload]], [[Railspike (Universe)|Railspike]], [[Rapid Run (Universe)|Rapid Run]], [[Swindle (Universe)|Swindle]], [[Tankor (Universe)|Tankor]]}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (Universe)|Superion]] (redecoed Sixwing): [[Air Raid (Universe 2003)|Air Raid]], [[Fireflight (Universe Micromaster)|Fireflight]], [[Ro-Tor (Universe)|Ro-Tor]], [[Silverbolt (Universe)|Silverbolt]], [[Skydive (Universe)|Skydive]], [[Storm Jet (Universe)|Storm Jet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Devastator (Universe Micromaster)|Constructicon Devastator]] (redecoed Sixbuilder): [[Bonecrusher (Universe Micromaster)|Bonecrusher]], [[Buckethead]], [[Hightower (Universe Micromaster)|Hightower]], [[Long Haul (Universe Micromaster)|Long Haul]], [[Quickmix (Universe)|Quickmix]], [[Scavenger (Universe Micromaster)|Scavenger]]}}
|[[File:MC-toy Sixtrain.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
</ul>
|}

===''Timelines''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="99%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Micromasters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Cop-Tur (G1)|Cop-Tur]]}}
{{Bp-sd|[[Krunix (SG)|Krunix]]}}
|
|[[File:Timelinestoy-CopTur.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
|-
|width="100%" valign="top" colspan=8|
These Micromasters were redecos of Mini-Cons in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' toyline.
|}

===''Generations''===
{{groupstub}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
The ''War for Cybertron: Siege'' Micromasters come in 2-packs of each member, transforming into their respective vehicle modes before combining into a 5mm weapon for larger figures to wield. A Battle Master's effect parts can be placed in the barrels of those with gun modes, and unlike the originals, the new Micromasters feature extensive articulation with ball-jointed shoulders, knees and hips, with the rare occasion of hinged elbows. Soundwave's deployers are now integrated into this, and their cassette modes were reinvented with flip-out 5mm posts to acts as shields. The returning Micromasters replaced the Legends Class figures of the last decade.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S4 [[Roadhandler (G1)#Generations|Roadhandler]] & [[Swindler#Generations|Swindler]] ([[Race Car Patrol#Generations|Race Car Patrol]])}}
{{Bp-d1|WFC-S5 [[Storm Cloud (G1)#Generations|Storm Cloud]] & [[Whisper (G1)#Generations|Visper]] ([[Air Strike Patrol#Generations|Air Strike Patrol]])}}
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S6 [[Big Shot#Generations|Autobot Topshot]] & [[Flak (G1)#Generations|Flak]] ([[Battle Patrol#Generations|Battle Patrol]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|WFC-S18 [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Laserbeak]] & [[Ravage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Ravage]] ([[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Soundwave Spy Patrol]])}}
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S19 [[Red Hot#Generations|Red Heat]] & [[Stakeout (G1)#Generations|Stakeout]] ([[Rescue Patrol (G1)#Generations|Rescue Patrol]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|WFC-S32 [[Blackjack (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Decepticon Blackjack]] & [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)#Generations|Hyperdrive]] ([[Sports Car Patrol#War for Cybertron: Siege|Sports Car Patrol]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 4'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S33 [[Highjump (G1)#Generations|Highjump]] & [[Powertrain#Generations|Powertrain]] ([[Off Road Patrol#Generations|Off Road Patrol]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=2|[[File:War-for-Cybertron-Siege-Micro-Master-Race-Car-Patrol.jpg|thumb|300px|Micromasters Roadhandler and Swindler]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 5'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|WFC-S46 [[Rumble (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Rumble]] & [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Ratbat]] ([[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Soundwave Spy Patrol]])}}
{{Bp-d1|WFC-S47 [[Direct-Hit#Generations|Direct-Hit]] & [[Power Punch#Generations|Power Punch]] ([[Battle Squad#Generations|Battle Squad]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Target]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S58 [[Road Police#Generations|Road-Police]] & [[Wheel Blaze#Generations|Wheel Blaze]]}}
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S59 [[Groundshaker (G1)#Generations|Ground Shaker]] & [[Overair (Micromaster)#Generations|Overair]]}}
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S60 [[Ricon#Toys|Ricon]] & [[Ironworks (Micromaster)#Generations|Irontread]]}}
{{Bp-d1|WFC-S61 [[Nightflight (G1)#Generations|Nightflight]] & [[Skyhopper#Generations|Slyhopper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|WFC-S62 [[Cratermaker#Toys|Cratermaker]] & [[Fireline#Toys|Fireline]]}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Partner Micromasters'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|WFC-S29 [[Countdown (G1)#Generations|Autobot Countdown]] (w/ [[Omega Supreme (G1)#Generations|Omega Supreme]])}}
</ul>

|
|}

===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|WFC-E3 [[Trip-Up#Generations|Trip-Up]] & [[Big Daddy (G1)#Generations|Autobot Daddy-O]] ([[Hot Rod Patrol#Generations|Hot Rod Patrol]])}}
{{Bp-d1|WFC-E4 [[Bombshock (G1)#Generations|Bombshock]] & [[Growl (G1)#Generations|Decepticon Growl]] ([[Military Patrol#Generations|Military Patrol]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|WFC-E15 [[Roller Force]] & [[Ground Hog|Decepticon Ground Hog]] ([[Race Track Patrol]])}}
{{Bp-a1|WFC-E16 [[Phaser (G1)|Fuzer]] & [[Blast Master|Autobot Blast Master]] ([[Astro Squad]])}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''[[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Fireguard#Generations|Fireguard]] & [[Roadburner#Generations|Roadburner]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (G1)#Generations|Decepticon Runner]] & [[Motorhead (G1)#Generations|Motorhead]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Stingracer#Toys|Stingracer]] & [[Windstorm#Toys|Windstorm]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Phaser (G1)#Botropolis|Fuzer]] & [[Blast Master#Botropolis|Autobot Blast Master]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Missile Master#Generations|Missile Master]] & [[Moonrock#Generations|Moonrock]]}}
</ul>

|[[File:TF-WFC-E-Roller Force.jpg|thumb|250px|Micromaster Roller Force]]
|}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Battle 3-Pack'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Ravage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Laserbeak]] (w/ [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#2020Netflix|Decepticon Soundwave]])}}
|width="20%" valign="top"|''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|WFC-GS10 Soundwave Spy Patrol 3rd Unit ([[Wingthing (G1)#Generations|Decepticon Wingthing]], [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Decepticon Frenzy]], [[Skar (G1)#Generations|Decepticon Skar]] & [[Knok#Generations|Autobot/Decepticon Knok]])}}
</ul>
|[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-Trilogy-Voyager-Battle-3-Pack-Ravage.jpg|thumb|250px|"Micromaster" Ravage]]
|}

===''Legacy: Evolution''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|[[Lunar-Tread#Generations Selects|Lunar-Tread]] (w/ [[Guardian robot#Generations Selects|Guardian Robot]])}}
</ul>
|[[File:GenerationsSelectstoy-Lunar-Tread.jpg|thumb|250px|Micromaster Lunar-Tread]]
|}

==Notes==
[[File:MicroTFlogo.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Absolutely, positively not inspired by Micro Machines. No sir. Not at all.]]
* The original Micromaster [[play pattern]] was Hasbro's attempt to compete with [[Galoob]]'s popular ''[[Micro Machines]]'' line that had been launched in 1987. An early name, "Micro Transformers", was featured on the packaging of the first Micromaster Patrol assortment released in late 1988 (Air Strike Patrol, Off Road Patrol and Race Car Patrol). The name "Micromaster" only appears in plain neutral text on that early packaging, in conjunction with the name of the respective patrol. For the 1989 releases, Hasbro completely redesigned the packaging, introduced an all-new "Transformers" logo, dropped the name "Micro Transformers" and made "Micromasters" the main name of the entire line-up. In Europe, those three early Patrols were ''possibly'' released in "Micromasters" packaging.
* All four Micromaster Station molds were reused sans Micromasters in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave Police]]'' series a few years later, under the subline name "Distortion Machines".
* While the first ''Universe'' franchise redecoed a number of Micromaster molds as non-Micromaster characters, the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|newer ''Universe'' toyline]] used [[Storm Cloud (G1)|several]] [[Tread Bolt|Micromaster]] [[Countdown (G1)|characters]] as the basis of redecoes of non-Micromaster toys.
* Within the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]—and ''only'' taking the production material for the cartoons themselves into account—the Micromasters aren't ''actually'' "micro" at all! In fact, they are just ever-so-slightly shorter than the "standard-sized" [[Autobot Cars]] from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]], which stand at four meters high—so they're basically the same height as, say, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]. The only thing that really makes them seem as ''small'' as they are in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' and ''[[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|Zone]]'' cartoons, is the fact that the characters around them are ''huge''. In the original cartoon, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] stood at six meters tall. [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] is twenty-two meters tall, which puts Optimus ''roughly'' below his kneecap. Don't believe us? Look over the [[Scale charts#Generation 1 continuity family|cartoon scale charts]] we have compiled together, and the respective heights listed, and have a good laugh at the insane size differences between the characters of the original cartoon and the characters of its Japanese sequels!
** That being said, [[scale]] was never something that remained consistent from episode to episode within the cartoons themselves, despite there being references for the animators to go off of. Even the characters from the original series that appear in ''Victory'' ([[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]), don't follow these scale parameters, and most tie-in fiction depicts all of these characters as being whatever size the artist thinks is best. It's just a funny thing to point out, when taking it at face-value.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Micro Transformer''' (マイクロトランスフォーマー ''Maikuro Toransufōmā''), '''Micromaster''' (マイクロマスター ''Maikuromasutā'')
*''Italian:'' '''Microtransformers'''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising subgroups]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:Generation 1 subgroups]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) subgroups]]
[[Category:Micromaster]]
[[Category:Micromasters| ]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Legends subgroups]]
[[Category:Operation Combination]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy subgroups]]
[[Category:United]]
[[Category:Victory subgroups]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise subgroups]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege subgroups]]
[[Category:Wings Universe subgroups]]
[[Category:Zone subgroups]]

Seizan

2023-09-30T13:26:17Z

CamilleHiiragi: released today

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Seizan is an [[Autobot]] [[Trainbot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Seizan story page.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|]]
Normally, one wouldn't expect a train on a mountain, but that's where you'll find '''Seizan''' (セイザン). The more drastic and dangerous the slope, the more Seizan enjoys using it in battle to drop down on [[Decepticon]]s, barreling along at full speed.
{{TOCclear}}
==Fiction==
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''Generations'' toy bios====
The Trainbots were constructed on Earth, in Japan. Their creation was a collaboration by several Japanese companies utilizing technology developed in the [[Binaltech (technology)|''Binaltech Project'']]. {{storylink|Shouki#Generations (Japan)|''Generations'' Shouki bio}}

====Ask Vector Prime====
The Trainbots were built in the ''Raiden Initiative'' by a team of Japanese scientists. [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Doctor Fujiyama]] chose to name the 485–200 series train, as it operated in his native Kyushu. The name "Seizan" referenced the mountainous geography of his home. {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 27, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/27}}

====Train Wars (1)====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Train Wars: The Origin}}}}

====''Masterpiece'' toy bios (1)====
The Trainbots joined the Autobots in 2011. They were appointed the Autobot transport team, inheriting the role from [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] and [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] after the duo retired for a life of space exploration. {{storylink|Shouki#Masterpiece G Series|''Masterpiece'' Shouki bio}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|??? (Japanese)}}
In 2011, Seizan and the Trainbots were operating on Earth. After [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] invaded Cybertron, the robot trains assembled to transport their fellow Autobots to Cybertron across the [[space bridge]]. Shōki intervened on [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s first fight with [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], knocking aside the ninja consultant long enough for the Autobots to roll out. The convoy was attacked along the way by the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], but [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] drove them off. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} The Trainbots formed Raiden and fought alongside [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] against their Decepticon combiner counterparts. They were nearly crushed by falling debris when [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] collapsed a building on them using his [[Sonic stun-gun|sonic stun gun]]. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}} Seizan and the Trainbots returned to Earth just in time to shuttle [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hot Rod]] and the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]]s back to Cybertron, after their successful quest for the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. {{storylink|Birth of the Fantastic Double Prime}} In their train mode, Seizan and the Trainbots transported Rodimus Prime and the [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s to planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]] as reinforcements for the Headmasters. {{storylink|Rebellion on Planet Beast}} They also carried him into battle again on the planet [[Praum]], where [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] had set a trap for Fortress and his team. {{storylink|The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery}}

[[File:Hm8 Trainbot Express.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|Third car back.]]
Back on Earth, Seizan and the Trainbots took Danny and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] on a sightseeing trip in Tokyo, Japan. When <s>Sixshot</s> a mysterious robot declared his intention to steal all of Japan's energy, Seizan and the Trainbots remained quietly alert, confident their combination form could handle any threat to their homeland. Their passive response to the danger angered the more action-oriented Headmaster team, especially [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]. After fruitlessly chasing behind the bandit in attacks on London and New York, Chromedome was incensed when he arrived back at Autobot headquarters to see Seizan and the Trainbots returning from a shopping spree with Danny. Shōki and Chromedome nearly came to blows with each other before Danny intervened.

When the robot finally made his attack on Japan, Shōki demanded that his team be allowed the first strike against their opponent. Flying to the rescue, Seizan and the Trainbots assembled as Raiden to fight Sixshot. Raiden's victory was prevented by the arrival of [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], piloted by [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. It turned into an all-out brawl after that, with the Headmasters arriving as reinforcements for their comrades. Sixshot was revealed, and he used his ninja training seemingly to duplicate himself, attacking Raiden as several winged wolves. As a demonstration of their newfound trust in each other, Raiden urged Chromedome to shoot at the holographic Sixshots swarming around him, knowing he would certainly be hit by some of the blasts. The Decepticons were eventually driven off, and Shōki and Chromedome shook hands back at headquarters, having forged a warrior's bond on the field of battle. {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}}

Galvatron soon struck out against Cybertron again, this time seeking the new super-metal known as [[Cybertonuron]]. Seizan and the Trainbots were first in line on Earth to transport over the Space Bridge into combat with the Decepticons. They rushed straight into the fighting as soon as they arrived. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} Seizan and the Trainbots confronted the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] in defense of their home planet. The battle was fierce but brief, as the Trainbots disabled their opponents. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2}}

[[File:HM8 Trainbots in lounge.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.8|On the bottom couch, in the middle.]]
Seizan and the Trainbots defended the [[Sol 1]] satellite during its launch cycle. When Scourge, Cyclonus and the Predacons arrived to steal the satellite, they flew out with the Headmasters to stop them. Shōki gave the command and the Trainbots assembled to form Raiden, grappling with [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]] and ultimately chasing off the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}} Next, Seizan's team joined the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] on an emergency rescue mission to [[Peru]], where an active volcano was threatening a small town. They were intercepted by the Predacons, and so Shōki asked [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] to go on ahead and help the villagers while the Trainbots occupied the Preds. Soon, Raiden and Predaking were formed, and the battle was really joined. The Headmasters soon arrived and tagged out the Trainbots, allowing Seizan and his friends to journey to the village and escort the people to safety in their combined train mode. {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} In their next evil scheme, the Decepticons unleashed [[buridanka|a giant carnivorous plant]] in downtown [[San Francisco]], prompting the Autobots to respond. Seizan and the Trainbots arrived on the scene, but were confronted by [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], who wished to duel with sabers made of light. The Trainbots formed Raiden and met Bruticus sword for sword. {{storylink|Head On!! Fortress Maximus}}

On a geological expedition to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] with Danny and Spike, Seizan and the Trainbots were present when a series of tremors rocked the landscape. Seeking to investigate, the group split up to locate the source of the phenomena. Seizan and his teammates ran into the Predacons, and soon they learned of a plot to blow up Mars. Passing off the investigation to Chromedome and the Headmasters, Seizan and the Trainbots flew back to Athenia in order to take Spike and Danny to safety. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! Maximus Is in Danger}} They were almost immediately called back, however — the Decepticon Headmasters had used [[plasma energy]] to neutralize Fortress Maximus, leaving the Autobots on Mars in desperate need of reinforcements. Seizan and the trains reformed Raiden as they arrived, and fought against [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and the MegaZarak Transtector, scorpion mode. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

[[File:HM15 Seizan and Getsuei.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|The big yellow guy in the back there.]]
Seizan and the Trainbots served as military transportation for the Autobots when they attacked the Decepticon meeting on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. The strike was foiled by the arrival of Galvatron, and the Autobots fled back to Earth aboard the trains. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Seizan and his teammates were next used for a relief mission. The planet [[Sandra (planet)|Sandra]] was in desperate need of energon, and Ultra Magnus coordinated the Autobots of Earth in gathering some of their energon reserves aboard the Trainbots. Galvatron and the Decepticons wanted the energy for themselves, however, and interfered with the relief aid. Seizan and the Trainbots took off twice for Sandra, and they were twice shot down by the Decepticons before they could leave atmosphere. The Autobots of Earth finally gave up, sending energy reserves from Athenia instead. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}} Seizan and the Trainbots also ferryed the Witwickys and Headmasters to the mutual benefits talk with Galvatron. When the discussions went sour, they helped the Headmasters defeat the [[Horrorcon]]s and make it to safety. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

After the talks failed, the Decepticons fled into space aboard Scorponok, planning to raid other planets in the universe for their energy. The Trainbots were part of a task force Fortress assembled to chase after their nefarious foes. After reaching the [[Twin Star]] planets, Seizan and the Trainbots ferryed [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] down to the barren world of [[Twin Star|Toruin]]. They then transformed into Raiden and flew to the sister planet, [[Twin Star|Sperity]], to battle the Decepticon invaders. {{storylink|Battle for Defense of the False Planet}} On [[Daros]], Seizan and the Trainbots transported the rescued prisoners from the northern hemisphere to safety. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}} They also appeared on [[Paradise]], escorting [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] on his scouting mission and later flying the Technobots and Monsterbots into battle. {{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}} On [[Pirate Planet]], Seizan and the Trainbots defended the pirates' pyramid from Galvatron, so that Highbrow and the [[Clone (subgroup)|Autobot Clones]] could unlock its secrets first. {{storylink|Mystery of the Space Pirate Ship}}

After returning to Earth, Seizan and the Trainbots re-entered Ultra Magnus's command at Autobot City. They were summoned to transport the Technobots to [[Florida|Miami]], where an Autobot energy facility was under attack by the Decepticons. Seizan and his partners returned to Autobot City once it was attacked by Sixshot and Trypticon. They tried to enter the battle, assembling as Raiden, but were waylaid by [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]], who kept them busy long enough for Sixshot to murder Ultra Magnus on the battlefield. In the aftermath, Seizan and his comrades attended Magnus's funeral. {{storylink|Ultra Magnus Dies!!}} When Spike and Chromedome needed to get to Earth for the volcano summit, Seizan and the trains popped over to Athenia to give them a ride. They later defended the Kamchatka Peninsula from Scorponok's attack. {{storylink|I Risk My Life for Earth}} After the Decepticons seemingly abandoned Earth, Seizan and the Trainbots assisted Spike in rebuilding the planet after the enemy's departure. On one occasion, they located Sixshot's old command base. By combining into Raiden, the Trainbots helped Defensor and Computron obliterate the base, wiping out all trace of the Decepticons' presence. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)}}

After Wheelie was kidnapped by the Decepticons and ransomed for the secrets of the [[Master Sword]], Seizan and the Trainbots flew Chromedome and Danny in close to the [[Scorponok (G1)|MegaZarak]] base for a rescue attempt. {{storylink|The Master Sword Is in Danger!!}} When Danny went missing in a space vortex, Seizan's team joined the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] in searching for him. {{storylink|My Friend Sixshot!}} They also transported the Headmasters to the [[Pallas]] asteroid in order to battle the Decepticons. {{storylink|Duel on the Asteroid}}

Upon returning to Earth, Seizan and the Trainbots ferryed Danny and the Headmasters to the Andes Mountains for a rescue mission, after Spike and [[Carly]] crashed their jet in the treacherous terrain. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)}} As part of Raiden, Seizan participated in the Autobots final battle with Scorponok's Decepticons at the North Pole. He lent his energies to the Headmasters' [[Head Formation]] to revitalize Fortress Maximus at the critical moment. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

====''Masterpiece'' toy bios (2)====
The destruction of the space bridge network left the Trainbots pivotal to the Autobots' transportation infrastructure, and they remained a frequent sight on Earth long after the Headmasters and the rest of the Autobot forces departed. {{storylink|Shouki#Masterpiece G Series|''Masterpiece'' Shouki bio}}

====''Super-God Masterforce Master File''====
Following the expulsion of the Decepticons from Earth after the battle at the North Pole, the Transformers' war shifted into a series of space-based exchanges between Athenia and Chaar known as the [[Master Wars]]. During this time, the Trainbots discovered that Scorponok had constructed a new transtector for himself, and reported the news to [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]]. {{storylink|Master File No, 1}}

====Train Wars (2)====
[[File:Train Wars Seizan busted.jpg|thumb|right|80px|My precious train organs!]]
The Trainbots were heavily injured fighting the [[Nine Great Demon Generals]] in the form of Raiden, with Seizan in particular being parted with most of his torso, leaving them requiring extensive repairs. Blaming himself for their condition, Shouki left the team so that his leadership would never endanger them again. {{storylink|Train Wars: Shouki & Daniel Chapter}}

Later, just as all seemed lost for Shouki and the ragtag band of Transformers left to defend [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] from the interdimensional incursion of [[the Fallen]], Seizan and the other Trainbots arrived astride [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], bringing with them the [[Sixliner|Liner Team]] and the [[Sixtrain|Train Team]]! With that, on [[Windy (G1)|Windy]]'s count all three teams of train 'bots combined into [[Trainbot Omni-Car Joint|one massive coupling]] to chain the Fallen, giving Shouki and company time to vanquish the dark god by funneling Metroplex's power through Shouki's new "Raiden" cannon mode. The battle over, the Trainbots shared a tender moment as their old friend [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] reminded Shouki they were ''all'' his partners. {{storylink|Train Wars 2}}
{{-}}

===''TV Magazine'' comic continuity===
====''The Headmasters'' comic====
[[File:Trainbots Beast Special.jpg|thumb|left|300px|He's the third train down.]]
Responding to a distress call from their [[Beastformer (species)|Beastformer]] allies on the planet [[Beast (planet)|Beast]], Seizan and the Trainbots hurtled through the atmosphere in their separate train modes to deal with the Decepticons menacing the planet. Combining in mid-air, the united team allowed gravity to do the rest of the work as Raiden delivered a shattering "JR Kick" straight to Predaking's face, taking him out of the fight. The day won, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] directed the Trainbots to shuttle the any of the Beastformers' wounded back to the Autobot base on [[Athenia]] for treatment. {{storylink|The Decisive Battle of Planet Beast!}}

Back on Earth, Seizan and his team wowed Daniel with their amphibious talents as they transported him and the Autobot Headmasters on a mission to investigate reports of massive squids attacking the Autobots' undersea bases. The Decepticons were laying in ambush and unleashed the culprit, a giant robot squid! The Trainbots allowed themselves to be entangled by the mechanical mollusk, biding their time until Daniel was safe inside his [[exosuit]] and the Headmasters' remotely piloted [[transtector]]s converged on their location. When the time was right, the Trainbots erupted into their robot modes, catapulting their passengers to safety and shredding several of creatures' tentacles in the process. As the Headmasters did their part by tying the creature into one massive knot, the Trainbots made a show of it by erupting from the ocean as Raiden to swing the swing the automaton architeuthis like a mace, flattening the other Decepticons and ending the aquatic menace. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 3|The Headmasters #3}}

[[File:HMmanga trainbots.jpg|thumb|right|300px|He's the middle right guy by the squid.]]
When [[Christmas]] rolled around, Seizan and co got into the spirit of the season when they joined the Autobot Headmasters in handing out gifts at a Japanese children's hospital, even going so far as to procure an enormous Santa hat to don as Raiden and carry a huge sack. The merriment was soon interrupted by the arrival of the Decepticon Headmasters, but rather than join the battle, the Trainbots followed Chromedome's instruction to disengage, decombining and flying the hospital's patients to safety in their respective train modes.{{storylink|The Headmasters issue 6|The Headmasters #6}}

====''The Headmasters'' story pages====
Upon their arrival to [[Athenia]], the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] set out to make themselves useful by offering their expertise to [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress's]] existing troops. While the Trainbots could assume their train modes in a flash, when it came time to combine into Raiden, the big guy failed to live up to his name. Seizan and his team began taking speed transformation lessons from the Autobots' new resident "Speed Coach", [[Pointblank]], to get their super mode formation up to snuff. {{storylink|Transformers: The Headmasters (story page)|''The Headmasters'' story pages}}
====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic====
[[File:Trainbots Masterforce Delivery.jpg|thumb|left|400px|Third to the left.]]

Several years after the Decepticons' expulsion from Earth following the final battle at the North Pole, the Trainbots were dispatched to pick up the new Autobot [[Masterforce (technology)|Masterforce]] that had risen to prominence on Earth, and bring them to [[Athenia]] so Fortress could transfer his position of [[Supreme Commander]] to their leader, [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]]. Naturally, the Decepticons attacked Athenia during Ginrai's stay, and the Trainbots formed Raiden to fight back, only for him to wind up being cut down alongside Chromedome by a powerful blast from the combined Decepticon [[Scramble 7]]. The quick thinking of Ginrai and the other Godmasters managed to repel the Decepticons with a combination attack, and a battered Raiden survived to fight another day. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The Earth-Space Alliance Army}}
{{--}}

===''Super-God Masterforce'' intro===
The Trainbots soared majestically through the sky in their combined train mode alongside- [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]]'s base mode??? {{storylink|title sequence#Title sequence #1 2|''Masterforce'' title sequence}}

==Toys==
===''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers''===
{{anchor|The Headmasters}}
[[File:G1-toy Seizan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Not the perverter of truth.]]
*'''Seizan''' ([[1987]])
**''ID number'': '''C-129'''
**''Accessories'': "Plain laser" pistol, 3 "joint parts" connectors, right Raiden fist
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Seizan transforms into a {{w|Hakuchō (train)|Hakuchō}} {{w|485 series|485-200 Series Limited Express Electric Locomotive}}. He also forms the right arm of the team's combined mode [[Raiden]]... though he can also form the left arm if you're so inclined.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Seizan/seizan.htm More information on Seizan at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Raiden}}
[[File:G1toy raiden giftset.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
*'''Raiden''' (Gift set, 1987)

: The entire Trainbot team was sold both as individuals and in a six-bot Raiden gift-set. All six toys in this set were identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|Zone}}
*'''Seizan''' (''Trainbot'', [[1990]])
**''ID number'': '''C-358'''
**''Accessories'': "Plain laser" pistol, 3 "joint parts" connectors, right Raiden fist

: The Trainbots were re-released during ''[[Transformers: Zone (toyline)|Zone]]'' in new packaging, and only as individuals, never in a box set. The toys are identical to their original ''Headmasters'' incarnations, except for the fact that they no longer sport [[rubsign]]s.
{{--}}

====''Transform Jr''====
*'''Raiden''' (1987)

: An exceedingly simplified version of the entire Trainbot team was made available as part of the ''[[Transform Jr]]'' series. Each individual has a (stumpy) representation of their larger robot modes, and could combine to form a stumpy Raiden.
{{--}}

===''Masterpiece G Series''===
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MPG-05-Trainbot-Seizan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Trainbot Seizan''' ([[September 30]], [[2023]])
**''ID number:'' '''MPG-05'''
**''Accessories:'' Brain Laser gun, Raiden Cannon x2, Light Sword, rail A, rail B, joint part
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy), [[Dai Ono]] ([[Tomytec]])|[[Yuki Ohshima]] (concept artist)}}

:Previously teased on the "A Railway Story In The Sky" exhibition on [[December 3]], [[2019]] and later confirmed in a magazine interview<ref>[https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/techspecs/interviewkojinono.html Figure King 278: Interview with Kōjin Ōno] at Soundwave's Oblivion</ref> with designer [[Kōjin Ōno]] in the [[March]] [[2021]] issue of ''[[Figure Ō]]'', Seizan is the fifth release in the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece G Series]]''. Produced in collaboration with [[TOMIX]], the {{w|Rail transport modelling|train department}} of TakaraTomy's {{w|scale model}} oriented subsidiary [[Tomytec]], the figure converts into a fully HO [[scale]] compatible incarnation of his classic {{w|Hakuchō (train)|Hakuchō}} {{w|485 series|485-200 Series Limited}} train mode.<ref>[https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/techspecs/interviewkojinono2.html Figure King 285: Interview With MPG-01 Raiden Development Team – English Translation] at Soundwaves Oblivion</ref> Seizan's third mode forms the right arm of the historic first ''Masterpiece'' combiner in the form of a new incarnation of Raiden. In addition to his traditional position as Raiden's arm, the front of Seizan's train mode splits off to form Raiden's right "Leg Beam" ankle winglet, formerly an inert piece of [[kibble|combiner kibble]]. Seizan introduces ''new'' combiner kibble in the form of a pair of twin "Raiden Cannon" pistols designed to plug into final member [[Kaen#Masterpiece G Series|MPG-06 Kaen]] to create a sort of "missile pods" on the combiner's hips.

:The figure's last contribution to the combined mode comes in the form of a seemingly created for this release "Light Sword" accessory for Raiden, also usable as an impressively oversized weapon for the individual Trainbots. As with the prior ''Masterpiece G Series'' Trainbots, Seizan includes two modular railway sections slated to combine with segments included with the other Trainbots a la the team's original ''Diaclone'' plastic tracks. This track can be converted into a base for a stand armature (sold separately), and an adapter is included for a "flying train," a staple of the show.

:In an undocumented feature, the Light Sword can be stored inside a bespoke indentation on the underside of the tracks included with the earlier [[Getsuei#Masterpiece G Series|MPG-02 Getsuei]].
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Though it is a little tricky to tell the true meaning of Seizan's name since it is "spelled" in phonetic katakana rather than kanji, translations to English include "Blue Mountain" (青山) and "{{w|Seizan|Western Mountain}}" (西山).
* Seizan had the preliminary name of "Plain" (プレイン),<ref>''When the Anime/Tokusatsu Hero Was Born'' by [[Keisuke Fujikawa]]</ref> which was likely taken from the occasional identification of the ''Diaclone'' toy as "Plainliner" (プラインライナー ''Purainrainā'').
* The Trainbots are all originally ''[[Diaclone]]'' toys, which came in two different color schemes. There are several mold differences between the ''Diaclone'' and ''Transformers'' versions. Seizan's most notable difference is that the ''Transformers'' versions lost a spring-loaded firing mechanism for the fist / front part of the train, which the ''Diaclone'' version does contain. Due to this change, the connector-peg for his robot-mode backpack was remolded from a long notched peg (as seen on his box-art) to a shorter and far less breakable peg. The ''Transformers'' releases also lost the Diaclone pilots (of course) and the little plastic tracks for the trains to ride on.
* Seizan appears as part of the Trainbots' combined train form in the [[title sequence]] of the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|''Super-God Masterforce'' cartoon]], but not in the series itself. The series creators seem to have intended to use the Robot Train to travel back and forth to [[Athenia]], more closely tying ''Super-God Masterforce'' to previous ''Transformers'' series, but the idea was quietly dropped. They did, however, appear for that purpose in the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (manga)|concurrent comic series]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.diaclone.net/orid/diatr/d072.html ''Diaclone'' Seizan at Diaclone.net (Japanese-language site)]

[[Category:Trainbots]]

Excellion (Cybertron)

2023-09-24T14:44:04Z

CamilleHiiragi: adding template.

{{factions|velocitron|autobot}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot from ''Cybertron''|the Autobot from ''Animated''|Excellion (Animated)}}
:''Excellion is a [[Velocitron]]ian [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[Image:Excellionutcardart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not Shot]]
A brooding loner from the planet Velocitron, '''Excellion''' has actually won more respect from the [[Decepticon]]s than he has the [[Autobot]]s by successfully infiltrating their base completely unseen on more than one occasion. While the Autobots appreciate his efforts, it's his attitude that has estranged him from his peers.

With any luck, his new mentor [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] can whip him into shape.
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===''Timelines''===
[[File:Dark Heart Synthos attack.jpg|thumb|upright=1|]]
Following the war with [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]], Excellion stepped up to join the Autobots and fell under [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]]'s command on board the ''[[Star Arrow]]''. During a space mission when they were transporting a valuable [[Force Chip]], the ''Star Arrow'' was shot down above the planet [[Sandokan]]. While searching for the means of repairing their ship, Excellion and the Autobots were attacked by [[Synthos]], the deranged creature who had brought their ship down. They managed to retreat to a cave where they set up camp to repair their injuries and signal for rescue. Unfortunately, things were never that simple. The Decepticon mercenary known as [[Astrotrain (Cybertron)|Astrotrain]] arrived on Synthos, searching for their Force Chip and the [[Dark Heart of Sandokan|Dark Heart]] that powered Synthos. Excellion kept watch over their injured comrades [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] and [[Longrack (Cybertron)|Longrack]] while Override and [[Swerve (Cybertron)|Swerve]] confronted the Decepticon. He was caught unawares by Astrotrain's [[Mini-Con]] partners, however, and lost the Force Chip to the mercenaries.

The Autobots raced after Astrotrain, and caught up with the Decepticon during a skirmish between him and Synthos. Astrotrain attempted to overpower the creature by using the Force Chip, but was fighting a losing battle. Synthos got possession of the Force Chip and nearly became unstoppable as he tried to add its power to his own Dark Heart. Luckily, Excellion and Blurr managed to fend off the creature and reclaim the Force Chip before any of their enemies could. In an ironic twist, the Autobots were then saved by the arrival of the space pirate [[Cannonball (Cybertron)|Cannonball]], Astrotrain's employer. As the Decepticons occupied themselves with the threat of Synthos, Excellion and the Autobots snuck aboard Cannonball's shuttle and assumed control of the vessel. With the Force Chip safely tucked away, they began their journey back to Cybertron. {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Cybertron''===
[[File:Cyb-toy Excellion.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Bizarro Hot Rod.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Excellion''' (Deluxe class, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile launcher, missile, Velocitron style Cyber Key
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Released in the sixth wave of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Deluxes, Excellion is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Hot Shot]], now playing up the [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]-inspired design cues with a fiery red/orange/yellow paint-job, transforming into a modified {{w|Chrysler ME Four-Twelve|Chrysler ME 412}}. He comes with a Speed Planet [[Cyber Key]] that deploys transparent blue wings from his spoiler when the key is inserted into the rear of the car. The toy also comes with a spring-loaded missile-launching gun that can be carried in robot mode or pegged into the roof of the car mode.

: His mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Goldbug (SG)#Toys|Goldbug]] and the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|live-action movie universe]] [[Breakaway (Movie)#Toys|Breakaway]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/Excellion/excellion.htm More information on Excellion at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{CybertronHotShotMold}}

===''Universe'' (2003)===
[[Image:TFU03-toy_ExcellVsThunder.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Excellion vs. Thundercracker: Opposites Attack''' (Multipack, 2007)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile launcher, missile, Velocitron style Cyber Key

: During [[Christmas]]time 2007, [[Walmart]] got several exclusive double-packs of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes sold under the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' banner. For this series, Excellion came packaged with [[Thundercracker (Armada)#Cybertron|Thundercracker]]. Both toys are identical to their original releases.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''Attacktix''===
[[Image:AttacktixExcellion.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He will crush you with his mighty parasol missile.]]
*'''Excellion''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF10
|faction=Autobot
|class=Warrior
|special=Sacrifice - 14/26 (54%) success ratio
|cost=40
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Energy Blast)
}}
{{-}}
: Part of the first series of ''Transformers [[Attacktix]]'' Boosters, Excellion is a redeco of the Hot Shot piece (of course). His large missile makes him one of the more effective Transformers shooters. Excellion's Special Power ''Sacrifice'' lets you keep him in play by replacing one of your Trooper figures with him.

:Excellion's large base and wide stance make him an excellent defensive figure. He's even harder to shoot down when his missile is in place. The figure has four points of articulation; head, shoulders and waist.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AttacktixExcellion/excellion.htm More information on ''Attacktix'' Excellion at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:LOCExcellion.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's both Hot Shot and not Hot Shot in one convenient package!]]
* Excellion is an homage to [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] based on a Japanese DVD-[[exclusive]] [[redeco]] of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#CyDVD|''Galaxy Force'' Exillion]] (the Japanese version of the original ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Hot Shot toy), which uses a similar overall color scheme but has a number of deco differences and was released in limited numbers. He uses the ''Galaxy Force'' name for Hot Shot with a slight change in spelling from Ex'''i'''llion to Ex'''ce'''llion.
* A redeco of [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] Hot Shot uses Excellion's approximate coloration and paint scheme; however, the toy is not actually labeled "Excellion", merely "Hot Shot". The reason for this is unclear.

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:Velocitron]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Goldbug (SG)

2023-09-24T14:43:30Z

CamilleHiiragi: adding template.

{{factions|sgAutobot|wreckers|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3.5|the evil Autobot Seeker|his heroic Throttlebot counterpart|Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug}}
:''Goldbug is an evil [[Autobot]] [[Seeker (SG)|Seeker]] from the [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Shattered Goldbug.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Grrrr. Arg.]]

'''Goldbug''' was once a shiftless drifter named '''Bumblebee'''. Survival on the streets of [[Polyhex]] meant learning to become a sneak, a pickpocket, and a blackmailer, and at these things Bumblebee excelled. When [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] seized power and plunged [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into war, Bumblebee found that life as one of Prime's brutal [[Autobot]]s suited him well—so well, in fact, that it put him on the fast track to power, and culminated in his eventual rebirth as the more powerful Goldbug.

Although he's a ruthless warrior and a capable lieutenant, Goldbug's cold demeanor masks a bubbling cauldron of private neuroses, irrational fears, and a deep, abiding well of anger. Goldbug has done everything within his power to bury his original identity and put his past behind him, but remains extremely paranoid that he is not appreciated by his peers and will be summarily replaced. When he's given—or seizes—a position of power, he'll use that newfound authority to bluster and bully his subordinates into obedience... or, when things go south, start chopping off heads until the situation improves. Fortunately for his fellow Autobots, Goldbug generally doesn't hide his open contempt for his leaders, and his commanding officers have grown accustomed to foiling his ill-conceived coups before he can deal ''too'' much damage.

{{bigquote|There’s no reasoning behind what he does. It’s all about power, while lacking '''purpose'''.|[[Wheeljack (SG)|Slicer]]|[[Shattered Glass II issue 3|''Shattered Glass II'' #3]]}}

{{--}}

==Fiction==
===Shattered Expectations===
Goldbug led [[Jazz (SG)|Jazz]] and [[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]] in a search for the ancient [[Pretender]] technology, intending to use it to give them the edge against the [[Decepticon]] insurgency. He appeared to be the leader of the trio (barely). However, their plan was foiled by the arrival of [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]] and the [[Mayhem Suppression Squad]]. {{storylink|Shattered Expectations (SG)|Shattered Expectations}}

===Fun Publications ''Shattered Glass'' continuity===
[[File:Shatteredglasstheoldone.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|"Sorry sir, I spaced out after 'along with'. What do I need to understand?"]]

When Bumblebee joined the Autobots, his bravery put him on the fast track to power, and when [[Seeker (SG)|Seeker]] commander [[Drench (SG)|Drench]] was "removed" by Prime, Bumblebee was rebuilt as Goldbug and took his place. <ref>BotCon 2008 Goldbug profile card</ref>

Goldbug was present at the execution of [[Rumble (SG)|Rumble]] when Optimus Prime brought their "old friend" [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]] in to view the festivities. Later on, he was discussing the launch of the ''[[Ark (SG)|Ark]]'' with Prime and [[Blurr (SG)|Blurr]] in the combat training room. Goldbug mentioned that the [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Old One]] wouldn't have approved of the current plan, but Optimus quickly shot down his objections. Goldbug and the other [[Seeker (SG)|Seeker]]s defended the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s launch platform from Decepticon attack, but failed to stop Cliffjumper from scuttling the liftoff. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (issue)|Shattered Glass}}

When [[Wheeljack (SG)|Wheeljack]]'s new creations, the [[Dinobot (SG)|Dinobot]]s, ran amok, both Autobot and Decepticon alike were forced to chase them down before the other side could modify their A.I.s. Gotta catch 'em all. Goldbug and [[Jazz (SG)|Jazz]] located [[Swoop (SG)|Swoop]] atop an observation tower. Unfortunately, he could fly and neither of them could. Goldbug volunteered Jazz to climb up and fetch the Dinobot, but J wasn't having none of that. [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]] and Blurr arrived and made a consensus (with laser rifles) that Jazz would be climbing. In a move that surprised no one except Jazz, Swoop took off flying the moment Prime's bodyguard laid a hand on him. Goldbug got the creature in his sights and shot it down, bringing Swoop and Jazz crashing to Earth. When Blurr inquired why Goldbug didn't just shoot the Dinobot in the first place, Goldbug shrugged and said that now they didn't have to climb up and fetch it. {{storylink|Dungeons & Dinobots}}

The ''Ark'' was finally repaired and ready for launch when Optimus Prime ran off to deal with [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]. Goldbug and Blurr caught Rodimus fiddling with a communications console, preventing Prime from calling in. Blurr started to bluster at the insubordination, but Goldbug was willing to hear Rodimus' explanation. Rodimus argued that Optimus' obsession with Megatron was holding them all back. Cybertron was a dead world now, and with Prime out of the picture, Earth would be ripe for their taking. Goldbug agreed, and Blurr was thrown off the ship for remaining loyal to Prime.

Later, when the ''Ark'' and the ''[[Nemesis (SG)|Nemesis]]'' were locked in battle above [[Earth]], Goldbug manned the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sensor station. [[Astrotrain (SG)|Astrotrain]] succeeded in severely damaging the ''Ark''. Goldbug had time to curse the coward Rodimus, who fled in an escape pod, before calling for all hands to brace for impact. {{storylink|Do Over}}

After the crash, Goldbug initially hooked up with [[Big Daddy (SG)|Big Daddy]], [[Brawn (SG)|Brawn]] and [[Beachcomber (SG)|Beachcomber]] as they went searching for their "valiant leader". It was fortuitous, wonderful, outstanding when they finally crossed paths with the opportunist, and had the opportunity for revenge. Rodimus did some fast talking, though, and his stories of human allies and the Decepticons getting vaped led Goldbug to hold his fire long enough to hear the Seeker leader out. They returned to the ''Ark'' in order to make a proper assessment of the state of the planet. Goldbug and the Autobots had quite a bit of difficulty understanding the concept of "renewable resources" their human allies the Witwickys tried to explain.

Strategy wasn't the only thing on Goldbug's mind, however — using Rodimus's bail-out during the crash as an excuse, he challenged Rodimus for leadership of the Autobots. The two Seekers battled on the bridge of the ''Ark'', with the fully-reenergized Goldbug soon gaining the upper hand. Rodimus was far more crafty, though — he voice-activated [[Teletraan-X (SG)|Teletraan-X]] and deleted the ID-recognition file for Goldbug, causing the ship to identify him as an enemy combatant. Goldbug was quickly restrained by the internal security systems, and held helpless before Rodimus ''Prime''. Despite his precarious position, Goldbug agreed to yield only if Rodimus left him as second-in-command. Showing the sort of logic and reasoning positive-matter Decepticon leaders have displayed for eons, Rodimus laughingly agreed to keep the ambitious Goldbug as his right-hand bot. After all, no way Goldbug would let anyone ''else'' in the Autobots kill Rodimus before him.

As the Autobots prepared for their strike on the control base for America's [[Global Orbiting Defense Satellite|GODS]] space weapon, Goldbug and [[Wheeljack (SG)|Wheeljack]] joined Rodimus for the infiltration mission. Like the Trojan horse, they got captured and taken inside the base along with their "drivers", the Witwickys, just before the rest of the Autobots launched an assault from outside. Striking from both in and outside the base, the Autobots soon controlled the satellite station and its deadly particle beam weapon. Their assault soon drew the attention of the surviving Decepticons, however, and the Cybertronian Civil War officially took up residence on Earth. Goldbug was attacked by the diminutive [[Frenzy (SG)|Frenzy]] and his two human friends, who used a fire extinguisher to temporarily blind the Seeker and steal his weapon. To add injury to insult, the weaponless Goldbug was then forced to deal with the Incredible fury of Frenzy unleashed. The Decepticons were able to reclaim the military base, and the Autobots were driven off. {{storylink|Eye in the Sky}}

Still working for his own advancement, Goldbug commissioned [[Side Burn (SG)|Side Burn]] and Wheeljack to create a [[Space bridge|stellar spanner]] out in the desert without Rodimus Prime's knowledge. They were nearly finished when the Decepticons [[Blitzwing (SG)|Blitzwing]] and [[Heatwave (Timelines)|Heatwave]] stumbled upon their location. Seizing the opportunity, Goldbug planned to launch Heatwave through the untested machine to make sure it worked. Blitzwing attempted to stop them by hooking directly into the spanner's digital landscape, but failed due to Wheeljack's electro-shells. The feedback had a side-effect, however, of sending out a cacophony of fleshling music on the Autobots' communications frequency. Unable to even think straight, Goldbug blasted the Spanner to keep the Decepticons from using it and ordered a retreat.

Back at the ''Ark'', Goldbug was forced to answer to Rodimus Prime for his antics. Fearing another clash with Teletraan-X's servo, Goldbug babbled off whatever he could think of to stay Rodimus's fury. Luckily, his only punishment ended up being salvage duty with [[Seaspray (SG)|Seaspray]], as the Agonizing Rehabilitation Chambers were conveniently broken. {{storylink|Blitzwing Bop}}

Goldbug took part in the raid on [[R.J. Blackrock|Blackrock]]'s [[Mega-Rig]], warning everyone to stick to hand-to-hand combat to avoid damaging their prize. He, Side Burn and Beachcomber later joined Rodimus when their leader met with Blackrock to listen to an offer he had for them. Despite Goldbug's strenuous objections, Rodimus accepted the offer. Soon after, the Autobots captured two of the Decepticons' human friends, [[Sephie Beller]] and [[Rick Ottman]]. Goldbug held Rick at gunpoint when the Decepticons turned up, and the Decepticons were soon bound prisoners. When [[Soundwave (SG)|Soundwave]] revealed that he wasn't the one who'd put up the jamming field, Goldbug wondered aloud who was doing the jamming. His answer came moments later when the Autobots were attacked by Blackrock in his [[Centurion (SG)|Centurion]] mech. Goldbug and Swoop initially managed to restrain the robot, but the Centurion's defenses were too formidable, and the Autobots were eventually forced to retreat. {{storylink|Transhuman}}

At some unspecified point in time, Goldbug and a team of Autobots somehow under the command of both [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] fought [[Thundercracker (SG)|Thundercracker]] and [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]] in the Transformers' greatest battle on Earth, "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction (SG)|Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]." According to Ravage, anyway. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 3|Recordicons #3}}

Goldbug was among the evil Autobots captured after Optimus Prime became Nova Prime and overthrew Rodimus. {{storylink|The Future Buried...}}
{{-}}

===''SD SG''===
Goldbug was forced to listen to [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] complain about new body designs and upgrades. {{storylink|SD SG issue 1|SD SG #1}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' comic===
[[File:ShatteredGlassIIissue1-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Bumblebee was a originally a drifter on the streets of Polyhex before joining Orion Pax's Autobots. Desperate for the approval of his leader, the ambitious Bumblebee clawed his way up the ranks until he'd attained a position of power as a member of Orion's inner cadre. {{storylink|Goldbug (SG)#Shattered Glass Collection|Goldbug bio}} During one early meeting with [[Jetfire (SG)|Jetfire]], who'd turned to the Autobots as a means of securing more funding for his research on [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s, Bumblebee and [[Prowl (SG)|Prowl]] caught [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]] spying on them and dragged him before Orion. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 3|Shattered Glass #3}}

As Orion worked to consolidate his growing power over the Senate, Bumblebee became a member of the "[[Wreckers]]", a private security force under the leadership of [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] that effectively operated outside Cybertronian law. While stationed at the [[Senate]] building, Bumblebee intimidated [[Flashbox (SG)|Flashbox]] and [[Laserbeak (SG)|Laserbeak]] into abandoning an interview with [[Shockwave (SG)|Shockwave]], and Bumblebee watched in shock as Ultra Magnus laid into [[Kup (SG)|Kup]] and [[Impactor (SG)|Impactor]] for stepping out of line. To prove their loyalty to Optimus Prime, Magnus and the other members of the Wreckers led an attack on the Senate and massacred everyone inside except Shockwave, whom Magnus left alive so he could be subjected to [[empurata]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 1|Shattered Glass II #1}} At some point afterwards, Bumblebee was kicked out of the Wreckers for unknown reasons; years later, [[Wheeljack (SG)|Slicer]] privately thought of him as a "failed Wrecker". {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 3}}

[[File:ShatteredGlass4-Goldbugaltmode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

After Orion rose to become Optimus Prime, Bumblebee stayed by his leader's side after the Decepticon-Autobot conflict brought both sides to [[Earth]]. Bumblebee took part in the final battle against the Decepticons, and nearly killed [[Thundercracker (SG)|Thundercracker]] before a point-blank blast from [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]'s [[fusion cannon]] left him mortally wounded. On the way back to Cybertron, [[Ratchet (SG)|Ratchet]] came up with the idea of using a spare [[protoform]] to revive their comrade, and Bumblebee was reborn as the more powerful Goldbug. However, Goldbug soon realized that Optimus and the other Autobots had only repaired him out of necessity, rather than out of any kind of affection for their comrade, and that they hadn't forgotten his recent failure on the battlefield.

After returning to Cybertron, Goldbug caught wind that that [[Prowl (SG)|Prowl]] was planning a coup against the Autobot leader. When he brought the issue to Prime's attention, however, Optimus dismissed his concerns, and when Goldbug snapped and criticized Prime's inability to see the obvious plot, he received a painful beating for his troubles. As Goldbug picked himself up, he discovered that Prowl had witnessed the entire altercation, and had come to him with an offer to join his nascent coup. Some time later, when Prowl's breakaway faction made its move, Goldbug attempted assassinate Prime, but the Autobot leader easily fended off his assault. Frustrated and humiliated by his string of defeats, Goldbug swore that from that day onward no one would ever think him a joke again. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 4|Shattered Glass #4}}

Approximately a kilocycle later, Goldbug had risen to become the unquestioned ruler of [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]], which he'd renamed "Gold City". Under unclear circumstances, a subsequent falling-out with Prowl had turned the planet into a three-way battleground between the warring Autobot factions. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 1|Shattered Glass #1}} Goldbug took on Slicer as one of his chief lieutenants—unaware that Slicer was still actively working for Ultra Magnus and funnelling a constant stream of information to his leader. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 5|Shattered Glass #5}} Upon learning that Starscream had resurfaced and successfully interfaced with the Titan [[Metroplex (SG)|Metroplex]], Goldbug put out a bounty on his head with the intent of bringing him alive for interrogation, and farmed the contract out to Ratchet and the various [[bodyscrapper]]s in his employ. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 1|Shattered Glass #1}} After a lengthy game of cat-and-mouse in and around Gold City and the [[Static Zone]], Jetfire finally captured Starscream and brought him before Goldbug for an interrogation session. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 3|Shattered Glass #3}}

[[File:ShatteredGlass4-Goldbugkillsskywarp.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4]]

Immediately, Starscream's torture session did not go as planned: Starscream proved more resistant than he'd hoped, and Jetfire warned his leader that if they killed their prisoner they'd have no way to extract the knowledge encoded in his [[spark]]. When [[Skywarp (SG)|Skywarp]] teleported in to free his comrade Goldbug intercepted him, beat him to death, and ripped his head off, part of a ploy to break Starscream's spirit by showing him the remains of his fallen comrade. When Starscream still refused to cooperate, Goldbug ordered [[Wheeljack (SG)|Slicer]] to round up and execute every suspected Decepticon sympathizer in Gold City, but the Autobot warlord was again called away to deal with the [[Insecticon (SG)|Insecticon]]s. After slaughtering them to a man, a furious Goldbug barged in and pointed his gun in Starscream's face, ready to execute him regardless of the consequences. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 4|Shattered Glass #4}}

Before Goldbug could make good on this threat to kill both Starscream ''and'' the reluctant Jetfire, Megatron gathered his remaining followers and launched a full-scale assault on Gold City. At that moment, Jetfire finally rejected the Autobots by punching Goldbug in the face and freeing his old friend amidst the confusion. However, Goldbug had enough strength left to blast Starscream in the chest; although the Decepticon flier survived this first shot, Goldbug easily reached into the wound, ripped his [[spark]] from his body; as he fled, Goldbug coldly reminded Jetfire that Starscream was ''never'' going to leave Gold City alive.

[[File:ShatteredGlassIIissue3-Goldbugdies.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]

The Decepticons successfully liberated Gold City, but Goldbug escaped amidst the confusion and retreated to Metroplex's resting ground, deep within the [[Static Zone]], where he used the information encoded on Starscream's spark to reactivate the Titan. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 5|Shattered Glass #5}}

Although he'd successfully implanted Starscream's spark into Metroplex's systems, Goldbug struggled to bring the giant Transformer online: Metroplex would stop and start and random, and the rogue Autobot had made very little progress when Slicer, still posing as Goldbug's loyal underling, finally tracked him down. Slicer was able to stall Goldbug long enough for him to send a coded signal to [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]] and the other Wreckers, but when a passing Decepticon patrol attacked the Titan, Slicer and Goldbug easily took down the lightly-armored fliers. Before Slicer could turn on Goldbug, however, Goldbug turned on Slicer, wrestled him to the ground, and prepared to execute his former lieutenant: he'd been aware that Slicer had been double-crossing him the entire time. As Goldbug prepared to squeeze the trigger, Slicer spied Jetfire approaching from behind and got out of the way just in time—when the vengeful Jetfire landed, he caught Goldbug unawares and avenged Starscream by fatally flattening the little Autobot. {{storylink|Shattered Glass II issue 3|Shattered Glass II #3}}

{{--}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
During an Autobot attempt to launch from Cybertron in a battleship, Grimlock, [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]], and Goldbug were distracted from reaching the launch site and ended up chasing Ravage instead. {{storylink|Shattered Glass (Legends)|Shattered Glass}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}

==Toys==
===''Timelines''===
[[File:ShatteredGlasstoy-Goldbug.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Started a "Bad Bugs" club with [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-sad|'''Shattered Glass''' ([[BotCon]] box set, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, key

:Part of [[BotCon 2008]]'s [[exclusive]] box set of five figures, ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Goldbug is a [[retool]] of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Hot Shot]] with a new head sculpt based on "[[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1]]" [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Goldbug|Goldbug]] and a new black, yellow, and blue color scheme, bearing a little resemblance to [[:File:Movie Deluxe StealthBumblebee toy.jpg|Stealth Bumblebee]]. He transforms into a modified {{w|Chrysler ME Four-Twelve}} concept car. Plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into his trunk (his is a clear-orange [[Velocitron]]-style key with a black border) deploys transparent blue wings from his spoiler. The toy also comes with a spring-loaded missile-launching gun that can be carried in robot mode or pegged into the roof of the car mode.

:The original version of this mold was also used to make ''Cybertron'' [[Excellion (Cybertron)#Toys|Excellion]] and the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 ''Transformers'']] [[Breakaway (Movie)#Toys|Breakaway]].

:Goldbug is only available as part of a set of six toys, along with [[Optimus Prime (SG)#Toys|Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (SG)#Toys|Autobot Jazz]], [[Grimlock (SG)#Toys|Grimlock]], [[Razorclaw (SG)#Toys|Razorclaw]], and [[Starscream (SG)#Toys|Starscream]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/BCGoldbug/goldbug.htm More information on Goldbug at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{CybertronHotShotMold}}

===''Shattered Glass Collection''===
[[File:TF-Shattered-Glass-Collection-Goldbug.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|Ah yes, Bumblebee rebuilt into a bigger, badder body, that's definitely what this is.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-sa|'''Autobot Goldbug''' (Deluxe Class, [[2021]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Three-piece bazooka, 2 skis, car trunk
{{toydesigner|[[Lenny Panzica]] and [[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro)<ref>[[August 13]], [[2021]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-r_ueBc4R0 "Fan First Friday | Transformers Livestream"] on YouTube, with [[Evan Brooks]], [[Ben MacCrae]], and [[Isabella Weiss]].</ref>|[[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}

: Released as part of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Shattered Glass Collection|Shattered Glass Collection]]'' subline, "Autobot Goldbug" is a new-head retool of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Cliffjumper]]. Unusually small for a Deluxe Class figure, Goldbug transforms into a custom 1980s sports coupe; hybridizing the Porsche 924 Turbo and {{w|Mitsubishi Starion}} models. Goldbug's vehicle mode possesses molded high-performance brake discs, carried over from a mainline ''Transformers'' figure. As can be expected of a figure based on a ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' release, Goldbug includes numerous 3 mm posts and [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]] for attaching weapons, [[Fire Blast effect]]s, and other accessories as part of the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]]/[[F.O.S.S.I.L. Technology]]. However, attaching a Weaponizer/[[A.I.R. Lock System|Modulator]]/Fossilizer figure can be challenging due to Goldbug's small size.

: Goldbug features a redeco of Cliffjumper's bazooka. It can split into two smaller blasters and a pair of skis that can attach under his wheels. The backend of the cannon can fold out to fit in his car mode's underside to help balance when skis are deployed, while also being used as a melee weapon. It can also be mounted on either his thigh or on the side or top of his shoulder meaning you can put the entire cannon in these spots. Similarly, his detaching car trunk can either be put into the robot mode's back or be used as a shield with the help of a flip-out peg. This peg and the backend of the cannon use a unique post and port to connect to each other. Initial photos appeared to show Goldbug using the updated taller "collar" assembly introduced on [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Bumblebee]], although the final figure sticks with the original, shorter assembly from Cliffjumper.

: Goldbug also includes the [[Shattered Glass issue 4|fourth issue]] of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (IDW)|Shattered Glass]]'' "Shards" mini-series, with an exclusive cover featuring spot UV.

: Much like the rest of the subline, Goldbug is a [[Hasbro Pulse]] exclusive in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. His existence was spilled by Hasbro Pulse prematurely when ''Shattered Glass Collection'' [[Starscream (SG)#Shattered Glass Collection|Starscream]]'s front page advertisement named Goldbug instead of Starscream,<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/hasbro-mentions-shattered-glass-goldbug-but-shows-sg-starscream-instead.1214062/ "The latest figure in the Transformers Generations Shattered Glass Collection: Goldbug & IDW Shattered Glass with Variant Cover"]</ref> much like the accidental reveal of ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Red Wing#Toys|Red Wing]] and ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Thrust (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Thrust]].

: This mold was also used for ''War for Cybertron Trilogy [[Generations Selects (toyline)|Selects]]'' [[Hubcap (G1)#Generations|Hubcap]] and [[Bug Bite (GoBots)#Generations|Bug Bite]], and was extensively retooled into ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Bumblebee]].
{{WFCEarthriseCliffjumperMold}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===''Magic: The Gathering''===
[[File:MTG-SG-Goldbug.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The {{w|Napoleon complex|Napoleon}} of crime.]]
*'''Goldbug, Humanity's Ally / Goldbug, Scrappy Scout''' (2022)
**''ID number:'' '''025'''
**''Set code:'' '''BOT'''
**''Color identity:'' '''White/Blue'''
**''Casting cost:'' '''{1}{W}{U}''' (front), '''{W}{U}''' (back)
**''Artist:'' [[Josh Perez]]
:"Goldbug, Humanity's Ally" is part of the 2022 ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]'' ''[[wikia:mtg:Universes Beyond|Universes Beyond]]'' ''[[wikia:mtg:Transformers|Transformers]]'' card set, found in Collector Booster packs of ''Magic''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> ''[[wikia:mtg:The Brothers' War|The Brothers' War]]'' set. It can be reversed to become "Goldbug, Scrappy Scout", representing Goldbug in vehicle mode.
:A variant of this card was available in both Set Booster and Collector Booster packs, depicting [[Bumblebee (G1)/merchandise#Magic: The Gathering|"Generation 1" Goldbug]].

{{--}}

==Notes==
* Goldbug's original "Bumblebee" body never appeared in any Fun Publications stories. IDW's ''Shattered Glass'' series, on the other hand, gives him a body based on ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Bumblebee]]. His white and purple color scheme comes from Bumblebee's [[Bumblebee (SG Animated)|''Shattered Glass Animated'' counterpart]], who was in turn conceived as a homage to [[BotCon 2007]]'s [[Bug Bite (GoBots)#Timelines|''Timelines'' Bug Bite]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Goldbug''' (ゴールドバグ ''Gōrudobagu'')

==See also==
{{OtherVersions
|charname=''Shattered Glass'' Bumblebee
|disambig=Bumblebee (disambiguation)
|body=
*[[Bumblebee (SG Animated)|Bumblebee]], the evil counterpart to [[Bumblebee (Animated)|''Animated'' Bumblebee]].
*[[Bumblebee (SG Movie)|Bumblebee]], the evil counterpart to [[Bumblebee (Movie)|"Movie series" Bumblebee]].}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Convention-original characters]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame characters]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Autobots]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Seekers]]
[[Category:Spies]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]

Breakaway (Movie)

2023-09-24T14:42:49Z

CamilleHiiragi: adding template.

{{factions|autobotfilm}}
{{disambig3|Breakaway}}
:''Breakaway is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|Transformers]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Breakawaywithstrongarm.jpg|200px|thumb|Out of the darkness and into the sun / but I won't forget all the ones that I love]]

No prison can hold the Autobot escape-artist extraordinaire '''Breakaway''', and any lucky or skilled Decepticon who ''does'' will not be able to gloat about it for long. He has been imprisoned countless times, most of which occurred on purpose during decoy missions. But even as Decepticons continually try to make a cell that can hold Breakaway indefinitely, they have never succeeded because he has escaped every instance. More than happy to maintain his interstellar reputation, he will surely take the next chance to embarrass his enemies as he slips out of their grasp.<ref>''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]'' trade paperback bonus material</ref>

Every inch of Breakaway's body contains secret compartments filled with the right tools to escape from any cell. Slippery as a [[Neutronian grease eel]] and clever as a [[turbofox]], his skills seem almost supernatural to Decepticon bounty hunters across the galaxy.<ref>''Transformers'' Deluxe Class Breakaway packaging bio</ref>

==Fiction==
===IDW movie comics===
Many years before the war, Breakaway was a member of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus's]] [[Science Division]], working on excavation site LT34 near the temple of [[Simfur]]. He was present when the team excavated an ancient relic and for the subsequent argument between Optimus and Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1|Defiance #1}} He loyally stayed at Optimus's side when Megatron demanded that all of Cybertron fall under his command so they could wage war on the aliens who attacked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Defiance issue 2|Defiance #2}}

When Optimus' followers were declared traitors by Megatron and a civil war broke out, Breakaway became a member of Optimus ''Prime's'' Autobots and volunteered to stay behind on Cybertron when the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]'' went in search of the [[AllSpark]], which the Autobots had ejected into space in a desperate attempt to give themselves a fighting chance. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}}

[[File:Breakawaywingbladeothers.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Colors, Breakaway? You're ruining everything!]]
Millions of years later, after the defeat of Megatron on [[Earth]], [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] retreated to Cybertron with plans to reconstruct the [[AllSpark]]. [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] followed him and put together a team to stop the Decepticon's mad designs, of which Breakaway was a member. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 4|The Reign of Starscream #4}} He partnered up with [[Strongarm (Movie)|Strongarm]] for their assault on the city of [[Trypticon (Movie)|Trypticon]]. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 5|The Reign of Starscream #5}}

Breakaway accompanied Arcee and [[Clocker (Movie)|Clocker]] on an unspecified mission. Their ship was shot down by [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] and landed on an unknown planet. Arcee lost consciousness thanks to damage sustained in the crash, leaving Breakaway and Clocker to fight off the attacking Decepticon. When Arcee came back online, only Thundercracker was still functional. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 6|Tales of the Fallen #6}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2007)===
[[File:Breakaway movie toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I was going to be me, but in the end I was not.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Breakaway''' (Deluxe Class, [[2008]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' Grenade rifle, missile, Cyber key
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

:A [[Walmart]]-[[exclusive]] [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Hot Shot]] with a color scheme inspired by [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Getaway]],<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080913190932/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=950171CF-D56F-E112-41602F3A7E919719 Hasbro.com announcement of the Walmart-exclusive Deluxe figures]</ref> Breakaway transforms into a modified white Chrysler ME Four-Twelve concept car. He comes with a clear-red Cybertron-Autobot key that deploys transparent red wings from his spoiler when the key is inserted into the rear of the car. The toy also comes with a spring-loaded, missile-launching gun that can be carried in robot mode or pegged into the roof of the car mode.

: This toy was also sold exclusively at The Warehouse in [[New Zealand]].

: This mold was also used to make ''Cybertron'' [[Excellion (Cybertron)#Toys|Excellion]] and [[retool]]ed to make ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Goldbug (SG)#Toys|Goldbug]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/Breakaway/breakaway.htm More information on Breakaway at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

{{CybertronHotShotMold}}

==Notes==
*Breakaway was originally designed for the 2008 ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toyline as a new version of [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Getaway]].<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/hasbro-product-listings-with-large-update/28707/ Hasbro product listing]</ref> The toy was renamed "Breakaway" because the original name did not clear [[trademark]].
*Breakaway's off-panel demise in ''Tales of the Fallen'' #6 seems rather handy because it prevents readers from confusing this Breakaway with [[Breakaway (ROTF)|another]] movieverse character of the same name.

==Reference==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Movie Autobots]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Autobots]]
[[Category:Wal-Mart exclusives]]

Hot Shot (Armada)/toys

2023-09-24T14:42:14Z

CamilleHiiragi: adding template.

{{suite}}

[[File:GHC Hot Shot Redgun.jpg|upright=2|thumb|Forgot to take his fiber supplement yesterday.]]

'''[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]''' has many toys! And merchandise! [[User:ItsWalky|No sane person]] would own all of them!

==Toys==
===''Armada''===
{{anchor|ArDx1}}
[[File:Armadatoy-HotShot.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|You know, I've personally flown over 194 missions and I was shot down every one of them. (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:MicronLegendtoy-HotRod.jpg|upright=1.67|right|thumb|I have a shell the size of a fist in my head. Pork Chop Hill. (''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot''' (Super-Con Class, [[2002]]/[[2003]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Hot Rod'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''MC-03'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
:*''Accessories'': Missile, engine-block/blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Yuichiro Hira]] (Takara)}}

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' "Super-Cons" (aka Deluxes), Hot Shot transforms into a modified yellow {{w|Audi TT}}. He is packaged with the [[Mini-Con]] helicopter [[Jolt (Armada)#Toys|Jolt]], who can peg onto the trunk of Hot Shot's vehicle mode to act as a rear-mounted "speed boosting" propeller. Jolt's massive gun plugs into Hot Shot's hood, releasing a pair of "driving claws" from his front bumper; these function as his feet in robot mode, so activating these is a necessary step in transforming him. When Hot Shot is in robot mode, attaching Jolt or any Mini-Con to the port on his butt flips his rear axle up over his head; pushing up on the port then rotates the axle to face forward, automatically launching a spring-loaded missile, a gimmick fans have dubbed the "Axlezooka". Hot Shot's visor can also flip down over his face, and Jolt's gun can attach to his chest as armor. Jolt's gun also has its own Mini-Con socket, allowing it to activate any Mini-Con activated features. Although the show featured Hot Rod wielding it himself in robot mode as a double-barreled blaster pistol, the lack of a single dedicated peg or handle left the toy unable to do so.

:"Hot Rod," [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''Legends of the Microns'' version of Hot Shot, was released in altered colors, with a more saturated yellow and some dark gray paint in places instead of navy blue. Additionally, more of the belt straps on his chest were painted silver, his pelvis was painted a darker red, and there was clearer paint on his Autobot symbol. A [[retool]] (or vice versa) of [[Hasbro]]'s Hot Shot, his right arm houses a light-up LED (for accommodating the translucent Star Saber sword) that glows when his side-view mirror is pressed, a feature that was dropped from the American version due to price-point concerns.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed and [[retool]]ed for the [[#ArDxPx|"Powerlinx" Hot Shot]] version of the character (see below). That retool was scheduled to be [[redeco]]ed for ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' "[[Battle in a Box]]" [[Smokescreen (Cybertron)|Smokescreen]], but that set was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ArDxADT}}
[[File:Hot Rod and Air Defense Micron.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Rod & Air Defense Micron''' (Multi-pack, 2002)}}</ul>
:*''Sonokong name'': '''Red Gun & Air Defense'''
:*''ID number'': '''MS-01'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 26]], 2002
:*''Accessories'': Missile, engine-block/blaster

: Takara's Hot Rod was also released in a box set with the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)#Toys|Air Defense Microns]], also in the first wave of the line. All items in the set are identical to their individual Takara releases.

: This set was also released by [[Sonokong]] in Korea, with no changes from the Takara release, other than the packaging. This was also the only way to obtain "Red Gun" (Hot Shot) and the "Air Defense" in Korea.

{{-}}{{anchor|ArDxPx}}
[[File:Armadatoy-PowerlinxHotShot.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Destiny, Part Three|No, yeah, I'm totally that Hot Rods guy.]] (''Hasbro versions pictured'')]]
[[File:MicronLegendtoy-HotRodSuperMode.jpg|right|300px|thumb|My hand still glows, but they retooled away my deployable sunglasses! (''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Powerlinx Hot Shot with Powerlinx Jolt''' (Super-Con Class, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Hot Rod Super Mode'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''MC-13'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[September 11]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Missile, engine-block/blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

: A red, yellow, and black [[redeco]] and [[retool]] of the first Hot Shot, Powerlinx Hot Shot has a new head that has a more "serious" look, and his visor, sculpted directly into the new head, is no longer articulated. Intended to be an [[homage]] to "[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]" [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], he has a yellow spoiler and flames on his hood. Due to a factory error, his forehead is painted gray instead of left red. Later in the line, a running change granted Powerlinx Hot Shot with a cleaner faction symbol. Even ''later'' in the run, the forehead paint application was removed, but that particular version is extremely rare.

: The Japanese version, "Hot Rod Super Mode", fixed this forehead mistake, replaced the gold flames with yellow, painted the shoulder symbol more clearly, and retained the LED light-up arm the first Japanese version featured.

:This mold was scheduled to be [[redeco]]ed for ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' "[[Battle in a Box]]" [[Smokescreen (Cybertron)|Smokescreen]], but that set was ultimately canceled.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/PXHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Powerlinx Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BonusMiniCon}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Powerlinx Hot Shot with Powerlinx Jolt''' (Super-Con Class, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile, engine-block/blaster

:In November of 2003, US [[Toys"R"Us]] stores had special bonus pack Super-Con toys, which came with a single bonus Mini-Con attached to the card over their sticker, for ''less'' than the price of a normal Super-Con during Toys"R"Us' post-Thanksgiving-day sale. Like [[Cyclonus (Armada)#Powerlinx|Powerlinx Cyclonus]], Powerlinx Hot Shot could come with one of the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]] members: [[Dune Runner (Armada)#Toys|Dune Runner]], [[Iceberg#Toys|Iceberg]] or [[Ransack (Armada)#Toys|Ransack]].
{{--}}

===''Built to Rule!''===
[[File:BTR-toy HotShot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Buy a bunch of him and recreate [[City of Fear!]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot''' (Built to Rule!, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles

:Part of the larger-scale assortment of ''[[Built to Rule!]] Armada'', Hot Shot is a building-block set centered around a converting "Trans-Skeleton" that forms the core of either mode: his made-up sportscar mode, or his incredibly gangly and awkward robot mode. He has two spring-loaded missile launchers activated by rotating a 2x2 drum assembly on the tops. He also has a 2x2 "Powerlinx"-peg plate, which can hold any ''BTR'' or regular-type Mini-Con, though the grip on the latter is particularly loose. Oddly, this is the only ''BTR Armada'' kit that places this plate on the trigger mechanism of the missile launcher (at least, according to the [[instructions]]) to simulate the regular ''Armada'' line's Powerlinx-activated gimmicks.

: He comes with a building-block version of [[Jolt (Armada)#Built to Rule!|Jolt]].

: His 2x4 engine-block piece would later show up in some ''[[Kre-O]]'' sets.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTRHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Built to Rule! Hot Shot at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Universe'' (2003)===
[[File:Universe2003toy-OptimusPrimeSuper.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Seriously, it's not that hard to get hold of a Matrix of Leadership. Have you tried asking nicely?]]
{{listen
|OpthimuthPrimeMaxthimithe.ogg
|OpthimuthPrimeMaxthimithe.ogg
|Sound Chip Sounds from Universe Optimus Prime.
|96 Kb
}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Supreme Class, 2003)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Pistol, 4 missiles
{{note|''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]]'s inner robot was officially (if comedically) [[repurposing|repurposed]] as an upgraded form for Hot Shot named "Shotimus Prime" by [[Hot Shot's Bot Thoughts issue 2|''Hot Shot's Bot Thoughts'' #2]].}}

: A Sam's Club [[exclusive]], the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' release of ''Robots in Disguise'' Optimus Prime basically swapped out all of its red plastic for a yellow-orange color, with a black "bandolier". He transforms into a Japanese-style fire truck of seemingly made-up design (but with the distinct divided front windows of a Mitsubishi Fuso K Series K201 ladder truck), the forward section of which truck detaches to become his standard [[robot mode]]. His '[[trailer]]' can be reconfigured into a sort of battle station, which can then be disassembled and attached around the robot to form his Battle Mode. For some reason, the Autobot symbol on his chest in Battle Mode is left unpainted. As an undocumented feature, Optimus Prime's pistol can be stored on the right side of a backpack.

: The toy incorrectly proclaims that Optimus Prime's transformation into super mode uses the code-phrase "[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|maximize]]". Additionally, the toy has the unfortunate tendency for its rubber tires to split down its molding connection. The ladder comes complete with missiles allowing them to be launched one-at-a-time via individual triggers. The standard [[robot mode]] has four pegs on its arms that happen to be sculpted in such a way that they can function as [[Mini-Con]] ports, though they weren't designed with this in mind, since the original toy coming out before the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toyline.

: He came packed in [[robot mode]] in an upright display package, which featured a sticker on the front with a hilariously mistransformed [[Omega Prime]], advertising the toy's combining ability with the simultaneously-released, slightly-redecoed Sam's Club exclusive ''Universe'' release of ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|Ultra Magnus]].

: This Optimus Prime was also [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Yellow Splendid Convoy]]. The mold was also used to make [[Defensor (OTFCC)#Universe .282003.29|OTFCC Defensor]], but that toy ended up unreleased.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/TFUOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Universe'' Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Energon''===
[[File:Energontoy-HotShot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hot Shot, part deux. (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:SLtoy-HotShot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Electric Boogaloo. (''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot''' (Combat Class, [[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SC-02'''
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, "radar" panel attachment
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (Takara)}}

:In ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'', Hot Shot was updated as a modified yellow {{w|Aston Martin Vanquish}}. He can carry a transparent red spring-loaded missile-launching weapon in either mode, and features a small Autobot [[spark crystal]] on his chest on which [[Energon star|Energon chips]] can be mounted. Like nearly all other Autobots in the ''Energon'' line, he can [[powerlinx]] with like-designed toys to form the top or bottom of a super robot. Hot Shot's articulation is relatively limited compared to other deluxes of the time, having peculiar balljointed shoulders, as well as lacking knees and a neck.

:Takara released "Hot Shot" in similar colors, changing the slate blue plastic to a dark, nearly-black blue, dropping the black paint on his car roof, and adding metallic blue paint to his chest. His head is also an almost-identical-but-refined sculpt, most noticeably the proportions and sculpt sharpness of the mouth and chin, along with less bulbous eyes.

:Similar to the contemporary [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]] and ''Energon'' Optimus Prime, the Hasbro figure had a running change during its second wave of production. While the first wave Hot Shot figures had gray faces, later releases had silver painted faces using the Takara head sculpt, with a transitional silver-faced Hasbro headed version in between. Hot Shot's head sculpt appears to have changed ''very'' late in the design process from having a visor to having exposed eyes like his ''Armada'' version; The Hasbro head is pictured on Hot Shot's [[control drawing|control art]], as in a [https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B131dK6nhZY/XlKJ7-mBltI/AAAAAAAA8Zc/3rRC1mF0B5YQ8Gbr5WsAQHqwVYjejm5EQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/TFE_Settei_2_0051.jpg ''photo of a prototype headsculpt is literally pasted over the original line art''], so the Hasbro head use may have been a consequence of tight deadlines, with Takara cleaning up the sculpt later.

:This mold was later redecoed to make the [[#EnDxEn|"Energon" powered-up version of the character]]. It was also [[retool]]ed to make the ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' incarnation of [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/HotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Energon Hot Shot at TFU.info]''
{{EnergonHotShotMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|EnDxJ2pk}}
[[File:En-toy HotShotInfernoSet.jpg|right|200px|thumb|♫''Stuck as a middle with you...''♫]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot / Inferno Super Link Set''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''SS-01'''
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, "radar" panel attachment

:In Japan, Takara released Hot Shot both individually and in a single "Super Link Set" with [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]]. Both toys are identical to their individual Japanese releases.
{{EnergonHotShotMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|EnDxEn}}
[[File:Energontoy-EnergonHotShot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Silver on the outside, Armada colors on the inside! (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
[[File:SLtoy-HotShotFire.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He has a heart that [[Burning justice|burns for justice]]. Try some Tums, Hot Shot! (''Takara version pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Energon Hot Shot''' (Combat Class, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Hot Shot Fire'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''SC-23'''
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, "radar" panel attachment
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)}}

:''Energon'' Energon Hot Shot gave the car mode a silver-painted finish and the robot parts a dark blue, yellow, and red color scheme reminiscent of ''Armada'' Hot Shot's colors. Curiously, Energon Hot Shot switched back to the Hasbro version of Hot Shot's head (see above), meaning the Takara head was not a [[retool]], but an entirely separate mold.

:When he was released in Japan as "Hot Shot Fire," his car mode was unpainted silver plastic, while the yellow plastic was changed to a sherbet orange, the dark blue plastic to black, and the transparent orange plastic to a transparent crimson red. He also came packaged with the [[Energon weapon|Energy Cutter]], a transparent watermelon red redeco of [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]]'s [[energon weapon]], plus a matching [[Energon star|energon chip]]. Hot Shot Fire uses the Takara version of Hot Shot's head. Stock photos and packaging art showed Hotshot Fire with yellow plastic while the Energon Cutter and chip were crimson red, suggesting these deco changes were a late decision.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/EHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Energon Energon Hot Shot at TFU.info]''
{{EnergonHotShotMold}}
{{--}}

===''Cybertron''===
[[File:Hotshotcybertrontoy.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Hot Shot's Blue Period.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot''' (Deluxe Class, [[2005]])}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Exillion'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''GC-02'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[December 28]], [[2004]]
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, Speed Planet Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d85b'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (Takara)|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing)}}

: Released in the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]/[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]]'' toys, this version of Hot Shot transforms into a heavily modified blue {{w|Chrysler ME Four-Twelve}} sports car with a huge rear engine. Plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into the rear of the car deploys a pair of transparent yellow wings from his spoiler, a gimmick also available in robot mode. He also comes with a spring-loaded missile-launching gun that can be carried in robot mode or pegged into the roof of the car mode.

: His robot mode has numerous details in [[homage]] to [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], including the triple-pipe-guns on his forearms, the spoiler-wings on his back, and the sculpting of his shins and chest.

: The Takara release, "Exillion," is almost completely identical to the later Hasbro version other than a slight molding difference; two screws on either side of the spoiler are visible in the American release and all subsequent uses of the mold, but the original Japanese use of the mold had these screws buried. And, of course, the Hasbro release has a [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] stamped on its back.

: Package art depicted Hot Shot's gun with a black trigger, but it was red plastic on the final toy.

:This sculpt was used to make Exillion Red Version [[#CyDVD|(see below)]], [[Excellion (Cybertron)#Toys|Excellion]], ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]''/''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Goldbug (SG)#Toys|Goldbug]] (with a new head sculpt) and [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 movie series]] [[Breakaway (Movie)#Toys(2007)|Breakaway]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/HotShot/hotshot.htm More information on ''Cybertron'' Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

{{CybertronHotShotMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CDT}}{{anchor|CyCDF}}
[[File:Hotshotcybertrondefensetoy.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|He's full of tiny missiles. Bubbles, not so much.]][[File:CDHotShot-cardback.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|Variant enthusiasts, I tease you. (''Unreleased deco pictured'')]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Cybertron Defense Hot Shot''' (Deluxe Class, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Takara name'': '''Exigeyser'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''GC-19'''
:*''Takara release date'': [[July 14]], 2005
:*''Accessories'': Knife, Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key, Scrapmetal standee (Takara release only)
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d1o4'''
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: Cybertron Defense Hot Shot transforms into a modified {{w|M1117 Armored Security Vehicle|M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle}}, in the same blue, navy, and red color scheme as the previous ''Cybertron'' Hot Shot. A Cybertron Cyber Key is included and when the key is inserted into the back of the turret, the two gun barrels open up into dual (non-firing) missile launchers. Compartments on his shoulders and his thighs can also open up to reveal additional missile launchers. Cybertron Defense Hot Shot also comes with a dagger that stows between his legs and sort-of acts as an exhaust pipe in vehicle mode, and when in robot mode, the dagger can be hand-held, peg into the front of his fist, or be stored on a sheath on his left leg. The same sheath can be used to store his Cyber Key in vehicle mode.

: The instructions for this toy contain some minor visual errors: his black shoulder panels have been swapped, and some steps apparently have him flipped (with the sword/key sheath on his left leg instead of his right).

: "Exigeyser", Cybertron Defense Hot Shot's Japanese counterpart, is completely identical, but also came with a cardboard standup depicting three [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]]. The American version of Cybertron Defense Hot Shot was at some point intended to have a slightly altered deco, which is shown in the [[stock photography|stock photos]] on the back of the packaging, but this altered deco for some reason never superseded the Japanese deco for American release. This unreleased deco featured mud splashes painted around the wheel wells and some re-arranged deco on the robot chest.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Springer (G1)/toys#Timelines|Springer]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Roadbuster (G1)#Universe (2008)|Roadbuster]]. It also served as the basis of the non-toy ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Hardhead (BW)|Hard Head]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/CDHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Cybertron Defense Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CyLoC1}}
[[File:Hotshotlegendsblue.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|I may be the worst ''Legends of Cybertron'' toy!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005/[[2006]])}}</ul>

: A smaller, simplified version of ''Cybertron'' Hot Shot was released as part of the first wave of ''[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]]'' toys. He features limited articulation of the arms and legs, and he retains the flip-out wings.

: This mold was used to make a [[#CyLoC2|second Legends of Cybertron Hot Shot (see below)]], ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#LOC|Bumblebee]], and 2008's ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Red Alert (G1)#Universe (2008)|Red Alert]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/LOCHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Legends of Cybertron Hot Shot at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CyDVD}}
[[File:Redexillion.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Dip it in red, don't even change the paint mask. I'll take your entire stock! Of 500!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Exillion Red Version''' (DVD pack-in, 2005-[[June 22|06-22]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, Speed Planet Cyber Key

: Exillion Red Version is a redeco of the ''Cybertron'' Hot Shot toy in red, dark red, and orange, with transparent blue. Aside from the retooled screwholes, he's a straight-on color swap from ''Galaxy Force'' Exillion with the same [[paint operation]] layout. Limited to 500 pieces, it came with the first ''Galaxy Force'' DVD and an empty box set to prepare for the next few ''Galaxy Force'' DVD releases. This redeco took advantage of the toy's homage to ''Generation 1'' Hot Rod, completing the homage with appropriate colors, though the toy is still supposed to represent the Hot Shot/Exillion character.

: Before the toy saw official release, several stolen [[prototype|test shots]] entered the market, though in a [http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act368/ slightly altered color treatment] than the final. Originally, the dark red was a brighter red.

: This toy was the indirect inspiration for ''Cybertron'' [[Excellion (Cybertron)#Toys|Excellion]], who is marketed as a separate character, unlike this toy. (The direct inspiration, of course, being the original Hot Rod.)

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/DVDExillion/exillion.htm More information on Exillion Red Version at TFU.info]''

{{CybertronHotShotMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|TinyTin}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot with Mirage''' (Multi-pack, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, Speed Planet Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d85b'''

: Part of a run of [[Walmart]] exclusive ''[[Tiny Tins]]'' sets, Hot Shot was also sold in a larger box that came with a special [[redeco]] of the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] member [[Mirage (Armada)#Cybertron|Mirage]], plus a special Tiny Tins carrying tin for the Mini-Con. Hot Rod himself was unchanged from his normal Hasbro release.

{{-}}{{anchor|ValuePack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Value Pack''' (Multi-pack, 2005)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, Speed Planet Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d85b'''

: For a while, [[Toys"R"Us]] and [[Walmart]] stores in the US sold "Value Packs" with two randomly paired, fully packaged Deluxes set in a cardboard sleeve and sold at somewhat less than the cost of two normal Deluxes.

: This packs could include Hot Shot, [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)#Toys|Dirt Boss]], [[Override (Cybertron)#Toys|Override]], [[Red Alert (Armada)#Cybertron|Red Alert]], [[Sideways (Armada)#Cybertron|Sideways]], or [[Snarl (Cybertron)#Toys|Snarl]].

{{-}}{{anchor|DragRace}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Drag Race Pack! Hot Shot vs. Override''' (Multi-pack, 2006)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, Speed Planet Cyber Key
:*''Cyber Key Code'': '''d85b'''

: Hot Shot was also available in a [[Target]]-exclusive two-pack set with [[Override (Cybertron)#Toys|Override]]. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}{{anchor|CyLoC2}}
[[File:LOCExcellion.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Bitin' Excellion's style.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Hot Shot''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)}}</ul>

:This redeco of [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] Hot Shot uses Excellion's approximate coloration and paint scheme; however, the toy is not actually labelled "Excellion", merely "Hot Shot". The reason for this is unclear.

:This mold was later redecoed to make ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Legends [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#LOC|Bumblebee]], and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Red Alert]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/LOCHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on Legends of Cybertron recolor Hot Shot at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
*'''Hot Shot''' (Legends Class, 2007)

:Bizarrely enough, Hot Shot was one of three [[rebranding|rebranded]] ''Cybertron'' Legends toys released in ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' packaging, though with the modifier "Cybertron Collection" printed on the cardfront. The toy itself is identical to the ''Cybertron'' release.

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:UniverseHotShotJolt.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hasbro hates the fans, plural, but loves [[David Willis]].]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (Deluxe Class, 2009)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro), [[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

:An update of his ''Armada'' form, Hot Shot transforms from a sleek yellow Audi TT-like hot rod sports car with transparent windows and headlights into a fully poseable robot. Jolt is able to attach via a Mini-Con peg on Hot Shot's shoulder, but this doesn't activate any features. Jolt plugs into Hot Shot's vehicle mode by pushing the arms/engines through slots under the spoiler; Jolt cannot fold so that his propeller faces back like the original toy. Additionally, Hot Shot's fist holes are smaller than the standard 5mm, making him incompatible with all weapons from his previous forms. Because there is no gap molded into the rear bumper to accommodate missile launchers (see below), the car kibble over his shoulders bumps together and cannot sit properly. He's also infamous for having a horribly finicky transformation, with his windshield, door, and roof pieces refusing to lock together and continually detaching from their proper position.

:Hot Shot's prototype featured transparent plastic on his side windows to match his windshield and rear window, but was replaced with painted opaque windows on the final toy.

:''Universe'' Hot Shot was [[redeco]]ed and [[retool]]ed into ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' [[Hot Shot (G1)#Henkei! Henkei!|Hot Rod]]. The ''Henkei! Henkei!'' version retains missile launchers originally planned for the Hasbro release. The ''Henkei! Henkei!'' version of the mold was redecoed as the Transformers Collectors' Club 2010 freebie, [[Dion (G1)#Timelines|Elite Guard Dion]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TFUHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on ''Universe'' Hot Shot at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Generations Selects''===
[[File:Selects-WFC-GS09-Siege-Deluxe-Hot-Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (Deluxe Class, [[2019]])
**''Series'': '''''War for Cybertron: Siege'''''
**''ID number'': '''WFC-GS09'''
**''Accessories'': "W-5 Holo-Beam Refraction Blaster," "RT-10 IR Electro-Scope Launcher," ammo clip (combine to form "HD Vector-Beam Mega-Blaster")
{{toydesigner|[[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}

{{note|This toy is also used as one iteration of the [[Hot Shot (G1)|"Generation 1" incarnation of Hot Shot]].}}

:A ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' special release in ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'', Hot Shot is a new head retool of Deluxe Class [[Hound (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Autobot Hound]] with a paintjob homaging his ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#CDT|counterpart's Cybertron Defense Deluxe figure]], and transforms from robot to Cybertronian jeep and back. He includes the "W-5 Holo-Beam Refraction Blaster" and "RT-10 IR Electro-Scope Launcher," which are compatible with the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]], and can combine to form the "HD Vector-Beam Mega-Blaster," or can be mounted onto his shoulder. The Refraction Blaster comes with a detachable ammo clip, which can be stored in the bed of the jeep. Unlike most ''Selects'' redecoes, Hot Shot features "battle damage" paint applications on his bullbar and shins. He also has multiple hardpoints all over himself and his weapons to accommodate "Fire Blasts" from the [[Battle Master]]s assortment, which can be used to simulate blaster fire or explosions.

:His vehicle mode has a sculpted winch, in the center of which is a hole. If some thread is fed through, this makes his winch somewhat functional.

:Hot Shot debuted from [[Entertainment Earth]] at [[New York Comic Con]] 2019, also sold online by [[Hasbro Pulse]] in the USA and Canada. In the latter country, he was also available at EB Games stores.

:Hound's [[:File:Siege-Hound-art.jpg|package art]], first seen at Summer Wonder Festival 2018,<ref>[https://www.allspark.com/2018/07/siege-cybertron-defense-hot-shot-pretool-revealed/ The Allspark - Siege Cybertron Defense Hot Shot Pretool Revealed?]</ref> depicts Hound with a head resembling that of his Cybertron Defense Figure, foreshadowing the retool.
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
[[File:TF Legacy Deluxe Class Hot Shot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|You're not done ‘till I SAY you’re done, [[David Willis|Willis!]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Armada Universe Hot Shot''' (Deluxe Class, [[2023]])}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TL-22'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 25]] 2023
:*''Accessories'': Engine block gun
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://youtu.be/vuZHDR3ZBd8 Transformers Panel] at [[Hasbro Pulse Con 2022]] Day 1 on the [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel.</ref>

: Part of the first wave of Deluxes in ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy: Evolution]]'', Hot Shot is based on the ''Armada'' version of the character and transforms into a yellow sports car, once again a close-but-not-quite-for-legal-reasons yellow Audi TT. He features a movable visor and includes an engine block gun like his original ''Armada'' toy, but unlike that toy, he does not include [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]]. However, he does have a single "Powerlinx" post in the usual spot on the back of his car mode in the middle of the spoiler, and yes, the [[Jolt (Armada)#Toys|original Jolt toy]] fits perfectly and can even do the propeller-back thing.

: Hot Shot's [[Evo-Fusion]] gimmick allows his Axlezooka to emerge from his back, though this time around, it is not spring-loaded in any way and must be manually pulled out. One of the hubcaps has a [[5 mm post]]-hole in it for plugging in [[fire Blast effect|blast effect]]s or other weapons to make it even more gloriously ridiculous; the tire is a separate part so it spins around the stationary hubcap. Due to his transformation, he can still do the "driving claws" thing in car mode, but again it's all manual, and he lacks the tread-pattern sculpting on his feet.

: Due to his vehicle mode being a car, Hot Shot was made to G1 character [[scale]] standards ([[Autobot Cars]] are Deluxes, [[Decepticon Planes]] are Voyagers, and so on), meaning Hot Shot doesn't adhere to an accurate [[Scale charts#Armada cartoon|''Armada'' cartoon scale]]. In ''Armada'', Hot Shot is the same height as [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] in [[robot mode]], so an accurately-scaled ''Legacy'' Hot Shot would have to be a Voyager Class figure, to match up with the other ''Legacy'' "Armada Universe" toys.

: This figure was revealed during [[Hasbro Pulse Con 2022]]. It was scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2023 but arrived at Philippine retail in late November 2022.

::*[https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjy8VO3sn1V/ ''Mark Maher's designer commentary on Legacy Evolution Hot Shot'']

{{-}}{{anchor|LegacyPowerlinx}}
[[File:Legacytoy-PowerlinxHotShotJolt.jpg|right|thumb|300px|DASH RIFLES THOSE FUNKY RIFLES]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Armada Universe Powerlinx Hot Shot / Armada Universe Jolt''' (Multi-pack, [[2023]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Engine block gun, 2 rifles, 2 [[Fire Blast effect]]s
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro),<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBqMyy6HYxE San Diego Comic-Con 2023 Generations panel recording] at the "Memo's collection" YouTube channel</ref> [[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8kPFTS6hEM&t=2957s ''Transformers'' panel] with [[Ben MacCrae]], [[Mark Maher]], [[Evan Brooks]], [[Takio Ejima]] and [[Thew Adams]] at [[Hasbro Pulse Con 2023]].</ref>}}

: ''Legacy'' Hot Shot was redecoed in his Powerlinx colors and was packed with a new-mold [[Jolt (Armada)#Legacy|Jolt]], two new rifles, and a collection of blast effects parts! The toy uses what is probably the tooling's alternate head, featuring a wider frown expression on the face. Jolt's design is based on his cartoon model and is decoed in the cartoon's orange coloring, though it lacks the red accents. The two rifles reference two separate rifles he carries in the episode "[[Dash (episode)|Dash]]".

: This toy was revealed at the [[San Diego Comic-Con 2023]] breakfast PR event, and was made available to purchase online during [[PulseCon 2023]] on [[September 22]], 2023- although he was released in Hong Kong in late July.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===McDonald's===
[[File:Mcdonaldshotshot1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You can't have too many of these.]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (Happy Meal, 2002)
**''Accessories'': Car roof (Asian market variant only)

:Released as part of the [[McDonald's]] Happy Meal ''Armada'' promotion, Hot Shot transformed from robot to yellow car. He had a Powerlinx post on each shoulder and Powerlinx ports under each foot, which enabled him to combine with the other McDonald's Autobots to form [[Mighty Robot]]. The ports on his feet can be used to access Mini-Con gimmicks on larger Armada toys, but since they're on the bottom of his feet in robot mode, it would be a pretty awkward fit on most figures. Hot Shot's vehicle mode also features a pull-back motor.

:[[File:Mcdonaldshotshot2.jpg|left|150px|thumb|An ''Armada'' Hot Shot with transparent windows? Gasp!]]
:In some Asian markets, a slightly different Hot Shot toy was available. The robot arms did not form from the roof of the car; instead the roof was a separate transparent piece which detached during transformation and pegged into his robot mode's back. The arms are now colored blue as well, for some reason. The reason for this version's existence is not known.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/McHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on McDonald's Hot Shot at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Reader's Digest 3D Model===
[[File:Hotshotarmadaplasticcardfigurine.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not much less poseable than the actual toy!]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (3D Model, 2002)
:A plastic punch-out "exclusive collectible 3-D model" of Hot Shot was a prize packaged with Reader's Digest's ''[[Decepticon Attack!]]'' and ''[[Enter the Mini-Cons]]'' storybooks. Hot Shot was one of eight characters available, and each book came with two randomized characters. The assembled figure stands two inches tall.
{{--}}

===''Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:SCF HotShot.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm seein' double! ''Four'' Hot Shots!]]
*'''Hot Rod''' ([[December 27]] 2002)
**''Act'': '''9'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

: A non-transforming PVC figure of Hot Shot, based on his animation model, was available in "Act 9" of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' series. This figure came in both full color and solid-pewter finish, packed one each in every case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures.

: The pewter version of the figure has a potential problem with connector peg breakage at the shoulders, due to said pegs often getting a layer of pewter paint before being forced into a socket, leading to sticking and tearing. Care should be used when moving or removing the arms; shaving down the socket interior with a thin hobby knife is usually sufficient to fix the issue.
{{--}}

===''Mega Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:MegaSCFHotRod.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Nucleon (substance)|More alive!]]]]
*'''Hot Rod''' (Mega Super Collection Figure, 2002)

:Mega SCF Hot Rod is a larger, articulated non-transforming PVC action figure of Hot Shot, based upon his cartoon model. He came with his engine gun and a small, non-transformable PVC figurine of his [[Mini-Con]] partner, [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]].
{{--}}

===''Big Transformers''===
[[File:Bigtransformershotrod.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Well, "big" is relative.]]
*'''Hot Rod''' (Big Transformers, 2002)

:[[Kabaya]] released a set of three separately-boxed ''Legends of the Microns'' figurines, dubbed "Big Transformers", which featured nontransformable, lightly-articulated plastic toys of Hot Shot, Megatron, and Optimus Prime. Each came with a tiny plastic representation of their respective Mini-Con partners in vehicle mode, which could peg onto them. Like most Kabaya toys, Hot Shot came with barely-edible gum.
{{--}}

===''Transformers Mini Car Collection''===
[[File:Majorettehotrod.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You will regret eating the gum.]]
*'''Hot Rod''' (die-cast car, 2002)

:[[Majorette]] and Kabaya offered a small range of ''Legends of the Microns''-themed die-cast cars. Hot Shot was represented by a yellow Audi TT with decals of himself, the Autobot symbol, and the ''Legends of the Microns'' logo across the surface of the car. It also comes with a package of terrible gum.
{{--}}

===''Battle for Cybertron Game''===
[[File:Armadaboardgamehotshot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|whoop whoop whoop whoop whoop]]
*'''Transformers Armada: Battle for Cybertron Game''' (board game, 2002)

:[[Transformers Armada: Battle for Cybertron Game]] came with eight fully-painted PVC figurines, one of which was Hot Shot.
{{--}}

===Puzzle===
*'''Hot Shot puzzle'''

{{charstubtoys}}
{{--}}

===Backpack===
*'''Hot Shot backpack'''

{{charstubtoys}}
{{--}}

===''Bubble Twist''===
[[File:Hotshotbubbletwist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Taste the rainbow.]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (Bubble Twist, 2003)

:In 2003, Toys"R"Us carried a line of candy toys called [[Bubble Twist]], which dispensed gum from its capsule-shaped container when twisted. Also contained in the capsule was an unpainted rubber figurine of a ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' or ''Transformers [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' character, including Hot Shot. Blindpacked, each figure came in several different possible colors.
{{--}}

===''Attacktix''===
[[File:Attacktix CybHotShot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Who needs Jolt when you have a Laffy Taffy shield?]]
*'''Hot Shot''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF09
|faction=Autobot
|class=Warrior
|special=Rally - 10/26 (38%) success ratio
|cost=40
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Energy Blast)
}}
{{-}}

:Part of the first assortment of ''[[Attacktix]]'' Booster Packs, Hot Shot is a "Super Rare" piece with a spring-loaded "shield-missile" attack. His Special Power "Rally" allows you to return one of your previously-defeated [[Autobot]] pieces back into play. The figure commonly has a black base, but like all Boosters, a rarer chrome-silver-base version was randomly packed into boxes as well.

:This mold was also used to make ''Attacktix'' Excellion, who was also a wave-1 Booster piece.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AttacktixHotShot/hotshot.htm More information on ''Attacktix'' Hot Shot at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Hotshotprotocolor.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Transforms from car to linebacker and back!]]
*[[#ArDx1|''Armada'' Hot Shot's toy]] had to be completely re-engineered close to release. Due to a structural flaw (and gravity), Hot Shot's arms were not able to attach securely to his shoulders. Furthermore, designer [[Aaron Archer]] felt the early design's wide, football player-like physique was inappropriate to the character archetype.<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Okay... ITs Not retooled. the picture is of a hand painted ROUGH model. None of these parts were ever "tooled". It changed for any number of reasons but since I worked on this guy last August I cant remeber all the reasons why. I remeber this... Hot shot is the young type character in Armada and I remeber we didnt like that he looked so tough, with those big shoulders.|name=Aaron Archer|site=TFW2005|year=circa 2002}}</ref> Last-minute changes were made to the design to rework the transformation of the arms, necessitating the dropping of some articulation and the addition of [[kibble]] elsewhere to compensate.
[[File:ArcherSays.jpg|right|150px|thumb]]
*''Armada'' Hot Shot's infamous grin was actually a misinterpretation of Aaron Archer's original concept art which depicted Hot Shot clenching his teeth together in an open-lipped, determined expression. The head of the original tooling had a maniacal, perhaps unhinged-looking smile in response to this concept art, so the grin was scaled back on the final toy. The grin was removed completely and replaced with a neutral, stern expression when the head was resculpted for [[#ArDxPx|Powerlinx Hot Shot]].
*The rear axle (the "Axlezooka") on the original Hot Shot figure has sculpted shock absorbers in an interesting display of attention to detail. However, they are sculpted 90 degrees in the wrong direction, which would make them useless in reality.
*[[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] was originally conceived as an exclusive toy for [[BotCon 2007]] from the [[#CyCDF|Cybertron Defense Force version]] of Hot Shot. While the mold does bear a decent resemblance to the IDW incarnation of Sentinel, he was dropped in favor of [[Springer (G1)/toys#Timelines|Springer]], who fit the mold and the story/theme better.
*An unused concept for a potential [[Botcon]] 2017 figure would've seen a new Hot Shot from ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Chromedome (G1)#Titans Return|Chromedome]] in ''Armada'' colors with [[Alexis Thi Dang]] redecoed from [[Stylor]] with a new head. It would've also come with [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] [[Targetmaster]] partner redecoed from [[Blaze Master#Generations|''Generations'' Blazemaster.]]<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-images-of-concepts-and-customized-figures-from-fun-pub-at-petes-robot-convention-2017/39073/]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Built to Rule!]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon combiners]]
[[Category:Legacy Autobots]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Velocitron]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]

Template:CybertronHotShotMold

2023-09-24T14:40:34Z

CamilleHiiragi: Made this, gonna add to the pages now.

{{Mold|series=''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''|title=Hot Shot|content=
*'''Hasbro''':

*''Cybertron'' [[Hot_Shot (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Hot Shot]]
*[[Excellion_(Cybertron)#Toys|Excellion]]

*''Transformers (2007)'' [[Breakaway_(Movie)#Toys|Breakaway]]

*'''Fun Publications''':

*''Timelines'' [[Goldbug_(SG)#Toys|Goldbug (''Shattered Glass'')]]

*'''Takara''':

*''Galaxy Force'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Exillion]]
*[[Hot_Shot_(Armada)/toys#CyDVD|Exillion Red Version]]

}}<noinclude>
[[Category: Mold templates]]
</noinclude>

Decepticon Patrol

2023-09-23T15:08:11Z

CamilleHiiragi: This should probably be here

{{comicstory|seriesissue=[[Marvel Books|''The Transformers Coloring Book'']]
|prev=Bumblebee to the Rescue!
|next=The Deadly Fuel Shortage
|title="Decepticon Patrol"
|image=Decepticonpatrol-frontcover.jpg
|caption=Megatron totally doesn't care that his army is on fire.
|publisher=[[Marvel Books]]
|coverdate=1984
|written by=[[Dwight Jon Zimmerman]]
|art by=[[Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski|Charles Nicholas]] and [[Phil Lord]]
|pagecount=48pp
|ISBN=ISBN 9780871350114 ISBN 0-87135-011-4
}}

'''The Decepticons search for a factory that they can use to build an army!'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s are introduced, as well as some of their special abilities. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] can see things that are very far away! [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] declares that this is the [[Decepticon Day|Day of the Decepticons]], and sends his troops to find a factory they can use to build an army.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] suspects something is up, because it's too peaceful, and sends Bumblebee and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] to scout. Meanwhile, the Decepticon planes fail to find any factories in the middle of the ocean, the top of a mountain range, or in low-orbital space. The gargantuan [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] doesn't find any Autobots in the jungle. [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] sees an automobile factory and flips out, reporting to Megatron that an army of Autobots is being constructed. Mirage and Bumblebee overhear this and report back to Prime.

Optimus Prime gets a brilliant inspiration, and orders [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] to dig a huge hole. Bumblebee spots the Decepticons approaching. Prime has Mirage create a mirage<ref>A mirage is something that looks real, but isn't.</ref> of a factory over the hole. The Decepticons attack, but not even Megatron's "[[Fusion cannon|energy cannon]]" can damage the illusory factory. Ravage suspects a ruse, and tackles Mirage, ending the mirage.

[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] repairs Mirage, Bumblebee stops Laserbeak with an electrified net, Huffer overpowers [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and Mirage gets his revenge on Ravage via a ferocious attack of "electric balls". The battle ends when Prime throws Megatron and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]](?) into space, which should keep them out of trouble.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (2)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (3)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (4)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (5)
|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (6)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (7)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (8)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (9)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (10)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (11)
}}

==Quotes==
"I'll teach you to attack me from behind!" 
"Ouch! Those electric balls really hurt!"
:—'''Mirage''' and '''Ravage''' are so right.

"I'm putting you two into orbit. That should keep you out of trouble!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' casually pitches his enemies into the thermosphere.

==Notes==
[[File:DecepticonPatrolJetheads.jpg|thumb]]
* Various activities are interspersed through the story, such as connect-the-dots, Huffer's Word Maze and several unscramble-the-message pages ("Factory not hurt", Starscream reports to Megatron.)

* The art is completely off-the-wall. While [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Decepticon]]s are drawn as in the early comic, the rest of the characters' robot modes are unique to this work, and decidedly strange, including a bug-eyed [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and an eyeliner-wearing [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. Odd artwork makes it look as if [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] has a moustache.<ref>http://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/patrol/patrol-12.jpg</ref>

* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] has a nice hat. He is ignored by the other Decepticons through the entire book.

* Thundercracker totally has [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'s head bobber.

* Ravage is drawn [[:File:Decepticon patrol ravage.jpg|looming over an elephant]]. It's not clear from context if the [[elephant]] is tiny or Ravage is huge, but the evidence leans toward the latter.

==External links==
*[https://www.camphortree.net/tf/books/coloring/patrol/ "Decepticon Patrol"] at Steve-o's Transformers Site.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Generation 1 coloring books]]

Aragon

2022-06-14T08:14:01Z

CamilleHiiragi: Undo revision 1597832 by Cyberlink420 (talk) can you just please keep this up, i'm tired of having all my edits reverted

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aragon is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:DWMtMtE4-CarPowerdasher-Aragon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.65|Neither Strider nor a dragon-rider.]]

'''Aragon''' is one of the [[Powerdasher]]s.

==Fiction==
===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
The Powerdashers featured in two early [[S.T.A.R.S. continuity|recruiting messages]] sent to [[human]]s by the Autobots. The messages were almost identical in content, claiming that the Autobots marooned on Earth were becoming desperate in their battle against the [[Decepticon]]s, sending an S.O.S. to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] even though they didn't know if anyone would be there to receive it. Luckily, their plea was answered in the form of the Powerdashers, [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s, and [[Time Warrior (G1)|Time Warrior]]s. The only Powerdasher seen was the jet-form model, but the message noted that the Powerdashers' state of constant evolution meant that they might not look the same later. {{storylink|Reinforcements from Cybertron!}} {{storylink|The battle is far from over!}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
The three Powerdashers were created with a primitive design based on the forms of very early Cybertronians. Meant to aid the Autobots on Earth, the Powerdashers' powers and personalities were still growing when they were put into duty. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye}} They were packed in stasis aboard the supply ship ''[[Orion]]'', which ended up crashing on Earth after getting shot down by [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. The crew activated the Powerdashers, who awoke without a word and immediately began working on the ship. When they finished, they packed up their tools and quietly went back on board. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
In some universes, the Powerdashers were three individual sentient beings, with Aragon as the team scout. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 21 September 2015}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material===
During the war for Cybertron, Aragon was a [[Cybertronian military insignia|Ground Command Infantry Private]]. {{storylink|#Generations|''Siege'' toy packaging}}

===''Generations Selects Special Comic''===
[[File:Abominus cameos.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.5|Nor [[Marlene Aragon|Marlene]].]]

In the battle for freedom between the [[Selector]]s and the Quintesson-allied forces of Earth, the Terrorcons unleashed a metal-eating gas tied to anti-electrons. Aragon was among the many victims of this gas's effects. {{storylink|Abominus comic 1}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1-toy PowerdasherCar.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Not exactly aerodynamic there...]]
*'''Powerdasher''' (Mail-order, 1984)

: This version of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] Powerdasher transforms into a Cybertronic race car, featuring a [[pull-back motor]] in vehicle mode, allowing it to quickly roll forward across flat surfaces. Though the instructions do not show it, its head is supposed to turn 180 degrees to bring the "guns" on the back of its head up to the car mode's hood and hide the otherwise-glaringly-obvious robot face.

: It was only available as a [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-order]] [[exclusive]] from [[Hasbro]], costing $3 and 2 [[Robot Point]]s. The jet-mode Powerdasher was the only one pictured in the ads, but the type you got ended up being random. The jet-form Powerdasher appears to be the most common model sent, however.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/F-1Dasher/f1dasher.htm More information on the Car-form Powerdasher at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
[[File:WFCStoy-DeluxePowerdasherAragon.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|I no longer dash like the wind, but I can still separate into weapon pieces!]]
*'''Fan Vote Battle 3-Pack''' (Multi-pack, 2019)
**''ID number'': '''WFC-S56'''
**''Accessories'': 2 "RT-5 Circuit Welder" rifles

:''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' "Powerdasher Aragon" is a [[redeco]] and new-head [[retool]] of Deluxe Class [[Cog (G1)#Generations|Cog]], transforming from robot into armored vehicle that can also be split into ''two'' smaller armored vehicles.

: As a "Weaponizer" figure, he can also be disassembled into an arsenal of [[5 mm post]]-compatible weapons, armor and other upgrades for use with other figures as part of the interchangeable/connectable-weapon [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]]. According to the instructions, his legs become "C-M4 HF Spectrum Disruptors" (which can become treaded boots for other toys to use), his arms a pair of "C-HVM3 Electro-Scrambler" rifles, his lower body a "C-LRM2 Thermal Booster" pack (combined with the arm-rifles to form an assault backpack), and his upper torso becomes a "C-40M2 Neutron Synthesis Shield". His parts have numerous other pegs and peg-holes to allow for even more possible weapon combinations.

: Unlike most ''Siege'' figures, Aragon lacks any battle damage paint, though it does match his fellow ''Siege'' Powerdashers' unblemished decos. Coincidentally, Aragon bears a passing resemblance to the [[Cog (Masterforce)#Toys|''Masterforce'' incarnation of Cog]].

:Aragon was only available in a three-pack with [[Mirage_(G1)/toys#S55|Holo Mirage]] and [[Impactor_(G1)#S56|Decepticon Impactor]]. This set was an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive in the U.S. and Canada, but available at general retail in Hasbro's Asian markets such as [[Hong Kong]] and [[Singapore]].
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The F1 Powerdasher was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy called the "F-1 Dasher" (F-1 ダッシャー). The ''Diaclone'' version uses blue plastic rather than black, and has an extra [[sticker]] sheet the ''Transformers'' version lacks. And, of course, a [[Diaclone (faction)|Diaclone]] pilot.
* "Aragon" was the name given to the Takara U.S. ''[[Diakron]]'', [[GiG]] Italian ''[[Trasformer]]'', and [[Joustra]] French ''Diaclone'' releases of the toy. The Powerdasher Car would not explicitly be given the name in ''Transformers'' fiction until the Facebook edition of "[[Ask Vector Prime]]" in 2015.
* ''Aragon'' is also the name of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragon Spanish state], the name of the character seems to be coincidental but worth mentioning.
* The Powerdashers were the first Cybertronian (well, non-Earthly) vehicular toys released—and were released in 1984, to boot.

===Foreign names===
*''Cantonese'': '''Aragon''' (阿拉岡 ''Aa3laai1gong1)
*''Mandarin'': '''Aragon''' (Taiwan, 亞拉岡 ''Yàlāgāng'')

[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Autobots]]
[[Category:Weaponizers]]

File talk:Genthundercracker.JPG

2022-06-12T12:50:29Z

CamilleHiiragi: Created page with "==New picture== I think we need a new picture for this, it's very LQ and I'm sure there re people here with it that can take good photos of it ~~~~"

==New picture==
I think we need a new picture for this, it's very LQ and I'm sure there re people here with it that can take good photos of it [[User:CamilleHiiragi|CamilleHiiragi]] ([[User talk:CamilleHiiragi|talk]]) 08:50, 12 June 2022 (EDT)

Skyquake (G1)

2022-03-15T19:51:29Z

CamilleHiiragi: Skyquake is not a seeker

{{disambig3|Skyquake}}
{{Factions|decepticon|{{factions/icons|custom=Megatron_Origin_Symbol.png|cSize=30x28px|cLink=Gladiatorial combat}}|ascenticon}}
:''Skyquake is a [[Decepticon]] [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:Skyquake.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Taste the ''pain''bow.]]
[[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]] leader '''Skyquake''' is driven—you might say consumed—by a pathological hatred of anything and anyone that is not 100% pure evil. This leaves him with many targets of contempt even among the Decepticon forces. That rage, however, does not blind or control him. In battle, Skyquake is a cold, calculating destroyer, attributes which also even apply to his contempt for the [[Autobot]]s. When he locks together with the smaller Predators under his command, he magnifies his long-range supersight abilities and enables instant communication with the minds of his underlings.

Skyquake even hates the small groups of Decepticons put under his command, and often subjects them to his experiments in [[body-type|body-structure]] science. His hatred is magnified by the sheer quantity of sensors built into his body; he's able to absorb such vast amounts of information, his apparent clairvoyance seems supernatural to those around him. He can literally smell fear and taste betrayal.

His [[Neon|paint job]] allows him to blend into the unique environment of the [[Skomiloch Territories]].

{{quote|Even hatred is subject to improvement.|Skyquake's ''Timelines'' motto}}

==Fiction==
===Predator Air Attack!===
[[File:G1Skyquake catalogue comic.jpg|left|100px|thumb|"Troops! Prepare for action! EVIL action!"]]
During a Decepticon Predator attack on the Autobot base, Skyquake was in [[Skyswoop]], commanding his troops. Skyquake gazed into his [[Supersight]] as he was about to join the battle. Suddenly, ''into his Supersight view looms a menacing shape that strikes terror even into his hardened heart...'' {{storylink|Predator Air Attack!}}

Presumably, [[Thunder Clash]] and Skyquake fought after this overly dramatic prose. Either him or [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]].
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2]]; [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #1]] (modern era)
[[File:MegsOrigin2 Skyquake.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|He lurks silently to counter his loud color scheme.]]
Millions of years ago, Skyquake was part of [[Clench (G1)|Clench]]'s gladiatorial team. Once Clench had departed the mortal plane, Skyquake fought alongside [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] in the [[Forge]]. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 2|Megatron Origin #2}}

[[File:mtmte48 hygiene team.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|left]]

After the [[Simanzi Massacre]], Skyquake was running a [[Decepticon]] [[hygiene team]]: picking up Autobot survivors and dragging them to [[Grindcore (prison)|Grindcore]]. When Skyquake picked up [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], he had [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]] perched jauntily on his shoulder. {{storylink|Speak, Memory: Part 1}}

In the course of the Great War, he led a force to the [[Skomiloch Territories]] to put down local resistance to the Decepticons' [[Star Harvester|star harvesting]] efforts. After crushing the resistance, Skyquake set up a mini-empire there, ruling the area while managing to stay on good terms with [[Decepticon High Command]] and Megatron himself. While there, Skyquake's team, the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predators]], made adaptations to their bodies to suit the unique local environment. {{storylink|The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Snare's personnel evaluation}}

[[File:LastStandoftheWreckers1-whycouldntyou.jpg|right|upright=1.66|thumb|Shot through the heart and you're to blame!]]
2412 [[units of time|meta-cycles]] later, during a galaxy-wide assault on Autobot-held positions, Skyquake led his Predators in a siege against the [[Garrus-9]] prison world. Unfortunately, when the loose cannon [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] arrived, Skyquake was visibly distraught. At first, Overlord asked Skyquake nicely to hand over leadership to him; he refused to be Megatron's lapdog and had his own plans for Garrus-9. After some stammering, Skyquake refused. He would take Garrus-9 for Megatron as ordered.

Overlord apologized and fired into Skyquake's back as he walked away. As the Predators stood over Skyquake's smoking corpse, they viewed their new master in wide-eyed fear. {{storylink|Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 1|Last Stand of the Wreckers #1}}
{{-}}

===''Wings Universe''===
[[File:WingsofHonor-Skyraiders.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|The odd thing is, he has no taste receptors.]]
Skyquake, known as a leader in body-structure science, particularly in creating unique "talent powers" and war-capable designs, developed an experimental [[Seeker (body-type)|Skyraider]] body refitting program. [[Leozack]] was his first test subject for this new body design, and soon Skyquake had converted not only several others but also himself.

Under [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]]'s command, Skyquake, Leozack, [[Hooligan (G2)|Hooligan]], [[Hellbat (G1)|Hellbat]], and [[Guyhawk]], followed the Autobot ship ''[[Eight Track (G1)|Eight Track]]'' to the planet [[Beta-Nine]], where they hoped to beat them to a mysterious cargo that had crashed there aboard the ''[[Van De Graaff]].'' Skyquake, Leozack, and Hooligan attacked the Autobots, separating the crew's [[Kup (G1)|youngest member]] from them. The Autobots' commander, [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]], drove Skyquake and the others away with a barrage of firepower, allowing his crew to escape into the trees where the Decepticons would have to fight them on the ground.

Skyquake departed after Thunderclash and ordered Leozack and Hooligan to kill the remaining two Autobots, [[Landshark (G1)|Landshark]] and [[Flak (G1)|Flak]]. Unfortunately, Skyquake and the others were defeated and brought back to Cybertron as prisoners. The battle on Beta-Nine began the Autobot/Decepticon civil war. {{storylink|Wings of Honor}}
{{-}}

===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====Ask Vector Prime====
Skyquake was presumably present with the other Predators as they clashed with the [[Multiforce]] in the Skomiloch Territories. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/01}}

====e-HOBBY comics====
Using his powers of psychometry, [[Magnificus (G1)|Magnificus]] saw a vision of who he thought was Skyquake giving orders to [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]]. In reality, "Skyquake" was actually [[Scrash (G1)|Scrash]]. {{storylink|Badlands (issue)|Badlands}}

====''Legends'' comic====
Kidnapped and tied up by [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Hawking]] and Magnificus, Skyquake was taken to Scrash's prison, where Scrash leapt from his immobile [[Clouder|Assaultmaster]] body into Skyquake, possessing the Decepticon. {{Storylink|Transformers Legends Final Chapter "Epiloge"|Epiloge}}

===''Regeneration One''===
Following the resurrected [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]'s return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with a [[Gene Key]] capable of turning Autobots into Decepticons, Skyquake helped guard the creation of a planet-scaled version in the [[Sonic Canyons]]. He watched as Scorponok lost his patience with [[Roadblock (G2)|Roadblock]], knocking him to his death in one of the bottomless canyons, then when the installation was attacked by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] Skyquake looked on as [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] sent Scorponok himself to share the same fate. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part Five}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
In [[Primax 092.0 Beta]], Predator leader Skyquake obtained [[forestonite]] and tried to destroy the [[Solar System|Sol System]] with it, only to be sent running back to [[New Kaon]] by [[Apex Armor (G1)|Apex Armor]]-wielding Autobot leader [[Hyperdrive (Turbomaster)|Hyperdrive]] and [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/16}}

In [[Primax 903.0-M Lambda]], [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] possessed the deceased body of Skyquake, defeating [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and initiating the [[Machine Wars (event)|Machine Wars]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/27}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
Skyquake held a position of governmental authority on [[Velocitron]], but was secretly affiliated with the terrorist organization [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]]. He attended [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]]'s inauguration and took cover when there was an assassination attempt on the new [[Senate|First Senator]] by members of Mayhem. The [[Wreckers]] engaged Mayhem, but the entire attack was a smokescreen to frame [[Minerva (G1 robot)|one of the Wreckers]] for the crime. After Minerva was captured, Skyquake stood behind Knock Out as the sentence was passed, and proudly declared their allegiance to both Mayhem and the Decepticons. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
[[File:TF-Predator-Skyquake-toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Skyquake, before your dreams ([[Gold Plastic Syndrome#The Symptoms|and his scope]]) are broken.]]
*'''Skyquake''' (Large Predator, [[1992]])
**''Accessories:'' Missile launcher, 15 missiles

:Skyquake transforms into a large bomber jet, its model pretty much made-up but based (loosely) on an {{w|SR-71 Blackbird}} recon plane. His primary gimmick is the "[[Megavisor]]", a periscope system that the smaller Predator jets can attach to, showing their slides. Skyquake himself has two built-in slides; in jet mode an image of [[Rotorstorm (G1)|Rotorstorm]] can be viewed, while the robot mode picture showing the [[Unreleased toy|unmade]] Autobot [[Turbomaster]] [[Hyperdrive (Turbomaster)|Hyperdrive]]. Each wing also contains a "carpet bombing" gimmick, a rolling drum that drops the Predator-style missiles. This can also be targeted via the Megavisor; by twisting the small tail wings at the back, a mirror swings into a 45 degree angle. When you look through the eyepiece, you can then see directly down relative to the jet, enabling you to see where the bombs will land. He also has a standard Predator hand-held missile launcher, which mounts under his jet mode.

:Skyquake's vertical stabilizer fins have what appears to be a unique personal [[insignia]] - a Decepticon symbol inside a shield, with an unfurled scroll featuring (illegible) writing, superimposed atop a jagged bolt of lightning. Exactly what this is supposed to denote is unclear. A year later the same lightning design was reused for fellow UK toy villain [[Clench (G1)#Toys|Clench]].

:Skyquake's scope is prone to [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]], and is very delicate. It can break rather violently if one of the smaller Predator jets is attached to him. So don't do it. Attach them to [[Stalker (G1)|Stalker]] instead.

:Unusually, Skyquake, [[Thunder Clash]], and the [[Motorvator]]s were all sold in Japan at the tail-end of 1992, after the original Japanese ''Transformers'' toyline had already ended. The toys were identical to their European releases - down to the packaging - except for some Japanese-language stickers on the boxes.

:Skyquake was later [[redeco]]ed (with neutered gimmicks and no handgun) to make ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Machine Wars|Starscream]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[King Atlas]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1992/Decepticon/Skyquake/skyquake.htm More information on Skyquake at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Timelines''===
[[File:Timelinestoy-SkyquakeWOH.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Hooray, I don't [[Gold Plastic Syndrome|break]]!]]
*'''Skyquake''' (BotCon 2009 souvenir)
**''Accessories:'' Sword, rifle, 2 missiles

:''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' Skyquake is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Combat Class [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Energon|Starscream]], available [[exclusive]]ly at [[BotCon 2009]]. The existence of this figure was first announced by artist [[Andrew Wildman]] (who drew the character's profile art) in a blog post on [[February 23]], 2009... and apparently Wildman jumped the gun a bit, as he soon had to delete the posting.<ref>[http://andrewwildman.blogspot.com/2009/02/skyquake.html Andrew Wildman's blog]</ref>

:Skyquake transforms into a jet fighter loosely based upon the F/A-22 Raptor. The toy features numerous spots of sculpted battle damage. He comes with two very large accessories, a sword and a non-firing blaster, which can combine to form a larger sword and/or non-firing blaster. In jet mode, he has two wing-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers which can flip up over his robot-mode shoulders. Limited to 1500 sets, Skyquake came bagged with [[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Timelines|Banzai-Tron]].

:This mold was also redecoed as ''Energon'' Energon Starscream and BotCon 2009 [[Leozack#Timelines|Leozack]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/BCSkyquake/skyquake.htm More information on Skyquake at TFU.info]''
{{EnergonStarscreamMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Skyquake ''might'' have been the physical model for ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Operation Combination (franchise)|Operation Combination]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Decepticon leader [[Scrash (G1)|Scrash]], who was never visually depicted in fiction but described as having a massive jet-mode in the ''Operation Combination'' telephone audio adventures. Whether this was truly the original intent or not is unknown, but later fiction featuring Scrash would proceed to use Skyquake's model, beginning with ''[[Transformers United EX|United EX]]''. A direct reference to the uncanny resemblance shared between Skyquake and Scrash was made in the comic "[[Badlands (issue)|Badlands]]", where Scrash is mistaken for Skyquake by another character.
*An unrealized [[Fun Publications]] [[BotCon]] [[exclusive]] proposal was redecoes of [[Silverbolt (G1)#Universe (2008)|''Universe'' Silverbolt]] into Skyquake/Scrash and [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]]/[[King Atlas]].<ref>[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14br.html BotCon 2014 attendee report]</ref>

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Skyquake''' (スカイクエイク ''Sukaikueiku'', スカイクェイク ''Sukaikweiku'')
*''Dutch:'' '''Crash'''
*''French:'' '''Aéroséisme''' (Canada, "Aeroquake"), '''Crash''' (Europe)

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:European-original Transformers]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Gladiators]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Regeneration One Decepticons]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Decepticons]]

Aragon

2022-03-10T22:05:14Z

CamilleHiiragi:

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Aragon is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:DWMtMtE4-CarPowerdasher-Aragon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.65|Neither Strider nor a dragon-rider.]]

'''Aragon''' is one of the [[Powerdasher]]s.

==Fiction==
===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
The Powerdashers featured in two early [[S.T.A.R.S. continuity|recruiting messages]] sent to [[human]]s by the Autobots. The messages were almost identical in content, claiming that the Autobots marooned on Earth were becoming desperate in their battle against the [[Decepticon]]s, sending an S.O.S. to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] even though they didn't know if anyone would be there to receive it. Luckily, their plea was answered in the form of the Powerdashers, [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]]s, and [[Time Warrior (G1)|Time Warrior]]s. The only Powerdasher seen was the jet-form model, but the message noted that the Powerdashers' state of constant evolution meant that they might not look the same later. {{storylink|Reinforcements from Cybertron!}} {{storylink|The battle is far from over!}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
The three Powerdashers were created with a primitive design based on the forms of very early Cybertronians. Meant to aid the Autobots on Earth, the Powerdashers' powers and personalities were still growing when they were put into duty. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye}} They were packed in stasis aboard the supply ship ''[[Orion]]'', which ended up crashing on Earth after getting shot down by [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. The crew activated the Powerdashers, who awoke without a word and immediately began working on the ship. When they finished, they packed up their tools and quietly went back on board. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
In some universes, the Powerdashers were three individual sentient beings, with Aragon as the team scout. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 21 September 2015}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material===
During the war for Cybertron, Aragon was a [[Cybertronian military insignia|Ground Command Infantry Private]]. {{storylink|#Generations|''Siege'' toy packaging}}

===''Generations Selects Special Comic''===
[[File:Abominus cameos.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.5|Nor [[Marlene Aragon|Marlene]].]]

In the battle for freedom between the [[Selector]]s and the Quintesson-allied forces of Earth, the Terrorcons unleashed a metal-eating gas tied to anti-electrons. Aragon was among the many victims of this gas's effects. {{storylink|Abominus comic 1}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1-toy PowerdasherCar.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Not exactly aerodynamic there...]]
*'''Powerdasher''' (Mail-order, 1984)

: This version of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] Powerdasher transforms into a Cybertronic race car, featuring a [[pull-back motor]] in vehicle mode, allowing it to quickly roll forward across flat surfaces. Though the instructions do not show it, its head is supposed to turn 180 degrees to bring the "guns" on the back of its head up to the car mode's hood and hide the otherwise-glaringly-obvious robot face.

: It was only available as a [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-order]] [[exclusive]] from [[Hasbro]], costing $3 and 2 [[Robot Point]]s. The jet-mode Powerdasher was the only one pictured in the ads, but the type you got ended up being random. The jet-form Powerdasher appears to be the most common model sent, however.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/F-1Dasher/f1dasher.htm More information on the Car-form Powerdasher at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
[[File:WFCStoy-DeluxePowerdasherAragon.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|I no longer dash like the wind, but I can still separate into weapon pieces!]]
*'''Fan Vote Battle 3-Pack''' (Multi-pack, 2019)
**''ID number'': '''WFC-S56'''
**''Accessories'': 2 "RT-5 Circuit Welder" rifles

:''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' "Powerdasher Aragon" is a [[redeco]] and new-head [[retool]] of Deluxe Class [[Cog (G1)#Generations|Cog]], transforming from robot into armored vehicle that can also be split into ''two'' smaller armored vehicles.

: As a "Weaponizer" figure, he can also be disassembled into an arsenal of [[5 mm post]]-compatible weapons, armor and other upgrades for use with other figures as part of the interchangeable/connectable-weapon [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]]. According to the instructions, his legs become "C-M4 HF Spectrum Disruptors" (which can become treaded boots for other toys to use), his arms a pair of "C-HVM3 Electro-Scrambler" rifles, his lower body a "C-LRM2 Thermal Booster" pack (combined with the arm-rifles to form an assault backpack), and his upper torso becomes a "C-40M2 Neutron Synthesis Shield". His parts have numerous other pegs and peg-holes to allow for even more possible weapon combinations.

: Unlike most ''Siege'' figures, Aragon lacks any battle damage paint, though it does match his fellow ''Siege'' Powerdashers' unblemished decos. Coincidentally, Aragon bears a passing resemblance to the [[Cog (Masterforce)#Toys|''Masterforce'' incarnation of Cog]].

:Aragon was only available in a three-pack with [[Mirage_(G1)/toys#S55|Holo Mirage]] and [[Impactor_(G1)#S56|Decepticon Impactor]]. This set was an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive in the U.S. and Canada, but available at general retail in Hasbro's Asian markets such as [[Hong Kong]] and [[Singapore]].
{{--}}

==Notes==
* The F1 Powerdasher was originally a ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy called the "F-1 Dasher" (F-1 ダッシャー). The ''Diaclone'' version uses blue plastic rather than black, and has an extra [[sticker]] sheet the ''Transformers'' version lacks. And, of course, a [[Diaclone (faction)|Diaclone]] pilot.
* "Aragon" was the name given to the Takara U.S. ''[[Diakron]]'', [[GiG]] Italian ''[[Trasformer]]'', and [[Joustra]] French ''Diaclone'' releases of the toy. The Powerdasher Car would not explicitly be given the name in ''Transformers'' fiction until the Facebook edition of "[[Ask Vector Prime]]" in 2015.
* ''Aragon'' is also the name of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragon Spanish state], the name of the character seems to be coincidental.
* The Powerdashers were the first Cybertronian (well, non-Earthly) vehicular toys released—and were released in 1984, to boot.

===Foreign names===
*''Cantonese'': '''Aragon''' (阿拉岡 ''Aa3laai1gong1)
*''Mandarin'': '''Aragon''' (Taiwan, 亞拉岡 ''Yàlāgāng'')

[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations Selects Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Scouts]]
[[Category:Second Cybertron Alliance]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Autobots]]
[[Category:Weaponizers]]

Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys

2022-03-06T22:41:47Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Armada */

{{suite}}
[[File:OptimusPrimeUT-Armada.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Hiyaaah...]]
Like [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|other Optimuses]], [[Unicron Trilogy]] '''[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]''' has a lot of toys.

{{TOCclear}}

==''Armada''==
{{anchor|SuperBase}}
[[File:Superbase ArmadaPrime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Stand up and be counted, container!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super Base, 2002/2003)
**''Takara/Sonokong ID number:'' '''MC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/base/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: The first [[Unicron Trilogy]] Optimus Prime toy transforms into a longnose truck cab of made-up model. His clear-plastic smokestacks can detach and form a double-barrelled pistol that he can hold in [[robot mode]], and a button on top of his head causes his [[mouthplate]] to jiggle up and down as if he were talking (the irony being that while this was a familiar trait of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|G1 cartoon Optimus Prime]], in the ''Armada'' animated series, this Prime's mouthplate remained static when he talked). He can also hold a large cannon that is stored within his [[trailer]], and his chest flips down to reveal a (non-removable) [[Matrix of Leadership/toys|Matrix of Leadership]]. He is packaged with his Mini-Con partner [[Sparkplug (Armada)#Toys|Sparkplug]].

:The toy's primary gimmick is its auto-transforming trailer, which assumes one of three configurations when [[motorized movement|triggered]] by an infra-red signal transmitted from the cab robot. Transforming the cab into robot mode will cause the trailer to automatically flip open into a battle station for Mini-Cons, which Prime can stand in the centre of. The base features a central tower with a pop-out artillery emplacement and a mount for Prime's large cannon; a rotating missile-firing turret; two Mini-Con storage bays, one of which featured a manually-activated tab to launch Mini-Cons out; and two live [[Powerlinx]] hardpoints, one of which pops up a non-firing turret, the other activating a laser noise.

:Prime's cab and trailer can also combine to form a super robot mode. Transforming the cab into the torso portion sends the transformation command to the trailer, which raises itself up off the ground to become a pair of immobile, statuesque legs (as long as you're not playing with it on carpet), and when the pair are connected, the super-robot head pops up with a metallic shriek sound effect. Pressing the Autobot symbol on the figure's chest activates a pulsing laser sound effect, and the small grey button on his right shoulder illuminates his fist with a red LED, which can illuminate either of his guns, as well as the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] sword (the Star Saber was specifically cast in clear plastic for this purpose, but in practice, the light failed to carry even halfway up the blade).[[File:Armada JetOptimusMegaweapon toy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Gunjob Spacepants!]] Prime's firing missile and Mini-Con activated gimmicks remain accessible in this mode, but look a bit doofy if you deploy them. The initial [[Hasbro]] release of Prime had tabs in its Super Mode shoulders that prevented them from rotating above the horizontal default position, so as not to break the wires that run through the toy's right arm. Coupled with the limited elbow joints, this left Optimus Prime able only to point his weapons towards the ground, and the tabs were removed on subsequent editions of the figure.

[[File:LOTM Convoy.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|''(Takara version pictured)'']]
:Instead of his trailer, Prime can alternately combine with ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]], who forms a pair of legs, as "'''Jet Prime'''" ('''Jet Optimus''' on the cartoon, or "'''Jet Convoy'''" if you own the Japanese version). In addition to this, ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)#Toys|Overload]] can form a pair of massive cannons that attach to either Prime's base mode, or mount over the shoulders of his super robot torso (with either his trailer or Jetfire as legs), forming '''Optimus Prime Megaweapon''' (or '''Magna Convoy''').

[[File:LOTM Convoy Combos.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4|Jet Convoy ''(Takara version pictured)'']]
:[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s release of Optimus Prime the following year made a few changes, noticeably replacing the gold paint and plastic of the Hasbro toy with bright yellow and much brighter gold. The deco has been tweaked to be a bit closer to the original prototype glimpsed in early catalogs, with yellow added back to cab Prime's feet and the cab grill painted silver, and the Super Mode's waist getting much more paint. This version of the figure was never burdened with the mobility-inhibiting shoulder tabs. Completing the Super Mode combination triggered a new clip of Prime shouting "Convoy, Super Mode!" in Japanese instead of generic mechanical sounds. Late in the run, [[JUSCO]] stores offered this toy with blind-packed "Space Galaxy" versions of the individual [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] members, one toy per box.

:Care must be taken while articulating the toy's elbow joints, as the lower joint has been known to snap. This doesn't appear to be [[Gold Plastic Syndrome]]—instead, it seems likely that the break occurs when the elbow joint is moved while the arms are positioned on the back of the combined mode. To prevent this, pull the shoulder out and bend the elbow at the red joint first, before moving the arm in any other direction.

:Sadly, this figure has also been known to
:[https://youtu.be/iwE7Hc6xWLM catch fire].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Super Base Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Super-Con}}
[[File:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Fans typically refer to this mold as "Bendy Prime", but it's really more of a shimmy-shimmy Prime. Mini-Con-activated shimmy-shimmy.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super-Con, 2002)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''MC-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right smokestacks

:This deluxe-size, highly-poseable version of ''Armada'' Optimus Prime is an entirely new mold, retaining the ability to tow Super Base Prime's trailer, though he cannot combine with it. He comes with the Mini-Con [[Over-Run (Armada)#Toys|Over-Run]], who can transform into a gun for him, or can peg onto the Powerlinx plug on Optimus's back to activate a double-fisted "punching" action (that looks more like hyperactive shrugging). Like the Super Base figure, Prime has a flip down chestplate, but lacks a molded-in Matrix (though he does have a molded gap in the center where the Matrix would go, which ''does'' match the end of the show, where he's [[:File:Armada 52 - Prime and no Matrix.jpg|relinquished]] it), and his smokestacks can be removed (and in many cases will simply fall off), but cannot peg together as a gun. Shipping in a great many waves throughout most of the later run of the line, Super-Con Optimus became a notorious [[shelfwarmer|pegwarmer]].

:The figure features a minor design flaw. The forearm parts, which shift up to reveal the robot mode fists, do not lock down after being transformed, and are easily prone to falling back down due to a complete lack of tension to hold them in place.

:The initial release of the figure featured silver lights on his roof; later on, the lights were changed to yellow, and later still, an Autobot emblem was added to the hood of the vehicle. These changes were not made on the Japanese release of the figure, which bore the unfortunate appellation of "STD", meaning "standard".<ref>Written in Japanese as {{ruby|STD|スタンダード}}コンボイ (''Sutandādo Konboi'')</ref>

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/SuperConPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Supercon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldArmada}}
[[File:Armadatoy gold convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Kinpika Convoy''' (Super Base Lucky Draw figure, August 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Prime Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks
:This Japanese-exclusive [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] golden redeco of Super Base Optimus Prime, whose name means "Shining Golden", was available as a prize in several draws, including a colouring contest held in the pages of ''[[TV-Kun]]'' magazine, and in-store lottery draws at Tobu Department Stores. Between the draws, at least 58 "Kinpika" Prime toys are known to have been given away, making it one of the more widely available [[Lucky Draw figure]]s, comparatively speaking. It came packaged in a plain white box, and including all the accessories and features of the standard release of the figure, including a gold-chromed Sparkplug (or "Prime", as he's confusingly known in Japan).

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+super+mode+convoy/1084/gold+super+mode+convoy.html More information on Kinpika Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Powerlinx}}
[[File:Powelinx Armadaprime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Dracula Prime?]]
*'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime''' (Super Base, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Corona Sparkplug Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A late-run extensive redeco of the Super Base ''Armada'' Optimus Prime toy, "Powerlinx" Optimus Prime sports the darker color scheme the character takes on in the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]] episode "[[Origin]]" following a Mini-Con power-up, but he is not precisely [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]]—the deco would later be fine-tuned with more accurate details for release in Japan as the Magna Convoy DX giftset ([[#MagnaConvoyDX|see below]]). In addition to now sporting fully-mobile Super Mode arms without the movement-impeding tabs, Prime still comes with all his features and accessories, though for this release, his Mini-Con partner Sparkplug got retooled with a new rear chassis and a blinged-out golden chrome body as "Corona Sparkplug".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Powerlinx Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Crystal}}
[[File:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Optimus Prime can't avoid his toy contracts even when he's dead!]]
*'''Crystal Convoy''' (Super-Con, October 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Surge Mini-Con, left and right smokestacks

: A Japanese ''[[TV Magazine]]'' [[exclusive]], this release of the Super-Con class Prime toy has almost all of his parts cast in translucent coloured plastics—hence the 'crystal' moniker—representing the character's disembodied [[spark]] after his destruction in the ''Armada'' cartoon episode "[[Crisis (Armada)|Crisis]]" and resurrection in "[[Miracle]]". What that means for poor Over-Run (or "Surge" in Japan), also cast in translucent plastic, we couldn't say! Available via mail-order, only 5000 pieces were distributed in October of 2003.
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MatrixMultipack}}
[[File:Armada-optimus-prime-gold-kmart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Sparkplug Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A K-Mart exclusive set released on "[[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]" (the day after Thanksgiving, the most hellishly busy shopping day of the year), this set consists of Super Base Optimus Prime, [[Jetfire (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Jetfire]], their respective partner Mini-Cons Sparkplug and [[Comettor (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Comettor]], the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team#MatrixMultipack|Adventure Mini-Con Team]], and oddly enough, [[Longarm (Armada)#MatrixMultipack|Longarm]]. Optimus Prime's red plastics and paint were replaced with gold, the only changes made to anyone in the set. It is this set from which the name of Optimus Prime's combined mode with Jetfire, '''Jet Prime''', comes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/KMartPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Battle for the Matrix Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MagnaConvoyDX}}
[[File:Armada MagnaConvoyDX1.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I think he needs another gun.]]
*'''Magna Convoy DX Set''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MC-XX'''
**''Accessories:'' Prime Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: This set is a [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan exclusive, consisting of Powerlinx Optimus Prime (dubbed "Convoy Final Battle Coloration" and redecoed with more show-accurate colours, principally a silver [[mouthplate]] instead of red and varying color saturation from the Hasbro version), a "crystal" version of [[Overload (Armada)#MagnaConvoy|Overload]] ("Ultra Magnus Special Clear Version") made out of translucent plastics, and an exclusive [[Exdimensions]] redeco of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team#Exdimension|Street Action Mini-Con Team]]. This set is entirely "new" content not available in the normal mass-retail ''Legends of the Microns'' line, and is also the last release of "Exdimensions". Rather than come with individual bio cards for the various characters, the set came with only a single card for Magna Convoy.
{{--}}

==''Built to Rule!''==
{{anchor|AmradaBTR}}
[[File:BTR ArmadaPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|"My Matrix for a quick death." (How could this happen to me?)]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles
:''Armada'' ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into a fair approximation of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], but the robot mode is quite inaccurate, due to the very broad, flat Trans-Skeleton with thin, stick-like limbs attached to it. The set came with a very simplistic "Mini-Con" Sparkplug partner kit that did have a more dedicated "Powerlinx" connector than the standard construction pegs, though these are a bit too thin to be used as attachment points for regular Mini-Cons (they stay, sort of, but it's a very loose connection). The 101-piece set also features pressure-launch missile-firing "smokestack" cannons.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTROptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Built to Rule! Armada Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonBTR}}
[[File:BTR EnergonPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Blocktimus Prime]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Built to Rule!, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles''

: The ''Energon'' version of ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' Optimus Prime was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic truck cab with a trailer-mounted, pressure-launch dual-missile cannon (with electronic lights and sounds) to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.

: Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of the ''Built to Rule!'' line overall, the ''Energon'' versions only had a limited, test-market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many Tuesday Morning and Ollie's chain stores at drastically dropped prices.
{{--}}

==''Energon''==
{{anchor|EnergonSuper}}
[[File:Energon Prime toy.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Form feet and legs! Form arms and body! And I'll form... the head!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super, 2003, 2004)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''SC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Copter-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

: Super class ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into a Cybertronic short-nosed truck cab. A switch on his back offers four selectable sound effects, each one corresponding to one member of the [[Prime Force]], the four drone vehicles contained within Prime's parallelogram-shaped trailer. A tiny, slightly recessed button above the switch activates the sounds. When Prime transforms to robot mode, the trailer stands upright to become a launch base of sorts for the Prime Force, with three of the trailer's four storage compartments featuring launching mechanisms that propel the vehicles into action. The Prime Force consists of Fire-1, a fire truck with an extending ladder and rotating turret; Copter-2, a helicopter with spinning rotors; Digger-3, a drill tank with a gear-wheel-activated spinning drill; and Submarine-4, a submarine with opening capture claws beneath its bow. The four interchangeable drones can combine with Prime to create his Super Mode; any drone is capable of forming any limb. When in Super Mode, Prime's chest panels are opened, in turn pressing a button on his side that creates more electronic sounds and lights up a red LED in his chest, representing the [[Spark of Combination]].

: Prime is armed with a spring-loaded missile launcher that stores on the rear of his truck mode (which becomes the backpack of his robot mode) when not in use. Like most of the weapons of the ''Energon'' line, it sports a [[5 mm post|5mm post]], allowing it to be held by most every ''Energon'' figure, to combine with assorted other weapons and [[Energon weapon]]s released in the series, and to peg into numerous compatible ports shared by many figures, like the hole in the radar of Prime's own trailer, or even conveniently placed 5mm screw holes like those of the Prime Force.
[[File:Energontoy prime combinations.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2]]
:In lieu of combining with the Prime Force, Optimus Prime can also merge with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] in a similar fashion, with Wing Saber splitting into four components that connect to Prime as limbs. Wing Saber's red and white torso components can become arms for Prime while his legs attach to Prime's own, creating Prime's "Flight Mode", but the parts can also be swapped around, with Wing Saber's legs deploying large missile launchers and becoming arms to make Prime's "Fight Mode". Alternately, Prime can combine with ''Energon'' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to form what his packaging calls "Powerlinx Omega Supreme", but which the cartoon named "Optimus Supreme". The Prime Force drones can attach to four connectors on Optimus Supreme's body.

:The earliest releases of ''Energon'' Optimus Prime have no ridges on the inside of the chest windows and a different head sculpt featuring an [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]-style mouth-slit in Prime's mouthplate. This was soon replaced with a full mouthplate, and it was this version of the toy which appeared in the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]] and was released by Takara. Other changes made to Takara's version of the toy involved a chromed front grill, more vibrant plastic colors on Digger-3 and Submarine-4, a darker blue plastic on Prime himself, and more intricate [[paint operation]]s. Takara's release lacks the electronic sound effects seen in Hasbro's version, which were commonly gutted for the Japanese releases of any Autobot toys who had them, though Prime retains his light-up chest.

:The mouth-plated version of this mold was redecoed into ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Year of the Snake" [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Platinum Edition|Optimus Prime]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Energon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnDx}}
[[File:Energontoy sl grand convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Those upper legs vs. [[Chun-Li]]'s - whose are more powerful??]]
*'''SL Grand Convoy''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''ID number:'' '''SC-13'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

: As had first been done in the ''Armada'' line, Takara elected to supplement their release of the Super class Optimus Prime figure with a new-mold Deluxe class toy. Coming without trailer, Prime Force or electronics, this Prime discarded the larger toy's ability to form Super Mode in favor of being able to [[Powerlinx]] with the other compatible toys of the ''Energon'' line, forming either a torso or a pair of legs that the other Autobots could connect to. Like the Deluxe ''Armada'' Prime, this one too was on the small side for its size class, but just as that figure could, this small Prime can still tow the Super class figure's trailer.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/PXOptimusPrime/pxoptimusprime.htm More information on SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Kicker2pack}}
[[File:STD Grand Convoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Kicker! I have escaped from the box! I'll come back for you!]]
*'''SL Grand Convoy & Kicker''' (multi-pack, 2004)
**''ID number:'' '''SS-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:A slight redeco of Takara's Deluxe-size Optimus Prime was released as part of a special set commemorating both the 20th anniversary of ''Transformers'' and the 30th anniversary of its progenitor, ''[[Microman]]''. Coming with an exclusive metallic redeco of Takara's [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], which was based on the ''Microman'' body, this Prime featured a chromed grill where the original had painted plastic, and supposedly slightly shinier plastics. ''Very'' slightly.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/AnnivGrandConvoy/grandconvoy.htm More information on 20th Anniversary SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|OprimusMegsTRU}}
[[File:Energontoy prime vs megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime versus Megatron''' (multi-pack, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

: The SS-03 version of Takara's Deluxe-class Optimus figure, based on the Anniversary release, was released in Hasbro markets in a two pack with the smaller Japanese [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Energon|Megatron]] figure. There are some tiny but notable differences between this and the Anniversary figure; the Hasbro version uses a more neutral dark-gray for the main body as opposed to the Takara version's blue-tinted dark-gray, plain dark-blue plastic rather than dark-blue-with-sparkles, and plain yellow paint for the cab's lights rather than sparkly-yellow/gold.

: This set was a Toys"R"US exclusive in the US, but sold at pretty much any retailer that wanted to carry it elsewhere in the world.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/PXOptimusPrime/pxoptimusprime.htm More information on Deluxe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonGold}}
[[File:Energontoy gold grand convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Core Change: '''Re-Rising Gundam!'''"]]
*'''Gold Grand Convoy''' (Super Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Gyro-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

:This golden chromed redeco of the Super class Optimus Prime figure was initially offered as a prize to five lucky winners of a colouring contest held in the pages of the ''TV Magazine''. Additional units were later given away via in-store draws at Toys"R"Us Japan; precisely how many is unknown, but the regularity with which the toy appeared on auction sites throughout 2005 suggests it was quite a few.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+grand+convoy/1094/gold+grand+convoy.html More information on Gold Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|FireSL}}
[[File:Firegrandconvoy.JPG|upright=1.67|thumb|Am I Fire Guts or Burning Convoy? I can't decide!]]
*'''Fire SL Grand Convoy''' (TV Magazine exclusive Deluxe, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:This vibrant red and orange redeco of the Deluxe class Optimus Prime figure was a ''TV Magazine'' exclusive, limited to 3,000 pieces. It shipped in a unique monochrome red version of the traditional ''Super Link'' packaging, and did not include a character card.

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonSLGold}}
[[File:Energontoy gold sl convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''SL Grand Convoy Mēki Version''' (Deluxe Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:Released as part of the "W Convoy" campaign ("Double" Convoy, that is!) alongside a silver chrome version of [[Rodimus (Energon)|''Energon'' Rodimus]], this gold chrome "Mēki" ("plating") version of the Deluxe size Optimus Prime toy was available only as a prize in a mail-in [[Robot Point]]s contest. Initially limited to 20 units in the original draw, it appears that many more were made available through toy store drawings, given how many went on to appear on online auction sites through 2005 and 2006.
::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+sl+grand+convoy/1091/gold+sl+grand+convoy.html More information on SL Grand Convoy Mēki Version at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CostCoOverload}}
[[File:Energontoy costco prime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|How many times has this set been reused?]]
*'''Optimus Prime and Overload''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A [[Costco]]-exclusive redeco of the ''Armada'' Optimus Prime toy in black, yellow, and brick red, it also came with a redeco of ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]. It is from this set that the name of Prime's combined form with Overload, '''Optimus Prime Megaweapon''', comes (though the term "megaweapon" first appeared on Powerlinx Optimus Prime's packaging).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/CostcoPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Costco Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperBaseOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomColorEnergon}}
[[File:Energontoy custom color prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Grand Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Super Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)
**''ID number:'' '''SC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Gyro-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

:The color scheme of this special redeco of Super class Optimus Prime was decided through a colouring contest held in the December 2004 issue of ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants coloured in lineart of Prime in the scheme they wanted to see. The winning entry rendered Prime in a... ''distinct'' palette of grey, cream, dark red, and purple chrome, with blue, white, and yellow drones. It was limited to only ten pieces, making it one of the rarer Transformers toys in existence.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+grand+convoy/1105/custom+grand+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Santa}}
[[File:Energontoy unreleased prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super, unreleased)
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Copter-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

:A redeco of the Super Optimus Prime mold with a primarily red cab, much deeper blue, and a Prime Force uniformly colored in black was planned to be released with ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] as a [[Target]] exclusive. The toy got far enough along in development to have package artwork created by [[Dan Khanna]], which was later revealed online, but it was canceled shortly before making it to full production. Its red, white, and black coloration earned it the festive nickname of "Santa Prime" among fans online.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/energon-autobots-166/optimus-prime-with-mini-optimus-prime-unreleased-4079/ More information on this unreleased Optimus Prime at TFW2005]''
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''Cybertron''==
[[File:Cybertrontoy leader optimus prime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|"Well... a fire truck is bigger." (''Hasbro version pictured'')]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2004/2005)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''GC-01'''
**''Takara release date'': [[December 28]], 2004
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Matrix [[Cyber Key]]
**''Cyber Key Code'': '''l8p3'''

: The first ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Optimus Prime toy transforms into a heavily-armed fire truck of made-up origin, topped with two large cannons. The cannons and the sides of the truck fold down to create an unlikely flight mode for the vehicle. His right-side cannon fires a spring-loaded missile, while plugging a [[Cyber Key]] into its key jack pops two more spring-loaded missile launchers out from its sides. Plugging a Cyber Key into his left-side cannon opens up the cannon's outer casing, revealing the inner barrel, lighting the red LED at its tip and playing an electronic "charging up" noise. Pressing the small blue button just over the battery casing plays a "firing" sound effect with accompanying light flash. In this mode, he can also deploy ''another'' pair of (non-firing) cannons from under the main cannons.

: In true Prime style, the forward portion of the vehicle mode detaches to become Optimus himself, while the rear "trailer" transforms into a gun emplacement. In robot mode, the barrel of the missile-launching cannon detaches to become a hand-held rifle. Atypical of most Unicron Trilogy figures, Prime's hands are ''not'' designed to accommodate weapons with [[5 mm post]]s, instead featuring a small peg-hole in his palm that allows him to tightly grip objects designed to fit there, like his own rifle, [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Toys|Leobreaker]]'s whip, ''Cybertron'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber's]] swords, and ''Cybertron'' [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Metroplex]]'s [[Sparkdrinker|axe]]. However, Wing Saber's sword hilts ''can'' be used as adaptors, allowing Prime to hold and use 5mm weapons. His chest has a compartment to hold his removable Matrix of Leadership accessory; Prime's gigantic hands mean that he can't hold it especially ''neatly'', but he can certainly get a grip on it.

: Of course, Optimus can transform into a Super Mode by combining with his vehicle-mode back end, which becomes a massive winged backpack with under-slung main guns, and a pair of large boots, with the non-firing cannons ending up around his knees. To complete his Super Mode look, a small lever of the back of Prime's head raises his traditional mouthplate into place, covering his Optimus Primal-style mouth slot, and two "crests" fold out from either side of his helmet. Hasbro's instructions and stock photography awkwardly orient the wings so that the two cannons point ''over'' Prime's shoulders; the cartoon portrayed them in the under-slung orientation, as would all subsequent Hasbro redecos of the toy. In Super Mode, Prime is a rather top-heavy robot, and his hip joints are not that tight, which makes standing him up a challenging prospect.

: In Super Mode, Optimus Prime can combine with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Voyager|Leobreaker]] to form "Savage Claw Mode", which sees the feline Autobot become a gigantic clawed arm for his leader. Alternately, if Prime's backpack is removed, he can merge with [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber]] into "Sonic Wing Mode", with the aerial ace forming a new winged backpack and chestplate for Optimus, and providing him with new hand-held sword weapons and firing missile launchers that connect to his Super Mode boots. The nature of the combination means that the two partners cannot combine with Prime at once—at least, not without physically removing one of Prime's own arms.

: The Takara ''Galaxy Force'' "Galaxy Convoy" version of the toy was released first, and features a number of paint differences from the later Hasbro ''Cybertron'' release. The most immediately-noticeable is that Galaxy Convoy's unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key has its "frame" painted gold, where Optimus's is unpainted clear-blue plastic, save for the Autobot symbol and the Hasbro-only [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] printed on its back. The other differences are small but numerous: Galaxy Convoy has more thoroughly painted knees, main cannons and leg-armor cannons, the signal lights above the cab are painted yellow, his leg-wheel hubcaps are painted gold, and his nose is inexplicably painted silver. Galaxy Convoy's wings are also held in place with long metal pins, where the Hasbro version has them just held in place with friction so they can pop off rather than ''break'' off if the toy is dropped.

: Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right: in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded around to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC1}}
[[File:LOC CybertronPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Takara's version pictured on the left, Hasbro's version pictured on the right.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)

: [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] Optimus is a very simplified version of ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime, with no weapons or trailer, just the front portion of the truck. It transforms into the standard robot mode, with a very similar transformation scheme to the full-sized toy, and has no useful articulation of the shoulders.

: The figure was released in Japan under the "EZ Collection" banner, in the same packaging as the Hasbro release but with a small card insert featuring the Japanese logo and nomenclature, similar to a [[USA Edition]]. As with all the EZ Collection figures, this release features a substantially greater number of paint operations that increase Optimus's resemblance to his larger figure.

: This mold was redecoed to create ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[Menasor (G1)#Classics|Menasor]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Hot Spot (G1)#Universe (2008)|Hot Zone]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/LOCOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaloConvoy}}
[[File:GF MetallicGalaxyConvoy Legends toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|To [[scale]] with something? Blasphemy!]]
*'''Megalo Convoy''' (Legends of Cybertron, [[August 29]] 2005)
**''ID number:'' '''GC-23'''

: A special metallic-paint version of Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime was included with the Takara ''Galaxy Force'' release of [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Megalo Convoy aka Metroplex]], as a demonstration of their actual size difference as depicted on the television series.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy gold galaxy convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

:This gold-chrome and clear-plastic redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure was first offered as a prize in a mail-in contest held through ''[[TV Magazine]]'' alongside a silver chrome version of the same toy ([[#SilverGF|see below]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" (again, [[#CustomGF|see below]]).

:Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right, in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded round to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.
::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1099/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SilverGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy silver galaxy convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy Silver Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This silver-chromed redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure first saw the light of day as a prize in a ''TV Magazine'' mail-in, offered alongside a gold chrome version of the same toy ([[#GoldGF|see above]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" ([[#CustomGF|see below]]). Despite being offered in equal quantities in these contests, this silver version is apparently much harder to come by.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/silver+galaxy+convoy/1797/silver+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Silver Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomGF}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy custom color convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|It's not that easy being Prime.]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: One of the single rarest [[Lucky Draw figure]]s in existence, this "Custom Color" redeco of Super Optimus Prime was limited to only ''one'' in the world. It was the grand prize of a coloring contest held in September 2005's ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants colored in lineart of Prime with the deco they wanted to see. The winning entry was in green, blue and gold, while ten runners-up received one of five gold or five silver Lucky Draw versions of Prime.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy/1104/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EZClear}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy ez clear optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''EZ Collection Clear Set''' (Multi-pack, 2005)

: A Takara exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection" [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#EZClear|Starscream]] recast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Prime's cast, both his blue and red plastics became translucent. A mail-away exclusive to ''[[TV Magazine]]'' in October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.

::*''[http://plasticcrack.net/archives/2007/07/photo-review-takara-galaxy-force-ez-telemag-exclusive-3pack More information on the EZ Collection multi-pack at PlasticCrack.net]

{{-}}{{anchor|SonicConvoy}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy sonic convoy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|I'm gorgeously shiny!]]
*'''Sonic Convoy''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''ID number:'' '''EX-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

: This redeco of Leader-class Optimus Prime replaced most of the plastics in the cab robot with colored translucent equivalents. He also has numerous chromed parts, including chrome-silver wrist-pipes, red chrome window frames and side-cannons, and a chromed Autobot symbol on his Key. His trailer remained opaque, but was cast in much deeper red plastic, with a more metallic silver used for his cannons. He also lacks the weird silver nose-paint, and has the Hasbro trailer assembly with the pop-off-able wings.

: He was available only in a [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan exclusive giftset released in October 2005, packed in with a redeco of [[Wing Saber (Energon)#SonicConvoy|Wing Saber]] and the [[Cobybot|Coby ''Sen'yō'' Ramble]].

: None of the toys in this box set were given bio cards. Aww.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/galaxy-force-cybertrons-341/galaxy-convoy-clear-2412 More information on Sonic Convoy at TFW2005]''

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldMetroplex}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy gold ez convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Megalo Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)

: A golden-chrome redeco of ''Cybertron'' Metroplex was offered as a contest prize in the December 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', and came with an equally blinged-out Legends/EZ Collection Optimus Prime figure. Fifteen of this set were available as prizes in the initial contest; a single Metroplex was later offered as one of many prizes in a Takara website contest, but this version came only with the standard metallic paint version of Prime.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1103/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold EZ Collection Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Magnus2-pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy ridprime magnus 2pack.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
* '''Ultra Magnus & Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories'': Cannon, 2 missiles

: A red redeco of the 2003 ''Universe'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)#Cybertron|Optimus Prime]] was sold with a repackaged version of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' version of [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] Ultra Magnus in a Costco-[[exclusive]] multi-pack in 2005. Sold under the ''Cybertron'' banner, their continuity of origin was ambiguous for years until clarified in 2015 by the Facebook edition of "[[Ask Vector Prime]]".

{{-}}{{anchor|LeaderGalaxyForce}}
[[File:Cyb GalaxyForceOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Sowing confusion on message boards everywhere.]]
*'''Galaxy Force Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key
**''Cyber Key Code'': '''lo9x'''

: Released in fourth and final wave of ''Cybertron'' Leaders, this redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure introduced a new color scheme that several other tail-end releases would emulate. Taking its name from the Takara version of ''Cybertron'' and with a bio noting that this new body depicts Prime after he embarks on his galaxy-spanning mission at the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon, "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime replaces the original toy's blue parts with black and the translucent blue with smokey clear, and molds several—but not all—grey parts out of red plastic, including the toy's rifles, rail gun covers, missile launchers, and Super Mode leg guns. In the realm of new paint operations, Prime now sports all four Cyber Planet Key symbols on his shoulders, and his unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key finally has a gold-painted border, as it had always had in Japan. Additionally, Prime's hip joints were tightened up with this release, making it easier to stand him up in Super Mode.

: This toy was later re-released in a [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] multi-pack ([[##VsCrumplezone|see below]]).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/GFOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.transformers-universe.com/include.php?path=content/ToyDB_Info.php&Toy_ID=1839 More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at Transformers Universe]''

{{-}}{{anchor|CybDx}}
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|You've [[:File:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|already]] [[:File:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|bought]] [[:Nemesis Prime (Armada)|me]] [[:Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Universe|five]] [[:File:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|times!]]]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key
**''Cyber Key Code'': '''d56b'''

:Premiering in the eighth wave of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes, this Optimus is a redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[#Super-Con|Super-Con ''Armada'' Optimus Prime]], recolored in red and black to resemble the Leader Class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure.

: He does not come with the mold's nominal Mini-Con partner. Instead, Optimus Prime and his [[wave]]-mate [[Demolishor (Armada)#Cybertron|Demolishor]] debuted a new brand of Cyber Key: [[retool]]ed from the standard Cybertron style key, this version lacked a sculpted [[insignia]], so that any symbol could be [[tampograph]]ed on to it, and featured a [[Mini-Con]]-style [[Powerlinx]] socket on the back, allowing it to operate the figure's formerly-Mini-Con-activated "punching" feature without the figure itself having to be retooled.

: The key sports a tampographed Autobot insignia, a red border, and the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "d56b" tampographed on the back. This code, when entered on Hasbro's website, was ''supposed'' to unlock additional information on the character or the toy, but due to an error on behalf of Hasbro, it unlocked information intended for his wave-mate Demolishor. Optimus Prime's information was instead unlocked using the code "dt67", which was on the back of Demolishor's Cyber Key.

: As was the case with the ''Universe'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Universe|"Battle in a Box" Ultra Magnus]] release of this sculpt, initial shipments of Optimus Prime had the forearms [[Misassembly|swapped]], leaving his elbow joints useless. This was corrected for later shipments. A further [[variant|running change]] saw tampographeded graphics depicting the four planet symbols added to the truck mode's cab.

: This sculpt was later redecoed once again for a 2008 ''Universe'' [[#Universe (2008)|multi-pack version of ''Cybertron'' Optimus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/DlxOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Deluxe Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCGalaxyForce}}
[[File:Cybertron GFOptimusPrime Legends toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)

:Like the Deluxe Class figure before it, this redeco of ''Legends of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime was designed to resemble the Leader class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure, essentially replacing the blue with black, the yellow with silver and adding the Cyber Key symbol tampographs onto his shoulders.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/LOCGFOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Galaxy Force" Legends Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Gorilla}}
[[File:Cybertron OptimusPrime beast toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|It's a Double [[Garry Chalk]].]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' "'Jet-powered' flying board", missile, Jungle Planet Cyber Key
**''Cyber Key Code'': '''d7s9'''

: Available in the ninth and final wave of ''Cybertron'' Deluxes, this unusual iteration of Optimus Prime is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Optimus Primal]], transforming into a robotic gorilla in the pseudo-[[technorganic]]-looking style of the other [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Jungle Planet]] toys. He comes with a "'jet-powered' flying board" with two [[5 mm post|5mm post]]s at the base, allowing him to ride it in his gorilla mode, or hold it in robot mode via the 5mm posts on his robot palms/gorilla feet. When a [[Cyber Key]] is inserted at the rear of the board, a spring-loaded extending "assault blade" deploys, and a trigger is revealed to allow one to use the spring-loaded missile launcher at the tip. Though it is not intended to be removed, the blade can be popped off and held in Primal's hand thanks to his poseable thumbs.

: This figure contains an unusual amount of sculpted detail on the inside of the plastic. The gorilla mode's chest has a ribcage, and the inside of the gorilla's face has a sculpted microphone, which lines up perfectly with the robot mode's head! Also, opening this toy's chest in robot mode reveals sculpted detail resembling the [[Key to Vector Sigma]] as it appeared in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''. His beast mode features a painted scar over his one eye, a seeming homage Peter Jackson's ''[[King Kong]]'' (released the previous year).

: While this mold was first released as part of the ''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' line and is obviously meant to be Optimus Primal, it was developed to fit in with ''Cybertron's'' Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" the ''Beast Wars'' Anniversary release didn't pan out (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

: This mold was also used to make [[BotCon 2014]] [[Apelinq (BM)#Timelines|Apelinq]] and [[Primal Prime#Timelines|Primal Prime]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Jungle Planet Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Costoco2pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy prime wingsaber 2pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Optimus Prime / Wing Saber''' (multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

:Released in Fall of 2006, this Costco-exclusive two-pack bundled the original version of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure with his combination partner [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Cybertron|Wing Saber]] and a DVD including the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] episode "[[United]]".

: This set comes in a particularly huge box, and sold for $35.99, five dollars less than the MSRP for Optimus Prime by ''himself''. Now that's a deal!

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCTarget4pack}}
[[File:Cybertrontoy LOCtarget4pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Megatron / Soundwave / Jetfire / Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron multi-pack, 2007)

:This four pack of Legend-class Optimus Prime, [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#LegendsMegs|Megatron]], [[Jetfire (Armada)#LOC|Jetfire]], and [[Soundwave (Cybertron)#Legends|Soundwave]] was exclusive to [[Target]] stores. All of the toys were identical to their individual releases.
{{--}}

==''Hybrid Style''==
{{anchor|THS01}}
[[File:HybridStyletoy galaxyconvoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''THS-01'''
**''Accessories'': Trailer/backpack, leg armor (x2), standard head, Super Mode head, left and right fists, left and right pointing hands, left and right open hands, left and right gripping hands, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip (x2)

:The first in TakaraTomy's ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' series, Galaxy Convoy is a partly die-cast figure with scaled-down equivalents of the accessories that came with the Leader-class figure. This highly-intricate figure retains all the transformation abilities of the original figure—vehicle, flight mode, robot, and Super Mode—and even its Cyber Key-activated features (even coming with two keys so they can be deployed simultaneously), with additional touches like spring-loaded mechanisms that snap his cannons into place, and hand-grips on the weapons for Super Mode. While he does lack electronics or firing missiles, Prime still includes his Matrix, super-tiny yet still removable, and has four alternate sets of hands: two clenched fists, two with pointing index fingers, two with splayed palms, and two curved hands for holding his various weapon handles. Given the figure's small size, a reconfigurable head was infeasible, so it also comes with an alternate Super Mode head with a mouthplate and crests deployed, though the standard head must be attached in order for the figure to be transformed to vehicle mode.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/HybridGalaxyConvoy/galaxyconvoy.htm More information on Hybrid Style Galaxy Convoy at TFU.info]
{{--}}

==''Classics''==
[[File:Classicstoy legends cybertron prime.jpg|thumb|125px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2007)

: Bizarrely enough, Optimus Prime was one of three ''Cybertron'' Legends toys straight-released in ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' packaging, though with the modifier "Cybertron Collection" printed on the cardfront. The toy itself is identical to the ''Cybertron'' release.
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2007)==
[[File:TargetGenerationsLegends.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Generations Legends''' (Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

: A Target exclusive, this four-pack of Legends Class figures contains two versions of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, namely Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Movie Legends Optimus Prime]], Legends of Cybertron Megatron and [[Megatron (Movie)/toys|Movie Legends Megatron]]. The toy itself is identical to the ''Cybertron'' release.
{{--}}

==''Universe'' (2008)==
[[File:Universe2008toy BftCPK optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys''' (Sam's Club exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key

: For ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'', a redeco of the ''Armada'' Super-Con [[#Super-Con|Optimus Prime]] in more Generation 1-inspired colors was released in a [[Sam's Club]] exclusive five-pack alongside [[Runamuck (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Runamuck]], [[Longrack (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Longrack]], [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Blurr (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Blurr]]. Optimus was the only toy in the set different from the original releases. He came with a translucent red version of the remolded style of Cyber Key previously included with this mold's release during the ''Cybertron'' line, featuring a Powerlinx port to activate his punching gimmick.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/SamsClubOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Universe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ArmadaSuperConOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|VsCrumplezone}}
[[File:Universe2008CybOptimusPrimeAndCrumplezone.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs Crumplezone''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

: This Costco exclusive set contains [[#LeaderGalaxyForce|Leader-class "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime]] and the original [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]]. Both toys were unchanged from their previous individual releases.
{{--}}

==''Bot Shots''==
{{anchor|BotShotJumpShot}}
[[File:BotShots JumpShot Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''B004'''
***''Fist strength'': '''515'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''625'''
***''Sword strength'': '''475'''

: Part of the second wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 single-packs, this new-mold Optimus Prime is heavily based on ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], transforming from a robot armed with a gun, into a futuristic firetruck. As a Jump Shot, he springs up when auto-transforming.

:He was redecoed into [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSJSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShot3pack}}
[[File:BotShots 3pack Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime / Cindersaur / Autobot Jazz''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''BP008'''
***''Fist strength'': '''404'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''854'''
***''Sword strength'': '''362'''

: Part of the second wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 three-packs, this redeco of Jump Shot Optimus Prime has a brighter red, a painted silver forehead crest and "nose-strap", blue windows, and glossy blue paint on his legs, head, and firefighting section, among other minor deco changes. He comes with [[Cindersaur (G1)|Jump Shot Cindersaur]] and [[Jazz (G1)/toys#SuperBot|Super Bot Autobot Jazz]].

:The second wave of Series 2 three-packs didn't reach mass retail in the United States, only showing up in discount stores like Ross.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSJS3pkOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 3-pack Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Platinum Edition''==
[[File:PlatinumEditiontoy-YOTSOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Platimus.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Year of the Snake exclusive, 2013)
**''Accessories:'' Firetruck drone, helicopter drone, drill tank drone, submarine drone, trailer, rifle, missile

: ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' "Year of the Snake" Optimus Prime is a redeco of [[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|''Energon'']] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Energon|Super Class Optimus Prime]]. In lieu of combining with his drones, Optimus Prime can also combine with ''Platinum Edition'' [[Omega Supreme (WFC)#Platinum Edition|Omega Supreme]] to form what his instructions ''also'' call "Super Optimus Prime". The drones are color-matched to Omega Supreme, and can attach to four connectors on his body. In an undocumented feature, Prime can also merge with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)#Energon|Wing Saber]].

:Though the [[stock photography]] shows the original mouthed-face head and smooth inner chest windows, the final toy uses the face-plated head and ridged inner windows. The [[packaging]]'s [[bio]] is every [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] bio ever (well, [[Optimus Prime (SG)|mostly]]), [[Ask Vector Prime]] would eventually declare him to be a version of Unicron Trilogy Optimus.

:''Platinum Edition'' Optimus Prime is exclusive to BigBadToyStore and Amazon.com in America, but was also released at Philippine mass retail in limited quantities, in Australia as a Kmart exclusive and in Canada as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive. All electronics have been omitted from this version, even the light-up feature retained by Takara's Superlink release, trading the LED for an open hole in the chest.
{{--}}

==''Kre-O''==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Mini-Con Combiners, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Bazooka, [[Phaser (weapon)|phaser]], Uzi, scoped pistol, [[Klingon]] blaster

:"Mini-Con Combiner"' Optimus comes with one standard Kreon and four ''Cityville''-syle mini-Kreons of the same character, each one a different incarnation from various franchises. With some extra parts, the mini-Kreons become limbs to make a larger combiner-bot.

: Two of his limbs are based on ''Armada'' Optimus Prime; one "normal" (Inferno helmet), one pre-[[Earth]]-body (Knock Out helmet). The main torso-bot is based on Generation 1 Optimus's original body. Another limb-bot is based on [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action Optimus]] (Soundwave helmet), and the remaining one (Ironhide helmet)... actually looks to be based on the Optimus-like-but-not-Optimus [[Micromaster]] [[Overload (G1)|Overload]]! The heck?

:[https://www.seibertron.com/events/fullsize.php?event_id=400&size=1&image=29 First shown at New York Toy Fair 2015], the Mini-Con Combiners were apparently cancelled without fanfare... a decision that must have come late in the day, as they went on to star in their own promotional animation, "[[Stuck in a Tree]]", released about eight months after the trade show.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''War for Cybertron: Siege''==
[[File:WFC-Siege-WFC-S40-Leader-Class-Galaxy-Upgrade-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Technically not ''Cybertron'' Optimus by this wiki's classification.]]
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#S40}}

:The [[2019]] ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' subline of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' includes "Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime", which is based heavily on ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime in all three modes.
{{--}}

==Planned==
[[File:Generations_Armada_Convoy_Prototype.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.1|''Life could be a dream...'']]
*'''Armada Convoy''' (202?)

:Revealed as grayscale prototype at the [[Wonder Festival]] [[2019]] [Winter] convention, this Voyager-sized Optimus Prime mold is modeled after his ''Armada'' design, though adding many stylized sculpted details. He also retains the ability to convert into a Super Mode torso.

:At Wonder Festival [[2020]] [Winter], TakaraTomy stated that this figure has not been cancelled, but is presently not a development priority. The line which will carry this figure also has yet to be decided.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/2020-winter-wonder-festival-information.1188365/page-21#post-17643985 Report from Gamerlingual on the TFW2005 Forums, 9 February 2020]</ref>
{{uncertaintoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:MonsterConvoy.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Arise, Bigfootimus Prime.]]
* The first test shots of Superbase Optimus Prime had a [http://www.behindthetoys.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7661 molded and recessed Autobot insignia] on the chest button rather than a flat surface with a tampographed symbol. It is unknown why this change was made.
* One of the earliest ''Armada'' Optimus Prime concepts depicts him as being an ENORMOUSLY HUGE MONSTER TRUCK. Makes one wonder about the origins of the "Monster Convoy" inscription on Super Base Optimus Prime's tires.
* ''Energon'' Optimus Prime's combination with the Prime Force is...well, it's pretty much as close to a Sentai Robo that ''Transformers'' has ever gotten. It's also highly reminiscent of Voltron, as noted by our captions for that toy's image. That being said, Transformers characters who combine with non-sentient drones have become more common in the years since ''Energon'', so it seems less unusual now than when it was new.
* ''Cybertron'' Optimus's design would see re-use for the [[Optimus Prime (G1)|''original'' Optimus]] many years later, with the 2018 ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege]]'' toyline's "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#S40|Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime]]".

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm Optimus Prime at TFU.info]
*[http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d75/binalternator/unreleased/optimus_prime_mini_optimus_prime/ Energon Optimus Prime redeco with Smallest Transformers Optimus Prime gallery]

[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Armada combiners]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Built to Rule!]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Cybertron combiners]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon combiners]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Io

2021-12-06T15:25:28Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Notes */

[[File:FiveFaces3 Galvatron io.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Mighty Galvatron commands you to fetch him that chunk of blue cheese]]
'''Io''' is a moon of [[Jupiter]]. A rather inhospitable place, it is the home of [[Lightpole|psychotic alien bats that transform into missiles]].

==Fiction==
===''The Transformers'' cartoon===
[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] crashed on Io while delivering [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[Transformation cog]] to [[Earth]], where they were attacked by the [[Lightpole|local wildlife]]. They were soon joined by [[Marissa Faireborn]], courtesy of the locals' skills as kamikaze pilots. All three had to be rescued by [[Sky Lynx (G1)|the Autobots' current ride]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

==Notes==
* In real life, Io frankly doesn't ''need'' the missile-bats to be a bad place to crash. The most geologically active moon in the Solar System, it's basically a giant ball of sulfur, with over 400 active volcanoes which can spit plumes of gas and ash over 100 miles high, and massive lava lakes. Despite those, the average temperature on Io's surface is about -280 degrees Fahrenheit. What little atmosphere it has is sulfur dioxide, and does nothing to stop Jupiter from blasting it with radiation.
* As such, Io is ''actually'' a mottled yellow-brown-green in color, not blue as depicted in the cartoon ([https://www.planetary.org/space-images/io-and-jupiter-from-voyager-1/ and that was even known at the time]).

==External links==
* {{w|Io (moon)|Io}} at Wikipedia

[[Category:Generation 1 cartoon locations‎]]
[[Category:Generation 1 moons]]
[[Category:Solar System]]

Lighting Their Darkest Hour: The Complete Music Score for TFTM

2021-12-03T16:25:59Z

CamilleHiiragi: /* Track listing */

{{album
|series=''Lighting Their Darkest Hour: The Complete Music Score for TFTM''
|image=Lighting Their Darkest Hour cover.jpg
|caption=
|label=[[3H Productions|3H Enterprises]]
|releasedate=July 2001
|prodnumber=
|prev=Vince DiCola Presents: The Protoform Sessions
|next=Artistic Transformations: Themes and Variations
}}
'''''Lighting Their Darkest Hour: The Complete Music Score for TFTM''''' is a [[soundtrack album]] that features the complete score from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' composed by [[Vince DiCola]]. It was released as a convention exclusive item at [[BotCon 2001]] by [[3H Productions|3H Enterprises]].

==Track listing==
#"Unicron's Theme"
#"[[The Transformers (Theme)|Main Title]] ([[Stan Bush]] version)"
#"2005"
#"'More Luck Than You Imagine'"
#"Attack on the Shuttle"
#"Gone Fishin'"
#"[[Autobot/Decepticon Battle]]"
#"City Under Siege"
#"Showdown"
#"[[Death of Optimus Prime]]"
#"Witness to a Funeral"
#"Contest for Leadership"
#"Transformation"
#"Coronation"
#"Destruction of Moon Base One"
#"Destruction of Moon Base Two (I)"
#"Destruction of Moon Base Two (II)"
#"[[Escape (song)|Escape]]"
#"Pursuit"
#"Arrival on Junk"
#"Unwelcome Visitors"
#"An Unexpected Friend"
#"The Matrix Survives"
#"Ambush"
#"Another Leader Dies"
#"Judgment/Rescue"
#"All Hope is Lost"
#"Unusual Allies"
#"The Enemy Revealed"
#"Confrontation"
#"United Against the Enemy"
#"In the Belly of the Monster"
#"Their Darkest Hour"

{{musicstub}}

[[Category:BotCon exclusives]]
[[Category:Generation 1 albums]]

September 18

2021-12-03T14:19:10Z

CamilleHiiragi:

<noinclude>{{cal-date|9|18}}</noinclude>
* '''??? —''' Voice actor [[Yoshinori Tsushima]] is born.
* '''[[1933]] —''' [[Fred Willard]] (voice of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]]) is born.
* '''[[1955]] —''' [[Bob Papenbrook]] (voice of [[Mega-Octane]] and [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]) is born.
* '''[[1961]] —''' [[Marvel Comics]] inker [[Brian Garvey]] is born.
* '''[[1984]] —''' The ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|Transformers]]'' episode "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]" premieres in the US.
* '''[[1986]] —''' The ''Transformers'' episode "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" premieres in the US.
* '''[[1987]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' episode "[[The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok]]" premieres in Japan.
* '''[[1992]] —''' Voice actress [[Marissa Lenti]] is born.
* '''[[1996]] —''' The ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[The Web]]" premieres in the US.
* '''[[1999]] —''' The ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' episode "[[The Reformatting]]" premieres in the US.
* '''[[2001]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' episode "[[Mirage's Betrayal]]" premieres in the US.
* '''[[2002]] —''' ''[[The War Within Preview]]'' is released in the US by [[Dreamwave Productions]].
* '''[[2006]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Ambush (episode)|Ambush]]" premieres in the US.
* '''2006 —''' The 25th show in the [[Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama series]] airs in Japan on the "[[Lyrian]] Moe-tchao" program.
* '''[[2010]] —''' The ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' episode "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I|Respective Expectations]]" premieres in Japan.
* '''2010 —''' ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Animated)#Wingblade|Wing Blade Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (Animated)#Voyager|Jet Pack Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (Animated)#Cybertron|Cybertron Ratchet]] are released in Japan.
* '''[[2013]] —''' ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Less Than Zero|#0]] and ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' Volume 4 TPB are released by [[IDW Publishing]].
* '''[[2016]] —''' Voice actor [[C. Martin Croker]] passes away.
* '''[[2017]] —''' [[Toys"R"Us]] declares bankruptcy.
* '''[[2019]] —''' ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[Nautica: Home|#12]] is released by [[IDW Publishing]]. ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]] Volume 69: Sins of the Wreckers'' is released by [[Hachette|Hachette Publishing]].
* '''[[2020]] —''' ''[[World of Warships: Transformers]]'', a collaboration between Transformers and the online game ''{{w|World of Warships}}'', goes into effect on letting players obtain time-limited skin designs based on [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] for various warships.
* '''[[2021]]''' — The [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel uploaded the entire fourth season of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' for free streaming.

September 11

2021-12-03T14:18:31Z

CamilleHiiragi:

<noinclude>{{cal-date|9|11}}</noinclude>

* '''[[1985]] —''' Voice recording for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' ends.
* '''[[1987]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' episode "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 2]]" premieres in Japan.
* '''[[1993]] —''' The USENET newsgroup [[alt.toys.transformers]] is formed, more-or-less the {{w|Fertile Crescent}} of the modern online [[fandom]].
* '''[[2001]] —''' {{w|September 11 attacks|Attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon}} result in the preemption of regular television programming for several days, including [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]]. Many episodes are subsequently edited for content. Three episodes are pulled from rotation and never air in the U.S. The ''Robots in Disguise'' episode "[[Bullet Train to the Rescue]]" premieres in the US in areas where cartoons were aired earlier than 9 AM EST.
* '''[[2002]] —''' [[Prime Directive issue 5|''Prime Directive'' issue 5]] is released in the US by [[Dreamwave Productions]].
* '''[[2006]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Titans]]" premieres in the US.
* '''2006 —''' The 24th show in the [[Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama series]] airs in Japan on the "[[Lyrian]] Moe-tchao" program.
* '''[[2009]] —''' Last day of pre-orders for ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#King|King Grimlock]].
* '''[[2010]] —''' The ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' episode "[[Black Friday (episode)|Heart of the Spider-woman]]" premieres in Japan.
* '''[[2012]] —''' The Dinobot Destructor Pack DLC is available for download for ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]''.
* '''[[2013]] —''' ''[[The Transformers: Monstrosity|Monstrosity]]'' [[Monstrosity issue 4|#4]] is released by [[IDW Publishing]].
* '''[[2015]] —''' Stuntman [[Alan Purwin]] dies.
* '''[[2020]] —''' French actor [[Roger Carel]] (European French voice of [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] and [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] in ''The Insecticon Syndrome'' episode of the original cartoon) passes away, aged 93.
* '''[[2021]]''' — The [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel uploaded the entire third season of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' for free streaming.

September 4

2021-12-03T14:17:58Z

CamilleHiiragi:

<noinclude>{{cal-date|9|4}}</noinclude>

* '''[[1955]] —''' Voice actress [[Sayuri Sadaoka]] is born.
* '''[[1968]] —''' [[John DiMaggio]] (voice of [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], [[Crosshairs (AOE)|Crosshairs]], [[Nitro Zeus]], and many more) invites the world to bite his shiny metal ass as he is born.
* '''[[1973]] —''' [[Jason David Frank]] (voice of [[Emissary (TR)|Emissary]]) is born with the power of the Dragonzord. It's Morphin' time!
* '''[[1987]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' episodes "[[Terror! The Six Shadows]]" and "[[Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1]]" premiere in Japan.
* '''[[2003]] —''' [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More than Meets the Eye'' issue #5]] and [[The Line|''Transformers/G.I. Joe'' #1]] are published in the US by [[Dreamwave Productions]].
* '''2003 —''' The ''[[Transformers: All Fall Down]]'' hardcover is released in the US by [[Titan Books]].
* '''[[2004]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' episodes "[[Unicron Unleashed]]", "[[Open Fire!]]", "[[Ripped Up Space]]", and "[[Team Optimus Prime]]" premiere in the US.
* '''[[2006]] —''' The 23rd show in the [[Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama series]] airs in Japan on the "[[Lyrian]] Moe-tchao" program.
* '''2006 —''' ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]—The Complete Generation One Collection'' is released on DVD in the UK by [[Metrodome]].
* '''[[2008]] —''' [[Transformers: Saga of the Allspark|''Saga of the Allspark'' #3]] and [[The Transformers: Best of UK: Time Wars|''Best of UK: Time Wars'' #2]] are released by [[IDW Publishing]].
* '''[[2010]] —''' The ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' episode "[[Autoboot Camp|Double Agent]]" premieres in Japan.
* '''[[2019]] —''' ''[[Transformers/Ghostbusters]]'' [[Ghosts of Cybertron Part 4|#4]] is released by [[IDW Publishing]]. ''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]] Volume 77: Dissolution'' is released by [[Hachette|Hachette Publishing]].
* '''[[2021]]''' — The [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel uploaded the entire second season of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' for free streaming.

August 28

2021-12-03T14:16:16Z

CamilleHiiragi:

<noinclude>{{cal-date|8|28}}</noinclude>

* '''[[1898]] —''' Caleb Bradham names his [[soft drink]] [[Pepsi|Pepsi-Cola]].
* '''[[1952]] —''' [[Guy Nadon]] (Canadian French voice of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] in the [[live-action film series]]) is born.
* '''[[1955]] —''' [[Michitaka Kobayashi]] (Japanese voice of [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]], [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Goldbug]] and more in ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'') is born.
* '''[[1973]] —''' [[Kirby Morrow]] (voice of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Rad White|Rad]] and [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'') is born.
* '''[[1974]] —''' [[Leonardo García]] (Mexican voice of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]) is born.
* '''[[1987]] —''' The ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' episode "[[The Four-Million-Year-Old Veil of Mystery]]" premieres in Japan.
* '''1987 —''' ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (video game)|Transformers: The Head Masters]]'' for the [[Family Computer|Famicom Disk System]] is released in Japan.
* '''[[1997]] —''' [[Werner Abrolat]] (German voice of [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Unicron]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and a few other roles) dies.
* '''[[2002]] —''' [[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|''Transformers: Armada'']] [[Dreamwave Armada issue 2|#2]] is released by [[Dreamwave Productions]].
* '''[[2005]] —''' [[Christoph Lindert]] (German voice actor for much of G1 and G2) passes away.
* '''[[2006]] —''' The 22nd show in the [[Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama series]] airs in Japan on the "[[Lyrian]] Moe-tchao" program.
* '''[[2010]] —''' The ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' episode "[[SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy|Swindle's Scheme]]" premieres in Japan.
* '''[[2010]] —''' ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)#Toys|Rodimus]], [[Prowl (Animated)#Samurai|Samurai Prowl]], [[Sunstorm (Animated)#Toys|Sunstorm]], [[Swindle (Animated)#Toys|Swindle]], [[Wasp#Toys|Waspinator]] and the [[Megatron (Animated)#VoyagerCybMode|Cybertron Megatron]] & [[Optimus Prime (Animated)#Toys|Cybertron Optimus Prime]] 2-pack are released in Japan.
* '''[[2012]] —''' The ''[[Shout! Factory#Japanese Collection|Transformers Japanese Collection]]'': ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)#Home video releases|Victory]]'' DVD set is released in the US by [[Shout! Factory]].
* '''[[2013]] —''' ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|#20]], ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Destiny, Part Four|#94]], ''[[Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters (comic)|Beast Hunters]]'' [[Beast Hunters issue 4|#4]] and ''[[The Transformers Classics, Vol. 5]]'' are released by [[IDW Publishing]].
* '''[[2014]]''' — [[TakaraTomy]] releases ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' [[Brawn (G1)#Cloud 3|TFC-A02 Brawn]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Cloud|TFC-D02 Starscream]].
* '''[[2015]]''' — [[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]] hosts the ''[[Splatoon]]'' "Autobots vs. Decepticons" Splatfest online event, starting at 9pm Pacific Time.
* '''[[2019]] —''' ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Five|#11]] is released by [[IDW Publishing]].
* '''[[2021]]''' — The [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel uploaded the entire first season of ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' for free streaming.