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The Transformers: Masterpiece

2026-01-05T18:48:07Z

Elleby: /* Takara/TakaraTomy */ Fixed broken anchor in link for MP-18 Streak

{{nav-mp}}

'''''The Transformers: Masterpiece''''' (トランスフォーマーマスターピース, ''Toransufōmā Masutāpīsu'', also '''''The Transformers: Master Piece''''') <ref>MP-01 Convoy's box featured an early English logo that put a space in between "master" and "piece". From MP-2 Ultra Magnus-onwards, the logo was changed to "Masterpiece".</ref> is a line of toys aimed at collectors. Releases in this line tend to be far more expensive than mainline releases, and usually feature much more complex [[Transformation (toys)|conversion]] schemes. Where contemporary mainline toys transform into vague approximations of [[Licensed_vehicle_alternate_modes|licensed vehicles]], the vehicle modes of Masterpiece figures are frequently licensed, detailed versions of their real-world counterparts. The figures are primarily based on characters from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]], with those of the [[Beast Era]] later joining the line-up and figures from the live-action movie continuity appearing under the '''''Transformers: Masterpiece Movie Series''''' label.

Though the ''Masterpiece'' line is largely developed by [[TakaraTomy|Takara/TakaraTomy]] with the [[Japan]]ese market in mind, the line has also been distributed by [[Hasbro]] in Asian markets outside Japan, and in [[Australia]] as [[Target]] and [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]]s. Hasbro has also [[redeco]]ed/[[retool]]ed molds from this line for release in their own markets under various lines – almost always as store exclusives. Hasbro versions originally saw release as [[Walmart]] exclusives until 2009, when they were succeeded by Toys"R"Us. From 2013 onwards, Hasbro released its versions as a single cohesive line (instead of as part of other, contemporary lines), with a numbering system similar to the one used by TakaraTomy. However, by 2015, the figures were again [[co-branding|co-branded]] as part of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' line, while still continuing their numbering system. Beginning with TakaraTomy's MP-43 (as well as the MP-17+, MP-18+ and MP-20+ versions released around the same time), Hasbro officially distributed all-new figures as imports available from various online retailers and specialty stores. The Hasbro versions differ ever-so-slightly from the Japanese-distributed TakaraTomy versions by the addition of a [[tampograph]]ed Hasbro product code number on the figure itself, and the use of an additional black outer sleeve for the packaging that prominently features the [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID number]], but not any actual ''name'' for the figure.

The line officially ended in [[2024]], and was succeeded by '''''[[The Transformers: MPG]]''''' — a line that began as a parallel spin-off of ''Masterpiece'' but eventually became Takara's new official label for collector-focused toys (with MP-60 [[Ginrai (human)#Masterpiece|Ginrai]], the final toy in the ''Masterpiece'' line, simultaneously releasing alongside his trailer as [[Ginrai (human)#MPG|Super Ginrai]] in the ''MPG'' line).

==Overview==
===Timeline===
[[File:MP_Thundercracker_toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.44|And the fandom rejoiced... And the fandom's wallets cried.]]
The ''Masterpiece'' line started in [[2003]] with the debut of MP-1 Convoy / Optimus Prime, a figure with a level of detail and engineering that was until then completely unprecedented for a Transformers figure (and that many collectors still consider quite the technical achievement even today!). The toyline would continue at a slow pace throughout the 2000s, with new molds launching every two years or so, and with [[redeco]]s/[[retool]]s being released in-between. These figures were often exclusive of the larger main characters, and [[scale]] wasn't very consistent due to the heftier size and price constraints involved in manufacturing this batch of toys - keep in mind that, again; toys this complex were virtually unseen within the ''Transformers'' franchise at this time, much less with an entire toyline built around them. A small and, at first; fairly short-lived spin-off was released in [[2010]] under the '''''Transformers: Masterpiece Movie Series''''', with its only two figures at the time — MPM-1 Starscream and MPM-2 Bumblebee — just being redecoed versions of their larger-sized Hasbro figures from the standard [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers (2010)]] toyline rather than proper dedicated molds.

With the release of a new tooling of Convoy in [[2011]], the line experienced a reboot of sorts, now featuring (at least ''relative'' to MP-1) a slightly smaller but more consistent scale using MP-09 Rodimus Convoy as the standard. This reboot was also followed by a ''significant'' increase in releases per year, with ''Masterpieces'' of the smaller characters — like the [[Autobot Cars]], which were often previously replaced by ''[[Transformers: Alternators]]'' / ''[[Transformers: Alternators#Binaltech|Binaltech]]'' figures in fan collections — finally being introduced. Notably, like with ''Alternators'' / ''Binaltech'', all of these featured licensed alt modes, but unlike with ''Alternators'' / ''Binaltech'', these alt modes would be their original classic vehicle modes (which had previously never been licensed in earlier ''Transformers'' toylines) instead of modern equivalents!

The ''Masterpiece'' toyline began branching out into more eras of the franchise during the mid-2010s. In [[2016]], ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters were first added to the line with the introduction of MP-32 Convoy / Optimus Primal. The ''Transformers: Masterpiece Movie Series'' was also revived in [[2017]], now featuring proper unique molds. It was also during this time that the series began a shift towards a much more extreme degree of cartoon-accuracy compared to the previous attempts of hybridizing cartoon and toy designs, with 2016's MP-27 Ironhide being the first example of this trend (one might argue that MP-24 Star Saber was the first full-on cartoon accurate toy, but in all fairness; [[Star Saber (G1)#Toys|his original toy]] also didn't stray too far from the cartoon in terms of details and greebling). The one exception to this design trend was [[2021]]'s MP-53 Skids and its many subsequent ''[[Diaclone]]''-inspired repaints, with their heavy focus on licensed vehicle mode accuracy (marketing was almost entirely done on the back of their popular Honda City vehicle modes).

In [[2022]] the more hybridized design tendency kicked into high gear as TakaraTomy launched '''''[[The Transformers: MPG]]''''' line with the [[Trainbot]]s, in a big swing for Japan's massive model train market. The figures are made to the model train "HO scale,"<ref name="FigureKing285">[https://www.soundwavesoblivion.com/techspecs/interviewkojinono2.html Figure King 285: Interview With MPG-01 Raiden Development Team – English Translation] at Soundwaves Oblivion</ref> which—whether or not intentional—also makes their individual [[robot mode]]s fit the same cartoon-based scale as the current mainline ''Masterpiece'' Transformers, having the individual components stand ''slightly'' taller than the standard Autobot Cars, but makes Raiden and the individual train modes undersized by comparison. Back on the cartoon-based side of things, 2022 also saw the announcement of MP-57 Skyfire, who, in a truly awe-inspiring display of [[Size changing|mass-shifting]] reproduction, features a series of Autobot miniatures for vehicle mode to accommodate his use as a transport in the cartoon. To this day, he's the tallest robot released under the standard ''Masterpiece'' line.

The main ''Masterpiece'' line would come to a sundown of sorts in [[2024]], with the aforementioned ''MPG'' toyline becoming its direct sucessor. By the end of this run, 60 numbered releases were produced for the original ''Masterpiece'' toyline (plus 15 more for the ''Masterpiece Movie Series''), although, once you consider the many repaints and exclusive versions that most molds received, the total amount adds up to well over a hundred: not bad for a toyline that tended to only get a release or two per year during its first decade!

[[File:MP24-StarSaber.jpg|thumb|upright=1.44|left|I despise you and your feeble attempts at a so-called "consistent" scale, mortals.]]

===Scale===
As mentioned, the first years of ''Masterpiece'' releases during the 2000s featured a remarkably inconsistent scale, with the result being that figures of certain huge characters (such as Grimlock) ended up being too short compared to other characters they were meant to tower over (such as Convoy). It is often interpreted that the toyline was shrunken down to a smaller scale during the 2010s, and this is true... To ''an extent''. Thanks to the aforementioned inconsistent scale, three out of the five ''Masterpiece'' molds released before the 2011 soft reboot — MP-3 Starscream, MP-8 Grimlock, and MP-9 Rodimus Convoy — are actually generally closer to the newer scale (the 2012 MP-11 Starscream would even just outright be a 2.0 of his first toy which retained the same size), thus making the original MP-1 Convoy / Optimus Prime and MP-5 Megatron the only ''real'' odd ones out: so in a sense, when the ''Masterpiece'' line is considered as a whole — even within the boundaries of the 2000s — it might be more accurate to say that these two specific figures were actually oversized rather than the rest of the toyline being undersized!

From the 2011 "reboot" era of the ''Masterpiece'' line to present, the focus of making everything to "scale" with each other mostly refers to [[robot mode]] scale, as there are a few size discrepancies between the vehicle modes of the individual figures. To counter this, some figures include their own miniatures to represent an accurate vehicle mode scale, such as the aforementioned Skyfire figure, which features miniatures of Convoy, Meister and Wheeljack, to create the illusion that he has mass-shifted between his two forms. Another example is the Autobot Car, Hound. Hound transforms into a Willys Jeep, which is a much smaller vehicle compared to the other Autobot Cars, yet his robot mode is the same height as them. The line-wide, universally-scaled Spike Witwicky figurines included with MP-10 Convoy and MP-44 Convoy are an accurate size for Hound in robot mode, but too small for his vehicle mode specifically, even if they scale fairly well with the other Autobot Cars' altmodes, so a larger Spike figure was released with Hound, made to specifically sit in his seats in jeep mode, to reenact scenes from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|Part 2]]" and "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3|Part 3]]". The other line-wide, universally-scaled figurines can also be sat inside ''MPG'' Shouki, as a reference to the original ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy and the [[Diaclone (faction)|Diaclone]] pilots, even though the figurines are grossly out of scale with the train mode itself.

The ''Beast Wars'' figures, on the other hand, are made to their own unique scale when compared to the G1 character releases, as is obvious, when comparing G1 Convoy with ''Beast Wars'' Convoy, since the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s are meant to be ''wayyyy'' smaller than the other characters in the line. Uniquely, all of the ''Beast Wars'' characters to date are also scaled accurately in [[beast mode]], as well as robot mode (at least based in a cartoon context).

MP-24 Star Saber is an outlier when it comes to scale, as an accurate cartoon scale for the character would make him roughly the size of a mainline Titan Class figure, just due to the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Japanese sequel cartoons]] making every character after the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] more and more giant (''seriously'', Convoy is only listed in cartoon production scale as 6 meters tall, while Star Saber is listed at 22 meters tall!). TakaraTomy knew this when making Star Saber, and elected to make more of a generic scale that fits better with the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toys of the time. Ironically, ''Masterpiece'' Star Saber is better scaled with your ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (franchise)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]''-era of "[[CHUG]]" toys (albeit somehow still too small!) than the [[Star Saber (G1)#Legacy|HasLab ''Legacy'' Star Saber]] is.

==Fiction==
'''''The Transformers: Masterpiece''''' toyline has received some light fictional support throughout its extensive run, thus far largely within the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]].

===Comics===
[[File:MP1BCybertronCommanderCover01.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
''Masterpiece'' received [[e-HOBBY]] comics between [[2010]]-[[2011]] to provide fictional justification for their various exclusive redecoes, as well as a smattering of higher concept comics told sporadically through the ''[[Transformers Generations (series)|Transformers Generations]]'' book series beginning in [[2014]] and continuing to this day.
====e-HOBBY ====
*"[[MP-1B Cybertron Commander / Convoy Black Ver.]]"
*"[[MP-3G Destron Air Commander / Starscream Ghost Ver.]]"
*"[[Destron Doppelgänger Black Rodimus Convoy]]"

====''Generations'' book series====
*"[[Controverse]]"
*"[[Reborn]]"
{{chapters|title="Wars" series (''Masterpiece'')
|prev=Transformers: Generations (Japan)#Fiction
|next=The Transformers: MPG#Comics
|content=
*"[[Rodimus Wars]]"
}}
Perhaps most notably, ''Masterpiece'' inherited [[Yuki Ohshima]]'s series of comics colloquially known as the "Wars" series from TakaraTomy's short-lived [[2012]] [[Transformers: Generations (Japan)|''Generations'']] toyline (not to be confused with the [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|modern super-brand]]) beginning in [[2015]] with "[[Rodimus Wars]]," a ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers: The Movie]]'' prequel advertising the then-upcoming MP-28 [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#MP28|Hot Rodimus]] and MP-29 [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Laserwave]]. As of this writing, the series has moved on to an ongoing distant prequel to the primary arc of the series' ''Generations'' incarnation, "[[Train Wars]]," to advertise the ''MPG'' [[Trainbot#MPG|Trainbot]]s.

====IDW Publishing====
''Masterpiece'' briefly rode the coattails of Hasbro's [[Transformers Collaborative|''Collaborative'']] crossover brand into mass market comic books in [[2019]] with MP-10G [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#CollabGB|Optimus Prime Ecto-35 Edition]]'s prominent appearance in the ''[[Transformers/Ghostbusters]]'' comic, albeit very much playing second fiddle to ''Collaborative''{{'}}s original character for the ''Ghostbusters x Transformers'' subline, [[Ectotron]].

====''End of G1 Universe''====
{{main|The Transformers: End of G1 Universe}}
[[2022]] saw the surprise announcement from TakaraTomy of a devoted webcomic for ''Masterpiece'', named "[[The Transformers: End of G1 Universe|''End of G1 Universe'']]" and published directly on the ''Masterpiece'' website, beginning with MP-48+ [[Dark Amber Leo Prime#Toys|Dark Amber Leo Prime]]. The next installment in brand veteran [[Hayato Sakamoto]]'s series of pack-in comic epics following the finale of the [[Generations Selects Special Comic|comic]] for TakaraTomy's arm of the [[Generations Selects (franchise)|''Generations Selects'']] franchise the previous year, the series sets the ostentatious goal of ''concluding'' the behemoth [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]].
{{--}}

===Prose===
====''Transformers × Evangelion''====
[[File:Transformers Mode Eva ch 1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6]]
{{main|Transformers × Evangelion}}
This tiny crossover franchise with the wildly popular ''{{w|Neon Genesis Evangelion}}'' brand received a short blog feature on the TakaraTomy website.

====Pack-in plotlines====
Beginning around [[2015]] with the [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18B|blue variant]] of ''Masterpiece'' [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], TakaraTomy began to build out the bios printed in the instructions of its original decoes into full-on recurring prose plotlines penned by all-around brand renaissance man and ''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' veteran [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Not all, but yes. I wrote most of Diaclone/Microchange repaints bios, except MP Tigertrack/Clamp Down/Bluestreak/Enemy & other cassettes (though I did original e-Hobby and Encore).|link=https://twitter.com/Hirovmi/status/1604695336206815233|site=Twitter|name=Hirofumi Ichikawa|year=2022|month=12|day=18}}</ref> that continue to this day. Known participating releases include:

{{collist|3|
*MP-18B [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18B|Bluestreak]]
*MP-23 [[Exhaust#Masterpiece|Exhaust]]
*MP-25L [[Loudpedal#Masterpiece|Loudpedal]]
*MP-26 [[Road Rage (G1)#Masterpiece|Road Rage]]
*MP-31 [[Delta Magnus#Masterpiece|Delta Magnus]]
*MP-42 [[Cordon (G1)#Masterpiece|Cordon]]
*MP-39+ [[Spin-Out (G1)#Masterpiece|Spinout]]
*MP-54 [[Reboost#Masterpiece|Reboost]]
*MP-53+ [[Crosscut (G1)#Masterpiece|Senatorcrosscut]] {{sic}}
*MP-53+B [[Burn Out (Diaclone)#Masterpiece|Dia Burnout]]
*MP-56+ [[Riggorus#Masterpiee|Riggorus]]
}}

Separate vignettes are occasionally included to supplement the bios:
*"[[Story of Black Rodimus Convoy]]"
*"[[Story of Black Convoy]]"
*"[[Noise & Smoke]]"

Upon the conclusion to the ''Masterpiece'' toyline in [[2025]], this storyline [[The Transformers: MPG#Prose|hopped right over to its successor ''MPG'']] without breaking stride.
{{--}}

{{--}}

==Toys==
===Standard ''Masterpiece'' line===
====Takara/TakaraTomy====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2003'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Convoy]] ([[2003]]-[[December 11|12-11]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2005'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-2 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ultra Magnus]] ([[2005]]-[[March 24|03-24]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2006'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-3 [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Starscream]] ([[2006]]-[[September 28|09-28]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-4 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP4|Convoy Perfect Edition]] (2006-09-28/[[2009]]-[[October 1|10-01]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2007'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-5 [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP5|Megatron]] ([[2007]]-[[March 29|03-29]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-6 [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Skywarp]] ([[2007]]-[[September 1|09-01]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=5|[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-1-Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-1 Convoy, the OG ''Masterpiece'' figure]]
[[File:MP22-UltraMagnus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-22 Ultra Magnus]]
[[File:Masterpiece-MP-43-Megatron-(Beast-Wars).jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-43 Megatron (Beast Wars)]]
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-45-Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-45 Bumble Ver.2.0]]
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-52-Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-52 Starscream Ver.2.0]]
[[File:MP-toy DiaBurnout.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-53+B Dia Burnout]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2008'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-7 [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Thundercracker]] ([[2008]]-[[November 20|11-20]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2009'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-8 [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Grimlock]] (2009-[[March 26|03-26]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2011'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-9 [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Rodimus Convoy]] ([[2011]]-[[January 29|01-29]]/2011-[[September 24|09-24]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-10 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10|Convoy]] (2011-09-24)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2012'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-11 [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MP11|Starscream]] ([[2012]]-[[March 31|03-31]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-12 [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Lambor]] (2012-[[October 27|10-27]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-14 [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Alert]] (2012-[[December 15|12-15]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2013'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-13 [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Soundwave]] (with [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Condor]]) ([[2013]]-[[January 26|01-26]]/2013-[[September 28|09-28]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-15 [[Rumble (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Rumble]] & [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Jaguar]] (2013-[[February 23|02-23]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-16 [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Frenzy]] & [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Buzzsaw]] (2013-[[March 23|03-23]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-17 [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Prowl]] (2013-09-28)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-18 [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Streak]] (2013-[[October 26|10-16]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-19 [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Smokescreen]] (2013-[[December 14|12-14]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2014'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-20 [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Wheeljack]] ([[2014]]-[[September 20|09-20]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-21 [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Masterpiece 2|Bumble]] (with [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)#Masterpiece|Daniel Witwicky]]) (2014-[[November 29|11-29]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-22 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#MP22|Ultra Magnus]] (2014-[[December 27|12-27]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2015'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-23 [[Exhaust#Masterpiece|Exhaust]] ([[2015]]-[[March 21|03-21]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-24 [[Star Saber (G1)#Masterpiece|Star Saber]] (2015-03-21)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-25 [[Tracks (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Tracks]] (2015-[[November 7|11-07]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-26 [[Road Rage (G1)#Masterpiece|Road Rage]] (2015-[[December 26|12-26]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2016'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-27 [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ironhide]] ([[2016]]-[[January 30|01-30]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-28 [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#MP28|Hot Rodimus]] (2016-[[February 27|02-27]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-29 [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Destron Laserwave]] (2016-[[March 26|03-26]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-30 [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ratchet]] (2016-[[April 23|04-23]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-31 [[Delta Magnus#Masterpiece|Delta Magnus]] (2016-[[August 27|08-27]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-14+ [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#MP14Plus|Alert Anime Color Edition]] (2016-[[September 24|09-24]])}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-32 [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Convoy (Beast Wars)]] (2016-[[October 29|10-29]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-33 [[Inferno (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Inferno]] (2016-[[November 26|11-26]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2017'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-m1|MP-34 [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Cheetus (Beast Wars)]] ([[2017]]-[[February 25|02-25]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-35 [[Grapple (G1)#Masterpiece|Grapple]] (2017-02-25)}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-36 [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36|Megatron]] (2017-[[April 1|04-01]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-37 [[Artfire#Masterpiece|Artfire]] (2017-[[May 27|05-27]])}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-38 [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#MP38|Convoy (Beast Wars) Legendary Leader Ver.]] (2017-[[June 24|06-24]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-12+ [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#MP12Plus|Lambor Anime Color Edition]] (2017-[[November 25|11-25]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-39 [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Sunstreaker]] (2017-[[December 22|12-22]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2018'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-40 [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#MP40|Targetmaster Hot Rodimus]] ([[2018]]-[[February 24|02-24]])}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-41 [[Dinobot (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Dinobot (Beast Wars)]] (2018-[[July 28|07-28]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-17+ [[Prowl (G1)/toys#MP17Plus|Prowl]] (2018-[[September 29|09-29]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-42 [[Cordon (G1)#Masterpiece|Cordon]] (2018-[[October 27|10-27]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-29+ [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#MP29Plus|Destron Laserwave]] (2018-[[November 24|11-24]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-36+ [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36Plus|Megatron]] (2018-[[December 29|12-29]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2019'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-p1|MP-43 [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Megatron (Beast Wars)]] ([[2019]]-[[March 30|03-30]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-20+ [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#MP20Plus|Wheeljack]] ([[2019]]-03)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-18+ [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18Plus|Streak]] (2019-[[July 27|07-27]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-44 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP44|Convoy Ver.3.0]] (2019-[[August 31|08-31]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-45 [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#MP45|Bumble Ver.2.0]] (2019-[[November 23|11-23]])}}
{{Bp-p1|MP-46 [[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Blackwidow (Beast Wars)]] (2019-[[November 23|11-23]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-47 [[Hound (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Hound]] (2019-[[December 26|12-26]])}}

</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2020'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-19+ [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#MP19Plus|Smokescreen]] ([[2020]]-[[January 27|01-27]])}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-48 [[Lio Convoy#Masterpiece|Lio Convoy (Beast Wars)]] ([[2020]]-[[February 29|02-29]])}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-38+ [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#MP38Plus|Burning Convoy (Beast Wars)]] (2020-[[March 25|03-25]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-49 [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#MP49|Black Convoy]] (2020-[[July 25|07-25]])}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-50 [[Tigatron#Masterpiece|Tigatron (Beast Wars)]] (2020-[[September 26|09-26]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-39+ [[Spin-Out (G1)#Masterpiece|Spinout]] (2020-[[November 28|11-28]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-51 [[Arcee (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Arcee]] (2020-[[December 29|12-29]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2021'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-52 [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MP52|Starscream Ver.2.0]] ([[2021]]-[[June 26|06-20]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-52+ [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#MP52|Thundercracker Ver.2.0]] ([[2021]]-09-27)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53 [[Skids (G1)#Masterpiece|Skids]] (2021-[[November 20|11-20]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-54 [[Reboost#Masterpiece|Reboost]] (2021-[[November 20|11-20]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-52+SW [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#MP52|Skywarp Ver.2.0]] (2021-[[December 25|12-25]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2022'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-55 [[Nightbird (G1)#Masterpiece|Nightbird Shadow]] ([[2022]]-[[February 28|02-28]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53+ [[Crosscut (G1)#Masterpiece|Senatorcrosscut]] ([[2022]]-[[March 26|03-26]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-56 [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Trailbreaker]] ([[2022]]-[[December 29|12-29]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2023'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-m1|MP-48+ [[Dark Amber Leo Prime#Toys|Dark Amber Leo Prime]] ([[2023]]-[[January 28|01-28]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-57 [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Skyfire]] ([[2023]]-[[January 31|01-31]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-53+B [[Burn Out (Diaclone)#Masterpiece|Dia Burnout]] ([[2023]]-[[March 25|03-25]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2024'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-58 [[Hoist (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Hoist]] ([[2024]]-[[January 25|01-25]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-44S [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP44S|Optimus Prime]] ([[2024]]-[[February 24|02-24]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-56+ [[Riggorus#Masterpiece|Riggorus]] (2024-03-30)}}
{{Bp-m1|MP-59 [[Rhinox (BW)/toys#Masterpiece|Rhinox]] (2024-06-29)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-60 [[Ginrai (human)#Masterpiece|Ginrai]] (2024-12-28)}}
</ul>
|}

=====Amazon Japan exclusive accessories=====
Between MP-12 and MP-21, several figures, when ordered from [[Amazon (website)|Amazon Japan]], came with a separately-bagged exclusive accessory for the figure.
[[File:MP-13 Lambor full color.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|MP-12 Lambor with Amazon Japan exclusive piledrivers]]
{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:70%"
|-
! scope="col" width="32%" | '''Figure'''
! scope="col" width="30%" | '''Accessory'''
|-
|MP-12 Lambor
|Two pile drivers
|-
|MP-13 Soundwave
|Two additional [[Energon cube]]s
|-
|MP-17 Prowl
|Missile launcher
|-
|MP-18 Streak
|Missile launcher
|-
|MP-20 Wheeljack
|[[Hypno-chip]] disruptor
|-
|MP-21 Bumble
|"Battle face"
|-
|}
{{--}}

=====Special editions=====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2004'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-1 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#goldmp|Convoy]] ([[Lucky Draw figure]], [[2004]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2009'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-01B [[Eldedroid#Masterpiece|Convoy Black Ver.]] ([[2009]]-[[November 21|11-21]]/2010-01)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-8X [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#MP8X|King Grimlock]] (2009–12)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2010'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-3G [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MP3G|Starscream Ghost Ver.]] ([[2010]]-06)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-4S [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP4S|Convoy Sleep Mode]] (2010-06)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2011'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-1L [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP1L|Convoy Last Production]] ([[2011]]-[[March 26|03-26]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-09B [[Black Rodimus Convoy#Masterpiece|Black Rodimus Convoy]] (2011-[[November 28|11-28]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=4|[[File:MP14C-Clampdown.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-14C Clampdown]][[File:MP-25L-Loud-Pedal.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-25L Loudpedal]][[File:MP-10ASL.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MP-10ASL Convoy (atmos safari LEBRON Ver.)]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2012'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-11S [[Sunstorm (G1)#Masterpiece|Sunstorm]] ([[2012]]-[[August 25|08-25]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2013'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-10B [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Masterpiece|Black Convoy]] ([[2013]]-[[March 30|03-30]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-12T [[Tigertrack#Masterpiece|Tigertrack]] (2013-07)}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-11A [[Acid Storm (G1)#Masterpiece|Acid Storm]] (2013-[[October 3|10-03]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2014'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-12G [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#MP12G|Lambor G-2 Ver.]] ([[2014]]-[[February 22|02-22]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-13B [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#MP13B|Soundblaster]] (with [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ratbat]]) (2014-[[March 23|03-23]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-18S [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18S|Silverstreak]] (2014-[[June 14|06-14]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-10A [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10A|Convoy (BAPE ver.)]] (2014-[[August 19|07-19]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-12 [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#TFExpo14MP12|Lambor]] (TFExpo 2014 exclusive) (2012-[[August 9|08-09]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-10 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#eva|Convoy Mode "Eva"]] (2014-[[November 28|11-28]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-5G [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP5G|Megatron Gold Ver.]] (2014-12)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2015'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-11SW [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#MP11SW|Skywarp]] ([[2015]]-[[January 5|01-05]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-21G [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#MP21G|Bumble G-2 Ver.]] (2015-[[July 25|07-25]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-18B [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#MP18B|Bluestreak]] (2015-[[August 29|08-29]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-11T [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#MP11T|Thundercracker]] (2015-11)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-10R [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10R|Convoy (BAPE REDCAMO ver.)]] (2015-11)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-21R [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#MP21R|Bumble Red Body]] (2015-[[December 26|12-26]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-14C [[Clampdown (G1)#Masterpiece|Clampdown]] (2015-12-26)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2016'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-11NR [[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Ramjet]] ([[2016]]-[[March 19|03-19]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-25L [[Loudpedal#Masterpiece|Loudpedal]] (2016-[[June 11|06-11]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-11NT [[Thrust (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Thrust]] (2016-[[October 29|10-29]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2017'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-10K [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10K|Convoy (BAPE BLACKCAMO ver.)]] (2017-01)}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-11ND [[Dirge (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Dirge]] ([[2017]]-[[June 28|06-28]])}}
{{Bp-a1d1|MP-15/16E [[Stripes#Masterpiece|Stripes]], [[Nightstalker (G1)#Masterpiece|Nightstalker]], [[Wingthing (G1)#Masterpiece|Wingthing]] & [[Enemy (G1)#Masterpiece|Enemy]] (2017-[[December 23|12-23]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2018'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-711 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP711|Convoy (7-Eleven ver.)]] ([[2018]]-[[February 28|02-28]])}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon Convoy]] (2018-[[July 29|07-29]])}}
{{Bp-p1|MP-34S [[Shadow Panther#Masterpiece|Shadow Panther (Beast Wars)]] (2018-[[August 25|08-25]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2019'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-10ASL [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10ASL|Convoy (atmos safari LEBRON Ver.)]] (2019-[[March 15|03-15]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2020'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-10DC [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10DC|Convoy (atmos safari DUCKCAMO Ver.)]] (2020-[[March 26|03-26]])}}
|}




{{--}}

====Hasbro====
Due to the brand unification, nearly all Hasbro ''Masterpiece'' releases after ''Generations'' MP-10 Optimus Prime are imports of TakaraTomy toys above with new slip-covers. ''Masterpiece Movie Series'' releases after MPM-4 Optimus Prime, meanwhile, are the same toys in both Hasbro and TakaraTomy markets, with the former often releasing toys as store-exclusives.
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2003'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|20th Anniversary [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (2003/2004)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2006'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|20th Anniversary DVD Edition [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|Optimus Prime]] ([[Transformers: Classics|''Classics'']], 2006)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2007'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|Masterpiece [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MasterpieceUS|Starscream]] (''Classics'', 2007)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2009'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|Masterpiece [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Skywarp]] ([[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'']], 2009)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=4|[[File:TRU-Masterpiece-Sunstorm.jpg|upright=1.33|thumb|MP-05 Sunstorm]][[File:MP-YOTGSoundwave.jpg|upright=1.33|thumb|Year Of The Goat Soundwave]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2010'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Masterpiece [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#MPHasbro|Grimlock]] ([[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'']], 2010)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2011'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Masterpiece [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Rodimus Prime]] (''Transformers'', 2011)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2012'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Masterpiece [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10hasbro|Optimus Prime]] (''Transformers'', 2012)}}
{{Bp-d1|Masterpiece [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Thundercracker]] (''Transformers'', 2012)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2013'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MP-01 [[Acid Storm (G1)#Masterpiece|Acid Storm]] (2013)}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-02 [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Soundwave]] (''Generations'', 2013)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2014'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Year of the Horse [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#YearOfTheHorseOP|Optimus Prime]] (''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'', 2014)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-03 [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#2014MP|Grimlock]] (2014)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-04 [[Prowl (G1)/toys#HasbroMP|Prowl]] (2014)}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-05 [[Sunstorm (G1)#HasbroMP|Sunstorm]] (2014)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2015'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|Year Of The Goat [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#SoundwaveMasterpieceYOTG|Soundwave]] (''Generations'', 2015)}}
{{Bp-a1|MP-06 [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Bluestreak]] (''Generations'', 2015)}}
{{Bp-d1|MP-07 [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Masterpiece 2|Starscream]] (''Generations'', 2015)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2016'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-08 [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#HasbroMP|Bumblebee]] & [[Exosuit]] [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#HasbroMP|Spike Witwicky]] (''Generations'', 2016)}}
{{Bp-sa| [[Optimus Prime (SG)#Masterpiece|Shattered Glass Optimus Prime]] (''Generations'', 2016)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2017'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-10 [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (''Generations'', 2017)}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-3 [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#MPM3|Bumblebee]] (2017)}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-4 [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (2017)}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2019'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MP-10G [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#CollabGB|Optimus Prime Ecto-35 Edition]] (''[[Transformers Collaborative|Collaborative]]'', 2019)}}
|}
{{--}}

===Sublines===
====''Masterpiece Movie Series''====
[[File:TF-Movie-Masterpiece-Series-Logo.png|center|400px]]

The '''''Transformers: Masterpiece Movie Series''''' (トランスフォーマーマスターピースムービーシリーズ ''Toransufōmā Masutāpīsu Mūbī Shirīzu'') line, based on the [[live-action film series]], with toys designated MPM-##; this line originally consisted of detailed redecoes of [[Size class|Leader-sized]] toys from [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|the 2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]] and was canceled after only two releases. It was later revived in [[2017]] for the 10th Anniversary of the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], this time featuring all-new molds. The revived line was released in conjunction with Hasbro, with the toys [[co-branding|co-branded]] "Hasbro" and "TakaraTomy" on their packaging.

In 2025, '''''Masterpiece Movie Series NEXT''''' (designated with MPMN-##) was announced beginning with [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] from [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|''Revenge of the Fallen'']].

{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2010'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MPM-1 [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece|Starscream]] (''Transformers'', 2010-[[October 30|10-30]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-2 [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece|Bumblebee]] (''Revenge of the Fallen'', 2010-[[December 25|12-25]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2017'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPM-3 [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#MPM3|Bumblebee]] (''Transformers'', 2017-[[July 29|07-29]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-4 [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece|Optimus Prime]] (''Transformers'', 2017-[[September 30|09-30]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2018'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MPM-5 [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece|Barricade]] (''Transformers'', 2018-[[April 21|04-21]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-7 [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#MPM7|Bumblebee]] (''Bumblebee'', 2018-[[October 27|10-27]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-6 [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece|Ironhide]] (''Transformers'', 2018-[[December 15|12-15]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2019'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MPM-8 [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece|Megatron]] (''Transformers'', 2019-[[August 31|08-31]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-9 [[Jazz (Movie)#Masterpiece|Autobot Jazz]] (''Transformers'', 2019-[[November 2|11-02]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top" rowspan=3|[[File:Masterpiece Movie Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MPM-2 Bumblebee]][[File:MPM-12N-Nemesis-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33|MPM-12N Nemesis Prime]]
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2020'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MPM-10 [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#MPM10|Starscream]] (''Transformers'', 2020-[[October 31|10-31]])}}
{{Bp-a1|MPM-11 [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#MPM11|Ratchet]] (''Transformers'', 2020-[[December 26|12-26]])}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2021'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPM-12 [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#MasterpieceMPM12|Optimus Prime]] (''Bumblebee'', [[2021]]-[[Calendar|08]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2022'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MPM-13 [[Blackout (Movie)#MPM13|Decepticon Blackout]] & [[Scorponok (Movie)#MPM13|Scorponok]] (''Transformers'', [[2022]]-[[December|12]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2023'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|MPM-10R [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#MPM10R|Starscream (Revenge of the Fallen Ver.)]] (''Revenge of the Fallen'', [[2023]]-[[February 2|02-02]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MPM-12N [[Nemesis Prime (AOE)#Masterpiece|Nemesis Prime]] (''Bumblebee'', 2023-[[March|03]])}}
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2024'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPM-11D [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#MPM11D|Ratchet (Darkside Moon Ver.)]] (''Dark of the Moon'', 2024-[[March 30|03-30]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MPM-14 [[Bonecrusher (Movie)#Masterpiece Movie Series|Bonecrusher]] (''Transformers'', 2024-[[March 30|03-30]])}}
{{Bp-d1|MPM-15 [[Brawl (Movie)#Masterpiece Movie Series|Brawl]] (''Transformers'', 2024-[[November|11]])}}
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''2026'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|MPMN-01 [[Sideswipe (Movie)/toys#Masterpiece Movie Series|Sideswipe]] (''Revenge of the Fallen'', 2026}}
|}

{{comingsoontoy|Sideswipe}}
{{--}}

====''The Transformers: MPG''====
[[File:Mpg-logo.png|center|250px]]
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MPG-01-Trainbot-Shouki.jpg|thumb|upright=1.33| MPG-04 Trainbot Suiken]]

{{main|The Transformers: MPG}}
Starting in 2022, '''The Transformers: MPG''' toyline - abbreviated for "Masterpiece G" - was, at one point, intended to be a spin-off to the regular ''Masterpiece'' toyline, with the G suffix being added to the original name as an abbreviation for ''gattai'' (合体, "combine"), "giant" (巨大化), and "great" (グレート).<ref>[https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf_mpg ''MPG'' hub on the TakaraTomy website]</ref> Its first batch of figures - the [[Trainbot#MPG|Trainbots]] - featured a fairly distinct aesthetic, harking back to the earlier years of ''Masterpiece'' toys with their more intrinsic hybridization of cartoon and toy traits in comparison with the ongoing trend of cartoon accuracy in the then-mainline releases. Releasing over the span of three years, these would be the only ''MPG'' products made in parallel with the ongoing ''Masterpiece'' line.

Since 2024 with the release of God Ginrai, MPG replaced the regular ''Masterpiece'' line entirely, with even a good amount of old ''Masterpiece'' molds (oddly, even those built on the cartoon-oriented design tradition) getting re-released within it as redecos. Its releases are, thus; [[The Transformers: MPG|covered in their own separate article]].
{{-}}

====Other ''Masterpiece'' sublines====
* The '''''Masterpiece [[Brave (franchise)|Brave]] Series''''' (マスターピース勇者シリーズ ''Masutāpīsu Yūsha Shirīzu'') line, with toys designated as MP-B##, which was cancelled after only two releases; these being MP-B01 King Exkizer {{sic}}, released in [[2005]]; and MP-B02 Dragon Kizer {{sic}}, released in [[2006]]. [[Bandai]] acquired Sunrise (the company that originally produced the ''Brave'' cartoons) in [[1993]], but seemingly didn't hold the rights to produce figures for the franchise until roughly the 2010s. As such, most updated, ''Masterpiece''-esque ''Brave'' figures and model kits are currently produced by Bandai and their licensees. Whether it was complications between the rival companies owning the rights to the ''Brave'' franchise, or something else entirely that led to the ''Masterpiece'' lines' cancellation after only two releases, is uncertain.
* The '''''[[Zoids]] Masterpiece''''' (ゾイドマスターピース ''Zoido Masutāpīsu'') line, with toys designated as MPZ-##.

For obvious reasons, neither the ''Brave Series'' nor ''Zoids'' ''Masterpiece'' lines are covered on this wiki.

==Design==
[[File:Hironori Kobayashi Figure King Headshot.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Hironori Kobayashi, the first designer to have worked on the ''Masterpiece'' line.]]
The ''Masterpiece'' line has had a number of designers.

Since MP-25, each ''Masterpiece'' figure has been designed as a team effort, led by [[Hironori Kobayashi]], and any names given are within the scope of the larger team.

===Standard Takara Versions===
{|
|''Mold''||''Designer''||''Notes''
|-
|MP‑1, MP‑2
|[[Hironori Kobayashi]]
|-
|MP‑3, MP‑6, MP‑7
|Hironori Kobayashi (initial design) & [[Shōji Kawamori]] (final version)
|-
|MP‑4 trailer
|[[Hisashi Yuki]]
|Designed in ''one night''!<ref name="mp4trailer">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-masterpiece-47/takaratomy-staff-interview-hisashi-yuki-on-masterpiece-180888/ TakaraTomy Staff Interview - Hisashi Yuki on Masterpiece]: Even more horrifying was the plan of reissuing MP-1 to go with Megatron - simply reissuing him wasn't considered to be appealing enough and it was decided to give him a trailer...I was told to come up with a proto (of the trailer) by the end of May, and I designed it in one night. [...] I couldn't shirk my task as the release date had already been set by backward calculation. I really did the best I could though there just wasn't enough time.</ref>
|-
|MP‑5
|Hisashi Yuki
|Designed in twelve days<ref name="mpmegsdev">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-masterpiece-47/takaratomy-staff-interview-hisashi-yuki-on-masterpiece-180888/ TakaraTomy Staff Interview - Hisashi Yuki on Masterpiece]: - I hear the first Masterpiece figure you created was MP‑5 Megatron and you hold the fastest development record with it.
[Yuki]: That is right. (*laughs) I was not assigned to be in charge of it initially, but due to the circumstance within the company I was unexpectedly handed down the project. The schedule came with it and I was stunned when I realised that I was only given 12 days, about 2 weeks...To make it worse, at the time of my receiving the task, even the product size wasn't decided. (*tears)</ref>
|-
|MP‑8, MP‑9
|Hironori Kobayashi
|-
|MP‑10
|[[Shogo Hasui]]<ref name="mp10dev">[http://news.tfw2005.com/2014/08/03/takaratomy-staff-interview-shogo-hasui-on-masterpiece-180877/ TakaraTomy Staff Interview – Shogo Hasui on Masterpiece]: - Tell us about the time when you began working on the MP series. [Shogo]: MP-10 Convoy was the first Masterpiece I was involved in developing.
When the project was conceived I was mainly working on the products for the overseas Hasbro market, but was given a chance to develop a Masterpiece for the domestic market irregularly.</ref>
|
|-
|MP‑11
|Hironori Kobayashi & Shogo Hasui
|-
|MP‑12 to MP‑21, MP‑23
|Shogo Hasui
|-
|MP‑22
|Shogo Hasui (initial design) & Hironori Kobayashi (final version)
|Kobayashi took over the design to enable the carrier to carry four car MPs<ref name="mpmagnusdev">[http://news.tfw2005.com/2014/08/03/takaratomy-staff-interview-shogo-hasui-on-masterpiece-180877 TakaraTomy Staff Interview – Shogo Hasui on Masterpiece]: - [Shogo] Ultra Magnus, who was selected to be MP-22, was a character I was dreaming of making into a product since the time of MP-10 development. I was happy to be finally able to work on him. As there had already been several real car MP figures and Ultra Magnus is a car carrier that can carry them, I considered Magnus as a certain milestone in the new MP series. I wanted the car carrier to have a capacity of at least 4 real car MPs while in robot mode his height needed to be as close as seen in the cartoon. The transformation process was expected to require lots of folding of the parts to achieve it, and solving that problem became a very important task. Upon agreeing on that point, Kobayashi took over to work on the transformation mechanism and (Ultra Magnus is) finished as he is now.</ref>
|-
|MP‑24
|Hisashi Yuki
|Hisashi took on MP-24 in order for the other ''Masterpiece'' figures to be released on schedule<ref name="mpstarsaberdev">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-masterpiece-47/takaratomy-staff-interview-hisashi-yuki-on-masterpiece-180888/ TakaraTomy Staff Interview - Hisashi Yuki on Masterpiece]: - So the idea was to ask the fans directly what they want first, then realise it as a product. [Yuki]: Yes. It turned out Star Saber was the winner. Hasui, the main series designer, was going to be in charge of the 30th anniversary MP originally. But he was fully occupied with Bumble and Wheeljack, and since Star Saber was a character I was attached to personally, I stood for the job eagerly.</ref>
|-
|MP‑25, MP‑26
|Hironori Kobayashi<ref name="mptracksdev">[http://news.tfw2005.com/2015/07/12/sdcc-2015-the-shogo-hasui-report-296954/ SDCC 2015: The Shogo Hasui Report]: - "I did ask about Tracks and he said he did not design him but he did say (I BELIEVE Kobayashi…again hard to understand) and slowly said Lead Designer. He also said that the same designer did Ironhide and he began to say another name (Ratchet) but stopped himself." A subsequent interview in ''[[Transformers Generations 2015]]'' named Kobayashi as the designer of Ironhide, confirming him as the designer in question.</ref>
|}

[[File:KojinOnoPhoto.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Kōjin Ōno, the last designer to have worked on the ''Masterpiece'' line. And also the lead designer of the succeeding ''MPG'' toyline. And also the inventor of the 1980s ''Diaclone'' Car Robots figures that'd essentially kickstart not just the ''Transformers'' franchise but also the very modern conception of the "robot-to-car" transforming toy as a whole. So, y'know, a ''slightly'' important guy.]]

{|
|-
|MP‑27, MP‑30
|Hironori Kobayashi
|As stated in the ''[[Transformers Generations 2015]]'' book
|-
|MP‑28
|Vehicle styling by [[Yūya Ōnishi]], main developer [[Tomoya Miyake]], edits by Hironori Kobayashi
|As stated in the ''Transformers Generations 2015'' book
|-
|MP‑29
|Hironori Kobayashi
|As stated in the ''Transformers Generations 2015'' book
|-
|MP‑36
|Embellishments and refinements by [[Yuki Ohshima]]
|As stated in the ''[[Transformers Generations 2017]]'' book<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/generations-2017-book-mp-36-megatron-article-translated.1096818 Generations 2017 MP-36 translated article]</ref>
|-
|MP-53, MP-54
|Yūya Ōnishi, [[Kōjin Ōno]]
|Ōno returning to his own [[Diaclone]] work as well as his own car
|-
|MP-56
|Kōjin Ōno
|As stated in the ''[[Transformers Generations 2022]]'' book
|-
|MP-57
|Kōjin Ōno, concept art by Yuki Ohshima
|As stated in the ''Transformers Generations 2022'' book
|-
|MP-60
|Kōjin Ōno, concept art by Yuki Ohshima
|The final release in the ''Masterpiece'' toyline but the first release in Ōno's "[[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]] Project" with ''[[The Transformers: MPG|MPG]]'' [[Ginrai (human)#MPG|MPG-09]], [[Godbomber#MPG|MPG-14]], and [[Godbomber#MPG|MPG-14S]].<ref>As stated in the ''[[Transformers Generations 2024]]'' book.</ref>
|}

===''Masterpiece Movie Series''===
{|
|'|''Mold''||''Designer''
|-
|MPM-1||Shogo Hasui
|-
|MPM-2||Shogo Hasui
|-
|MPM-13||[[Sam Smith]], [[Tomoki Tatsumi]]<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CdG8p0UDrac/ Sam Smith on Instagram]</ref>
|}

==Awards==
* The ''Masterpiece'' line as a whole won the [http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p161028.pdf 2016 Long Life Design award] (PDF link) presented by the [https://www.g-mark.org/about/ Good Design Awards].

==Notes==
* Like with previous lines, the official Hasbro-initiated imports of ''Masterpiece'' figures were also assigned code names. For the 2021 releases, the "theme" for those code names was "snacks":
{{collist|3|
:::*Arcee: "Airheads"
:::*Black Convoy: "Cavaliers"
:::*Spinout: "Snickers"
:::*Tigatron: "Twizzlers"
}}
:For the 2022 releases, it was "deserts":
{{collist|3|
:::*Skywarp: "Sahara"
:::*Autobot Skids: "Kalahari"
:::*Reboost : "Sonoran"
}}
*The Hasbro Pulse listing of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Anti-Gravity Pedestal Tenseg Base|''Anti-Gravity Pedestal Tenseg Base'' Optimus Prime Set]] comes sheathed in a ''Masterpiece''-branded sleeve for the box, but the page does not list it for very obvious reasons. (Its code name was "Colorado", for those wondering.)

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

==External links==
* [http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf_mp Current TakaraTomy ''Masterpiece'' website]
* [https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/products/masterpiece.html Previous TakaraTomy ''Masterpiece'' website]
* [https://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf_mpm ''Masterpiece Movie Series'' website]
* [https://hasbropulse.com/collections/transformers?refinementList%5Bnamed_tags.Series%5D%5B0%5D=Transformers%20Masterpiece ''Masterpiece''] at [[Hasbro Pulse]]
* [https://www.actionfigure411.com/transformers/ Transformers Masterpiece Visual and Price Guides]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Masterpiece}}
[[Category:Beast Wars toylines]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toylines]]
[[Category:Japanese toylines]]
[[Category:Live-action film series toylines]]
[[Category:Masterpiece| ]]

Scale

2023-12-24T11:23:58Z

Elleby: /* Toys with roleplay alternate modes */

{{disambig2|the controversial size difference|the Mini-Con from Rescue Bots|Scale (RB)}}
[[File:OptimusSnakeEyes.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|And the truck's how big...?]]
'''Scale''' in ''Transformers'' is, not to put too fine a point on it, screwed.

The overwhelming majority of franchises, fictions, [[toy]]lines, or other incarnations of ''Transformers'' simply don't present scale in a logical or believable fashion (there are, of course, a few [[#Intentional attempts at a consistent scale|rare exceptions]], detailed below). Most fans agree that one must either ignore it or accept it, lest they be tempted to explain these problems and in the process [[fanon|fanwank]] themselves into oblivion.

However, the considerable and varied scale problems of ''Transformers'' still merit description.

{{bigquote|Clearly, the pitiful humans at Hasbro are so overwhelmed by the awesomeness of Cybertronian life forms that they can't get the scale right.|[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]|[[Transformers Comic issue 23|Star Screams #23]]}}

==Scale within toylines==

===Toys out of scale with others in the same line===
[[File:DiacloneScale.jpg|right|upright=1.95|thumb|That little guy — who comes from the same toyline as all those vehicles — is supposed to be a normal-sized human. Yeeeah.]]
The early [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1 toy line]], especially the pre-[[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] releases, were [[rebranding|rebranded]] and [[redeco]]ed toys from several different Japanese toy lines. The crucial point is that the toy lines were initially unrelated. The characters ''should'' be in scale with each other as they all have real-world [[alternate mode]]s that (should) pass for real vehicles. However, since ''[[Diaclone]]'' toys were not part of the same line as ''[[Microman]]'' toys, scale issues arose. ''Diaclone'' figures such as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] are more-or-less in correct scale with each other (though problems already arise with [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys|Sideswipe]], whose alternate modes are based on ''the same car'' yet are not quite the same size), but many of the [[Mini Vehicle]]s from the ''New Microman'' line are clearly far too small by comparison. Even aside from their deformed penny-racer proportions, a [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Porsche 924]] ''[[Micro Change]]'' toy is disproportionately tiny when compared to a [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Porsche 935]] ''Diaclone'' toy. The disparity becomes even more obvious with Mini Vehicles such as [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (a tank) and [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (a hovercraft), who should be many times their actual size. Notably, the {{w|GAU-8 Avenger|GAU-8/A Avenger}} gatling cannon mounted to the front end of the {{w|Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II|A-10 Thunderbolt II}} ([[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]]'s alternate mode) alone is about the same size as a [[Volkswagen]] {{w|Volkswagen Beetle|Beetle}} ([[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]).<ref name="airvec">[http://www.airvectors.net/ava10_1.html Development history of the A-10 Thunderbolt II], including a side-by-side comparison between the GAU-8/A Avenger and a Volkswagen Beetle.</ref>

Another glaring scale problem comes in the form of the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]], who turn into F-15 Eagles which, in real life, are 19.4 m (63.8 feet) long. Though their toys are some of the larger G1 toys, correctly scaled, this would make their [[robot mode]]s several times the height of most Autobots. Similarly, the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], despite also coming from the ''Diaclone'' line, are too small, in particular [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]], whose alternate mode is an "earth mover" type of dump truck, which are ''gigantic'' in real life. Far worse is the other ''Diaclone'' combiner team, the [[Trainbot]]s, who have train engine altmodes, yet their toys are among the ''smallest'' of the ''Diaclone'' releases.

Transformers are currently formalised to a variety of [[size class]]es, which dictate the approximate cost and dimensions of a figure. Consequently, if the powers that be release toys of two characters in the same line in the same size class, they're going to come out in the same size. Even if one character's a [[Starscream (Movie)/toys|twenty-metre fighter jet]] and the other's a [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys|five-metre pickup truck]]. So don't expect this one to go away any time soon.

===Toys slightly out of scale with others in the same assortment===
Sometimes toys that ship in the same assortment or [[size class]] have similar alternate modes (i.e. two cars or two planes), but are not ''quite'' in scale with each other. One possible reason for this is that one of them would be considerably smaller than the other one in real life if they were perfectly in scale. For example, ''[[Movie (franchise)|Movie]]'' [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]'s Pontiac Solstice alternate mode is a ''tiny'' car, and any size class that includes both him and [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] (a Chevrolet Camaro) will result in scale problems between the toys. Hasbro ''could'' have made Jazz smaller, but since the main limit for a size class is the ''weight'' of a toy, not its size (as long as it fits into the standardized packaging, that is), they decided that scale problems are more acceptable than selling a tiny Deluxe Class toy when there's still room in the budget for more plastic. With the [[Human Alliance]] assortment, Hasbro have taken a different approach by trying to keep the vehicles in scale (roughly 1:24) and adding accessories and other characters that turn into motorcycles for smaller cars such as Jazz, [[Skids (ROTF)#Human Alliance|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)#Human Alliance|Mudflap]].

Other toys with comparable alternate modes that are slightly out of scale with each other are ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Sideswipe]] (mentioned above), who have the ''same'' basic alternate mode (with a few differences), and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' Legends Class [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Autobot Jazz]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Rodimus]]. Likely the first major example of this is [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Wheeljack]], who is about the same size as the other Autobot Cars, if not a bit bigger, despite his altmode, a modified Lancia Stratos, being a ''very'' small car.

===Toys out of scale within teams===
[[File:Bruticus toy.jpg|right|thumb|upright=0.7|[https://imgur.com/a/yfDTE7A Wait till you see the artist's rendition of a scale-accurate version].]]
Even toys specifically [[combiner|designed to interact with each other]] suffer from this problem. The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] are wildly out of scale to each other—[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]'s [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Space Shuttle Orbiter|Space Shuttle]] mode should dwarf [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], with the others somewhere in between. Instead, they're about the same size. Among the Constructicons, [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] is designed to look like a gigantic {{w|File:Liebherr t282 1.jpg|"earth-mover" mining truck}}. He should be able to carry all his teammates in his bed, with some crowding. Similarly, [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Concorde|Concorde jet]]) is dramatically undersized compared to his fighter-jet [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]] teammates. These scale problems are necessary to avoid misproportioned gestalt forms.

Don't even ask about the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] with their [[Groove (G1)|motorcycle]] and [[Blades (G1)|helicopter]] limbs...

This problem isn't just limited to the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' combiners either: ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Supreme [[Devastator (ROTF)|Constructicon Devastator]] has a massive [[Scavenger (ROTF)|mining excavator]] form the lower portion of the torso, with your everyday type of [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|cement mixer truck]] that's ''almost the same size'' forming the upper portion of the torso. An [[Long Haul (ROTF)|"earth mover"-type dump truck]] that should be about the same size as the excavator forms one tiny leg, while the other leg is formed by a [[Rampage (ROTF)|bulldozer]] that should be slightly smaller. The [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|movie]] circumvents this problem by adding additional construction vehicles in the mix, which are ignored by the toy line. The [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] version of Devastator only adds another [[Overload (ROTF)|dump truck]] for the torso, which doesn't really improve things since all the individual components are still more or less the same size.

The ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' releases of the classic crews made varying efforts to avoid this. Among other changes, Blast Off's initial release was a significantly smaller jet, Swindle's tiny steering wheel suggests him to be around the same size as Brawl, Long Haul is significantly bigger than his team, and Groove is a much smaller Legends Class figure, while newcomer [[Rook (CW)|Rook]] takes his place as one of Defensor's limbs. That said, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]] molds don't scale well with anyone else bar Groove, and Silverbolt remains tiny; seemingly the only character in-scale with his mold is maybe [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. Newcomer [[Alpha Bravo]] is also undersized if his windows are anything to go by. There's also [[Blackjack (G1)|Blackjack]] and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], both of whom are smaller than their teammates when the former should be the same size and the latter larger. Aaaand then a Deluxe-sized Groove and a new Blast Off figure with a space shuttle alternate mode are added to the line in order to revert their teams to their "classic" configurations.

This also presents clear problems with similar figures whose gimmick suggests interaction, such as [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] or [[Mini-Cons]]. In both cases, part of the gimmick is the interchangeability of their accessories, who represent whole characters in their own right, suggesting the toys are indeed meant to have some kind of scaling with each other. However, that presents problems with some characters, such as [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] (motorcycle) being the same size as [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (jet), especially if you assume [[Mirror]] is meant to be the size of a human. The biggest case by far is [[Unicron]]. His ''Armada'' toy is notoriously covered in Mini-Con ports, despite the fact that Unicron's very nature as a character suggests that any Mini-Con large enough to Powerlinx with him would have to be about the size of Argentina.
{{-}}

===Same alternate mode, different sizes===
Other scale problems come from characters who transform into the same (or similar) [[alternate mode]]s, but whose toys are different sizes. For example, [[Air Raid (G1)#Toys|the original Air Raid]] transforms into an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]], but his toy is half the size of [[Starscream (G1)/toys|the original Starscream]]'s. The same can be said for the [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Lamborghini Countach|Lamborghini Countach]] [[Breakdown (G1)#Toys|Breakdown]], who should be the same size as [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Toys|Sunstreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Toys|Sideswipe]], not significantly smaller. These discrepancies are also seen in the other [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiners with Earth altmodes, whose toys are all smaller than similar earlier toys.

===Multiple scales of same character===
[[File:Animated-toy MultipleSizeOptimusPrimes.jpg|right|upright=1.5|thumb|Oh great. And I thought ''Bulkhead'' was confused...]]

Starting with ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'', many franchises have released multiple versions of the same character in different [[size class]]es, most often the leader characters. Originally, the intent was apparently to make the popular [[Optimus (disambiguation)|Optimus]] and [[Megatron (disambiguation)|Megatron]] characters available at lower price points than just the large and expensive "Leader" class, so that children with less money would not miss out, and perhaps persuading [[completist]]-minded [[User:ItsWalky|collectors]] to buy multiple versions of one character.

While this introduces a nice range of options for the discerning collector, it can also lead to some problems. ''Beast Machines'', for example, featured three different [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor toys]]. The [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#BMSupreme|Supreme size toy]] was so large it could not interact with most of the other toys from the line (based on [[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]], he's maaaaybe in scale with [[Nightscream (BM)#Toys|Nightscream]] and [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise|Air Attack Optimus Primal]], the latter of whom wasn't released until three years later). The [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#BMNSC|Deluxe Cheetor]], on the other hand, was too ''small'' to match scales with most of the other toys (again, using the cartoon as a yardstick). Anyone looking ''within'' the toyline for notions of a "correct" scale between the characters would be stymied by the multiple size classes and the lack of real-world scale references. That said, it does also mean that fans attempting to create "scale-accurate" collections do have more options: for instance, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s releases at the Voyager pricepoint struggle to scale with the standard Deluxe-class cars, but his [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Leader-class incarnation]] is much closer.

Other instances of multiple-size characters are more clear cut; the [[Spychanger]] incarnations of various [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] characters, for instance, are simply scaled-down representations of the same characters in the same bodies, not meant to interact with the much larger "main" toys, as are the later "Legends of Cybertron" toys in ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]''. Other multiple-toy scale differences include intentionally simplified forms, such as the [[Fast Action Battlers]], which simply make all the characters the same size, with no attempt at matching scales.

Multiple-scale characters usually aren't meant to cross-interact. A rare exception is [[Movie (franchise)|live-action]] [[Blackout (Movie)#Voyager Class toys|Blackout]], who came with a [[Scorponok (Movie)#Voyager Class Blackout companions|tiny (and correctly scaled) version of Scorponok]]. A much larger [[Scorponok (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Deluxe version of Scorponok]] is ''also'' meant to interact with the same Blackout toy, despite the ridiculous scale disparity (and the fact that this means Blackout can have ''two'' Scorponoks of radically different size clipped to him simultaneously).

Multiple toy sizes are generally irrelevant to the fiction, though the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] featured [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] inflating to planetary size, presumably in response to the [[Starscream (Armada)/toys#Supreme|super-large "King Starscream" toy]] available at the time.

===Toys out of scale with themselves===
[[File:G1 Broadside toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Kill me. Just... kill me now.]]

[[Triple Changer]]s create a whole new set of problems. The original [[Astrotrain (G1)#Toys|Astrotrain]] transforms from a 21-meter (70-foot) locomotive to a 37-meter (122-foot) [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Space Shuttle Orbiter|Space Shuttle]]. [[Octane#Toys|Octane]]'s original body transforms from a 20-meter (60-foot) tanker truck into a 65-meter (200-foot) jumbo jet. [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] transforms from an Earth fighter jet of indeterminate model (let's pretend for the sake of argument that he's supposed to be an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#F-14 Tomcat|F-14]] and say he's 18 meters (61 feet) long) into an entire ''aircraft carrier'', approximately 333 meters (1,092 feet) long.

The newer versions of Astrotrain and Octane (aka "[[trademark|Tankor]]"), while changing the specifics of their alternate modes, really don't improve on the general size disparity all that much. The ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' version of Broadside actually makes it ''worse'': The figure includes tiny versions of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] (styled specifically after their ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' alternate modes) to place on various spots on his aircraft carrier mode, but at the same time this Broadside is also a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] with a [[Titan Master]] figure that can ride inside his jet mode's cockpit, arguably making the Titan Master alone larger than the ''Combiner Wars'' Aerialbots' [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] gestalt form if scale were to be taken at face value... and yet the entire [[play pattern]] of the ''Titans Return'' line explicitly calls for Broadside and his Titan Master [[Blunderbuss]] to be compatible and interchangeable with any other figure and Titan Master in the line, most of whom are supposed to be ''much'' smaller in scale. Transformers Legends even acknowledges this by having Broadside becoming a gigantic Headmaster large enough to fight level with [[Grand Scourge]], and piloting a larger Transtector who seems to be on a similar scale to most versions of Metroplex.

Even a two mode toy can have this problem. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]] has wheels which are pretty tiny for a Freightliner truck, while his rear hitch section is too thick. These out-of-proportion vehicle parts were necessary to give his robot mode [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] proportions. The original G1 Optimus Prime toy also has scale issues. His cab is 1/48 scale, but his trailer is closer in scale to the Autobot Cars, which fall more in the neighborhood of 1/35 to 1/40 scale-wise.
{{--}}

===Toys with roleplay alternate modes===
The characters with roleplay altmodes such as Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]], [[Perceptor (G1)#Toys|Perceptor]], or [[Laserbeak (Armada)#Toys|''Armada'' Laserbeak]] are scaled to be real-world [[human]]-scale (well, kid-scale). Since the [[size changing]] seen in the fiction is not possible for real toys (at least, that's what [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''wants'' us to think), this human-scaling makes in some cases for inordinately large robot modes. E.g., [[Blaster (G1)#Toys|Blaster]]'s toy, in robot mode, is taller than most other Transformers.

The opposite problem is seen with the original [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MasterpieceMegs|Masterpiece Megatron]], whose robot mode is in scale with the original [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|Masterpiece Optimus Prime]]. The result is that, while he may transform into a very accurately-proportioned handgun, it's unmistakably much larger than the real thing... not that this has stopped him being widely banned as a "realistic firearm replica".

===Fanciful altmodes===
Characters with alternate modes that are not meant to be replicas of real-world things (or at least, close enough while being legally-distinct from said things) are difficult to accurately scale, as they generally transform into futuristic or Cybertronian vehicles whose size we don't really know... or, indeed, they don't transform into vehicles at all. The scale of characters such as the [[Dinobot (G1)|original Dinobots]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] or [[Overhaul (Cybertron)#Voyager|Leobreaker]] is fairly arbitrary and can only be estimated by their relative size to other characters within the fiction, although most fiction is highly inconsistent in this regard (see below). Nevertheless, if one assumes that most vehicle altmodes are intended for [[human]]-sized passengers, comparing toys such as [[Chromedome (G1)#Toys|Chromedome]] with [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)#Toys|Lightspeed]] suggests the scale problem continues.

===Big toys===
It goes without saying that the [[Titan (group)|Titan]] and planetformer toys (such as [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]]) are not remotely to scale with normal Transformer toys. While they are indeed ''large'' toys, they're only two to five times bigger than typical Transformer toys, and thus transform into "cities" and "planets" about the (relative) size of a bungalow. The scale problems extend to the details. Some of the citybot toys have visible windows, which are too large for a city, suggesting instead a medium-sized building.

However, it's hard to begrudge [[Hasbro]] not offering us a [[Primus]] toy the size of an asteroid. Where would we keep it?

Additionally, Fortress Maximus's main adversary [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] is considerably smaller as a toy. Whereas Fortress Maximus includes a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] figure of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Generation 1|Spike]], who turns into the head of [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] (whose toy is roughly the same size as the regular 1987 Headmasters toys), who in turn becomes the head of Fortress Maximus, Scorponok merely comes with [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] (whose figure is the same size as Fortress Maximus's Spike), who turns into a tiny head for Scorponok, covered up by a large helmet. So either Fortress Maximus is supposed to tower over Scorponok, or Zarak [[size changing|grows in size]] during his transformation into Scorponok's head.

===Action Masters===
[[File:Turbo Racer art.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|A car riding inside a car. Wheeljack, you are either a genius or completely nuts.]]

The [[:Category:Action Master vehicles|Action Master vehicles]] were designed to take advantage of the fact that the [[Action Master]] figures were all the same size. They can each pilot each other's vehicles or ride as a passenger. With the vehicles as a frame of reference, it seems we should take it as fact that all of the Action Masters are literally the same size, even characters such as [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. Did Devastator shrink?

Then again, the vehicles pose even more problems: [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]], who still sports car [[kibble]], rides a [[Turbo Cycle (G1)|motorcycle]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]] (who used to transform into a car himself) drives a [[Turbo Racer|sports car]], and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] steers a massive [[Armored Convoy|18-wheeler truck]], despite his own chest still being the front end of a truck cab. Did [[Nucleon (substance)|Nucleon]] shrink the Transformers to ''[[human]]'' size, or are these just ''gargantuan'' vehicles?

Of particular note, Wheeljack's Turbo Racer is based on a Ferrari Testarossa, and the Action Master [[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] figure (a new [[character]] created specifically for the Action Masters lineup) sports kibble that indicates he once used to transform into a Ferrari Testarossa himself!
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===Size class cross-compatibility===
[[File:ROTF-toy FuryOfFearswoopBox.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Finally, toys that are more or less in scale with each other... yet Hasbro insists they are ''not''.]]

With standardized [[size class]]es and mixed-faction assortments being the norm these days, scale issues are a given. For example, the first [[wave]] of ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Deluxes featured Autobots [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Classics|Bumblebee]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Rodimus]], two cars, as well as Decepticons [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Starscream]], a modified F-15 Eagle fighter jet, and [[Astrotrain (G1)#Classics 2|Astrotrain]], a [[Triple Changer]] who turns into a bullet train locomotive and a modified NASA Space Shuttle orbiter, all roughly the same size in robot mode but obviously not the same scale in their alternate modes.

However, with the increasing prevalence of multiple toys of the same [[character]] in different size classes, particularly enforced by the [[live-action film series]], it is technically possible to have somewhat more accurate scale combinations. The [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] and its successor, the Legion Class (part of the ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' range for a few years), allow Autobots with cars as their alternate modes to be roughly in scale with Deluxe or Voyager-sized Decepticons that turn into aircraft. Likewise, the Legends Class version of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Arcee (Movie)#Legends Class toys|Arcee]], a motorcycle, is more or less in scale with Deluxe-sized Autobots with car alternate modes.

Hasbro does not often take advantage of this possible compatibility with store [[exclusive]] [[giftset]]s and "bonus" packs. Even when toys with considerable size differences are sold in the same pack, combinations such as a Leader-sized [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Leader Class toys|Optimus Prime]] (which would be in scale with Deluxe-sized Autobots with car alternate modes) with the ''much'' smaller Legends Class versions of [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Jazz (Movie)#Legends Class toys|Jazz]] or the large Ultimate Bumblebee toy with the much smaller Deluxe-sized toys of [[Scorponok (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Scorponok]] (who should be roughly the same size as Bumblebee) and [[Brawl (Movie)#Deluxe Class toys|Brawl]] (who should be considerably larger than either of them) are fairly common. The ''Revenge of the Fallen'' "Shanghai Showdown" multi-pack with [[Demolishor (ROTF)#Voyager Class toys|Demolishor]]'s Voyager-sized toy and the ice cream truck versions of [[Skids (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys|Mudflap]] (whose combined alternate mode is Deluxe-sized) is closer, but truly scale-accurate multi-packs like the ([[unreleased toy|unreleased]]) [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2010)]] "Sideways Sneak Attack" pack with a Deluxe-sized [[Sideways (ROTF)#Deluxe Class toys|Sideways]] (who transforms into a car) and the aforementioned Legends Class version of Arcee and two [[redeco]]s of hers as [[Chromia (ROTF)#Transformers (2010)|Chromia]] and [[Elita-One (Movie)#Transformers (2010)|Elita-1]] are rare exceptions. A particularly odd example is the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' "[[The Fury of Fearswoop]]" three-pack, which features a Deluxe-sized [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]] (who transforms into a plane) and Legends Class versions of [[Sideswipe (Movie)#Fearswoop|Sideswipe]] and Mudflap (who turn into cars), making them more or less in scale with each other... yet the on-packaging [[bio]] states that Fearswoop has "grown to immense size".

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===Drivers===
[[File:DOTM Tailpipe Pinpointer SgtNoble.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|That sure is one big motorcycle...]]

One of the more popular play patterns in the line's history is that of the driver figure: a small figure, usually a human or one of the various -Master configurations, who is capable of fitting inside the figure and driving it. However, given that a working interior that can fit an entire to-scale humanoid would likely compromise a lot of the engineering, many figures designed with this play feature in mind have the driver be far too small in comparison to their vehicle. This was first evident in the pre-''Transformers'' days, with the various ''[[Diaclone]]'' mechs all coming with pilot figures that, if to scale with the cars, would probably be the size of hobbits. The ''[[Masterpiece]]'' line, seemingly partly in homage to the heady days of ''Diaclone'', also frequently includes characters like [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] that end up not too far off the ''Diaclone'' drivers in scale next to the vehicles they're meant to be driving.

In the case of the [[Headmaster]] figures, the Headmasters set a rather consistent scale to their toys, but one that raises a lot of questions. Notably, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], if his driver is meant to be about the size of a human, is a rather oversized car, while the issues of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] being way too small for a city are magnified. It also creates issues since most incarnations of Headmasters are shown as interchangeable, suggesting that the toys are indeed meant to be about the same size, even if one is a car and the other is [[Highbrow (G1)|a dual-rotor copter]]. The cartoon somewhat got around this by depicting the heads of the Headmasters as significantly larger than their human and [[Nebulan]] pilots, though this may make Chromedome's issues even worse. These scale issues are largely inherited by similar lines, such as the [[Brainmasters]] and [[Titan Masters]].

''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' made use of ''Alternators'' sculpts, only with added [[human]] female driver figures... which were woefully small compared to the cars they came with. This would repeat itself with the "[[Human Alliance]]" toys for ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'': The cars/robots are all roughly the right size compared to each other ([[Skids (ROTF)#Human Alliance|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)#Human Alliance|Mudflap]] are even smaller, squatter toys and come with sub-[[size class|Scout]]-sized [[Arcee (Movie)#Human Alliance|motorcycle]] and [[Chromia (ROTF)#HumanAlliance|robots]] to make up for it), but their human drivers are all too small (amusingly, [[Frenzy (Movie)#Human Alliance|Frenzy]] seems to be about right). In fact, the size differences have even ''increased'': The [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] line introduced an even ''smaller'' scale for the driver figures, including new versions of [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Mikaela Banes]] that are smaller than their ''Revenge of the Fallen'' predecessors. The new scale for the driver figures continued with ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'', which introduced Scout-sized robot figures that had one-man [[alternate mode|vehicle modes]] in a slightly larger scale, resulting in [[Sergeant Noble|undersized drivers]] riding [[Tailpipe (DOTM)|oversized motorcycles]]. Conversely, the [[Kmart]] [[exclusive]] ''Dark of the Moon'' "Autobot Daredevil Squad" multi-pack couples a redeco of the original ''Revenge of the Fallen'' version of Sam with a redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Cannon|Cannon Bumblebee]], resulting in a large human with a small Chevrolet Camaro he couldn't possibly fit into even if the Bumblebee toy had its crude interior redesigned to house a driver.

===Intentional attempts at a consistent scale===
[[File:TF2010-toy Jazz HumanAlliance.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|In the films, Jazz is only about 15 feet tall. Josh Duhamel (Lennox) is 6'4" (!). That's one tiny Lennox there.]]
There have been a few toy lines that attempt to address this weirdness and try to present scale in a much more consistent manner, however... though issues still pop up in virtually every one.

The ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' toyline, where every toy is a 1:24-scale representation of a real car, and thus in perfect scale with each other, was the first to buck the trend. Unfortunately, for practical reasons this limited the choice of altmodes. A [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (Space Shuttle) toy in scale with the ''Alternators'' toys would be 1.6 meters (5.1 feet) long, while a [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] (aircraft carrier) toy at that scale would be over 12 meters (40 feet)! Hasbro actually displayed [[Prototype|mock-ups]] for an unproduced line of "military" Transformers in scale with ''Alternators'' during the [[BotCon 2007]] Hasbro Tour; two of them recycled parts of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys#Armada|Unicron]], and were thus [[Size class|Supreme-sized]], which made said potential toyline not particularly commercially viable for Hasbro.

The direct—and indirect—successors to ''Alternators'' (''[[The Transformers: Binaltech Asterisk|Binaltech Asterisk]]'', ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'', [[Human Alliance]]) also maintained a mostly consistent internal scale with their car figures. Indeed, given that the lines all share a 1:24 scale, they actually scale well with each other. But as noted above, these lines include "human" drivers that needed to be comparatively ''tiny'' to fit inside their partner's vehicle mode. ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' would follow in ''Alternators''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s footsteps with a series of smaller 1:32-scale licensed cars... as well as stuffing [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Alternity|characters who traditionally don't have automobile alternate modes]] into modern-day civilian vehicles. That these toys represent [[Alternity (species)|hyper-evolved beings]] most of the time make it all the more head-scratch-inducing. The follow-up to that line, ''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT]]'', packed each 1:32-scale toy with a 3 3/4-inch ''[[Microman]]'' "[[GT Sister]]" figure, making the girls positively ''giant'' when compared to the cars. (Admittedly the GT Sisters are non-human Cybertronians, despite appearances, but this definitely smacks of fiction working to explain the toyline's scale issue.)

The ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line, from roughly [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10|MP-10]] onward, has gone in the opposite direction, making heavy use of the in-fiction scale of the G1 cartoon - but only in robot modes. Thus, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] comes up to [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s waist, which is show-accurate, but results in Bumblebee turning into a very small Volkswagen Beetle; were vehicle mode scale used, Bumblebee would actually be slightly larger. [[Star Saber (G1)|Saber]] is also correctly the height of the Autobot cars, resulting in him being smaller than the original toy (despite the Star Saber mode being bigger). The robot mode scaling is generally very consistent to the chosen source, but there are still a few oddities, particularly when dealing with older figures being reissued or redecoed after MP-10. The [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] are about right (going by robot mode, anyway, as ever), but [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s reissue is a little shorter than MP-10 Optimus, when he should be about a head taller. And, much like ''Human Alliance'', the various human figures released alongside them are far too small - going by the [[scale charts]], Spike, for instance, should come up to Optimus's knee, rather than the middle of his shin.

In recent years, the "collector-aimed" mass-retail lines have made attempts to stick to an internally consistent scale (while still adhering to price points), largely based on the characters' robot mode depictions in media. The 2018 ''[[Studio Series]]'' line was the first to do so: Deluxe [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Studio Series|Bumblebee]] is shorter than Deluxe [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Studio Series|Ratchet]], but taller than Deluxe [[Jazz (Movie)#Studio Series|Jazz]], with Deluxe [[Lockdown (ROTF)#Generations|Lockdown]] being taller than all three. Sadly, the scale for this line doesn't translate as well for vehicle modes even within a single price point, plus Voyager-and-up toys of larger characters ''still'' have vehicle modes far too small compared to the cars. (And they were ''never'' gonna make a properly screen-accurate-scale [[Scavenger (ROTF)|Scavenger]], though a Commander Class figure ''was'' in the works, but was canned, bummer.)

The following year, the Generation-1-based ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' continued the robot-mode scale trend, with the opening series ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' roughly scaling characters according to the original cartoon's animation models. Non-show characters such as [[Spinister (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Spinister]] used other media, namely [[IDW Publishing]]. The vehicle modes were (supposedly) Cybertronian vehicles which also helped ignore vehicle-mode scale issues. The following line, ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'', even went so far as to make Deluxe [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Cliffjumper]] considerably smaller all around than the other Deluxes, but filled out his price tag with his giant bazooka accessory. Of course, with much of the line now using Earth-based vehicle modes, those scale issues return. The final line in the trilogy, ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' introduced ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' characters into the mix, which hoooo boy. The line attempts to maintain media-based robot-mode scale between the respective casts, but just kind of ignores the obvious scale issues between putting Generation 1 characters alongside ''Beast Wars'' characters. The reintroduction of the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'' Legends Class (under the name "Core Class") is another barrel of monkeys, with the majority of them being smaller takes of "G1" characters based on larger toys, which only scale amongst their own. Meanwhile, the beast Core toys do not adhere to any scale besides being smaller than the rest of the cast.
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== Scale within fictions ==
Scale issues abound within the fiction, especially the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]]. Some can be attributed to [[animation error]]s, such as layering problems,[[:File:Tinybluestreak.jpg|1]][[:File:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|2]][[:File:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|3]] but some "errors" were deliberate choices, for a variety of reasons.

===Fictional scale vs. toy scale===
[[File:TeenyCliff.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Frighteningly toy-accurate.]]
[[File:Powerglide Astoria Marygoaround.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Actually, disturbing ''fiction'' is probably more of a concern than scale issues.]]

The original ''Transformers'' fictions often depict characters to the same relative scale as the toys, which duplicates the intra-toyline problems described above. The cartoon, for example, shows [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] as about the same height, [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] and Autobot cars as slightly shorter (though not as much as the toys are), and [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] as smaller yet. This scale was carried over to their vehicle forms, resulting in differently-sized cars that, based on real world measurements, should be virtually the same size.

For another example, the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] comics portrayed the [[Pretender]]s as literal interpretations of their toys: 60-foot humans with full-scale Transformers inside. The "disguise" aspect of this was later explained by having [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]] and [[Cloudburst]] encounter [[Femax|giant, transformer-sized humanoids on an alien planet]] which made them appear to be of a "normal" scale.

[[File:Omegasupreme astrotrain.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|I know he's meant to be big, but holy ''crap'', dude!]]

Transformers fiction commonly shrinks or inflates characters, relative to their toy sizes. "Giant" characters such as [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] are, even aside from any [[size changing]] for transport purposes, clearly not in the same scale in toy form as they are depicted on screen. [[Mini-Cassette|Cassette characters]] such as [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s toys are roughly the same height as most Minibots, while in the show they are usually portrayed as human-sized.

[[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] are usually shown to be of a fairly similar height (although Magnus is much bulkier), whereas there is a considerable difference between the size of their toys. By the same token, Rodimus is always depicted as being an equal stature to his opposing leader [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], whereas the [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|toy Galvatron]] is instead the same size as Magnus. Optimus Prime is also usually shown as only a head or so shorter than Magnus (if that), which gets very strange when you realize that a [[redeco]] of Prime's toy forms but a small part of Magnus' robot mode. G1-era media also consistently depicts the members of the [[Special Teams]] as being about the same size as each other, even though the toys consistently had the leader be about twice the size of the limbs.

[[File:Beastwarsmaxgroup.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Airazor picks the Ultra-class figure.]]

The cast of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' were size-tweaked quite a bit, relative to the toyline. The most noticeable problem is [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], who has an Ultra toy (the "level four" size, almost twice the size of the "level three" Mega next-largest Maximal toys), but is shorter than both [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (both of whom are "level two" Deluxe sized toys). Further, [[Cheetor (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Cheetor]] and [[Tigatron#Toys|Tigatron]]'s toys use the same (Deluxe) mold, but Tigatron is a head taller in the show (both because tigers are larger than cheetahs, and because Cheetor is "a kid"). New and altered characters in later seasons were generally more consistent in size (and appearance) with the toys. This problem was magnified when the Generation 1 characters cameoed in the series. [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is a ''Tyrannosaurus rex'' but is shown in "[[The Agenda (Part III)]]", as being much smaller than Optimus Prime.
[[File:G1Prime BWMegs.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|An example of how small Beast Wars Megatron is compared to Optimus Prime.]]

The ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]''' toyline was ''far'' worse in size discrepancies with the cartoon. Of the [[Maximal]]s featured in the show, the tallest character, [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]], is [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Beast Machines|the ''shortest'' toy]], while the diminutive [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] is a [[Nightscream (BM)#Toys|massive Ultra-class toy]]. And, sadly, the most show-accurate toy, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Robots in Disguise|Air Attack Optimus Primal]], is a ''ginormous'' Supreme figure, towering over the other toys. (Weirdly, the [[King Kong]]-like size of this toy became [[canon]] in one specific [[micro-continuity]]. {{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}})

[[File:ShrinkingHeavy.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|I lost thirty tons, thanks to the Jump-Cut! Thank you, Jump-Cut!]]
In the otherwise fairly toy-scale-savvy [[Unicron Trilogy]], [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Metroplex]] and the other citizens of [[Gigantion]] are depicted as gargantuan in animation, whereas the toys are merely among the normal boxed size-classes (they do at least scale decently to each other, though). Within the animation, this causes problems with their [[Mini-Con]] partners, who are depicted as human-sized in robot mode by themselves, but when shown directly interacting with their larger partners, are scaled up right along with their partner... resulting in some temporarily gigantic Mini-Cons!

The Japanese ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)#Galaxy Force|Galaxy Force]]'' release of [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Toys|Metroplex]], dubbed "Megalo Convoy", included an exclusive [[redeco]] of the [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#MegaloConvoy|Optimus Prime toy]] to indicate the "correct" scale. The [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|''Generations'']] update of ''Cybertron'' Metroplex in the [[Transformers: Legacy|''Legacy'']] toyline similarly accomplished broadly show accurate scaling with regular Deluxe and Voyager class figures by bumping him up a size class or three with a new [[Metroplex (Cybertron)#Legacy|Titan class toy]].

The ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' franchise has its share of scale problems when comparing its toyline to the cartoon (not helped by multiple releases of some characters in different sizes—see above), with several characters seeming roughly one [[size class]] too small, such as the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] being a mix of one Voyager size and two Deluxes, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)#Toys|Sentinel Prime]] looking rather diminutive as a Deluxe, and, most egregiously, [[Lugnut (Animated)#Toys|Lugnut]] as a ''very'' squat Voyager who's shorter than even some Deluxes (as with [[Bulkhead (Animated)#Toys|Voyager-class Bulkhead]], more of his mass went into his width, plus his weapon takes away some from his robot mode). Conversely, the traditionally stunted [[Bumblebee (Animated)#Toys|Bumblebee]] is marginally too tall and bulky to be in correct scale to his otherwise fairly accurate core teammates, assuming one includes [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Voyager|Voyager Optimus]] and [[Bulkhead (Animated)#Leader|Leader Bulkhead]] in their lineup. In fact, ''Animated'' is one of those toylines where you're not quite sure who you're supposed to base correct scale on.

===Inconsistent portrayal===
[[File:OmegaSupremeintro.jpg|left|thumb|No! Don't wash him in hot water! He'll...]]
[[File:Omegasupreme-blasterandgrimlock.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|...too late.]]
Even if a size was decided on, it often didn't remain consistent. The height of the cartoon's [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], just to name one, frequently varied between episodes. [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] is another serial offender, particularly given his frequent appearances in episodes animated by [[AKOM]]; his size ranges from shot to shot in "[[The Core]]" from being about twice as tall as Optimus to being so large that Prowl's head doesn't even come up to the top of his foot.

The [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Generation 1 Marvel comic]] is notorious for changing the relative sizes of various characters. A single Transformer's size is rarely consistent between artists. For example, [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] vary in height relative to [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]. A [[:File:TimeWars2-TakeUp.jpg|panel]] in the "[[Time Wars]]" arc shows [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ironhide]], [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]], and [[Swoop (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Swoop]] all the same height. [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], titanic in his original appearance, {{storylink|Command Performances!}} shrunk steadily in subsequent issues until he was not much taller than the average Transformer. [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]] suffered a similar problem, shrinking in size even though he was explicitly rebuilt to be twice as tall as the average Transformer. Super mode Powermaster [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] was originally about Fortress Maximus-sized, until he too shrunk to the size of his inner robot—which was never seen again.

Scale can even be inconsistent within the same story thanks to changing artists: In the Marvel UK story "[[Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night]]", a ginormous [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] picks up a tiiiiny military Jeep with one hand, implying that he grew to humongous proportions when he transformed (as his alternate mode is ''also'' depicted as a Jeep in fiction), but in the second part of the story, Swindle is hit by a burning Jeep (possibly even the same one) that is [[:File:LadiesNightSwindleJeepScale.jpg|now in scale with his robot mode]]. {{storylink|Ladies' Night (issue)|Ladies' Night}} It can even happen within the same issue without an artist change: In [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] ''[[Spotlight: Soundwave]]'', there's a scene where a [[Hiro|human]] picks up [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] in his tape deck mode, which is smaller than a thick comic book slipcase in his hands. A few pages later, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] picks up Soundwave out of the human's hands, being barely able to hold the tape deck in his mouth, making Laserbeak about the size of a large dog (not counting the wings). Yet when [[Skywatch]] discovers Laserbeak at the end of the story, his ''head'' alone is suddenly the size of an adult human. {{storylink|Spotlight: Soundwave}}

[[File:Beastwarriors scale.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Beast Megatron's size vs. Optimus Prime's in America... and Japan. Looks like the Blastizone adds on a few tons to Beast Era characters.]]
Between the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] and the [[Beast Era]], the majority of the Cybertronian race considerably downgraded in size at the [[Great Upgrade]]. When entering the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], the Beast Warriors are quite small compared to the dormant Generation 1 characters, especially [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]—but just ''how'' much bigger varies quite a bit from scene to scene and episode to episode. When interacting with the Autobot technology of the Ark and the [[Autobot shuttle]], the [[Maximal]]s are often dealing with equipment grossly oversized for them (standing on the chairs to reach the controls, turning knobs the size of their heads); yet the Ark also seems to feature some human-sized computer control panels. {{storylink|Master Blaster|Master Blaster}} Without any height booster, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] can interface well with these controls.

[[File:Cosmos MTMTE.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left|Finally, drawn in alternate mode scale!]]On the other hand, ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' depicted Generation 1 and ''Beast Wars'' characters like [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] as being exactly the same size. Lovely. It's possible that passage through the [[Blastizone]] may somehow {{w|Boom tube#Later additions to the concept|account for this discrepancy}}. On the other hand, ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Car Robots]]'' characters were retconned to be time travelers from the Maximal/Predacon-dominated era of the future, yet the amnesiac [[Tow-Line (RID)|Wrecker Hook]] is the same size as his 21st century Decepticon comrades. Similarly, the ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'' comic "[[Hoist the Flag]]" features 21st century Cybertronians (including several ex-Decepticons) alongside 30th century Cybertronians (including Maximals as well as long-lived Autobots), all at the same size. And this continuity is ''supposed'' to contain a near-identical version of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon.

[[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] [[2005 IDW continuity|original continuity]] frequently took liberties with scale as well: notably, [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] is consistently drawn positively ''huge'' in robot mode when standing side by side with his fellow Autobots while appearing as a regular member of the (background) cast in ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'', but as soon as he transfers over into the sister title ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'', his size is considerably scaled down a bit (although he's still a few heads taller than the average Autobot).
{{-}}

===Explicit size changes===
{{main|size changing}}

Numerous characters are explicitly shown to shrink or expand at various times.

====Human-scaled alternate modes====
[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] becomes a human-scale radio; [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] shrinks into a handgun scaled for either Transformer or human hands, depending on the situation. The cartoons and comics typically show this without explanation, leaving the audience to attribute it to advanced alien technology.

====Pretenders====
Some versions of the [[Pretender]]s are shown to explicitly shrink when hiding in their human-sized outer shells. In the U.S. toy commercials, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] in their new Pretender forms were small enough to fit in [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s hand. So, at least in that [[micro-continuity]], they were human-sized or Powermaster Optimus Prime is the size of Devastator. ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' featured Pretenders who did not have outer shells but rather an ill-defined holistic transformation which explicitly involved size changing. A vaguely similar explanation appeared in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' encyclopedia.

===Implicit size changes===
Characters often change size in a less explicit fashion when transforming. These changes in scale are usually attributed to size-changing by that portion of the fan base who like to find explanations for things. The other explanation is that the artists hoped the audience wouldn't notice. It can also be supposed that they are hiding their mass somewhere (car style Transformers storing mass in their passenger compartments when in humanoid form, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] folding his wings flat, the buildings in a Titan collapsing to eliminate the spaces normally occupied by humans, boat-bots filling up or getting rid of the vast empty areas used to provide buoyancy) or puffing up with empty space, but at a certain point, things just get silly. Some Transformers are smaller than solid blocks of the mass contained in their alt-modes: [[Unicron]] would have to be about as thick as the [[Earth]]'s crust while in planetary form, and [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] would probably be blown away by a stiff breeze in his larger incarnations.

====Transport characters====
[[File:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|thumb|right|Definitely ''not'' toy-accurate.]]
[[File:Ironhide carried into Ratchet.jpg|thumb|right|...And not to [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|mention]] [[Ratchet (G1)|this]].]]

In the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]], Transformers that act as transport for other Transformers, such as [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]], and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], will often dramatically change size relative to their compatriots between one shot and the next. For example, Cosmos is ''much'' shorter than [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] in robot form; yet Blaster easily fits within his spacecraft mode. Likewise, a whole squad of Decepticons can fit into Astrotrain's shuttle mode easily (including the combined-form [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]]!), yet he's an ordinary-sized trooper in his robot form.

Sometimes the cartoon would show ordinarily-scaled characters such as [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] or [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] carrying another Transformer in their cockpit, implying either a tiny passenger or a huge vehicle. Even [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], who is supposed to be huge, would have to have a greatly expanded scale for his rocket ship component to accommodate passengers as shown on the cartoon.

The Marvel comics commonly sidestepped this issue by not using Transformers as transport characters, or else requiring the passengers to transform into their explicitly smaller forms to be carried. Yet they were not immune to this problem. In one story, the Pretender [[Cloudburst]] exited his shell, transformed into jet mode, and then his shell (and [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]) boarded him as a passenger. The fact that his ''outer'' shell was now much smaller than the ''inner'' robot was quietly ignored. {{storylink|Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?}}

[[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave's]] ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' series of [[bio]] comics tried to explain this for characters such as Astrotrain and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] by saying they're able to expand themselves to increase cargo space in vehicle mode, though their armor becomes thinner as it is spread out more. Conversely, the series notes, in robot mode, all that armor and structure being compressed into a smaller form makes that mode stronger and more durable for combat.

This concept is lampshaded in the credits of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'', where [[Bumblebee (WFC)|Bumblebee]] pulls up, and the entire Autobot cast of the game step out of his passenger door, clown car style.

====Combiner characters====
[[File:DreamwaveCover6.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Since when is a Formula-1 car nine stories tall?]]
[[Combiner]] characters are often depicted as far larger than the sum of their parts. Characters such as [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] and [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] are frequently shown as [[Godzilla]]-sized. Given that their limbs are mere cars and construction vehicles, this is patently absurd ([[Superion (G1)|Superion]], by contrast, ''would'' be building-sized, given that his torso is a 100-seat jetliner).

Combiners are also often out-of-scale with other Transformers; a combiner with cars for legs and another car for its torso should be slightly less than three times as tall as a one-car Transformer, even when taking the alteration of their body parts into account, but they are routinely drawn as five to dozens of times taller than their comrades. In the video game ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'', [[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus]] towers at least ten times as tall as any Protectobot, crushing them under his feet. In fact when the Combaticons form him in Chapter X they are clearly swelling in size. The same is later repeated with [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] in ''[[Transformers: Devastation]]''.

Sometimes, they are even out of scale in their own team; [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]'s torso is an [[Onslaught (G1)|anti-aircraft truck]], while one of his limbs is a [[Blast Off (G1)|Space Shuttle]] and another is a [[Swindle (G1)|two-person offroad vehicle]]. For this to work, either Blast Off has to shrink, or Swindle needs to grow. Likewise, [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] features a [[Groove (G1)|motorcycle]] and a [[Blades (G1)|helicopter]] as limbs that are inexplicably the same size.

On occasion, characters are shown explicitly changing size when forming a Combiner. For example, [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] was shown to grow several times his normal size when forming the head of Devastator in ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots In Disguise]]''.

====Scale problems and size-changing====
Some fans interpret the many otherwise-unexplained scale issues above to all be the result of [[size changing]], but this is debatable. If virtually all characters use mass-shifting (or whatever) to gain or drop a few feet of height for no logical reason, the technology would be pointlessly mundane. There's also no known reason for e.g. the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] to choose to get ''shorter'' when going into battle. A to-scale Starscream in robot mode could kick Bumblebee around like a soccer ball. There's simply no positive evidence that size-changing is so widespread.

===Undersized alternate modes===
Many Transformers are portrayed in fiction as having alternate modes that are smaller than the real-life objects they are imitating. Sometimes this is deliberate, allowing them to match their toy scale and/or be of a similar size to other characters; in other cases, it is essentially an artistic error.

Toys at the lowest price points usually include "mini" or "micro" in their name. [[Mini Vehicle]]s [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], and [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] are usually depicted as smaller than other Transformers in fiction, even though their alternate modes should have them towering over other characters. This often results in minuscule vehicle forms; Seaspray is a tiny hovercraft, despite being covered with doors and windows. Conversely, if a new toy based on such a [[character]] is designed to be more in scale with other toys, such as [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'']] Ultra Class Powerglide or [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] Voyager Class [[Sea Spray (TF 2010)|Sea Spray]], some [[fandom|fans]] complain ''because they expect those new toys to reflect the original toys' sizes'' and, by extension, the [[show-accuracy|depiction in fiction]].

[[File:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Do you have change for four hot rods?]]
The [[Micromaster]]s are explicitly downsized Transformers, roughly the size of a human in the comics, meaning that they ''should'' have explicitly tiny vehicle modes... which wouldn't make for very convincing disguises. The Micromasters are about the same height in robot mode, but they transform into equally tiny cars, trucks, planes, tanks, and other vehicles that should be vastly different sizes. The animated segments featured in the television [[commercial]]s for the toys generally play fast and loose with scale: One of them features Micromasters small enough for [[Action Master]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] to hold several of them (in alternate mode) in the palm of his hand (see the image to the left), which would mean the toys are supposed to be roughly life-sized, while others feature an entire Micromaster ''city'' that's small enough for [[Powermaster]] Optimus Prime to hold it in the palm of his hand, which would make the toys massively ''oversized''!

Conversely, the Marvel Comics depict the Micromasters merely as a little smaller than the likes of Bumblebee or Cliffjumper. One story even features [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]] carrying a human passenger in his vehicle form, as though he were a full-sized car. Furthermore, the Dreamwave miniseries ''[[Transformers: Micromasters|Micromasters]]'' suggested that the Micromasters were scaled down to interact more easily with "smaller beings". Whether that meant creatures of human scale or even smaller stature is never clarified, but the Micromasters' passenger compartments are presumably too small to accommodate human passengers.

The [[Mini-Con]]s of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] are another race of small robots who stand approximately the same height as humans and, like the Micromasters before them, are clearly modeled to carry passengers. Really teeny passengers (notable exceptions are [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (in his original body), [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]], and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], who become small one-man conveyances). This results from the Mini-Cons scanning normal vehicles and then resizing them to fit, retaining now-useless passenger compartments. In the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]], the [[Recon Mini-Con Team]] have slightly-larger-than-human robot modes, but their alternate modes are large enough for a single human passenger, implying either a little size-changing or that their cockpits are kinda cramped. Though the Recon Team all originate from Gigantion, and seeing how partnered Mini-Cons seem to change size to fit their larger companions, a little size shift to accommodate a passenger doesn't seem too far-fetched compared to other scale issues.

Likewise, the [[Beast Era]] Maximals and Predacons possess roughly human-size bodies; yet when portrayed as vehicles on Cybertron ("[[Dawn of Future's Past]]", the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicons]] in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]''), they feature seats and cockpits that, at their size, should be basically useless.

====Citybots====
[[File:EarlyGalvatronTVMagazine1.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|If you were ever this big in the cartoon, then we might call you a city.]]
[[File:HeadmastersScale.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|See above. Way, way, way above.]]
[[Titan (group)|A few characters]] have "city" alternate modes. As actual real-life cities can sprawl for many miles, a Titan that can notionally house a population of humans, ''let alone'' Transformers, should have a robot mode that'd make [[Godzilla]] look like a gecko. Suffice to say, almost no fiction even ''begins'' to approximate the logical size of a true "city-bot". In the American and Japanese cartoons, all four were shown as massive robots capable of housing many normal-sized Transformers. Even so, it would take something along the lines of the grossly undersized depictions of [[Unicron]] (see below) to even begin to reasonably represent the colossal size of a transformed city. Thus, in the context of Transformers, "city" is perhaps better read as "building" or "fortress".

These Titans often have "small" robots forming vital components. Scorponok has a "human-sized" being forming his head. [[Full-Tilt (G1)|Full-Tilt]], [[Six-Gun]], and [[Slammer]] must logically be building-sized in robot mode to be in-scale with Trypticon and Metroplex, but, again, are not drawn as such.

The Marvel Generation 1 comic sidestepped this issue by depicting Trypticon, Fortress Maximus, and Scorponok as merely "large-standard" characters. However, Metroplex, during his one, brief appearance, was depicted as being immensely larger, crushing Quintesson attack cruisers under foot without batting an eyelid. He was still considerably smaller than a city, however, but this was justified by him merely serving as the 'transformation core' for Autobot City: Earth, not the actual city itself.

In IDW's 2005-2018 comics, Metroplex's size warrants further exploration. In "[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]" he's shown to be about the same size as the ''[[Lost Light]]''. If one takes James Robert's measurements into account (but then, the ''Lost Light'' has its own fair share of scaling problems), this would make him and [[Quintessa (IDW)|some]] of the other [[Titan (group)|Titans]] approximately 15 miles high in [[robot mode]] — taller than Manhattan Island is long! In panel art, characters are usually visible (albeit small) compared to him... but even if they only came up to his foot, they'd still have to be dozens of meters taller than they really are to even ''show up'' on panel. Other Titans, such as the numerous dead Titans on [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]] or [[Chela]], seem to be smaller, roughly the size of a single large building. Metrotitan, the Titan that ended up on Earth, was stated by military sources to be two miles tall. It may just be that Titans vary in size like many other Transformers.

Likewise, Metroplex's internal workings are portrayed as much smaller than they'd realistically have to be. His brain module, for instance, is consistently depicted as being only a few times bigger than [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] as opposed to the city block-sized machine it would "realistically" be. These visual cheats are of course done for the sake of narrative convenience and good storytelling, so we can't really begrudge the writers and artists for this.<ref>But we'll certainly bring it up.</ref>

In ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'', [[Metroplex (FOC)|Metroplex]] is portrayed not so much as the city, but a part of the city; with one hand being large enough to carry Optimus or crush Megatron.

====Planets and planetbots====
[[File:Planet_scale.jpe|center|upright=2.4|thumb|From left to right: [[Unicron]], [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]], [[Moonbase One]], [[Moonbase Two]], [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]], [[Quintessa (planet)|Quintessa]], [[Earth]]]]
[[File:Cybertronplanet.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|If we're generous and assume Cybertron is 'only' the size of Earth's moon, then the larger visible buildings are roughly the size of Massachusetts stood on end, and you could wedge France into that gash (which would probably improve both Cybertron and France).]]
Scale when it comes to planets is so fraught it's painful. The problems of describing citybots as "cities" is a thousand times worse if [[Unicron]] is supposed to have a planet alternate mode, and [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] is in turn supposed to be of similar size. Though different stories have compared Cybertron/Primus and Unicron to drastically different real planets, the fact remains that they are ''planets'', and yet are shown in such insane scale to characters as to suggest they are the size of a ''very'' small moon (or [[Darth Vader|space station]]).

To start with, Cybertron was shown throughout Generation 1 with buildings visible from space. Although this was intended to show that the planet was technological in nature, it makes little sense, as the structures would have to be the size of small ''nations'' to be visible. If the buildings were in fact supposed to be skyscrapers (or even ''2000 A.D.''-style arcologies) sized for 10 m (30') robots, Cybertron would still be less than 150 km (100 miles) across, far smaller than even the smallest known (or even physically possible) dwarf planets. The rather [[wikia:starwars:Coruscant|Coruscant]]-like shots of Cybertron in ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' may be less distinctive or "Cybertronian", but are ''far'' more believable (some people reason that the Transformers' advanced technology, along with their large size and their not needing to breathe, means that buildings actually CAN be that big).

Unicron is a more extreme problem. Assuming no [[size changing]] occurs during his transformation (and really, what possible reason would he have to become ''smaller''?), in robot mode he would be so massive that any shot featuring a recognizable ''part'' of his body, let alone the whole thing, would be on a scale such that no normal Transformer would even be visible. [[File:UnicronEatsGalvyMmmm.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Either Galvy is humungo, or Lithone is tiiinyyy!!!]]Scenes in the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]] in which he directly interacts with normal Cybertronians are blatantly absurd (though totally phat-looking). Shots such as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] fleeing his grasping hand, a starship penetrating his eye, impaling [[Brainstorm (G1)#Marvel Comics continuity|Brainstorm]] on his fingernail, {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} or ''especially'' him picking up Galvatron between his fingers before swallowing him, break any concept of "planetary" scale. Not to mention that he's described as a "''ginormous'' weird-lookin' planet," which would lead one to assume that he is ''significantly'' larger than your average-sized weird-lookin' planet. Thank you, [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]]. Thank you so much.

If Cybertron is the size of Earth's moon (and that's generous), and Unicron is about the size of Cybertron, his hands would be about the size of Europe and Galvatron (to the right) would be about the size of Denmark.

There is no explanation for any of this. Just go with it.

The depiction of Unicron's scale in ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' was (debatably) a slight improvement, in that physical interaction with normal beings was not attempted. He preferred instead to communicate with normal Transformers by possessing [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]]. Nevertheless, shots featuring [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Megatron (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Megatron]] standing on his neck are still ''farcically'' out of scale.

The depiction of Unicron in ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' is another improvement - he is explicitly said to be the [[Earth's core|''core'' of the planet Earth]], which would be about 3470 km. Furthermore, only manifestations of him are seen (these vary in size), and his eyeball, which is in comparison to the Transformers about the size of a small town. It also helps that there are no regular transformers in the shot of his eyeball. It's not perfect but hey, what're you going to do?

As a side note, Unicron has been established in some continuities as having already devoured approximately 22.56% of known universes which is truly ridiculous if one takes actual planetary/galactic scale into consideration. Assuming that Unicron is ''generously'' close to the size of our moon, when compared to other stellar bodies he shows up as an all-but-invisible speck. Imagine him trying to devour a star the size of [http://www.kiroastro.com/writings/perspective.html Betelgeuse!]

===Oversized alternate modes===
[[File:RattrapLOVEScheetor.jpg|right|thumb|I'm tellin' ya, all da rats in Brooklyn are dis big!]]
Much less common are instances of a Transformer turning into an overscaled real-world object. Most such instances occur in the ''Beast Wars'' era.

Although the Beast Warriors are consistent day-to-day in their relative size to each other (a consistency made more easy to achieve thanks to CGI used to animate), their scale in relation to their real-world animal equivalents is more complex. While the bug characters such as [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] and [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] are obviously scaled-up, other characters are more subtly not quite the right size.

[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] and [[Tigatron]] are shown standing next to real members of their species, and they are both the same size as the animals in question. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} This makes them (and Cheetor in particular, since he's around more) the measuring sticks for the other characters. Therefore, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] is a rather small rhinoceros (he's roughly the correct size for a Sumatran rhinoceros, but seriously undersized for a white rhinoceros, the two living species of rhinos with two horns and more or less the same head shape as his beast-mode), and [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] is a roughly normal gorilla. However, despite being by far the shortest of the Maximals, [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] is still a monstrously huge rat, the size of a Labrador dog (indeed, the writers stated that Season 1 Rattrap was 5' (1.5 m) tall<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/8227a6ca84c0238d Bob Forward gives Rattrap's height from the show bible]</ref>). Likewise [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] is considerably larger than a real ''Velociraptor''. [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], however, is a pitifully tiny specimen of a ''T. rex''. In their interactions with adult [[anthropoid]]s, the Transformer characters seem between twice and three times their height. Considering our ancestors really were smaller than modern humans, this is not extremely wrong, but it deserves noting.

However, thanks to the scaling up of the arthropod characters, it is relatively safe to assume that the Transformers generally scanned only animal ''forms'' and then rescaled them to fit their own size - additionally, they were not so much attempting to ''disguise'' themselves, as to ''protect'' themselves from an excess of Energon. This is actually slightly more believable than all other series, in which the Transformers use mass shifting to make their alt-modes the ''right'' size.

The movie universe characters aren't immune to scale issues, either; the [[Dinobot (AOE)|Dinobots]] are way out of proportion compared to their real-life counterparts; such as [[Strafe (AOE)|Strafe]] (who is ''far'' too big for a ''Pteranodon'' compared to his allies), and [[Scorn]] (who isn't quite as problematic; though a real ''Spinosaurus'' had shorter legs, making his ''proportions'' more of an issue than actual scale). Interestingly, despite being markedly out of scale compared to each other, the Dinobots are actually quite well-scaled towards the other characters (with the exception of Strafe, as noted above); for example, [[Grimlock (AOE)|Grimlock]] is the same scale to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] as a real ''Tyrannosaurus'' is to a human.

===Artistic license===
====Variation for characterization====
[[File:Prime has a huge head.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|With 20th Anniversary Prime and Smallest Transformers Bumblebee, you can actually recreate this scene.]]
Some scale problems are for the sake of characterization. For example, Optimus Prime is routinely shown as thoroughly gargantuan, several stories in height, and capable of cradling humans in his palm. If he's the size of a real truck, Prime in robot mode should be 8–10 m (25'–30') tall, at best. He's drawn large because he's a leader character. Conversely, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] is sometimes shown only a few feet taller than an average human, while in reality he would be 3–5 m (10'–15') tall (the Marvel comic actually states [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|he's 15' tall]] {{storylink|Plight of the Bumblebee!}}). He's drawn small because he's a human-friendly character, and a junior member of the Autobots.

With fighter jet alternate modes, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] should be among the largest everyday Transformers and would ''tower'' over their Autobot adversaries; instead, the animation depicts characters such as [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] as about the same height. Though jets are much larger than cars, they're drawn the same height so the battles appear fair (and also to make it easier to animate; blocking a shot where characters differ radically in height is difficult). [[Animated]] departs from this, where Decepticons are sometimes depicted larger than the Autobots to emphasize the rookie nature of the team handling imposing and dangerous enemies.

In a related vein, sometimes Transformers are able to enter human buildings, fitting through their doors and running up their staircases without crashing through. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}} A cast that couldn't enter buildings would be grossly inconvenient for telling some stories, so the animators fudge things. In another variation of this, ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]'' [[Predaking (Prime)|Predaking]] is a colossal monster in [[beast mode]] that even the upgraded [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]] can barely look in the chest, but transforms into a beefy robot a head or two taller than [[Megatron (WFC)|Megatron]]. Since for the majority of his presence on the show he is a loyal servant of Megatron, this was likely intentionally fudged so that he could have scenes inside the ''[[Trypticon (WFC)|Nemesis]]'', which is also where one of his biggest and most plot-important [[Synthesis|fight scenes]] takes place.

{{-}}

====Intentionally strange scale====
[[File:MarvelUS-01.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|One side makes you larger, one side makes you small (Op's been noshing on the first side too much).]]
Sometimes artists draw a character at a different size [[Authorial intent|intentionally]]. For example, on the cover of the [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue]] of [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|the original ''Transformers'' comics series]], Optimus Prime is extremely huge compared to the highway, bridge, and normal cars ([[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] is bigger than usual, too). This is purely for dramatic effect.

Another notable example is the splash screen for the "[[World of the Transformers]]" website, which depicts [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] (in his original gorilla body) as the same size as [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 Optimus Prime]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Movie Optimus Prime]], directly contradicting the size difference seen in "[[Optimal Situation]]" and elsewhere (except for ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'').

Artwork for the [[:File:VaderVsPrime.jpg|''Star Wars'']] subline features [[:File:Megatronvsluke.jpg|humans from another galaxy]] standing at the same height as Transformers, although this is simply because most of the figures in [[Attacktix|the tabletop game advertised by this artwork]] are the same size.

[[File:World of the Transformers ent.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Meet the Supreme class <s>[[Trukk not munky|Munky]]</s> Optimus Primal.]]
{{-}}

===Live-action film series===
[[File:Moviescale1.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Scale is absolutely not an issue in the movie. Riiight.]]
The creators of the [[Transformers (film)|live-action movie]] took great pains to avoid out-of-scale issues (well, greater than previous franchises). This is sometimes reflected in the choice of vehicle or the design of their robot mode. E.g., [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] is an extended-hood cab in order to have more mass with which to make a taller robot mode, although [[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]] would later give Prime his more classic flat-nosed truck mode without any notecable change of mass of his robot mode. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s robot mode is nearly as wide as it is tall, with shorter, digitigrade legs, so the massive jet-former won't end up twice as tall as Optimus. In the case of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], his huge alternate mode simply results in a hulking, towering robot mode.

There are still minor scale issues to be found, though. For example, Optimus Prime can hold both [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] in one hand. Comparing this shot with when he picks up [[Archibald Witwicky]]'s glasses a few minutes later, it seems the glasses have lenses a foot (30 cm) in diameter. This is a visual cheat so the glasses are visible to the audience, and other visual cheats to make the robots seem shorter or taller were used in the movies. There's also debate about whether [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]'s head could compact itself into a slim mobile phone. [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] in [[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]] is particularly confusing; while official sources state that there is only a two-foot height difference between Megatron and Optimus Prime, Megatron seems to tower over Prime in the shot where he steals Quintessa's staff, yet is almost exactly the same size as Optimus throughout the rest of the film. The [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|movie-franchise toys]], meanwhile, are only intermittently consistent (particularly since some of the secondary ones are redecos of toys from previous lines), with the largest contrast among the "primary" toys being between Deluxe Class [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], a motorcycle, and Voyager Class Decepticons with helicopters as their [[alternate mode]]s, such as [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Incinerator (Movie)|Incinerator]]. Many of the wheeled vehicles are close to 1:35 scale, although Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] and Classic Camaro [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] are obviously not the same scale, as noted above.

[[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]'s size is particularly confusing. In ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', his size is based on the actual sizes of his components; the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|''ROTF'' game]] inflates his overall scale to a far larger size. The movie tries to circumvent the size differences between Devastator's individual components by adding [[unknown Constructicon dump truck|more]] [[unknown Constructicon shovel|construction vehicles]] into the Devastator combination. The toy line, on the other hand, [[Overload (ROTF)|mostly]] ignores those additional components, resulting in massive scale discrepancies ([[#Toys out of scale within teams|see above]]) - [[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]], who forms Devastator's right leg, is a massive Caterpillar 773B mining dump truck, which should make him considerably larger than [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], a Caterpillar D9L bulldozer who forms the left leg.

Another interesting example is [[Lockdown (ROTF)|Lockdown]]. Despite transforming into a Lamborghini Aventador (a smallish vehicle at less than four feet in height and fifteen feet in length), Lockdown unfolds into a massive robot mode that stands at least 24 feet tall. Robot mode Lockdown is pretty much the same size as Optimus, at most only a few feet shorter than him, even though Optimus is a massive Western Star Truck concept. In toy form, Lockdown's small alternate mode means you can either set his Deluxe-sized toy against a Voyager-or-smaller Prime for correct robot mode scale, or against a Leader-sized Prime toy for correct vehicle mode scale - but obviously not both!

At the time of ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'', scaling concerns in relation between robot and vehicle modes were seemingly absent, at least in regards to airborne vehicles. Seekers, most notably Blitzwing (who later scans an Earth-based fighter jet) are mostly the same size as bots like Optimus, who maintains his truck mode. [[Shatter]] and [[Dropkick (Movie)|Dropkick]] were introduced as the first Triple Changers in the film franchise with two Earth-based vehicle forms (with [[Drift (AOE)|Drift]] having a Cybertronian helicopter mode alongside his car mode). While the two initially have their own customized muscle car alt-modes with no scaling issues, inconsistencies begin to appear as soon as they scan secondary airborne vehicle modes. Most notably, the additional [[kibble]] added to their bodies shows in glaring contrast to already-existing car parts, indicating that their aerial forms are quite undersized. While they're not shown next to humans in their jet and helicopter modes, their on-screen transformations do not indicate any notable size increase. In fact, they actually seem to ''increase'' their mass when changing from aerial vehicles ''into'' muscle cars.

In terms of toys, the [[Studio Series]] line is designed to more-or-less avert these scale issues, as each figure is sized in relation to other toys, even in the same [[size class]]; Deluxe #18 Bumblebee is shorter than Deluxe Jazz and #01 Bumblebee, who are in turn shorter than Deluxe Ratchet and Lockdown.

{{-}}

==Official scale guides==
'''See: [[Scale charts]]'''
[[File:Tfcartoonscaleguideic1.jpg|left|thumb|Official Scale Guides of ''The Transformers'']]
[[File:Beastwarsscalepreliminary.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|''Beast Wars'' Season 1 scale guide]]
Animators and comic book artists received official scale guides showing relative and (in some cases) absolute heights. Some of these were published in the character model guides ''[[Transformers: The Ark|The Ark]]'' and ''[[Transformers: The Ark II|The Ark II]]''. Though they were sometimes ignored, they still give insight into the official scale of characters in Generation 1. However, even here, there are problems. Devastator in the Season One scale guide was approximately 2.5 times the height of Optimus Prime, but by Season Two he was somewhat less than twice Prime's height.

''Beast Wars'' likewise had an official scale guide, which appeared as a bonus on the DVD set of Season 2. Despite this guide, the series writers have indicated some measure of disregard for relative scale when it suited the needs of dramatic tension.<ref>[http://builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html BotCon 98 report - see "ON THE SIZES OF CHARACTERS"]</ref> Thus, Optimal Optimus is ''ungodly'' tall in his first appearance, later reduced to perhaps two times the height of the rest of the cast.

[[File:ROTF Autobot scale guide 1.jpg|thumb|right|''ROTF'' scale guide]]

''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' had scale guides featured in the ''25 years of Transformers'' feature for the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)/home video|DVD release]] which showed official heights for both the Autobots and the Decepticons. Notably, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] gains an extra twelve feet when he wears [[Jetfire (Movie)|a corpse]].

{{-}}

==Alternate meanings of the term "scale"==
In recent years, Hasbro has actually started using the term "scale" in the context of their ''Transformers'' toys more frequently. However, the term is ''not'' used, as one might assume, to refer to the size ''ratio'' between different characters and their surroundings, but to refer to [[size class]]es. Terms like "[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends scale]]", "Deluxe scale", "Voyager scale", etc. are used in official product descriptions and press releases, and have since been adopted by the [[fandom]]. So in Hasbro terms, a Deluxe-sized fighter jet and a Deluxe-sized motorcycle are both considered the ''same'' "scale".

Even worse, [[Hasbro Pulse]] refers to a figure's ''height measurements'' as "figure scale".

If one were <s>a cynic</s> decidedly snarky, one might argue that the reason Hasbro has no sense of scale with regards to Transformers is because they don't even know what the term actually ''means''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/6db411e03e75a342?dmode=source Estimated "real-life" heights for several Transformers, derived from the size of their alt-modes, archived from alt.toys.transformers on groups.google.com]

[[Category:Fan terminology]]
[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Things that don't exist]]

IP infringement

2023-11-26T13:38:32Z

Elleby: /* Accessories */

{{disambig2|unlicensed toys based on ''Transformers''|third parties that produce actual ''Transformers'' products under license|Third party}}
[[File:01-Studio Headless Unicron.jpg|thumb|200px|"You underestimate me, Hasbro."]]
The many and varied facets of the [[Transformers brand|''Transformers'' brand]] are the intellectual property (IP) of [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy]], and their ownership of these ideas and designs is [[Copyright|protected by law]]. Alas, some rascally elements have, over the years, decided they'd like a slice of that pie, which has led to the creation of what have been described as '''IP infringing items''' by employees of former Hasbro licensee [[Fun Publications]].

{{bigquote|Theft of IP like this is staggering, develop your own characters and designs!|[[Aaron Archer]], former [[Hasbro]] employee<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170510214929/https://aaron-archer-art.tumblr.com/post/88471654165/aeonmagnus-fans-toys-ft-03-scoria-gallery Aaron Archer on Tumblr]</ref><ref>Archer would later do design work for a not-[[Octopunch (G1)|Octopunch]] figure for an abortive Kickstarter project. TFWiki.net leaves you to make of this what you will.</ref>}}

==Kinds of IP infringement==
Technically, any use of Hasbro and Takara's ''Transformers'' names, characters, and concepts without obtaining a license could be considered IP infringement. Things such as fan art and fan fiction, however, are rarely considered problematic, being as they are not intended to generate profit or are otherwise one-off works. In fact, in the past Hasbro has laid out guidelines to fan-artists and similar creators wishing to make and sell art and crafts based on ''Transformers'', which basically boiled down to being careful how one "branded" it (or, in practice, ''didn't'' brand it by just avoiding the use of brand names and some minor semantics).

When things get dicey —and the license-holders get tetchy— is when IP infringement occurs on a grander, and more organized scale.

===Knockoffs===
[[File:DOTM.MIRAGEKO.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Automatons in Concealment]]
{{main|Knockoff}}
In the context of ''Transformers'', [[knockoff]] is often used to describe both low-budget/quality toys, the kind of off-color, oversized/undersized thing that one might come across in a "dollar store" cranked out by the bajillions from China, and higher-quality toys that actually attempt to pass themselves off as genuine Hasbro or Takara products. Knockoffs that are direct replicas of existing Hasbro toys are very obviously the result of theft – in that case, it is the precise design and engineering for the toy that has been stolen. However, it is not unheard of for manufacturers to create their own cheap toys in the image of ''Transformers'' characters, and these still constitute IP infringement– Optimus Prime the Character is as much Hasbro's property as Optimus Prime the Specific Toy.

Conversely, a toy that copies the engineering (i.e. [[transformation]]) of an existing Hasbro/Takara product but is changed enough as to not resemble an existing character protected by copyright might not necessarily constitute IP infringement: Functionality is protected by patents, and patent protection legally expires after 20 years. This is why you occasionally see off-brand toys that work just like the [[Jumpstarter]]s but look nothing like [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] or [[Twin Twist]].
{{--}}

==="Third party" toys===
[[File:MechaformNotJetfire.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.85|I Can't Believe It's Not Jetfire!]]
In the late 2000s, spurred on by the ''Transformers'' nostalgia boom invoked by the [[live-action film series]], a new phenomenon arose—unlicensed products based on ''Transformers'' aimed at the adult collector market. The very earliest examples of this kind of product were accessories and then "upgrades" for existing Hasbro toys, such as a trailer/armor set for [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Classics|''Classics'' Ultra Magnus]], but the market quickly grew to include standalone action figures based on ''Transformers'' characters. The number of groups producing these figures has ballooned rapidly, to the point that two or even three separate companies will be simultaneously releasing toys of the same characters. Popular market trends have included [[combiner]]s and, more recently, figures emulating the qualities of the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line.

The [[fandom]]'s generally recognized name for these kinds of figures is "third party Transformers", although this is ultimately a misnomer for the plain reason that they are not actual ''Transformers'' products. This terminology makes more sense in light of their history, as the initial accessories, add-ons and "upgrade" kits can still somewhat be considered "third party" products, and the term, once established among the fandom, was simply never adjusted when standalone figures became the main focus of such offerings. It also differentiates them from "bootleg" toys, as bootlegs are usually considered explicit copies of official Transformers toys designed to "trick" unaware buyers into purchasing thing, while "third party" products are usually explicitly purchased by collectors for their qualities. Obviously, these should not be confused with the actual [[Third party|third parties]] who produce ''Transformers'' merchandise under license from Hasbro or Takara.

In (very half-hearted) attempts to dissuade the notion that they are pinching ''Transformers'' characters, "third party" toy manufacturers typically avoid using [[Insignia|faction symbols]] (although sometimes include molded spaces for the buyer to apply their own), and give their figures alternative names that attempt to capture the sound and/or spirit of the [[trademark]]ed originals, with varying degrees of bizarreness. A toy intended to look like [[Starscream (disambiguation)|Starscream]] might, for example, wind up named "Stellaryell". Initially, fans would often avoid confusion by referring to these figures as "not" versions of the characters they were based on (for example, "Not-Starscream"), though as the market has grown that terminology has been mostly abandoned since there's liable to be multiple different Not-Starscreams. After many years of these products, name overlaps are bound to happen; for example, different companies have figures alternatively based on [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] that are both named "Rager". Even more hilariously (though not really surprising), there are even ''knockoffs'' of "third party" toys! Let's see ''them'' duke out their IP conflicts in court.

Desire for those toys arises for various reasons, including:

* Wanting a toy of a character who has not received a modern, or any toy, at a certain scale or quality, or in a specific style, such as the ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line.
* Desiring different aesthetics (such as a more [[Live-action film series|movie]] accurate design compared to official toys), or a new design of a character.
* A belief that they are of superior quality. Design limitations such as [[For safety reasons|safety regulations]] and [[Design change|budget]] are much less of an issue compared to official toys; like many other figures designed for an adult audience, a "not a toy" disclaimer can be found on some of these products to justify these features, such as sharper edges on characters or small parts.

For reasons that should be obvious, TFWiki considers "third party" toys unrelated to its goal of documenting the ''Transformers'' brand, beyond examples where they have influenced official product.

====Types of "third party" toys====
Note: The following terms are descriptors rather than actual official terms since, well, they're clearly not official products.

=====Accessories=====
These are generally items that are designed to interact with official product, but involve no modification to said official product. These are most often weapons (e.g. the [[Star Saber (Prima)|Star Saber]] and [[Dark Star Saber]] from ''Transformers: Prime''), but may also include [[:Category:MacGuffins|MacGuffins]] like the [[AllSpark Matrix]] or even characters like notable humans such as [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] and [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]].

=====Add-Ons=====
These are items that are designed to interact with official product and modify their appearance. However, said modification takes advantage of preexisting tabs, slots, posts and so on, thus requiring no actual modification of the official product. An example would be panels designed to fill in the gaps in the thighs of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' Powermaster Optimus Prime]], which slot in snugly into the gaps.

=====Upgrade Kits=====
These are items designed to interact with official product and modify their appearance, but require some sort of actual modification to the official product. This can be as simple as popping off and swapping a limb on ball joints, to more comprehensive modifications like partial disassembly and replacing of parts. A kit that allows someone to switch the head of ''Classics'' Bumblebee to create a ''Classics''-styled Goldbug or giving ''G1'' Ironhide and Ratchet actual heads would be an example of this.
=====Full figures=====
As mentioned above, these are generally what is meant when references are made to "third party Transformers". These are standalone fully transformable figures clearly based on and meant to evoke actual ''Transformers'' characters. One of the earliest and most (in)famous examples was a triple-changing Not-Springer which became wildly popular because official Springer toys of that time transformed into either a land vehicle or an air vehicle, but not both. These types of products are arguably the most problematic, as they may actually cause lost sales for an official figure. Add-ons and upgrade kits, in contrast, may actually encourage collectors to purchase the official products they are meant to complement.

Again, these are descriptors, partially because there is a lot of overlap. For example, would a replacement head for a reissue G1 Bruticus that comes with light up LED eyes be considered an upgrade kit (since it replaces the original head) or an add-on (since it makes use of the post hole already intended for the original head)? Would hands and feet for a ''Combiner Wars'' Combiner that also transform into weapons for the component bots fall under accessories (as they're weapons) or upgrade kits (since they replace the original hands and feet) or add-ons (since they slot into preexisting ports)? And what about stickers that can change, for example, [[Prowl (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|''Siege'' Prowl]] into an approximation of an [[Autotrooper (disambiguation)|Autotrooper]]? In fact, a lot of what created the demand for figures in the first place was that grey area. The first widely-successful "third-party" figures were technically an upgrade kit for [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]], which were "fixing" the problem of the set having only two limb molds by adding two additional Basic-sized figures to the mix.
{{--}}

===Doujinshi===
Generally understood to mean fan-comics, ''doujinshi'' (同人誌) are a uniquely Japanese occurrence. Japan has a very healthy culture of fan groups who make their own manga, many of them starring original characters but a huge portion starring characters owned by companies (for a ''Transformers'' example, imagine a gag manga where [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] is portrayed as a little child and being raised by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the other Decepticons to be the mighty [[Emperor of Destruction]] he is in [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory|''Transformers: Victory'']]. Hijinks ensue). This would of course never fly in a litigious society like the US, but in Japan doujinshi exist in a strange gray area.<ref>[https://www.tofugu.com/japan/doujinshi-definition/ A page explaining doujinshi and why they're tolerated in Japan]</ref>

Basically, the difference between what would be understood as a fan-comic in the West and a doujinshi in Japan is that in the West (especially the US) while a company might turn a blind eye to someone making fan-comics for fun (e.g. on a site like DeviantArt), they would come down on them if they tried to put those same fan comics up for sale. [[Hasbro]] might allow (or at least ignore) people selling fanart and fan-comics at a proper ''Transformers'' convention like [[BotCon]], but might be much less forgiving if those same people tried to sell those items at, say, a general science fiction convention. Meanwhile, in Japan, there are various conventions where doujinshi are actually the key focus, such as the famous {{w|Comiket}}. A ''Transformers'' doujinshi might be sold at a ''Transformers''-related convention, but might also appear at, say, a mecha-related convention or a general science fiction-related convention (since the Transformers would fall under a mecha or science fiction category).

Long story short, [[TakaraTomy]] could complain and shut down groups making doujinshi any time they wanted, but like many Japanese companies, it appears that it simply isn't worth the hassle. People who make doujinshi are often the most hardcore of fans, and so alienating them isn't something most companies are eager to do. In addition, any victory would simply not be worth the resulting bad press, since fan groups are not exactly swimming in cash and while doujinshi are put up for sale, a lot of groups seem to just do it for love of the art or the series. Most doujinshi also receive extremely limited distribution, such as at dedicated conventions for only one or two days at a time. It should also be mentioned that many big names in manga got their starts or honed their skills in doujinshi circles, and it isn't impossible for a company to want to recruit some of these up-and-coming talents.

It, er, probably should be pointed out that some (though not all) doujinshi are very, ''very'' NSFW.

{{--}}

==Hasbro and IP infringement==
===Remarks and actions===
Official statements from Hasbro on "third party" toys are few and far between. In one response, provided as part of the company's now-defunct fansite Q&A program, they noted the illegal nature of the figures, and remarked that this kind of IP infringement was unfair to legitimate licensees who pay to produce ''Transformers'' merchandise.<ref>[http://www.tfviews.com/news/main/hasbro-q-and-a/499 TFviews Hasbro Q&A, August 2009]</ref> Hasbro did keep a binder cataloging every "third party" toy in case action needed to be taken against them.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/997302-aaron-archers-statements-toy-design-tfcon-2014-a.html "Aaron Archers statements on toy design at Tfcon 2014"] at TFW2005.</ref>

In 2015, Hasbro's UK branch distributed an online survey of the collecting habits of ''Transformers'' fans to coincide with the Auto Assembly unofficial convention, which included a surprising number of questions regarding "third party" products. In a bit of an embarrassing ''faux pas'', a Hasbro representative present at the convention itself also addressed a [[Vos (G1)|Vos]] cosplayer as "Cynicus", the name of an unofficial figure of that character.<ref>[http://waspshot23.tumblr.com/post/127569311096/ok-so waspshot23 on Tumblr]</ref>

To date, there has only been one known instance of Hasbro pursuing actual legal action against the manufacturers of "third party" toys. While such unofficial toys were banned from being sold at the dealer room at [[BotCon 2012]],<ref>This mandate initially encompassed fan art too, but this was quickly relaxed.</ref> [[BotCon 2015|2015]] and [[BotCon 2016|2016]], they generally seem to adopt a "laissez-faire" approach to such toys; while they don't officially condone such material, they're willing to allow it to exist as long as it isn't impacting Hasbro's bottom line. The one instance of Hasbro taking legal action was an unofficial toy of [[Unicron]], announced during the [[Hasbro Pulse#HasLab|HasLab]] campaign for [[Unicron/toys#War for Cybertron|''War for Cybertron'' Unicron]], seemingly intended to directly undercut Hasbro's big-ticket crowdfunded toy; evidently and understandably unhappy with this, Hasbro apparently intervened to have all posts about the pretender to the throne taken down from social media.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/3rd-party-not-unicron-apparently-removed-by-hasbro/43937/ 3rd Party (Not) Unicron Apparently Removed by Hasbro] at Seibertron</ref>

===Third party designs in official products and marketing===
[[File:MTMTE18 cvrB.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|IP un-infringement?]]
Beginning in the 2010s, there have been occasions where "third party" figure designs have slipped into official media. One cover for [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|''More than Meets the Eye'' #18]] saw [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] drawn based on unofficial figures "Rager" and "Cogz." Hasbro and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] did not comment on this, although it seems likely that somebody somewhere might've gotten a slap on the wrist. (The artist in question has not done any comic covers since...)

Meanwhile, ''official'' third party licensee [[Imaginarium Art]]'s statues of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] seem to be based on the unofficial figures "Carry" and "Green Giant", with [http://imaginarium-art.com/project_news.php Rodimus Prime] featuring detailing on his forearms otherwise unique to Carry and [https://www.facebook.com/imaginarium.hobby/posts/575739045925230 Devastator] having kneepads only found on Giant. One has to assume Hasbro wasn't looking too closely, or were understandably unaware of those figures, when they signed off on these.

In what was presumably an innocent mistake that resulted from the use of a fan's personal collection, a slide shown at the Hasbro investor and press event presentation during [[Toy Fair 2016]] that represented Transformers "Spanning Generations" featured a photograph of a father and son surrounded by a variety of ''Masterpiece'' toys... and the "third party" [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] "Green Giant".<ref name="toyfair16">[http://news.tfw2005.com/2016/02/12/tfw2005-coverage-hasbro-toy-fair-2016-investor-press-event-309206 Slides from the Hasbro investor and press event presentation during Toy Fair 2016].</ref> Oops!

Although stylized, the ''[[Transformers: Earth Wars]]'' models for the Predacons are recognizably based upon the "Feralcons", one of the three notable sets of "third party" Predacons. It even leaked into their combined mode, thusly based upon "Feral Rex". Meanwhile, [[Motormaster (G1)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Motormaster]] is modeled on the TransFormMission "Powertrain" interpretation of Motormaster's design from IDW's [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ongoing series]].

[[File:LL19 vehicle modes.jpg|thumb|left|250px|IP dis-infringement.]]
The ''Earth Wars'' rendition of [[Warpath (G1)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Warpath]] is based on one or both of BadCube "Wardog" and FansToys "Sheridan".

Similarly, ''Earth Wars'' and the ''[[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|Power of the Primes]]'' cartoon feature models for the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] based on the Fanstoys' "Iron Dibots" figures, rather than those from the concurrent [[Power of the Primes (toyline)|toyline]].

In an odd occurrence for a game which almost exclusively employed screen models and recent toys, [[Jazz (G1)#Transformers: Forged to Fight|Jazz]] in ''[[Transformers: Forged to Fight]]'' is directly modeled on Toyworld's "Coolsville" figure.

[[E. J. Su]], fulfilling the role of guest artist for [[Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|''Lost Light'' #19]], was not given vehicle mode references for Rodimus, Drift, Ratchet, and Chromedome. Consequently, he had to make do with googling and used alt-modes [[:File:LL19 vehicle modes.jpg|based directly]] on the Mastermind Creations "Calidus" and "Stray" figures. Ratchet and Chromedome were based on official, though inaccurate, toys of the character.

An [[Industrial Light & Magic|ILM]] [[:File:BBArcee Head Revisions.jpg|design presentation]] about the 2018 ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' movie used an image of Fans Toys "Rouge" as a [[Arcee (G1)|"Generation 1" Arcee]] design reference for [[Arcee (Movie)|''Bumblebee'' Arcee]].<ref>[https://www.ilm.com/visual_development/bumblebee-developing-an-epic-set-piece/ Bumblebee: Developing an Epic Set Piece - ILM San Francisco]</ref> This is an unsurprising research method as Arcee did not receive an official ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' figure until 2020, with multiple unlicensed third-party companies vying for fans' attention throughout the 2010s.

[[Package art]] for the [[Nemesis_(G1)#Legacy|''Legacy Evolution'' Titan-class Nemesis]] toy featured [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] in his Cybertronian "Tetra Jet" mode with the art for it being based off Impossible Toy's "Prankstor".

{{-}}

===Hasbro's own copyright dodging===
[[File:CYB sonic bomber originalsculpt.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|First party problems.]]
Despite Hasbro's own (completely understandable) aversion against people making a profit off their IP without permission, it's not like Hasbro is entirely innocent in this regard: In fact, the ''Transformers'' toys' [[alternate mode]]s being unlicensed reproductions of real-world vehicles and aircraft goes back all the way to the very first ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toys.

While the whole market situation was still very different back in the 1980s, and car manufacturers apparently didn't start properly enforcing their intellectual properties in the field of toys and merchandise until the early 2000s, ''Transformers'' toys with [[licensed vehicle alternate modes]] are still the exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of [[popular Earth vehicle alternate modes]] are still unlicensed approximations of their real-life inspirations, basically "[[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys|not-Lamborghinis]]" or "[[Powerglide (G1)/toys|not-A-10s]]", with a few details altered to avoid a lawsuit — though this wasn't enough in [[Side Burn (RID)#Toys|one notable case]]. [[Downshift (Energon)#Cybertron|Some]] [[Windcharger (G1)#Transformers (2010)|examples]] are a little more creative, meshing together two or more real-life inspirations to create a genuine "hybrid" design, but most are just barely altered and instantly recognizable for what they are supposed to represent. While the target audience is obviously a different one (most people who buy a Hasbro Sunstreaker do so because he represents Sunstreaker the ''Transformers'' character, not because they want a Lamborghini for their toy car collection; however, most, if not all, people who buy a "third party" version of Sunstreaker do so because he represents Sunstreaker the ''Transformers'' character), it illustrates the gray area involved.

Less of a gray area appears to be the case of the ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[High Beam#Generation 2|High Beam]] (released in 1995), though: Its alternate mode looks plain ''identical'' to a vehicle from Mattel's ''Hot Wheels'' line that was first released in 1991 under the names "Back Burner" and "Sonic Special", but would eventually become more well known in 1995 under the name "[[Wikia:hotwheels:Speed Blaster|Speed Blaster]]". Unless both toys were based on the same obscure real-life concept car that has since been ''completely'' forgotten by history, that would be a ''very'' blatant case of Hasbro ''literally'' copying one of its competitor's toys and just making it transform.

Hasbro's ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' and ''[[Kre-O]]'' toylines "knocking off" [[LEGO]]'s iconic bricks cannot be considered IP infringement, however, as the technical patents for their brick-building system expired in [[1978]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Fan terminology]]
[[Category:Toys]]

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Triple Takeover

2021-05-24T16:37:55Z

Elleby: Undo revision 1509557 by Elleby (talk)

{{episode
|image=TripleTakeover Blitzwing Astrotrain stadium.jpg
|caption=In which we learn exactly why Megatron is in charge of the Decepticons.
|series=G1toon
|ep=50
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=39
|prev2=Kremzeek!
|next2=Child's Play (episode)
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=18
|prev3=Kremzeek!
|next3=Starscream's Brigade
|title="Triple Takeover"
|written by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|production code=700-49
|airdate=[[November 19]], [[1985]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Unknown Generation 1 animation studios|Unknown]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Astrotrain and Blitzwing depose Megatron and Starscream, then proceed to wreak havoc.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TripleTakeover Mount Deceptimore.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Admit it. That is pretty cool.]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] are using their weapons to carve their faces along with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s into a mountainside. They agree one of the faces doesn't belong, then decide to band together and overthrow Megatron. Flying back to base, Blitzwing and Astrotrain decide who should lead Megatron into the trap, one of them suggesting Starscream while the other counters how the [[Air Commander]] has constantly been attempting to become leader of the [[Decepticon]]s and failed. Starscream retorts as usual and says he will do it, and the other two gloat about manipulating him.

Starscream leads Megatron into the sewers, stating that a secret [[Autobot]] energy base is present there, but the doors close around them. Megatron recognizes it's a trap but gets frozen. Starscream gloats and tries to escape through a hatch but finds out that it's been locked by his "allies". This leaves Astrotrain and Blitzwing as joint Decepticon leaders.

[[File:Tripletakeoverblitzwingcoach.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The Coach rivals Prowl, Jazz, and Ultra Magnus as "Best Sub-Commander ever".]]
Heading for a stadium, Blitzwing, in a display of great intelligence, drafts a [[football coach]] to be his [[second-in-command]] and demands tactical advice from him, keeping him stuffed in a locker when not needed. Blitzwing misinterprets the coach's suggestions of "zone defense" and "long bomb" and has the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] build a massive highway maze, then begins firing "long bombs" from the stadium into the surrounding city. [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] leads a group of Autobots to investigate, but they end up crashing into each other in the Constructicons' maze and getting mashed flat by Blitzwing in tank mode. Meanwhile, Astrotrain heads to a train station, where he "conscripts" the [[Astroforce]], human trains which are to be his army. He sends them into a tunnel to collect energy lines and convert them into [[energon]]. It actually goes quite well for Astrotrain. The Astroforce? Not so much.

[[File:TripleTakeover Astrotrain trashedroforce.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"You're embarrassing me in front of the guys!"]]
Meanwhile, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] flies over the maze, where [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] has built himself a throne... made of Prowl, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]. Guided by Powerglide from the air, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] manage to rescue the Autobots, causing Blitzwing and Scrapper to crash into each other. At the train station, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] come to see how Astrotrain is doing. To his credit, he has gotten a lot of [[energon cube]]s, but his Astroforce has somehow gotten off their tracks and into a knot. Astrotrain urges one of the trains to gather some energy from a gas main, but it turns out to be a water main, which floods the tunnel. Worse, it heads into the tunnel in which Megatron and Starscream are trapped. Online again, Megatron accuses Starscream of another attempt at treason and begins the customary throttling. Starscream maintains that he was tricked. The pair go in search of the two traitorous triple-changers.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] see the two Decepticons, only to be distracted by the water main flooding the city. Optimus rescues Spike after the boy is washed away, handing him off to Powerglide to take to safety. [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] uses his [[force field]] to push back the water, while Optimus and Ironhide seal the main. Heading for the station, Megatron and Starscream encounter Prime, who claims that he's looking for the real leaders of the Decepticons, implying it isn't the two of them. This really angers Megatron, who tries to kill the Autobot leader, but Prime escapes. Megatron leaves to put Astrotrain and Blitzwing in their place, while the Seekers watch and place bets on who will win. Optimus, however, is content to sit back and wait for the outcome.

At the stadium, the Constructicons demand a share of the power Blitzwing promised, but he refuses and tells them to go jump off a bridge. Bad idea, for the Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]]. The flood from the water main finally dies out at the stadium, depositing Astrotrain, who decides to scrap Blitzwing as well.

[[File:Tripletakeoverautobotthrone.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Unfortunately, the "Seatmaster" line never really took off...]]
Megatron and Starscream arrive, and Megatron beats his would-be usurpers senseless, but Devastator knocks out Megatron, then turns his sights on the Air Commander. Starscream manages to dodge Devastator, then Megatron slams the giant. Megatron, Blitzwing, Astrotrain, Starscream, and Devastator then engage in a battle royale which sees Megatron emerge victorious. He decides to spare the traitors, saying the Decepticon cause is too important, but warns them never to betray him again.

As the Autobots look on, they're impressed that Prime knew that Megatron would handle the Decepticons for them. The previously injured Autobots form a throne for their commander to sit on, but Optimus Prime declares that he'd rather [[Roll out|roll]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (14)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (15)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (16)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (17)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (18)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (19)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (25)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (26)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
|c2=
{{collist|2|
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (1)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (8)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (9)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (13)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (21)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (22)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (23)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (24)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (29)
}}
|c3=
*[[football coach|Coach]] (5)
*Football players (6)
*Train conductor (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (27)
}}

==Quotes==
"No planet ever lost its orbit underestimating the stupidity of Starscream."
:—'''Astrotrain'''

[[File:TripleTakeover Football coach.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"You're playing stupid football, and I'm not going to have it!"]]
"Coach, it's a tank! What do I do?" 
"GIVE HIM THE BALL!"
:—A hapless '''football player''' and his '''coach''' meet Blitzwing.

"Tell me what's on your mind, or I'll splatter it on the wall and see for myself!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' to <s>the football coach</s> his second-in-command.

"Scrapper calling Blitzwing. What is the purpose of this highway maze you ordered us to build?" 
"It's a ''zone defense'', you ignorant fool!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' explains the perfectly obvious to '''Scrapper'''

"Scrapper, how big is our zone defense?" 
"Can't tell. All the others are lost in it! All I know is, it's ''big!''"
:—Decepticon "leader" '''Blitzwing''' and '''Scrapper'''

[[File:TripleTakeover-ThrustAndAstrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|A single double-crossing Triple Changer.]]
"Astrotrain couldn't lead rats to a garbage can."
''(Other Decepticons snicker)''
:—Astrotrain gets no respect from '''Thrust'''.

"''You'' led me into this trap!!" 
"I was tricked! The Triple Changers! They told me it was a power station!" 
"You are either lying, or you're ''stupid!''" 
"I'm stupid! I'm stupid!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' cut straight to the chase

''(Constructicons drive through scoreboard)'' 
'''Scrapper''': Victory is ours! 
'''Blitzwing''': What do you mean, ''ours''? You broke my scoreboard! 
'''Scrapper''': We built your maze. Now you keep your part of the bargain. 
'''Blitzwing''': What bargain? 
'''Scrapper''': You promised us a partnership in leading the Decepticons. 
'''Blitzwing''': Tell you what, guys. Why don't you go build a bridge...and ''jump off it''! 
'''Scrapper''': Constructicons... transform into Devastator! 
''(Constructicons form Devastator and advances menacingly on Blitzwing)'' 
'''Blitzwing''': Hey! No offense, big guy!
:—Blitzwing learns an important lesson: never shortchange the Decepticon team that can combine into a giant robot mode.

"Don't waste your time, Megatron. Incinerating you is of no interest to me. I'm looking for the leaders of the Decepticons." 
"''I'' am the Decepticon leader!" 
"You and Starscream are just a nuisance. A couple of metallic mosquitoes." 
"Mosquitoes?! Then feel my BITE!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' brilliantly manipulates '''Megatron'''.

'''Thundercracker''': I say Megatron will prevail! 
'''Thrust''': Three energon cubes says you're wrong! 
'''Thundercracker''': Make it four! 
'''Ramjet''': My money is on Devastator.
:—Who becomes new leader of the Decepticons? PLACE BETS NOW!

"Get this straight: ''I'' am Decepticon Leader. YOU are recyclable!"
:—'''Megatron''' disses Blitzwing and Astrotrain

"Megatron is a wimp!" 
"So is ''Starscream''!" 
:—'''Starscream''' finds that kissing up doesn't work so well on '''Devastator'''

==Notes==
===Production information===
* Dialogue recording: 10th June 1985

===Continuity notes===
[[File:TripleTakeover Skids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Blink and you'll miss him! Unless you're Prowl, in which case you'll smash right into him.]]
*By this point in the series, Starscream's voice had gotten rather high-pitched, and this is one of the most notable instances.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hoist unfolds an incredibly long length of telescoping crane to save a driver whose car ran into the river. No wonder they call him "Hoist"!
**Ironhide fires "supercool nitrogen" from his hand gun to patch the broken water main. It's a blue laser beam that solidifies as a dark blue substance.
**Trailbreaker's forcefields are rainbow-coloured. Pretty! He fires them from his gun arm [[Dinobot Island, Part 1|again]].
*This is the second and last time that Skids shows up in the Generation 1 cartoon. He has a completely different voice than he did in "[[Quest for Survival]]".
*Where did the trailer go?
**Prime's trailer rolls in from off-screen when he transforms during the flood, and rolls away again when he returns to [[robot mode]].
**The trailer follows him ''everywhere''! Even when he transforms inside a random human building, the trailer comes rolling in!
*Scrapper making a throne from the trashed Autobots is based on his bio, which says he incorporates defeated Autobots into his works.
*Devastator makes his first attempt at usurping control of the Decepticons from Megatron and actually attacks his former leader, something that goes against previous character portrayals, in which he was shown as a loyal follower (particularly notable in "[[The Core]]"). Also, how Megatron was able to defeat him is unknown, since the battle ended off-screen. Earlier on in the fight, Megatron's fusion cannon shots just bounced off him, so it's a big mystery.
*'''[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's gotten himself frozen! Unfortunately, so has Starscream. '''[[Starscream's Brigade|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*The weirdly improbable face carving is, of course, an homage to [[Mount Rushmore]].
*Astrotrain's line about "No planet ever lost its orbit underestimating the stupidity of Starscream" is a paraphrase of a famous quotation by early 20th Century satirist and journalist {{w|H. L. Mencken}}.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**Some ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine rumble as the Seekers fly into the subway tunnel.
**The sliding door sound effect from the [[Death Star]] is used for the trains venting steam.
**More ''Falcon'' noise as Megatron and Starscream take off to attack Blitzwing.
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] diving, and faint [[TIE Fighter]] roar, as Megatron takes off from the stadium.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:AstrotrainTakeover.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.25|For this shot, Astrotrain's helmet and shoulder-wheels are colored purple, as on his finalized design, but his wings are mostly grey, in accordance with the outdated color model the rest of the episode uses.]]
*Astrotrain is a real mess this episode.
**He spends virtually the entirety of this episode with an outdated color model which makes his helmet and most of his wings and shoulder-wheels grey instead of the standard purple of his finished design usually seen in the series. This alternate model can also be spotted in "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]", and will be consistently used by [[AKOM]] in season three.
**Further, in a small handful of scenes (most notably, the shot of him transforming as he arrives at the train station), he appears with a color scheme "in-between" his outdated and finished designs, with purple helmet and shoulder wheels, but still mostly-grey wings (right). It's not clear if this came from an actual, third model sheet that was created between colour revisions, or if it was just a goof by the colorist combining aspects of the two. This particular screenshot has been widely shared online as if it were Astrotrain's true cartoon coloration (it's the first thing you get it you google "cartoon Astrotrain"), and consequently, it went on to influence the appearance of his [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|2019 ''Siege'' toy]]
**Additionally, throughout the episode, he ''also'' intermittently appears with a different rear-view character model previously seen in the [[Commercial/Generation 1|commercial]] for his toy, which omits the shuttle tailfin that's normally on his back, and makes the backs of his wings much more detailed.
*The conspiracists' laser-sculpting is not very credible. Several shots in a row produce no effect, and then Megatron's face appears in the rock after one additional shot. The three Decepticons aren't even moving their arms as they shoot. They also keep firing after the four faces are already complete.
*Coloring errors:
**As they fly in the beginning, Starscreams' chest is red when it should be white.
**As Starscream says, "I will get Megatron," Decepticon HQ is miscolored as white instead of purple.
**Starscream's eyes are blue as Megatron yells at him for failing.
**Blitzwing's tank barrel is purple as he aims at the football player with the ball.
**Blitzwing's head is purple instead of yellow as the transforms after hitting the scoreboard.
**The side of Blitzwing's eyeband is white instead of red as Scrapper yells for help.
**Thundercracker is colored as Starscream when the jets transform and land in the tunnel; not only is Starscream not part of the group, he is still frozen underground at this point.
**Blitzwing's head is purple again (instead of yellow) as he chastises the Constructicons for breaking his scoreboard.
**Megatron's helmet is a shade lighter than the rest of him as he tells Starscream to shut up. It changes back to normal as they start walking off.
**During the "Three energon cubes says you're wrong" profile shot, Thrust and Ramjet's color schemes are switched.
**Megatron's helmet is ''darker'' than the rest of his body as he says "Why not?" It changes to normal as Devastator picks him up.
*Starscream has only one wing emblem as he and Megatron walk through the sewer, and it's on right side up instead of the usual upside down.
*"Straight ahead, Megatron." Starscream's mouth isn't moving.
*When Blitzwing plows through the goal at the football stadium, the debris left behind vanishes in the next frame.
*When Blitzwing grabs the football coach, the coach is yelling, "Okay! Okay....commander!", but ''Blitzwing'' is the one mouthing the words!
*The camera shot during whole conversation between Blitzwing and the Coach is strangely cropped, so that Blitzwing's head is cut off above the mouth.
*The train conductor makes the bizarre deduction that Astrotrain has no driver. Couldn't the driver just be on the other side of the cab, out of sight? Hard to tell, since Astrotrain's forward-facing windows are missing in the shot.
*Astrotrain rather flagrantly changes from all-purple to all-gray as he transforms.
*In the station, strange shot cropping again, as Astrotrain's head gets cut off for part of the shot.
*As Astrotrain walks up to the trains, the trains have changed positions from where they were in the previous shot, when they were visible through the hole in the station wall.
*A line of Astrotrain's appears to have been cut between "Even soldiers need brains" and "Astrotrain can fix that". This was presumably an assessment that the trains have no brains.
*When Astrotrain wrests down a computer component to start work on his train army, the component vanishes as he rips out the engine. The vent he ripped off is still on the train a moment later. And for a brief moment afterward, it appears as if Astrotrain picks up thin air with his hands.
*The lockers that Blitzwing kicks open to stuff his "second in command" into are [[Scale|extremely huge]]. If one compares the size of the coach to one of those lockers, he would need to ''jump'' just to reach one of the handles.
**On that note, how ''exactly'' does Blitzwing kick the locker door open? By all rights, it should be a lump of scrap metal on the floor.
*The guy whose car falls off the bridge yells "Help!" in Spike's voice.
*Scrapper is seen scooping a load of dirt when he appears, but as he transforms, not only is the dirt gone, but he appears in an entirely different location.
*After the first commercial break, Blitzwing's cannon shots randomly change from having the Decepticon laser noise to Optimus Prime's rifle noise.
*As Blitzwing first runs over Prowl and Skids, the two Autobots have switched positions from where they were in the previous shot. Perhaps in an attempt by the colorists to fix this, their color schemes are switched.
*Blitzwing runs over Prowl and Skids twice from the same direction. The second time he runs over them with ''no'' sense of vertical motion, as if they were flat as paper. He couldn't possibly have crushed them ''that'' flat.
*For some reason, Astrotrain gets a red glowing effect as he transforms out of train mode in the tunnels.
*Despite Astrotrain's orders to do various things, the train just keeps doing exactly the same thing over and over, courtesy of recycled animation.
*As the train backs up to bump into the pipe again, the glow effects of its headlights are floating in front of the headlights themselves.
*The Autobot throne changes quite a bit between shots. When we first see it, it's a lumpy pile of beat-up Autobots. When Hoist lassos it, it's mostly just Prowl and Skids, sitting back to back, undamaged. Prowl is even holding his gun!
*Thrust is shown during Thundercracker's "Leader?! How do you figure that?" line.
*Two successive musical cues overlap for a second or two as the water comes bursting out of the tunnel.
[[File:Tripletakeover megatron frozen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Hey fellas, what's cooler than bein' cool?"]]
*When the water bursts in and frees Megatron and Starscream, Starscream is standing upright. When he froze, he was crouching by the exit hatch. In the same shot, Megatron is missing his Decepticon insignia.
*After they unfreeze, Megatron floats past the camera three times in a row.
*When Spike is washed away, Optimus yells "Spike!," but Peter Cullen uses Ironhide's voice.
*Also, the animation used for those shots is strangely distorted, making Spike looking like a child for a few moments.
*When he finds Spike, Optimus sort of transforms around him. In the next shot, Spike is in the driver's seat but there's no steering wheel. And when Powerglide lowers his ladder, Prime's trailer has a red stripe on it rather than a white one.
*The depth of the water varies all over the place. In one shot, Trailbreaker drives it away from a building, revealing several floors that were completely inundated; in another shot, it's almost to the top of a streetlamp. In other shots, it's shallow enough for the Autobots to wade through. In one scene, Optimus is wading through water up to his shoulders, yet when he transforms, it only comes up to his fenders.
*A huge pipe is shown breaking when Optimus first tries to fix the broken water main. The pipe that he and Ironhide repair later, however, just has a tiny little crack in it, nowhere near enough to flood a tunnel, let alone a whole city.
*Trailbreaker's forcefields are rainbow-colored rather than golden in this episode.
*Blitzwing is doing a strange little boogie before the Constructions smash his scoreboard, with electrical effects around his hand. It's not really clear what this is meant to be. Is it his endzone victory dance?
*Scrapper's cab roof is misdrawn during Blitzwing's "What bargain?" line.
*Megatron reaches off-screen during his confrontation with Optimus, and something electrical lights up; we never do see what it is, though.
*As Megatron and Starscream shoot at Optimus, Starscream suddenly shifts from behind Megatron to in front of him. This makes him look tiny for a moment.
*Megatron gets the standard Decepticon laser sound for his fusion cannon, layered on top of its normal sound effect.
*Someone mistook Prime's blinding headlights for a laser attack, and inserted his standard rifle sound effect a couple of times.
*Megatron is shown with foot thrusters as he and Starscream take off.
*Among the Decepticon jets following Prime to the stadium is an off-model Seeker (or maybe an off-model Blitzwing) colored like Astrotrain; this should be Thundercracker. The jets are flying extremely low; Thrust can't be more than 10 feet above the road.
*As they fly toward Blitzwing's position, Ramjet and Thrust are flying alongside.... Blitzwing.
*As the Autobots stand on the building roof, the water lapping at the building's edge is drawn as though it were surf coming in on a flat beach; parts of it just drift right over the building parapet.
*The same scene is supposed to show Trailbreaker using his forcefield to push Astrotrain toward the stadium, but it's so badly drawn and edited that it's very easy to miss.
*Devastator and Blitzwing are almost the same size as they grapple.
*While Astrotrain and Blitzwing are grappling, Devastator stomps Astrotrain's train mode underfoot, crushing it flat. As Astrotrain is still grappling with Blitzwing in the next shot, it's not clear what this was supposed to be.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:TripleTakeover Astroforce.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Astrotrain visits the railroad museum!]]
*Astrotrain reads the temperature in the trap room as "470 degrees below zero", but actual absolute zero is only 459 below zero (at least on the Fahrenheit scale; Astrotrain could conceivably be using some Cybertronian scale).
*A digital scoreboard wouldn't just add points because it was hit by a flaming football or an energy blast.
*The coach is introduced commanding the team with the same colors as his own clothing, but by the time the game gets interrupted by Blitzwing, he's commanding the ''other'' team. Eh? It ''could'' be a scrimmage, which would explain the ''totally empty stadium'', but then why does the other team have its own uniforms with their own letter?
*The locomotives that Astrotrain recruits don't look like any locomotives that were operating in North America in 1985. They appear to be based on some of the experimental streamliner diesels from the 1930s, such as the Union Pacific's {{w|M-10000}} and the Burlington's ''{{w|Pioneer Zephyr}}''... all of which were scrapped or retired decades before. One locomotive does resemble the {{w|Pendolino|Italian ETR 401}}, though.
*As Blitzwing is firing "long bombs" all over the place, isn't he the ''least'' bit concerned that he'll accidentally blow up the "zone defense" he's having the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] build?
*The bridge that Hoist repairs is clearly blown in half, yet once Hoist leaps into the river to shore up its supports, traffic keeps rolling across it.
*There's really no reason the Autobots couldn't have simply gone ''around'' the highway maze. For that matter, Tracks has a ''flight mode'' and could have guided and warned the others the way Powerglide guided Smokescreen and Hoist—or at least not gotten caught in the carnage.
*The four Autobots are pretty much destroyed by Blitzwing. Bluestreak explodes, and chunks of him (and three of his tires) go flying in different directions. Prowl, Skids, and Tracks all crash explosively and are all crushed under Blitzwing's tank treads. Unsurprisingly, none of them are nearly so damaged when they show up again later.
*Scrapper doesn't react ''at all'' to two Autobots driving into his throne room; he just continues sitting there on the Autobot throne, chilling out.
*He does react to Smokescreen's smoke cloud, however...by breaking out into a coughing fit! It's not [[Roll for It|the first time]] that [[The Gambler|robots]] have been shown [[Humanization|to cough]].
*Why would a water main be positioned so low that a train could hit it? Why would it be exposed in a tunnel at all?
*Whatever the reason, it's the most amazing water main in the whole history of forever. Within minutes, it floods a good deal of a city, at some points the water being as high as a multi-story building.
*Trailbreaker is just sitting there on the roof of a building, not doing anything, until Powerglide suggests doing something about the water.
*As the huge flood consumes the city, Spike just calmly watches it alongside Prime and Ironhide, and then has the audacity to cry for help when it inevitably washes him away. He either craves attention or lacks basic danger comprehension abilities.
*Somehow Spike is revived after being swept away by a flood and crushed under boulders by Optimus ''blowing air conditioning on him''.
*We never find out what this random building is that Megatron and Optimus both wander into, or why they're there. It kinda resembles an art museum, but there's no art. Whatever it is, it's built to the same huge scale as the football locker room; the Transformers have no trouble standing upright, and Optimus is last seen ''driving'' out the door.
*Despite what he says, Astrotrain doesn't ''have'' any score to settle with Blitzwing. (It's possible, though, that he just needed a good punching bag to beat up after the humiliation the Seekers gave him.)

===Trivia===
[[File:TripleTakeover Blitzwing coach.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"You're playing like the village idiot! You want people to think of you as the village idiot?"]]
*Blitzwing's takeover of a football stadium is nothing short of hilarious. First, he blasts right through the wall, and everybody continues on as if nothing happened. Then, when one of the football players ''finally'' notices a big tank turret aimed at his face, the coach's first order of action is to... tell him to give Blitzwing the ball. Wait.... '''''WHAT?!'''''
*In contrast, the conductor who appears when Astrotrain takes over the train station knows full well to hightail it and run when the latter reveals himself. Seeing as how everybody else just ''stood there'' despite him yelling for them to run for their lives, this officially makes him the only [[human]] in this entire ''episode'' with half a brain.
*For something that was extrapolated from a football coach's vague, irrelevant musings by a guy basically depicted as a moron throughout the episode, Blitzwing's strategy is surprisingly effective.
*Blitzwing's promise of a joint leadership with the Constructicons is amazingly nonsensical: if it happened, there would be almost as many Decepticon leaders as there were Decepticons to be led.
*[[Transformers Comic issue 2.3|In an issue of Titan's Transformers comic]], the movie Decepticon [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] would reveal he's seen this episode.
*Signs in the city: STAR Daster, Hotel, Kend.
*Final score: Visitors 0; Blitzwing 1,569!

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Der Aufstand'''" ("The Revolution")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 27]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''I Triplex ribelli'''" ("The Rebel Triple Changers")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Triplice congiura'''" ("Triple Conspiracy")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triple Changer no Hanran'''" (トリプル・チェンジャーの反乱, "The Rebellion of the Triple Changers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 11]], [[1986]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zhēng Quán Duó lì '''" (争权夺利, "Scrambling for Leadership")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Troynoy perevorot'''" (Тройной переворот, "The Triple Upheaval")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1995]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1999]] — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2003]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 16 ([[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]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (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 Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (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 Two: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-49.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pZqvrqtckaaZ4Nn9WJh89fhB8djWG7-6m Episode dialogue script]

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

Triple Takeover

2021-05-24T16:34:40Z

Elleby: /* Real-world references */

{{episode
|image=TripleTakeover Blitzwing Astrotrain stadium.jpg
|caption=In which we learn exactly why Megatron is in charge of the Decepticons.
|series=G1toon
|ep=50
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=39
|prev2=Kremzeek!
|next2=Child's Play (episode)
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=18
|prev3=Kremzeek!
|next3=Starscream's Brigade
|title="Triple Takeover"
|written by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|production code=700-49
|airdate=[[November 19]], [[1985]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Unknown Generation 1 animation studios|Unknown]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Astrotrain and Blitzwing depose Megatron and Starscream, then proceed to wreak havoc.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TripleTakeover Mount Deceptimore.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Admit it. That is pretty cool.]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] are using their weapons to carve their faces along with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s into a mountainside. They agree one of the faces doesn't belong, then decide to band together and overthrow Megatron. Flying back to base, Blitzwing and Astrotrain decide who should lead Megatron into the trap, one of them suggesting Starscream while the other counters how the [[Air Commander]] has constantly been attempting to become leader of the [[Decepticon]]s and failed. Starscream retorts as usual and says he will do it, and the other two gloat about manipulating him.

Starscream leads Megatron into the sewers, stating that a secret [[Autobot]] energy base is present there, but the doors close around them. Megatron recognizes it's a trap but gets frozen. Starscream gloats and tries to escape through a hatch but finds out that it's been locked by his "allies". This leaves Astrotrain and Blitzwing as joint Decepticon leaders.

[[File:Tripletakeoverblitzwingcoach.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The Coach rivals Prowl, Jazz, and Ultra Magnus as "Best Sub-Commander ever".]]
Heading for a stadium, Blitzwing, in a display of great intelligence, drafts a [[football coach]] to be his [[second-in-command]] and demands tactical advice from him, keeping him stuffed in a locker when not needed. Blitzwing misinterprets the coach's suggestions of "zone defense" and "long bomb" and has the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] build a massive highway maze, then begins firing "long bombs" from the stadium into the surrounding city. [[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] leads a group of Autobots to investigate, but they end up crashing into each other in the Constructicons' maze and getting mashed flat by Blitzwing in tank mode. Meanwhile, Astrotrain heads to a train station, where he "conscripts" the [[Astroforce]], human trains which are to be his army. He sends them into a tunnel to collect energy lines and convert them into [[energon]]. It actually goes quite well for Astrotrain. The Astroforce? Not so much.

[[File:TripleTakeover Astrotrain trashedroforce.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"You're embarrassing me in front of the guys!"]]
Meanwhile, [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] flies over the maze, where [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] has built himself a throne... made of Prowl, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]. Guided by Powerglide from the air, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] manage to rescue the Autobots, causing Blitzwing and Scrapper to crash into each other. At the train station, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] come to see how Astrotrain is doing. To his credit, he has gotten a lot of [[energon cube]]s, but his Astroforce has somehow gotten off their tracks and into a knot. Astrotrain urges one of the trains to gather some energy from a gas main, but it turns out to be a water main, which floods the tunnel. Worse, it heads into the tunnel in which Megatron and Starscream are trapped. Online again, Megatron accuses Starscream of another attempt at treason and begins the customary throttling. Starscream maintains that he was tricked. The pair go in search of the two traitorous triple-changers.

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]], and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] see the two Decepticons, only to be distracted by the water main flooding the city. Optimus rescues Spike after the boy is washed away, handing him off to Powerglide to take to safety. [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] uses his [[force field]] to push back the water, while Optimus and Ironhide seal the main. Heading for the station, Megatron and Starscream encounter Prime, who claims that he's looking for the real leaders of the Decepticons, implying it isn't the two of them. This really angers Megatron, who tries to kill the Autobot leader, but Prime escapes. Megatron leaves to put Astrotrain and Blitzwing in their place, while the Seekers watch and place bets on who will win. Optimus, however, is content to sit back and wait for the outcome.

At the stadium, the Constructicons demand a share of the power Blitzwing promised, but he refuses and tells them to go jump off a bridge. Bad idea, for the Constructicons form [[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]]. The flood from the water main finally dies out at the stadium, depositing Astrotrain, who decides to scrap Blitzwing as well.

[[File:Tripletakeoverautobotthrone.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Unfortunately, the "Seatmaster" line never really took off...]]
Megatron and Starscream arrive, and Megatron beats his would-be usurpers senseless, but Devastator knocks out Megatron, then turns his sights on the Air Commander. Starscream manages to dodge Devastator, then Megatron slams the giant. Megatron, Blitzwing, Astrotrain, Starscream, and Devastator then engage in a battle royale which sees Megatron emerge victorious. He decides to spare the traitors, saying the Decepticon cause is too important, but warns them never to betray him again.

As the Autobots look on, they're impressed that Prime knew that Megatron would handle the Decepticons for them. The previously injured Autobots form a throne for their commander to sit on, but Optimus Prime declares that he'd rather [[Roll out|roll]].
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (14)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (15)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (16)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (17)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (18)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (19)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (25)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (26)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
|c2=
{{collist|2|
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (1)
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] (2)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (3)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (8)
*[[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]] (9)
*[[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]] (10)
*[[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (11)
*[[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]] (12)
*[[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (13)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (21)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (22)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (23)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (24)
*[[Devastator (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Devastator]] (29)
}}
|c3=
*[[football coach|Coach]] (5)
*Football players (6)
*Train conductor (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (27)
}}

==Quotes==
"No planet ever lost its orbit underestimating the stupidity of Starscream."
:—'''Astrotrain'''

[[File:TripleTakeover Football coach.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"You're playing stupid football, and I'm not going to have it!"]]
"Coach, it's a tank! What do I do?" 
"GIVE HIM THE BALL!"
:—A hapless '''football player''' and his '''coach''' meet Blitzwing.

"Tell me what's on your mind, or I'll splatter it on the wall and see for myself!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' to <s>the football coach</s> his second-in-command.

"Scrapper calling Blitzwing. What is the purpose of this highway maze you ordered us to build?" 
"It's a ''zone defense'', you ignorant fool!"
:—'''Blitzwing''' explains the perfectly obvious to '''Scrapper'''

"Scrapper, how big is our zone defense?" 
"Can't tell. All the others are lost in it! All I know is, it's ''big!''"
:—Decepticon "leader" '''Blitzwing''' and '''Scrapper'''

[[File:TripleTakeover-ThrustAndAstrotrain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|A single double-crossing Triple Changer.]]
"Astrotrain couldn't lead rats to a garbage can."
''(Other Decepticons snicker)''
:—Astrotrain gets no respect from '''Thrust'''.

"''You'' led me into this trap!!" 
"I was tricked! The Triple Changers! They told me it was a power station!" 
"You are either lying, or you're ''stupid!''" 
"I'm stupid! I'm stupid!"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Starscream''' cut straight to the chase

''(Constructicons drive through scoreboard)'' 
'''Scrapper''': Victory is ours! 
'''Blitzwing''': What do you mean, ''ours''? You broke my scoreboard! 
'''Scrapper''': We built your maze. Now you keep your part of the bargain. 
'''Blitzwing''': What bargain? 
'''Scrapper''': You promised us a partnership in leading the Decepticons. 
'''Blitzwing''': Tell you what, guys. Why don't you go build a bridge...and ''jump off it''! 
'''Scrapper''': Constructicons... transform into Devastator! 
''(Constructicons form Devastator and advances menacingly on Blitzwing)'' 
'''Blitzwing''': Hey! No offense, big guy!
:—Blitzwing learns an important lesson: never shortchange the Decepticon team that can combine into a giant robot mode.

"Don't waste your time, Megatron. Incinerating you is of no interest to me. I'm looking for the leaders of the Decepticons." 
"''I'' am the Decepticon leader!" 
"You and Starscream are just a nuisance. A couple of metallic mosquitoes." 
"Mosquitoes?! Then feel my BITE!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' brilliantly manipulates '''Megatron'''.

'''Thundercracker''': I say Megatron will prevail! 
'''Thrust''': Three energon cubes says you're wrong! 
'''Thundercracker''': Make it four! 
'''Ramjet''': My money is on Devastator.
:—Who becomes new leader of the Decepticons? PLACE BETS NOW!

"Get this straight: ''I'' am Decepticon Leader. YOU are recyclable!"
:—'''Megatron''' disses Blitzwing and Astrotrain

"Megatron is a wimp!" 
"So is ''Starscream''!" 
:—'''Starscream''' finds that kissing up doesn't work so well on '''Devastator'''

==Notes==
===Production information===
* Dialogue recording: 10th June 1985

===Continuity notes===
[[File:TripleTakeover Skids.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Blink and you'll miss him! Unless you're Prowl, in which case you'll smash right into him.]]
*By this point in the series, Starscream's voice had gotten rather high-pitched, and this is one of the most notable instances.
*Gadgets and powers:
**Hoist unfolds an incredibly long length of telescoping crane to save a driver whose car ran into the river. No wonder they call him "Hoist"!
**Ironhide fires "supercool nitrogen" from his hand gun to patch the broken water main. It's a blue laser beam that solidifies as a dark blue substance.
**Trailbreaker's forcefields are rainbow-coloured. Pretty! He fires them from his gun arm [[Dinobot Island, Part 1|again]].
*This is the second and last time that Skids shows up in the Generation 1 cartoon. He has a completely different voice than he did in "[[Quest for Survival]]".
*Where did the trailer go?
**Prime's trailer rolls in from off-screen when he transforms during the flood, and rolls away again when he returns to [[robot mode]].
**The trailer follows him ''everywhere''! Even when he transforms inside a random human building, the trailer comes rolling in!
*Scrapper making a throne from the trashed Autobots is based on his bio, which says he incorporates defeated Autobots into his works.
*Devastator makes his first attempt at usurping control of the Decepticons from Megatron and actually attacks his former leader, something that goes against previous character portrayals, in which he was shown as a loyal follower (particularly notable in "[[The Core]]"). Also, how Megatron was able to defeat him is unknown, since the battle ended off-screen. Earlier on in the fight, Megatron's fusion cannon shots just bounced off him, so it's a big mystery.
*'''[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's gotten himself frozen! Unfortunately, so has Starscream. '''[[Starscream's Brigade|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
*The weirdly improbable face carving is, of course, an homage to [[Mount Rushmore]].
*Astrotrain's line about "No planet ever lost its orbit underestimating the stupidity of Starscream" is a paraphrase of the famous quotation "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public." by early 20th Century satirist and journalist {{w|H. L. Mencken}}.
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**Some ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine rumble as the Seekers fly into the subway tunnel.
**The sliding door sound effect from the [[Death Star]] is used for the trains venting steam.
**More ''Falcon'' noise as Megatron and Starscream take off to attack Blitzwing.
**[[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] diving, and faint [[TIE Fighter]] roar, as Megatron takes off from the stadium.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:AstrotrainTakeover.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.25|For this shot, Astrotrain's helmet and shoulder-wheels are colored purple, as on his finalized design, but his wings are mostly grey, in accordance with the outdated color model the rest of the episode uses.]]
*Astrotrain is a real mess this episode.
**He spends virtually the entirety of this episode with an outdated color model which makes his helmet and most of his wings and shoulder-wheels grey instead of the standard purple of his finished design usually seen in the series. This alternate model can also be spotted in "[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]", and will be consistently used by [[AKOM]] in season three.
**Further, in a small handful of scenes (most notably, the shot of him transforming as he arrives at the train station), he appears with a color scheme "in-between" his outdated and finished designs, with purple helmet and shoulder wheels, but still mostly-grey wings (right). It's not clear if this came from an actual, third model sheet that was created between colour revisions, or if it was just a goof by the colorist combining aspects of the two. This particular screenshot has been widely shared online as if it were Astrotrain's true cartoon coloration (it's the first thing you get it you google "cartoon Astrotrain"), and consequently, it went on to influence the appearance of his [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|2019 ''Siege'' toy]]
**Additionally, throughout the episode, he ''also'' intermittently appears with a different rear-view character model previously seen in the [[Commercial/Generation 1|commercial]] for his toy, which omits the shuttle tailfin that's normally on his back, and makes the backs of his wings much more detailed.
*The conspiracists' laser-sculpting is not very credible. Several shots in a row produce no effect, and then Megatron's face appears in the rock after one additional shot. The three Decepticons aren't even moving their arms as they shoot. They also keep firing after the four faces are already complete.
*Coloring errors:
**As they fly in the beginning, Starscreams' chest is red when it should be white.
**As Starscream says, "I will get Megatron," Decepticon HQ is miscolored as white instead of purple.
**Starscream's eyes are blue as Megatron yells at him for failing.
**Blitzwing's tank barrel is purple as he aims at the football player with the ball.
**Blitzwing's head is purple instead of yellow as the transforms after hitting the scoreboard.
**The side of Blitzwing's eyeband is white instead of red as Scrapper yells for help.
**Thundercracker is colored as Starscream when the jets transform and land in the tunnel; not only is Starscream not part of the group, he is still frozen underground at this point.
**Blitzwing's head is purple again (instead of yellow) as he chastises the Constructicons for breaking his scoreboard.
**Megatron's helmet is a shade lighter than the rest of him as he tells Starscream to shut up. It changes back to normal as they start walking off.
**During the "Three energon cubes says you're wrong" profile shot, Thrust and Ramjet's color schemes are switched.
**Megatron's helmet is ''darker'' than the rest of his body as he says "Why not?" It changes to normal as Devastator picks him up.
*Starscream has only one wing emblem as he and Megatron walk through the sewer, and it's on right side up instead of the usual upside down.
*"Straight ahead, Megatron." Starscream's mouth isn't moving.
*When Blitzwing plows through the goal at the football stadium, the debris left behind vanishes in the next frame.
*When Blitzwing grabs the football coach, the coach is yelling, "Okay! Okay....commander!", but ''Blitzwing'' is the one mouthing the words!
*The camera shot during whole conversation between Blitzwing and the Coach is strangely cropped, so that Blitzwing's head is cut off above the mouth.
*The train conductor makes the bizarre deduction that Astrotrain has no driver. Couldn't the driver just be on the other side of the cab, out of sight? Hard to tell, since Astrotrain's forward-facing windows are missing in the shot.
*Astrotrain rather flagrantly changes from all-purple to all-gray as he transforms.
*In the station, strange shot cropping again, as Astrotrain's head gets cut off for part of the shot.
*As Astrotrain walks up to the trains, the trains have changed positions from where they were in the previous shot, when they were visible through the hole in the station wall.
*A line of Astrotrain's appears to have been cut between "Even soldiers need brains" and "Astrotrain can fix that". This was presumably an assessment that the trains have no brains.
*When Astrotrain wrests down a computer component to start work on his train army, the component vanishes as he rips out the engine. The vent he ripped off is still on the train a moment later. And for a brief moment afterward, it appears as if Astrotrain picks up thin air with his hands.
*The lockers that Blitzwing kicks open to stuff his "second in command" into are [[Scale|extremely huge]]. If one compares the size of the coach to one of those lockers, he would need to ''jump'' just to reach one of the handles.
**On that note, how ''exactly'' does Blitzwing kick the locker door open? By all rights, it should be a lump of scrap metal on the floor.
*The guy whose car falls off the bridge yells "Help!" in Spike's voice.
*Scrapper is seen scooping a load of dirt when he appears, but as he transforms, not only is the dirt gone, but he appears in an entirely different location.
*After the first commercial break, Blitzwing's cannon shots randomly change from having the Decepticon laser noise to Optimus Prime's rifle noise.
*As Blitzwing first runs over Prowl and Skids, the two Autobots have switched positions from where they were in the previous shot. Perhaps in an attempt by the colorists to fix this, their color schemes are switched.
*Blitzwing runs over Prowl and Skids twice from the same direction. The second time he runs over them with ''no'' sense of vertical motion, as if they were flat as paper. He couldn't possibly have crushed them ''that'' flat.
*For some reason, Astrotrain gets a red glowing effect as he transforms out of train mode in the tunnels.
*Despite Astrotrain's orders to do various things, the train just keeps doing exactly the same thing over and over, courtesy of recycled animation.
*As the train backs up to bump into the pipe again, the glow effects of its headlights are floating in front of the headlights themselves.
*The Autobot throne changes quite a bit between shots. When we first see it, it's a lumpy pile of beat-up Autobots. When Hoist lassos it, it's mostly just Prowl and Skids, sitting back to back, undamaged. Prowl is even holding his gun!
*Thrust is shown during Thundercracker's "Leader?! How do you figure that?" line.
*Two successive musical cues overlap for a second or two as the water comes bursting out of the tunnel.
[[File:Tripletakeover megatron frozen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Hey fellas, what's cooler than bein' cool?"]]
*When the water bursts in and frees Megatron and Starscream, Starscream is standing upright. When he froze, he was crouching by the exit hatch. In the same shot, Megatron is missing his Decepticon insignia.
*After they unfreeze, Megatron floats past the camera three times in a row.
*When Spike is washed away, Optimus yells "Spike!," but Peter Cullen uses Ironhide's voice.
*Also, the animation used for those shots is strangely distorted, making Spike looking like a child for a few moments.
*When he finds Spike, Optimus sort of transforms around him. In the next shot, Spike is in the driver's seat but there's no steering wheel. And when Powerglide lowers his ladder, Prime's trailer has a red stripe on it rather than a white one.
*The depth of the water varies all over the place. In one shot, Trailbreaker drives it away from a building, revealing several floors that were completely inundated; in another shot, it's almost to the top of a streetlamp. In other shots, it's shallow enough for the Autobots to wade through. In one scene, Optimus is wading through water up to his shoulders, yet when he transforms, it only comes up to his fenders.
*A huge pipe is shown breaking when Optimus first tries to fix the broken water main. The pipe that he and Ironhide repair later, however, just has a tiny little crack in it, nowhere near enough to flood a tunnel, let alone a whole city.
*Trailbreaker's forcefields are rainbow-colored rather than golden in this episode.
*Blitzwing is doing a strange little boogie before the Constructions smash his scoreboard, with electrical effects around his hand. It's not really clear what this is meant to be. Is it his endzone victory dance?
*Scrapper's cab roof is misdrawn during Blitzwing's "What bargain?" line.
*Megatron reaches off-screen during his confrontation with Optimus, and something electrical lights up; we never do see what it is, though.
*As Megatron and Starscream shoot at Optimus, Starscream suddenly shifts from behind Megatron to in front of him. This makes him look tiny for a moment.
*Megatron gets the standard Decepticon laser sound for his fusion cannon, layered on top of its normal sound effect.
*Someone mistook Prime's blinding headlights for a laser attack, and inserted his standard rifle sound effect a couple of times.
*Megatron is shown with foot thrusters as he and Starscream take off.
*Among the Decepticon jets following Prime to the stadium is an off-model Seeker (or maybe an off-model Blitzwing) colored like Astrotrain; this should be Thundercracker. The jets are flying extremely low; Thrust can't be more than 10 feet above the road.
*As they fly toward Blitzwing's position, Ramjet and Thrust are flying alongside.... Blitzwing.
*As the Autobots stand on the building roof, the water lapping at the building's edge is drawn as though it were surf coming in on a flat beach; parts of it just drift right over the building parapet.
*The same scene is supposed to show Trailbreaker using his forcefield to push Astrotrain toward the stadium, but it's so badly drawn and edited that it's very easy to miss.
*Devastator and Blitzwing are almost the same size as they grapple.
*While Astrotrain and Blitzwing are grappling, Devastator stomps Astrotrain's train mode underfoot, crushing it flat. As Astrotrain is still grappling with Blitzwing in the next shot, it's not clear what this was supposed to be.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:TripleTakeover Astroforce.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Astrotrain visits the railroad museum!]]
*Astrotrain reads the temperature in the trap room as "470 degrees below zero", but actual absolute zero is only 459 below zero (at least on the Fahrenheit scale; Astrotrain could conceivably be using some Cybertronian scale).
*A digital scoreboard wouldn't just add points because it was hit by a flaming football or an energy blast.
*The coach is introduced commanding the team with the same colors as his own clothing, but by the time the game gets interrupted by Blitzwing, he's commanding the ''other'' team. Eh? It ''could'' be a scrimmage, which would explain the ''totally empty stadium'', but then why does the other team have its own uniforms with their own letter?
*The locomotives that Astrotrain recruits don't look like any locomotives that were operating in North America in 1985. They appear to be based on some of the experimental streamliner diesels from the 1930s, such as the Union Pacific's {{w|M-10000}} and the Burlington's ''{{w|Pioneer Zephyr}}''... all of which were scrapped or retired decades before. One locomotive does resemble the {{w|Pendolino|Italian ETR 401}}, though.
*As Blitzwing is firing "long bombs" all over the place, isn't he the ''least'' bit concerned that he'll accidentally blow up the "zone defense" he's having the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] build?
*The bridge that Hoist repairs is clearly blown in half, yet once Hoist leaps into the river to shore up its supports, traffic keeps rolling across it.
*There's really no reason the Autobots couldn't have simply gone ''around'' the highway maze. For that matter, Tracks has a ''flight mode'' and could have guided and warned the others the way Powerglide guided Smokescreen and Hoist—or at least not gotten caught in the carnage.
*The four Autobots are pretty much destroyed by Blitzwing. Bluestreak explodes, and chunks of him (and three of his tires) go flying in different directions. Prowl, Skids, and Tracks all crash explosively and are all crushed under Blitzwing's tank treads. Unsurprisingly, none of them are nearly so damaged when they show up again later.
*Scrapper doesn't react ''at all'' to two Autobots driving into his throne room; he just continues sitting there on the Autobot throne, chilling out.
*He does react to Smokescreen's smoke cloud, however...by breaking out into a coughing fit! It's not [[Roll for It|the first time]] that [[The Gambler|robots]] have been shown [[Humanization|to cough]].
*Why would a water main be positioned so low that a train could hit it? Why would it be exposed in a tunnel at all?
*Whatever the reason, it's the most amazing water main in the whole history of forever. Within minutes, it floods a good deal of a city, at some points the water being as high as a multi-story building.
*Trailbreaker is just sitting there on the roof of a building, not doing anything, until Powerglide suggests doing something about the water.
*As the huge flood consumes the city, Spike just calmly watches it alongside Prime and Ironhide, and then has the audacity to cry for help when it inevitably washes him away. He either craves attention or lacks basic danger comprehension abilities.
*Somehow Spike is revived after being swept away by a flood and crushed under boulders by Optimus ''blowing air conditioning on him''.
*We never find out what this random building is that Megatron and Optimus both wander into, or why they're there. It kinda resembles an art museum, but there's no art. Whatever it is, it's built to the same huge scale as the football locker room; the Transformers have no trouble standing upright, and Optimus is last seen ''driving'' out the door.
*Despite what he says, Astrotrain doesn't ''have'' any score to settle with Blitzwing. (It's possible, though, that he just needed a good punching bag to beat up after the humiliation the Seekers gave him.)

===Trivia===
[[File:TripleTakeover Blitzwing coach.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"You're playing like the village idiot! You want people to think of you as the village idiot?"]]
*Blitzwing's takeover of a football stadium is nothing short of hilarious. First, he blasts right through the wall, and everybody continues on as if nothing happened. Then, when one of the football players ''finally'' notices a big tank turret aimed at his face, the coach's first order of action is to... tell him to give Blitzwing the ball. Wait.... '''''WHAT?!'''''
*In contrast, the conductor who appears when Astrotrain takes over the train station knows full well to hightail it and run when the latter reveals himself. Seeing as how everybody else just ''stood there'' despite him yelling for them to run for their lives, this officially makes him the only [[human]] in this entire ''episode'' with half a brain.
*For something that was extrapolated from a football coach's vague, irrelevant musings by a guy basically depicted as a moron throughout the episode, Blitzwing's strategy is surprisingly effective.
*Blitzwing's promise of a joint leadership with the Constructicons is amazingly nonsensical: if it happened, there would be almost as many Decepticon leaders as there were Decepticons to be led.
*[[Transformers Comic issue 2.3|In an issue of Titan's Transformers comic]], the movie Decepticon [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] would reveal he's seen this episode.
*Signs in the city: STAR Daster, Hotel, Kend.
*Final score: Visitors 0; Blitzwing 1,569!

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title (Generation 2 dub):'' "'''Der Aufstand'''" ("The Revolution")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 27]], [[1994]]

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''I Triplex ribelli'''" ("The Rebel Triple Changers")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Triplice congiura'''" ("Triple Conspiracy")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Triple Changer no Hanran'''" (トリプル・チェンジャーの反乱, "The Rebellion of the Triple Changers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 11]], [[1986]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Zhēng Quán Duó lì '''" (争权夺利, "Scrambling for Leadership")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Troynoy perevorot'''" (Тройной переворот, "The Triple Upheaval")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1995]] — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[1999]] — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] [[2001]] — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] [[2003]] — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] [[2004]] — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 16 ([[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]] [[2009]] — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (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 Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (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 Two: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-2/synopses/700-49.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1pZqvrqtckaaZ4Nn9WJh89fhB8djWG7-6m Episode dialogue script]

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

Countdown to Extinction (episode)

2021-05-19T19:16:16Z

Elleby: /* Technical or animation glitches */

{{disambig3|Countdown to Extinction}}
{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=14
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=9
|prev2=War of the Dinobots
|next2=Heavy Metal War
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=50
|prev3=Fire on the Mountain (episode)
|next3=Trans-Europe Express
|image=CountdownToExtinction.jpg
|caption=Prime helps Megatron to shoot his load.
|title="Countdown to Extinction"
|production code=#700-11
|airdate=[[December 1]], 1984
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]] and [[Peter Salas]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''In the aftermath of Cybertron's catastrophic orbit of Earth, both sides regroup, while Starscream puts into motion a plan to destroy the planet.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Countdown Extinction Autobots repair.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.1|I think my toy had something like this.]]

The previous threat of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s orbits over [[Earth]] have passed. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] and the [[Autobot]]s work to help repair cities and do other generous/benevolent type things. After all, [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] is MIA, believed killed in the explosion that moved Cybertron from Earth's orbit. But they are not the only ones affected by Megatron's absence.

With [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] having gone AWOL and their headquarters still heavily damaged, the Decepticons are in disarray; [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] picks a fight with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] while [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] fruitlessly tries to keep them on task. This squabbling is short-lived, however, as Megatron returns, having survived the explosion of his starship. When he learns that Starscream and [[Doctor Arkeville]] are apparently working together, he sets off in pursuit with the other Decepticons.

Starscream, still believing Megatron destroyed, forces Doctor Arkeville to take him to his secret laboratory. Once there, he discovers another of the Doctor's inventions, the [[Exponential Generator]], a power source that, if it overcharges, will detonate with enough energy to destroy the Earth.

[[File:Countdown Extinction Decepticon badge.JPG|thumb|upright=1.1|Freeze, this is the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD!]]]]

Seeking to gain power for himself, Starscream links the generator to a timer and then takes Doctor Arkeville with him to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], which is still nearby. He plans to collect the energy unleashed by Earth's destruction to revitalize Cybertron. He coerces [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] into serving him, and to help in the restoration of Cybertron.

The Autobots detect the Decepticon activity and set off after them. After a short battle the Autobots are trapped in quicksand. [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] freezes the quicksand with his liquid nitrogen allowing them to escape. [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]], who was standing guard over them, is captured and [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] forces him to play his findings. The Autobots learn that the Decepticons are heading for the Doctor's secret laboratory and they set off to follow them.

[[File:CountdownDrArkeville.jpg|left|thumb|Stephen Hawking in a rare Transformers cameo.]]

The Doctor, unwilling to let Starscream benefit from the Earth's destruction, attempts to sabotage the energy collectors, but the Decepticon security system stuns him with a blast of electricity. Starscream has the badly-injured Doctor 'repaired' by the [[medicroid]]s, leaving him more machine now than man. Of course, he was twisted and evil to start with, so.

The Autobots and Decepticons arrive at the laboratory and battle each other again. Unaware of the danger it represents, Megatron covets the exponential generator and fights Optimus Prime for its possession. During the fight, Megatron receives a communication from Shockwave on Cybertron.

Shockwave, unwilling to further serve Starscream, warns Megatron about the timer and Starscream's plan. Megatron rips the timer from the wall just in time. On Cybertron, Starscream is baffled that the Earth has not exploded and sets off back to check the timer.

The exponential generator has become volatile and begins to go critical, ready to explode. Prime rips it away from Megatron, but the [[Decepticon leader]] says he needs the Autobot leader's help. [[Transformation|Transforming]], Megatron tells Prime to load the generator into his gun barrel, and then fires it into space. It explodes quite near Starscream who is flying up to Earth, and the blast sends him crashing... just in front of none-too-pleased Megatron. Stunned, Starscream tries to babble something to excuse himself, but Megatron gathers the hapless Starscream up and drags him away.

With the threat ended, the Autobots let the Decepticons go. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] wonders what will happen to Starscream, and the other Autobots are amused at the thought of what Megatron plans to do.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (1)
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] (2)
*[[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] (3)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (5)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (6)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (8)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (18)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (22)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (23)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (24)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (25)
*[[Mirage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Mirage]] (26)
|c2=
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (13)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (15)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (17)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (20)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (27)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (28)
|c3=
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (21)
}}

==Quotes==
"Can't you do ''anything'' right, Skywarp?" 
"Watch it, you metallic mini-meatball, or I'll step on you!"
:—'''Rumble''' and '''Skywarp''' shortly before the former gets owned.

"Hey, I didn't volunteer for this geeky assignment. I want Skywarp's job." 
"Butt out, Frenzy. Geek work's made for a geek! Like you!"
:— '''Frenzy''' and '''Skywarp''' bickering before resorting to violence.

"I, Doctor Arkeville, genius of science, say... OPEN SESAME!" 
"How original."
:—'''Dr. Arkeville''' shows '''Starscream''' the entrance to his secret lab.

"Hey Optimus, how'd you like to hear the number one on the Decepticon hot cassette charts?" 
"As I believe the Earthlings say... lay it on me, man."
:—'''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Your destiny is to serve me, my potent beauty."
:—'''Megatron''''s interest in the exponential generator gets a little creepy.

'''Rumble''': Megatron, it's... it's the Autobots! 
'''Megatron''': Impossible! They were doomed! 
'''Skywarp''': Don't worry. We'll make them regret undooming themselves.
:—The Decepticons prepare to kick some exhaust port.

'''Megatron''': Here! Have a ton of fun! 
''[Megatron throws a boulder at Optimus, misses and hits Rumble.]'' 
'''Optimus''': Hahaha! Your aim's improving, Megatron!
:—'''Optimus Prime''' is having a blast.

"Welcome home, noble voyager."
:—'''Megatron''' missed Janeway too.

'''Bumblebee''': Hey Prime, what do you think Megatron's gonna do to Starscream?" 
'''Optimus''': Nothing gentle, I would say. 
''[general laughter]'' 
'''Jazz''': I think we seen the last of ol' Starcreep alright! And that's the first thing that's gone right all day.
:—The Autobots muse on Starscream's fate after Megatron is last seen carrying him off screen.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 23rd July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 26th July 1984
* Final script: 9th August 1984
* Dialogue recording: ([[Peter Cullen]] not present for main session, [[Chris Latta]] voiced Optimus Prime for scratch track)

===Continuity notes===
* This episode follows on from "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 3]]" and includes a narrative recap of that episode's crucial events.
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] first appears in this episode... and [[FIRRIB|he's red]].
[[File:CountdowntoExtinction Mirage firing missile.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Holy cow, so that's what that thing is for!]]
* Gadgets and powers:
** A relatively rare instance of Wheeljack firing his missile launcher.
** An even more rare instance of Mirage firing his.
** Ironhide unleashes his old favorite, supercooled nitrogen. It's a whitish-clear gas this time, coming from his retracted wrist. (And since nitrogen boils at well below room temperature, this may be the one time in ''Transformers'' where the substance is actually shown correctly.)
** Megatron's communication with Shockwave on Cybertron is indicated by his upper-chest rectangles blinking.
*As proof of his leadership, Starscream shows a badge with the Decepticon [[Insignia|symbol]]. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Every]] [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|other]] [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|leader]] just had Laserbeak perch on his shoulder or arm.
* We never see Arkeville again; Starscream leaves him on Cybertron as an immobilized, half-man, half-machine freak.
* The episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about showing the same 13 Autobots in Prime's strike force.
* '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|< <]]''' What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron's ship blew up! '''[[The Immobilizer|> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as Starscream approaches the secret lab.
** [[TIE Fighter]] engine roar and ''Falcon'' whine as Skywarp and Thundercracker open fire on the Autobot convoy.
** More ''Falcon'' rumble as Skywarp is hit by Wheeljack's missile.
** More TIE engine as the Decepticons move to land a second later.
** [[Death Star]] firing noise as the Decepticons launch to retreat.
** Diving [[X-wing Fighter|X-Wings]] as the Decepticons leave the quicksand pit.
** TIE/''Falcon'' as Laserbeak launches to stop Ironhide.
* A sound effect more commonly used for the Road Runner is repurposed as Skywarp and Thundercracker diving to attack the Autobots.

===Technical or animation glitches===
* As the Dinobots push the building back into place, Grimlock has his old head design, and Sludge has that strange yellow mouth interior again.
* As Wheeljack raises his hand to indicate where the Dinobots should stop, the flashing glow of his "ears" is layered on top of his hand.
* Two Brawns are seen repairing the damaged dam, one handing the other a concrete block. In the next shot, one of them has turned into Gears, in time for Huffer to hassle him.
* When Shockwave contacts Megatron about the generator's imminent destruction, the eyes on his Decepticon insignia are missing.
* Coloring errors:
** When Skywarp's hand and arm reach into the frame to slap Rumble, they're in Thundercracker's colors.
** Soundwave is missing the yellow lines around his tape door as he mocks Thundercracker.
** As Megatron asks about Arkeville, Skywarp's chest intakes are colored black. Both he and Thundercracker have the bottom segments of their canopies colored orange instead of black/blue respectively.
** The Laserbeak tape [[Garboil (G1)|is blue]] in the first shot, but during the close-up, its coloring changes to Laserbeak's normal red-and-white.
** While listening to Laserbeak, the black line above Megatron's eyes is white making his eyes look extra small.
** As Megatron orders his troops to move out, Soundwave's hand is white, then changes to blue.[[File:G1toon starscream and arkeville.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
** Starscream's wing stripe is gray instead of red, and his wings are mounted too low, as he orders the Doctor to open his lab door.
** Starscream's foot is light gray instead of blue as he comments on the Doctor's originality.
** Bumblebee is tan instead of yellow as the jets fire on the Autobot convoy.
** The area in front of Starscream's neck is dark gray instead of light gray as Dr. Arkeville says he must work under his supervision.'
** As Starscream prepares to flip the switch, his wings are missing most of their paint details.
** As Starscream congratulates the Doctor for understanding his intent, the stripes on his wings are white instead of red.
** In the next shot, the bridge of Starscream's nose is dark gray instead of medium gray. In fact, Starscream's nose changes color a lot throughout this episode, too much to mention.
** Starscream's elbow segment is red instead of gray after he threatens Shockwave.
** Optimus's antenna is white instead of blue as he looks up at Megatron perched on the rock peak, and again as he watches the Decepticons fly off.
** As he stands over the generator, the square red button on Megatron's waist is colored blue.
** Starscream's tailfins are miscolored as he falls to Earth and impacts.
** The chest segment above Starscream's canopy is colored yellow instead of gray as Megatron looms over him.
* Missing Seeker insignia:
** Skywarp and Thundercracker are both missing the insignia on the back of their wings as Thundercracker steps in to tell them to shape up.
* As the sliding doors start to open to admit Megatron, he disappears for a frame or two.
* Skywarp is drawn delivering Thundercracker's "He's gone!" lines.
* As usual when he's playing back a tape report, Soundwave's tape door suddenly becomes transparent as Laserbeak plays back. Behind him, Thundercracker's canopy is still over-oranged, and his wings aren't symmetrical.
* Wheeljack is missing his ears as he watches Megatron & co. on screen.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How DID Teletraan I get that image of the Decepticons flying along?
* "Puny flesh creature!" The insignia on Starscream's wing-back is badly out of place.
* Starscream's air intakes are light gray instead of red as Dr. Arkeville boards his [[alternate mode|jet mode]].
* As Starscream talks to Dr. Arkeville in space, his voice is muffled as though coming over a radio. Since Arkeville is ''inside'' him, shouldn't Starscream's voice be normal?
* Brawn's helmet is yellow instead of gray in the big lineup of firing Autobots. Jazz is missing his insignia. Wheeljack's ears flash for a single frame even though he's not speaking, and they're orange; he's missing his missile launcher.
* When Starscream instructs Shockwave to start setting up energy collectors, Shockwave's gun-hand has switched to his right arm.
* Thundercracker has no stripes or insignia on his wings as he, Soundwave and Rumble half-heartedly dodge Autobot fire (instead of landing like Megatron just ordered.)
* Thundercracker is drawn delivering Skywarp's "undooming themselves" line.
* The end of Megatron's fusion cannon is ''much'' too thin as he aims at Prime in front of the generator.
* As Prime warns Megatron to be careful, his faceplate drops almost all the way to his chin as he speaks.
* The damage caused to Megatron's chest by the exponential generator disappears after he leaves the lab.
* As the Autobots drive past cam, Ironhide and Ratchet's passenger side windows are HUGE.
* Prime's strange half-sloped windscreen design appears in the next shot, an error found in several other episodes including "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
* The remastered DVD releases of this episode use an incorrect closing credits sequence, which overlays the text credits from Season 2 over the animation from Season 1.
* Peter Cullen's voice for Optimus Prime is given an unusual amount of robotic modulation in this episode. It's particularly noticeable in the third act's scenes between Optimus Prime and Megatron inside the lab.

===Shout! Factory DVD release===
* The volume of the sound effects in the Shout! release of this episode are noticeably reduced from the original; the beeping of the timer after the first commercial break, for example, is barely audible.

===Continuity errors===
* Narrator [[Victor Caroli]] claims that Cybertron's orbit of Earth has "left the world in ruins". Yet somehow, after the opening scenes of this episode, we never see any signs of this catastrophic damage—in this episode or any future one. The Autobots are shown repairing things, but things return to normal too quickly even for Autobots.
* Megatron was beat to hell at the end of last episode. When he returns to Decepticon Headquarters, he's brand-spankin' new. Where did he get the resources to repair himself so thoroughly?
* Optimus says that "we can't let [Megatron] and the Decepticons regroup"... but it should be obvious from the screen that they already ''have'' regrouped.
*The timer that Starscream connects to the exponential generator, which starts at 8:00:00, leads to some dubious situations:
**When the timer says 7:58:20 (1:40 minutes), only about 20 seconds have passed.
**It takes Starscream less than 30 seconds to reach outer space (and have a good bit of distance between him and Earth). He then reaches Cybertron in about 4 hours. For what it's worth, Starscream's toy [[bio]] states that he can reach Mach 2.8. Also, Cybertron was probably still relatively close to Earth.
**The <del>shenanigans</del> battles out in the field, including when the Decepticons initially bury Bumblebee, and the quicksand trap, take about 5 1/2 hours.
**There's a time lapse of around 15 minutes between the moment Megatron finds the exponential generator and when he opens it up. That, of course, could be overlooked seeing how it may take Megatron, who's unfamiliar with the lab, that much time to figure out the controls.
**The battle outside Doctor Arkeville's lab, including Megatron's own standoff with Optimus Prime, goes on for 2 hours. Maybe not so dubious, but it's not the norm for the television series.
*How is it that everyone seems to know where Doctor Arkeville's '''secret''' laboratory is? (The very prominent ''front staircase'' might be a clue.)
[[File:CountdownExtinction Jazz plays Laserbeak.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
* When we last see Laserbeak, he's held prisoner in Jazz's tape deck. We never do learn how he gets free.
* If the generator can melt Megatron's chest, why doesn't it melt his hands?
*The explosion from the exponential generator is supposed to be powerful enough to destroy the Earth, and yet the actual explosion is so small, all it does is knock Starscream out of the air. (See also "[[War of the Dinobots]]" for another example of an "Earth-destroying" explosion). In fairness, Megatron by this point has spent some time de-wiring and perhaps de-powering the device.

===Trivia===
*The [[Sunbow Productions]] cast list for this episode lists "Tyrex" and "Bronton" as [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s appearing with non-speaking roles. Evidence points to these being early names for Grimlock and Sludge coined by writer [[Donald F. Glut]]; in an interview with Glut,<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070217131842/http://members.aol.com/tfencyc/interview_glut.html Interview with Donald F. Glut]</ref> he revealed that, prior to the Dinobots receiving their final names, he had submitted more "dinosaurian" names for them. Why Glut's proposed names were used on a cast list page for an episode he did not write—particularly when Grimlock and Sludge had been referred to in prior cast list pages under their proper names—is unknown.
* Thundercracker appears to be the one commanding the remaining Decepticons before Megatron returns; while not an outright error, it's a bit odd as based on what's understood about the Decepticon hierarchy, it seems like Soundwave is the highest-ranking one present.
* In the [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS promotional blurb for this episode, the narrator claims the exponential generator's explosion is powerful enough to destroy ''the entire universe.'' So, uhhh, maybe every bit of TF fiction produced after this actually represents a different [[universal stream]]!
*One of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'s'' multiplayer modes is named after this very episode.
*Yes, the Heroic Autobots are laughing over how Megatron is going to torture Starscream.

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Raz de marée'''" ("Tidal Wave")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''Le Générateur exponentiel'''" ("The Exponential Generator")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Astrum, il traditore'''" ("Starscream, the Traitor")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Conto alla rovescia per l'estinzione'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Chikyū Shōmetsu Keikaku'''" (地球消滅計画, "The Earth Obliteration Plan")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[August 31]], [[1985]]
:*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter had to be delayed until the end of the series, when the legal matters could be resolved. As a result, with this episode being an epilogue to "The Ultimate Doom", its chronology rubs off as rather confusing in the broadcast order of the series. A guide written by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] for the [[Pioneer]] DVD box set featured a "proper viewing order" feature so that Japanese fans could watch the episodes in a more logical continuity.
:*This episode was commemorated by an exclusive [[Super Collection Figure#Exclusives|Super Collection Figure]] giftset sold at the Wonder Festival 2002 convention in Japan. The set included both a metallic-painted PVC of Optimus Prime holding Megatron in gun mode and a metallic-painted PVC of Prime in truck mode.

'''Latin American'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Cuenta atrás hacia la extinción'''" ("Countdown to Extinction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Bàozhà Qiánxī'''" (爆炸前夕, "Before Explosion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Otschyot gibeli'''" (Отсчёт гибели, "Death Countdown")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Odbrojavanje pred uništenje'''" (Одбројавање пред уништење, "Countdown to Destruction")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

{{-}}

===Toys inspired by this episode===
[[File:GunmodeMegsMasterpieceConvoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003/2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories'': Scope, silencer, stock

:''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime included an accessory of Megatron in his classic Walther P-38 altmode in reference to this episode, as well as a similar team-up in "[[The Insecticon Syndrome]]". Although non-transforming, it is quite detailed and includes the individually removable silencer / barrel extension, scope, and (hinged) stock.

:As the ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime mold has been has re-released multiple times, so too has Megatron. He was made available again without changes as an accessory for Takara's MP-4, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp4|Convoy Perfect Edition]]" and MP-1L, "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#lastshot|Convoy Last Production]]", and Hasbro's "[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20thDVD|DVD Edition]]", but has also been redecoed several times: these distinct new versions of Megatron are listed on [[Megatron (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|Megatron's toy's page]].

{{-}}

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1986 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 11: "Countdown to Extinction" ([[Family Home 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'' — Original Series: Volume Three ([[Maverick Entertainment|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 Three (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'' — Le Retour de Megatron ([[UFG Junior]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (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 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[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'' — 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)

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-11.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HZEQfVV6BKkVivUIYpdZyoOJftuPoM6J Full episode script, finalised on 9th August 1984]

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

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2021-05-18T23:29:04Z

Elleby: /* Continuity errors */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|prev2=The Autobot Run
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=41
|prev3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|image=Tud1 megatron cybertron.jpg
|caption="A ticker-tape parade using streams of volcanic ash. How ironic!"
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"
|production code=#700-08
|airdate=[[November 3]], 1984
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Larry Strauss]]
|teleplay by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Megatron brings Cybertron into Earth orbit to harvest the energy from the destruction caused by Cybertron's gravity.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station off [[India]]'s [[Malabar Coast]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] arrive in time to intercept them. Watching this battle remotely are [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to begin phase two of Operation Guinea Pig, which involves setting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] loose inside [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. With the [[Autobot]]s distracted by Rumble's rumbling, [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] flies in, nabs [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and flies out.

Back in India, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly take flight and retreat. Prime smells a rat, then Sunstreaker tells him of the attack on their headquarters.

[[File:TFG1TUD1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"I love the Power Glove. It's so bad."]]
After bringing Sparkplug to [[Decepticon]] headquarters, Doctor Arkeville fits him with a mind-control device called a [[hypno-chip]] which brings him into the Decepticons' control. As a means of demonstrating the new technology, Sparkplug is made to attack a full-sized replica of Optimus Prime. Megatron intends to use this technology to create an army of human slaves. With the successful completion of the first part of his plan, Megatron communicates with [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] to confirm that the new [[space bridge]] is ready.

The Autobots attack the Decepticon undersea base to rescue Sparkplug. Optimus Prime leads a direct attack from above while [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] tunnel under the ocean floor. The mission is successful, and the Autobots return him to their base. After undergoing repairs, the Autobots and Spike notice that Sparkplug is acting oddly, but before they can learn why, the Decepticons launch a surprise attack. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] realizes that Sparkplug has sabotaged the Autobots' weapons and [[Teletraan I]], which let the Decepticons in undetected.

When Spike confronts his father, Sparkplug appeals to Spike to join the Decepticons. Spike refuses, and Sparkplug tells his son that when they next meet, they will be enemies. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation, Spike sets off the [[fire-retardant foam]]. This clogs the Decepticons' weapons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Sparkplug willingly goes with them.

[[File:Spikesparkandark.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Snow Miser tunes in to his favorite show, ''The Witwickys''.]]
At the space bridge site, Megatron reveals that he intends to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into Earth orbit using the bridge. The gravity of Cybertron will cause natural disasters, and the Decepticons plan to harvest the vaguely-defined "energy" this will somehow create, and transport it to Cybertron. Arkeville isn't too keen on this idea, but Megatron says it's a new problem for the evil scientist to solve using his genius intellect.

Using the [[Sky Spy]], the Autobots see the giant space bridge and [[roll out]] to investigate. When they attack the bridge site, Megatron releases a group of human slaves to act as shields. The ploy works, and things get even more complicated when the humans attack the Autobots with sticks and stones.

Spike stops Sparkplug from attacking Bumblebee, and for a moment it appears that Sparkplug is back to normal. But Arkeville recomputes his signal, and Sparkplug is again under Decepticon control. He rushes to the first space bridge pylon and activates it. Thundercracker activates the second.

Optimus Prime chases Megatron up to the third pylon and wrestles him away from the button. Megatron orders Prime to turn on the pylon himself, or else he will be responsible for catapulting Cybertron into oblivion. Unwilling to sacrifice his home planet, Optimus Prime activates the space bridge, bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but wonders if he is dooming Earth in the process.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (26)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)
}}
|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (22)
|c3=
*[[Indian maharaja]] (1)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Skywarp''': I say Megatron's plan was brilliant. 
'''Starscream''': And I say the diversionary attack on the solar plant was a waste of energy. 
'''Skywarp''': You waste more energy with your mouth!
:—More heart-warming Decepticon camaraderie.

"I've got the plan, if all of you've got the cast-iron [[manifold]]s for it!" 
"We have!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Into the ocean, let's be daring. The last one in is a rusty herring."
:—'''Jazz''', turning into [[Wheelie (G1)|a poet]].

'''Megatron''': [[Fire-retardant foam]]! Our circuitry's been shorted out. 
'''Thundercracker''': My weapon! 
'''Skywarp''': Can't we just bash 'em to pieces? 
'''Megatron''': If we stay, this foam will permanently damage our circuitry. The Autobots are through anyway. RETREAT!
:—The Decepticons become ever more farcical and ridiculous.

"As the Earthlings say: Fat chance, fat-head!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has been spending too much time with Spike.

"Have I saved Cybertron... only to destroy the Earth?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' angsts over his decision to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 11th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 18th July 1984
* Final script: 27th July 1984
* Dialogue recording: ([[Dan Gilvezan]] not present for main session, [[Wally Burr]] voiced Bumblebee for guide track)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 8th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Optimus on hydrofoils.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*This episode is one of several that gets a narrative opening from [[Victor Caroli]].
[[File:TUD1 Brawn drilling.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
[[File:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|And now, on with the countdown.]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Autobots make their first use of [[hydrofoil]]s in this episode, newly installed by Wheeljack. More than most, these gadgets would show up in [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|many]] [[Atlantis, Arise!|future]] [[City of Steel (episode)|episodes]].
**Ironhide retracts his hand and out comes... a toilet plunger lookin' thing. He uses it to locate the center of Rumble's seismic disturbance, with the results displaying on his chest windows (not unlike his sonadar sensors).
**Sideswipe was getting ready to fire a flare from his hand weapon. He was interrupted by Ravage. Flares are mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]].
**Optimus Prime's chest windows light up, indicating an attack on Autobot Headquarters.
**Brawn has a vehicle mode tunneling drill. It'll show up again in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
**Cliffjumper has a depth gauge that emerges from his vehicle-mode hood.
**Sunstreaker fires a missile from his wrist at Megatron.
**Thundercracker fires a rocket from his forearm in the same way he did in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
**Cliffjumper fires his [[glass gas]] like a regular laser beam from his hand gun.
**Ratchet uses the same retractable wrist-welder he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]".
**This time, it's the blue button on Megatron's stomach that acts as his radio transmitter.
*Once again, evidence that Cybertron is actually outside the Milky Way galaxy: Optimus describes the apex of the space bridge as being "beyond this galaxy".
*For those who wonder how humans can breathe on Cybertron, this episode offers some relief: the final scenes clearly show Cybertron sucking up a chunk of Earth's atmosphere. Of course, this doesn't cover Chip Chase's earlier visit to the planet in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*Also, it may just be perspective, but when we see Earth and Cybertron in the same shot, Cybertron looks almost comedically tiny - arguably a justification for it having buildings which are visible from orbit. That just raises questions about how it manages to siphon a visible chunk of the atmosphere, though.

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off {{w|Malabar Coast}}, which is located in southern {{w|India}}.
*As [[The Transformers: The Movie|always]], when there's a {{w|American Top 40|countdown}} of any kind, it's given to Cliffjumper, thanks to being voiced by [[Casey Kasem]].
*Is Windcharger's line "This must be the place!" a reference to {{w|This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)|the Talking Heads song}} that came out just two years prior? Or would you have to be naive to think that?
*Brawn plays a reverse lifeguard: "Everybody into the pool!"
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**The sound of an igniting [[lightsaber]] is repurposed for Cliffjumper's glass gas beam.
**As Spike flees the battle in Autobot Headquarters, the background laser effects include the sound of the [[Death Star]]'s turbolasers firing at the [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel]] fighters.
**The fritzed-out Autobots get the sound of [[Darth Vader]] and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi|Ben Kenobi]]'s lightsabers locking and sparking in their fight aboard the Death Star. The sound is recycled when Spike shorts out Teletraan I a second later.
===Technical or animation glitches===
*The Maharaja says that his solar panels are collecting three hundred energy units per second. Typical government inflation! The screen says it's ''thirty'' units per second.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Indian maharaja.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*For an Indian, that Maharaja ''sure'' does look like a Caucasian.
*Coloring errors:
**Skywarp has Thundercracker's colors as he blasts his way into the palace.
**As the Autobots enter the water, Sunstreaker is [[Spin-Out (G1)|colored red]] instead of yellow.
**As Rumble transforms, Soundwave's open chest cavity is colored light blue, as if it were closed. His open chest panel is colored dark blue, as if it weren't there!
**Starscream's face is light gray instead of medium gray as he and the other Seekers ride the elevator into Decepticon HQ.
**Starscream's air intake is light gray instead of red as he and the other jets wait for Megatron.
**As he dives back out of Decepticon HQ, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
**When Dr. Arkeville insists that Sparkplug has "no choice" during the attack on the Autobot base, the background is Autobot orange instead of Decepticon purple. The same coloring error occurs during the scene at the energy pylons, when Arkeville mentions having to "recompute the control codes."
**While transforming after arriving at the Space Bridge, Optimus Prime has the gray stripe in his truck mode, and the stripe changes to red as he finishes the transformation. Usually that is done the other way; with no gray stripe in truck mode, but a gray stripe in his robot mode.
*Prime has a sloped windscreen as he and the other Autobots drive through the jungle (repeating an error from "[[Divide and Conquer]]".)
*Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] is drawn pretty badly repeatedly throughout this episode. The front barrel is often drawn at less than half the size it should be. (See the picture further up this page for an example). Apparently size isn't important after all.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**Megatron gets a stationary view of the Autobots charging into the Maharaja's palace. Did Starscream and company spend their time there setting up a camera for him?
**He also gets a view of Soundwave hanging around outside Autobot Headquarters. (Clearly, the Autobots have [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|no security]] at this point.)
**As Sparkplug works to sabotage the Autobots, Dr. Arkeville gets footage from ''inside'' Autobot Headquarters! We can ''maybe'' let this one slide and say that Sparkplug set up a video feed or something.
**Then Arkeville gets a view that's clearly coming from Teletraan I itself! (Actually, that would explain both viewpoints.)
**The [[Sky Spy]] gets what is essentially a ground-level view of the Decepticon energy pylons.
**Megatron doesn't seem to be leaning over a console or anything as the Autobots arrive at the space bridge, but Arkeville still gets a full view of him from Decepticon Headquarters.
**Arkeville then gets a view from right next to Sparkplug as he talks with Spike during the battle.
*As Soundwave salutes, most of his body shifts around a bit, but his chestplate remains completely still.
*Soundwave has a purple Autobot symbol as he ejects Laserbeak. Once his cassette door is open, its inside face is colored solid dark blue, instead of the light blue that it should be.
*Most of Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated, though his usual electronic trill does show up a few times.
*Sideswipe's leg clips through Spike as he joins them in watching Rumble.
*Sideswipe's gun vanishes as he bashes Ravage aside.
*Laserbeak grabs Sparkplug from a metal-paneled interior space, yet immediately flies right out of the volcano's cone. As Spike looks up after Laserbeak, he's suddenly standing against a rock background.
*After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but in Prowl's voice. A similar goof happened in "[[Roll for It]]".
*Either a line was cut, or [[Frank Welker]] misparsed one of Megatron's lines; he says "It had ''better'' function" in regards to the hypno-chip... when nobody had previously been discussing the chips at all.
*The outer edges of Bumblebee's face are supposed to be white, but they're colored yellow as he consoles Spike.
*The animation of Shockwave talking to Megatron is recycled from "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]", complete with its strange brightly-lit background and awkward shadow, and Shockwave's incomplete arms. The establishing shot of this conversation has Megatron appearing to "hover" in front of the screen and gently descend as Shockwave speaks. This is weird.
*Prowl drives into the air at the cliff edge before transforming.
*Brawn's front grill just phases right through his giant [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] drill as it folds back up.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Prime's strike team includes Prowl, Hound, Jazz, Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. During the underwater battle, Gears appears for a single shot.
**As Bumblebee says his "biggest space bridge ever" line, the shot changes, and he's been replaced by a misshapen Hound.
*As Optimus Prime flies to the Decepticon Space bridge, just after Megatron points his arm cannon at him, Optimus ducks to the side, and his face guard vanishes for a split second.
*Whatever damage Cliffjumper did to the inside of Decepticon Headquarters has disappeared by the time Autobots take their exit.
*After Starscream, soaking wet with seawater, emerges from the hole made by Cliffjumper's glass gas, there is a moment where his animation freezes... including the dripping water, which is suspended in mid-air.
*In a pan across the interior of Autobot Headquarters, there are two Prowls.
*One of them is drawn working on Jazz. Since when is Prowl a mechanic?
*In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth is missing as he works on Sunstreaker.
*A layering goof (or cheap shortcut) has Sparkplug's arms not actually reaching into the open panel on Wheeljack's back where he's supposed to be working.
*As Ratchet protests Sparkplug's attempt to work on Optimus, it's suddenly Prowl who he is repairing, rather than Sunstreaker (and despite Prowl being up and about a few shots ago).
*After Prime falls, suddenly it's Jazz laying on the table by Ratchet, with Bluestreak standing over him.
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots, losing its round bolt wrench end in some shots.
*When the Decepticons are showered with foam at the Ark, the shot cuts from Thundercracker to Skywarp by simply changing the colors on the character.
*When Starscream flies to the space bridge, his alt mode is noticeably misshapen. His transformation is amazingly off, as well.
*As Optimus takes aim at Megatron for the second time ("It's not over yet, Megatron!"), his faceplate disappears for a second or two.
*After Sparkplug has his moment of hesitation, Spike's mouth moves, but no words come out.
*When Sparkplug climbs up onto the first energy pylon, the sound of his footsteps is that of a clanking, giant robot, not a human wearing boots.
*The third pylon's energy beam isn't quite aligned with the pylon itself.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's "diversion" only draws four Autobots away from their headquarters, with at least that many still present, yet he seems to regard it as a smashing success.
*Rumble, Ravage and Laserbeak are just able to saunter into Autobot Headquarters with no alarms or security systems going off; that's the by-product of a deleted scene from the episode's script, in which it is explained that Teletraan I is offline while Ratchet performs some standard repair work on it.
*In order to test the effectiveness of the hypno-chip, Megatron produces a model of Optimus Prime. Because Starscream is bone-headed enough to think Megatron just randomly let Prime into the base, Megatron directly says it's a model... right in front of Sparkplug. No one considers that Sparkplug might have more common sense than Starscream, or even that he could ''fake'' being mind-controlled because of what he's just been allowed to overhear.
*That must be one light Optimus Prime model; Sparkplug is able to grab it by the ankle and toss it across the room.
*The entire process of rescuing Sparkplug is fraught with improbabilities:
**Brawn's team should have been swept away by cascading torrents of water as soon as a big enough hole was opened in their tunnel.
**Decepticon Headquarters should also have been inundated as soon as the floor dropped out beneath Starscream. To hold the water at bay, the atmospheric pressure in the base would have to be equal to the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean — a pressure that Sparkplug and Arkeville most assuredly could not survive.
**Whatever force keeps water from gushing up through the big hole in the floor doesn't stop water from gushing in when Brawn punches a big hole in the ''wall''.
**"Hold your breath, Sparkplug!" says Windcharger, as they prepare to swim out of Decepticon HQ. Yes, that will save you from the freezing temperatures and crushing pressures at the bottom of the ocean!
**The water gushing into the base is nowhere to be seen as Starscream re-enters the base.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Foamy Megatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"Mr. Bubbles' Happy Time Fun Bath Soap?! RETREAT!!!"]]
*The Decepticons enter Autobot Headquarters through a huge hole in the wall, yet there has been no explosion or anything.
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam (Cybertronian fire-retardant foam at that!), yet the Autobots are fine.
*Spike trips over nothing as he flees the battle. The next shot make it seem like he was supposed to have tripped over his dad's wrench... but in order to have tripped Spike, the wrench must be either monumentally heavy or bolted to the floor; nonetheless, in the next frame Spike picks the wrench up with no sign of strain—just as you would expect anyone could.
*Every action has an equal and opposite ''re''action; the surface of Cybertron should have been just as devastated by ''Earth''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity as the Earth's surface was by ''Cybertron''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity.
*Why did Megatron slowly climb the rocks to reach the third pylon? Did he forget he could fly?

===Rhino DVD release===
*When Starscream says "Optimus Prime? Prepare to attack!", he and Skywarp have traded colors in Rhino DVD Release, while in the broadcast, Starscream and Skywarp didn't.

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Brainwash" in scripts and other official materials.
*Like "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]", the mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "The Ultimate Doom" was granted the {{w|Film Advisory Board}} Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]] [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]''.
*The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was used as part of the plot for ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' (which was, despite being a [[Michael Bay]] movie, oddly devoid of ''any'' sort of environmental damage that would be caused by such an event).

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 1'''" ("The last judgement, part 1")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 1'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' '''Lo scienziato pazzo''' ("The Mad Scientist")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' '''Destino finale - I''' ("Final Destiny - I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART I'''" (破滅の日 PART I, "Day of Destruction PART I")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
:*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed until the end of the series when the legal issues were cleared up (as were most episodes featuring Skyfire). All three "Ultimate Doom" episodes were aired on the same day in Japan as a special extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Shàng)'''" (灭顶之灾(上), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin American'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte I'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, prvi deo - Ispiranje mozga'''" (Судњи дан, први део - Испирање мозга, "Judgment Day, Part One - Brainwash")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[File:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3(1984).jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|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 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (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 2 ([[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 UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (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 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[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'' — 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==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-08.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SpaaKbcxwHDeZNmC4g9ZJemJ6HT5_vZp Full episode script, finalised on 27th July 1984]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2021-05-18T23:24:27Z

Elleby: /* Technical or animation glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|prev2=The Autobot Run
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=41
|prev3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|image=Tud1 megatron cybertron.jpg
|caption="A ticker-tape parade using streams of volcanic ash. How ironic!"
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"
|production code=#700-08
|airdate=[[November 3]], 1984
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Larry Strauss]]
|teleplay by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Megatron brings Cybertron into Earth orbit to harvest the energy from the destruction caused by Cybertron's gravity.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station off [[India]]'s [[Malabar Coast]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] arrive in time to intercept them. Watching this battle remotely are [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to begin phase two of Operation Guinea Pig, which involves setting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] loose inside [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. With the [[Autobot]]s distracted by Rumble's rumbling, [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] flies in, nabs [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and flies out.

Back in India, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly take flight and retreat. Prime smells a rat, then Sunstreaker tells him of the attack on their headquarters.

[[File:TFG1TUD1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"I love the Power Glove. It's so bad."]]
After bringing Sparkplug to [[Decepticon]] headquarters, Doctor Arkeville fits him with a mind-control device called a [[hypno-chip]] which brings him into the Decepticons' control. As a means of demonstrating the new technology, Sparkplug is made to attack a full-sized replica of Optimus Prime. Megatron intends to use this technology to create an army of human slaves. With the successful completion of the first part of his plan, Megatron communicates with [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] to confirm that the new [[space bridge]] is ready.

The Autobots attack the Decepticon undersea base to rescue Sparkplug. Optimus Prime leads a direct attack from above while [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] tunnel under the ocean floor. The mission is successful, and the Autobots return him to their base. After undergoing repairs, the Autobots and Spike notice that Sparkplug is acting oddly, but before they can learn why, the Decepticons launch a surprise attack. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] realizes that Sparkplug has sabotaged the Autobots' weapons and [[Teletraan I]], which let the Decepticons in undetected.

When Spike confronts his father, Sparkplug appeals to Spike to join the Decepticons. Spike refuses, and Sparkplug tells his son that when they next meet, they will be enemies. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation, Spike sets off the [[fire-retardant foam]]. This clogs the Decepticons' weapons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Sparkplug willingly goes with them.

[[File:Spikesparkandark.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Snow Miser tunes in to his favorite show, ''The Witwickys''.]]
At the space bridge site, Megatron reveals that he intends to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into Earth orbit using the bridge. The gravity of Cybertron will cause natural disasters, and the Decepticons plan to harvest the vaguely-defined "energy" this will somehow create, and transport it to Cybertron. Arkeville isn't too keen on this idea, but Megatron says it's a new problem for the evil scientist to solve using his genius intellect.

Using the [[Sky Spy]], the Autobots see the giant space bridge and [[roll out]] to investigate. When they attack the bridge site, Megatron releases a group of human slaves to act as shields. The ploy works, and things get even more complicated when the humans attack the Autobots with sticks and stones.

Spike stops Sparkplug from attacking Bumblebee, and for a moment it appears that Sparkplug is back to normal. But Arkeville recomputes his signal, and Sparkplug is again under Decepticon control. He rushes to the first space bridge pylon and activates it. Thundercracker activates the second.

Optimus Prime chases Megatron up to the third pylon and wrestles him away from the button. Megatron orders Prime to turn on the pylon himself, or else he will be responsible for catapulting Cybertron into oblivion. Unwilling to sacrifice his home planet, Optimus Prime activates the space bridge, bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but wonders if he is dooming Earth in the process.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (26)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)
}}
|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (22)
|c3=
*[[Indian maharaja]] (1)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Skywarp''': I say Megatron's plan was brilliant. 
'''Starscream''': And I say the diversionary attack on the solar plant was a waste of energy. 
'''Skywarp''': You waste more energy with your mouth!
:—More heart-warming Decepticon camaraderie.

"I've got the plan, if all of you've got the cast-iron [[manifold]]s for it!" 
"We have!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Into the ocean, let's be daring. The last one in is a rusty herring."
:—'''Jazz''', turning into [[Wheelie (G1)|a poet]].

'''Megatron''': [[Fire-retardant foam]]! Our circuitry's been shorted out. 
'''Thundercracker''': My weapon! 
'''Skywarp''': Can't we just bash 'em to pieces? 
'''Megatron''': If we stay, this foam will permanently damage our circuitry. The Autobots are through anyway. RETREAT!
:—The Decepticons become ever more farcical and ridiculous.

"As the Earthlings say: Fat chance, fat-head!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has been spending too much time with Spike.

"Have I saved Cybertron... only to destroy the Earth?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' angsts over his decision to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 11th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 18th July 1984
* Final script: 27th July 1984
* Dialogue recording: ([[Dan Gilvezan]] not present for main session, [[Wally Burr]] voiced Bumblebee for guide track)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 8th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Optimus on hydrofoils.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*This episode is one of several that gets a narrative opening from [[Victor Caroli]].
[[File:TUD1 Brawn drilling.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
[[File:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|And now, on with the countdown.]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Autobots make their first use of [[hydrofoil]]s in this episode, newly installed by Wheeljack. More than most, these gadgets would show up in [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|many]] [[Atlantis, Arise!|future]] [[City of Steel (episode)|episodes]].
**Ironhide retracts his hand and out comes... a toilet plunger lookin' thing. He uses it to locate the center of Rumble's seismic disturbance, with the results displaying on his chest windows (not unlike his sonadar sensors).
**Sideswipe was getting ready to fire a flare from his hand weapon. He was interrupted by Ravage. Flares are mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]].
**Optimus Prime's chest windows light up, indicating an attack on Autobot Headquarters.
**Brawn has a vehicle mode tunneling drill. It'll show up again in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
**Cliffjumper has a depth gauge that emerges from his vehicle-mode hood.
**Sunstreaker fires a missile from his wrist at Megatron.
**Thundercracker fires a rocket from his forearm in the same way he did in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
**Cliffjumper fires his [[glass gas]] like a regular laser beam from his hand gun.
**Ratchet uses the same retractable wrist-welder he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]".
**This time, it's the blue button on Megatron's stomach that acts as his radio transmitter.
*Once again, evidence that Cybertron is actually outside the Milky Way galaxy: Optimus describes the apex of the space bridge as being "beyond this galaxy".
*For those who wonder how humans can breathe on Cybertron, this episode offers some relief: the final scenes clearly show Cybertron sucking up a chunk of Earth's atmosphere. Of course, this doesn't cover Chip Chase's earlier visit to the planet in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*Also, it may just be perspective, but when we see Earth and Cybertron in the same shot, Cybertron looks almost comedically tiny - arguably a justification for it having buildings which are visible from orbit. That just raises questions about how it manages to siphon a visible chunk of the atmosphere, though.

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off {{w|Malabar Coast}}, which is located in southern {{w|India}}.
*As [[The Transformers: The Movie|always]], when there's a {{w|American Top 40|countdown}} of any kind, it's given to Cliffjumper, thanks to being voiced by [[Casey Kasem]].
*Is Windcharger's line "This must be the place!" a reference to {{w|This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)|the Talking Heads song}} that came out just two years prior? Or would you have to be naive to think that?
*Brawn plays a reverse lifeguard: "Everybody into the pool!"
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**The sound of an igniting [[lightsaber]] is repurposed for Cliffjumper's glass gas beam.
**As Spike flees the battle in Autobot Headquarters, the background laser effects include the sound of the [[Death Star]]'s turbolasers firing at the [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel]] fighters.
**The fritzed-out Autobots get the sound of [[Darth Vader]] and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi|Ben Kenobi]]'s lightsabers locking and sparking in their fight aboard the Death Star. The sound is recycled when Spike shorts out Teletraan I a second later.
===Technical or animation glitches===
*The Maharaja says that his solar panels are collecting three hundred energy units per second. Typical government inflation! The screen says it's ''thirty'' units per second.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Indian maharaja.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*For an Indian, that Maharaja ''sure'' does look like a Caucasian.
*Coloring errors:
**Skywarp has Thundercracker's colors as he blasts his way into the palace.
**As the Autobots enter the water, Sunstreaker is [[Spin-Out (G1)|colored red]] instead of yellow.
**As Rumble transforms, Soundwave's open chest cavity is colored light blue, as if it were closed. His open chest panel is colored dark blue, as if it weren't there!
**Starscream's face is light gray instead of medium gray as he and the other Seekers ride the elevator into Decepticon HQ.
**Starscream's air intake is light gray instead of red as he and the other jets wait for Megatron.
**As he dives back out of Decepticon HQ, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
**When Dr. Arkeville insists that Sparkplug has "no choice" during the attack on the Autobot base, the background is Autobot orange instead of Decepticon purple. The same coloring error occurs during the scene at the energy pylons, when Arkeville mentions having to "recompute the control codes."
**While transforming after arriving at the Space Bridge, Optimus Prime has the gray stripe in his truck mode, and the stripe changes to red as he finishes the transformation. Usually that is done the other way; with no gray stripe in truck mode, but a gray stripe in his robot mode.
*Prime has a sloped windscreen as he and the other Autobots drive through the jungle (repeating an error from "[[Divide and Conquer]]".)
*Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] is drawn pretty badly repeatedly throughout this episode. The front barrel is often drawn at less than half the size it should be. (See the picture further up this page for an example). Apparently size isn't important after all.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**Megatron gets a stationary view of the Autobots charging into the Maharaja's palace. Did Starscream and company spend their time there setting up a camera for him?
**He also gets a view of Soundwave hanging around outside Autobot Headquarters. (Clearly, the Autobots have [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|no security]] at this point.)
**As Sparkplug works to sabotage the Autobots, Dr. Arkeville gets footage from ''inside'' Autobot Headquarters! We can ''maybe'' let this one slide and say that Sparkplug set up a video feed or something.
**Then Arkeville gets a view that's clearly coming from Teletraan I itself! (Actually, that would explain both viewpoints.)
**The [[Sky Spy]] gets what is essentially a ground-level view of the Decepticon energy pylons.
**Megatron doesn't seem to be leaning over a console or anything as the Autobots arrive at the space bridge, but Arkeville still gets a full view of him from Decepticon Headquarters.
**Arkeville then gets a view from right next to Sparkplug as he talks with Spike during the battle.
*As Soundwave salutes, most of his body shifts around a bit, but his chestplate remains completely still.
*Soundwave has a purple Autobot symbol as he ejects Laserbeak. Once his cassette door is open, its inside face is colored solid dark blue, instead of the light blue that it should be.
*Most of Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated, though his usual electronic trill does show up a few times.
*Sideswipe's leg clips through Spike as he joins them in watching Rumble.
*Sideswipe's gun vanishes as he bashes Ravage aside.
*Laserbeak grabs Sparkplug from a metal-paneled interior space, yet immediately flies right out of the volcano's cone. As Spike looks up after Laserbeak, he's suddenly standing against a rock background.
*After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but in Prowl's voice. A similar goof happened in "[[Roll for It]]".
*Either a line was cut, or [[Frank Welker]] misparsed one of Megatron's lines; he says "It had ''better'' function" in regards to the hypno-chip... when nobody had previously been discussing the chips at all.
*The outer edges of Bumblebee's face are supposed to be white, but they're colored yellow as he consoles Spike.
*The animation of Shockwave talking to Megatron is recycled from "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]", complete with its strange brightly-lit background and awkward shadow, and Shockwave's incomplete arms. The establishing shot of this conversation has Megatron appearing to "hover" in front of the screen and gently descend as Shockwave speaks. This is weird.
*Prowl drives into the air at the cliff edge before transforming.
*Brawn's front grill just phases right through his giant [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] drill as it folds back up.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Prime's strike team includes Prowl, Hound, Jazz, Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. During the underwater battle, Gears appears for a single shot.
**As Bumblebee says his "biggest space bridge ever" line, the shot changes, and he's been replaced by a misshapen Hound.
*As Optimus Prime flies to the Decepticon Space bridge, just after Megatron points his arm cannon at him, Optimus ducks to the side, and his face guard vanishes for a split second.
*Whatever damage Cliffjumper did to the inside of Decepticon Headquarters has disappeared by the time Autobots take their exit.
*After Starscream, soaking wet with seawater, emerges from the hole made by Cliffjumper's glass gas, there is a moment where his animation freezes... including the dripping water, which is suspended in mid-air.
*In a pan across the interior of Autobot Headquarters, there are two Prowls.
*One of them is drawn working on Jazz. Since when is Prowl a mechanic?
*In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth is missing as he works on Sunstreaker.
*A layering goof (or cheap shortcut) has Sparkplug's arms not actually reaching into the open panel on Wheeljack's back where he's supposed to be working.
*As Ratchet protests Sparkplug's attempt to work on Optimus, it's suddenly Prowl who he is repairing, rather than Sunstreaker (and despite Prowl being up and about a few shots ago).
*After Prime falls, suddenly it's Jazz laying on the table by Ratchet, with Bluestreak standing over him.
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots, losing its round bolt wrench end in some shots.
*When the Decepticons are showered with foam at the Ark, the shot cuts from Thundercracker to Skywarp by simply changing the colors on the character.
*When Starscream flies to the space bridge, his alt mode is noticeably misshapen. His transformation is amazingly off, as well.
*As Optimus takes aim at Megatron for the second time ("It's not over yet, Megatron!"), his faceplate disappears for a second or two.
*After Sparkplug has his moment of hesitation, Spike's mouth moves, but no words come out.
*When Sparkplug climbs up onto the first energy pylon, the sound of his footsteps is that of a clanking, giant robot, not a human wearing boots.
*The third pylon's energy beam isn't quite aligned with the pylon itself.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's "diversion" only draws four Autobots away from their headquarters, with at least that many still present, yet he seems to regard it as a smashing success.
*Rumble, Ravage and Laserbeak are just able to saunter into Autobot Headquarters with no alarms or security systems going off; that's the by-product of a deleted scene from the episode's script, in which it is explained that Teletraan I is offline while Ratchet performs some standard repair work on it.
*In order to test the effectiveness of the hypno-chip, Megatron produces a model of Optimus Prime. Because Starscream is bone-headed enough to think Megatron just randomly let Prime into the base, Megatron directly says it's a model... right in front of Sparkplug. No one considers that Sparkplug might have more common sense than Starscream, or even that he could ''fake'' being mind-controlled because of what he's just been allowed to overhear.
*That must be one light Optimus Prime model; Sparkplug is able to grab it by the ankle and toss it across the room.
*The entire process of rescuing Sparkplug is fraught with improbabilities:
**Brawn's team should have been swept away by cascading torrents of water as soon as a big enough hole was opened in their tunnel.
**Decepticon Headquarters should also have been inundated as soon as the floor dropped out beneath Starscream. To hold the water at bay, the atmospheric pressure in the base would have to be equal to the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean — a pressure that Sparkplug and Arkeville most assuredly could not survive.
**Whatever force keeps water from gushing up through the big hole in the floor doesn't stop water from gushing in when Brawn punches a big hole in the ''wall''.
**"Hold your breath, Sparkplug!" says Windcharger, as they prepare to swim out of Decepticon HQ. Yes, that will save you from the freezing temperatures and crushing pressures at the bottom of the ocean!
**The water gushing into the base is nowhere to be seen as Starscream re-enters the base.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Foamy Megatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"Mr. Bubbles' Happy Time Fun Bath Soap?! RETREAT!!!"]]
*The Decepticons enter Autobot Headquarters through a huge hole in the wall, yet there has been no explosion or anything.
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam (Cybertronian fire-retardant foam at that!), yet the Autobots are fine.
*Spike trips over nothing as he flees the battle. The next shot make it seem like he was supposed to have tripped over his dad's wrench... but in order to have tripped Spike, the wrench must be either monumentally heavy or bolted to the floor; nonetheless, in the next frame Spike picks the wrench up with no sign of strain—just as you would expect anyone could.
*Every action has an equal and opposite ''re''action; the surface of Cybertron should have been just as devastated by ''Earth''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity as the Earth's surface was by ''Cybertron''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity.

===Rhino DVD release===
*When Starscream says "Optimus Prime? Prepare to attack!", he and Skywarp have traded colors in Rhino DVD Release, while in the broadcast, Starscream and Skywarp didn't.

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Brainwash" in scripts and other official materials.
*Like "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]", the mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "The Ultimate Doom" was granted the {{w|Film Advisory Board}} Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]] [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]''.
*The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was used as part of the plot for ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' (which was, despite being a [[Michael Bay]] movie, oddly devoid of ''any'' sort of environmental damage that would be caused by such an event).

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 1'''" ("The last judgement, part 1")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 1'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' '''Lo scienziato pazzo''' ("The Mad Scientist")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' '''Destino finale - I''' ("Final Destiny - I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART I'''" (破滅の日 PART I, "Day of Destruction PART I")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
:*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed until the end of the series when the legal issues were cleared up (as were most episodes featuring Skyfire). All three "Ultimate Doom" episodes were aired on the same day in Japan as a special extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Shàng)'''" (灭顶之灾(上), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin American'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte I'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, prvi deo - Ispiranje mozga'''" (Судњи дан, први део - Испирање мозга, "Judgment Day, Part One - Brainwash")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[File:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3(1984).jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|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 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (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 2 ([[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 UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (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 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[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'' — 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==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-08.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SpaaKbcxwHDeZNmC4g9ZJemJ6HT5_vZp Full episode script, finalised on 27th July 1984]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Ultimate Doom, Part 1

2021-05-18T23:23:06Z

Elleby: /* Technical or animation glitches */

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=11
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=66
|prev2=The Autobot Run
|next2=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=41
|prev3=Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2
|next3=The Ultimate Doom, Part 2
|image=Tud1 megatron cybertron.jpg
|caption="A ticker-tape parade using streams of volcanic ash. How ironic!"
|title="The Ultimate Doom, Part 1"
|production code=#700-08
|airdate=[[November 3]], 1984
|story by=[[Dick Robbins]], [[Bryce Malek]], [[Douglas Booth]] and [[Larry Strauss]]
|teleplay by=[[Larry Strauss]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''Megatron brings Cybertron into Earth orbit to harvest the energy from the destruction caused by Cybertron's gravity.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Sparkplugkidnapped.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Kidnapping humans will be simplicity itself, thanks to my new, Transformers-sized crane game."]]
[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] attack a solar power station off [[India]]'s [[Malabar Coast]]. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]], [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] arrive in time to intercept them. Watching this battle remotely are [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and the evil human scientist [[Doctor Arkeville]]. Megatron orders [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] to begin phase two of Operation Guinea Pig, which involves setting [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] loose inside [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]]. With the [[Autobot]]s distracted by Rumble's rumbling, [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] flies in, nabs [[Sparkplug Witwicky|Sparkplug]] and flies out.

Back in India, the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] suddenly take flight and retreat. Prime smells a rat, then Sunstreaker tells him of the attack on their headquarters.

[[File:TFG1TUD1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"I love the Power Glove. It's so bad."]]
After bringing Sparkplug to [[Decepticon]] headquarters, Doctor Arkeville fits him with a mind-control device called a [[hypno-chip]] which brings him into the Decepticons' control. As a means of demonstrating the new technology, Sparkplug is made to attack a full-sized replica of Optimus Prime. Megatron intends to use this technology to create an army of human slaves. With the successful completion of the first part of his plan, Megatron communicates with [[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] to confirm that the new [[space bridge]] is ready.

The Autobots attack the Decepticon undersea base to rescue Sparkplug. Optimus Prime leads a direct attack from above while [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]], [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] tunnel under the ocean floor. The mission is successful, and the Autobots return him to their base. After undergoing repairs, the Autobots and Spike notice that Sparkplug is acting oddly, but before they can learn why, the Decepticons launch a surprise attack. [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike]] realizes that Sparkplug has sabotaged the Autobots' weapons and [[Teletraan I]], which let the Decepticons in undetected.

When Spike confronts his father, Sparkplug appeals to Spike to join the Decepticons. Spike refuses, and Sparkplug tells his son that when they next meet, they will be enemies. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation, Spike sets off the [[fire-retardant foam]]. This clogs the Decepticons' weapons, and Megatron orders a retreat. Sparkplug willingly goes with them.

[[File:Spikesparkandark.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Snow Miser tunes in to his favorite show, ''The Witwickys''.]]
At the space bridge site, Megatron reveals that he intends to bring [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] into Earth orbit using the bridge. The gravity of Cybertron will cause natural disasters, and the Decepticons plan to harvest the vaguely-defined "energy" this will somehow create, and transport it to Cybertron. Arkeville isn't too keen on this idea, but Megatron says it's a new problem for the evil scientist to solve using his genius intellect.

Using the [[Sky Spy]], the Autobots see the giant space bridge and [[roll out]] to investigate. When they attack the bridge site, Megatron releases a group of human slaves to act as shields. The ploy works, and things get even more complicated when the humans attack the Autobots with sticks and stones.

Spike stops Sparkplug from attacking Bumblebee, and for a moment it appears that Sparkplug is back to normal. But Arkeville recomputes his signal, and Sparkplug is again under Decepticon control. He rushes to the first space bridge pylon and activates it. Thundercracker activates the second.

Optimus Prime chases Megatron up to the third pylon and wrestles him away from the button. Megatron orders Prime to turn on the pylon himself, or else he will be responsible for catapulting Cybertron into oblivion. Unwilling to sacrifice his home planet, Optimus Prime activates the space bridge, bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit, but wonders if he is dooming Earth in the process.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (6)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sunstreaker]] (7)
*[[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] (8)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (14)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Sideswipe]] (15)
*[[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] (17)
*[[Prowl (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Prowl]] (20)
*[[Hound (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Hound]] (21)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] (23)
*[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (24)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (25)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (26)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (27)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (28)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (29)
}}
|c2=
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (2)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]] (3)
*[[Skywarp (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Skywarp]] (4)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (9)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (11)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (12)
*[[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] (18)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] (19)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Shockwave]] (22)
|c3=
*[[Indian maharaja]] (1)
*[[Doctor Arkeville]] (10)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (16)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Spike Witwicky]] (20)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Skywarp''': I say Megatron's plan was brilliant. 
'''Starscream''': And I say the diversionary attack on the solar plant was a waste of energy. 
'''Skywarp''': You waste more energy with your mouth!
:—More heart-warming Decepticon camaraderie.

"I've got the plan, if all of you've got the cast-iron [[manifold]]s for it!" 
"We have!"
:—'''Prowl''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

"Into the ocean, let's be daring. The last one in is a rusty herring."
:—'''Jazz''', turning into [[Wheelie (G1)|a poet]].

'''Megatron''': [[Fire-retardant foam]]! Our circuitry's been shorted out. 
'''Thundercracker''': My weapon! 
'''Skywarp''': Can't we just bash 'em to pieces? 
'''Megatron''': If we stay, this foam will permanently damage our circuitry. The Autobots are through anyway. RETREAT!
:—The Decepticons become ever more farcical and ridiculous.

"As the Earthlings say: Fat chance, fat-head!"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' has been spending too much time with Spike.

"Have I saved Cybertron... only to destroy the Earth?"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' angsts over his decision to bring Cybertron into Earth's orbit.

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 11th July 1984
* Script revised by [[Ron Friedman]]: 18th July 1984
* Final script: 27th July 1984
* Dialogue recording: ([[Dan Gilvezan]] not present for main session, [[Wally Burr]] voiced Bumblebee for guide track)
* Returned to the US for telecine: 8th November 1984

===Continuity notes===
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Optimus on hydrofoils.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*This episode is one of several that gets a narrative opening from [[Victor Caroli]].
[[File:TUD1 Brawn drilling.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
[[File:TUD1 Cliffjumper depth gauge.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|And now, on with the countdown.]]
*Gadgets and powers:
**The Autobots make their first use of [[hydrofoil]]s in this episode, newly installed by Wheeljack. More than most, these gadgets would show up in [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|many]] [[Atlantis, Arise!|future]] [[City of Steel (episode)|episodes]].
**Ironhide retracts his hand and out comes... a toilet plunger lookin' thing. He uses it to locate the center of Rumble's seismic disturbance, with the results displaying on his chest windows (not unlike his sonadar sensors).
**Sideswipe was getting ready to fire a flare from his hand weapon. He was interrupted by Ravage. Flares are mentioned in Sideswipe's [[bio]].
**Optimus Prime's chest windows light up, indicating an attack on Autobot Headquarters.
**Brawn has a vehicle mode tunneling drill. It'll show up again in "[[The Immobilizer]]".
**Cliffjumper has a depth gauge that emerges from his vehicle-mode hood.
**Sunstreaker fires a missile from his wrist at Megatron.
**Thundercracker fires a rocket from his forearm in the same way he did in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
**Cliffjumper fires his [[glass gas]] like a regular laser beam from his hand gun.
**Ratchet uses the same retractable wrist-welder he had in "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]".
**This time, it's the blue button on Megatron's stomach that acts as his radio transmitter.
*Once again, evidence that Cybertron is actually outside the Milky Way galaxy: Optimus describes the apex of the space bridge as being "beyond this galaxy".
*For those who wonder how humans can breathe on Cybertron, this episode offers some relief: the final scenes clearly show Cybertron sucking up a chunk of Earth's atmosphere. Of course, this doesn't cover Chip Chase's earlier visit to the planet in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*Also, it may just be perspective, but when we see Earth and Cybertron in the same shot, Cybertron looks almost comedically tiny - arguably a justification for it having buildings which are visible from orbit. That just raises questions about how it manages to siphon a visible chunk of the atmosphere, though.

===Real-world references===
*The Seekers attack a solar power plant off {{w|Malabar Coast}}, which is located in southern {{w|India}}.
*As [[The Transformers: The Movie|always]], when there's a {{w|American Top 40|countdown}} of any kind, it's given to Cliffjumper, thanks to being voiced by [[Casey Kasem]].
*Is Windcharger's line "This must be the place!" a reference to {{w|This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)|the Talking Heads song}} that came out just two years prior? Or would you have to be naive to think that?
*Brawn plays a reverse lifeguard: "Everybody into the pool!"
*''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
**The sound of an igniting [[lightsaber]] is repurposed for Cliffjumper's glass gas beam.
**As Spike flees the battle in Autobot Headquarters, the background laser effects include the sound of the [[Death Star]]'s turbolasers firing at the [[Rebel Alliance|Rebel]] fighters.
**The fritzed-out Autobots get the sound of [[Darth Vader]] and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi|Ben Kenobi]]'s lightsabers locking and sparking in their fight aboard the Death Star. The sound is recycled when Spike shorts out Teletraan I a second later.
===Technical or animation glitches===
*The Maharaja says that his solar panels are collecting three hundred energy units per second. Typical government inflation! The screen says it's ''thirty'' units per second.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Indian maharaja.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*For an Indian, that Maharaja ''sure'' does look like a Caucasian.
*Coloring errors:
**Skywarp has Thundercracker's colors as he blasts his way into the palace.
**As the Autobots enter the water, Sunstreaker is [[Spin-Out (G1)|colored red]] instead of yellow.
**As Rumble transforms, Soundwave's open chest cavity is colored light blue, as if it were closed. His open chest panel is colored dark blue, as if it weren't there!
**Starscream's face is light gray instead of medium gray as he and the other Seekers ride the elevator into Decepticon HQ.
**Starscream's air intake is light gray instead of red as he and the other jets wait for Megatron.
**As he dives back out of Decepticon HQ, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee.
**When Dr. Arkeville insists that Sparkplug has "no choice" during the attack on the Autobot base, the background is Autobot orange instead of Decepticon purple. The same coloring error occurs during the scene at the energy pylons, when Arkeville mentions having to "recompute the control codes."
**While transforming after arriving at the Space Bridge, Optimus Prime has the white stripe in his truck mode, and the stripe changes to red as he finishes the transformation. Usually that is done the other way; with no white stripe in truck mode, but a white stripe in his robot mode.
*Prime has a sloped windscreen as he and the other Autobots drive through the jungle (repeating an error from "[[Divide and Conquer]]".)
*Megatron's [[fusion cannon]] is drawn pretty badly repeatedly throughout this episode. The front barrel is often drawn at less than half the size it should be. (See the picture further up this page for an example). Apparently size isn't important after all.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**Megatron gets a stationary view of the Autobots charging into the Maharaja's palace. Did Starscream and company spend their time there setting up a camera for him?
**He also gets a view of Soundwave hanging around outside Autobot Headquarters. (Clearly, the Autobots have [[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|no security]] at this point.)
**As Sparkplug works to sabotage the Autobots, Dr. Arkeville gets footage from ''inside'' Autobot Headquarters! We can ''maybe'' let this one slide and say that Sparkplug set up a video feed or something.
**Then Arkeville gets a view that's clearly coming from Teletraan I itself! (Actually, that would explain both viewpoints.)
**The [[Sky Spy]] gets what is essentially a ground-level view of the Decepticon energy pylons.
**Megatron doesn't seem to be leaning over a console or anything as the Autobots arrive at the space bridge, but Arkeville still gets a full view of him from Decepticon Headquarters.
**Arkeville then gets a view from right next to Sparkplug as he talks with Spike during the battle.
*As Soundwave salutes, most of his body shifts around a bit, but his chestplate remains completely still.
*Soundwave has a purple Autobot symbol as he ejects Laserbeak. Once his cassette door is open, its inside face is colored solid dark blue, instead of the light blue that it should be.
*Most of Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated, though his usual electronic trill does show up a few times.
*Sideswipe's leg clips through Spike as he joins them in watching Rumble.
*Sideswipe's gun vanishes as he bashes Ravage aside.
*Laserbeak grabs Sparkplug from a metal-paneled interior space, yet immediately flies right out of the volcano's cone. As Spike looks up after Laserbeak, he's suddenly standing against a rock background.
*After the Autobots in India realize they have been duped, Sunstreaker says "We were set up!", but in Prowl's voice. A similar goof happened in "[[Roll for It]]".
*Either a line was cut, or [[Frank Welker]] misparsed one of Megatron's lines; he says "It had ''better'' function" in regards to the hypno-chip... when nobody had previously been discussing the chips at all.
*The outer edges of Bumblebee's face are supposed to be white, but they're colored yellow as he consoles Spike.
*The animation of Shockwave talking to Megatron is recycled from "[[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]]", complete with its strange brightly-lit background and awkward shadow, and Shockwave's incomplete arms. The establishing shot of this conversation has Megatron appearing to "hover" in front of the screen and gently descend as Shockwave speaks. This is weird.
*Prowl drives into the air at the cliff edge before transforming.
*Brawn's front grill just phases right through his giant [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] drill as it folds back up.
*Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
**Prime's strike team includes Prowl, Hound, Jazz, Sunstreaker, Wheeljack, and Bumblebee. During the underwater battle, Gears appears for a single shot.
**As Bumblebee says his "biggest space bridge ever" line, the shot changes, and he's been replaced by a misshapen Hound.
*As Optimus Prime flies to the Decepticon Space bridge, just after Megatron points his arm cannon at him, Optimus ducks to the side, and his face guard vanishes for a split second.
*Whatever damage Cliffjumper did to the inside of Decepticon Headquarters has disappeared by the time Autobots take their exit.
*After Starscream, soaking wet with seawater, emerges from the hole made by Cliffjumper's glass gas, there is a moment where his animation freezes... including the dripping water, which is suspended in mid-air.
*In a pan across the interior of Autobot Headquarters, there are two Prowls.
*One of them is drawn working on Jazz. Since when is Prowl a mechanic?
*In the same shot, Ratchet's mouth is missing as he works on Sunstreaker.
*A layering goof (or cheap shortcut) has Sparkplug's arms not actually reaching into the open panel on Wheeljack's back where he's supposed to be working.
*As Ratchet protests Sparkplug's attempt to work on Optimus, it's suddenly Prowl who he is repairing, rather than Sunstreaker (and despite Prowl being up and about a few shots ago).
*After Prime falls, suddenly it's Jazz laying on the table by Ratchet, with Bluestreak standing over him.
*Sparkplug's wrench looks different between shots, losing its round bolt wrench end in some shots.
*When the Decepticons are showered with foam at the Ark, the shot cuts from Thundercracker to Skywarp by simply changing the colors on the character.
*When Starscream flies to the space bridge, his alt mode is noticeably misshapen. His transformation is amazingly off, as well.
*As Optimus takes aim at Megatron for the second time ("It's not over yet, Megatron!"), his faceplate disappears for a second or two.
*After Sparkplug has his moment of hesitation, Spike's mouth moves, but no words come out.
*When Sparkplug climbs up onto the first energy pylon, the sound of his footsteps is that of a clanking, giant robot, not a human wearing boots.
*The third pylon's energy beam isn't quite aligned with the pylon itself.

===Continuity errors===
*Megatron's "diversion" only draws four Autobots away from their headquarters, with at least that many still present, yet he seems to regard it as a smashing success.
*Rumble, Ravage and Laserbeak are just able to saunter into Autobot Headquarters with no alarms or security systems going off; that's the by-product of a deleted scene from the episode's script, in which it is explained that Teletraan I is offline while Ratchet performs some standard repair work on it.
*In order to test the effectiveness of the hypno-chip, Megatron produces a model of Optimus Prime. Because Starscream is bone-headed enough to think Megatron just randomly let Prime into the base, Megatron directly says it's a model... right in front of Sparkplug. No one considers that Sparkplug might have more common sense than Starscream, or even that he could ''fake'' being mind-controlled because of what he's just been allowed to overhear.
*That must be one light Optimus Prime model; Sparkplug is able to grab it by the ankle and toss it across the room.
*The entire process of rescuing Sparkplug is fraught with improbabilities:
**Brawn's team should have been swept away by cascading torrents of water as soon as a big enough hole was opened in their tunnel.
**Decepticon Headquarters should also have been inundated as soon as the floor dropped out beneath Starscream. To hold the water at bay, the atmospheric pressure in the base would have to be equal to the water pressure at the bottom of the ocean — a pressure that Sparkplug and Arkeville most assuredly could not survive.
**Whatever force keeps water from gushing up through the big hole in the floor doesn't stop water from gushing in when Brawn punches a big hole in the ''wall''.
**"Hold your breath, Sparkplug!" says Windcharger, as they prepare to swim out of Decepticon HQ. Yes, that will save you from the freezing temperatures and crushing pressures at the bottom of the ocean!
**The water gushing into the base is nowhere to be seen as Starscream re-enters the base.
[[File:UltimateDoom1 Foamy Megatron.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|"Mr. Bubbles' Happy Time Fun Bath Soap?! RETREAT!!!"]]
*The Decepticons enter Autobot Headquarters through a huge hole in the wall, yet there has been no explosion or anything.
*The Decepticons can be apparently easily damaged by fire-retardant foam (Cybertronian fire-retardant foam at that!), yet the Autobots are fine.
*Spike trips over nothing as he flees the battle. The next shot make it seem like he was supposed to have tripped over his dad's wrench... but in order to have tripped Spike, the wrench must be either monumentally heavy or bolted to the floor; nonetheless, in the next frame Spike picks the wrench up with no sign of strain—just as you would expect anyone could.
*Every action has an equal and opposite ''re''action; the surface of Cybertron should have been just as devastated by ''Earth''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity as the Earth's surface was by ''Cybertron''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s gravity.

===Rhino DVD release===
*When Starscream says "Optimus Prime? Prepare to attack!", he and Skywarp have traded colors in Rhino DVD Release, while in the broadcast, Starscream and Skywarp didn't.

===Trivia===
*This episode is subtitled "Brainwash" in scripts and other official materials.
*Like "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]", the mid-80s [[Family Home Entertainment]] VHS release of "The Ultimate Doom" was granted the {{w|Film Advisory Board}} Award of Excellence, proudly displayed on the video box cover. However, this particular "award" does not reflect the ''quality'' of any work submitted, but rather that the work is "family-friendly". Cheeky, once again!
*This was one of the six episodes featured on the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (video games)|Revenge of the Fallen]] [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|console game]]''.
*The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was used as part of the plot for ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Transformers: Dark of the Moon]]'' (which was, despite being a [[Michael Bay]] movie, oddly devoid of ''any'' sort of environmental damage that would be caused by such an event).

===Foreign localization===
'''French'''
:*''Title (European French):'' "'''Le dernier jugement, partie 1'''" ("The last judgement, part 1")
:*''Title (Canadian French):'' "'''L'ultime destin - Partie 1'''" ("The ultimate doom - Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' '''Lo scienziato pazzo''' ("The Mad Scientist")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' '''Destino finale - I''' ("Final Destiny - I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Hametsu no Hi PART I'''" (破滅の日 PART I, "Day of Destruction PART I")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[November 7]], [[1986]]
:*Due to [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]]'s status as a [[Bandai]] toy in Japan, the Japanese broadcast of "The Ultimate Doom" three-parter was delayed until the end of the series when the legal issues were cleared up (as were most episodes featuring Skyfire). All three "Ultimate Doom" episodes were aired on the same day in Japan as a special extra length series finale.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Miè Dǐng zhī Zāi (Shàng)'''" (灭顶之灾(上), "Catastrophe of Extinction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Latin American'''
:*''Title:'' "'''La Destrucción Máxima, Parte I'''" ("The Maximum Destruction, Part I")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sudnji dan, prvi deo - Ispiranje mozga'''" (Судњи дан, први део - Испирање мозга, "Judgment Day, Part One - Brainwash")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
[[File:TransformersVillainsUltimateDoomParts1-3(1984).jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|"I'm such a villain, I even stole this DVD cover."]]
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 2: "The Ultimate Doom" ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''The Transformers'' — The Ultimate Doom ([[Malofilm]]) 
[[File:Flag of Canada.png|20px|Canada]] 1996 — ''Transformers'' — L'Ultime Piège (Malofilm) — French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1995 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Megatron Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers'' — Decepticon Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 2 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2001 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2002 — ''Transformers'' — Original Series: Volume One ([[Maverick Entertainment|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 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2002 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three (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 2 ([[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 UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Classic Transformers'' — Series One: Part Two (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 02: Stagione Uno Parte Seconda ([[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'' — 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==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-1/synopses/700-08.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
*[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SpaaKbcxwHDeZNmC4g9ZJemJ6HT5_vZp Full episode script, finalised on 27th July 1984]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ultimate Doom, Part 1}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1

2021-05-16T12:55:15Z

Elleby: /* Animation and technical errors */ Removed "error" of Rodimus's shoulder indentions being white while they were burgundy in the last episode. The prior episode using the wrong color can't make an error in THIS episode.

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=94
|ep2=31
|prev2=The Desperate Struggle of Justice
|next2=The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2
|image=ReturnOptimusPrime1 Optimus lives.JPG
|caption=And there was much rejoicing (yay).
|title="The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1"
|production code=700-115
|airdate=[[February 24]], [[1987]]
|written by=[[Marv Wolfman]] [[Cherie Wilkerson]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei Animation|Toei]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''An embittered scientist uses the body of Optimus Prime to unleash a dangerous plague on the Autobots and, ultimately, the universe.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:ReturnofOptimus1 Prime rescue.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"You're right, it is athlete's foot."]]
While on a deep-space mission in the ''[[Solaris]]'' to test a new [[Impervious alloy|heat-and-radiation-resistant alloy]] that they have developed, scientists [[Jessica Morgan]] and [[Gregory Swofford]] detect a ship carrying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s body on a collision course with a planetoid orbiting a star they are researching nearby. Despite Gregory's reservations (his face was scarred in a previous scuffle between Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], which he blames on Optimus), he is talked into helping Jessica rescue Prime's body before the ship collides with the planetoid, the impact of which also sets off the star into a supernova and coating their ship with unusual spores.

[[File:ReturnofOptimus1 Scattershot rescues Jessica.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Don't worry, I'll help you rescue your daug-OOH LOOK, A BUNNY!]]
Upon their return to [[Earth]], [[Mark Morgan|Jessica's father]] studies the spores and learns that they are not only alive, but are an [[Hate Plague|incredibly contagious viral agent]] that induces hatred and destructive urges into whoever they contaminate. The humans don't have long to dwell on this discovery, however, as the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], sent by [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] to steal the heat-resistant alloy, begin attacking the lab. While the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]] soon arrive to fight off the [[Decepticon]]s, [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] overpowers [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] and the Terrorcons are able to make off with the alloy. To make matters worse, a falling piece of rubble gravely injures Jessica. Outraged by the Transformers' actions, her father is convinced by Gregory to try and resurrect Prime's body as a carrier of the spores against the [[Autobot]]s, a sentiment exacerbated when it's learned Jessica was paralyzed from the waist down in the accident and now needs a special [[exosuit]] to walk. However, when reviving Prime's body turns out to be impossible for them, Gregory and Jessica's father decide to use it as bait for the other Autobots. Dr. Morgan forces Jessica to lure them into a spore trap at the lab.

The trap goes off without a hitch, mostly due to [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus]]' reckless haste in recovering his predecessor's corpse in lieu of caution, and several Autobots—including [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]], two of the most powerful Autobot gestalts—are infected. The Decepticons have learned about Optimus Prime's recovery as well, and have shown up to terminate the former Autobot leader permanently, but are instead infected themselves. Fortunately, Rodimus, Jessica, and Galvatron manage to escape unharmed, the former two with Optimus' body; a few other Autobots manage to escape infection as well, but are badly wounded while attempting to subdue a sickened and crazed Superion.

[[File:ReturnofOptimus1 Magnus sneaks up.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Rodimus has [[Energy vampire|no reflection]]?]]
Back at Autobot City, Rodimus pleads to [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] to try and repair Prime, but Prime is too far gone even for [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] medical experience. Desperate, Rodimus contacts [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] and orders him to locate and bring back a [[Quintesson]], remembering that they had [[Dark Awakening (episode)|once before restored Optimus to life]]. He then sets about disconnecting [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] to keep the city-former from becoming infected. However, just as he finishes the final steps to do so, an infected [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] appears. He gives chase to Rodimus before he's temporarily subdued by Wreck-Gar... who ends up becoming infected, and infecting Rodimus in return.

[[File:ReturnofOptimus1 Quintesson fixing Prime.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|You put your right arm in. You put your right arm out.]]
TV station [[KSUN]] reports that the Hate Plague, as it's now called, has spread like wildfire across the planet. Scenes of chaos and destruction unfold in [[Washington, D.C.]] and elsewhere. The plague has even made its way off-world, sending the Quintessons into hiding at the ends of the galaxy. Sky Lynx finds [[Klementia|an uninfected Quintesson]] who he saves from infected Sharkticons in exchange for reviving Optimus. The Quintesson warns that—should anything go too awry during the process — there's a good chance that Optimus will never live again. It's touch-and-go for a while, but eventually, the Quintesson manages to pull through and Optimus is restored to full life, declaring that "no force in the Universe can stop me."

[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2|To be continued]]...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{collist|2|
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
*[[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]] (11)
*[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (12)
*[[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]] (13)
*[[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]] (14)
*[[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]] (15)
*[[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (17)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (18)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (19)
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]] (20)
*[[Wideload (G1)|Wideload]] (21)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (22)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (23)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] (24)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (26)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (27)
*[[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (28)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (29)
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (30)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (31)
*[[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (32)
*[[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (33)
*[[Chase (G1)|Chase]] (34)
*[[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]] (35)
*[[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]] (36)
*[[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (37)
*[[Blurr (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blurr]] (38)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (39)
*[[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (40)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (51)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (52)
*[[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] (53)
*[[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] (54)
}}
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (5; flashback)
*[[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]] (6)
*[[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]] (7)
*[[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]] (8)
*[[Blot (G1)|Blot]] (9)
*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]] (10)
*[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] (16)
*[[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (25)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (41)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (42)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (43)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (44)
*[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] (45)
*[[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]] (46)
*[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (47)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (48)
*[[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] (49)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (50)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (56)
*[[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]] (57)
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] (58)
|c3=
*[[Gregory Swofford]] (1)
*[[Jessica Morgan]] (2)
*[[Mark Morgan]] (3)
*[[Bonnie Carlson]] (55)
|c4=
*[[Klementia|Quintesson judge]] (59)
*[[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] (60)
}}

==Notable quotes==
"Computron think too much!"
:—'''Abominus''', who subsequently shoots Computron

"Why do I keep seeing you in my dreams, Optimus? Are you telling me I'm not the leader ''you'' were? I already know that, Optimus. I always have."
:—'''Rodimus''' ponders in front of [[Optimus Prime memorial|Optimus's memorial statue]] in Metroplex.

[[File:ReturnOptimusPrime1 hate-plague Magnus.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
"Where's that punk Rodimus Prime?! I want him!" 
"There you are, you puny wimp!" 
"You can't escape, Rodimus! I can track your gas fumes anywhere!"
:—Several lines from infected '''Ultra Magnus''' as he tracks down Rodimus Prime. ''In virus veritas,'' indeed.

"The Autobots are acting like madmen!" 
"It's a madness plague, Galvatron. If one of those Transformers touches you, you're infected." 
"You're lying!" 
"Fine. Whatever makes you a happy Decepticon. Just watch your rear thruster."
:—'''Galvatron''' and '''Rodimus Prime'''

"I'm a doctor, not a forklift!" 
"His engines, they cannae take the strain!" 
"He's dead, Jim." 
:—'''Wreck-Gar'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s inspired medical descriptions of Optimus Prime's condition

"It's over, kid. I've won!" 
"Don't believe it, old friend!"
:—Infected '''Ultra Magnus''' blocks '''Rodimus Prime''', who evades him.

"Like I said before, kid. It's all over. What...? ARGH!" 
"And as ''I'' said before: Don't believe it."
:—Infected '''Ultra Magnus''' corners '''Rodimus Prime''', only to be lassoed by Wreck-Gar.

"I'm a pepper! Wouldn't you like to be a pepper, too?"
:—'''Wreck-Gar''' merrily spreads the infection.

"They've all gone mad. This is no place for me!"
:—The irony is lost on '''Galvatron.'''

"The world needs a leader now!"
:—'''Sky Lynx''' on the reactivation of Optimus Prime

"I've done it! Optimus Prime lives!" 
"It's true. Our leader is back." 
"Yes, Sky Lynx, and this time, no force in the universe can stop me."
:—'''Quintesson''' and '''Sky Lynx''' as the decidedly confident '''Optimus Prime''' is revived

==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:PrimeTommyInterviewAgain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
[[Tommy Kennedy|Tommy]] meets with [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] in the barren wasteland to continue his interview inquiring as to how Optimus came back from the dead. Tommy recaps the time Prime came back as a zombie and was blown to smithereens and is curious how Optimus escaped ''that'' one. Optimus proceeds to relate the adventures of his inanimate corpse...

Tommy wants to know the rest of the tale, but Optimus only teases the conclusion. Apparently, he promised [[Cloudburst]] that he would help him redesign his retro-rockets and the appointment can't wait. Prime sets Tommy down, but promises to return soon to transform his day into an adventure.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Production information===
* First draft script: 10 November 1986
* Script finalised by [[Roger Slifer]]

===Continuity notes===
[[File:ReturnOptimusPrime1 Chase infected.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|Here begins an almost criminal legacy of scriptwriters abusing the Throttlebots.]]
*Seemingly thrown in at the last moment, the [[Throttlebot]]s make their debut. They're only visible in a handful of shots, [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] is missing, and none of them are identified by name.
*Swofford and Morgan must've spent ''one hell of a long time'' repairing Optimus Prime if they managed to retrieve him from the Quintessons' detonator all the way back to [[Dark Awakening (episode)|"Dark Awakening"]]. Either that, or Optimus died before his ship hit the detonator and his ship drifted precariously off course for the last several months.
*It's not clear what Rodimus means by "disconnecting" Metroplex; he apologizes as though it's a terrible thing, leading some fans to speculate that he was shutting him down for good - but later he says that Metroplex is "safe", implying that he's just... separated somehow.
*The Hate Plague can apparently infect any creature, both purely mechanical and biological.
*The Autobots are implied to have created the exosuit for Jessica so she can walk again. Hmm, one wonders if this technology could have been [[Chip Chase|useful before now]]…
*Even though it occurs in a flashback, this is ''technically'' the last appearance of Megatron in the original American series.

===Real-world references===
*Jessica mentions [[World War II]].
*Courtesy of Wreck-Gar:
**"Lucy, Lucy, what have you done now?" Is a reference to ''{{w|I Love Lucy}}''.
**"I'm a doctor, not a forklift!" and "He's dead, Jim," reference popular quotes from ''[[Star Trek]]'' medic [[Leonard McCoy]].
**Similarly, "His engines, they cannae take the strain!" comes from another ''Star Trek'' character, namely [[Scotty|Montgomery Scott]], though this is often claimed to not be attributed to the character except for its use in parodies.
**"I'm a pepper! Wouldn't you like to be a pepper, too?" is a reference to an old {{w|Dr Pepper}} ad campaign in the late '70s to early '80s.
**"Well, excuuuuse us!" is a reference to a catchphrase of {{w|Steve Martin}}.
*A couple of the infection rioting scenes seem to portray [[Washington, D.C.]]. Humans are shown rioting at a badly-drawn Lincoln Memorial; the monument that Defensor throws ''may'' be intended to be the [[Washington Monument]], though it's awfully stumpy and shouldn't have a projecting cap on top. He throws it into a Classically styled building, another common DC element.

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Swindle TROOP.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|"So we bought your daughter's exosuit from a Decepticon... what's so bad about that?"]]
*The first shot of Prime's ship shows it colored in orange. In all other shots, it's white with orange landing gear. And it looks totally different from its [[Dark Awakening (episode)|last appearance]].
*The first shot of Optimus Prime on Gregory's display shows him sitting in a red chair. It's yellow in other shots.
*As the duo first come upon Prime's body, he's missing the vertical line on his abs/grille.
*The animation and editing seem to conflate Prime's ship hitting the asteroid (shown using rather incongruently recycled animation from "Dark Awakening") with the star going nova at the same instant, conveying them as though they were the same event.
*If the star is going nova - shouldn't its light be visible outside the windows behind Jessica?
*In the first interior shot of Morgan's lab, the two test rats are already red before they've been infected. One is layered behind the glass box that's containing him, too.
*The screen separating the infected rats rises up out of solid table. In the same shot, the three humans' colors all change shade several times; meanwhile, the infected rats aren't glowing anymore.
*As Computron falls through the lab's ceiling, the hand that breaks through the building is colored purple like Abominus's.
*Abominus's visor is white instead of red as he stomps on the building; his helmet has some gray parts that should be purple as well.
*There's no transition between the Terrorcons being merged as they stomp on the building, and them showing up separated just a shot or two later.
*The Terrorcons grab the alloy in their beast modes, yet in the next shot they're running out with it in robot mode.
*As Jessica is being loaded into First Aid, Gregory and Mark are wearing smocks, not the suits and ties they wear in other shots.
*When Gregory and Jessica's father rush at the hospital and find the Autobots, [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] is amongst them. This does at least explain why Hot Spot is standing around in a ''hospital'' with a gun in his hand. Hot Spot's chestplate is also blue, instead of its proper red.
*Jessica grabs tops of Optimus' arm to try and save him from the incinerator (though one of her hands fails to actually connect with Prime's arm, instead floating just above it.) The next shot shows it towering over her.
*As he drives Jessica into Autobot City, Ultra Magnus is shown driving into a tunnel in one shot, but in the next he's in open air.
*Optimus' statue is missing the smoke stacks on its arms.
*Rodimus' helmet is missing its horizontal line in this episode.
*When Rodimus is done talking to Optimus' statue, his head slides backwards. Twice.
*When Defensor is shown after the Protectobots combine, his left arm is missing, and his forehead is colored blue instead of his eyes.
*After transforming to jet mode during Magnus's rollcall, Silverbolt sort of floats along at an angle.
*Steeljaw just pops into the frame during the Autobot rollcall.
*When Ratbat returns:
**A layering error has him in front of Soundwave's chest compartment door, instead of disappearing behind it.
**His cassette form is white instead of purple.
**Soundwave looks down after his chest closes up, but his faceplate stays in its previous position of looking upwards.
**Soundwave's vocoded voice processing (provided by [[Scott Brownlee]]) sounds higher pitched than usual. Presumably it was fed through a different synthesizer for this episode.
*When Galvatron says, "So Optimus Prime may yet live." For a second his chin turns black.
*When the Jessica exits Rodimus, she's wearing her space suit and not wearing her exoskeleton.
*When Jessica points at the lab, her neckline is layered over her hand.
*When Rodimus dispatches some of the Autobots to watch the area around the lab, Wheelie is missing his Autobot symbol.
*Before entering the lab to retrieve Prime's body, Rodimus gives orders to Defensor...though Defensor is shown as the one mouthing all of those orders. In the same shot, Chase is colored as Goldbug (who hasn't even been built yet!)
*The red glow around infected characters seemed to create all kinds of problems for the animators:
**The glow aura is frequently out of step with the animation or visible through objects in front of them
**Infected characters often become briefly transparent, allowing background objects to be seen through them.
**Often characters are just red, without the glowing aura effect, as when Superion breaks through the lab roof.
*When the Autobots get infected, several are shown clipping through each other.
*Slingshot is shown mouthing Magnus's lines about "that punk Rodimus Prime".
*Jessica's bracelet disappears from and re-appears on her right wrist throughout the episode - including during the shot when she turns to run back to the lab (when Rodimus says "We've got to get Optimus outta here!")
[[File:ROOP1 superion hateplague.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Superion shoots a gun with the sound effect of Megatron's cannon. Defensor fires back with Optimus Prime's usual sound effect.
**Superion's still using the same sound effect later, along with a whining after-effect, when he takes out Kup and company.
**Then Ultra Magnus gets in on the act as he blasts his way into the Autobot lab with the same sound effects.
*Superion is not nearly as huge as he should be when he takes on the police officers.
*As Rodimus first makes his escape from Magnus, he drives past two [[Throttlebot]]s... with the Decepticon Wildrider standing between them. (at this point, the Decepticons have yet to arrive on the scene, let alone become infected.)
*Mark's thrown jar doesn't leave behind any pieces after it shatters.
*Galvatron's chin is gray in some shots, dark gray in others.
*As the Decepticons walk into the loading area, Bruticus is the same size as all the regular Decepticons.
*Rodimus's windshield is colored solid as he makes his escape from the lab.
*First Aid is shown brawling with the Decepticons at the lab; at this point he is out with the Protectobots, not yet infected.
*Kup's vehicle mode is drawn like a van instead of a truck as he pulls up behind Superion.
*Flying Autobots:
**Blurr sort of floats along sideways as he shoots at Superion.
*Superion manages to hit all the Autobots attacking him... without lifting his gun arm to shoot!
*Defensor's chest plates are blue instead of black as he tries to clear the bridge.
*Rodimus's mouth doesn't move as he starts talking about Quintessons.
*Sky Lynx is shown flying out of the solar system past Saturn, but it's colored white instead of yellow.
*When Rodimus notices Magnus behind him, his eyes are lined thicker than usual. He sees Magnus's reflection in the viewscreen, but not his own.
*When Wreck-Gar is about to infect Rodimus, Rodimus is all red before he's been infected.
*During Brawl's rampage, he somehow manages to infect an inanimate truck.
*As an unconscious man leans against this truck, a pair of infected people fight over both him and the truck, overlapping them as if it they weren't there.
*Headstrong bumps into Razorclaw; as Razorclaw gains the infected glow effect, a layering error causes him to jump from behind Headstrong to in front of him, and back again.
[[File:ReturnOptimusPrime1 InfectedVortex.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*Vortex, meanwhile, flies into a commercial jetliner through its passenger door! In the same shot, he's visible through the arm of a passing human. He also gets the Autobot laser sound effect when he opens fire.
*The rioting humans at the Lincoln Memorial are wielding bats which also glow infection-red.
*When Defensor picks up a stone monument to throw, the monument gains a red aura around it, but does not become red. The red aura disappears when the monument is thrown.
*Before being picked up by Sky Lynx, one of the Quintesson's faces flashes red for a moment.
*The Quintesson's death face is missing its left-side cresting as he prepares to reactivate Prime.
*The Quintesson's Egyptian-styled head is facing Optimus at the end, but one shot shows it facing backwards.
*During his famous line at the end of the episode, Optimus Prime's mouthplate isn't moving.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:Retcon.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Someone fixed Prime's body, but no one can fix the story.]]
*More or less this entire episode is a massive continuity error, as it purports to pick up at the end of Optimus Prime's last prior appearance in "[[Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening]]", yet actually presents entirely different conditions. In the prior episode, Optimus Prime lost an arm and half of his face (on top of his longstanding physical damage still left from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|animated movie]]), but was still alive as he managed to steer his ship at high speed through the heavy fire of a massed Quintesson spacefleet, deliberately ramming a detonator that caused a binary supernova and obliterated the ship and the entire solar system around it. Yet in this new episode, Optimus Prime is shown completely intact and pristine, albeit dead, as his (completely different) ship drifts, slowly and alone, through the system.
**Some of these inconsistencies can be attributed to the fact that "Dark Awakening" was animated by AKOM, and this episode by Toei.
**The original script addressed the events of "Dark Awakening," right down to his severely damaged state. It included sequences in which he was repaired by Dr. Morgan and Dr. Swofford in order to weaponize him with the spores. Interestingly enough, there were also scenes showing Rodimus Prime experiencing nightmares playing out in the celestial Autobot tomb, where he encountered his zombified predecessor. For some reason, most likely running time, these scenes didn't make it into the final episode.
*Jessica Morgan and Gregory Swofford detect life-signs aboard Optimus Prime's ship, but the Autobot is dead.
*Gregory says Prime's ship is about to collide with a planet, while the animation shows the ship approaching a small, irregular asteroid.
*Improbable viewpoints:
**Gregory and Jessica get a shot of Prime sitting inside his ship.
**Rodimus contacts Sky Lynx and gets an exterior visual of him somehow.
*Superhuman <s>Spike</s> humans:
**Jessica Morgan and Gregory Swofford are able to lift, push and pull Optimus Prime's massive body out of his chair and onto their ship without any mechanical assistance or devices except a rope. There's no gravity in space, but objects still have mass and therefore inertia.
*Why didn't any of the Autobots notice Optimus Prime's body when they were loading Jessica into the ambulance? Sure he was half buried under rubble, but a truck-sized leader of your own faction shouldn't be ''that'' hard to notice?
*Why is Steeljaw part of the Autobot roll call when Blaster is not?
*Even though Ratbat's reconnaissance recording consists of nothing more than an ambiguous, one-line statement by Jessica Morgan - "My father has his body in the lab." - Galvatron immediately knows that she's referring to Optimus Prime.
*Why have the Protectobots merge before traveling to the lab? Did Defensor have to [[:File:Loveandsteel-runfortmaxrun.jpg|run the whole way?]]
*Doctor Morgan throws spores at Rodimus, apparently not noticing that ''his own daughter'' is inside him, even though we see her clearly through his windows in several other shots.
*When Jessica Morgan asks who built Optimus Prime in the first place, Rodimus Prime responds by saying the Quintessons did so - but it was [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] who rebuilt Orion Pax into Optimus. While the Quintessons are credited with creating the Transformer race, the timeline shown by "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]" and "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" would have to be seriously stretched out of shape for Orion Pax to have been directly created by them - Orion's clearly meant to be a youngish 'bot in "War Dawn", long after the Quints have been driven off Cybertron.
*Why is Rodimus so desperate to bring Optimus back from the dead even after he's aware of the much more pressing concern of the Hate Plague?
*Rodimus decides to deactivate Metroplex to stop him from catching the plague, but Magnus is infected and already walking around on him well before Rodimus pushes the last switch.
*If the Quintessons really are "in hiding in the far reaches of the galaxy" as Sky Lynx claims, then how did any of the at-the-time-still-Earthbound Hate Plague carriers manage to find them, much less get all the way out there to infect them in the first place?
*For that matter, how the hell did these theoretical Hate Plague carriers manage to ''beat Sky Lynx to the Quintessons''?
*How are Sky Lynx and the Quintesson able to take the time to revive Optimus Prime without being attacked? Did all the other Autobots and humans leave Autobot City?
*And how does Sky Lynx know the Quintesson is repairing Prime back to the way he was before he died, rather than the brainwashed version from "Dark Awakening"? It's possible he stood and watched as they worked to ensure they didn't do just that.
*Sky Lynx seems to have shrunk to the size of an average Transformer when he was with the Quintesson repairing Optimus Prime.

===Trivia===
*The resurrection of Optimus Prime in the show was a direct result of children's reactions to his death in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and subsequent letters, as acknowledged by a Hasbro exec in a 1986 newspaper article. He didn't even have a toy on the shelves (which changed in 1988 with the release of Powermaster Optimus Prime).
*Jessica Morgan is named after co-writer Marv Wolfman's daughter.<ref>http://www.marvwolfman.com/marv/Speaking_With_Larry_Ditillio.html</ref>
*When Rodimus wants to put together a team to pick up a dead body from a couple of humans, he doesn't mess around, does he? (Although not without [[Hate Plague|good reason]].)

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Rückkehr von Optimus Prime, Teil 1'''" ("The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Il ritorno di Commander, Parte 1'''" (First dub, "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1"), "'''Il ritorno di Optimus Prime, Parte 1'''" (Second dub, "The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' コンボイの復活パート1 (''Convoy no Fukkatsu Part 1'', "The Resurrection of Convoy Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 18]], [[1987]]
:*A "[[Secret Files of Teletraan II]]" segment unique to Japan was attached to the end of this episode. It focuses on the many battles between the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s and the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticon]]s. It replaces the original "Secret Files" segment which focused on the Autobots.

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Qíngtiānzhù Fùhuó (shàng)'''" (擎天柱复活(上),"Optimus Prime Resurrects, Part 1")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1987 — ''The Transformers'' — The Return of Optimus Prime ([[Family Home Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Die Rückkehr von Optimus Prime (Erster Teil) ([[Polyband]]) — German audio only. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1988 — ''Transformers'' — The Return of Optimus Prime: Optimus Prime the Ultimate Robot ([[Tempo Video]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1989 — ''Transformers'' — Headmasters / The Return of Optimus Prime (Tempo Video) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — Headmasters / The Return of Optimus Prime / Cosmic Rust (Tempo Video) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2000 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 7: The Return of Optimus Prime ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 5: Series 3.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2005 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 23 ([[Déclic Images]]) — European French audio only. 
[[File:Flag of France.png|20px|France]] 2005 — ''Transformers'' — Le Retour d'Optimus Prime ([[UFG Junior]]) — 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 UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (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 Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (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'' — Seasons Three & Four: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-3/synopses/700-115.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]
* [https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yIcRHVU2laR4GYla_ZSESsPRN66HOsJu Full episode script, submitted 10th November 1986]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}
[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

Spike Witwicky (G1)

2021-05-07T04:21:46Z

Elleby: /* Kre-O */

{{factions|{{factions/icons|custom=Symbol autobot reg.png|cLink=Honorary Autobot}}|autobot|autobotg2|gijoe|skywatch|edc}}
{{disambig3|Spike Witwicky}}
{{suite}}
:''Spike [[Witwicky]] is a [[human]] and sometimes [[Autobot]] ally and [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:Spikewitwickyg1.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Wait till you see my sweet future jumpsuit!]]
'''Spike Witwicky''' is the oldest (and sometimes only) son of [[Sparkplug Witwicky]].
Spike, like most Witwickys, has a tendency to form close bonds to the Autobots and become one of their main human allies. 'Cause let's face it, there are advantages when your best friend is [[Bumblebee (G1)|a car]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[File:Mtmte2 spike finds soundwave.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
{{main|Spike Witwicky (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}

Despite being too young to qualify for a driver's license, Spike worked with his father Sparkplug on an offshore oilrig in 1984 and became one of the first human allies of the Autobots. Spike soon became friends with the Autobot Bumblebee and ''more than friends'' with the human Carly. By 2005, he'd had a son named Daniel and was stationed on the Cybertron Moon Base. Narrowly surviving the [[Unicron War]], Spike continued to aid the Autobots in missions both deadly and diplomatic, eventually becoming the Headmaster partner of Cerebros in 2006.

In a splinter timeline, Spike did not become a Headmaster at first, and by 2011 had focused his energies on diplomacy. He eventually journeyed to planet Master and became a Headmaster via a modified Exo-Suit. In 2021, Spike was embroiled in a scheme concocted by [[Cobra Commander|Old Snake]] that briefly saw him framed for crimes he didn't commit. His name was cleared by his old friend Bumblebee, though.
{{-}}

===Marvel coloring books===
Spike and his father joined the Autobots on a mission to stop the Decepticons from acquiring sunken treasure in Alaskan waters. As they sailed northward in a boat of Wheeljack's creation, Spike commented on the beauty of the scenery. He and Hound were then ambushed by Ravage. Thanks to Hound's holographic powers, they both escaped the encounter unscathed. After Bumblebee had been captured by the Decepticons, Spike and Sparkplug tagged along with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] and the rest of the Autobots in order to rescue him. They remained safe from Decepticon fire within Brawn's durable car mode.{{storylink|Search for Treasure Under the Sea}}

When all of the Autobots except Bumblebee were captured by the Decepticons, a plan was devised and implemented — Sparkplug and Spike constructed a [[Giant fake Autobot|giant cut-out Autobot]] which was placed outside Decepticon headquarters as a diversion while Bumblebee slipped in and freed everyone. {{storylink|Bumblebee to the Rescue!}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Big Book of Coloring Fun}}}}

===Big Looker Storybooks continuity===
[[File:BattleforCybertron bumblebee spike sparkplug.jpg|thumb|upright=1.45]]
Spike Witwicky and his father Sparkplug were investigating the damage done by a volcanic eruption close to their home town of [[Kimball]] when they witnessed a fleet of jet planes emerging from a spaceship buried within the volcano that the tremors had exposed. Spike was vocally opposed to Sparkplug's desire to examine the ship in search of "a little adventure", but ventured into the crater nonetheless, where he and his father were met by a talking Volkswagen named Bumblebee, who brought them into the ship and introduced them to his fellow Autobots. After helping the Autobots tap the volcano's energies to re-power their ship, Spike and Sparkplug were given a lift back home by Hound, but on the way, they witnessed the Decepticons draining the energy of a nearby power plant. Knowing that Hound wanted to return to his Autobot comrades to warn them that their enemies had re-powered themselves, Spike told him he could use "a little more adventure". The message was delivered, and as the Autobots readied for battle, Bumblebee took Spike and Sparkplug to a safe distance, where he would serve as a lookout and warn of a potential second wave of Decepticons approaching from the rear. Unfortunately, the battle lasted through the night, and when the rear wave appeared, Sparkplug realized that Bumblebee's signal—a flash of his headlights—was being lost in the rising sun. Spike, Sparkplug and Bumblebee raced into the battlefield to alert the Autobots, and they were able to get ready for the attack just in time. Optimus Prime credited victory in the battle to Spike and Sparkplug, and Spike affirmed his father's belief that the Autobots were their kind of machines. {{storylink|Battle for Cybertron}}

Spike and Sparkplug watched as the Autobots participated in a race to win a year's supply of gas and oil. The Autobots won, but Spike decided he'd stick to hot dogs and soda! {{storylink|The Great Car Rally}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
[[File:MegatronsFightforPower sonic multi tool.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
When a lighting storm spooked the Autobots, Spike wrote about the experience in his [[Spike's diary|diary]] the next morning, then tried to explain the phenomenon to his robot friends with the aid of his father. Intrigued by the idea of energy that fell from the sky, Optimus Prime had [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] construct a lightning rod to collect it, and Spike and Sparkplug were on hand as the finishing touches were added to the project. That night, Spike monitored weather forecasts and alerted the Autobots to the arrival of a new storm so they could see the machine in action. {{storylink|Autobots' Lightning Strike}}

Spike was instrumental in breaking the Decepticons' control over a human solar power station when he snuck into the facility with the intent of disabling the power-collecting machinery. Finding the door to the control room locked, Spike at first thought to pick the lock with his pen-knife, but quickly dismissed the idea and instead used the blade to alert the Autobots, watching nearby, flashing them a message in morse code by allowing the sun to glint off the knife. Optimus Prime sent [[Roller (G1)|Roller]] to deliver a [[sonic multi-tool]] to Spike, which allowed him to unlock the door and use the machinery to destroy the energon cubes the Decepticons had already gathered, sending them fleeing. {{storylink|Megatron's Fight for Power}}
[[File:AutobotsFightBack spike jump.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
While he was in town with Ironhide to buy groceries, Spike spotted a flier for a car rally that he realized passed through the region where the Decepticons had set up a new temporary base. Spike suggested using the race as cover to investigate the Decepticons' activities, and so he and Jazz joined the rally, with Spike stealthily jumping from the moving Autobot as they neared the area in question to avoid detection. He discovered the Decepticons testing a new [[ion drive]] in an abandoned mineshaft, and hit on an idea: he had Jazz push a row of mine-cars down into the tunnel, destroying the ion drive and collapsing the tunnel on the evil robots. {{storylink|Autobots Fight Back}}

Investigating a report of Decepticon activity near a small village, Hound and Spike discovered that they had taken an interest in a local windmill. Spike and his father had to explain the concept of a non-electromagnetic mechanism to the baffled Autobots. When battle erupted around the windmill, Spike ran to the top of the structure to get a better look at the fight, but a blast from Laserbeak caused him to lose his footing and he fell onto the breaking lever, freeing the windmills sails to spin. [[File:LaserbeaksFury spike headshot.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]] Laserbeak was knocked from the sky by a sail and the Decepticons were panicked by the primitive machine, causing Rumble to destroy it. Spike was able to get to safety before it collapsed, and the next day, consoled the worried Optimus Prime with the new that their battle hadn't even made the front page: the town was buzzing about Laserbeak's appearance a local disco! {{storylink|Laserbeak's Fury}}

When Spike joined the Autobots on a salvage mission to gather useful materials, it quickly became apparent that the Decepticons had developed a new method of spying on their enemies from orbital satellites. Remembering a story his father had told him when he was younger about two giants that were tricked into fighting each other, Spike suggested using the same tactic on the satellites. His aid didn't stop there: he was able to provide information about the [[Aurora Borealis]] and its radio-scrambling effects, allowing the Autobots to duplicate it as part of their plan to make the satellites crash into each other. {{storylink|Galvatron's Air Attack}}
[[File:DecepticonHideout spike attacks.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Following a failed Decepticon attack on Autobot City, Bumblebee and Spike secretly trailed the retreating [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] to the Decepticons' new hidden base in a nearby industrial estate. Instructed by Bumblebee to wait outside while he went spy, Spike paid a visit to an adjacent scrap yard and asked the [[A. McNulty|manager]] to help him find some some bronze-chrome wheel trims for Hot Rod. When Spike saved the man from a collapsing pile of junk, in gratitude, he gave him the wheel-trims for free. Bumblebee, meanwhile, had been spotted by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], and hidden in vehicle mode in the junkyard, where he was almost scrapped by an electromagnet until Spike distracted the magnet's operator and save his little Autobot buddy. Subsequently, Spike and his father were used as the Autobots' human eyes and ears in the industrial estate, and learned for them that it was about to close down for a few weeks. The Autobots used this as a chance to take the fight to the Decepticons hiding there, and during the battle, Spike used several pieces of construction equipment to aid the Autobots, first drawing their fire with a calorifier on a chain, then using the electromagnet to trap several smaller Decepticons, before using a wrecking ball to attack Galvatron himself! Finally, Spike used the wrecking ball to collapse the entire building, burying the Decepticons in the rubble. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:G138 spike.jpg|left|thumb|Man, those Witwickies love pink shirts, don't they?]]
Spike Witwicky was away at college for the first few years of the [[Autobot]]/[[Decepticon]] [[Great War (G1)|war]] on [[Earth]], and was entirely unaware of his family's involvement in the robot conflict until the day he returned home to find [[Sparkplug Witwicky|his father]]'s [[S. Witwicky Auto Repairs & Tow Service|garage]] a pile of rubble. Spike was relieved to find his father alive and well, but this sense of relief did not last long, as Sparkplug explained that the damage was the work of the Decepticon [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]], and told Spike of [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]]'s involvement with the Autobots. Intent on ensuring his brother's safety, Spike headed up to [[Mount St. Hilary]], but found the volcano abandoned. Presently, the Autobot splinter group led by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Fortress Maximus]], who had recently arrived in Earth orbit after departing the planet [[Nebulos]], entered the caverns, having followed distress call broadcast by [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Goldbug]]. Finding Goldbug's [[brain module]] in a toy car on the cavern floor, [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] replayed recent images from the disembodied Autobots' memory, including Buster's capture by Ratbat. Seeing this image, Spike stepped forward and petitioned the Autobots for aid in saving his brother, but they turned him down and departed.

[[File:G138 spike in control.jpg|thumb|"Watch as I give him a wet willy!"]]
Spike bedded down in the cave overnight, but when he awoke the next morning, it was to the sight of [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]'s Decepticons arriving in search of the Autobots. Despite their brushing him off, Spike believed the Autobots deserved a warning, and used the machinery in the cave to replay Goldbug's distress signal, summoning Maximus's team back to the volcano in time to save him from a vengeful Scorponok. As battle erupted, Spike sought safety deeper in the volcano, but was pursued into its confines by Scorponok's [[Nebulan]] component, Lord [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]]. Fortress Maximus's Nebulan component [[Galen]] followed, but was killed when Zarak triggered a rockslide. In his last moments, Galen passed his control helmet to Spike, who took control of Fortress Maximus and used his firepower to send the Decepticons into retreat. {{storylink|Trial by Fire!}}

The Autobots offered to properly [[binary bonding|binary bond]] Spike with Fortress Maximus, transforming him into a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and Spike accepted, believing it to be his best chance of finding and rescuing Buster. He returned home to tell his father the news just as Sparkplug received a call from [[Walter Barnett (G1)|Walter Barnett]] of [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]] to let him know that Buster had been located. Using his new Headmaster powers to trace the call, Spike led the Autobots to a desert island that soon proved to be a [[Club Con|Decepticon base]] in disguise. [[File:G139 headmaster spike.jpg|left|thumb|"Though maybe the giant boxy shapes under my conspicuous trenchcoat should have been a clue."]] Prohibited from joining the fight by the other Autobots due to their fears his concern for Buster would short out Maximus's [[Circuit (circuit)#Logic circuits|logic circuits]], Spike complied with their wishes at first, but when the Decepticons' base also proved to be a rocket that took off for space, Spike was forced to take action, linking with Fortress Maximus and pursuing. Although he was able to use Maximus to shoot down [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]], Spike was unable to get Buster free of the island's protective dome before the rocket outpaced him. {{storylink|The Desert Island of Space!}}

Returning to the ''[[Steelhaven (G1)|Steelhaven]]'' to build a new body for Goldbug, Spike was alerted by a bugging device he had left in his father's home to a phone call from [[Ethan Zachary]], and learned that the [[human]] had preserved the deceased [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s mind as a computer program. {{storylink|Pretender to the Throne!}} Rendezvousing with the other Autobots in the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] to gain the resources to build Prime a new body, Spike earned the ire of current commander [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]], who violently rejected the notion that a human could lead any Autobots. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

[[File:G151 spikes nightmare.jpg|thumb|upright=1.45]]
''When Optimus Prime was restored to life on Nebulous and returned to Earth, Spike, as part of Fortress Maximus, fought alongside him during the "[[Time Wars (event)|Time Wars]]".'' {{storylink|Time Wars}} Soon after, the Decepticons' island base resurfaced, and Spike took Optimus Prime and [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] aboard Fortress Maximus to investigate. But by the time they arrived, the island had been relocated to the Arctic. {{storylink|Cold War!}} Following a distress signal sent out by Buster, the Autobots tracked down the younger Witwicky on the verge of hypothermia in the frozen wastes. In order to save his brother's life, Spike used Fortress Maximus to carefully raise Buster's body temperature with infra-red heating. However, the Autobots' intrusion near the Decepticons' secret base at that time had been orchestrated by Starscream, and they came to blows against the evil robots once again. When Ratbat learned that he was being forestalled from chasing Starscream, who had designs for the legendary [[Underbase]], he brokered a ceasefire with Maximus. Temporarily united, both of their teams could now focus on stopping the treacherous Seeker.

The Autobot/Decepticon alliance headed into space in pursuit of Starscream, and though they interrupted his absorption of the Underbase's energies, the portion he managed to consume was enough to grant him unimaginable power. Spike had to once more store Buster within Fortress Maximus as Ratbat's ship was destroyed, saving him from the vacuum of space. After they had boarded the Ark, the Autobots followed Starscream back to Earth. This time around, Optimus insisted on staying back with Buster while the others dealt with Starscream's rampage. Spike protested, but Optimus assured him he wouldn't do any less to keep Buster safe than Spike would. Spike was sent to [[Buenos Aires]], where he and Maximus were bested in battle. Thankfully, due to their partially-organic nature, they were able to survive exposure to Starscream's cosmic blasts. {{storylink|Dark Star}}

With Buster saved, Spike considered his work as Fortress Maximus's partner done, and following Starscream's defeat, announced his intent to leave the Autobot ranks despite their current depleted state. Leaving Maximus's body to gather dust in storage on the Ark, Spike returned to his normal life on Earth, but found himself plagued by nightmares full of mechanical imagery, prompting him to throw away his control helmet—kept for security's sake at the urging of Optimus Prime—in a junkyard to make a totally clean break from his brief time as a Headmaster. [[File:Fortressmaximus-thelastautobot1.jpg|left|thumb]] Unfortunately, Decepticon [[Pretender Beast]]s [[Snarler]] and [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]], who had been sent to kill Spike by Scorponok, located the discarded helmet and proceeded to track Spike to [[California]], where he was on a ski trip with his friend, [[Cliff Dietz]]. Taking refuge in a cave, Cliff helped Spike realize that his nightmares held a deeper meaning: that binary-bonding went far deeper that he had ever realized, and that even without his control helmet, separated by millions of miles, he and Fortress Maximus were still connected, two minds in one being. With this realization, Spike was able to summon Fortress Maximus from the Ark to battle Snarler and Catilla, though his responses proved far more sluggish than usual. Recovering his control helmet from Snarler's disabled Pretender shell, Spike fully re-established his connection with Fortress Maximus and combined with him once more to defeat the two Decepticons. {{storylink|The Man in the Machine!}}

Although this realization about the nature of his connection with Fortress Maximus seemed to change Spike's tune, at some point over the next few years, he reverted to his old outlook, and returned Maximus to the Ark so he could get back to his human life. When the Ark crashed back on Earth in [[1991]], Fortress Maximus urged Spike to investigate the crash site and recover his body so they could become one again and stop the menace posed to Earth by [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]]. Accepting his responsibility as the last Autobot currently on Earth, Spike acquiesced, but once he had re-combined with Maximus, found his will subsumed by the Autobot, who elected to actively pursue Galvatron. Maximus found himself no match for the deranged future Decepticon, however, and called out for Spike's aid, but Spike refused to make a point, before the two came to an understanding and united their minds to bring Galvatron down. {{storylink|The Last Autobot?}}
{{-}}

=====Marvel UK future timelines=====
{{note|The movie adaptation, originally published by Marvel US, is in italics}}
[[File:Bumblebee and spike the planet eater.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
''By [[2005]], Spike had sired a son, the young [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]]. At this time, the Decepticons had conquered Cybertron, relegating the Autobots to its two moons and Autobot City on Earth. Still playing an active role in his allies' struggle against the Decepticons, Spike was stationed on [[Moonbase Two]] alongside Bumblebee. Spike instructed Ironhide as he departed for Autobot City to tell Daniel that his father missed him, and that they would see each other as soon as Megatron was defeated.'' {{storylink|The Planet-Eater!}}

''But Spike found himself facing down an even greater threat when [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] began encroaching on Cybertron's orbit. The "monster planet" gobbled up [[Moonbase One]], and Spike reported the disastrous turn of events to Ultra Magnus on Earth. As Unicron moved on to Cybertron's second moon, Spike rigged the satellite's entire stockpile of weapons to blow up after a twenty-second delay. He and Bumblebee then hopped on a ship and watched from afar as the moon exploded while Unicron was devouring it. The pair cheered until they realized that Unicron had been left completely unscathed by the explosion. They then attempted to flee, to no avail; Unicron sucked up their ship and swallowed it.'' {{storylink|Judgment Day!}}

[[File:Spikewitwickytimewars.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|White jumpsuits were so 2006.]]
''Fortunately, a group composed of [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and others found Spike and Bumblebee within Unicron during the Autobots' last stand against him. Spike was reunited with Daniel before [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]] gave them both a ride to safety, while Unicron was destroyed around them.'' {{storylink|The Final Battle!}}

In the year [[2009]], Decepticons had built an [[energy leech (device)|energy leech]] to destroy Earth while [[time rift|a space-time anomaly]] was eating entire planets. After Rodimus Prime orchestrated a plan to travel twenty years back in time to the source of the anomaly, Spike Witwicky and his son Daniel accused Rodimus of shirking his responsibilities towards Earth and guilted Rodimus into allotting more troops to help destroy the Decepticons' machine. {{storylink|Time Wars}}
{{-}}

=====Rhythms of Darkness!=====
[[File:Spikewitwicky2009.jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|left|In 2009, jheri curls returned with a vengeance. Don't you remember that?]]
In an alternate timeline in the year [[2009]], Spike Witwicky was part of a very small Autobot/human resistance movement in a world where [[Galvatron II|Galvatron]]'s Decepticons controlled North America. The handful of Autobots who remained alive despaired and were on the cusp of giving up, but Spike and [[Lisa]] (who shared growing feelings for each other) guilted them into one last suicidal attack on the [[Decepticon Powerbase]] in New York before the rest of the world could unleash a nuclear holocaust onto America at midnight. Though there were several casualties, Spike managed to hoist an American flag on the Decepticon stronghold on live television, a symbolic measure which prompted the end of the planned nuclear strike. Before Galvatron could respond, the Decepticon despot was abducted by [[Hook, Line, and Sinker]] into another timeline {{storylink|Rhythms of Darkness!}}
{{-}}

====Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic====
[[File:Spikewitwickyg2.jpg|upright=0.5|thumb|Now the jumpsuit's in BROWN?]]
Despite the conclusions he had come to and the newfound unity he had forged with Maximus during his battle with Galvatron, it was apparent that old habits proved hard for Spike to shake. He again returned Maximus's body to the ruined Ark and tried to get back to life, presumably on the basis that so much time passed on Earth without any Transformer activity that he believed it was "all over". {{storylink|All or Nothing!}} A few years later, however, when Megatron returned and a small squad of Autobots came to Earth to battle him in [[Milleville]], Spike was drawn to the site of the battle, and snuck back aboard the Ark, now restored and under Megatron's control. {{storylink|Final Transformations}}

Discovering that Megatron was holding [[Sidney Biggles-Jones]] captive, Spike realized that he had no choice but to bond with Fortress Maximus once more, only to find that Megatron had disabled Maximus's dormant body while rebuilding the Ark, leaving him under-equipped for combat. Caught in the act of donning his armor by fellow stowaway [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]], Spike combined with Maximus (curiously omitting Cerebros from the process) and explained his presence, then charged Skydive with rescuing Doctor Biggles-Jones while he and Maximus took Megatron on. Unsurprisingly, Megatron grievously wounded the pair, forcing Skydive to step in and distract him long enough for Maximus to escape, and make his way to the Ark's anti-matter power core. Intended to breach the core with his body and destroy the ship, hoping to take Megatron with it, Maximus instructed Spike to disconnect and escape, but Spike resolved to stay with his partner to the end to ensure their success. They smashed into the core together and perished in the resultant ship-destroying explosion, but alas, their sacrifice was in vain, as Megatron survived. {{storylink|All or Nothing!}}
{{-}}

====''Classics''====
{{noteclassics}}
[[File:Invasion-Radcontrolroom.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Well, it beats a jheri curl.]]
Spike retained his duties as Fortress Maximus's binary-bond partner for decades, and eventually he was stationed in [[South America]]. He was present one day in [[2012]] when [[Rad (G1)|Rad]] reported from the [[Ironworks (facility)|Ironworks]] base in [[Oregon]] about a foiled attack by [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Gigatron]] and his Decepticons. Soon thereafter, due to the actions of an evil [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]] from [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|another dimension]], a rift of space time opened over Earth, causing catastrophes worldwide. Spike, merged with [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], gathered civilians inside Fortress Maximus for safety. {{storylink|Invasion (issue)|Invasion}}

When the [[Rarified Energon|Rarefied Energon]] of his world caused Earth to come alive as the entity called [[Gaea]], Spike and all other Earth-lifeforms were teleported across dimensions to inhabit a new Earth. {{storylink|The Future Buried...}} Spike and his allies set out to uncover the mysteries of this new world; while all the cities and animals on this planet were the same as their old one, no humans appeared to have called this Earth home prior to their arrival. [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster]] set up Spike, [[Vroom (G1)|Vroom]], [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]], and [[Lisa|Elizabeth]] with an apartment in Yucatán, but the group found it difficult to both get themselves employed and investigate a mysterious radio signal burst detected in the area.

While on a walk, Spike ruminated about his current situation. His reverie was interrupted by a crash, and Spike ran to assist a father and daughter trapped in an overturned car. He was helped in this task by Vroom and Crossblades, though all three had to hide their Cybertronian strength during the rescue, so as to avoid anti-Transformer sentiments. The trio then returned home, where they met with [[Metalhawk (Masterforce)|Metalhawk]] and Elizabeth. After taking a video-call from Buster (and dodging inquiries over when he'd be getting a job) Spike joined his roommates on an outing to an Italian restaurant. After their meal, they were accosted by a mugger. {{storylink|Assembly (OMAM)|Assembly}} In the altercation that followed, Metalhawk was shot in the chest, and though it did him little harm, it did betray his human disguise. After Vroom and Crossblades had restrained the mugger, Metalhawk tried figuring out what to do with their attacker, only for two local police officers to turn up and take them all in for questioning. Though Metalhawk stumbled through his words, Spike was able to give his statement to the officers interviewing them, glossing over whatever details needed to be glossed over for their true identities to remain secret. Spike and the rest of the group were told they were free to go, but as soon as they exited the building, they were approached by a mysterious man. This new player informed the Autobots that he knew of their true identities, and warned them that [[Ramjet (Universe)|an evil force]] was coming... {{storylink|Insight}}

Though Spike and company were highly suspicious of the man, they agreed to follow him nonetheless, as he claimed to have a spaceship stashed nearby. Upon coming upon the craft however, the man revealed himself to be a Decepticon Pretender, and opened fire on Spike to provoke the Autobots into unveiling their true natures as well. Elizabeth managed to shove Spike out of harm's way, and the Autobots battled their new opponent: the universe's native Megatron! {{storylink|History}}
{{-}}

====''Regeneration One''====
{{NoteRG1}}
[[File:Lessthanzero-spike.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66]]
Spike was able to keep everyone from poking around in the Ark for a year or two, but he eventually stopped being Fortress Maximus full-time so he could live his life. Unfortunately, that meant some greedy/bored people were able to sneak into the Ark and fiddle with what it held in 1994... awakening Megatron! {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 3}} Even with nuclear weaponry turned against Earth's cities by the [[Aunty|Ark's computer]] and [[zombie]] Decepticons roaming the Earth, Spike struggled with becoming Fortress Maximus again—and his hesitation cost the lives of his brother, Buster and Buster's wife, [[Jesse (G1)|Jessie]]. {{storylink|Less Than Zero}}

[[File:SpikeWitwicky CircuitSmasher LooseEnds3.jpg|thumb|Powered by Blackrock ingenuity and 90s angst.]]
Spike finally became Fortress Maximus again and led a final battle alongside [[Circuit Breaker (G1)|Josie Beller]] and [[G.B. Blackrock]]. The final battle was a bust: Fortress Maximus was killed and Spike's mind and nervous system went with him.

Blackrock, however, used Beller's neural-cybernetic technology and bonded them with Spike's Headmaster parts, bringing him 'back to life', retarding his aging, and giving him powerful electric powers. Taking up the name '''Circuit-Smasher''', Spike became the main weapon for the rebels in [[Argus Base]] against Megatron's genocide. Unfortunately, he could only do so much and the Decepticon corpses were incapable of being permanently killed (again), and by 2012 he was angry enough to attack the first Autobots he saw on sight, blaming them for Earth's demise. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 2}}

[[File:Roadbuster CircuitSmasher LooseEnds4.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Only some appeals from [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] and fellow rebel [[Gordon Kent]] calmed Spike down. He led the Autobot [[Wrecker]]s to Argus Base, filling them in on the destruction of Earth and how it was due to the Ark being left behind, unattended by the Autobots. He then formed part of a conference with Springer, Blackrock, Kent, and Sandstorm, running through their new options now that the Wreckers were on Earth, only to be interrupted by a broadcast from Megatron, taunting the Autobots with the tortured body of Kup. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 3}} Spike, along with a few of the Wreckers and a handful of humans armed with [[Battlesuit]]s, attacked the Ark, with the intention of shutting down its supercomputer [[Aunty|Auntie]]. Before attacking, Spike made it clear that they were to deactivate the Ark, and if he began to suspect any of them were thinking of trying to get it back under control and using it to leave, he would crash every single one of their circuits. Their initial progress through the Ark's defences started well, with Spike picking off any projectiles that managed to get through their formations. After [[Leadfoot (G2)|Leadfoot]] was blasted by the Ark's auto-turret defenses, Spike coldly commanded everyone to keep moving, saying that all of the Wreckers were expendable. Once the troupe broke through the Ark's outer defenses, Auntie deployed [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardians]] to protect herself. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 4}} As the Wreckers and humans fought the Guardians, Spike infiltrated the Ark, but was detected by Auntie, who detained him. However, Spike was still able to use his powers to smash every single one of Auntie's circuits, deactivating her and the Guardians. {{storylink|Loose Ends, Part 5}}

After Megatron and his army were taken care of, Spike came to Optimus Prime, telling him that he and the others had unanimously decided on the Autobots leaving Earth for good. When Prime offered to help, Spike angrily rejected the offer, warning Optimus not to make ask them to leave more than once. {{storylink|Natural Selection, Part One}}

Spike was, naturally, very angry to find out that Optimus Prime had chosen to stay behind, despite their wishes, and proceeded to brutally attack him upon encountering him in Wyoming. Only the intervention of other humans kept Circuit Smasher from finishing Optimus off, and their commander, [[Linda Chang]], agreed to allow Optimus to speak to the human leadership, but if he were to deviate in any way from their orders, she would allow Spike to finish him off. As he was led away, Optimus asked Spike if she was his commanding officer; he revealed that she was his wife!

At the human encampment, Optimus proposed uniting the people of Earth with Nebulos in a joint effort to rebuild both their worlds. The Nebulans' advanced science and technology could speed the rebuilding of Earth, while the Earthlings' strength and tenacity could help the Nebulans recover from the mass mental trauma inflicted upon them by the recently revived [[Scorponok (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Scorponok]]. Circuit Smasher was quick to shoot down the idea, but the other humans, including G.B. Blackrock, proved more receptive, and agreed to give careful consideration to Prime's plan. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Two}}

Primus identified Spike to [[Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Rodimus Prime]] as one of four threats to the Great Plan. {{storylink|Destiny, Part Five}} With his anger, it was easy to see why—even after the human coalition voted to accept Prime's offer of rigging a [[space bridge]] to connect them to [[Nebulos]] for mutual gain, Spike less-than-subtly implied he might destroy the Bridge anyway. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 1}}

Spike was as surprised as anyone when the Space Bridge first opened, and Fortress Maximus emerged. His "other self" had been reconstituted with his original head thanks to Nebulos's bio-metasynthesis program, but he was also corrupted by the [[Dark Matrix]]. Fortress Maximus blasted Optimus Prime into submission and kidnapped the stunned Spike. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 3}} In Zero Space, the Dead Matrix entity revealed Spike's unique blend of human-Nebulan-Cybertronian anatomy made him the perfect key to accessing the rest of the multiverse. The entity psychologically tortured Spike to bring forth the power necessary to achieve its ends. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 4}} Rodimus Prime was eventually able to reach Spike in Zero Space, convincing him to let go of his anger, denying the entity the power it needed for passage to other worlds. Spike returned to Earth with a great burden lifted from his conscience, and assisted with the reconstruction of human civilization. {{storylink|The War to End All Wars, Part 5}}

===Project Brain Drain===
{{notemultipath}}
[[File:ProjectBrainDrainSparkplugandSpike.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Spike set out for a rock concert taking place at [[Heywood Heights]] with some friends, unaware that his father had just discovered that the Decepticons were planning on using a brain drain device to syphon all of the concertgoers’ brain power away.

Whether or not Spike's father and the Autobots succeeded in saving Spike depended on the choices they made throughout the adventure that followed.

In one notable scenario, Sparkplug searched the crowd of concert-goers frantically for Spike, as his Autobot friends were being destroyed by Galvatron and his troops. Upon being found, Spike had already been drained of his brain power, and was confused as to why Sparkplug was looking so sad, though Spike was unable to recognize the man as his own father. {{storylink|Project Brain Drain}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Spike, his brother Buster, and his father Sparkplug met the Autobots early on in their time on Earth. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}} Spike formed a close friendship with Bumblebee. {{storylink|Extermination}}

Somewhere in the time after [[1984]], Spike married Carly, who then gave birth to Spike's son, Daniel. {{storylink|Extermination}} After the explosion of the ''[[Ark II]]'' in [[1999]], which caused the death of Spike's father Sparkplug, Spike tried to leave his involvement with the Transformers behind and settled down with his wife and son in Cleveland, Ohio, trying to live a new life as a normal family. The newfound peace wouldn't last for long, though, as Spike was soon recruited by a shady military official named [[Robert Hallo|General Hallo]] seeking his help in reviving Optimus Prime, whose body his men had recently found in the Arctic. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 1|Prime Directive #1}} Spike, who had been entrusted by Prime with a fragment of the Matrix, used that fragment to bring Prime back to life.

Optimus Prime subsequently used the Matrix to revive and assemble a group of his Autobots, which he would then lead against Megatron's Decepticons. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 2|Prime Directive #2}} Spike, however, revealed he had become disillusioned with the Autobots' war. Having its the human cost, he could no longer give Optimus his full support in his crusade against the Decepticons. Spike's words hit Prime hard, and the Autobot leader opted to confront the Decepticons without any human back-up once their location had been pinpointed. But General Hallo had double motives behind reviving the Autobots. He and Spike followed them in a helicopter, and once Hallo noted that the Decepticons were no longer under human control, ordered the delivery of a bomb upon all robot combatants. Spike futilely tried to intervene, and the payload exploded, enveloping all Autobots and Decepticons in its radius. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}} Spike was subsequently taken prisoner by Hallo, and locked up within the Pentagon. However, he apparently had an ally within the building; a note telling him to be ready when he would soon be broken free was slipped under his cell's door... {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 4|Prime Directive #4}} His benefactor was [[Larry|Larry, the World's Most Resourceful Janitor]], and with his help, Spike was able to escape his cell. Once freed, he uncovered the [[Lazarus Project]] and Hallo's sinister schemes, but not in time to stop him from launching a nuclear strike against the Autobots. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 5|Prime Directive #5}} Spike confronted Hallo, brandishing the files on the Lazarus project. But Hallo revealed he no longer cared about being found out, pulled out his firearm, and forced Spike to watch with him as the missile he had launched streaked towards Los Angeles. Spike accused Hallo of being a lunatic, caring only for power. Hallo agreed, positing that safety could only acquired through power. Hallo was interrupted mid-rant by the arrival of the secret service, who gunned him down when he refused to surrender. The Autobots' destruction was ultimately averted when [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] sacrificed his life in order to make it detonate before it could reach its target. Afterwards, Spike made his way to Optimus's side as he rebooted. Spike had hoped that Optimus would be happy after achieving another victory against the Decepticons, but Optimus remained crestfallen, his eyes now opened to how much suffering he had brought to Earth with his war. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 6|Prime Directive #6}}

{{charstubfiction|[[The Transformers Trilogy]] ({{storylink|Transformers: Hardwired|Hardwired}} / {{storylink|Transformers: Annihilation|Annihilation}} / {{storylink|Transformers: Fusion|Fusion}})}}

Following these events, Spike once again returned to his family and tried to leave his past with the Transformers behind. A few months later, though, his old friend Bumblebee, who had just decided to quit the Autobot army following a fierce battle against [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], showed up by his house. Spike, frustrated that the Autobots refused to leave him alone, hurled a few nasty insults against his old buddy {{storylink|Extermination}} before changing his mind and joining him on a men's night out in the city, where they stopped a mugging. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers Volume 2 Preview}}}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
In response to the forming of the terrorist organization [[Cobra]] and its commandeered Transformers, the United States government assembled a strike team dubbed [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]. Spike Witwicky (codename Spike) was listed on the roster, but was never seen. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
In a reality where the Dinobots consisted of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]], and [[Paddles (G1)|Paddles]], Spike befriended the first three, but never got a chance to meet the latter. {{storylink|Paddles (story)|Paddles}}

Spike was out driving with Bumblebee and Hound when, to their surprise, they stumbled on a badly-damaged Starscream. Though Spike was all in favor of leaving the Decepticon there, Bumblebee insisted they take Starscream back to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] with them. {{storylink|Redemption Center}}

Bumblebee gave Spike a ride to his high school, but while Spike was in class, his Autobot pal got carjacked. When Spike emerged, he found a smug Bumblebee sitting in the carpark with two wet seats. {{storylink|Joyride (story)|Joyride}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:Spikewitwickybuttonflies.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
{{main|Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: All Spark''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Fated Rival, Once Again...}} {{storylink|To Earth}} {{storylink|Reunion and Parting}} {{storylink|Plans of the Emperor of Destruction}} {{storylink|Revenge (All Spark)|Revenge}} {{storylink|The False Power}} {{storylink|Ray of Hope}} {{storylink|Great Aspirations}} {{storylink|Conclusion}}}}

===''Kre-O'' online manga===
Spike and [[Minerva (Masterforce human)|Minerva]] ran away from Mega-Megatron in terror. {{storylink|Defend the Blocks! Autobots, Dispatch!}}

[[File:Autobot-X_Kre-O_Character_Image.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Nothing is so painful to the [[Transformer|Cybertronian]] memory module as a great and sudden cameo.]]

"Autobot Spike" ran away in fear from [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]], the combined form of the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. {{storylink|Behemoth Combination! But They're Cute? The Predacon Unit}}

The "Autobot Spike" robot was later seen among a group of Earth's most wanted criminals. They attacked [[Metroplex (Kre-O)|Metroplex]] together, though Spike seemed more confused than actively malevolent throughout the venture. Despite their best efforts, the villains were repelled, and left the battlefield empty-handed. {{storylink|The Brick List: Earth's Most Wanted}}
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
Spike Witwicky had already been [[Binary bonding|binary bonded]] to Cerebros when the Decepticons threatened Nebulos. Together, they bonded themselves to Fortress Maximus to combat [[Scorponok (G1)|MegaZarak]]. By the time that MegaZarak was present on [[Master (planet)|Rebirth]] a few years later, Spike had presumably died, leaving his son [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] to fill his shoes. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

When Cerebros got wind of the [[Human Confederacy]]'s [[Eutychus Project]], he asked them to resurrect his former human partners, but they refused and gave him the [[Energon Matrix|energon matrix]] instead.

An etching of "Spike Witwicky" existed in [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]], along with "Daniel" and "[[Galen Witwicky]]". [[Cerebros (RID)|Plasma]], part of the trio that controlled Fortress Maximus, claimed to be Spike, among many other individuals related to the giant. {{storylink|Head Games}}
{{--}}

==Commercial appearances==
Spike brought some friends to visit an Autobot base in the dead of night. They were briefly stopped by the base's guards, who shined their headlights down on them to verify their allegiance. The three boys were cleared for entry, since they were wearing Transformers [[Iron-on patch|reflective patches]]! {{storylink|Commercial/Generation 1#Reflective patches|Prizes in Disguise contest/reflective patches commercial}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Legends''===
[[File:TFLegends-AutobotX.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
Spike, along with [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], was transported back in time to the sixth century, where they joined with [[Aetheling the Red|Lord Aetheling]], and were forced to combat similarly-displaced Decepticons at a medieval technology level. They eventually triumphed and returned to the present with the Decepticons as prisoners. {{storylink|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (Legends)|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court}} After Spike was gravely wounded during a Decepticon attack on an air force base, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] transferred Spike's mind into [[Autobot X (G1)|Autobot X]]. The trauma made Autobot X go berserk, and he fled the base, eventually being found by [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], who convinced him to turn on the Autobots. When his father was injured in the battle, Spike came back to his senses and after the Decepticons were defeated, Wheeljack transferred his mind back to his healed body. {{storylink|Autobot X (Legends)|Autobot X}} Spike suggested the Autobots hold a charity race. It did not go as planned. {{storylink|Autobot Run}} Hoist was out driving with Spike and [[Carly]] when they happened on a film shoot, leading to the Autobot being cast in a film. {{storylink|Hoist Goes Hollywood (Legends)|Hoist Goes Hollywood}}

During [[Unicron]]'s attack on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Spike and some Autobots were lost inside the giant, resulting in [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and Spike's son [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] searching for them. They were reunited and escaped Unicron prior to his destruction. {{storylink|Belly of the Beast (Legends)|Belly of the Beast}}

[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], and Spike were kidnapped by [[Skuxxoid]]s during the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 1}} Though the trio were sentenced to death by the Quints, the other Autobots arrived in time to save them. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 2}} When the Quintessons later used an ancient device to deactivate the Transformers, Spike was able to destroy it, saving the lives of his friends. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 3}}

Following an Decepticon assault led by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Spike, alongside [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and Ultra Magnus were forced into taking cover within the [[Autobot Mausoleum]]. This did little to improve their situation, however, as the Decepticons continued their advance. Unexpectedly, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] rose from his tomb, providing hope that the tide may yet turn in the Autobots' favour. This was not to be, unfortunately, as the resurrected Autobot leader left the group stranded after having received the Matrix of leadership from Rodimus. After Optimus regained his senses, the Autobots were left to mourn their leader as he sacrificed himself once more to undo the Quintessons' trap. {{storylink|Dark Awakening (Legends)|Dark Awakening}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:Spikeheadmastertoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Finally, your favorite Transformers character!]]
*'''Fortress Maximus''' (Headmaster, [[1987]])

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Spike is a [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] figure that comes with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Fortress Maximus]]. Gray and blue, it transforms into [[Cerebros (G1)#Generation 1|Cerebros]]'s head, which then in turn becomes Fortress Maximus's head. Although the on-package [[bio]] refers to 'the Nebulan leader, Spike', most assume it is supposed to represent the character from TV, making this the first ''Transformers'' toy of an Earth human.

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel Generation 1 comic]] as [[Galen]]. This mold was also [[redeco]]ed as [[Grand Maximus|Gran]], ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Car Robots]]'' [[Cerebros (RID)|Plasma]], and ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' [[Master (RM)|Master]] and retooled to make [[BotCon 2014]] [[Olin Zarak]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/Spike/spike.htm More information on Spike at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Masterpiece''===
:''See also:'' [[#Masterpiece 2]]

[[File:Masterpiecetoy spike.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' ([[September 24]], [[2011]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10'''
:''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP10|MP-10 Convoy]] comes with a small figure of Spike. Standing at about an inch tall, he features articulation in his shoulders, hips and knees, and is scaled to be able to sit in all the cockpit spaces that ''[[Diaclone]]'' figures could occupy on the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure, such as Prime's passenger compartment while in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], [[Roller (G1)#MP10|Roller]]'s seats, the consoles on the floor of the [[Combat Deck (G1)#MP10|Combat Deck]], and the cockpit of the Combat Deck's artillery robot.

:As this smaller incarnation of Convoy is in [[scale]] with them, Spike is also capable of riding ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' figures!

{{-}}{{anchor|eva}}
[[File:ConvoyModeEva Spike.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Looks like Shinji ran away again...Spike, you're hired!]]
*'''Convoy Mode "Eva"''' ([[November 28]], [[2014]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10'''

:For ''[[Transformers × Evangelion]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#eva|Convoy Mode "Eva"]], an ''Evangelion''-themed redeco of MP-10 Convoy, the Spike figure was redecoed in a color scheme based on [[Nerv]] uniforms.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP22}}
[[File:MP22-UltraMagnus-SpikeDaniel.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Ultra Magnus''' ([[December 27]], [[2014]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-22'''

:''Masterpiece'' MP-22 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#MP22|Ultra Magnus]] includes articulated figurines of [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)#MP22|Daniel]] and his father Spike, based on their appearances in the movie and Season 3 of the cartoon. Both can fit in seats inside the truck cab.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP711}}
[[File:MP711-Spike.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It might be his after-school job... if he ever actually went to school.]]
*'''Convoy (7-Eleven ver.)''' ([[February 28]], [[2018]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-711'''

:Available exclusively from Japanese 7-11 stores, MP-711 is a [[7-Eleven]]-themed [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#MP711|Optimus Prime]], with the Spike figurine sporting a 7-Eleven uniform.

{{-}}{{anchor|35th}}{{anchor|MP44}}
*'''Convoy''' ([[August 31]], [[2019]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-44'''

:This figure of Spike Witwicky is an all-new mold scaled to fit inside Prime's cab mode. He is about two inches tall and has ball-jointed articulation at the head, arms, hips, and torso, as well as swing-jointed knees. In a reference to the classic ''[[Diaclone]]'' pilot figures, he also has tiny magnets in the soles of his feet, allowing him to stand on several magnetized panels scattered around Prime's [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]]. He can also pilot [[Roller (G1)|Roller]] or the Auto-Launcher mounted on the deck. However, like his other human friends packaged with Prime, the tiny size of his ball joints make them rather weak, and he is prone to falling apart when his limbs are moved.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP45}}
*'''Cybertron Espionage Bumble (Ver. 2.0)''' ([[November 23]], [[2019]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-45'''
:This new figure of Spike is included with MP-44 [[Bumblebee_(G1)/toys#MP45|Cybertron Espionage Bumble (Ver. 2.0)]].

:This mold was later redecoed in transparent plastic for inclusion with MP-54 [[Reboost#Toys|Reboost]].

{{-}}{{anchor|MP47}}
*'''Hound''' ([[December 26]], [[2019]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-47'''
:This new figure of Spike is included with MP-47 [[Hound (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Hound]].
{{-}}

===''Transformers'' (2010)===
*'''Masterpiece Optimus Prime''' ([[2012]])
:A [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]] in the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#mp10hasbro|Hasbro's release]] of the MP-10 figure and its accessories features various plastic color and [[Paint operation|paint detail]] changes, yet Spike appears to be no different.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/MPSpikeWitwicky/spikewitwicky.htm More information on Masterpiece Spike at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:Kre-O-Earth's-Most-Wanted-Autobot-Spike.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]]
*'''Earth's Most Wanted''' (Souvenir set, 2015)

:Part of the [[BotCon 2015]] ''Earth's Most Wanted'' Souvenir Figure Set, "Autobot Spike" is a [[Kreon]] based on his appearance in the cartoon, albeit with some slightly different details.
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
====''Masterpiece''====
:''See also:'' [[#Masterpiece]]

{{anchor|HasbroMP}}
[[File:Hasbro-MP-Exosuit-Spike-Witwicky.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*''' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#HasbroMP|Bumblebee]] & [[Exosuit]] Spike Witwicky''' (2016)
**''ID Number'': '''MP-08'''

:The Hasbro release of ''Masterpiece'' MP-11 [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Bumble]] comes with a Spike clad in the [[exosuit]] he wore in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. While the figure is identical to the [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)#Masterpiece|Daniel Witwicky]] figure in the Takara release, Spike features a darker tone of light blue.

:He is mistransformed in vehicle mode.

{{-}}{{anchor|TitansReturn}}
====''Titans Return''====
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Emissary.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|If I change my name, they'll never realize that I'm the guy that shot [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]].]]
*'''[[Emissary (Generations)|Emissary]] & Cerebros & Fortress Maximus''' (Titan Class, 2016)
{{note|The ''Titans Return'' Emissary figure is based on the 1987 Spike figure, but whether it truly qualifies as a version of the Spike character is ambiguous.}}
:Only available with his partners (both medium and large), Emissary forms the head of [[Cerebros (G1)#Generations|Cerebros]] who in turn forms the head of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Generations|Fortress Maximus]]. Emissary can also be used as a head for any other Deluxe, Voyager, or Leader figure in the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' subline of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]''. His robot mode is based on the Headmaster [[#Generation 1|Spike]] figure, whilst his head mode is the [[mouthplate]]d design of Cerebros's [[character model]].

:This mold was later retooled into ''Legends'' [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Legends|Fortress' Headmaster stage]], and into ''Transformers & Downtown No Gaki No Tsukai Ya Arahende! Crossover'' [[Donarimasu]] & [[Guchirimasu]] Headmaster units.

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2016}}
*'''Fortress Maximus Convention Edition''' (Titan Class, 2016)

:The San Diego Comic-Con 2016 release of Fortress Maximus comes with a new head piece for Emissary, which resembles Fortress's Headmaster form in ''The Headmasters'' cartoon.
{{-}}

====''War for Cybertron Trilogy''====
[[File:GenerationsSelects-NeoAutobotX.jpg|thumb|300px|And I have all these parts... left over...]]
*'''Cog''' (''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Deluxe Class, [[2019]])
*'''Six-Gun''' (''Siege'' Deluxe Class, 2019)
*'''Brunt''' (''Siege'' Deluxe Class, 2019)
*'''Cromar''' (''Siege [[Generations Selects (toyline)|Selects]]'' Deluxe Class, 2019)
*'''Zetar''' (''Siege Selects'' Deluxe Class, 2019)
*'''Ironworks''' (''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' Deluxe Class, [[2020]])
*'''Greasepit''' (''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]] Selects'' Deluxe Class, 2020)

:Using [[Cog (G1)#Generations|Cog]]'s right arm, [[Six-Gun#Generations|Six-Gun]]'s upper and lower torso and left arm, [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt]]'s thighs, [[Cromar]]'s lower torso, [[Zetar (G1)|Zetar]]'s thighs, lower left leg and drill, [[Ironworks (facility)|Ironworks]]' right leg, left arm, and blasters, and [[Greasepit (facility)#Generations|Greasepit]]'s right leg, '''Neo Autobot X''' (ネオサイバトロンX ''Neo Cybertron Ekkusu'') can be assembled! Components... sold separately.

:Despite debuting in the Japanese-published story ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]'' [[Abominus comic 2]], not all components of Neo Autobot-X have been made domestically available in Japan; Cromar and Greasepit have yet to be released by TakaraTomy.
{{-}}

====''Buzzworthy Bumblebee''====
{{anchor|Buzzworthy}}
[[File:TF-WFC-Trilogy-Buzzworthy-BB-Spike-Witwicky.jpg|upright=1.33|thumb|White is sus]]
*'''Bumblebee & Spike Witwicky''' (2021)

:As part of the cross-''Generations'' ''[[Buzzworthy Bumblebee]]'' subline, ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' Spike Witwicky accompanies the [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy|Core Class Bumblebee]] figure. Spike is depicted in his traditional [[exosuit]] from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', and features an incredibly simple conversion—you just flip down his backpack and lie him down on his stomach. He has a vestigial pin hole molded through his hips, hinting that he was intended to have leg articulation at one point, but was eventually changed during development.

:Much like the rest of the ''Buzzworthy Bumblebee'' toys, the box is in the style of the 2018 ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)|Bumblebee]]'' toyline, with additional renders of the [[evergreen]] Bumblebee design. Additionally, the toy features ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]''-style [[package art]] with the ''War for Cybertron'' logo present.
{{-}}

===''Legends''===
[[File:TF-Legends-LG-54-Exosuit-Spike.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|His face is in our nightmares.]]
*'''Bumble & Excelsuit Spike''' ('''Bumblebee & Exo-suit Spike''') ([[December 30]], [[2017]])
**''ID Number'': '''LG-54'''

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' "Excelsuit Spike", despite possible appearances, is an all new sculpt transforming from a small robot based on Spike's exosuit into [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]]'s head which is compatible to any Deluxe-to-Larger ''Legends'' Headmaster/''Titans Return'' figures, although he was meant to form Fortress's head. Just like [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Legends|Ghost Starscream]], his smaller head is cast in transparent plastic.

:Excelsuit Spike comes with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Legends|Bumble]], a redeco of the ''Titans Return'' Legends Class Bumblebee figure.
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===''Super Collection Figure''===
[[File:SCF Bumblebee.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Bumble''' ([[2001]])
**''Act'': '''3'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:[[Plastic|PVC]] figurines of Spike and [[Bumblebee (G1)/merchandise#Super Collection Figure|Bumblebee]] were sold together in the third "Act" of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' series. Like all the figures in the wave, the pair were available as both regular full-color figures and clear plastic versions, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures. Spike has tiny peg-holes in the soles of his feet, but they're ''far'' too small to work with the accompanying stand.

: In two out of every ten cases, the full-color version of the set came packaged with the torso piece of the wave's [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Super Collection Figure/Heroes of Cybertron|Fortress Maximus]] "build-a-figure", itself in either full-color or clear versions in an equal 1:1 ratio. Yikes.
{{-}}

===''Heroes of Cybertron''===
[[File:HOC Bumblebee.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Spike" refers to his ''Iguanodon''-like thumbs.]]
*'''Autobot Espionage Team''' ([[2003]])

:''Super Collection Figure'' Spike and Bumblebee were later released by [[Hasbro]] in the fourth wave of their ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, sold under the name "Autobot Espionage Team," as Hasbro did not have the [[trademark]] rights to Bumblebee's name at this point in time. This version of Spike was cast in transparent-blue plastic then wholly painted over. Nominally in the line, this was used to do a [[light-piping]]-like effect for the figures, but obviously that's not something that's gonna work for the human.

: Unlike the blindpacked Japanese version, they were sold on an individual blister card with an included bio card, and came packaged with the right leg of the [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys#Heroes of Cybertron|Fortress Maximus]] build-a-figure.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HoCSpike/spike.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Spike at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''History Collection''===
[[File:TFhistorycollection spike.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Spike''' (2004)
:A PVC figurine of Spike was the rare [[chase figure]] of Takara's ''[[History Collection]]''. Spike was the only piece in the series who did not come with a circular "bottlecap" display base, instead, coming crouched on Optimus Prime's hand, from which he could be removed. Additionally, Prime's hand could plug into the wrist socket of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|20th Anniversary/Masterpiece Optimus Prime]] figure.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act234/ More information on the History Collection at TFKenkon.com]''
{{-}}

===Brave-Goukin===
[[File:BraveGoukin exosuit.jpg|thumb|upright=2.33]]
*'''Excel Suit''' (<s>2014</s>)

:A poseable "[[Exosuit#Brave-Goukin|Excel Suit]]" toy was to be produced by [[CM's Corporation]] as part of their ''Brave-Goukin'' line, complete with vehicle mode and transforming arm blasters. It would have included static figures of Spike and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)#Brave-Goukin|Daniel]] who could be displayed separately or have their heads placed inside the suit, with alternate upward-looking heads included for the its vehicle mode. The Exosuit would also have come with a small figurine of [[Grand Galvatron#Brave-Goukin|Grand Galvatron]] and the [[Master Sword#Brave-Goukin|Master Sword data disk]] from the ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters]]'' episode "[[The Master Sword Is in Danger!!]]".

:This toy only made it as far as the painted [[prototype]] stage before CM's Corporation was forced to file for bankruptcy, leaving it unreleased.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''ULTIMATES!''===
*'''Optimus Prime''' (''ULTIMATES!'', 2021)

: A small, static mini-figurine of Spike was included with [[Super7]]'s ''[[Transformers ULTIMATES!]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#ULTIMATES!|Optimus Prime]].

: Preorders for Optimus (and the rest of Wave 1) opened on [[January 29]] 2021, and closed on [[February 28]], with the toys shipping in winter of that year.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
*Spike and Buster were both derived from the same "young male human friend" character in early backstory material. For more on the name variation see [[Butch Witwicky (G1)|Butch Witwicky]].
*Apparently Spike Witwicky is named after a person in real life! According to the [[BotCon 2010]] panel hosted by [[Bob Budiansky]], [[Jim Shooter]] (editor in-chief at [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] at the time) chose the name based on one of his real life friends. The name Witwicky had previously showed up in Marvel's ''Dazzler'' comics, as co-plotted by Shooter.
*While being a patchwork like the [[Autobot X (G1)|original cartoon Autobot X]], it is clear that the details on the comic version of Autobot Spike are mostly by the use of paint, complete with the use of the [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Bluestreak]] helmet with only one crest painted red (though the crests are bigger than normal) and a green-grey wing-door piece. He also utilities the [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Shockwave]] gun hand to simulate the original's own. The BotCon 2015 Kreon faithfully replicated this design, with the exception of the right door-wing, which remains white instead of being painted green.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Spike Witwicky''' (スパイク・ウィトウィッキー ''Supaiku Witowikkī'')
*''English:'' '''Sparkle''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Laflèche''' (Canada, "The astute")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Spike Witwicky''', '''Csuka''' (''The Movie'' first dub, "Pike")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Spike''' (斯派克 ''Sīpàikè'')
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Spys''' (Спис, "Spear")

{{DEFAULTSORT:Witwicky, Spike (G1)}}
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising humans]]
[[Category:Classics humans]]
[[Category:G.I. Joe]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 humans]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Kre-O humans]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 humans]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 2 humans]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Regeneration One humans]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:ULTIMATES!]]
[[Category:United States military officers]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom characters]]
[[Category:Wings Universe humans]]
[[Category:Witwicky family|Spike Witwicky (G1)]]

User:Nevermore/Sandbox/JaAm

2021-05-02T18:49:02Z

Elleby: Remove category to prevent it from being displayed on the category pages.

{{disambig2|the controversial fandom meme|the Japanese supergroup|JAM Project}}
:''JaAm is, depending on who you ask, either a mysterious quantity from the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]], or a memetic joke that is considered offensive by certain minorities.''

[[Image:Hotshotjaam.jpg|right|180px|thumb|The original fan-edited comic that spawned the meme.]]
In-universe, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] is obsessed with '''JaAm''', a mysterious substance. Some have suggested it may be a fuel source. Regardless, it's important enough to Hot Shot that he had a vanity license plate made to proclaim his love for it.

Out of universe, "JaAm" was originally a nonsensical term featured in a fan-edited pack-in mini-comic that subsequently became the subject of a meme, which in turn resulted it in being referenced in official ''Transformers'' materials on multiple occasions. While the term itself can be just taken as a funny name for a mysterious substance, other elements of the fan-edited mini-comic have since become the subject of criticism for depicting offensive stereotypes of mentally handicapped people.

==Overview==

===The original fan-edited comic===
Just before the [[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|''Armada'' toyline]]'s imminent release in 2002, scans of the [[Armada Volume 1|first]] pack-in [[Transformers: Armada (mini-comic)|mini-comic]] were put online both at [http://www.transformers.com Transformers.com] and at [http://www.bwtf.com Ben's World of Transformers], the latter of which received early production samples from [[Hasbro]] for review. The original comic was trilingual, forcing the [[Chris Sarracini|writer]] to fit three languages worth of dialogue into tiny word bubbles, resulting in short, stilted, and unintentionally goofy-sounding prose. Because of these limitations, many found the mini-comic to be a bit lacking. British fan [[User:Blueshift|Yartek]] took it upon himself to rewrite the dialogue as nonsense; reportedly, it took him the span of an afternoon to come up with the new dialogue. Among other things (such as Cyclonus asking what the hell he turns into, and Optimus Prime wondering where his feet are), Hot Shot was famously depicted as an incoherent oddball, randomly screaming ''non sequiturs'' such as "mY liFE iS PaIn" and "[[Kibble|WhY mY ShOuLdErS hUrT?]]" in randomly uppercase and lowercase letters using the much-reviled {{w|Comic Sans MS|Comic Sans}} font. (This was, perhaps, Yartek's commentary on the art.) The most famous quote, "jaAm", comes from Hot Shot's description of the large green energy-draining device, which he mistakes for a container of {{w|Fruit preserves|jam}}.

===Popularity among the fandom and references in official ''Transformers'' materials===

[[File:jaamplate.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Official it is, now.]]The rewritten mini-comic proved to be wildly popular in the fandom and grew to be one of the most persistent memes through the duration of ''Armada'' and beyond. When [[Ben Yee]] overhauled his toy review system, he commissioned Hot Shot fan [[David Willis]] to create a series of images based on the mini-comic, which would remain part of his rating system for almost two decades. (Ironically, the Hot Shot toy itself rated poorly on Ben Yee's scale.)

In 2008, Hasbro themselves officially referenced "JaAm" and its relevance to Hot Shot: The second [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' toy line]] featured a new Deluxe Class [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Universe (2008)|Hot Shot toy]], whose vanity [[license plate]] simply reads "JA AM" in uppercase letters. (Hot Shot's [[wave]]-mate, [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Autobot Ratchet]], likewise featured a license plate with an obscure reference, in his case to the cover of [[The Pri¢e of Life!|issue 70]] of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|original ''Transformers'' comic series]] by [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]). Additionally, the final sentence of the [[bio]] featured on the back of the toy's packaging elaborates on his obsession with "JaAm", this time spelled in camel case.

In 2019, "JaAm" was referenced for the first time in a ''Transformers'' cartoon, namely in the ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy (cartoon)|Rescue Bots Academy]]'' episode "[[Rescue Promo]]": When [[Hot Shot (Prime)|that show's version of Hot Shot]] was dropped into a vat during a rescue mission at an out of control [[Griffin Rock]] cake factory, he emerged covered in a blue substance which he declared to be "jaaaam!" Furthermore, while not referenced by name, the 2020 ''Rescue Bots Academy'' Hot Shot toy that turns into a fire truck comes with a "Splash Blaster" that has been given a translucent green color, which appears to be inspired by the color of the substance from the fan-edited ''Armada'' comic as well.
{{-}}

===Controversy===
While one subset of fans considers the "JaAm" reference in particular, and the entire fan-edited comic in general, to be merely a silly joke that makes fun of the art style, and particularly the facial expressions, in an official ''Transformers'' comic, other people have raised valid concerns that the entire thing is just one big "joke" about Hot Shot being, well, mentally not well-developed. Not to beat around the bush, his portrayal in the edited dialogue makes him essentially a caricature of a mentally handicapped person. Additionally, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s edited dialogue features the line "Perhaps you can get some medical help", which can also be interpreted as denigrating people with mental issues.

==Notes==
*The specific capitalization of "JaAm" never actually appears in the comic, but Hasbro has used this capitalization on the back of ''Universe'' Hot Shot's packaging, with the second "A" being larger than the other—perhaps, we humbly propose, because that's how we've spelled it on this wiki.
*Hot Shot's love of jaAm was apparently inspired by the "Bunny Cuddles" stories from the British magazine ''{{w|Playhour}}'', featuring an anthropomorphic rabbit whose favorite food was jam. <ref>[https://twitter.com/RockLordsRock/status/1049607891328671745 Blueshift on Twitter, 9 October 2018] </ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://tfwiki.net/~fortmax/JaAm/JaAm.html "Armada - The REAL Story", by Yartek] on FortMax's Instructions Archive
*{{w|Fruit preserves#Jam|Jam}} on Wikipedia

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jaam}}

User:Repowers/Sandbox2

2021-04-29T04:19:19Z

Elleby:

[[Image:MarvelUS-19.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Hasbro]] wasn't quite sure whether to advertise [[Omega Supreme (G1)#Toys|this expensive toy]] until the fans forced their hand.]]To understand Transformers fiction, it is important to understand that it exists '''to sell toys.''' [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy]] are toy companies, and they are primarily interested in continuing to sell [[toy]]s to children and adults. The cartoons, comic books, etc., mostly exist to make this happen. To be sure, they normally make a profit in their own right, but this is regarded as mere gravy.

The "to sell toys" effect often distorts the fiction in interesting ways. Primarily, since you can't usually sell someone the same toy twice,<ref>Except for repaints of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].</ref> [[HasTak]] constantly introduces new toys, and often requires the creators of the fiction to introduce the new characters into ongoing storylines. Older characters (whose toys are no longer being sold) are shoved aside to make room.

Another effect of "to sell toys" is when the toys have gimmicks which must be explained in the fiction. Sometimes ([[Mini-Cons]]) this is relatively easy, while other times it requires a lot of imagination on the part of the writers (the in-comic explanations for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmasters]] are kinda wonky).

The UK [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|movie-based Transformers comic]] takes this to more blatant heights. Not only do the movie toys like [[Clocker (Movie)|Clocker]] and [[Skyblast (Movie)|Skyblast]] appear in strips, not only has the editor told readers in Mech Mail that all the toys are great and should be bought... but there is a specific 4-page feature every week called ''Top Gear'', which exists solely to promote the newest Transformers merchandise. This has led to readers being told how great [[Optimash Prime]] was.

==Casting==
===Huge casts===
Hasbro makes a lot of toys at once, and they generally want all of them to appear in their fiction. This can force writers to bring in vast numbers of characters all at once, sometimes with awkward results. Examples include:
*The first issue of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Generation 1 comics]], [[The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers]]", in which 28 different robots appear and introduced themselves, even though only a handful are important to the plot.
*The 1987 ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over 60 characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]], all their [[Nebulos|Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcon]]s, and the [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s.
*The cartoon episode "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced a deluge of 1987 characters, mostly the same ones seen in ''Headmasters''.
*In the first four episodes of ''[[Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'', eighteen characters are introduced in quick succession.

===Random casting===
The Hasbro-induced need to show all the toys can also cause stories to suddenly focus on a new character, sometimes dropping ongoing plot threads about older ones. Examples include:
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" suddenly introduces a dozen Autobots and Decepticons that we've never met before, and follows their adventures. The story adds nothing to the long-range plot that couldn't have been accomplished by using existing characters; these teams were added to the mix to promote their new toys.
*Many issues of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comic]] had cover blurbs in the form "Introducing the _______!", where the blank was whatever the latest line of toys was. The following issues specifically introduce new toys on the cover: [[Repeat Performance!|#8]], [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|#10]], [[Brainstorm!|#11]], [[Command Performances!|#19]], [[Aerialbots over America!|#21]], [[Crater Critters|#29]], [[The Cure!|#30]], [[Pretender to the Throne!|#40]], [[People Power!|#41]], [[Ca$h and Car-nage!|#46]], [[Club Con!|#47]], and [[Yesterday's Heroes!|#60]]. Throw in a few covers where new characters were pictured but not named, and that's 1/5th of the series.
*In [[Spacehikers!|issue #36]] of the Marvel comics, when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] decides that he needs help in dealing with [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s inept leadership, he doesn't turn to any of the ''dozens'' of Autobots aboard the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', which include two combiner teams and Omega Supreme. No, he has to call in his "old buddy"/new toy, [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]].
*In the prelude to the [[Underbase Saga]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] were the lead characters in a story set before the Transformers came to [[Earth]]. But rather than palling around with the likes of Jazz or Prowl, they are instead shown alongside the newest "gimmick" characters, the [[Triggercon]]s and the [[Triggerbot]]s.
*[[Mainframe Entertainment]] planned to use [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] in ''Beast Wars'', but [[Tigatron]] appeared instead because he had an upcoming toy, and to save money as his cgi model was only a slight tweak of [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s.

===Limited casting===
On the opposite side of things, Hasbro doesn't want to pay to depict characters that aren't selling toys. This can force a story, particularly an animated cartoon, to have a smaller cast than it otherwise might.
*The early episodes of [[Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'']] featured only the toys available on the shelves. This resulted in two ridiculously small teams going to Earth for the all-important mission of gathering Mini-Cons, rather inexplicable in story terms. [[Armada (Dreamwave comic)|The comic book]] suffered exactly the same problem.

==Plot==
===Forced explication===
{{main|Introdump}}
Rather than simply showing up in the background, new toy/characters often overtly introduce themselves, often with a ridiculous description of their special abilities. The Marvel comic is rife with examples, but it shows up across numerous fictions.
*Again, [[The Transformers (issue)|''Transformers'' #1]] has two huge splash pages in which 28 characters do nothing but stand around and tell each other who they are and what they can do.
*The two-part Generation 1 cartoon episode "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Dinobot Island]]" features many new 1985 characters getting their own short little introductory scene, often with a characteristic bit of self-description ([[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]: "I'd rather stay in my stunning auto mode!" [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]: "I'm ''always'' ready for action!" [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]: "Wow, like, I hope we don't destroy this place before we can study it!")

===Gimmicks===
When the toys can do something special, fiction writers must often go out of their way to show the gimmick in action.
*The Headmaster gimmick got [[The Transformers: Headmasters|an entire Limited Series comic book]] devoted to it.
*The comic issue "[[Pretender to the Throne!]]" features [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] proudly creating the [[Pretender]]s, gloating that they will hide the Decepticons' identities from the Autobots "until it is too late". Not only does the plan not actually work, it's also a plot point with absolutely zero lead-in or build-up -- at no point has Scorponok ever expressed concern about his troops being detected by the Autobots, and we've never even met the Pretender characters before. It was brought about solely because the new toys had to be jammed into the story.
The [[Unicron Trilogy]], noted for its gimmicks in all three toylines, was particularly notorious in this regard:
*The quest for power-enhancing [[Mini-Cons]] practically defined the plot of the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon, with both factions out to recruit or capture all the Mini-Cons.
*[[Powerlinx]]ing is shown again and again and again in ''[[Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', despite having comparatively little relevance to most episode plotlines.
*Cyber key powerups are likewise shown repeatedly in ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]].''
*All three series were also marked by lengthy transformation sequences which highlighted the gimmicks in very toy-accurate animation (and also made production cheaper, thanks to [[stock footage|recycled footage]]).

===Strange developments===
Shoehorning loads of new characters with new powers can compel the writers to do things with the plot that, in all probability, they otherwise wouldn't.
*Marvel UK had to promote the [[Special Teams]] toys ''before'' they knew how they'd be appearing in the US reprints. To get around this, [[Simon Furman]] wrote a story arc titled ''[[Second Generation!]]'', where [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]], Optimus and Shockwave <s>watched an advert</s> saw a Matrix-induced vision of the Special Teams.
*In the US Marvel comics, the simultaneous introduction of the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] and [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] and the introduction of the Pretenders both saw a lot of rigamarole involved in explaining why both the Autobots and the Decepticons had new members with identical numbers/gimmicks at the same time.
*Season 3 of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]] almost completely ignored the characters of the previous two seasons that were no longer on toy shelves. The 1985 Autobot cars, for example, are not seen at all. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and the 1985 Mini-Vehicles, by contrast, showsup now and again, as their toys are still shipping. Even Starscream, who was ''dead'', managed to get a couple of Season 3 episodes all to himself; again, his toy sold through 1986.
*The first thirteen issues of the ''[[Armada (Dreamwave comic)|Armada]]'' comic were focused around the Mini-Cons, with plots often revolving around their desire to be seen as equals and not be enslaved. Then without ''any'' prior set-up, the last five issues turn into a dimension-spanning battle against [[Unicron]] - who had just had a new and expensive toy.

===Power levels===
In order to make new characters seem more ''totally awesome'', they're often depicted as ultra-powerful in their initial appearances. Once they become old news, they frequently seem to lose their super-charged abilities.
*The Generation 1 cartoon introduced Devastator as the ultimate threat. Once newer combiner teams came along, however, he was less of a threat, easily defeated at various times by Menasor, Broadside and even Perceptor.
*The Marvel comics feature [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] as nigh-invulnerable and ultimately powerful in [[Command Performances!|his debut issue]]. Just [[Totaled!|two years later]], he's getting his butt handed to him by the likes of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]].
*In her first appearance on the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] effortlessly blasts [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] to pieces. She never displays such a level of power again.
*[[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] was actually a credible threat for his first couple of episodes.
*''Any'' new toy character in the Unicron Trilogy cartoons is almost guaranteed to win the day's battle.
*[[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] was a staggering behemoth as big as the sky in his introduction. By the time of the ''Energon'' cartoon, he's just this slightly tall guy.

===New bodies===
There's rarely a compelling reason for a Transformer to get an a brand-new body in fiction; it's simply to promote a new toy. It has become a default way to keep a popular character on shelves, rather than having to kill them off and introduce a new character to keep moving toys. Sometimes fiction writes are able to work these alterations in elegantly... sometimes not.
*Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'' introduced the new Transmetal toys in short order, requiring some strange sci-fi waffling to explain why members of both teams suddenly got special new bodies.
*The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" three times; at the start of each subsequent series, he's turned back into Megatron but with a different body. This is due to Hasbro's wanting to keep the [[trademark]]s "Megatron" and "Galvatron" as well as to sell more toys.
*Several times during the Unicron Trilogy, characters get new paint jobs as part of some magical power-up enhancement. These new color schemes exist solely to promote redecorated toys like "[[Ironhide (Energon)|Energon Ironhide]]" or "[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Powerlinx Hot Shot]]". Even the comics got in on the action, introducing the redecorated versions of [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] and [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus]] during the Unicron arc.
*The three future members of the [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense Team]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of BLAZING HEART OF JUSTICE into new forms. These new forms, of course, were just hitting shelves at a toy store near you.
*In the course of the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] gets irritated at a slight against his alternate mode, and scans a new form. Viola, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!

==Death==
===Killing off old product===
[[Image:Tftm1986a.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Brawn (G1)|Guess who's]] no longer in the [[Mini Vehicles]] case assortment?]]

The most obvious To Sell Toys effect comes from the temporary nature of retail sales. Even in the 1980s, toys rarely stayed on the shelves past two years; today that timespan is much smaller. Once a toy is no longer selling, Hasbro has no interest in supporting fiction about that character -- especially when there's newer toys to promote. Therefore, writers are often compelled to remove characters from the story by killing them off. Sometimes this happens through carefully developed story arcs, but it's easier to do it with huge, apocalyptic battles with massive numbers of casualties.

This has become less common in recent year, as Hasbro has come to realize that their target audiences can actually get attached to certain characters, and might not enjoy seeing them die random, brutal, meaningless deaths.

*In ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', numerous main characters are killed or changed in the movie's first 30 minutes, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. They are replaced by a slew of new characters; in fact, the poster for the movie shows ''only'' new characters.

*Numerous characters are killed in the Marvel UK comics saga "[[Time Wars]]". The Grim Reaper seemed to spare either popular characters (Megatron and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]) or newer characters ([[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]], [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], for example.)

[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Marvel Comics|Publisher]]'s clearing house.]]

*The [[Underbase Saga]] features a super-powerful [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] killing literally ''dozens'' of characters; some place the count over fifty. The survivors were mostly from the [[Pretender]], [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] ranks, those being the then-current toy lines.

*The climactic [[On the Edge of Extinction!|battle with Unicron]] 25 issues later killed off many of the Underbase survivors, whose shelf run had ended.

[[Image:BW_Scorponok_Terrorsaur_deaths.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]], we're condemning you to a fiery death 'cause [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]] has a bigger fan club.]]

*With its enormously expensive CGI animation, ''Beast Wars'' was particularly vulnerable to toy-based interference. The expense of creating and animating a CGI body model meant that the character roster had to remain fairly constant; the introduction of all-new characters usually required the removal of an equal number of pre-existing characters. And so, [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]] and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] die just in time for the arrival of [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]. (Frustrated with the situation, the writers carefully planned out [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]]'s demise, anticipating that someone would have to be removed to make way for [[Rampage (BW)|newer characters]].) [[Tigerhawk]] was introduced and then killed off within three episodes, due to corporate uncertainty about whether the toy would actually be produced.

===Hi-then-die===
Kids don't want to buy a toy of a character who's dead. So if the plot calls for someone to die, smart money bets on the character who has a toy as the survivor.
*This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Autobot)|Flattop]], and the 6th member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].
*The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock (Energon)|Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast]]'s hands, proving motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]].

===Resurrection===
Killing off a character isn't always toy-motivated; sometimes it's a dramatic plot development. But it can also be a problem if Hasbro decides to make a new character of that toy.
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has been resurrected so many times that it's practically a defining character trait. His original revival in the cartoon didn't correspond to any actual toy release, but the Marvel comic brought him back specifically to advertise his Powermaster form. A second death-and-revival introduced his [[Action Master]] body. And a ''third'' death-and-revival brought him into his Combat Hero toy form.
*Numerous "dead" characters were brought back into the Marvel comic series when their Classics and/or Action Master versions were released. Many were "deactivated" rather than outright dead; however, very few ''non'' Action Master characters showed up alongside them.
*The series writers for ''Beast Wars'' considered [[Optimus Primal]] dead and gone at the end of Season 1. Hasbro, however, had a [[Transmetal]] Optimus Primal toy to promote, and so he was returned to life in Season 2.
*At the end of Season 2 of ''Beast Wars'', [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] was pretty clearly shown being killed--being ''disintegrated''--but in the next season appeared to have just been bruised and cracked, because Hasbro was not ready to have a Mega-scaled toy removed from the series.

==Post-Marvel comics==
[[Image:Infiltration_1c.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Hey, [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]], it's our first appearance on a comic book cover in twenty years!" "Heh heh, now if only [[Battlecharger|we]] could appear on toy store shelves..."]]

There's a notable exception to the To Sell Toys effect: the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] and [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] comics. The two recent holders of the license to publish Transformers comic books sometimes produce comics using whichever toy line is current (e.g., Dreamwave's ''[[Armada (Dreamwave comic)|Armada]]'' comic or IDW's [[Transformers (2007)|2007 movie]] tie-ins), and sometimes publish comics using whatever characters they please (e.g., ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''). The characters in their "discretionary" comics are often not currently available in toy form ([[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], a current character in IDW's G1 continuity, has not had a toy in 20 years), sometimes are drawn with bodies that have ''never'' been toys (most of the ''War Within'' characters), and sometimes are toys that were never available outside of specific countries ([[Lio Convoy]] in IDW's ''Beast Wars'').

[[Chris Ryall]], IDW Editor-in-Chief and writer of the miniseries adapting the 2007 movie to comics [http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377#69377 has confirmed on IDW's forums] that Hasbro do not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").

Presumably, Hasbro do not now view the collector-based US comics market as a viable promotional exercise, and licences comic rights purely on the basis of how much money the licence itself will bring in.

==Footnotes==
<references/>

Popular Cybertronian vehicle alternate modes

2021-04-29T04:18:34Z

Elleby:

Whether on [[Earth]], Cybertron, or out in the cosmos, [[Transformer|Transformers]] often assume vehicle modes that defy human notions of form, function, and physics. Despite the infinite possibilities out there, sometimes these reappear in odd trends.

'''TFWiki.net: The Transformers Wiki''' has certain requirements for an alt-mode to be listed here. There must be at least '''three unique toy molds''' (as cybertronian modes are rather more common in fiction, this page will focus on the toys) that share the archetype. There must also be at least '''one unique character per mold''' —a single character getting numerous revamps in similar bodies over the years would not count as a "popular mode."

Each mold is listed on its own line, with all different-character decoes/retools on the same line. The list is (more or less) organized in chronological order of toy release or fictional appearance.

:''See also'': [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes]], [[Popular beast alternate modes]], [[Non-vehicle non-beast alternate modes]]

==Drill Tank==
[[File:G1-toy PowerdasherDrill.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
* [[Twin Twist]] / [[Salt-Man Z]] / [[Robot-Man Z]]
* [[Zetar (G1)|Zetar]]
* [[Nosecone (G1)|G1 Nosecone]] / [[Ram Horn|General Ramhorn]]
* [[Quickswitch]] / [[Sixknight]]
* [[Drillhorn (Victory)|''Victory'' Drillhorn]] / [[Rescue Force 3]]
* [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|''Zone'' Dai Atlas]]
* [[Drillbuster]]
* [[Scavenger (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Scavenger]]
* [[Galvatron (BWII)|''Beast Wars II'' Galvatron]]
* [[Drill Bit (Armada)|''Armada'' Drill Bit]] / [[Rock Krusher]] / [[Monocle]]
* [[Heatrock]]

==H-Tank==
[[File:ROTF-toy Sparkcrusher.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)|''Armada'' Megatron]] / [[Megazarak (Universe)|''Universe'' Megazarak]]
* [[Warpath (G1)|G1 Warpath (''Universe'')]] / [[Sparkcrusher]]
* [[Shockwave (Animated)|''Animated'' Shockwave]]
* [[Megatron (Movie)|Movie Megatron (''Revenge of the Fallen'')]] / [[Blitzwing (BB)|''Bumblebee'' Blitzwing]]
* [[Shockwave (WFC)|Aligned Shockwave (''Prime'')]]
* [[Strika (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Strika (Timelines)]] / [[Blastcharge Strika Drone]] / [[Treadshot (G1)|G1 Treadshot (Timelines)]]

==Hovercar==
[[File:CombinerWarsMinimusAmbus.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]
* [[Blurr (G1)|G1 Blurr]] / [[Arcee (G1)|G1 Arcee (''Titans Return'')]]
* [[Prowl (G1)|G1 Prowl (''Titanium'')]]
* [[Minimus Ambus]] / [[Alpha Trion (G1)|G1 Alpha Trion (''Legends'')]]
* [[Bumblebee (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'' Bumblebee (Cybertronian Mode)]]

==Hovertank==
[[File:CV-toy Clobber.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Also officially known as a "Space Thing."]]
* [[Megatron (WFC)|Aligned Megatron (''Generations'')]] / [[Megatron (G1)|G1 Megatron (''United'')]] / [[Megatron (KOU)|''Knights of Unicron'' Megatron]]
* [[Rampage (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Rampage (Timelines)]] / [[Shokaract|Shockaract (Timelines)]]
* [[Clobber (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'' Clobber]]
* [[Megatron (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'' Megatron (Cybertronian Mode)]]

==Spider Tank==
[[File:Cyb-toy Scrapmetal yellow.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Thankfully for Arachnophobes, these only feature four legs.]]
* [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetal]] / [[Cobybot]] / [[Inferno (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Inferno (''Universe'')]] / [[Rumble (G1)|G1 Rumble (''Universe'')]]
* [[Thunderhead]] / [[Crosshairs (Movie)|''Dark of the Moon'' Crosshairs]]
* [[Shockwave (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'' Shockwave]]

=="Submarines"==
[[File:TitansReturnGalvatron3modes.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Whatever you do, don't turn it upside down]]
* [[Sixshot (G1)|G1 Sixshot (''Titans Return'')]] / [[Quickswitch|Quickswitch (''Titans Return'')]]
* [[Galvatron (G1)|G1 Galvatron (''Titans Return'')]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)|G1 Shockwave (''War for Cybertron: Siege'')]]

==Tetrajet==
[[File:WFC Netflix Sparkless Seeker.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.4|Local Decepticon learns how to ignore aerodynamics! Physicists hate him!]]
* [[Starscream (G1)|G1 Starscream (''Titanium'')]] / [[Sunstorm (G1)|G1 Sunstorm (''Titanium'')]] / [[Skywarp (G1)|G1 Skywarp (''Titanium'')]] / [[Thrust (G1)|G1 Thrust (''Titanium'')]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|''Armada'' Starscream (''Cybertron'')]] / [[Sunstorm (Universe)|''Universe'' Sunstorm (''Cybertron'')]] / [[Ramjet (G1)|G1 Ramjet (''Universe'')]] / [[Dirge (G1)|G1 Dirge (''Universe'')]] / [[Starscream (Movie)|Movie Starscream (''Dark of the Moon'' Cybertronian mode)]]
* [[Starscream (WFC)|Aligned Starscream (''Generations'')]] / [[Skywarp (WFC)|Aligned Skywarp (''Generations'']]) / [[Skywarp (G1)|G1 Skywarp (''Thrilling 30'')]] / [[Thundercracker (G1)|G1 Thundercracker (''Thrilling 30)]]
* [[Red Wing|Red Wing (''Generations Selects'')]]/[[Acid Storm (G1)|G1 Acid Storm (''War for Cybertron:Earthrise'')]] / [[Nova Storm (G1)|G1 Nova Storm (''War for Cybertron:Earthrise'')]] / [[Ion Storm]] / [[Hotlink (G1)|G1 Hotlink (''War for Cybertron'')]] / [[Sparkless|Sparkless Seeker]]
* [[Starscream (Movie)|Movie Starscream (''Studio Series'')]]

==Twin-Cockpit Jet==
[[File:G1-toy Slugslinger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|The second cockpit's for your younger sibling to use and pretend he's flying]]
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|G1 Slugslinger]]
* [[Doubleheader]]
* [[Slugslinger (Energon)|''Energon'' Slugslinger]] / [[Airazor (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Airazor (Timelines)]]

User:Tigerpaw28/Sandbox:Commercials

2021-04-29T04:18:06Z

Elleby:

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{{nav-G1}}
[[File:Hasbrooldlogo.jpg|left|75px|thumb|And if I had a hammer....]]
Generation 1's stylized and somewhat dated '''commercials''' played a huge part in propelling the [[Transformers brand]] to household name status (after all, they reached audiences who weren't actively looking for robots). As the [[theme song]] played over many of them, they are also responsible for the jingle's status as a mid-80s icon.

Generation 1 commercials would commonly start with a short sequence of original cel animation, then cut to two or more boys in the 7 to 10-year-old range playing with the toys. [[Victor Caroli]] and another narrator (here referred to as "The Other Guy") provided voice-overs to describe just how exciting the incredible new toys were. New voice acting from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] cast became incorporated into the animation featured in the commercials in 1985, and across 1986-87, the narration was partially replaced with various show characters narrating the adverts "in-universe" (Optimus Prime and Megatron in 1986, Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Prime, and Galvatron in 1987), but Caroli and The Other Guy were usually there at the end to affirm that the toys were "each sold separately", and Caroli returning to more full-length narration from 1988 onwards. Background music would feature the show's [[theme song]], but often with new lyrics about the toys in question. The lyrics had to stretch to fit the cadence of the song; sometimes they were jammed into a different melody altogether. Most of the early commercials had an animated segment at the end with Hasbro's logo being "hammered" by animated human hands onto the screen, often having Caroli saying "...only from Hasbro!".

[[File:Jetfireg1commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Transforms from robot to lawsuit right before your eyes!]]
The animated segments often featured high-quality art and animation. Some of the 1986 and 1987 animation was combined into a [[title sequence]] for "[[The Rebirth]]", the final three-part episode of the Generation 1 cartoon (they contrasted painfully with the lower-quality segments produced by [[AKOM]].) The short length of television commercials meant the animated sections were fast-paced, with characters speaking their lines very rapidly; within the context of the fictional world they portray, this could lead to some hilarious results, such as Jazz taking about 1/4th of a second to decide to become an Action Master. The animated segments would sometimes feature the voice actors from the cartoon; however, some such as Blaster had not been assigned a voice actor yet. Later segments required soundalikes for characters whose voice actors had died (Jazz) or were unavailable (Megatron). These spots were the only American animation produced for dozens of characters from the toyline's later years, and in [[Micromaster Combiner|a few cases]], remain their only fictional appearance ''ever''.

Toy segments would typically consist of jump cut filled sequences of the kids transforming the figures, followed by a big group battle. The transformation steps would be accompanied by loud clicking noises to emphasize the parts shifting into place.

[[File:OptimusMagnusCommercialChange.JPG|right|upright=1.4|thumb|The Halloween masks were weak this year.]]
[[File:Kid to Galvatron.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Transforms from child to robot and back!]]
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the commercials featured one of the young actors staring very seriously into the camera, mouthing "Robots in disguise!" as his eyes glowed and/or his face transformed into that of a robot (based on Galvatron or Ultra Magnus.) Variants on the "kidmation" clip continued throughout Generation 1. ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac|The AllSpark Almanac]]'' dubbed this process "[[reverse-pretender technology]]."

Many commercials were reedited into even shorter versions, without the animation segments.

Some of these commercials, along with some Takara Transformers ads are available on the Sony DVD release of [[The Transformers: The Movie]]. Because of legal issues, the young actors' faces have now been blurred. A greater number of the commercials (of varying quality) were also available on the earlier [[Madman Entertainment]] release of The Transformers: The Movie in Australia, and their final collection of the Generation 1 cartoon complete with unblurred children. [[Shout! Factory]]'s "Matrix of Leadership" complete series collection of the Generation 1 cartoon, as well as some of their individual season sets, contains several Generation 1 commercials and the ad for Generation 2 Optimus Prime. The first season set's "Triple Changer: The Origins of the Transformers" featurette contains clips of the commercial for the ''The Transformers'' #1 comic.

==1984==
First year toy commercials were structured a bit differently from what would become the norm for ''The Transformers''. With the exception of the re-worked Optimus Prime ad, they all started with stop motion animation of the featured toys with streaking effects added. This would then be followed by animation re-used from the Marvel US #1 ad. This animation used early [[character model]]s, some of which would be revised for the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon itself]], most notably [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. The commercials were evidently produced before names for the toys had been finalized; no characters are ever referred to by name, and only Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Soundwave are specifically identified, being referred to as "the Autobot Commander," "the Decepticon leader," and "the Decepticon Communicator" respectively. While there would be no original animation in the ads until 1985, the reworked Optimus Prime commercial added an excerpt from the cartoon's first season intro. The animation would be followed by jump cut sequences of the toys being transformed, a Kidmation clip and finally a scene showing four kids battling with the toys. The toy footage was filmed on a set that consisted of large mounds of red dirt in front of the porch of a house, with a dusky sky backdrop behind it. The sky, the color of the dirt and the architectural style of the house would seem to place it in the southwestern [[United States]], no doubt related to that being the type of environment the [[Ark]] was frequently depicted as having crashed into. Closeups of the toys seemed to be filmed at lower positions in order to use the dirt mounds as backdrops.

{{anchor|The Transformers #1}}
[[File:Earlymegatron.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|You've got to get up preeeetty early in 1984 to catch Megs with a black head.]]
*'''''The Transformers'' #1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQCCO792xuw 30 sec]
:Animation: Fast pan-ins take us from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to [[Earth]], with a Decepticon ship attacking the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] and forcing it to crash on Earth. The three [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]] fly in, transform and attack a power plant. Three cars drive out to meet them, transforming into [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] joins the counter-attack, prompting the Autobots to take off into the sky. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] arrives out of an explosion cloud, transforming and firing. An image of [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue]] cross-fades into view.
:Narration: Victor Caroli.
:Notes: Almost every element is an early production model. [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] have strangely colored faces; Megatron is in his pre-animation black helmeted design; the Ark is a green-colored model with X-shaped wings; and the Decepticon ship resembles a flying aircraft carrier. In addition, the cover shown at the end differs greatly from the final one, notably with a more on-model Optimus Prime. This ad is known to have aired at least as early as [[April 21]]st of 1984.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx_CDy43Ftg] - Ignore the title, the commercials for ''The Easter Parade'' and the Yankees' games place this ad break squarely on the day before Easter.</ref>
: ''It is a world transformed, where things are not what they seem. It is the world of the Transformers.'' {The Transformers! More than meets the eye! Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. The Transformers! Robots in disguise. The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Transformers from Marvel Comics.''

{{anchor|Optimus Prime and Megatron}}
*'''Optimus Prime and Megatron''' [http://youtu.be/26r6RrCkXGE?t=60 30 sec]
:Animation: Prowl, Sideswipe and Jazz transform to robot mode and launch into the air, flying past a cliff face. Optimus Prime rolls up to the edge of the cliff in vehicle mode then transforms to robot mode and jumps off. Megatron descends out of the glare of the sun, and opens fire.
:Narration: "The Transformers, from Hasbro", by The Other Guy.
:Kidmation: Buck-toothed kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:Toy segment: Some very early 80s streaking effects as Optimus Prime is shown driving past a plateau and transforming with Starscream flying overhead. Toy segment proper starts with a jumpcut sequence of a buck-toothed kid transforming Optimus Prime before doing his Kidmation bit. Three other kids holding Starscream, Thundercracker and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] watch as the buck-toothed kid, holding Optimus Prime, rises up from behind a dirt mound situated between the three of them. More early 80's streaking effects as we see Megatron instantly transform on top of a plateau.
:{The Transformers! More than meets the eye! Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} "Attack the Autobot Commander!" "Call in the Decepticon leader!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Transformers. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Decepticon jets & Autobot cars}}
[[File:Starscreamg1early.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Starscream in his Ramjet suit.]]
*'''Autobot Cars and Decepticon Jets''' [http://youtu.be/26r6RrCkXGE?t=90 30 sec]
:Animation: In the desert, the Seekers strafe Prowl, Sideswipe and Jazz, who transform and fire back; the three jets transform, land, and grapple with the Autobots, while three more Seekers fly past in [[robot mode]].
:Narration: "The Transformers, from Hasbro", by The Other Guy.
:Kidmation: Bowl haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:Toy segment: More streaking effects as the toys are shown instantly changing from vehicle to robot. At the beginning, Starscream transforming and landing on a plateau. At the end of the ad, Jazz and Sideswipe drive along a curving and descending road before transforming, the same road Optimus is seen driving past in the previous ad. Toy segment proper starts with a jumpcut sequence of...something. It's probably intended to be his transformation to plane mode, but the last step shows his wings being positioned for robot mode. Anyhoo, this is followed by Starscream and Thundercracker being flown side by side and a jumpcut sequence of Sideswipe being transformed to robot mode. Following the Kidmation we have a four kid battle scene with two of them swooping the two Seekers down as the other two holding Sideswipe and Jazz turn their figures to face the attack.
:Notes: The Starscream stop motion segment can arguably be interpreted as what happened after he flew out of frame in the Optimus Prime and Megatron ad.
:{The Transformers! More than meets the eye! Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} "We're under attack!" "[[To sell toys|Get more Autobots!]]" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Transformers. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Soundwave}}
[[File:Soundwavecommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb]]
*'''Soundwave''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlJSuO94yw8 30 sec]
:Animation: Prowl, Jazz, and Sideswipe transform, as well as a light blue [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], who fires twice, opens his cassette door, and tosses out [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], who transforms and fires upon the three Autobots, who fire back.
:Narration: The Other Guy.
:Kidmation: Bowl haircut kid #2 mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:Toy segment: Streaking effects as [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] drops into Soundwave's tape compartment. This triggers Soundwave to instantly transform to robot mode and then Buzzsaw flies out of his chest in bird mode. The toy segment proper starts with a jumpcut transformation of Soundwave, removal of Buzzsaw from his chest compartment and Buzzsaw's transformation. After the Kidmation we get a four kid battle scene with two of them flying Soundwave and Laserbeak and the other two holding [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and turning them to face the oncoming Decepticons.
:Notes: The animation depicts Laserbeak as Soundwave's partner but the toy segment uses [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] who was actually the one packaged with Soundwave. Granted, it would take a keen eye to tell which it was so, most kids probably assumed it to be Laserbeak.
:{The Transformers! More than meets the eye! Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} "It's the Decepticon Communicator!" "Get more Autobots!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Transformers. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Optimus Prime}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' [http://youtu.be/26r6RrCkXGE?t=29 30 sec]
:Animation: Recycled from the ''Transformers #1'' and "Optimus Prime and Megatron" commercial, as well as footage from the first season cartoon opening. This results in the two very different Megatron character models appearing in two consecutive clips.
:Narration: Victor Caroli.
:Kidmation: Buck-toothed kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:Notes: This ad is a reworked version of the earlier Optimus Prime and Megatron ad. The footage of Megatron transforming with streaking effects is replaced by footage of the Optimus Prime toy being "flown" in front of a mountain. The introductory stop-motion animation has also been dropped, the ad now starting with the early animation, followed by the excerpt of Prime and Megatron leading their troops from the cartoon intro. The change to introductory animation sequences appears to be where the transition from using stop-motion and animation from the Marvel #1 ad to using original animation segments began. The reason for Megatron's removal is unknown, but likely due to legal and/or ethical issues with advertising a toy that turns into a realistic looking gun. Given that it would've taken some time to re-do the ad after it was identified as needing a change, this ad would have first aired in very late 1984 at the earliest. It's possible it didn't air until 1985.
:*'''Optimus Prime''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSouGUP_71s 30 sec] - A resoundtracked version of the ad, this time using the season two theme song. Obviously this version didn't air until 1985. Buck-toothed kid is replaced by buck-tooth kid #3, with freaky glowing green eyes. As you can probably tell, the video here has an issue with the left audio channel not working.

{{anchor|Power Cycle}}
[[File:Powercycle-ad.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Homeland security falls to a kid on a Big Wheel. You know, it must be said that NSA really is failing here.]]

*'''Transformers [[Power Cycle]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAwJWsLbpUo 30 sec]
: Animation: Recycled from the first Transformers commercial. Black helmet Megatron and the Decepticons attack a power plant and the Autobots arrive to stop them. The animated segements are interwoven with the live action footage to create a strangely slanted narrative (see below).
: Narration: Some wussy dude.
: Toy segment: A kid on a big wheel rides up to a playground and points at some wooden playground equipment shouting that "they're attacking the power plant!". The scene disolves into an animation segment with Megatron and the Decepticons arriving in front of a power plant and shooting. The kid decides it's time to transform his Power Cycle. After, the scene switches to another animation segment, this time Optimus Prime arriving and taking a shot. This translates back to the real world as just missing ''the kid'' as he rides. The kid declares "Missed! But ''I'' won't!" Another switch to animation to show Jazz, Prowl and Sideswipe running and firing, presumably towards the kid. Switching back, the kid decides to return fire with his missiles. This translates to the next few seconds of the previous animation clip of the three Autobots, with them diverting in different directions to avoid an explosion. The [[Shattered Glass|evil Autobots]] now defeated, the kid returns the Power Cycle back to cycle mode. Another kid shows up and asks him what kind of wheels he has: "More than meets the eye."
: Notes: This commercial advertises a [[Coleco]]-made {{w:Big Wheel}}. The cuts between the live-action and animated footage make the kid look like a [[Dr. Arkeville|Decepticon sympathizer]] by having the kid blasting some Autobots. Of course that's only fair since the cuts also make it look like Prime fired first and the Decepticons are the ones defending the plant. Oops.
:''Introducing the Transformers Power Cycle. You can imagine a world of adventures.'' "Look they're attacking the power plant!" "Time to transform into a robot." "Missed! But ''I'' won't!" "Missiles away! Pew! Pew!" "Back to cycle mode." "Hey, what kind of wheels you got?" "More than meets the eye."

*'''30 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzBHik7i6ZQ&t=1m30s 30 sec]
: Animation: Various excerpts from season one of the cartoon.
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]] on {{w|Xanax}}.
: ''"The Transformers, the world's most exciting robot adventure, continues."'' - Victor Caroli, in a decidedly '''un'''-excited intonation.
{{-}}

==1985==
1985 brought some changes to Transformers advertising, both in quantity and style. While in 1984 Hasbro had just five known ads produced, one of which was a reworking of one the first four, they expanded to thirteen in 1985. This was natural as the toyline itself expanded dramatically due to its huge popularity. This increased popularity led to more commercials for tie-in merchandise. There was even a primetime commercial spot that was run during the holiday season and featured a celebrity in the form of [[Alex Karras]] in order to appeal to parents directly. Stylistically, the most notable change was the use of original animated segments. Every ad got it's own brand new animation clip featuring the highlighted toys with the exception of the Jumpstarters. Some clips even featured new dialogue provided by the same actors used in [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]]. Another element brought over from the cartoon was the faction symbol flip, used in the ads as the transition from animation to the live action footage.

This year's toy commercials would be re-edited a number of times to update them for different reasons. Pretty much every ad got resoundtracked with the season two cartoon theme (the Jupstarters and the Mini-spies ads are the only two ads for which a season two version hasn't been found). The Optimus Prime ad from the previous year also got a season two update. These resoundtrackings also came with updates to the Kidmation, frequently replacing the Kidmation segment with one from another ad. Whether or not the Kidmation was replaced, the Kidmation was always enhanced by giving the kids freaky glowing green eyes. Some ads received additional edits to add a plug for [[Action Cards]] and/or a stinger to notify consumers that the toys would be available "While supplies last!". The latter type of edit also came with yet another Kidmation change, this time swapping the Kidmation for an entirely unique clip of a kid saying "I know what I want!" before his eyes turned green and he mouthed along to the "Robots in disguise" lyric.

Toy segments kept the same structure and while they started using some different sets, the sets still retained the general look of the 1984 set. Most were just mounds of dirt with unidentifiable backdrops, though the Omega Supreme and Jumpstarters ad utilized a futuristic black floor with white grid pattern in front of a dusky silhouetted mountain backdrop.

===Toys===
*'''Grimlock''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTQ-oo5yvVw 30 sec]
: Animation: Amid a raging thunderstorm on Earth, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] take on [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]].
: Narration: The Other Guy.
: Kidmation: None.
: Toy segment: Three kids positioned around a mound of dirt. Two have the Dinobots standing on the mound while the third flies Thundercracker overhead. Segment ends with a jumpcut sequence of Grimlock being transformed to robot mode.
: Notes: Very similar to the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] commercial, using the same toy scenes (albeit in a different order, and with a different soundtrack) and animation. There are several characteristics, that most Generation 1 commercials share, but this one does not:

:*There is no Kidmation, but the voice is present in the audio.
:*The ending still shot is not taken in front of the diorama used in the toy segment. Instead a blue backdrop with a "Dinobot Grimlock" text overlay is employed.
:*The toy segment starts with the multi-kid battle instead of ending with it.

: Due to these oddities, it was previously thought this might be a test version. However, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64UwP0WUdAA footage has since surfaced on YouTube which proves this ad made it to air]. A recently found version of the Dinobots ad that also has a blue backdrop for the end shot (see below), suggests that this ad was reworked to create the Dinobots ad. It is possible though, that the opposite is true. Given that G.I. Joe ads of the time ''also'' used blue backdrops for their end shots (although there wasn't any text beyond the G.I.Joe logo), this may have been an experiment before settling on a new format for 1985 (or a quick throw together while they were figuring it out). See the Dinobots ad for additional notes on the toy segment.
: ''To help them battle the evil Decepticons, you can imagine the Autobots create: Dinobots.'' {Dinobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons.} "The Decepticons are attacking!" "Dinobooots!" "Grimlock and Slag will stop Thundercracker!" {The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} ''Each sold separately.'' {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''Transformers Dinobot Grimlock. Other Transformers sold separately. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Dinobots}}
*'''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7ebWaFaVI 30 sec]
:Animation: Amid a raging thunderstorm on Earth, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] take on [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]. Same as Grimlock.
:Narration: The Other Guy.
:Kidmation: Buck-toothed kid #3 mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
:Toy segment: A lot of the same footage from the Grimlock ad but rearranged and with some additions. Starts with a shot of Grimlock in robot mode atop a mound of dirt, before cutting to a jumpcut transformation sequence. Only the head flipping segment is used though, and in reverse order as this transformation is robot to Dinosaur rather than the reverse. After Kidmation, we cut to a brief snippet of the multi-kid battle scene from the Grimlock ad before moving to new closeup footage of Grimlock munching on and releasing Thundercracker's wing. The ad ends with another jumpcut sequence of Grimlock from dinosaur to robot, reusing footage from the Grimlock ad.
:Notes: Soundtracked with a minor variation on the Season One cartoon opening theme: "Dinobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons!" The Dinobot toys used appear to be prototypes as Grimlock has a chromed sword and Slag has chromed horns.
:''To help them in their never ending battle against the Decepticons, the Autobots create a new breed of robot: Dinahbots.'' {The Transformers! More than meets the eye. Dinobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} "The Decepticons are attacking!" "Dinobots'll get em!" "Can't beat the Dinobots!" {The Transformers!} ''From Hasbro.''
:*'''Dinobots''' [http://youtu.be/gkMJMGVsD_4?t=30 30 sec] - A transitional version between the Grimlock ad and the regular season one theme Dinobots ad. The narration is the same as the Grimlock ad, except for not calling out Grimlock by name at the end. Toy segment is yet a different shuffling of the footage, being mostly similar to the Grimlock with the exception of having more footage of Thundercracker flying around. This includes the clip from the regular Dinobots ad of Grimlock munching on Thundercracker's wing. Much like the Grimlock ad, the toy segment also ends with a jumpcut transformation, albeit a shorter one. The end shot is against a blue background, but no "Dinobot Grimlock" text this time. Despite the toy segment otherwise being pretty similar to the Grimlock ad, the audio of the kids matches the Dinobots ad.
:*'''Dinobots''' [http://youtu.be/RSouGUP_71s?t=29 30 sec] - A re-soundtracked version of the previous commercial using the season two theme song (still with "Dinobots" replacing "Autobots".) Kidmation spot uses the same footage of buck-tooth kid #3, but ''with freaky glowing green eyes''.
:*'''Dinobots''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POn9eeH0ntA 30 sec] - A modified re-soundtracked version, slightly shortened to squeeze in a plug for [[Action Cards]].
:*'''Dinobots''' [https://youtu.be/nEq_h5MyIDc?t=60 30 sec] - Another re-soundtracked version of the Dinobots commercial, this time using the season three theme (still with modified lyrics). Narrated by Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Victor Caroli; soundtracked with the alternate Season 3 theme song (still with "Dinobots" replacing "Autobots".) The Kidmation has been replaced with the standard 1986 "kid face to Ultra Magnus face" Kidmation. The end shot has been edited to match the 1986 "flipping panels" and starburst transition aesthetics.
::Optimus Prime: ''To help us in our neverending battle against the evil Decepticons, we create the incredibllllle Dinobots!''

{{anchor|Mini-Spies}}
[[File:Rubsign.gif|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Congratulations, Cliffjumper. It's a Decepticon!"]]
*'''Mini-Spies''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df5GGZ3we68 30 sec]
:Animation: [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] allow a yellow FX1-type [[Mini-spy]] to enter Autobot Headquarters. The little robot starts messing with the computer; Huffer and Cliffjumper come racing in and check his faction symbol. "It's a Decepticon! After him!"
:Narration: I Wish I Was Victor Caroli
:Kidmation: Kid points urgently at the camera: "It's an Autobot!"
:Toy segment: A hand pulls back and lets go of a buggy-type mini-spy to demonstrate it's motorized action on a black table. A hand is then showing pulling a carded Gears with buggy mini-spy from a rack of store pegs. The min-spy is shown zooming along the table again before being transformed to robot mode. The mini-spy is then instantly back in vehicle mode so his [[rubsign]] can be demonstrated. After Kidmation, we get another look at the mini-spy zooming along the table. We end on a closeup of the yellow promotional burst in the upper right hand corner of a package toy, that upon a pan-out we can see is a
:Notes: [[Casey Kasem]] provides the voice for Cliffjumper's single line. Visible among the packaged Mini-Bots on the store pegs are a red Bumblebee and a (red) Cliffjumper with a yellow [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] pictured on the package.
: ''In the world of the Transformers, it used to be easy to tell the Autobots from the Decepticons. But now, the Mini-spies are on the loose. They look like Autobots, but '''are''' they?'' "It's a Decepticon! After him!" ''Transformer Mini-spies. You get one with each of the six Autobot mini-car packages. Motorized Transformers. You can't tell if they're Autobots or Decepticons until you rub up their symbols.'' "It's an Autobot!" ''Transformers Mini-spies. Get 'em while supplies last.''

{{anchor|Jetfire and Shockwave}}
*'''Jetfire''' and '''Shockwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OEEncGeu8s 30 sec]
:Animation: [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] strafe [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]. As the three transform and retreat, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] steps out of a mountain and takes on the Decepticon jets; [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] transforms halfway and fires, then transforms the rest of the way and fires again.
: Narration: An incredibly mellow Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: A grim-faced buck-toothed kid mouths the robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: Toy segment: Starts with a close-up of Shockwave's gun barrel, lights flashing as his electronic sounds squeal. Cut to a jumpcut sequence of a kid transforming Shockwave. After doing his Kidmation bit, the buck-toothed kid flies in Jetfire to take on Shockwave. The segment ends with a jumpcut sequence of the buck-toothed kid transforming Jetfire.
: Notes: Jetfire here is in his original, toy-based animation model. The toy shown is a Pre-TF Macross VF-1S Valkyrie, albeit with red Jetfire armor. The set is once again mounds of dirt in front of a house somewhere in the Southwestern US. A white picket fence with a plant growing along it is visible in the background of the wideshots. The closeup of Jetfire flying appears to be in front a rocky area with a few tufts of prarie grass strewn about.
: ''Tired of losing battle after battle in the sky, the Autobots create the ultimate robot jet: Jetfire.'' {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''But the evil Decepticons have a secret new weapon: Shockwave.'' {The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} "Jetfire to the rescue!" "Shockwave will stop him!" {The Transformers!} ''From Hasbro.''
:*'''Jetfire''' and '''Shockwave''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvmkJpIi1tI 30 sec] - Resoundtracked with the season two theme song and a much more energentic Victor Caroli. The Kidmation has been replaced by the "freaky green glowing eyes" enhanced version of the Jumpstarters ad Kidmation.

{{anchor|Insecticons}}
*'''Insecticons''' plus '''Swoop''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi_xnRCGY8A 30 sec]
: Animation: A boy and his father are working on their farm when a horde of [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] attacks.
: Narration: The Other Guy.
: Kidmation: Blond-haired kid.
: Toy segment: Jump cut transformation sequences for Kickback and Shrapnel are followed by the Kidmation. Afterwards, the Kidmation kid brings in [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] to attack the Insecticons being brandished by another kid. The segment ends with a jumpcut sequence of Kidmation kid transforming Swoop.
: Notes: While there are already Insecticons chewing on the farmhouse by the time we see it, the fact that the farmhouse shows damage in areas not being munched on suggests the farmer hasn't been doing proper upkeep. The set this time is largely obscured by closeups and motion, but we can see dirt mounds/platforms and a backdrop that seems to imply the kids are in ''really'' tall grass.
: "Pa, look!" "What is it?" "It's the Insec-ti-cons, an ''evil'', new menace in the world of the Transformers!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in Disguise.} "Decepticons!" "Transform the Dinobots!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Transformers. From Hasbro.''
:* '''Insecticons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9r0LmghevY 30 sec] - Resoundtracked using the season two theme song. Kidmation has been switched to a "freaky green eyes" enhanced version of the one from the Jumpstarters ad.
:*'''Insecticons''' - Resoundtracked from the previous commercial, with the 1986 version of the background music.

{{anchor|Constructicons}}
*'''Constructicons/Devastator''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDinalIn228 30 sec]
:Animation: A construction crew works on a building site in the desert. The crew flees when their vehicles suddenly transform, revealing that they are the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] touches his fists together over his head and is [[Commercial bumper|enveloped with energy]].
: Narration: The Other Guy.
: Kidmation: Blond-haired kid again in a different shirt.
: Toy segment: The Constructicons sit in a circle in vehicle mode on top of a mound of dirt. Two jumpcut transformation sequences are shown. Long Haul's results in him having Devastator's crotch plate positioned behind his head. Scrapper's on the other hand, is more impressive. He not only turns into a robot, but a ''whole other'' Constructicon as a shot of his vehicle mode is followed by a jumpcut sequence of ''Bonecrusher's'' transformation. After the Kidmation, we get a jumpcut sequence of the Constructicons forming Devastator, popping into view one by one. Devastator then swoops in to attack [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] who turn around to watch him bear down on them.
: Notes: The construction worker yelling "Run!" sounds like [[Corey Burton]] doing a voice similar to adult [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]]. The toys appear to be prototypes, based on Mixmaster having a lavender mixer barrel and Hook having a lavender crane boom, rather than the yellow-green of the final releases. Speaking of Mixmaster, he is mistransformed in the end shot with his cab not being swung up to form his feet. This results in him towering over the other Constructicons. Long Haul is mistransformed in the initial vehicle modes shot, his head being flipped up.
: ''In the world of the Transformers, nothing is what it seems.'' "Run!" ''Meet the Constructicons, six evil robots that transform into one mechanical giant.'' {The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} "It's Devastator — six ''Constructicons'' in one!" {The Transformers!} ''Each sold separately.'' "Devastator's attacking!" {More than meets the eye.} ''Sold separately. From Hasbro.''
:*'''Constructicons/Devastator Giftset''' [http://youtu.be/RSouGUP_71s?t=90 30 sec] - Resoundstracked with the season two theme and has a tweaked ending showing the Constructicon giftset. The Kidmation has been changed to the freaky glowing green eyes enhanced version of the Kidmation from the "Autobot Cars plus Thrust and Dirge" ad. The tweaked narration switches "Sold separately." to the oxymoronic "Constructicons giftset sold separately."
:*'''Constructicons/Devastator''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJDHmvfo4cs 30 sec] - Resoundtracked and slightly re-edited for a 1986 re-use with the introductory narration now provided by [[Frank Welker]] as Megatron. Kidmation segment is the standard 1986 segment featuring a kid's face fold-morphing into an Ultra Magnus-like generic robot. The ending shot has also been edited to match the aesthetic of the 1986 ads.
::Megatron: "In the world of the Transformers, nothing IS what it seems. Meet my Constructicons, six evil robots that transform into one mechanical giant."

*'''Jumpstarters''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1arJdZShoxY 30 sec]
: Animation: None.
: Toy segment: Repeated shots of the [[Jumpstarter]] toys doing their thing on a futuristic smooth black floor surface (with custom early-80s sound effects), while shaggy-haired kids turn their heads to watch at whiplash-inducing speeds. At the end two kids fly Starscream and Thundercracker towards two others rolling Topspin and Twin Twist in front of a mountain at dusk backdrop.
: Narration: The Other Guy
: Kidmation: Buck tooth kid mouths "Robots in Disguise"
: Notes: An unusual set this time between the white grid on black floor pattern and the mountain backdrop framed by white lattice and having colored dots on the dark colored mountain's lower half. The shots of the Jumpstarters zooming along appear to be framed by zooming in on the floor at the base of the mountain. The resulting effect is that they appear to zipping through outer space.
: ''Introducing Jumpstarters. Jumpstarters. In the world of the Transformers, no Autobots can jump into battle faster than the Jumpstarters!'' {The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} "Decepticons!" "Jumpstarters attack!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Transformers. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Thrust and Dirge}}
*'''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skKTF6IbLeQ 30 sec]
:Animation: As [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] fight a battle in the desert, [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] drive up and transform, prompting Megatron to summon [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]].
: Narration: You're Gonna Get It
: Kidmation: Beatles haircut kid mouths robotic "Robots in disguise!"
: Toy segment: One by one panels featuring an Autobot car being rolled are zoomed in, flip over to reveal the same Autobot being flown in robot mode and then zoom out to their final location on-screen. After Kidmation, we see Thrust's nosecone and cockpit flipped up without the arms in place, then a cut to last step of flipping the left wing up. Thrust and Dirge are flown side by side and then we get a jump cut sequence of Inferno's transformation. Inferno, Red Alert and Hoist all whip around just in time for Hoist to get a face full of Thrust. Hey, that's [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]'s schtick!
: Notes: Smokescreen and Grapple appear in the animation segment and are called out by name in the narration but do not appear in the toy segment. The first step shown of Inferno's transformation is incorrect. Instead of the cab being rotated down, it's rotated up either due to being the wrong clip or the clip being run in reverse.
: ''NEW Autobots join Optimus Prime. Smokescreen, Tracks, Hoist, Red Alert and Grapple. And joining the evil Decepticons, Thrust and Dirge.'' {The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise. The Transformers!} "Decepticon attack!" "Autobots'll stop 'em!" {The Transformers!} ''The Transformers. From Hasbro.''
:*'''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [http://youtu.be/RSouGUP_71s 30 sec] - Resoundtracked with the season two theme. In a change of pace, the original Kidmation is retained and enhanced with freaky green glowing eyes, rather than being replaced.
:*'''Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sxMlvn3Dsw 30 sec] - Same as the season two resoundtracking with an Action Cards plug squeezed in at the end.

{{anchor|Triple Changers and Perceptor}}
*'''Triple Changers and Perceptor''' [http://youtu.be/qCRKHaIiJxQ?t=250 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] grapples with Optimus Prime, then escapes on some train tracks. The Autobots blast a trestle out from under him; he transforms and flies away. Optimus Prime uses [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] to examine some Decepticon debris.
: Narration: The Other Guy
: Kidmation: Bowl haircut kid #2.
: Toy segment: A blond haired kid uses Perceptor's microscope mode to examine a leaf before changing him to robot mode. Bowl haircut kid rolls Blitzwing in tank mode before changing him to plane and robot, flying each. The two kids engage in battle over a mound of dirt and are joined by third kid wielding Astrotrain.
: Notes: Cameo animation appearances from Sunstreaker, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. Perceptor is portrayed as significantly shorter than Optimus, perhaps the same size as Bumblebee. The Astrotrain figure shown is a prototype figure in his [[Character model|animation colors]]). While Astrotrain appears in the animation and in the toy footage, he is never identified by name.
:''And as the battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons rages on, Megatron creates Triple Changers, the most eeeeevil Decepticons of all! But the Autobot scientist Perceptor is ready for anything. Introducing Perceptor. From a working microscope he changes into a robot.'' {The Transformers!} ''And Triple Changer Blitzwing changes from tank to plane and from plane to robot.'' {Robots in disguise.} "Tri-ple-Changers!" "Autobots'll stop em!" {The Transformers!} ''Sold separately. From Hasbro.''
:*'''Triple Changers and Perceptor''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpADNDtB9DE 30 sec] - Resoundtracked with the season two theme. The Kidmation has been replaced with a freaky green eyes enhanced clip of the bowl hair cut kid from the "Autobot Cars and Decepticon Planes" ad.
:*'''Triple Changers and Perceptor''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crn_8VIxaOk 30 sec] - Similar to the re-sountracked version, but with a "While Supplies Last" stinger added to the end. The Kidmation has been swapped out yet again, this time for a clip of a kid with a bowl cut and heavy eyebrows saying "I know what I want!" then mouthing along to the music. In contrast to other enhanced Kidmations, this time around we get to see the kid's eyes turn green instead of just starting at that point.

{{anchor|Blaster}}
[[File:RumbleBlasterCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Rumble repeats [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|Spike's mistake]] in spectacular fashion.]]

*'''Blaster''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkLdJtLeKg0 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] merrily walks into a Decepticon base carrying Blaster in boom box mode; [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] transforms, prompting Soundwave to send Laserbeak and Ravage at him.
: Narration: The Other Guy.
: Kidmation: Bucktooth kid.
: Toy segment: Blaster is shown sitting on some dirt in boombox mode before being picked by a kid who holds Blaster to his ear. This is followed by a jumpcut transformation sequence. Then we see a different kid rolling Optimus Prime through a dirt road diorama before seing Soundwave and Buzzsaw flying by a rock wall. After the Kidmation we go back to Soundwave and Buzzsaw briefly before jumping to Prime in robot mode joining Blaster. Another quick cut to flying Soundwave and Buzzsaw before seeing them come around the wall and clash with Prime and Blaster.
: Notes: Soundwave and Rumble's voices are provided by Frank Welker as usual. Blaster's single word of dialogue seems to be provided by Welker (as opposed to his normal actor, [[Buster Jones]]) as well, sounding much like his Trailbreaker voice.
: "Hey look at this radio I found!" Soundwave: "Autobot intruder!" Rumble: "Where?!?" Blaster: "Here!" Soundwave: "Laserbeak, Ravage, attack!" [Not a working radio] ''Introducing Blaster! He looks like an innocent radio but transforms into a powerful Autobot Communicator.'' "Optimus Prime to Blaster, watch out for Soundwave!" {Robots in disguise} "It's Soundwave and Buzzsaw!" "Blaster and Prime will stop them!" ''The Transformers. Sold separately. From Hasbro.''
:*'''Blaster''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctZMaY2621M 30 sec] - Resoundtracked with the season two theme. Another rare case of the Kidmation simply being enhanced with "freaky green glowing" eyes instead of being replaced.

{{anchor|Omega Supreme}}
*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE7piFzyCQ8 30 sec]
: Animation: In the desert, Starscream and Thrust attack the new Autobot defense base, not realizing it's [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. Omega transforms and attacks. Includes [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger at the end.
:Narration: I Wish I Was Victor Caroli
:Kidmation: Shaggy haired kid.
:Toy segment: Two kids play with Omega Supreme's base mode on futuristic black floor. One kid places the tank on the tracks to roll around while the other picks up the rocket for a liftoff. This is followed by closeup the of the tank rolling along on its own as the narrator points out the motorization and lights. Two other kids join the action by swooping down Ramjet and Dirge. Cut to a modified jumpcut transformation sequence where instead of straight jumps, the frame becomes a panel and flips around to the next clip. Closeup on Omega Supreme's motorized walking before and after the Kidmation. The segement ends with a wideshot of the second two kids swooping Ramjet and Dirge towards Omega Supreme leading to one last closeup of Omega Supreme walking.
:Notes: Starscream and Thrust have their normal cartoon voices. Except for Starscream's last line, "It's Omega Supreme!" which sounds like [[Chris Latta]] inhaled helium. The set is the same one from the Jumpstarters commercial.
:"It's the Autobot defense base!" "But where are the Autobots?" "Who cares? Decepticons, attack!" "Oh no, look!" "It's Omega Supreme!" ''Introducing the Autobots' Omega Supreme defense base. It comes with a motorized tank with flashing turret lights.'' "Decepticons!" "Counterattack Omega Supreme!" {The Transformers!} "Omega Supreme'll stop them!" {Robots in disguise.} "Omega Supreme is invincible!" {The Transformers!} ''The Transformers. Sold separately, batteries not included. From Hasbro.''
:*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbcwV818LuA 30 sec] - Resountracked with the season two theme song. Kidmation has been replaced with the enhanced version of the Kidmation from the Blaster commercial.
:*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq3VhggqfmM 30 sec] - Modified version of the 1985 resoundtracking with the same unique Kidmation and "While Supplies Last!" stinger as the variant Triple Changers and Perceptor ad.
:*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://youtu.be/nEq_h5MyIDc?t=119 30 sec] - Resoundtracked with an Optimus Prime intro narration and the season three theme song. The Kidmation has been replaced with the standard 1986 Kidmation and the end shot has been edited to match the 1986 aesthetic.
::Optimus Prime: "There it is, the Omega Supreme defense center! And that's its fantastic motorized tank!''
:*'''Omega Supreme''' [http://youtu.be/nEq_h5MyIDc?t=241 30 sec] - The 1986 version slightly shorted to be able to include a [[The Transformers: The Movie]] stinger. 

{{anchor|Primetime}}
[[File:Alex Karras Commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"I've lowered myself to ''this''?"]]
*'''Prime time spot''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYlC8wl9K2E 30 sec]
: Toy segment:[[Alex Karras]], along with two unidentified boys, calmly promotes the virtues of Perceptor (a working microscope!) and Blitzwing (what a great tank!) and urges you to shop ''now'' if you want one for your kid for Christmas.
: In addition to Alex and his child assistants demonstrating the toys, footage from the Dinobots commercial is reused.
: <s>Kid</s> KARRAS-mation: Alex Karras mouths along to the "robots in disguise" line and then continues his spiel without missing a beat. Sadly, his eyes do not glow green.
: Notes: This ad aired between [[Halloween]] and Thanksgiving in order to get a head start in promoting the toys for Christmas. Amongst the many boxed Transformers sitting on the table (in various shots) are Blaster, Snarl, Swoop, Soundwave, Ratchet, Megatron, Jazz, Astrotrain, Grimlock, Wheeljack, Jetfire and Optimus Prime. Three Blitzwings, Jetfire, two Perceptors, Optimus Prime, Smokescreen, Red Alert, and Astrotrain are all shown loose.
: ''These are the Transformers, one of the hottest selling toys in America. If you want one for your kid this Christmas, go now while stores have a good sel-ec-tion.''

{{anchor|Rubsign}}
*'''[[Rubsign]]s''' [http://youtu.be/gkMJMGVsD_4?t=362 30 sec]
: Animation: A mixture of clips from various 1984 and 1985 commercials, plus the ''The Transformers'' logo coming out from behind a volcano taken from the season one cartoon intro.
: Narration: [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], Optimus Prime and [[Victor Caroli]].
: Kidmation: Reused from Autobot cars plus Thrust and Dirge.
: Toy segment: A brief clip of a finger rubbing the rubsign on the roof of Smokescreen, with the rubsign then becoming the [[scene change]] symbol flip. Later in the ad we get reused clips of the Hoist and Red Alert turning around from the Aubot cars ad, Grimlock's dino head being flipped down from the Dinobots ad, Twin Twist jumping up to his feet from the Jumpstarters ad, and Soundwave's jump cut transformation sequence from his ad. The ad ends with a repeat of the Smokescreen clip.
: Notes: This ad was created to help inform consumers that ''real'' Transformers toys now had rubsigns to distinguish them from [[Knockoff|bootlegs]] and other brands such as [[Tonka]]'s ''[[GoBots]]''.
:"We are conquerors." "No one is like us." "Only we have the right to be called by the name." "Only we have the right to wear this symbol." "Or THIS symbol." "Only WE are Autobots and Decepticons." "Good versus evil." "And only WE have the right to be called the Transformers!" ''Only the Transformers are REAL Transformers!''
:*'''Rubsigns''' [http://youtu.be/520AqGdKtUM?t=331 30 sec] - Resountracked with the season two theme. The Kidmation, surprisingly, appears to be unchanged.

===Other===
{{anchor|FHE}}
*'''[[Family Home Entertainment|F.H.E.]] ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Transformers]]'' Video Tapes''' [http://www.retrojunk.com/details_commercial/5898/ 30 sec]

: Animation: Excerpts from "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]".
: Narration: The Other Guy
: Notes: Despite the animation being taken from "More than Meets the Eye", that tape is not actually among those pictured. The pictured tapes are (from left to right): [[Divide and Conquer]], [[Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion]] and [[Roll for It]]. It is stated that the tapes are available on VHS or Beta.

{{anchor|Electric Train Set}}
[[File:Transformers Tyco Electric Train Set Commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb]]

*'''Tyco [[Electric Train and Battle Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jH7PCd32-E 30 sec]
: Animation: Two unbelievably generic Decepticons invade a command post by storming the power station, vastly outnumbered by the unbelievably generic Autobots defending it. Despite the advantage in the numbers game, the train races in to help the Autobots counterattack with "a new secret weapon '''[[you]]''' control".
: Narration: Unknown.
: Toy segment: The various features of the train cars are demonstrated, followed by two kids watching the train go around and around. At the end, two robotic shadows appear over the tracks.
: Notes: This spot is soundtracked by a new version of the Season 1&2 outro. The generic Autobots have suprisingly drab color palletes, being mostly gray, white and black with some highlights of either yellow, grean or teal. It's even more surprising in contrast to the two Decepticons, who are mostly light blue and golden yellow. The animation models for generics are actually based on the designs of the robot figures which come with the train set. As well, the two shadows at the end appear to be those of two of the robot figures, though not the same two figures upon which the animated Decepticons are based on.
: ''The Decepticons are invading the command post. As they storm the power station, we counterattack. With a new secret weapon you control. A speeding Transformers train. It's more than just a train, as every car transforms into a Hawk Fighter, Weapons Center, Proton Laser. Search mode equipped.'' "And ready for action!" "Find a new? position and cut off the enemy's escape." {Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Hawk Fighter attacks with supersonic speed and saves the power station. You've won today, but will you be ready tomorrow?"

{{anchor|Electric Racing Set}}
[[File:Transformers Tyco Electric Racing Nightglow.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|They shouldn't race so close to the nuclear power plant.]]

*'''Tyco Transformers [[Electric Racing Set]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCm5bOiI2R8 30 sec]
: Animation: None.
: Narration: Unknown.
: Toy segment: Shots of the racers speeding along the track in normal lighting and then "into a whole new universe of night-glow" are featured.
: Notes: Features the same version of the Season 1&2 outro as the train set commercial for background music. This is the only time [[Natron]] and [[Freezon]] are given names.
: ''Natron, the Autobot, on alert for Freezon, the Decepticon.'' {Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''Up ahead, is that the enemy in disguise? If it is, two can play this game. And the chase is on, between Natron and Freezon, in one form or another.'' {Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''In Transformers Racing. Now, turn off the lights and your Transformers race into a whole new universe of night-glow. Transformers Electric Racing. By Tyco, of course.''

{{anchor|ViewMaster}}
[[File:ViewMaster Projector Commercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Put your hands in the air!"]]

*'''ViewMaster Showbeam Projector with Transformers cartridge''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t781lHy-CV0 30 sec]
: Toy segment: A brother and sister talk their mom into letting them stay up to play with the projector. After she leaves, they are suddenly pulled into the images and the battle they depict. Mom walks back in to see what the ruckus is about. The boy responds "Just our Showbeam Projectors Mom." and displays the projector on her shirt to everyone's amusement.
: Notes:
: Kids: "Wow!" Mom: "Bedtime!" Boy: "Aw Mom." Girl: "We wanna play the Showbeam Projectors." Mom: "Ok." Boy: "Let's show the Transformers!" Girl: "Yeah!" Both: "Wow!" Girl: "Look out! Decept-E-cons!" Boy: "Take that Megatron!" Mom: "Kids?" Boy: "Just our Showbeam Projectors Mom." ''Showbeam Projector comes with a cartridge containing a 30 scene Transformers story. Other Showbeam cartridges each sold separately. From ViewMaster.''

===Cartoon===
*'''30 second cartoon promo''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrcGS21s2Ko (Version 1 Cleveland)]/ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvDyMjWeW2Q (Version 1 Chicago)]/ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew1r-_SQseY&t=0m25s (Version 2)]
: Animation: Various cartoon excerpts which are mostly from Season One episodes. There are two versions of the ad, which use a different assortment of clips. A clip of the Sub-Atlantican General firing at the Autobots from [[Atlantis, Arise!]], which is used in the Monday-Friday collage, is the most notable exception in version 1 of the ad. For version 2, a scene of [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] being shot by a fake Starscream from [[A Prime Problem]] is the most notable.
: Narration: Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: Notes: The Season Two theme is played in the background as Victor Caroli informs us that we can "''Watch the heroic Autobots battle the evil Decepticons five days a week.''" The Caroli narrated segment was sent to the various local TV stations who then added narration and a screen with the station logo and slogan to the end of the spot. This type of customized promo would continue until [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Transformers]] [[Cartoon Network|left]] terrestrial television.
: ''The Transformers are like nothing you've ever seen before. Don't miss a single day!''

*'''15 second cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGDsr1GqYag 15 sec]
: Animation: Various cartoon excerpts from the first two seasons, though mostly Season One.
: Narration: Victor Caroli and Optimus Prime.
: Notes: This spot reuses the animation clips from the collage in the previous commercial. However, instead of using them in a collage, a screen flipping transition is used to go from one to the next. The local station end screen was modified to include a small clip of Optimus Prime standing up. To go along with this, a [[Peter Cullen]] as Optimus Prime narration was added in the format of "Weekdays at [insert time here] on [insert station call letters here]." Considering there were likely in the neighborhood of 100 or so syndication affiliate stations, that must have been a long day at the office for Mr. Cullen!
{{-}}

==1986==
===Movie===
[[File:DiacloneMagnusAnime1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"We're the Dandy Highwaymen, and here's our invitation."]]
*'''[[The Transformers: The Movie promo|The Transformers: The Movie promo trailer]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVR2S-F6BAM 4:25] / [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XNuPXieIcs 4:17] (Japanese Subtitles)
:Animation: A number of scenes from the movie including Unicron's devouring of [[Lithone]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] telling stories to the Dinobots, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] transforming [[Autobot City]], and [[Unicron]]'s transformation.
:Narration: [[Victor Caroli]] tells us how awesome the movie will be by giving away some fairly hefty plot spoilers.
:Notes: Created for the purpose of getting potential investors to buy into the movie, this trailer features LOTS of unfinished or ultimately unused animation. Also features several placehoder items including a temp music track featuring cues taken from ''Star Trek III: The Search for Spock'', the voicework for Kup and the Autobot City computer (the latter of which was dropped in the final film), and an early movie logo featuring the word "Movie" in plain red text under the standard ''The Transformers'' logo. The subtitled version omits a large portion of Caroli's introductory narration and begins at him naming the movie.
: ''A new motion picture will transform the summer of 1986 into an incredible adventure. Transformers: The Movie. It is the year 2005, and a mysterious planet threatens to devour the galaxy...'' Kup: "This gigatic igyak came stomping at us out of nowhere." ''Conceived in the epic tradition of Star Wars, this spectacular animated adventure stars Leonard Nimoy as Galvatron, Robert Stack as Ultra Magnus, Judd Nelson as Hot Rod, and Eric Idle as the Junkion warrior Wreck-Gar.'' "Battle stations! Battle stations!" ''And at film's end, when the monstrous planet Unicron, played by Orson Welles, reveals it's long held secret by transforming into the most gigantic robot ever, you'll know you've been watching a movie that is destined to bring back audiences again and again. In the summer of 1986, the most exciting adventure in the universe is on planet Earth. Transformers: The Movie.''
:*'''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKSS-qOC4aY 1:28] - Edited down from the promo trailer and re-soundtracked with some new Victor Caroli narration and proper [[Vince DiCola]] music to be sent out to cinemas. The edit removes the hefty spoilers.
: ''A new motion picture will transform the summer of 1986 into an incredible adventure. Transformers: The Movie. An epic story of good versus evil, this spectacular animated adventure stars Leonard Nimoy as Galvatron, Robert Stack as Ultra Magnus, Judd Nelson as Hot Rod, and Eric Idle as the Junkion warrior Wreck-Gar. In the summer of 1986, the most exciting adventure in the universe is on planet Earth. Transformers: The Movie. Coming this summer to a theater near you.''

*'''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_25RK5GbJIc 1:30]
: Animation: Clips from the movie, starting with the Autobot shuttle launching and the Sharkticon guard pulling the feed-them-to-the-Sharkticons lever. [[The Touch|"The Touch"]] plays across the first half, then [[Lion|Lion's]] rendition of the [[theme song]] covers the second half.
: Narration: Victor Caroli introduces the characters and expounds on how great the movie is. [[Robert Stack]] and [[Eric Idle]] have been dropped from the list of featured performers.
: {You've got the touch!} ''Hold on tight. The most incredible rock and roll adventure ever is here!'' Quintesson: "Feed him to the Sharkticons." ''Starring: Judd Nelson as Hot Rod, Leonard Nimoy as'' Galvatron: "Galvatron." ''and Orson Welles.'' Unicron: "I am Unicron." {You've got the motion. You know that when things get too tough, you've got the touch!} ''Beyond good. Beyond evil. Beyond your wildest imagination.'' {Transformers!} ''Transformers: The Movie.'' {Their battle to destroy the evil forces of...the Decepticons. Transformers! Robots in disguise! Transformers! Transformers! Transformers! More than meets the eye!} ''Transformers: The Movie.'' {Transformers!} ''Coming to a theater near you this August.''
:* '''The Transformers: The Movie theatrical trailer''' [http://youtu.be/1c3sY1EKkTA?t=24 1:25] - An alternate version not only has Caroli dropping the hefty spoilers again during the musical interlude, but actually presenting them as a selling point. This version of the trailer was included the Japanese promotional VHS tape ''[[The Transformers: The Movie - Apocalypse: Be Eternal, Matrix]]''.
:: {You've got the touch!} ''Hold on tight. The most incredible rock and roll adventure ever is here!'' Quintesson: "Feed him to the Sharkticons." ''Starring: Judd Nelson as Hot Rod, Leonard Nimoy as'' Galvatron: "Galvatron." ''and Orson Welles.'' Unicron: "I am Unicron." {You've got the motion.} ''It's the ultimate battle between Autobots and Decepticons.'' {You've got the touch!} ''Beyond good. Beyond evil. Beyond your wildest imagination.'' {Transformers!} ''Transformers: The Movie.'' {Their battle to destroy the evil forces of...the Decepticons.} ''New heroes, new villans, in the ultimate Transformer experience! And, the final confrontation between Megatron and Optimus Prime.'' Transformers! Transformers! ''The battle between good and evil rages to a new level!'' {More than meets the eye!} ''Transformers: The Movie.'' {Transformers!}

*'''The Transformers: The Movie TV spots''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6fIV7NOK4o 30 sec],[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMiJDHk1JSA 30 sec] (Opens in 3 days)

: Animation: Similar to the trailer with Autobot shuttle launch at the beginning, then switches back and forth between the [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] battle, [[Unicron]] devouring [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] vs. the Decepticons. Again, "The Touch" plays for the first half, then Lion's rendition of the theme song.
: Narration: Depending on the version, Victor Caroli, The Other Movie Guy, or both.
: Notes: Several different versions of the TV spot were produced, updating the amount of time to go until the movie's release. The known variations are: "August 8th" (60 & 30 seconds), "Opens Tomorrow" (60 & 30 seconds), "Opens Today" (30 seconds) "Now playing!"(60 & 30 seconds), "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #1), and "Opens in Three Days" (30 sec #2).
: ''So exciting you'll have to see it twice to take it all in!''
{| border="1" style="margin-left: 2em" class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|-
|Version||Length||Link
|-
|Opens August 8th Teen||0:60||http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYt28T7n1Mc
|-
|Opens August 8th Teen||0:30||20thDVD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyw0Yn6ttpk
|-
|Opens August 8th Kid 1||0:30||
|-
|Opens August 8th Kid 2||0:30||
|-
|Opens in four days Teen||0:60||
|-
|Opens in four days Teen||0:30||
|-
|Opens in four days Kid 1||0:30||http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES2XjRhQ_eY
|-
|Opens in four days Kid 2||0:30||http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XSgsgDjZt0
|-
|Opens in three days Teen||0:60||
|-
|Opens in three days Teen||0:30||
|-
|Opens in three days Kid 1||0:30||http://youtu.be/DYt28T7n1Mc?t=235
|-
|Opens in three days Kid 2||0:30||http://youtu.be/DYt28T7n1Mc?t=143
|-
|Opens in two days Teen||0:60||
|-
|Opens in two days Teen||0:30||
|-
|Opens in two days Kid 1||0:30||
|-
|Opens in two days Kid 2||0:30||
|-
|Opens tomorrow Teen||0:60||20thDVD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IbpFqBXKxg
|-
|Opens tomorrow Teen||0:30||20thDVD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2jn1SCYKY0
|-
|Opens tomorrow Kid 1||0:30||http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lszfvuRcG68
|-
|Opens tomorrow Kid 2||0:30||
|-
|Opens today Teen||0:60||
|-
|Opens today Teen||0:30||
|-
|Opens today Kid 1||0:30||http://youtu.be/DYt28T7n1Mc?t=69
|-
|Opens today Kid 2||0:30||
|-
|Now playing Teen||0:60||20thDVD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdR5fKht5LY
|-
|Now playing Teen||0:30||20thDVD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoCH1L7vE5Q
|-
|Now playing Kid 1||0:30||
|-
|Now playing Kid 2||0:30||http://youtu.be/DYt28T7n1Mc?t=107
|-
|}

:*'''The Transformers: The Movie TV spots''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgPEf_N1lA] - Transformers The Movie contest - Enter to win prizes

===Toys===
{{anchor|Hot Rod, Kup, Blurr, Cyclonus, Scourge, Rodimus Prime}}
*'''Hot Rod''', '''Kup''', and '''Blurr'''; '''Cyclonus''' and '''Scourge'''; and '''Rrrrrodimus Prime'''. [https://youtu.be/Q9yerQ_sW3U?t=60 30 sec]

: Animation: A running battle in the desert with each character charging in and quipping as the narrator identifies him.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to Galvatron face.
: Toy segment: Rodimus Prime drives along a dirt road in front of a dirt wall. A starburst transition leads us to Rodimus in robot mode standing on a mound of dirt. Next is a jumpcut sequence of Rodimus' trailer being transformed to base mode and then Rodimus is placed behind the gun mount. Cut to a side by side of Cylconus and Scourge being flown in robot mode front of a rock wall before a transition into Rodimus being flown in robot mode from the other direction. The segment ends with the Kidmation.
: ''Notes'': Cameos by [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], making this bit of animation yet another one of the pre-TF:TM ancillary stories that contradicts the movie itself. Additionally features an older Hot Rod animation model placing his Autobot symbol above his fire emblem, as it also appears in the movie promo trailer. [[Frank Welker]] voices Hot Rod for his single line. Kup and Blurr's voices are provided by their normal season three voice actors and [[John Moschitta]].
: ''And new Autobots join Optimus Prime. Kup,'' "Reminds me of the battle of Beta Four." ''Hot Rod,'' "Watch my smoke." ''And Blurr.'' "Nowyouseeme. Nowyoudon't." ''And these are the new Decepticons, the evil Cyclonus'' "I'm spoiling for a fight." ''and Scourge.'' "No one escapes the Sweeps." ''But soon a new Autobot leader will arrive. Introducing Rodimus Prime. '''No one''' can take on the Decepticons like Rrrrrodimus Prime!'' {Transformers! Robots in disguise.} ''The Transformers. Each sold separately. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Ultra Magnus}}
*'''Ultra Magnus''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTVK024J5aY 30 sec]
: Animation: Decepticons are attacking the Autobot launch site. With Optimus on Cybertron, it's up to [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]! Magnus loads up some 'bots in Autobot City, then rolls out into the desert to fight the Decepticons, plowing through the Combaticons en route.
: Narration: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: Toy segment: Hot Rod, Smokescreen, Tracks, and Red Alert are loaded in order top to bottom onto Magnus' carrier mode, with a zoom in on the lower level. A close up on Magnus rolling fully loaded past a rockwall is followed by a different angle showing that Magnus is being rolled along an unpaved cliffside road. Mimicking the animation, he runs into the Combaticons (this time it's Swindle, Brawl and Vortex) and knocks them off the edge. The segment ends with a jumpcut sequence of Ultra Magnus' transformation to robot mode and a very short repeat of Ultra Magnus barrelling through the Combaticons.
: Notes: [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] gets his [[Buster Jones|normal voice actor]] this time around. Ultra Magnus' voice is provided by his season three voice actor, [[Jack Angel]]. Cameo appearances by Starscream, Skywarp, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]; [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]; [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]], [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]; [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]. Another version of this ad has the ending
: "Decepticons are attacking our launch site. Where's Prime?" Blaster: "He's on Cybertron. It's up to you Ultra Magnus." Ultra Magnus: "Autobots, transform and mount up." {When Ultra Magnus rolls - into action - he takes on Decepticons - like no one else can.} Optimus Prime: "Meet Ultra Magnus. As car carrier he can transport four Autobots into battle, but once there he tranforms into my powerful Autobot commander." {The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} ''The Transformers. Each sold separately. From Hasbro.''
:*'''Ultra Magnus''' [https://youtu.be/nEq_h5MyIDc?t=150 30 sec] - Slightly shortened to squeeze in a plug for ''The Transformers: The Movie'' narrated by Victor Caroli and Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime. :''And coming this summer, Transformers: The Movie.'' Optimus Prime: "You've never seen anything like it."

{{anchor|Ultra Magnus and Galvatron}}
*'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Galvatron''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6KSRC5hm58 30 sec]
: Animation: Magnus and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], along with others, do battle on a highway. Starscream and Skywarp can be glimpsed flying into battle alongside Galvatron!
: Narration: [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]].
: Kidmation: Kid face to Galvatron face.
: Toy segment: A jumpcut transformation sequence of Galvatron going from cannon to robot is followed by a zoom in on his head as his electronic lights and sounds are demonstrated. A clip of Ultra Magnus' loaded carrier mode (re-used from the previous ad) rolls into a ball before expanding into a clip of Ultra Magnus being flown in robot mode (also re-used from the previous ad). Cut to two boys battling with Galvatron's electronics activated and the toys held awakardly above and behind them. Back to the reused loaded Magnus carrier mode clip which does a confetti like transiton to a still shot of Magnus in robot mode standing on a dirt plateau. Galvatron's light and sounds are demoed again, this time in cannon mode before ending with a bordered spray transition to a still shot of Galvatron's robot mode in front of a rock wall.
: Notes: Cameos by Jazz, Red Alert, Smokescreen, Tracks (could this be in continuity with the previous commercial?!); Skywarp and Starscream. Galvatron's voice appears to be Frank Welker doing a less-gravely Megatron-like voice. Ultra Magnus' voice is again provided by Jack Angel. Megatron and Galvatron are treated as separate characters to avoid spoiling the fact Galvatron IS Megatron.
: {Ultra Magnus!} Optimus Prime: "The courageous Ultra Magnus is a born leader." Ultra Magnus: "We meet at last Galvatron." Galvatron: "And it will be the last time we meet." Megatron: "And Galvatron is Ultra Magnus's sworn enemy." {The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} Megatron: "Galvatron transforms from laser cannon to fighting robot." Optimus Prime: "And Ultra Magnus transforms from huge car carrier to Autobot Commander." {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} ''The Transformers. Each sold separately. From Hasbro.''
: *'''Ultra Magnus''' and '''Galvatron''' [http://youtu.be/nEq_h5MyIDc?t=210 30 sec] - A shortened version includes a tail-end ad for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', narration by The Other Movie Guy. ''Does Prime die?!''

{{anchor|Springer and Wreck-Gar}}
[[File:SpringerWreckGarCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|It sorta happened like this in the movie. A little.]]
*'''Springer''' and '''Wreck-Gar''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf8DCIGV9yU 30 sec]
: Animation: Original animation, but the plot draws heavily from ''The Transformers: The Movie''. [[Springer (G1)|Springer's]] shuttle is destroyed by the ''[[Revenge (G1)|Revenge]]''; he flies to the surface of [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and battles [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] and another Junkion.
: Narration: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime describing Springer, Frank Welker as Megatron gleefully describing Wreck-Gar as though he were a Decepticon (and the toy shown has a Decepticon symbol) and [[Victor Caroli]].
: Kidmation: Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: Toy segment: Wreck-Gar is rolled up a dirt incline in front of a rock wall, leading into his jumpcut transformation sequence. Similarly, Springer arrives in car mode on a dirt platform before going through a jumpcut transformation sequence. The segment ends with two kids battling it out with the toys, standing over a dirt platform.
: Notes: Wreck-Gar is voiced by [[Frank Welker]] for this commercial, not sounding particularly distinct from Megatron aside from affecting a British accent; his lines are rearranged snippets taken from his lines in the movie. Wreck-Gar's treatment as a Decepticon may have been another attempt to avoid spoiling the plot of the movie à la treating Galvatron as a separate character from Galvatron.
: Optimus Prime: "His spaceship destroyed by Decepticon fire, Springer, the toughest of the Autobot Triplechangers, crash lands on planet Junkion." Wreck-Gar: "Hurry, hurry, operators are standing by. No welcome wagons. Hello Stranger!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} Megatron: "Junkion Wreck-Gar transforms from motorcycle to robot." Optimus Prime: "And triplechanger Springer transforms from car to helicopter to robot." {The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} ''The Transformers. Each sold separately. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Sharkticon}}
*'''Sharkticons''', '''Kup''', '''Hot Rod''' and '''Wheelie''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55nfsUkXpUc]
: Animation: Like the previous commercial, heavily based on the movie. Hot Rod and Kup battle a group of [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]], and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] (who sounds so much like Scrappy-Doo, it's hard to figure out whether [[Frank Welker]] or [[Don Messick]] voiced him in this particular commercial) arrives to help.
: Narration: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Frank Welker as Megatron and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to Galvatron face.
: Toy segment: Starts with two kids shoving their Sharkticons into the camera. Hot Rod and Kup drive through a rocky diorama meeting up on pile of dirt from which they are uncerimoniously shoved off by the Sharkticons. The segment ends with a jumpcut transformation sequence.
: Notes: Once again, the Hot Rod toy is the prototype magenta color. The toys are consistently referred to as "Sharkticons" and the individual name "[[Gnaw]]" is never used.
: Optimus Prime: "What could be more terrifying than being Kup and Hot Rod stranded on an alien planet battling the merciless Sharkticons?" "Wheelie say, find friends today!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} Megatron: "Meet the Sharkticons!" {Autobots never faced an evil force worse than the terror of - the Sharkticons! The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} ''The Transformers. Each sold separately. From Hasbro.''
:*'''Sharkticons''', '''Kup''', '''Hot Rod''' and '''Wheelie''' [https://youtu.be/HNUDoRsDb54?t=7 Opens in three days],[https://youtu.be/HNUDoRsDb54?t=46 Opens in two days],[https://youtu.be/HNUDoRsDb54?t=85 Opens today],[https://youtu.be/HNUDoRsDb54?t=124 Now playing] - A shortened version of the previous ad with Wheelie and Megatron's lines omitted to make space for a movie plug.

{{anchor|Aerialbots and Stunticons}}
*'''Aerialbots''' and '''Stunticons giftsets''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQiEEJx7PCM 30 sec]
: Animation: The two teams both arrive in the desert and transform; both combine, and [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] bashes [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] into a cliff. Menasor's legs are on backwards.
: Narration: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Frank Welker as Megatron and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: Toy segment: Still frames of each of the Aerialbots' alt modes flip around and zoom out into place in a collage of Aerialbot robot modes. This is followed by a jumpcut assembly of Superion and Superion flying in front of a wall. After the Kidmation, a kid pops up from behind a rock holding Menasor and engages in battle with a second kid holding Superion.
: Notes: This ad was filmed on a "rocks and dirt in front of a house in the Southwestern US" set but a different one from any of the previous ones. Megatron's dialogue is rather strange switching from narration to ordering the Stunticons to attack as though they can hear him. Megatron's dialogue also includes one hell of a sentence fragment: "Only the Stunticons!" ...only the Stunticons ''what?''
: Optimus Prime: "Look, the Aerialbots!" Megatron: "Look, the Stunticons!" Megatron: "Only the Stunticons!" Optimus Prime: "Only the Aerialbots have this kind of teamwork." Megatron: "Stunticons attack!" {Aerialbots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons. The Transformers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} Kid 1: "Nobody can stop Menasor!" Kid 2: "Except Superion!" ''Stunticon and Aerialbot giftsets sold separately. From Hasbro.''
:: '''Aerialbots''' and '''Stunticons''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2YyQowyjZI 30 sec] - Similar to the previous commercial except that the music has been changed from the Season 2 intro theme to the Season 3 intro and instead of advertising the giftsets at the end, it advertises the individual toys.

{{anchor|Bruticus and Metroplex}}
*'''Combaticons/Bruticus''' and '''Metroplex''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz5LHWTh_Sc 30 sec]
: Animation: The [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] fly through a canyon, combine, and attack [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who transforms to his enormous robot mode and fires at them.
:Narration: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Frank Welker as Megatron and Victor Caroli.
:Kidmation: Kid face to Galvatron face.
:Toy segment: Rocks pull away and the camera zooms in (with jumpcuts halfway through) to reveal Metroplex sitting in base mode on a small rock platform. As Prime describes Metroplex's modes we jump to a shot of his battlestation mode, a jumpcut transformation sequence and Metroplex flying by the ol' rock wall in robot mode. The Combaticons get the bum's rush by comparison. Their portion consists of a close up of Onslaught that zooms out to show all five Combaticons in vehicle mode on a dirt area then a very quick jumpcut assembly of Bruticus. After the Kidmation, we get a closeup of Bruticus flying that leads to two kids transforming Metroplex from city to battle station to robot in another very quick jumpcut sequence. The segment ends with a brief shot of the two kids battling with Metroplex and Bruticus.
:Notes: Once again, Megatron switches between narration and giving orders, this time doing it mid-speech. The Combaticon toys used have an early sticker set that
: Megatron: "Only ''we'' have a military attack group like the Combaticons. Transform Combaticons and attack the new Autobot city!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} Optimus Prime: "Autobots, this is our new city Metroplex! It can transform into a battle station and then transform again into the giagantic Metroplex himself." Megatron: "But the ''Combaticons'' can combine to form ''Bruticus!''" {Robots in disguise.} Kid 1: "Decepticons attack!" Kid 2: "Transform Metroplex!" {The Transformers!} ''Each sold separately. From Hasbro.''
: *'''Combaticons/Bruticus''' and '''Metroplex''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeFLnk9TO2s 30 sec] - Slightly shortened to include a plug for the movie. Caroli/Prime version.

{{anchor|Defensor and Trypticon}}
*'''Protectobots/Defensor''' and '''Trypticon''' [http://youtu.be/Q9yerQ_sW3U?t=212 30 sec]
: Animation: The Protectobots drive down a road towards the Decepticons' massive new base, transform and attack. [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]'s voice commands the base to transform into battle station mode; the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] become [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] and fire back. [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] changes to dinosaur mode and blasts fire-breath at Defensor.
: Narration: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, Frank Welker as Megatron and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to Galvatron face.
: Toy segment: Starts with a zoom in on Trypticon's city mode on a platform in a rocky area, similar to the Metroplex one but sans revealing rocks and jumpcuts. Afer a jumpcut transformation sequence to Trypticon's battlestation mode, a collage of the Protectobots flying in robot mode warps into a ball and then unwarps into Defensor flying. After a brief snippet of animated Defensor firing, we see Trypticon's head rotate around to complete his transformation to dinosaur mode and a clip of Trypticon breathing fire. After the last bit of animation, two kids playing with the toys are ''very'' affected by the sight of toy Trypticon knocking over Defensor via his motorized walk.
: Notes: The area where Trypticon's toy is shown in city mode is more desolate than the one in the Metroplex ad, with what looks to be several "stumps" of trees cut down at the three foot/one meter height range in the background.
: Optimus Prime: "That's it, Trypticon, the new Decepticon city." Hot Spot: "It's enormous!" First Aid: "That never stopped the Protectobots before!" Astrotrain: "Transform Trypticon!" Megatron: "The awesome new Decepticon city Trypticon can transform into an incredible battle station." Kid: "Transform the Protectobots!" Optimus Prime: "But the Protectobots can transform into Defensor!" Megatron: "''But'', Trypticon can transform again into a dinosaur!" {The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} ''The Transformers. Batteries not included. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Predacons}}
*'''Predacons''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xfYNu5YOsQ 30 sec]
: Animation: The [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] barrel over Skywarp, [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and Starscream; the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]] charge in to counter the Dinobots, transforming into robot mode and then combining into [[Predaking (G1)|Predaking]].
: Narration: Frank Welker as Megatron and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: Toy segment: Headstrong, Tantrum and Divebomb each get a jumpcut sequence where a shot of them flying in robot mode peels back from the center to reveal their alternate mode shoved into the camera. The last alternate mode still, Divebomb's, pans back to become the center of a collage of Predacon alternate modes. The collage rolls into a spinning cylinder before unrolling into Predaking flying in front of a rock wall. After the Kidmation, Snarl (at an angle reminiscent of Jazzy Jeff being physically tossed out of the house on''{w:The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air}'') and Grimlock are shown flying in front of rock wall in separate shots. Predaking flies in from the other direction and the kid holding him clashes with another kid holding Swoop. The remaining four Dinobots sit idly below on a dirt platform.
: Notes: [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] is missing from the animated Dinobots. He was also missing from previous commercials featuring the Dinobots. He did make it into the toy footage though. Sludge also gets his first toy segement appearance.
: Megatron: "Few Decepticons can stand up to the Dinobots, but the Predacons can! The Predacons not only transform into robots but into one gigantic robot! Predaking!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} Kid 1: "Transform the Predacons!" {The Transformers! Robots in disguise} Kid 1: "It's the Dinobots!" Kid 2: "Can't stop Predaking!" ''The Transformers. Each sold separately. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Sky Lynx}}
*'''Sky Lynx''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGWo5CoK1aY]
: Animation: Predaking smashes through a mountain to attack the Dinobots. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] notices Predaking and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] thinks they're in trouble, but then [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]] swoops in to save the day.
:Narration: Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Victor Caroli.
:Kidmation: Kid face to generic Magnus face.
:Toy segment: Sky Lynx's shuttle component flies through the air before a jumpcut docks it on his transporter half. We then get a jumpcut transformation sequence showing the shuttle converted to bird, the Lynx mode of the transporter half, and finally the combined form. After Kidmation, a kid swoops down Predaking onto the dirt platform where Sky Lynx's combined from stands. After Predaking lands, Sky Lynx "stops" him by slowly walking into him.
:Notes: Impressively, in the clip of the shuttle being docked onto the crawler transporter, the transporter is moving the entire time. Like the Ultra Magnus commercials, this one could actually be in continuity with the Predacon commercial, which ended with the Predacons combining. [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] ([[Neil Ross]]) and Grimlock ([[Gregg Berger]]) both have their cartoon voices (well, the higher-pitched voice that Slag had in Season 3.)
: Slag: "Look it's Predaking!" Grimlock: "Me Grimlock think we in big trouble!" Slag: "Not to worry, here comes Sky Lynx!" {The Transformers! More than meets the eye.} Optimus Prime: "Meet Skylynx. This ferocious motorized Autobot triple changes from space shuttle...to bird and lynx and then combines to form Sky Lynx." Kid 1: "Predaking's attacking." Kid 2: "Sky Lynx'll stop him!" ''The Transformers. Batteries not included. From Hasbro.''

{{anchor|Sandstorm, Broadside, Octane}}
*'''Triple Changers''' - '''Sandstorm''', '''Broadside''' and '''Octane''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLdaJE0wZ24 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] and Astrotrain attack [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]; [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] change repeatedly as they travel over water and land. This ends with Sandstorm driving off a ramp-like cliff and transforming into a helicopter to take on Astrotrain and Blitzwing alongside Broadside in jet mode.
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]]
: Kidmation: Kid face to generic Magnus face.
: Toy segment: Sandstorm's buggy mode rolls along a ridge as the narrator starts naming off his modes and we get jumpcuts to his other two modes flying. Broadside's aircraft carrier mode rests on the same ridge as his transformations are named and shown flying. We then get a transition to a scene of two kids swooping the Autobot triple changers in robot mode down on Octane in tanker mode as third kid drives him along the same ridge we saw earlier. A jumpcut shows a close up on Octane's tanker mode rolling on the ridge followed by cuts to shots of his other two modes flying while Caroli names them. The last Octane shot gets sucked into the center of the screen to transition to another battle scene with the three kids.
: Notes: The commercial uses the alternate character model for Broadside, also used in [[Carnage in C-Minor]].
:''Pinned down one time too many by Astrotrain and Blitzwing, the Autobots build their own triple changers.'' {Autobot - triple changers battling - the triple changers of - the Decepticons!} ''Triple changer Sandstorm transforms from dune buggy to copter to robot and Broadside transforms from carrier to jet to robot, to fight Decepticon triple changer Octane who transforms from tanker to jumbo jet to robot.'' {The Tranformers! Robots in disguise.} ''The Transformers. From Hasbro.''
: *'''Triple Changers''' - '''Sandstorm''', '''Broadside''' and '''Octane''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjyz7sQE1yU 30 sec] - An edited version of the previous spot with the animated segment shorted in order to fit in a tail-end plug for the movie.

{{anchor|Battlechargers}}

*'''Battlechargers''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=angd3rL-X1M 30 sec]
: Animation: Amid a field of erupting volcanoes, Ultra Magnus and his usual team of Autobots (Jazz, Smokescreen, Red Alert and Tracks) transform and march forward in lock-step, prompting Megatron to order the Battlechargers to attack. [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]] and [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] drive off a cliff; Runabout transforms with a green grid effect and fires.
: Narration: Frank Welker as Megatron and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to Galvatron face.
: Toy segment: The Battlechargers and pulled back and released. This causes a kid to whip his head around to follow them as they zoom along and transform upon a black floor with a futuristic white grid pattern. The transformation is immediately repeated with streaking effects comprised of a trail of the toys' upper torsos. This is followed by Runamuck being released to zoom and transform on his own. We then get a different clip of both toys being pulled back and released, with a longer lengthwise look at the toys' vehicle modes rolling along before cutting to the front end angle for the transformation. Again the transformation is repeated with the trailing effect but instead of the kid whipping his head around, he's merely follows with his eyes. We then see Runabout pulled back with highlighting and smoking effects added to his wheels. The kid whips his head around again to see Runabout transforming with the trailing effect. We then get a sequence of jumpcuts starting with a closeup of Runabout's head before switching to shots of Runamuck's gun being equipped and then Runabout's. The last cut is to a shot of Runabout being converted to car mode. Hot Rod flashes across the screen as we see two kids rolling the Battlechargers. One of them yells "It's the Autobots!" as we see two kids approach holding the aforementioned Hot Rod and...Scourge? "Battlechargers attack!"
: Notes: The set from the Jumpstarters and Omega Supreme ads is back.
: Megatron: "Look! It's Ultra Magnus and the Autobots. Battlechargers attack!" {Nobody jumps into action - faster than - Battlechargers!} Megatron: "My Battlechargers will crush the Autobots!" {Nobody jumps into action - faster than - Battlechargers! More than meets the eye. The Transformers! Robots in disguise.} Kid 1: "It's the Autobots!" Kid 2: "Battlechargers attack!" ''The Transformers. Sold separately. From Hasbro.''

=== Other ===
[[File:Patches g1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Spike, if you don't put the patch on your skin, you won't get the nicotine.]]
[[File:1986 Comm Jazz and Thundercracker Party.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|This socially awkward scene could be all yours!]]
{{anchor|Reflective patches}}
*'''[[Prizes in Disguise]] contest/[[Iron-on patch|reflective patches]]''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UUwi2uSUQE 30 sec]
: Animation: Jazz and Cosmos land on a plateau and request that the dark blobs moving below identify themselves. Spike replies that it's him and some friends. Jazz, Cosmos, Tracks and Smokescreen shine their lights to reveal that it is in "Spike and friends" and they are wearing Transformers reflective patches. Spike and his friends subsequently follow Cosmos into the Autobot base.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid face to generic Magnus face; also, a kid saying "Robots in Disguise" through the Voice Changer.
: Notes: The appearance of Tracks and Smokescreen is a bit more than the cameo in the background of a single shot it would initially appear to be. The shot of Spike and friends being illuminated has beams of light coming from five different directions which means that Tracks and Smokescreen must be joining in. But that's only four Autobots which means a fifth unidentified Autobot must be there as well. Between the animation and the Ultra Magnus Kidmation we get a quick shot of a kid turning to face the camera (and a spotlight) while wearing a sweatshirt covered in relective patches while standing in front of a white picket fence. The lighting is dim outside of the spotlight, presumably to highlight the patches and echo the nighttime setting of the animated segment. After the Kidmation, we see two other kids (one in a solid red shirt the other in a white shirt with red sleeves) standing in front of a peg wall of 1985 and 1986 Minibots. One of them grabs a [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and turns to look at the back, alongside his friend looking at the back of [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]. When he turns it is revealed that behind them is a set of shelves containing larger Transformers. The top shelf has [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] along with a number of each of the four [[Insecticon (G1)|Deluxe Insecticons]]. The middle shelf is full of Jetfires while the bottom shelf has Omega Supreme. Standard cartoon voices for [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], Jazz and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. Background cameos by Tracks and Smokescreen. Next we see a kid wearing a blue sweatshirt over a dress shirt (different kid from the first segment) run into a room holding carded Swerve and [[Skydive (G1)|Skydive]] to announce to the kid in the red shirt from the previous segment: "I got a free reflective patch!". Cut to the night time fence scene from the first segment and the second blue shirted kid and the other kid from the store segment show off their Superion and Omega Supreme patches on their shoulders while yelling out the character names. After this we get a demonstration of a Blitzwing patch being ironed onto some sort of black fabric. As the narration goes on to talk about the prizes, we see scenes of a kid's birthday party in a wooded area with performers in Thundercracker and Jazz costumes (similar if not identical to those from the [[The Transformers Universal Studios Tour|Universal Studios Tour]]), a kid talking into the [[Enemy (G1)|Electronic Voice Changer]], and the same [[stock footage]] of the Action Cards from the 1985 ad stingers. The ad ends with a scene of kids running up to the peg wall to grab Transformers. This wider shot reveals that in addition to Minibot pegs there is also a column of Stunticon and Aerialbot limbs. This ad is INCREDIBLY consistent in featuring the patches. EVERY single kid visible in the ad, animated and live action, has at least one patch on their shirt. This even includes the party scene and the kid using the voice changer! While Spike and the friend to his left have Autobot patches (Ultra Magnus and Omega Supreme, respectively), the friend on the other side has a Blitzwing patch! Since all three follow Cosmos into the base, the Autobots must not have held it against him.
: Cosmos: "Who goes there?" Spike: "Spike and friends!" Jazz: "Shine a light on them, they're wearing Transformers reflective patches." Cosmos: "Okay!" {The Transformers. Robots in Disguise!} ''In the Transformers Prizes in Disguise game everyone's a winner!'' "I got a free reflective patch!" "Superion!" "Omega Supreme!" ''And eight more. And your patch may disguise an instant prize, like a party with life-sized Transformers or electronic voice changers.'' "Robots in disguise." ''Or Transformers Action cards. Get Transformers reflective patches and game details '''free''' in specially marked packages. From Hasbro.''

*'''[[Underoos]]''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yfAVsrwY7M 30 sec]

: Kidmation: Three different kids turn into animated versions of the lead good guy from the toyline that corresponds to their underwear while growling that line's catchphrase and the name of the good guy. The last of the three is Freddy, who pulls on his Transformers Underoos and turns into Optimus Prime while growling "MORE than meets the eye! The Transformers!".
: Notes: The animation model used for Optimus Prime has design simplifications which make it very similar to the animation model used in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|actual cartoons]]. The coloring of the model however, is based off Prime's [[package art]]. It oddly deviates by coloring the upper legs blue, and having a white line just under his forehead crest.
: "Freddy, what are you doing up there?"

===Cartoon===
*'''30 second cartoon promo''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6G_iHzhgFA 30 sec]
: Animation: Various Season One and Two excerpts.
: Narration: Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: Notes: In addition to the customized end tag, a text overlay in that station's style was placed over several scenes early in the spot. Uses the Season 3/Season 4 theme. Two different Megatron quotes are used.
: "We'll be waiting!"

*'''10 second cartoon promo''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-8aub2UX1k 30 sec]
: Animation: Various Season Two excerpts.
: Narration: Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: Notes: Uses Season Three/Season Four theme.
:''It's the incredible adventures of the Transformers. Watch as Heroic Autobots bravely battle Evil Decepticons every Monday through Friday. Don't miss a single day!''

==1987==
Many of the live-action segments for the 1987 toy commercials showed kids playing with the toys in a rocky, doom-laden environment, replete with constant flashes of lightning illuminating the toys. It is possible this is meant to be [[Nebulos]], given the way that planet is portrayed in the animated segments.

{{anchor|Headmaster Autobots}}
[[File:Brainstormpretenderscommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Let's search that planet, Magnus! We've got to find them! With their help, we can defeat the Decepticons!" Keep hoping, Rodimus. Keep hoping.]]
*'''Headmasters''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB22s9gx_tI 30 sec]
: Animation: The four Autobot [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Nebulan]]s climb into their respective partners, who are parked in vehicle mode in a base; they roll out and clash with the three Headmaster Decepticons. Includes particularly nice closeups of [[Monzo]] and [[Stylor]].
: Narration: [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] narrate. (well, Rodimus actually spews out a series of basically incomprehensible lines.)
: Kidmation: A kid leaps and flips, turning into a stop-motion version of Ultra Magnus's toy.
: ''Head. MasterTransformers—more muchmore than meets the eyes!'' {{sic}}

{{anchor|Headmaster Decepticons}}
*'''Decepticon Headmasters''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB22s9gx_tI 30 sec]
: Animation: At the secret base of the Headmaster Decepticons, the "trainers" are putting [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcrucher]], [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] through their paces, having them jump through hoops and smash through rock statues of the Autobot Headmasters. Yes, the "trainer" concept actually made it into animation. They even carry whips!
: Narration: [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Victor Caroli]].
: Kidmation: Kid to stop-motion Magnus toy.
: ''Nothing's better than going into battle with '''these''' Transformers!''

{{anchor|Horrorcons}}
*'''Headmaster Horrorcons''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jxEKlVKCU8 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Apeface]] and [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]] fly into a canyon and transform to robot mode, then change to [[beast mode]] and charge, spewing fire and swinging rocks around.
:Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Extreme closeup of a kid's eye, with a camera pull-out emerging from the pupil.
: ''The jaws of the beast become the pilot of the plane, and the pilot of the plane becomes the head of the robot!''

{{anchor|Targetmasters}}
*'''Targetmasters''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUp54SnWs7g 30 sec]
: Animation: Live-action set of a rocky planet explodes. Cel: on Cybertron(?), [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] get strafed by [[Triggerhappy (G1)|Triggerhappy]], who transforms and grapples with Sureshot, while their guns do the same. Crosshairs drives forward; he and [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]] transform and run, then both get tackled by [[Misfire (G1)|Misfire]] and [[Aimless (G1)|Aimless]].
: Narration: Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid flips and becomes stop-motion Ultra Magnus toy.
: ''Two Trans-for-mers, all in one! The vehicle transforms and so does the gun!''

{{anchor|Sixshot}}
*'''Sixshot''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM8-COEXpJY 30 sec]
: Animation: Rodimus Prime and Galvatron lead their teams in battle; [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] attacks and runs through his various modes, as Galvatron describes them and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] counts them off.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Notes: Cameos by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]. Galvatron has his usual cartoon voice, but Cyclonus does not. A deeper version of the substitute Cyclonus voice is also used for Sixshot. Also, atypically for animators Toei, Cyclonus' earlier pre-production character model as most often seen in AKOM-animated episodes is used.
: ''The most challenging Transformer of them all!''

{{anchor|Computron and Scorponok}}
[[File:Technobots.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Hi-Tech Sentai Nerdranger]]
[[File:Computron animated.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Revenge of the nerds!]]
*'''Technobots/Computron''' and '''Scorponok''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ue6CzJG20k 30 sec]
: Animation: Galvatron runs down a ramp as [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] transforms from base to scorpion to repulse the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]]; the Technobots combine, and get hit with a rock thrown by Scorponok.
: Narration: Galvatron, [[Victor Caroli]].
: Notes: Naturally, [[Zarak (G1)|Zarak]] is visible running around as Scorponok transforms.
: ''And now it's a beast with capture claws and a trainer who becomes...the HEAD of its robot!''

{{anchor|Technobots and Terrorcons}}
*'''Technobots''' and '''Terrorcons''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR8FZq5oVO4 30 sec]
: Animation: The two teams battle on Earth, while Rodimus and Magnus narrate.
: Narration: Ultra Magnus, Rodimus Prime, and Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: Notes: Includes [[decoy]] stinger.
: "Those hi-tech heroes are in for one horrific battle!"

{{anchor|Punch and Clones}}
*'''Punch/Counterpunch''' and '''Clones''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HI_CIGzCyU&t=5m48s 30 sec]/[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4TsUdoO-xc (Decoy stinger)]
: Animation: [[Punch (G1)|Punch]] informs Rodimus that he can trust him, transforms to car mode, rolls out of the base and promptly transforms to Counterpunch and tells the waiting Galvatron that he can trust ''him''. The Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]] run through a rocky landscape in perfect step and open fire on the Autobot clones, then both groups transform.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: Notes: Cameos by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug]] and Cyclonus. Sometimes included a [[decoy]] stinger.

{{anchor|Monsterbots}}
*'''Monsterbots''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VyfKmKKdNA 30 sec]
: Animation: Blurr and Rodimus Prime arrive; Kup tells them that there's been an accident, and the new Autobots are monsters! The [[Monsterbot (G1)|Monsterbot]]s trash a lab, then burst through a wall and fight some Decepticons.
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]].
: Kidmation: Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: Notes: Cameos by Scourge, [[Octane]], and Cyclonus.
: ''And they've even got sparks, BLASTING out of them!''

[[File:FlywheelsCommercialAndSeason4Intro.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1]]
[[File:Weirdwolfweirdhead.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|I think pulling my head off is a pretty good idear.]]
[[File:Brainstormweirdhead.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Brainstorm was actually pretty happy to get rid of his bizarre zombie vampire head.]]

{{anchor|Duocons and Throttlebots}}
*'''Duocons/Throttlebots''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blf-D_oXG6k 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Flywheels|Flywheels’s]] jet portion swoops down out of the sky and links up with his tank, transforming to robot mode before being jumped on by Rodimus Prime. "That jet is going to crash into that tank!" "No, it's not. They're going to transform into one robot!"
: Narration: Galvatron, Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid to stop-motion Ultra Magnus.
: Notes: Includes decoy stinger.
: ''They think they’re twice as tough as any Autobot—and MAYBE THEY ARE.''

{{anchor|Fortress Maximus}}
*'''Fortress Maximus''' "FOR-TRESS MAX-I-MUHUUUS!" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbIzislk0Sg 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] transforms to base mode and blows away the [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], who combine into [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] and attack him.
: Narration: Victor Caroli, Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus.
: Notes: [[Hun-Gurrr (G1)|Hun-Gurrr]]'s single line in this commercial ("Terrorcons, form Abominus and destroy Fortress Maximus!") is provided by [[Wally Burr]].

{{anchor|Headmaster comic book}}
*'''''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]''' comic book'' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYBDqL6hdr8 30 sec]
: Animation: The post-Movie Autobots and Decepticons shoot it out on Cybertron: Galvatron and Scourge fire on Blurr and Rodimus; [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] grapples with [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]; Ultra Magnus...stands there. Two teams "blast" their way to Nebulos. The Autobots detach their heads, which are replaced by "the intelligent Nebulons". The Decepticons do the same. Scorponok and Fortress Maximus slug it out; the [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] charge at each other and transform.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Notes: Features completely random, made-up heads for the pre-Headmaster robots.

{{anchor|returnofop}}
*'''The Return of Optimus Prime promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUN-gSW_QWM] or [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-V_h7dEbm0]
: Animation: Excerpts of the Optimus Prime death scene and Prime vs. Megatron from The Transformers: The Movie.
: Narration: Victor Caroli and various local TV announcers.
: Notes: Many TV stations shrank or otherwise manipulated it at the end, but New York's WPIX simply overlaid a graphic on the bottom saying, with a red line between them, "4:30 PM" on top, and "Tues. & Wed." on the bottom, with their classic "Circle 11" logo on the far right.
:"It's over Prime." "Never!" ''Hang on, Autobots, it's not over! Optimus Prime returns, February 24th and 25th on ''The Transformers''.''
:*'''Optimus Prime week''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmXHb2SN9rc] – Same as above commercial but re-narrated with the removal of "Never!" and changed to speak of a whole Optimus Prime week.
::"It's over Prime." ''Wrong, Megatron! It's just the beginning!''
:*'''EMERGENCY AUTOBOT ALERT''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy6Mltaobg0] – Excerpts of Optimus Prime at Moonbase 1 and Prime vs. Megatron.
::"Heroes never die. I, Optimus Prime, can never be conquered!''

*'''Season 4 cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kja8RSRq21g 30 sec]
: Animation: A set of excerpts from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' almost identical to those used for the Return of Optimus Prime and Optimus Prime week spots.
: Narration: Victor Caroli, trying to exclaim every line more dramatically than the last and various local TV station announcers.
: Notes: Features a brand new piece of background music incorporating the Transformers theme. Similar in sound to the music [[Vince DiCola]] composed for The Transformers: The Movie.
:''Autobots versus Decepticons. Good against evil. Metal against metal!''

[[File:G1 Season 4 promo.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb]]
*'''Season 4 cartoon promo #2''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPwM2381O7E 30 sec]

: Animation: Excerpts from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and several 1987 toy commercials/the Season 3 [[title sequence]]. A scene from the movie of Hot Rod and Kup watching Decepticon missiles come back towards their shuttle has the view from the shuttle's “windshield” replaced with crude CGI to make it look like they're flying through a...a...well, we're not really sure what it's supposed to be. It kind of looks like a base, though it has both Autobot and Decepticon logos in different areas. A shot of a crude CGI Optimus Prime closes out the commercial.
: Narration: Victor Caroli, various local TV station announcers.
: Notes: Features the same new music used in the previous commercial.
:''They're more, much more than you've ever imagined! The Transformers. Watch as the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons reaches an incredible new level.''

==1988==
Many of the 1988 commercials began with a still shot of several animation frames, arranged as if in a comic book. The camera would zoom in on one as the animation began.

{{anchor|Pretenders}}
*'''Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5Cs7PsK9cc 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] battle [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]]. Three Autobot [[Pretender]]s are created (nekkid!). [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] attack and the armored Pretenders split to reveal their robots, forcing the Decepticons to flee. The Decepticon Pretenders burst through the wall and both groups split.
: Narration: Victor Caroli
: Notes: Includes tail-end spot for the relevant [[Pretender to the Throne!|Marvel Comics issue]].

*'''Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIax7Coasbs 30 sec]
[[File:AutobotPretenderCommercial.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
: Animation: Clips re-used from the comic commercial.
:Narration: [[Victor Caroli]].
:Notes: Features only the first wave of large Pretenders ([[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], [[Cloudburst]], [[Waverider]]; [[Skullgrin]], [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]] and [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]].)
:''After a series of startling defeats at the hands of the Decepticons...''

:*'''Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvk5SSMtN6s 30 sec]
: Animation: The Autobot Pretenders splitting, re-used from the comic commercial.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: A bizarre segment of kids proclaiming what they "are" ("I’m a video gamer!" "I’m a skateboarder!"), only for the skateboarder to split Pretender-style, revealing a generic CGI robot who announces "I’m a Transformer!"
::*'''Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlqUB1k-4bY 30 sec] - Edited down version of the immediately preceding commercial.

:*'''Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IlBvYDFyK8 30 sec]
: Animation: The Autobot Pretenders splitting, same as the above commercials.
: Narration: Victor Caroli
: Kidmation: Kid's face splits apart to reveal his 'inner' robot face.
::*'''Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYK9lP9yYis] - Edited down version of the previous commercial

{{anchor|Powermasters}}
[[File:Slapdashcommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Why are you here, again?]]
*'''Powermasters''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izcY3ahfGVU 30 sec]

: Animation: Amid desert canyons, the various Powermaster partners transform to engine form and combine with their partners, including [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] transforming his trailer to base mode. This is followed by the Autobot [[Powermaster]]s shooting at Darkwing and Dreadwind who, now that they've accomplished their [[To sell toys|goal]], are once again in their plane modes.
:Narration: Victor Caroli.
:Notes: Features [[Getaway]] / [[Rev]], [[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] / [[Lube]], and [[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] / [[Hotwire (G1)|Hotwire]]; [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] / [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] / [[Hi-Test (G1)|Hi-Test]]; and [[Hi-Q]]. Includes tail-end ads spot for the relevant [[People Power!|Marvel Comics issue]].
: ''Their engine’s the key that unlocks their Transformer en-er-geeee!''

[[File:HiQCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Truck? What truck?]]

*'''Powermaster toys''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNOHXVw-EQg 30 sec]

: Animation: Dreadwind and Darkwing chase Getaway and Joyride around the rim of a crater. Dreadwind and Darkwing transform. Includes segments recycled from the first Powermaster commercial.
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]].
: Kidmation: A kid crackles with energy, which surrounds and replaces his head with a ''very'', and we mean ''very'', crude CGI Powermaster Optimus Prime head.
: ''Powermaster Transformers! They've got the power to surprise!''

*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7i-zW58ppo 30 sec]

: Animation: Recycled footage of Prime transforming from the Powermasters commercial; Powermaster Optimus Prime firing [[Quickswitch]].
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid to Powermaster Optimus Prime.
: ''POW-er-master Optimus Prime! Greatest hero of his time!'' ("It's great to be back!")
:*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqh6Kufw_iM] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Doubledealer}}
*'''Powermaster Prime''' and '''Doubledealer''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnv_ZCmmisM 30 sec]
: Animation: Footage of Prime reused from other commercials featuring him, then a new segment with [[Doubledealer]] in robot mode standing with Prime. Doubledealer transforms to vehicle mode, then [[Skar (Decepticon)|Skar]] flies out of [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]]'s hand and locks into place, transforming Doubledealer to falcon mode.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: "Who’s that new Transformer with Optimus Prime?"

[[File:NightbeatTV.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Look at my chest.]]
[[File:Fangrycommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|HOOKA chaka HOOKA chaka HOOKA HOOKA HOOKA chaka]]

{{anchor|Small Headmasters}}
*'''Small Headmasters''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UieNNr4P_H8 30 sec]
: Animation: The small Autobot Headmasters ([[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], [[Siren (G1)|Siren]], [[Hosehead (G1)|Hosehead]]) drive on a rocky world; Nightbeat and [[Muzzle]] transform. The small Decepticon Headmasters burst through a wall in beast mode; [[Fangry (G1)|Fangry]] and [[Brisko]] transform.
: Narration: Victor Caroli, and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], who's obviously never met Fangry, [[Squeezeplay (G1)|Squeezeplay]] or [[Horri-Bull]]: "Our new Decepticon Headmasters will give us more brainpower than ever!"
: Kidmation: A kid flips through the air, converting to a robot and folding up to become the head of a larger (stop motion?) robot resembling Brainstorm.
: ''And when the '''head''' enters the robot's body you get a '''readout''' of its power!''

{{anchor|Pretender Beasts and Vehicles}}
[[File:Snarlercommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|If it's a Beast War you want...]]
*'''Pretender Beasts/Pretender Vehicles''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxrT0_VZIVg 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Snarler]] and [[Catilla (G1)|Catilla]] battle in beast mode... then... are suddenly in their shells... and then come out of their shells...? [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]] emerges from his vehicle and transforms to jet mode; [[Roadgrabber]] emerges and transforms his vehicle to battle mode, opening fire on the flying Gunrunner.
:Narration: Victor Caroli.
:Kidmation: Pretender Kid.
:''Now, in the world of Pretenders, there are Pretender Beasts; Strange and terrifying.''

{{anchor|Quickswitch}}
*'''Quickswitch'''. "It's Quickswitch, Sixshot's son! And he's on our side!" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr2ZS3EWvIY 30 sec]
: Animation: In the midst of a moon battle, Getaway spots [[Quickswitch]] incoming and mistakes him for a Decepticon, urging the others to destroy him, until someone says he's an Autobot. Quickswitch runs through his modes, beating up Horri-Bull and [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]], then goes to gun mode and lands in Powermaster Optimus Prime's hand.
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]].
: Kidmation: A kid holding the toy mouths a synthesized "How quick can you all six" [''sic''], while his head flops around disturbingly.
: ''Determined to make good where his Decepticon father went bad, Quickswitch joins the Autobots!''

{{anchor|Double Targetmasters}}
*'''Double Targetmasters''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MveDa6xecHU 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] and [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] chase the Autobot small Targetmaster Nebulans (most prominently [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (G1)|Ricochet]]) across a rocky landscape. The Nebulans transform to gun modes and link up with their vehicle mode Autobot partners, [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]], [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] and [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]], who then transform and fire. [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Targetmaster)|Tracer]] fly out of Scoop's hand and combine into their double weapon form. Scoop fires at a strafing Spinister and Needlenose, who transform, land and charge into battle.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Kidmation: Kid flips over and turns into a gun for a very crude CGI robot.
: ''Targetmaster Transformers—theeeeeey've got the power to surprise!''

{{anchor|Triggerbots and Triggercons}}
[[File:FireconCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Now auditioning for Gamera vs. The Firecons]]

*'''Triggerbots/Triggercons''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9SeC7T6Mso 15 sec]
: Animation: Recycled Dreadwind and Darkwing chasing Getaway and Joyride, from the Powermasters commercial.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: ''And when the Triggerbots battle the Triggercons, there's no doubt there'll be a real shoot-out!'' KERRUNCH.

{{anchor|Seacons}}
[[File:PiranaconCommercial1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Sadly, Dreamwave never learned that what works in animation doesn't always go over so well as a still image.]]
*'''Seacons''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmiXsTNqr-w 30 sec]

: Animation: Beneath the ocean, the beast mode [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]] take bites out of a [[M.A.R.S.|M.A.R.S. Industries]] submarine. Piranacon switches out his left arm and gun.
: Narration: [[Stephen Keener]].
: Kidmation: A kid leaps over the top of a generic stop-animated robot and transforms into his gun, which he fires.
:*'''Seacons / Sparkabots / Firecons''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP694GZs7TE 30 sec]
: Portions of the Seacon commercial with a Sparkabots/Firecons segment at the end.
:Animation: The [[Firecon]]s march forward in beast mode, spewing flames; the [[Sparkabot]]s drive forward and transform; the Firecons transform and grapple with the Sparkabots ([[Cindersaur (G1)|Cindersaur]] vs. [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]] being most prominent.)
:*'''Seacons / Triggerbots / Triggercons''' - Same as previous with the Triggerbots/Triggercons segment in place of the Firecons/Sparkabots.

*'''Season 5 cartoon promo''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwTAPiSY-Og 30 sec]
: Animation: A set of excerpts from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' plus excerpts from puppet Optimus Prime segments.
: Narration: Overly excited Victor Caroli talking about how AMAZING this new season will be.
: Notes: "You gotta see it to believe it! NEW EPISODES! And Optimus Prime LIVE!" Well, only one of those ended up being true...
:''It's unBEELLLLiiiiievable!''

==1989==
{{anchor|Micromaster Patrols}}
*'''Micromaster Patrols''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=limsLJlDkVc 30 sec] or [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEBAHaXoByU 30 sec]
: Animation: From Optimus Prime's glowing fist, the [[Race Car Patrol]] and [[Off Road Patrol]] charge forth. They infiltrate a Decepticon base, driving right past Piranacon, [[Darkwing (G1)|Darkwing]] and [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]], who wonder why they don't have those things. Then the Micromasters swarm around Dreadwind's head. In stop motion, a stream of [[Micromaster]] toys topples a gray-painted [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]].
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]].
: Kidmation: Kid scoops up the Micromasters and opens his palm to show them off.
: Notes: Dreadwind and Darkwing are given voices.
: "Our new commandos, who go where no one else goes!"
:*'''Micromaster Patrols''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c36H_NGjKZs 15 sec] - Edited down version of the previous commercials.

{{anchor|Micromaster transports}}
[[File:Destronsoldier micromasters.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|You came to the wrong neighborhood, mother-slagger!]]
*'''Micromaster transports and battle stations''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfdGNT3JI9Q 30 sec] or [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1l3udPFCWs 30 sec] (ends with TFTM for $1 promotion)
: Animation: A horde of Micromasters swarms over an attacking [[Zarak Maximus]]; Prime opens his palm to reveal a Micromaster city; [[Red Hot]] transforms and flies at the camera. Stop-motion spots show a fleet of Micromaster vehicles driving around the combined playsets.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Notes: Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the [[The Transformers: The Movie|movie]] when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "The most incredible Micros of all! They're not just small; they're ''Tranzzforrrmerrzzz''!"
:*'''Micromaster battle stations''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLW4f8SCFRg] - edited down from the previous commercial.
: "The ''only'' Micros that transform!"
:*'''Micromaster transports''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzGpqwaGitc] - edited down from the previous commercial.

[[File:Micromasterbasescommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|That's the second time Spike's mistake has been repeated!]]
[[File:SkystalkerCommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Go ahead. Make my day.]]

{{anchor|Micromaster micro bases}}
*'''Micromaster micro bases''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLiGczkiH_8 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] drag two captured Decepticon vehicles (the [[Thunder Arrow|Interstellar shuttle]] and the [[Helicopter]]) up to Optimus Prime in an Autobot base, only to have them transform and attack, with the guns manned by the [[Sports Car Patrol]] and [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]].
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Notes: Bumblebee has his [[Dan Gilvezan|normal voice]]. An unidentified voice presumably belongs to Skystalker.
: ''You can connect them to form whole cities!''
:*'''Micromaster micro bases''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLTfNdrfvA8] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Classic Pretenders}}
*'''Classic Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF6F47XQo_4 30 sec] or [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8I7Ka6hzG0 (ends with TFTM for $1 promotion)]
: Animation: As Prime transforms and comes under attack in a nighttime city, the Autobot Pretenders arrive to help out.
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]].
: Notes: [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] is voiced by [[Gregg Berger]]. Includes stinger for a $1.00 copy of the movie when you buy two Transformers toys.
: "Bumblebee, Jazz, you're back!" "And me Grimlock!" "And the '''eeeevil''' Starscream is here too!"
:*'''Classic Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qTDRcIM5so] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Mega and Ultra Pretenders}}
*'''Mega and Ultra Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nve3YgXDU-8 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] and [[Vroom (G1)|Vroom]] slowly drift out of their shells and transform; [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]] avoids a strafing run from [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]], then his two robot forms both pop out of his vehicle shell and fire.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: "Who's more than they pretend to be? Mega Pretender Transformers, Mega Pretenders!"
:*'''Mega Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1OvhaDguEc] - edited down from the previous commercial.
:: "Inside one, there's the other; then they both transform and combine to form another!"
:*'''Ultra Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc82cro2Xnk] - edited down from the previous commercial.

{{anchor|Monster Pretenders}}
[[File:Pretendermonstercommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Decades later, their [[Pretender Monster#Toys|melting shells]] let you re-enact this scene.]]
*'''Monster Pretenders''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQni-F1hTIg 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] dunks [[Wildfly]], [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]] and [[Scowl (G1)|Scowl]] into colorful vats; they and the others emerge as Pretenders and charge at the camera. "BEYOND! (beyond) anything you've EVER SEEN before: Transformers Monster Pretenders!"
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: '''''Now''', the Decepticons have '''Monster Pretenders'''. Monster Pretenders with '''rubbery skin!'''''

==1990==
[[File:Sprocketoverruncommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Sure, Prime, I'll give up the [[alternate mode]] that I never had."]]
[[File:Commercial Gutcruncher in Stratotronic Jet.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Estroy them!" Actual dialogue. We're not making this up.]]
The Action Master commercials began and ended with a metal fist bursting through a wall, with "ACTION MASTERS" emblazoned across its knuckles. Some of the animation was screened against real-world backgrounds, with poorly animated characters morphing into the real toys.

{{anchor|Action Masters}}
*'''Action Masters''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1nvR1E44Ic 30 sec]
: Animation: Inside a base, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] invites a circle of Autobots ([[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Rad (G1)|Rad]], [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]] and [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]]) to join him. Prime, Jazz and Rad dash before the animation morphs to show their respective toys. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] and [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] blast through a wall before they too morph from animation to toys.
: Narration: [[Victor Caroli]].
: Notes: Jazz is voiced by a sound-alike (possibly [[Frank Welker]]), [[Scatman Crothers]] having passed away. Rad is given a voice by [[Michael Bell]].
: "Who will give up the power to transform to become stronger faster more alive?" [''sic'']

{{anchor|Action Master vehicles}}
*'''Action Master Vehicles — Starscream, Prowl''', and '''Overrun''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuVhM6K9fN0 30 sec]
: Animation: A short battle sequence (on Cybertron?) with the three featured characters.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: ''And '''look!''' The Action Master vehicles transform into powerful '''battle stations!'''''

{{anchor|Gutcruncher}}
*'''Action Master Vehicles — Wheeljack, Sprocket''', and '''Gutcruncher''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2OeCkeKidQ 30 sec]
: Animation: [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] takes to the sky in the [[Stratotronic Jet|Stratojet]]; Wheeljack and Sprocket drive out of a tunnel.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
: Notes: Gutcruncher speaks!
: "Estroy them!" [again, ''sic'']
:*'''Action Master Vehicles''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp-NuhjHtdI] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

[[File:Hotrodpatrolcommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Micromasters melt in your mouth, not in your hand.]]
[[File:Bigdaddycommercial.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Hey, daddy-o, where's the drive thru at?]]

{{anchor|Hot Rod and Construction Patrol}}
*'''Hot Rod Patrol''' and '''Construction Patrol''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLNCyUzbY8E 30 sec]
: Animation: Cel: Jazz and Prime pick up the Hot Rod Patrol and examine them. Stop-motion toys: The Construction Patrol destroys a bridge, making Scorponok fall into a ravine. Rawr!
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
:*'''Hot Rod Patrol / Construction Patrol''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB7wH9mQ8_c] - Abbreviated (and accelerated) version of the previous commercial. [[Neil Ross]] jibbers his lines at hilariously high speed: "Micromasterconstructionpatroldestroythebridge!"

{{anchor|Micromaster Combiners}}
*'''Micromaster Combiners/Combiner Transports''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns4BQom7owA 30 sec]

: Animation: Megatron grabs at a couple of combiner vehicles ([[Roadburner]]/[[Wheel Blaze]] and [[Missile Master]]/[[Moonrock]]), only to have them split apart, reconnect, and shoot him in the face. [[Cement-Head]] and [[Terror-Tread]], along with their transport, transform from vehicle to robot/base.
:Notes: Victor Caroli voices [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (and sounds like a wussy Frank Welker); Neil Ross voices the indeterminable Micromaster. Roadburner somehow fires a laser from the short end of his cherry picker crane.
: Narration: Victor Caroli.
:*'''Micromaster Combiners''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVjluRHZ_XU] - Edited down from the previous commercial.

==1999==
*'''Kid Rhino Video Trailer'''
: Scenes from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', ''G.I. Joe: The Movie'' and ''Jem'' are shown with their corresponding theme songs followed by text narration asking you to turn your home into a zoo by buying Kid Rhino's home video releases.
: Notes: The Transformers scenes are of [[Unicron]] demolishing [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] and Springer transforming to helicopter mode before following [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and the other Autobots through Unicron's right eye.

==2006==
*'''[[Sony]] ''The Transformers: The Movie'' 20th Anniversary Edition DVD Preview''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuHpWBTT7ZI]
: Scenes from ''The Transformers: The Movie'' play as text narration overlays promote the features of the DVD.
: Notes: This preview was shown at the Transformers panel at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2006.

==2008==
[[File:G1Awakening Trailer1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Hey, look at the pretty numbers..."]]
*'''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 1''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRbWH14tT0M]
: Composed of sound-less excerpts of actual game footage highlighting some aspects of the control interface, in-game bios and battle mechanics.

==2009==
*'''Transformers G1 Awakening trailer 2''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLkqZmEf7CY]
: Excerpts from the Season 1 intro to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] are interspersed with shots of a CGI cellphone displaying actual game footage.
: Notes: The cartoon animation is taken from [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]]'s Season 1 DVD boxset, complete with the "remastered" 5.1 surround sound audio track.

==2011==
*'''Cobra-palooza Megatron-A-Thon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7oU1C9Vtqs 30 sec]
: [[Cobra Commander]] and Megatron have an argument related to a New Year's Day marathon of ''G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero'' and the Generation 1 cartoon.

==2014==
*'''Transformers 4 July Marathon''' [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzb56jIR7RI 30 sec]
: ''Friday, July 4th. Celebrate the Transformers' 30th Anniversary with the Hub Network. "Lock and load." ''Featuring three decades of Transformers action-- "Roll out." ''All. Day. Long.'' "Let's go for it." "Brace yourselves." ''There's fireworks a plenty--'' "Boom." ''with the 4th of July Transformers Marathon. Friday, July 4th, starting at 11:00 AM Eastern, 10:00 AM Central. Only on the Hub Network.''
: Notes: this was a marathon featuring the re-titled ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers: The Animated Movie]]'', ''[[Predacons Rising (Prime)|Predacons Rising]]'', and various ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (cartoon)|Rescue Bots]]'' episodes.
{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcC7_bf6GmU Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1984-1986]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaVLkocrooE Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1986-1987]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXmuar95T8U Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1987-1988]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmJ86RwoKcY Generation 1 toy commercial compilation, 1988-1990]

User:SlimerJoel/Sandbox:Size class

2021-04-29T04:16:53Z

Elleby: Removed category so that this doesn't show on the category page.

{{disambigr|Deluxe|the two-member subgroup from Generation 1|Deluxe Vehicle}}
{{disambigr|Voyager|the [[human]] probe carrying the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]|Voyager spacecraft}}

[[File:Animated-toy MultipleSizeOptimusPrimes.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys|''Animated'' Optimus Prime]] toys of different size classes. From left to right: [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]], [[Activators]], Deluxe Class, Voyager Class and Supreme Class.]]

[[Transformer| Transformers]] come in all shapes and sizes and naturally, so do their toys. '''Size classes''' allow for [[Hasbro]] to organize and structure their [[Toy| Transformers toylines]] to better fit retail store space, cover a wide variety of price points, and to represent their characters as accurately as possible.

Size classes are a long-standing staple of the Transformers franchise with almost every major incarnation (barring [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] and [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]) incorporating them into their product lines.

==Design==
The logic behind size classes is simple: retailers can order a [[case]] of toys, knowing exactly how much they will sell for and exactly how much shelf space they will occupy. All the Deluxe Class figures in a line will come in the same packaging and sell for the same price. When you run out of Deluxes, you order a new case and put them in the empty spot on the shelf where the last assortment sat.

Each size class correlates to a specific price point. While not all prices reflect Hasbro's suggested retail price, they do suggest the rough value one can expect to pay. A $10 price point toy may retail for $9.76 at Wal-Mart while being $10.99 at Toys-R-Us and $7.99 on sale at Target. While it varies by toy line, most of the smaller price point size classes are generally geared more towards the casual collector or allowance-having kid, allowing them to build up a collection of characters they like for a fraction of the price the more standard sizes ask for.

The intended class of a toy is relevant to all phases of its design process. To sell at a given price, there are tight formulas for how much plastic can be used, how many paint applications are allowed, whether electronics can be included, and how complex the transformation and articulation can be. Further, since a size class is literally a ''size'' class; toys are limited in their measurements, so that they will fit into the same size packaging as other toys in their class. As an example, the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Voyager [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] toy, in robot mode, is very short compared to other toys in his class. This may be because he transforms into a mostly-linear plane, with his weapon added on as a tail assembly, making him even longer. Regardless of whether there was room in the budget for more plastic, there may not have been room in a Voyager-sized box for him to be any bigger.

Size classes can also account for an internal sense of [[scale]]. Larger characters like [[Omega Supreme (G1)| Omega Supreme]] will be released in larger and pricier size classes than characters like [[Bumblebee (G1)| Bumblebee]] who will be on the smaller and cheaper end. However, certain characters can be released in size classes out of their normal scaled depictions in media, such as the [[Optimus_Prime_(Animated)/toys#Roll_Out_Command| Roll-Out Command ''Animated'' Optimus Prime]], a figure woefully out of scale with pretty much everything else in the toy line. These oversized figures tend to be more on the [[Gimmick | gimmicky]] side, intended for younger kids who don't care that Optimus Prime towers over their other action figures when he can swing his axe, light-up, and auto-transform.

==History==
{{note|This history only covers toy lines in which distinct size classes are present (excluding G1 and G2 for historical purposes). For later lines like the 2007 movie, this effectively means "kid-focused" lines like [[Fast Action Battlers]] will be ignored.}}

===Generation 1===
[[File:G1catalog86-DecepticonPlanes.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|The 1986 Decepticon Planes assortment]]
The original Transformers toy line did not feature specific size classes as we know them today. Instead, characters came in a wide variety of assortments that were featured at specific price points. For example, characters like [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Generation 1| Ironhide]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Generation 1| Wheeljack]], and [[Trailbreaker (G1)#Generation 1| Trailbreaker]] were all different yet similarly scaled toys with varying amounts of accessories and complexity between them, yet all sold within the same price point. Some assortments were only of a certain faction ([[Autobot Cars]] and [[Decepticon Planes]]) while others were mixed between each other (the 1986 [[Triple Changer#Generation 1 2| Triple Changers]]). The lack of proper size classes and relatively scattered nature of the Generation 1 toyline can be attributed to it's initial origin as an assortment of imported molds from various Japanese toy lines, although starting in 1986, Hasbro would begin producing their own molds that would more-or-less follow the relative sizes of the original 1984/1985 assortments.

===Generation 2===
The relaunch of the [[Transformers brand]] in the 1990's saw Hasbro transition from assortments focused specifically on character functions to ones branded according to the toy's specific gimmick. Though much of Generation 2's initial assortments consisted of Generation 1 molds with tweaked decos and new accessories, much of the later releases in the line were all-new molds with an enhanced focus on [[Gimmick| gimmicks]]. Figures such as the [[Rotor Force]] and [[Color Changer | Color Changers]] focused more on categorization by gimmick rather than their size (of which all figures in assortment were the same). Although somewhat preceded with the [[Action Master | Action Masters]] of late Generation 1, Generation 2 was notable for introducing legacy characters available in multiple sizes simultaneously, something that would become a regular occurrence in later lines.

===Beast Wars===
[[File:BWToy Ultra OptimusPrimal BoxedSample.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The release of [[Hasbro]]/[[Kenner | Kenner's]] [[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline) | Beast Wars]] toyline marked a massive paradigm shift for the Transformers brand as a whole, both fictionally and functionally. This line introduced the first true size class system that would continue to see use throughout the rest of Transformers history.

The five size classes utilized in ''Beast Wars'' were:
* '''Basic''': The smallest and cheapest size class. The first year of Basics featured spring-loaded [[Autotransformation | autotransformations]] while subsequent years transitioned to a more standard style of transformation. Basics retailed at US$5.
* '''Deluxe''': The "standard" size class with the widest variety of figures. This was one of the strongest performing price points, and nearly all future retail lines would feature product in the Deluxe price range. Deluxes retailed at US$10.
* '''Mega''': Starting at this size class and above, figures were sold in standard boxes which sat on shelves as opposed to the hanging cards of the Basics and Deluxes. Toys of this size were often [[Shelfwarmer| shelfwarmers]]. Megas retailed at US$15.
* '''Ultra''': Only eight toys were sold in this size class, two of which were the combiners [[Magnaboss (BW)#Beast Wars | Magnaboss]] and [[Tripredacus#Beast Wars | Tripredacus]] comprised of three Deluxe-sized figures. Megas retailed at US$20.
* '''Super''': The most expensive size class at US$30. This size class contained only one toy, [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys|Optimal Optimus]].

These size classes were also utilized in the concurrent ''[[Animorphs]]'' line.

===Beast Machines===
''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' continued to utilize the size classes introduced with ''Beast Wars'', but increased the price of the Basic class to US$7 and the size of the Ultra class (but the price remained the same). A new larger size class was introduced, '''Supreme''' which retailed for US$40 and featured electronic lights and sounds. Only a figure of [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetor]] was released in this line; a planned Supreme [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys|Optimus Primal]] (complete with quotes recorded by [[Garry Chalk]]) was shifted to the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' toyline. Two additional size classes, [[Deployer (BM)|Deployers]] (US$5) and [[Beast Rider]]s (US$10) would turn out to be short-lived.

===Robots in Disguise===
''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' marked the first time Hasbro directly imported a line wholesale into the American market, in this case [[TakaraTomy | Takara's]] [[Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2001_toyline)#Takara_Car_Robots_toyline | ''Car Robots'']] line. ''Robots in Disguise'' used the same size classes as ''Beast Machines'', though the Basic price point once again went through a price change, this time lowering back down to US$5. This was likely due to the somewhat smaller and extensively less intricate Basics released in this line, consisting of simple [[Spy Changer]] two-packs or [[redeco]]ed Generation 1 combiner limbs. A notable exception is [[Obsidian (RID)|the recolor]] of [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], which was ironically sold for less than the original version.

===Armada===
[[File:Ut armada supercon.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The launch of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toyline saw a series of changes take place of the previously established size classes, keeping most of their price points but changing the names to better fit the line-wide gimmick of [[Mini-Con | Mini-Cons]], of which every size class (barring the obvious Mini-Con class) came packaged with a Mini-Con partner.

* '''Mini-Con''': Replacing the Basic price point, the Mini-Con size class consisted of carded 3-packs of Mini-Con figures based on specific themes. Mini-Cons sold for US$6.50.
* '''Super-Con''': Replaced the Deluxe class. Super-Cons sold for US$10
* '''Max-Con''': Replaced the Mega size class. All Max-Cons had electronic sound effects. Max-Cons retailed for US$20.
* '''Giga-Con''': Replacing the Ultra class, all Giga-Cons (except for [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]) featured electronic lights and sounds. Giga-Cons retailed at US$25.
* '''Super-Base''': Replacing the Super class but using the Supreme price point of US$40, the only Super-Base class figure was [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]], who featured an infrared-activated automatic transformation gimmick, as well as lights and sounds.
* '''Supreme''': Retailing at US$50, the lone Supreme class figure [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] featured lights but no sounds.
* '''Role Play''': While not necessarily a size class, the role-play toys effectively replaced the previously used Mega class' US$15 price point.

Armada saw a bit of a price jump due to higher production costs though this was offset by the fact that the toys tended to be somewhat more bulky and massive than their predecessors.
{{-}}

===Universe (2003)===
The original ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' differed from the ''Armada'' line's new designations and used the ''Beast Wars'' size classes of '''Deluxe''' and '''Ultra'''.

After the ''Universe'' line as such had effectively ended, repackaged ''Energon'' (and even later, ''Cybertron'') toys were sold on ''Universe'' cards as discount chain [[exclusive | exclusives]], divided into the price points '''Basic''' (US$5) and '''Deluxe''' (US$8).
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[File:Ut alternators early.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line was unique in that it only consisted of a single price point (US$20). This was owed to the uniform [[scale]] of the line at 1:24, as well as the fact that all the toys from the line were based on licensed vehicles.

Some retailers actually listed the toys under the "Mega" price point, but this designation was never officially used by Hasbro. In fact, there was an official "Mega Alternators" assortment of sorts, which consisted of shrinkwrapped two-packs consisting of two individual toys (mostly limited to [[shelfwarmer]]s such as [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys|Side Swipe]] or [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]), available for the price of a single Alternators toy exclusively at Toys'R'Us.

Hasbro later replaced the original mass retail Alternators assortment with a second one, which remained at the original one's price point. In the case of Alternators [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], Hasbro reportedly accepted a smaller profit margin (since the toy was more expensive to produce than other Alternators toys) so they could still sell it at the US$20 price point.
{{-}}

===Energon===
[[File:Ut energon boxed.jpg|thumb|200px]]
''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' took a somewhat random approach to size-class naming. The second [[Transformers: Energon (mini-comic)|pack-in catalog]] introduced the size class range as

* '''Energon''': Basic sized figures, with the price once again changing, this time back up to US$7.
* '''Combat''': Deluxe sized figures retailing for US$10. In keeping with the Energon line's basic theme of combination, Combat class figures could combine with others of their size or (in a rather under-advertised way) with the Mega Combat class.
* '''Mega Combat''': The former "Max-Con" size class, consisting of larger figures with sound effects that retailed for US$20.
* '''Commanders''': The former "Giga-Con" size class. Commanders had lights and sounds depending on the figure. Commanders retailed for US$25.
* '''Leaders''': The former "Super Base" size class, featuring both lights and sounds, retailing for US$40.
* [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] was given no size class and retailed for US$50, same as the ''Armada'' figure.

The third [[catalog]] explicitly referred to the price points as

* '''Energon Class'''
* '''Combat Class'''
* '''Mega Class''' (a renamed US$20 Max-Con/Mega Combat class, not to be confused with the old ''Beast Wars''/''Beast Machines''/''Robots in Disguise''-era US$15 Mega class)
* '''Command Class'''
* '''Leaders Class'''
* Omega Supreme was given no size class.

The fourth and final catalog continued using the terms originated by the third (although each of the [[combiner]] teams has its own double-page spread, and the individual members have no price points listed, even though the limb and torso bots shipped as part of the Energon and Command Class assortments, respectively), but finally listed Omega Supreme as '''Supreme Class'''.
{{-}}

===Cybertron===
[[File:CybScream-LOC.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline marked the return of Beast era/''Robots in Disguise'' (2001) size class designations Deluxe and Ultra and the ''Armada'' Mini-Con class while introducing a whole slew of new names for previous price points. These size class names would be significant in that the majority of them would continue to see use throughout future toylines.

* '''[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends of Cybertron]]:''' A newly designed "budget class" consisting of smaller, simplified versions of existing characters aimed to be sold at [[Market six]] retailers for the budget collector or younger fan who couldn't afford the larger, more expensive figures. Legends of Cybertron figures sold for US$3.
* '''Mini-Con Class''': A similar size class to the ''Armada'' three-packs, though featuring one less figure. Mini-Con class packs retailed at US$5.
* '''Scout Class''': The Scout class' new designation echoes the "lost colonies" theme the toyline centered itself around. Scout class figures were the first size class to feature the line-wide gimmick of [[Cyber Key| Cyber Keys]] which could be plugged into slots on the figures to reveal hidden features. Scout class figures retailed at US$7.
* '''Deluxe Class''': One of the two earlier size classes brought back for the line, Deluxes retailed at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class:''' Taking the reins of the ''Energon'' Mega class figures, sound effects were dropped from all but four figures in this size class. [[Vector Prime]], [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]], [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and his remold Dark Crumplezone retained their sound effects gimmick. Voyagers sold for US$20.
* '''Ultra Class:''' Returning from the Beast era/''Robots in Disguise'' (2001), Ultra class toys had lights and sounds and retailed for US$25.
* '''Leader Class:''' Dropping the plural "s" from the previous "Leaders Class", Leader class figures featured lights and sounds, and (except for [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]]) featured several [[Cyber Key]] gimmicks. Leader Class figures retailed for US$40.
* '''Supreme Class:''' Retailing for US$50, the Supreme class remained the same. Supreme class figures had lights and sounds, with several different Cyber Planet Key gimmicks. [[Primus]] featured an [[Omega Lock]] accessory gimmick that was essential for his transformation.

===Classics===
''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' was originally conceived as a short-lived filler line akin to ''Universe'' (2003) and as such, doesn't feature any drastically different size classes.

* '''Legends:''' Sold at US$4, the Legends class (shortening the "Legends of Cybertron" subtitle) were raised $1 in price. Originally consisting of Generation 1-inspired repaints of Legends of Cybertron figures, the final wave consisted of straight reissues of ''Cybertron'' product.
* '''Mini-Con:''' Sold at US$7 and released in three-packs again, these were completely brand new Mini-Cons originally intended for release in the ''Cybertron'' toyline.
* '''Classic Deluxe:''' Retailing at US$10.
* '''Classic Voyager:''' Retailing at US$20.
{{-}}

===Movie===
[[File:Movie 1 voyager.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|toyline]] based on the 2007 [[Transformers (film)|live-action movie]] retained many size classes from previous lines, though a few consisted mostly of reissued and redecoed product:

* '''Legends Class:''' Retailing at US$4, the 2007 movie's Legends class assortment was the first of its size class to be sold in general retail as opposed to the Market six exclusivity of the ''Cybertron'' and ''Classics'' releases.
* '''Scout Class,''' Sold at US$7, this size class consisted entirely of ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron'' [[Redeco| redecos]] sold exclusively at Target in the United States and mass retail in Europe and Canada.
* '''Deluxe Class:''' Sold at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class:''' Sold at US$20. Continuing on from the standards set in ''Cybertron'' and ''Classics'', ''Movie'' Voyagers featured no electronics unless they were redecos of toys from previous lines.
* '''Ultra Class:''' Sold at US$25, this smaller numbered size class consisted of only two Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] ''Cybertron'' redecoes.
* '''Leader Class:''' Sold at US$40. The Leader class featured electronic lights and sounds, usually attached to a spring-loaded [[Automorph Technology|Automorphing]] gimmick.

The '''Supreme''' class was dropped for the Movie line, essentially replaced by the US$90 '''Ultimate Bumblebee''' figure. Additionally, multiple gimmick-based sub-lines were released, focused on a younger audience who were likely turned off by the main line's complex nature: '''[[Fast Action Battlers]]''', simplified, Deluxe-sized figures sold at the same price of US$10 and an even more simplified and cutesy line called ''[[Cyber Slammers]]''.
{{-}}

==Animated==
[[File:TFAnimated Leader Megatron BoxedSample.jpg|thumb|200px]]
The [[Transformers Animated (toyline)|''Transformers Animated'' toyline]] has the following size classes:

* '''Activators''', at US $8. Features an automorph gimmick.
* '''Deluxe Class''', at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class''', at US$20.
* '''Leader Class''', at US$40. Features electronic lights and sounds, including speech samples voiced usually by the actors from the cartoon.
* '''Supreme Class''', at US$50. Only Roll-out Command Optimus Prime got released for this price point. It features electronic lights and sounds, including speech samples voiced by [[David Kaye]].

In addition, the [[Bumper Battlers]] size class replaces the movie line's [[Cyber Slammers]], going one better by featuring an extensive array of voice samples and sound effects. However, with this comes a price increase to US$10. Legends Class toys of the Animated cast were released as part of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toyline instead.
{{-}}

Path Finder

2021-04-15T12:25:48Z

Elleby: /* Collector's Edition */ Changed broken link to archived version

{{factions|guardian|autobot}}
:''Path Finder is a [[Guardian (GoBots)|Guardian]] from [[GoBots]] posing as an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:G1-GoBots-card.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Mighty robots! Path Finder is in the upper-left corner]]

'''Path Finder''' is one of six explorers from an [[GoBots|alternate dimension]], come to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and [[Earth]] to seek out a solution to a threat against their home. She has joined the Autobots, keeping their origins a secret, and communicates with [[Treds]], the leader of the trio who have infiltrated the [[Decepticon]]s. She is a high-ranking Guardian in her home dimension, a calm and rational leader with great wisdom.

==Fiction==
===''Timelines''===
The [[Cataclysm (GoBots)|Cataclysm]] had come. In [[Gargent 984.08 Alpha|the dimensional level]] occupied by Path Finder and her [[Guardian (GoBots)|Guardian]] comrades all life, all matter, all ''everything'' was threatened with non-existence. A [[Zebediah Braxis|self-serving doctor]], allied with them out of necessity, discovered the source of the Cataclysm using his [[Dimensional Interfacer]]. Twenty-two levels removed from their dimension was [[Primax 984.0 Gamma|a universe]] populated by Cybertronians, robotic Transformers whose war with a [[Unicron|Dark God]] had destabilized reality, causing [[Primax 207.0 Epsilon|an offshoot timeline]] of their level to "overwrite" the one occupied by Path Finder and her people.

To deal with this threat, a [[G1 GoBots|Coalition Expedition Team]] was assembled under Path Finder's command. Alongside her fellow Guardians, [[Treds]], [[Small Foot]], and [[Road Ranger]], and their [[Renegade]] counterparts, [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]] and [[Bad Boy]], Path Finder was modified to assume a Cybertronian form. The team's mission was to arrive on the Transformers' Earth and infiltrate the Autobots and Decepticons in the hopes of uncovering some way to reverse the Cataclysm.

Their Interfacer beam was disrupted in mid-transit, however, and wound up on [[Axiom Nexus]], where they became guests of the [[Transcendent Technomorph]]s, Cybertronians who never experienced a civil war, and had radically advanced their own technological forms. Far off course from their stated mission parameters, Path Finder chose to honestly explain their predicament to the TransTechs in the hope of finding aid, or at least to be sent on their way. Unfortunately, the Dimensional Interfacer was a technology unknown to the TransTechs, and the Technomorphs traditionally took a very hard stance on unknown technology. After a meeting before the Senate, [[Optimus Prime (TransTech)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (TransTech)|Megatron]] (reluctantly and disdainfully) refused to allow the GoBots to continue on their mission. They feared the GoBots, in a panic over the death of their universe, might lead an invading army to the TransTechs' Cybertron, using Interfacer technology that would evade transwarp scans. Instead, Prime deemed that the GoBots would be allowed to live peacefully, but permanently, in the Offworlder sector of Axiom Nexus, with the other transwarp refugees. {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

[[File:Transcendent 1 Cosmos Pathfinder.jpg|upright=1.67|left|thumb|And then, from across the room, their eyes met...]]
Path Finder, along with other displaced GoBots, went through "processing" at Axiom Nexus with a motley collection of other Transformers and assorted entities. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 1}}

As if permanent exile wasn't bad enough, Path Finder lost track of Bug Bite during processing. Arguably the smartest and certainly the least trustworthy of their group, the Renegade's disappearance was a serious cause for concern. Path Finder dispatched Treds and Bad Boy to locate their missing "fellow Decepticon", while she secured a place to hang their chassis with the other "Autobots". After that, Path Finder made a vain attempt to leave TransTech airspace under her own power using her shuttle mode. Fortunately for ''her'', [[Beam Rider]] and [[Skyquake (TransTech)|Skyquake]] caught her easily before she ran into the planetary defense grid and was atomized.

Back at the [[Widow's Cafe Cybertronian]], the hostel the Coalition Team were staying at, Path Finder, Small Foot and Road Ranger attempted to regroup and make a new plan. The hostel's owner, [[Crystal Widow]], was generous with the information but ultimately unhelpful on how to leave after being dubbed "units of interest" by the TransTechs. Mulling over their options, the Guardians were present for a raid by [[Demolishor (TransTech)|General Demolishor]] of the Military Police and Inspector [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] of the [[Axiom Nexus Security Administration]]. Bug Bite, it seemed, had been busy. A thief named [[Escargon]] had stolen six letters of transit that allowed unrestricted access to the transwarp centers and passage offworld, no questions asked. He had already swapped one with Bug Bite for [[Astro-Beam]] technology when Demolishor executed him at the Cafe. Recognizing the GoBots' tech as similar to the Astro-Beam found on Escargon's body, Demolishor attempted to take them into custody, but was blocked by some confusing legalese spouted by Airazor.

Treds and Bad Boy weren't so lucky. Demolishor captured Treds and took him to the Heap, demanding Path Finder and the others bring him the transit passes or else Treds died. The battle at the Heap was devastating, even with Crystal Widow's help, as the GoBots fought fiercely against the TransTech General. Path Finder finally threw caution to the wind by activated her Faster-Than-Light drive in atmosphere, lancing through Demolishor and leaving behind a handful of scrap that ripped him apart from the inside. The general was still on his feet (well, ''foot'' by that point), though, when [[Cheetor (TransTech)|Commander Cheetor]] arrived and took charge of the situation. Through a series of political and bureaucratic maneuverings too complex and multi-layered to get into here, Cheetor arranged for General Demolishor's arrest, the repair of the GoBots, and ordered Airazor (without actually saying the words) to turn over the remaining transit passes SHE had swiped off of Escargon's corpse to Path Finder and her crew.

Armed with the passes, the Coalition Expedition Team continued with their mission and finally deposited themselves on the correct Earth after Bug Bite. They managed to make contact with him and his erstwhile Decepticon allies [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] and [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]] shortly after the Renegade had made a disastrous attempt on [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s life. Reunited, for good or ill, the GoBots began to regroup and plan for the next wave of arrivals from the Interfacer... {{storylink|Withered Hope}}

Making their way to the rendez-vous point in Utah, Path Finder's unit met their reinforcements: [[Man-O-War]], [[BuggyMan|Buggyman]], and [[Rest-Q (GoBots)|Rest-Q]]. Having lost time due to their transition through Axiom Nexus and the unrelated catastrophes caused by the [[Terminus Blade]], Path Finder altered mission parameters to approach the Autobots directly instead of using infiltration techniques. {{storylink|Sunrise}}

Though those traveling on the ground met with some trouble, Bad Boy, Man-O-War, and Path Finder managed to reach the Autobots' [[Ironworks (facility)|Ironworks base]] unimpeded. {{storylink|High Noon (SG)|High Noon}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Journey's Eve}} {{storylink|Last Sunset}}}}

==Toys==
===Collector's Edition===
[[File:G1-toy PathFinder.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|She put on a lot of weight in transit]]

*'''G1 GoBots''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''84'''

: Path Finder is a [[redeco]] of the [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Cosmos (G1)#Generation 1|Cosmos]] toy, transforming into a flying saucer based on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110709134138/http://www.ufopsi.com/articles/georgeadamski.html George Adamski's] "eyewitness" designs of "real" flying saucers. She was only available in the Japanese e-Hobby [[exclusive]] [[Collector's Edition]] "[[G1 GoBots]]" six-pack with [[Bad Boy]], [[Bug Bite (GoBots)|Bug Bite]], [[Road Ranger]], [[Small Foot]], and [[Treds]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Pathfinder/pathfinder.htm More info on Path Finder at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:Pathfinder02.JPG|right|upright=1.1|thumb|My wheels are out of alignment.]]
*Path Finder is clearly intended to be the character from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon based on [[Tonka]]'s ''[[GoBots]]'' line. Her name does not appear on any of the final product materials; the name was only given in an early Photoshopped promotional image from the [[e-HOBBY]] website. The individual toys' names (and any overtly-explicit ties to Tonka's ''GoBots'' fiction) were dropped when [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s legal department became concerned at how Bandai—the company that made the toys that would become the GoBots—would react to the names being used, despite the minimal chance of provable trademark infringement on Takara's part. The group [[bio]] retained numerous references to technology portrayed within the ''Challenge of the GoBots'' cartoon, however.
*This became moot when [[Fun Publications]] took the ball and ran with it, however, restoring those explicit ties.
[[File:Ehobbygobotscatalog.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Cybertron needs women!]]
*Path Finder's coloration comes from an early Japanese ''Transformers'' catalogue picture (shown at right), which shows different colors for all of the 1985 Mini Vehicles than the final retail versions.
*Unlike the [[Transformer]]s, the GoBots were originally a race of organic alien [[human]]s who replaced much, but not all, of their bodies with machinery. Thus, Path Finder is actually a cyborg, not a true robot.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Path Finder''' (パスファインダー ''Pasu Faindā'')

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/Gobots/Guardians/Pathfinder/pathfinder.htm ''GoBots'' Path Finder at TFU.info]
*[http://www.counter-x.net/gobots/challenge/profiles/guardians/path_finder.html Path Finder's character profile at Counter-X.net]
{{GBwiki|Path Finder}}

[[Category:Dimension hoppers]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Female Transformers]]
[[Category:Guardians]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:TransTech characters]]

Unknown Generation 1 animation studios

2021-03-01T00:26:52Z

Elleby: I misunderstood part of it and realized that my edit was incorrect, so I undid it.

[[File:Cheekbonescomparison.jpg|thumb|right|300px|'''Left:''' Examples of outdated character models (notice the "cheekbone" lines on the face) and flat coloring used by the unknown studio. '''Right:''' Examples of final character models (again, notice the sharper lines on the face) and shaded coloring used by Toei.]]

Animation for the original ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|Transformers]]'' cartoon was primarily created by Japanese studio [[Toei Animation]] and South Korean studio [[AKOM]]. At times, they in turn would also sub-contract the services of other studios, including [[Dai Won Animation Co.]], [[Sam Young Studio]], [[Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd.]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Trans Arts Co.]], [[Anime R]], [[Nakamura Production]], and [[Studio Look]] (see below). The lack of appropriate accreditation on individual episodes has made identifying exactly which studio worked on which episode a challenge for fans, with certain episodes being the work of '''unknown animation studios.'''

==Episodes==
===Season 2===
The existence of work by a studio other than Toei or AKOM was first indicated by Toei's own website resume, which confirmed they (and their sub-contractors) produced all 16 of the first season's episodes, but only 39 of the second season's 49 episodes.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030106085836/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/oldies/collabo2.html Archived resume from Toei's old website</ref> Of the remaining 10 episodes, 3 are immediately identifiable as AKOM productions, matching the style of the work they would later produce for the third season, leaving a remaining 7 to be the work of an unknown studio. Identifying exactly which episodes were done by this unknown studio has always posed a challenge, as the quality of their work does not differ significantly from that of Toei, but extensive research by your friendly neighborhood TFWiki editors has yielded the following list. The main identifying feature is the consistent use of outdated [[character model|animation models]] for a handful of the new season 2 cast members that are not seen anywhere else in the season outside of this limited group of episodes. Those episodes are:

*"[[Auto Berserk]]"
::Features alternate models for [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
*"[[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court]]"
::Features the alternate model for Hoist
*"[[Make Tracks]]"
::Features alternate models for [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], Hoist, and Inferno
*"[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]"
::Features alternate models for Tracks, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]
*"[[Kremzeek!]]"
::Features alternate models for Inferno, Hoist, and Smokescreen
*"[[Triple Takeover]]"
::Features alternate models for Tracks, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], Thrust, and Astrotrain

Immediately obvious features of the alternate models include: Red Alert being colored bright white instead of greyish off-white; a rounder head for Inferno, based on the one seen in his full-body character model, rather than the more toy-accurate design seen in other episodes from his close-up head turnaround model; a black helmet with orange horns for Grapple, as opposed to solid orange (which is, for the most part, actually toy-accurate); a green-and-orange hinge in the centre of Hoist's chest rather than solid orange, burgundy parts instead of red on Smokescreen; red pectorals and shoulder-vanes on Thrust instead of grey/black; black windows on Tracks's robot mode (but not vehicle mode); a grey helmet and shoulder-wheels on Astrotrain instead of purple; more toy-based tech-detailing all over Omega Supreme; and a pale blue torso instead of dark blue on Skids. There are other, more subtle differences, including "softer" facial designs; check the "Notes" section on each character's individual article for details. All of these early models appear in the original [[Commercial/Generation 1|commercial]]s advertising the toys; most of the Autobot characters did not reappear in later seasons, but Omega, Astrotrain, and Thrust's early models continued to be consistently used for all season three appearances by the characters that were animated by AKOM.

The remaining episode is harder to pin down, but exhaustive research indicates it is "[[A Prime Problem]]", which features the same general softness of line and warmth of color as "Auto Berserk," as well as some unique airbrushing effects seen in that episode, and in the aforementioned commercial. It also features a lot of very un-Toei block-shading lifted overly literally from character models.

Check out this article's talk page for our very thorough dissection of the particulars!

===Season 3===
The episodes "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" and "[[Only Human]]" are an unusual case, where confusion over their production was caused by sub-contracting. Both were widely accepted as being Toei's work by fans in the 1990s simply because they are visibly of vastly superior animation quality than any AKOM offering, but when Toei's aforementioned website resume revealed that the studio produced only 13 of the season's episodes, the numbers didn't add up. In 2019, production documents emerged that confirmed "Starscream's Ghost" had, indeed, been assigned to AKOM,<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/TheRoboplasticApocalypse/photos/a.2329350367103600/2329351747103462/?type=3&theater "The Transformers" status update document, photograph by the Roboplastic Apocalypse on Facebook]</ref> but given the huge visual gulf between it and AKOM's usual output, it's evident that the company must have sub-contracted the job to another studio—but as is the case with almost ''all'' instances of sub-contracting in the series, the precise studio to which the work was sub-contracted is unknown. This was perfectly common on the series, but rarely did it result in such a noticeable visual difference. It seems certain that the same occurred with "Only Human," as both episodes share some noticeable features: in addition to using outdated color models for [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (like AKOM), they also ''consistently'' use the incorrect, outdated designs for Rodimus, Galvatron, [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], which doesn't happen anywhere else in the season. Even AKOM proper was more up-to-date in their reference material than that!

In another case of sub-contracted work causing confusion, the stylized, high-quality anime-like animation of "[[Call of the Primitives]]" led fans to assume for decades that it, too, was producted by a studio other than Toei or AKOM, with [[TMS Entertainment|Tokyo Movie Shinsha]] being a popular theory. It was finally confirmed by the episode's director in 2020 that "Call" was, in fact, a Toei production, and that they had sub-contracted the work (at least in part) to [[Studio Look]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/LandSoda/status/1281977703504048128?s=20 Eiji Suganuma relates the production of "Call of the Primitives" on Twitter]</ref>

==Possible locations==
Series production co-ordinator [[Paul Davids]] referred to a third studio in a 2002 interview, noting it was only used "a few times" and claiming it was in the [[Philippines]]. Davids appears to be mistaken in his recollection, however; the only animation studios open in the Philippines at the time ''Transformers'' season 2 was animated were Optifex, who worked exclusively for Hanna-Barbera, and Burbank Animation. While Burbank did work on Sunbow/Marvel shows made around the same time, like ''[[Jem]]'', ''[[My Little Pony]]'' and ''Defenders of the Earth''<ref>http://goforlaunchproductions.com/mainBio2.html</ref>, their resume does not appear to include any ''Transformers'' episodes.

[http://www.philippinecompanies.com/companyprofile/1427/toei-animation-phils-inc Although Toei has a Filipino branch], they were not established until November 1986, ''well'' after production of both season 2 ''and'' 3 of ''The Transformers'' (bar "[[The Return of Optimus Prime]]") had already been completed.

As such, there has been no luck in determining the identity of this mysterious studio.

==External links==

*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/60-astrominutes/paul-davids/paul-davids-3.html Interview with production coordinator Paul Davids at the Cybertron Chronicle], suggesting the use of a studio from the Philippines: "Three to four weeks 'in-house' to prepare character designs, backgrounds, color models, record voices and edit soundtrack, complete the storyboard, and ship the show to Korea or Japan (and a few times we used an animation facility in the Philippines)."

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category: Animation companies]]

Unknown Generation 1 animation studios

2021-03-01T00:25:30Z

Elleby: /* Season 3 */ It doesn't make sense to mention Rodimus and Galvation and then mention the same ones again as ones "also" incorrect.

[[File:Cheekbonescomparison.jpg|thumb|right|300px|'''Left:''' Examples of outdated character models (notice the "cheekbone" lines on the face) and flat coloring used by the unknown studio. '''Right:''' Examples of final character models (again, notice the sharper lines on the face) and shaded coloring used by Toei.]]

Animation for the original ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|Transformers]]'' cartoon was primarily created by Japanese studio [[Toei Animation]] and South Korean studio [[AKOM]]. At times, they in turn would also sub-contract the services of other studios, including [[Dai Won Animation Co.]], [[Sam Young Studio]], [[Sei Young Animation Co. Ltd.]], [[Ashi Productions]], [[Trans Arts Co.]], [[Anime R]], [[Nakamura Production]], and [[Studio Look]] (see below). The lack of appropriate accreditation on individual episodes has made identifying exactly which studio worked on which episode a challenge for fans, with certain episodes being the work of '''unknown animation studios.'''

==Episodes==
===Season 2===
The existence of work by a studio other than Toei or AKOM was first indicated by Toei's own website resume, which confirmed they (and their sub-contractors) produced all 16 of the first season's episodes, but only 39 of the second season's 49 episodes.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030106085836/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/oldies/collabo2.html Archived resume from Toei's old website</ref> Of the remaining 10 episodes, 3 are immediately identifiable as AKOM productions, matching the style of the work they would later produce for the third season, leaving a remaining 7 to be the work of an unknown studio. Identifying exactly which episodes were done by this unknown studio has always posed a challenge, as the quality of their work does not differ significantly from that of Toei, but extensive research by your friendly neighborhood TFWiki editors has yielded the following list. The main identifying feature is the consistent use of outdated [[character model|animation models]] for a handful of the new season 2 cast members that are not seen anywhere else in the season outside of this limited group of episodes. Those episodes are:

*"[[Auto Berserk]]"
::Features alternate models for [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]], [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
*"[[A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court (episode)|A Decepticon Raider in King Arthur's Court]]"
::Features the alternate model for Hoist
*"[[Make Tracks]]"
::Features alternate models for [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], Hoist, and Inferno
*"[[The Secret of Omega Supreme (episode)|The Secret of Omega Supreme]]"
::Features alternate models for Tracks, [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]
*"[[Kremzeek!]]"
::Features alternate models for Inferno, Hoist, and Smokescreen
*"[[Triple Takeover]]"
::Features alternate models for Tracks, [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], Thrust, and Astrotrain

Immediately obvious features of the alternate models include: Red Alert being colored bright white instead of greyish off-white; a rounder head for Inferno, based on the one seen in his full-body character model, rather than the more toy-accurate design seen in other episodes from his close-up head turnaround model; a black helmet with orange horns for Grapple, as opposed to solid orange (which is, for the most part, actually toy-accurate); a green-and-orange hinge in the centre of Hoist's chest rather than solid orange, burgundy parts instead of red on Smokescreen; red pectorals and shoulder-vanes on Thrust instead of grey/black; black windows on Tracks's robot mode (but not vehicle mode); a grey helmet and shoulder-wheels on Astrotrain instead of purple; more toy-based tech-detailing all over Omega Supreme; and a pale blue torso instead of dark blue on Skids. There are other, more subtle differences, including "softer" facial designs; check the "Notes" section on each character's individual article for details. All of these early models appear in the original [[Commercial/Generation 1|commercial]]s advertising the toys; most of the Autobot characters did not reappear in later seasons, but Omega, Astrotrain, and Thrust's early models continued to be consistently used for all season three appearances by the characters that were animated by AKOM.

The remaining episode is harder to pin down, but exhaustive research indicates it is "[[A Prime Problem]]", which features the same general softness of line and warmth of color as "Auto Berserk," as well as some unique airbrushing effects seen in that episode, and in the aforementioned commercial. It also features a lot of very un-Toei block-shading lifted overly literally from character models.

Check out this article's talk page for our very thorough dissection of the particulars!

===Season 3===
The episodes "[[Starscream's Ghost]]" and "[[Only Human]]" are an unusual case, where confusion over their production was caused by sub-contracting. Both were widely accepted as being Toei's work by fans in the 1990s simply because they are visibly of vastly superior animation quality than any AKOM offering, but when Toei's aforementioned website resume revealed that the studio produced only 13 of the season's episodes, the numbers didn't add up. In 2019, production documents emerged that confirmed "Starscream's Ghost" had, indeed, been assigned to AKOM,<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/TheRoboplasticApocalypse/photos/a.2329350367103600/2329351747103462/?type=3&theater "The Transformers" status update document, photograph by the Roboplastic Apocalypse on Facebook]</ref> but given the huge visual gulf between it and AKOM's usual output, it's evident that the company must have sub-contracted the job to another studio—but as is the case with almost ''all'' instances of sub-contracting in the series, the precise studio to which the work was sub-contracted is unknown. This was perfectly common on the series, but rarely did it result in such a noticeable visual difference. It seems certain that the same occurred with "Only Human," as both episodes share some noticeable features: in addition to using outdated color models for [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (like AKOM), they also ''consistently'' use the incorrect, outdated designs for [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]], which doesn't happen anywhere else in the season. Even AKOM proper was more up-to-date in their reference material than that!

In another case of sub-contracted work causing confusion, the stylized, high-quality anime-like animation of "[[Call of the Primitives]]" led fans to assume for decades that it, too, was producted by a studio other than Toei or AKOM, with [[TMS Entertainment|Tokyo Movie Shinsha]] being a popular theory. It was finally confirmed by the episode's director in 2020 that "Call" was, in fact, a Toei production, and that they had sub-contracted the work (at least in part) to [[Studio Look]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/LandSoda/status/1281977703504048128?s=20 Eiji Suganuma relates the production of "Call of the Primitives" on Twitter]</ref>

==Possible locations==
Series production co-ordinator [[Paul Davids]] referred to a third studio in a 2002 interview, noting it was only used "a few times" and claiming it was in the [[Philippines]]. Davids appears to be mistaken in his recollection, however; the only animation studios open in the Philippines at the time ''Transformers'' season 2 was animated were Optifex, who worked exclusively for Hanna-Barbera, and Burbank Animation. While Burbank did work on Sunbow/Marvel shows made around the same time, like ''[[Jem]]'', ''[[My Little Pony]]'' and ''Defenders of the Earth''<ref>http://goforlaunchproductions.com/mainBio2.html</ref>, their resume does not appear to include any ''Transformers'' episodes.

[http://www.philippinecompanies.com/companyprofile/1427/toei-animation-phils-inc Although Toei has a Filipino branch], they were not established until November 1986, ''well'' after production of both season 2 ''and'' 3 of ''The Transformers'' (bar "[[The Return of Optimus Prime]]") had already been completed.

As such, there has been no luck in determining the identity of this mysterious studio.

==External links==

*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/60-astrominutes/paul-davids/paul-davids-3.html Interview with production coordinator Paul Davids at the Cybertron Chronicle], suggesting the use of a studio from the Philippines: "Three to four weeks 'in-house' to prepare character designs, backgrounds, color models, record voices and edit soundtrack, complete the storyboard, and ship the show to Korea or Japan (and a few times we used an animation facility in the Philippines)."

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category: Animation companies]]

Stege

2020-07-17T04:27:35Z

Elleby: Undo revision 1429824 by Escargon (talk) I've added a note to both the talk page of this article and the page of Escargon explaining why I made this change.

#redirect [[War for Cybertron: Siege (franchise)]]

Talk:Stege

2020-07-17T04:26:26Z

Elleby: Created page with "== Steige Category == I see that somebody undid my change to remove this article from the Fan Terminology category. This page is a simple redirect to Siege. The person w..."

== Steige Category ==

I see that somebody undid my change to remove this article from the Fan Terminology category. This page is a simple redirect to Siege. The person who created the page simply said 'because i keep typing it in because i forget it's not its actual name'. Somebody then added it to the fan terminology page.

Given that its just a redirect AND its just because one person keeps misspelling it; I don't believe it should be showing up on the list of fan terms at https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Category:Fan_terminology

If it is a proper fan term then there should be an article about it; not just a redirect.

I've made my changes again. [[User:Elleby|Elleby]] ([[User talk:Elleby|talk]]) 00:26, 17 July 2020 (EDT)

User talk:Escargon

2020-07-17T04:25:36Z

Elleby:

Dude, stop. English names are not transferred across different characters. Big Convoy is not Big Prime. [[Gren]] is not Hook. Gaia Guardian is not Gaia Defensor, etc. [[User:Mimi|Mimi]] 21:50, 14 September 2013 (EDT)
:Big Convoy has never been named in English, Gren's never been named as that, and Gaia Guardian doesn't have an English name. Those examples don't work at all. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 21:55, 14 September 2013 (EDT)
::You are severely missing the point. The Kre-O character has no name, English or otherwise. All we have is the assumed intent of the writer (so, "Alexa"). What applies to the original character does not automatically apply to homages, as I've shown with my examples.
::And, frankly, if you had an issue, a better method of action would have been discussing rather than automatically reverting the preference of the person taking the time to make those pages! [[User:Mimi|Mimi]] 22:03, 14 September 2013 (EDT)
:: Mimi has a point. using the Alexis/Alexa Kre-o as an example; this wiki typically uses the Japanese name unless/until and English name is made. So, while the Kre-O character might be based off Alexis from Armada, we must call her what the comic calls her. And since the comic calls her nothing, author intent is all we have to go on. I say stick with Alexa but keep the reference to Alexis in the notes/[[User:Stevo|Stevo]] 22:27, 14 September 2013 (EDT)
:::Eh. Whatever, I don't even know all that much about the Japanese names, so I'm not the best one to ask about it. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 16:59, 15 September 2013 (EDT)
:: Give me a mistake in the paragraph please.[[User:MetroPlex71]]
Please don't say that being a woman is an insult. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 22:32, 22 September 2013 (EDT)
:For clarification, I think [http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/index.php?title=Waspinator_(BW)&curid=335&diff=828439&oldid=827733&rcid=666524 Supernova222] was the one who said it first. Just letting that out there. --[[User:Inkblot|Inkblot]] 22:48, 22 September 2013 (EDT)
:I wasn't trying to sir. Inkblot is correct. I just undid my revision cause I wasn't sure if it was correct or not. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 06:37, 23 September 2013 (EDT)
:(sometimes I should just sit down and shut up.) [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 06:40, 23 September 2013 (EDT)

You need to settle down just a little bit. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 19:34, 12 October 2013 (EDT)
:Sorry, sir. I just got a bit too angry.[[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 19:38, 12 October 2013 (EDT)

Please explain why you revert everything I contribute on this wiki?! - [[User:SoundWave|SoundWave]] 15:53, 19 October 2013 (EDT)
:The Ravage note was unessasary. The Team Prime image was fine, though you might want to move it to the episode section. Also, good job on editing the Soundwave ROTF page, the rape thing is one of the few PG-13 level things that is not accepted here. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 15:56, 19 October 2013 (EDT)
:: Thanks. - [[User:SoundWave|SoundWave]] 16:01, 19 October 2013 (EDT)
:: Could you give me an example of a mistake in the paragraph in the AOE page? I checked it on EVERY grammar,punctuation and spell checker page to fix it. No problems... I even contacted my language arts teacher. No problem in the paragraph. It's getting a little bit fishy....[[User:MetroPlex71]]
Why did you remove my talk on the Knock Out page? I thought the talk pages were for disscussing changes? - [[User:Bumblejumper|Bumblejumper]] 22:13, 4 November 2013 (EST)
:You're saying that being gay is a bad thing, and that is not acceptable. Quit it right now. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 22:15, 4 November 2013 (EST)
::Sorry, but being gay really is a bad thing, the Bible says so. But if the wiki community doesn't want it on there I won't add it again, okay? :) - [[User:Bumblejumper|Bumblejumper]] 22:19, 4 November 2013 (EST)
:::No, it's not a bad thing. If you ever add that again, you will get into some major trouble. Now don't add it again. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 22:21, 4 November 2013 (EST)
::::Sorry, I won't add it again. But plz don't be so cross, I didn't know it was against the rules I'm new here. what exactly do not mean "major trouble? - [[User:Bumblejumper|Bumblejumper]] 22:24, 4 November 2013 (EST)
:::::Being banned. Saying stuff like that is absolutely against the rules. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 22:29, 4 November 2013 (EST)
::::::Okay, it's completely understood. :) But if I say "Bank robbers stink" is that okay? (Just thought I'd better ask so I don't violate any more rules, LOL, not off to a very good start, am I? :))BTW, you got a YouTube channel friend? - [[User:Bumblejumper|Bumblejumper]] 22:33, 4 November 2013 (EST)
::::::::That is acceptable. And no, I don't. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] 22:36, 4 November 2013 (EST)

For the second time, chill. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 00:51, 5 November 2013 (EST)

== [[Zobovor]]'s fake BW names on BW DVD ==

Thanks for reverting my edit. i really thought those were preliminary names for the BW characters! --[[User:Rhymus|Rhymus]] ([[User talk:Rhymus|talk]]) 05:32, 25 November 2013 (EST)

== Moving pages ==

You realise that when you move pages, as you've been doing when Kre-O cameos show up without even making a <nowiki>[[x (Kre-O)]]</nowiki> page, you're meant to fix the links to point to the new page, yes? [[Special:WhatLinksHere/Rattrap]] alone shows 333 ''mainspace'' links! (There's a reason for the bolded "Warning! This can be a drastic and unexpected change for a popular page; please be sure you understand the consequences of this before proceeding." text!). - [[User:SanityOrMadness|SanityOrMadness]] ([[User talk:SanityOrMadness|talk]]) 22:49, 24 January 2014 (EST)

==Prime image==

Why did you revert my optimus prime edit and the edit someone else did? --[[User:TillAllR1|TillAllR1]] ([[User talk:TillAllR1|talk]]) 14:08, 16 April 2014 (EDT)
:For main images we use the first body or the body the characters had the most. Optimus Prime's appeared more in his body from the first three movies than the one from AOE, so we're sticking with the image we already had. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 14:11, 16 April 2014 (EDT)

Would it not make sense to have a up to date image? --[[User:TillAllR1|TillAllR1]] ([[User talk:TillAllR1|talk]]) 14:16, 16 April 2014 (EDT)
:That's not how it works. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 14:17, 16 April 2014 (EDT)

But shouldn't it be? --[[User:TillAllR1|TillAllR1]] ([[User talk:TillAllR1|talk]]) 14:19, 16 April 2014 (EDT)
:No. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 14:19, 16 April 2014 (EDT)

It would inform those not aware of the change, make the wiki seem up to date and would be a accurate representation of the character as he is now. --[[User:TillAllR1|TillAllR1]] ([[User talk:TillAllR1|talk]]) 14:24, 16 April 2014 (EDT)
:Look, I didn't make the rules. You're going to have to ask someone like Itswalky, abates, or M Sipher about it. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 14:27, 16 April 2014 (EDT)
::Even then that image he uploaded is no good. Prime is smooshed in the center with all that wasted space on the big OPTIMUS PRIME in the background. We need a good clear shot of the character. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] ([[User talk:Detour|talk]]) 19:14, 16 April 2014 (EDT)

== The Vigilant Town ==

Youtube version is actually edited in the last scene, explaining the Decepticon insignia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtEwQrlEAI4

But the Hub network released this episode on their website, and most likely that's the original non-edited episode. http://www.hubnetwork.com/shows/transformers-rescue-bots/videos/full-episode-the-island-of-misfit-tech-episode-13-season-2

Please check the differences before reverting. [[User:Klink|Klink]] ([[User talk:Klink|talk]]) 23:46, 24 May 2014 (EDT)
:Wow, that Decepticon sigil was so blatantly edited in by someone else. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] ([[User talk:Detour|talk]]) 23:57, 24 May 2014 (EDT)
::Eh. I hadn't seen the episode, and I'd trusted abates judgement more than the newbie. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 23:59, 24 May 2014 (EDT)

==Tenses==
Hey, just a quick reminder that fiction sections need to be in the past tense. Thanks! [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] ([[User talk:Jalaguy|talk]]) 14:50, 4 July 2014 (EDT)
:Yeah, sorry about that. I'll remember next time! [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 15:04, 4 July 2014 (EDT)

==Helloooo==
Hihi, I didn't realize there were any other translady editors of the TFWiki. Hello! [[User:Antimatter|Antimatter]] ([[User talk:Antimatter|talk]]) 19:06, 11 July 2014 (EDT)
:Hello there! One of our admins is too, [[User:FortMax]]. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:39, 11 July 2014 (EDT)
::Embarrassing fact- she follows me on twitter, but I forgot she was an admin here, haha. Anyway, nice talkin to you, see you round the wiki! [[User:Antimatter|Antimatter]] ([[User talk:Antimatter|talk]]) 00:06, 12 July 2014 (EDT)
:::Nice talking to you, too! [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 11:59, 12 July 2014 (EDT)

==Response==
What are you specifically talking about.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 17:31, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:The removal of the Scorn caption and comments you left on abates and Jalaguy's pages. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 17:35, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

Scorn's caption does not come off as a joke, but at any rate, The Picture of Scorn is a concept art, and should be noted as such, given that concept art often does not share the same appearance of the final product. I'm not necessarily opposed to humor by nature, but it shouldn't get in the way of information, on and information based site.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 17:56, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

EDIT:For future reference, when responding to a message, please leave it on the talk page of the person you are speaking to so they get a notification message.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 17:57, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:No, it really shouldn't. And no, that's not how it works either. You have to refresh talk pages and check recent changes to see if someone's updated a talk page. Don't put responses to things on your talk page to other people's talk pages. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 18:00, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

Why shouldn't it? It's the exact type of picture that needs context to explain it, official imaging that is altered or not representative of the final product.

And, for the most part in my experience, wiki's use the method of response I use, as it guarantee's the user get's the message. Doing it the other way can lead to a number of complication, like the user not getting the message, or information being lost in communication.

Final quick question, Are you an Admin or Mod?--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 18:10, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:No, if they want to know what it is, they can just look at the description on the image itself. Stop trying to make the wiki work the wayt you want it to.

:And I'm not sure where you get that idea from. You're going to get the message, no matter what, Maybe it works that way at Wikia, but not here.

:And no, I'm not. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 18:15, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

As you are not an Admin, I would like to ask you not to discuss this with me, as it's not really your place to. While I do appreciate the desire to look after a wiki that you contribute to, unless you are of a position of authority, trying to enforce any rule or policy will not result in desirable results, especially as the Admin's are the one who are really the one's to determine if a policy is being broken or not, and a standard user does not necessarily have the same ability to truly recognize this, and even if they do, they don't have the authority to do anything about it. For future references, if you think someone is breaking a policy or vandalizing pages, contact an Admin or site Mod, rather than taking matter's into your own hands, as this often does little to help the situation or can even make it worse.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 18:30, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:......It's a public forum. Just because I'm not a moderator doesn't mean I shouldn't tell you that you're not doing what's right and ask you to stop. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 18:34, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:And even then, why wouldn't I know how to interpret the rules? The rules are stated outright among various pages. This isn't some message board. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 18:51, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

In theory, you are right, but in practice that rarely works. If the user is a true vandal, just messing up the page for kicks, it won't have achieved anything, and may in fact motivate said vandal to keep it up. If it's just another user, then you run into a several other problems. You may not truly understand the full meaning of policy's, or if they are truly being violated, especially if it's a gray type of situation. In those situation, you may just achieve amnesty with a new user who was trying to help. Many people do not appreciate being told what to do by a person in a non-authoritative position, as you are essentially the same "rank" as them, you don't truly have the authority to make any real demands.

Most Admins are Admins for a reason, normally they are excellent editors but also, more importantly, they have excellent crisis situation skills and know how to handle problems users, or users who may simply of made a mistake. At most, a person in a non-authoritative position should ever directly do in a situation where they think someone is breaking policies, is politely inform them of the site policies, and if the situation continues, notify an Admin and let them handle it, as there is little else of use you can actually do.

As to misinterpreting the rule, it's easy to do, as not every situation fit's into the set rules perfectly, many situation have grey aspects to them and are not always easily resolved by a set forth rule, and need some one in a position of authority to properly resolve the situation. --[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 18:57, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:TFWiki doesn't have a massive problem with non-admin users giving advice to new users if it's basic stuff like 'please don't remove captions/add scores of new captions'. Admins aren't always around, and sometimes new users just need pointing to our policy pages. That being said, Escargon, you can sometimes be a bit quick to jump down people's throats over stuff like this. Please try and remain calm and courteous when engaging with other users. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] ([[User talk:Jalaguy|talk]]) 19:01, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
::Alright. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 19:04, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

Well how many Transformers Wiki's are their?--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 21:29, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:A couple. But we're the original one. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:31, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

That sort of takes the wind out of that arguments sails.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 21:43, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:No, it doesn't. We've been around since 2006. We're far more succesful than any other attempt at making a wiki for TF. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:47, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

Do you understand why I said it takes the wind out of the argument?--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 21:49, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

In response to comment on abates page

While those are notable achivements, I've been part of much smaller wiki's and wed communitys who can make similar claims, being invited to events and having content copied for outside use. Any communit of of fair size can recize and invint to big events and copying of content, if that is the case, unfortuently happens alot, many people take the easiest way out and instead of using their own ideas, take them from other sources.

As for your estimated user count, as it stands now from 2008 to now, about 13000 users have registered, so a little over 10000, rather than tens of thousands. Now grand majority of those who have registered have not bothered to make a user page, indicating a "fly by night" user who only made a hand full of edits before dropping off, and didn't stick around. I don't know the amount of users who activly take part on the site, but it wouldn't be anywhere near tens of thousands.

But I'd still like a response to my early question, do you know why I said it takes the winds out of that particular arguments sails? I'd like to know if you know what I meant, and if so why you think I was wrong.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 23:07, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:Would you knock it off? You've already been told by the owner to stop it. Nobody here is going to agree with you and these other wiki's. Just stop. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 23:29, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

I've moved past that and will not pursue the humor issue at this time, but I do want to know what you though my earlier point was invalid. I feel that if you counter one of my point, that you should explain why. If you want to debet me, fine, but I want to be countered with facts and hard evidence, not "No it doesn't" and hyperbole--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 23:34, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:Oh my god knock it off. I was guessing the numbers, not hyperboling, and you're still persuing it. You think that just because there's only a few TFWiki's it doesn't matter we're the best. Look at all those other wiki's. They're shit, like almost every wiki.
:Stop persueing this. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 23:37, 18 July 2014 (EDT)

Well, no I'm not. I've left that issue alone. Now I'm asking why you didn't considered my earlier point valid at the time. Now I simply wish to know if you actully had a point to counter my earlier comment or not. Now it has become a curiosity, not somthing I want to use to achive an end. And I will point out that wasn't my point when I made the comment.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 23:44, 18 July 2014 (EDT)
:EDIT: And techcially, you were using hyperbole, given that your stated numbers were vastily larger than the real number......and I'm pretty sure hyperboling isn't a proper word.--[[User:8492nd|8492nd]] ([[User talk:8492nd|talk]]) 00:03, 19 July 2014 (EDT)

== Swoop ==

Did Hasbro actually explicitly state they still have the name "Swoop"? Or are you extrapolating that from the explanation for AOE Strafe being named that way because of his two heads? I just checked the USPTO website - two entries for "Swoop" filed by Hasbro are listed as "dead", though that only means the name is not ®. It could still be ™ - but then I found entries for "Swoop Coupe" filed by Mattel and a goddamn COMPANY named "Swoop LLC" operating in the "toys" field that has its company name trademarked, both listed as "live" on the USPTO website. Knowing Hasbro's lawyers, they wouldn't touch the name with a ten foot pole at this point.

So again I ask, do you know of an explicit "We still have the name" statement by Hasbro, or are you simply basing an assumption on the fact that "trademark problems" was not explicitly cited as the reason for the name change for AOE?--[[User:Nevermore|Nevermore]] ([[User talk:Nevermore|talk]]) 07:33, 27 July 2014 (EDT)

== "utterly stupid" ==

try not to be exactly that insulting when interacting with other people, please and thank you --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] ([[User talk:ItsWalky|talk]]) 01:35, 21 September 2014 (EDT)
:Yeah, that was rude. Sorry. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 01:43, 21 September 2014 (EDT)

==Formatting titles==
Quick reminder to follow the [[Help:Style guide#Titles|style guide]] when referring to the titles of things. e.g. episode names are wrapped in quotes, franchise names are italicised, and so on. [[User:Jalaguy|Jalaguy]] ([[User talk:Jalaguy|talk]]) 10:51, 10 May 2015 (EDT)
:Okay. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 10:54, 10 May 2015 (EDT)

== Fire in the Dark Mini-Cons ==

May I consult with you on organizing the Fire in the Dark Mini-Cons since that community discussion seems to have died? I'm currently trying to figure out how to do [[Reptix]] and [[Ironlunge]] as they are the only beastformer volume 4 Micron Boosters to have already appeared in fiction, as ''Beast Wars: Uprising'' Predacons. As BWU appears to lack Mini-Cons (though Maximals/Predacons are roughly the same size as Micromasters), would it be appropriate to split the pages and classify the Aurex Mini-Cons as being associated with the original toys while the Primax Predacons are repurposings of those toys? This thought occurred to me because Ask Vector Prime classified the quasi-ROTF promotional [[Mighty Mini-Con Team]] as Aurex characters, which rather makes sense given the relative absence of Mini-Cons in Tyran. [[User:S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47|S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47]] ([[User talk:S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47|talk]]) 11:36, 28 August 2015 (EDT)
:*shrugs* I guess. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 15:11, 28 August 2015 (EDT)

== Taking you up on your offer ==

Any idea who '''[[:File:WhoamI-HOS3.jpg|this]]''' might be? He is one of the Autobots who appear behind John Henry, near the end of the third chapter/issue. --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] ([[User talk:Ascendron|talk]]) 22:42, 2 September 2015 (EDT)
:Sorry I'm late! School stuff. Anyway, the stacks on his head remind me of Magnus. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 16:20, 3 September 2015 (EDT)
::Ah, yes. Sometimes these things seem so obvious once they're pointed out to me. Thanks! --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] ([[User talk:Ascendron|talk]]) 17:06, 3 September 2015 (EDT)
:::You're welcome! (P.S. it appears the Legends comics are back up.) [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 17:07, 3 September 2015 (EDT)

==Ask Vector Prime==
Are you an Ask Vector Prime writer, like Jim Sorenson?--[[User:Primestar3|Primestar3]] ([[User talk:Primestar3|talk]]) 07:55, 11 September 2015 (EDT)
:Yes. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 16:53, 11 September 2015 (EDT)
::oh ok thanks for answering.--[[User:Primestar3|Primestar3]] ([[User talk:Primestar3|talk]]) 10:09, 12 September 2015 (EDT)

Since you have transcribed other videos from the Ask Vector Prime Facebook, would you also be able to transcribe the [https://www.facebook.com/AxiomNewsRook/videos/995397140503906/ Hammerstrike video] of Rook's Facebook for [[Rook - Axiom Nexus News: Investigative Journalist/src|this source page]]? I tried to at first but the more muffled parts became very hard for me to comprehend. --[[User:Sabrblade|Sabrblade]] ([[User talk:Sabrblade|talk]]) 01:41, 1 November 2015 (EDT)
==Optimus Prime==
Please stop reverting my edits. Please.

==Earth-7642==
I thought it wasn't official because it was only in Marvunapp but actually that designation was in one of the Marvel Handbooks.--[[User:Primestar3|Primestar3]] ([[User talk:Primestar3|talk]]) 19:53, 11 December 2015 (EST)
:It may be official for Marvel, but it's never been stated ANYWHERE else besides that Wikia that the Transformers crossovers was a part of it. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 19:54, 11 December 2015 (EST)
::"It may be official for Marvel" The note started with "In Marvel continuity", the note was basically about the Marvel side of things. Whatever though, I'm just saying.--[[User:Primestar3|Primestar3]] ([[User talk:Primestar3|talk]]) 15:21, 19 July 2017 (EDT)
:::I dunno why you're bringing this back up 2 years later, but having since found the listing in question, literally all the handbook says is that its the one where Spider-Man met Superman. The whole TF things comes from the the Marvel Addendum, and if you actually read the notes on the article, the author said that adding the non-DC stuff to it was just because he felt like it, not that it was actually official. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 15:27, 19 July 2017 (EDT)
::::(I just stumbled upon this conversation, that's why I brough it up again) Nevermind I read your post wrong. I thought you meant that while the NAvTF story being part of 7642 may be official for Marvel, it's not official for Transformers (while the note itself was about the Marvel side of things). Sorry for the confusion.--[[User:Primestar3|Primestar3]] ([[User talk:Primestar3|talk]]) 15:49, 19 July 2017 (EDT)

==Kmc==
Why did you revert my edit to [[Dissolution Part 2: Anomie]]? I think a "sigh" doesn't quit explain things.
--[[User:Kmc|Kmc]] ([[User talk:Kmc|talk]]) 21:50, 2 February 2017 (EST)
:I think she's either getting at the irrelevance of mentioning the universal stream designation or the lack of clarity in the note about what Rodimus is wrong about. I have added back in a clearer note about Rodimus's recurring idiocy. [[User:S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47|S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47]] ([[User talk:S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47|talk]]) 12:23, 4 February 2017 (EST)

==List of universal streams==
Was there something wrong with adding "our" Quadwal universe to the list? It's on the Quadwal page. If I did something wrong with the formatting, please let me know, I've never added to a wiki page before. [[User:FirstStrike1177|FirstStrike1177]] ([[User talk:FirstStrike1177|talk]]) 20:33, 18 December 2017 (EST)
:Because it was never called out ever at all in fiction. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:02, 18 December 2017 (EST)
Doesn't he make references to our Quadwal time, just never a specific universe number? "Our reality" is even listed in the Notes on the [[Quadwal]] page in this wiki.[[User:FirstStrike1177|FirstStrike1177]] ([[User talk:FirstStrike1177|talk]]) 21:08, 18 December 2017 (EST)
Would it have been more accurate to put Quadwal Cluster instead of an unknown number since that's what Vector Prime typically says when referring to our universe? I just thought that by Quadwal Cluster he meant most/if not all Quadwal universes.[[User:FirstStrike1177|FirstStrike1177]] ([[User talk:FirstStrike1177|talk]]) 21:15, 18 December 2017 (EST)
:The notes logically extrapolate that. If the universe wasn't called out, we don't need an article on it. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:46, 18 December 2017 (EST)
I wasn't making an article on it, just noting that we're classified under the Quadwal classification on the list of known universes. If someone hasn't read all of Ask Vector Prime, they don't know that Quadwal is a joke on the fourth wall, and they want to know if our universe even got a classification from Vector Prime (aka me for a good thirty minutes) having it noted that he did in fact say we're of the Quadwal Cluster on the main universe list is a time saver. [[User:FirstStrike1177|FirstStrike1177]] ([[User talk:FirstStrike1177|talk]]) 22:19, 18 December 2017 (EST)
:What she's trying to say to you is that the list is only for stream designations that have been officially and formally (or as "formally" as they were given like in such cases as "Aurex Something Something" and "Primax yadda-yadda Zeta") given in official Transformers media. We know that our real world exists in the Quadwal Cluster, but it's official stream designation was never actually ever given, meaning that we can't include it in this list at all regardless of our knowing that it does exist anyway. It's the same reason that we don't have stream designations listed for things like the Beast Machines cartoon, the Victory cartoon, any of the live action films after the first one, the 2015 Robots in Disguise cartoon, or pretty much any piece of Transformers media that isn't on that list. We know that all official Transformers media does exist, but not everything has an official stream designation that has been given by a piece of official Transformers media, and therefore, everything that doesn't have an official stream designation is left out of the list since the list is only for stream designations that have been officially given. Otherwise, we'd have to start making up stream designations for everything, and that's not what this Wiki is supposed to do. Besides, the very first line of description text in the Quadwal section ("[[Transformers timeline|A strangely divergent continuity family.]]") already links out to the article for our real world anyway, so the fact that our real world is represented by/inside the Quadwal Cluster is already indicated by that line of text on the main list page. --[[User:Sabrblade|Sabrblade]] ([[User talk:Sabrblade|talk]]) 01:26, 19 December 2017 (EST)

==Why?==
Please explain why you revert just about everything I contribute on this wiki? I do not understand. At least people who reverse my edits explain. [[User:Lucky Hugs|Lucky Hugs]] ([[User talk:Lucky Hugs|talk]]) 23:43, 19 December 2017 (EST)
:Your edits to the CNN page are written out of universe. They're supposed to be written in universe. And your first couple edits shouldn't be adding captions. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 00:03, 20 December 2017 (EST)

Could you please elaborate on the "out of universe" part? What do you mean by "out of universe"? How can I fix it and why didn't YOU fix it? And I do understand the caption part. [[User:Lucky Hugs|Lucky Hugs]] ([[User talk:Lucky Hugs|talk]]) 00:07, 20 December 2017 (EST)
:You're writing it with things like "in Revenge of the Fallen." It's supposed to be written in universe. You shouldn't expect others to fix your mistakes, either. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 00:14, 20 December 2017 (EST)

I see, but all you had to do was remove a sentence and fix some grammar to fit to that sentence removal. [[User:Lucky Hugs|Lucky Hugs]] ([[User talk:Lucky Hugs|talk]]) 00:17, 20 December 2017 (EST)
:...People have lives outside of editing wikis. I was working, so it was easier at the time to revert your changes. And you're still not correctly formatting it: articles that aren't episode or comic summaries are always written in past tense. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 00:21, 20 December 2017 (EST)

I conjugated as much as I could see that could be conjugated to the past tense. [[User:Lucky Hugs|Lucky Hugs]] ([[User talk:Lucky Hugs|talk]]) 00:26, 20 December 2017 (EST)

==Grammar==
I hadn't really taken a look at any of your synopses before, simply because it's a lot of text. But I glanced over [[The Dark Heart of Sandokan|this one]] and it was just... hard to read.

I'm not a proofreader and I hate feeling like I'm nitpicking or whatever, especially when you're doing such good work and especially when you've put whole orders of magnitude more work into this wiki than me, but it took me over half an hour to comb through this one and fix the errors. I'm still not really happy with how it turned out, because one way or another I have very little formal understanding of grammar and I feel like a lot of things slipped by me. Also, I'm really not sure how much of what's wrong with this synopsis was just carried over from the old version.

Recurring errors:
* Ship names were not italicised.
* Sentences often had far more commas and clauses than they should've - like, there were some extremely long sentences in there that really should have been cut in half.
* Commas were often placed on the wrong side of connectives (i.e. like "I went to the store, and approaching the counter, said hi to the shopkeeper." instead of "I went to the store and, approaching the counter, said hi to the shopkeeper.").
* This is where my lack of formal training comes into play, but you used lots of -ing verb like "turning", "blasting", "running" etc. particularly at the start of sentences. Didn't read right to me, especially if more than one was used in a single sentence.
* Sentence subjects were often unclear, usually as a result of the above errors.

Please carry on doing what you're doing, but maybe take the time to carefully read back what you have both as you finish each sentence, and as you finish each section. If you really don't have time I'll carry on trying to do my best to clean up, because I'd rather see this content up than not at all.

I don't have time to go and check any of the older synopses, but I'd just leave those anyway and carry on with the new content.[[User:The Wadapan|The Wadapan]] ([[User talk:The Wadapan|talk]]) 05:54, 5 February 2018 (EST)
:Yeah, that wasn't my best summary. It might of been just the general eh-ness of the story, but I'll remember to try and read through in later stuff, since I do know I made a few mistakes in older summaries here and there. Think I'll go over those ones too when I get a chance. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 06:02, 5 February 2018 (EST)
:Thank you, by the way, for fixing that up. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 09:09, 5 February 2018 (EST)
::No problem - like I'm say, I'm happy enough to keep doing it.[[User:The Wadapan|The Wadapan]] ([[User talk:The Wadapan|talk]]) 11:51, 5 February 2018 (EST)

== Upcoming comic releases ==

I guess this is mostly towards the upcoming ''Lost Light'' issue but I guess it can apply to any other comic really. How come the articles aren't created for the comics until after the issues have been released? To an extent, I get that it might be done because the issues are too far away and they might even end up getting cancelled. That's why for example on Wikipedia, a movie that has only started production and is to be released in like, 3 years, gets a draft rather than an article. But in the case of ''Lost Light'' #16, the issue comes out tomorrow. Would it be better to already have at least some of the article ready? [[User:Panagiotis Zois|Panagiotis Zois]] ([[User talk:Panagiotis Zois|talk]]) 07:59, 13 March 2018 (EDT)
:We have a guy who does all of the articles for the IDW comics on the day they're released. Putting up empty skeleton pages serves no point. [[User:Saix|Saix]] ([[User talk:Saix|talk]]) 08:12, 13 March 2018 (EDT)

== SG Sludge/Kakuryu/Doryu ==

Any chance you'd have links to Gauntt's comments on these guys?

(Also, nice work on D&D, very tidy now.) [[User:Crossfire|'''Cross''']][[User talk:Crossfire|'''fire''']] 03:14, 23 March 2018 (EDT)
:Can't access Twitter right now, so I'll have to wait till I get home, but yeah, I can link them. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 07:34, 23 March 2018 (EDT)
::Here we are: [https://twitter.com/alexisverityc/status/975202333201137664] [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 10:16, 23 March 2018 (EDT)
:::Very interesting, thank you! Do you think we should add this to the D&D page? [[User:Crossfire|'''Cross''']][[User talk:Crossfire|'''fire''']] 11:55, 23 March 2018 (EDT)
::::I'll probably add it to their articles once I get around to creating them (eventually). [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 14:12, 23 March 2018 (EDT)

==Car Robots names==
IS there some reason you're unilaterally changing them now [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal#RID/Car Robots names|after you didn't discuss it much?]] [[User:Saix|Saix]] ([[User talk:Saix|talk]]) 13:10, 6 August 2018 (EDT)
: I'll remind you I had explicit permission from M Sipher. I've been meaning to get around to it, but I've been busy. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 13:12, 6 August 2018 (EDT)
::Sipher isn't the only person here and the way you're going around it (leaving some names like Gigatron) makes no sense. Why is this an issue when BWU and IDW have given those characters names that aren't their RID ones? [[User:Saix|Saix]] ([[User talk:Saix|talk]]) 13:20, 6 August 2018 (EDT)
:::Sipher is an admin. I only left in Gigatron and the like in as a compromise; I'm fully willing to convert those names as well. As for BWU, it's given characters aside from RID/CR ones different names, and, as stated in the past, is a mish-mash of stuff occupying it's own unique corner, and shouldn't influence pages one way or another. Gigatron's only called that in IDW because of Megatron; practically every other RID character that's show up used the English name. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 13:26, 6 August 2018 (EDT)

== Unused images ==

I've been going through the uncategorized images trying to sort as many as I can into their proper place, and I found a handful of images you uploaded around a year and a half ago that aren't currently being used on any pages. I'm not sure where they're from, so I was hoping you could at least tell me where they came from so I can apply the proper template and put them somewhere until we can figure out what to do with them.
* [[:File:SGSunbow.jpg]]
* [[:File:Sgtranstech.jpg]]
* [[:File:SGTransTechAirazor.jpg]]
* [[:File:TTRhinoxFinalGoodbye.jpg]]
Thanks much. -- [[User:Cyberlink420|Cyberlink420]] ([[User talk:Cyberlink420|talk]]) 22:59, 17 November 2018 (EST)
:...Aw, shit, I never did get around to adding those.
:They're from [[Epilogue Two]]. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 18:22, 18 November 2018 (EST)

== In defense of NexusShard17 ==

I don't think it's entirely fair to call NexusShard17's work done "for no reason". In the case of the Manatronatee image, he probably removed it because he assumed Saix had tagged it for deletion for good reason, something that I do not believe you caught. In the case of Arcee / Chun-Li, he must have been confused on whether the figure represented Transformer scanning human or the other way around. After all, it's not that hard on this site to get carried away while tackling a tedious set of problems, and Nexus Shard17 does handle a lot of grunt work. [[User:S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47|S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47]] ([[User talk:S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47|talk]]) 18:39, 17 December 2018 (EST)
:Ah, I see. My apologies. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 20:21, 17 December 2018 (EST)

==Dazlestrike==

Excuse me, I'm trying to make a page for Dazlestrike, the [[Lionizer (G1)#Generations|Lionizer]] repaint, but I'm unsure if he's an Autobot or Decepticon. I was wondering if you know what faction he is, if you don't then that's fine. Thanks.--[[User:CyclonustheWarrior|CyclonustheWarrior]] ([[User talk:CyclonustheWarrior|talk]]) 14:38, 29 January 2019 (EST)
:Why are you asking them specifically? You should put your question [[Talk:Dazzlestrike|here]]. [[User:Notirishman|--notirishman]] ([[User talk:Notirishman|talk]]) 21:57, 29 January 2019 (EST)
::Sorry, just thought I'd ask someone at the wiki, however, I honestly do wonder what I was thinking. --[[User:CyclonustheWarrior|CyclonustheWarrior]] ([[User talk:CyclonustheWarrior|talk]]) 14:33, 30 January 2019 (EST)

==About the Forged To Fight Windblade stats==
Did I ''not'' just say they were on '''every''' character page? We did it for [[Transformers: Earth Wars]], we're doing it for Forged To Fight, so please stop deleting important Game info. Thanks! [[User:Xaapro213|Xaapro213]] ([[User talk:Xaapro213|talk]]) 20:24, 6 May 2019 (EDT)
:You clearly didn't read my edit summary. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 20:50, 6 May 2019 (EDT)
: For 1. You just edited out Important Game Info I got. I was watching some footage of the Earth Wars Campaign Updates, and you just deleted that. For 2. What you're basically asking, is for me to go into every single character page that we've compiled for Battle Tactics, Earth Wars, and Forged To Fight, make a separate SRC page for each game, including Game details, stats, who is strong against who, and what not? Not including all the stuff like Character Growths, Stat bonuses, Rankings, Levels, Star ratings, and whatever else? Because that's basically what I'm getting. [[User:Xaapro213|Xaapro213]] ([[User talk:Xaapro213|talk]]) 20:59, 6 May 2019 (EDT)
::Yes.
::Character pages are not for those stats. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:09, 6 May 2019 (EDT)
:::The stats are pointless, unreadable, an absolute eyesore, and not the sort of thing we should keep catalogued on the wiki. We don't keep Tech Spec numbers here, either. It's best to keep each FTF section based on the corresponding stories. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] ([[User talk:ItsWalky|talk]]) 21:25, 6 May 2019 (EDT)
::: That’s fine. That’s ok. Fine by me. This is totally fine. Not like I’ve spent the last 2 years compiling game stats for Forged To Fight, now for it to be rendered completely and utterly pointless. Ok. FIne. Totally fine. Thanks. [[User:Xaapro213|Xaapro213]] ([[User talk:Xaapro213|talk]]) 21:32, 6 May 2019 (EDT)
::::There happy now? I Purged every character statistics page and replaced it with a stub. Now I gotta replay every chapter of Forged To Fight's Campaign along with replaying the monthly Legacy series to get Story info! [[User:Xaapro213|Xaapro213]] ([[User talk:Xaapro213|talk]]) 21:53, 6 May 2019 (EDT)
:::::...Did you miss the bit where I said you could copy-paste those on a /src page, separate from the character articles? [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:57, 6 May 2019 (EDT)

== Hachette covers ==

>Hey, I don't know if Hachette has used the Dreamwave MTMTE profile for Getaway or Banzai-Tron at all,

>but I can tell you that they were done by Dan Khanna, rather than the usual Guido or Figueroa. Escargon (talk) 19:35, 22 September 2019 (EDT)

:I looked over the covers. Which ones were you talking about? I didn't see any covers featuring either of those characters. --[[User:MistaTee|MistaTee]] ([[User talk:MistaTee|talk]]) 10:20, 23 September 2019 (EDT)
::My apologies; I had thought I had seen one for the Mutineer's Arc of Lost Light with Getaway on the cover, but I was mistaken. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 10:23, 23 September 2019 (EDT)

:::Gotcha. And were you referring to the Bludgeon art, as opposed to Banzai-tron? [[File:DefinitiveG1Collection v20.jpg]] --[[User:MistaTee|MistaTee]] ([[User talk:MistaTee|talk]]) 10:45, 23 September 2019 (EDT)
:::Nah, I did mean Banzai-Tron; I mentioned him cause he was the only other one Khanna did that got published, and figured it was possible he might show up at some point. 10:53, 23 September 2019 (EDT)

== Bruticus ==

>Hello, I see you reverted my edit. If you could please tell me what differentiates the plot hole I pointed out from the rest of the ones that are allowed to be listed in the continuity errors section, that would be much appreciated, as your comment on the revision could be just as easily applied to any point in any continuity errors section on any page in the wiki. Thanks! [[User:Skywarp|Skywarp]] ([[User talk:Skywarp|talk]]) 11:39, 29 September 2019 (EDT)Skywarp
:Honestly, I think that you're note was fine looking back, it just could have done a bit of paring down. I think a lot of the cartoon sections can have a look over for what really is a continuity error and what isn't. Feel free to re-add it; I'll come back and pare it down a bit later. Apologies for my overly-zealous take down of it. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 12:08, 29 September 2019 (EDT)

== TLK HMS Aliance Bot Robot Mode ==

Hi I was a bit confused by the response to the removal of my note, just need to clarify my comments on the concept art of the HMS Alliance resembling a scuba diver like Seaspray's ROTF HFTD Voyager figure released in 2010 I think that's when it was.
Just in case I should ask to see because I was at first taken aback by there being two concept arts in that book with HMS in their name.

One is on pg. 390 the "HMS Alliance" and I think on pg. 392 or 391 there is another robot mode named HMS Victory. They both look completely different.
: I removed the note mostly because I’m waiting for a scan of it to add it to the article. There were also a few things wrong with it and at the time I was at work, so I just removed it. I’ll add it back in and fix it a bit tonight. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 16:44, 6 December 2019 (EST)

== File:RID18 cvrB.jpg ==

Why'd you change the description for this cover? It's incorrect and I can't undo it. --[[User:MistaTee|MistaTee]] ([[User talk:MistaTee|talk]]) 23:19, 6 December 2019 (EST)
:That was an accident on my part. Never edit the wiki when you're tired. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 08:53, 7 December 2019 (EST)
::Indeed! Thanks. --[[User:MistaTee|MistaTee]] ([[User talk:MistaTee|talk]]) 10:47, 7 December 2019 (EST)

== Question ==
Thank you for reverting my changes, I'm really new to this wiki and I don't know what goes where. so where do I put the hellion accent?--[[User:Applefart|Applefart]] 20:50, December 10 (EST)
:Probably be best on the notes section of Flywheels' page. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 21:27, 15 December 2019 (EST)

==IDW 2019 #1==
The original sentence is both redundant and confusing. It says literally the exact same thing twice - except for listing two different final issues. Why is the longer version better than just picking one of the halves? --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] ([[User talk:Thylacine 2000|talk]]) 22:31, 15 February 2020 (EST)
:mmmm. Compromise completed. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 22:38, 15 February 2020 (EST)

== Bad decision choices. ==

You made a bad decision for taking down some of the warrior client files for certain unreleased characters from Transformers Universe. Those were the closest thing to a bio those characters have. [[User:StormJet|StormJet]] ([[User talk:StormJet|talk]]) 14:36, 26 April 2020 (EDT)
:You mean the ones that you copied pasted directly from them without even trying to rewrite them in the slightest? You're goddamned right I did.
:But hey, since you clearly understood how to search through the history to find out who did so you could come to my talk page and whine all passive-aggressive about it, you can find those things you copy pasted in the history, rewrite them yourself, and then put them back in! Unless that's too much work for the likes of you-oh wait, it clearly is, because you've been told off about it before. Oh well! Guess they'll stay that way until someone fixes it, since you clearly can't! [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 14:43, 26 April 2020 (EDT)

== Animated edits. ==

Hi, terribly sorry, but might I ask why you got rid of the notes I put on Animated Hoist, Lyzack, and Clippers pages? [[User:LordCringeTheCringiest|LordCringeTheCringiest]] ([[User talk:LordCringeTheCringiest|talk]]) 22:05, 27 June 2020 (EDT)
:None of those are canon. Derrick J. Wyatt DID design them, but they're fanart years after the fact. [[User:Escargon|Escargon]] ([[User talk:Escargon|talk]]) 22:06, 27 June 2020 (EDT)
::Fair, sorry about that, I just thought it would be interesting information. [[User:LordCringeTheCringiest|LordCringeTheCringiest]] ([[User talk:LordCringeTheCringiest|talk]]) 22:22, 27 June 2020 (EDT)

== Female Transformers captions ==

Okay. I just saw a user with very few edits changing captions with no explanation. Still don't like the idea of off site discussions having an impact on the site. Never have, never will. It plays into the "elitist" image some people have of us. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] ([[User talk:Khajidha|talk]]) 10:20, 13 July 2020 (EDT)

== Steige Category ==

I see that you undid my change to remove the article [[Steige]] from the Fan Terminology category. This page is a simple redirect to Siege. The person who created the page simply said 'because i keep typing it in because i forget it's not its actual name'. Somebody then added it to the fan terminology page.

Given that its just a redirect AND its just because one person keeps misspelling it; I don't believe it should be showing up on the list of fan terms at https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Category:Fan_terminology

If it is a proper fan term then there should be an article about it; not just a redirect.

I've made my changes again. [[User:Elleby|Elleby]] ([[User talk:Elleby|talk]]) 00:25, 17 July 2020 (EDT)

Pre-Transformers

2020-07-15T03:26:02Z

Elleby: /* External links */ Changed broken link to Archive.org version

{{disambig2|the fandom term for toys derived from lines that existed before ''Transformers''|the [[Autobot]] leader|Guardian Prime}}
In fan terminology, '''pre-Transformers''' is an umbrella term for the ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change]]'' toylines, as well as for the original, non-Transformers-branded versions of such toys as [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and the [[Mini-spy|Mini-spies]].

Some of these figures sported different color schemes than their more well-known ''Transformers'' counterparts. In many instances, [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]] of these figures or new toys of those characters would be [[redeco]]ed to [[homage]] the pre-Transformer color scheme.

==Pre-Transformer lines==
[[File:Enemymicrochange.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Micro Change Microcassette]]
*[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]
**''[[Diaclone]]''
**''[[Micro Change]]''
**''Mecha Warriors'' — [[Mini-spy#Toys|Mini-spies]]

*[[Takatoku Toys]]
**''Armored Insect Battalion Beetras'' — [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Deluxe Insecticons]]
**''[[w:Special Armored Battalion Dorvack|Special Armored Battalion Dorvack]]'' — [[Deluxe Vehicle#Toys|Deluxe Vehicles]]
**''[[w:Super Dimension Fortress Macross|Super Dimension Fortress Macross]]'' — [[Jetfire (G1)#Notes|Jetfire]]

*Toybox — "Super Change Robo Mechabot-1" ([[Omega Supreme (G1)#Notes|Omega Supreme]]) and [[Sky Lynx (G1)#Notes|Sky Lynx]] (never actually released prior to the ''Transformers'' version)

*[[ToyCo]] — "4 Changeable Astro Magnum" ([[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Notes|Shockwave]])

==Licensed international releases of pre-Transformers==
Hasbro's ''Transformers'' line was originally just one of several international venues for many of these figures. It was only when ''Transformers'' became such a huge worldwide success that it completely eclipsed these other versions, resulting in weird transitional phases in many instances. Some of these are frequently mistaken for [[knockoff]]s (not helped by the fact that there ''are'' knockoffs ''of these versions'' as well!).

'''United States'''
*Takara — ''[[Diakron]]'' (featuring ''Diaclone'' figures, including the [[Powerdasher]]s that were first named as such here)
*Radio Shack — "Galactic Man" (a version of [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Notes|Shockwave]])
*Village Toys — ''Convert-A-Bots'' (featuring "N-4-SR", ''another'' version of Shockwave in two different color schemes)
*Select — ''Convertors'' (featuring "Wheels" and "Chopper", plastic versions of [[Roadbuster (G1)#The Transformers|Roadbuster]] and [[Whirl (G1)#The Transformers|Whirl]] respectively)

'''United Kingdom'''
*Grandstand — ''Convertors'' (unrelated to Select's US line of the same name; featuring "Omegatron", a version of [[Omega Supreme (G1)#Notes|Omega Supreme]] in its original Mechabot-1 colors)
*Tandy — "Galactic Man" (almost identical to Radio Shack's version, due to both being owned by the same parent company)

'''Germany'''
*GAMA — "Trans Robot" (a version of Omega Supreme very similar to Grandstand's "Omegatron", down to the packaging design but with the "Trans Robot" logo taking some cues from Hasbro's "Transformers" logo, also replacing the tank's long barrel with a radar dish because no war toys for you, German kids!)

'''Italy'''
*[[GiG]] — ''[[Trasformer]]'' (featuring ''Diaclone'' and ''Micro Change'' figures, some of them already in their unique ''Transformers'' colors; as well as "Megarobot", a version of Omega Supreme)

'''France'''
*[[Joustra]] — ''Diaclone'' (featuring Takara ''Diaclone'' and ''Micro Change'' figures, some of them already sporting Autobot and Decepticon [[insignia]] [[sticker]]s)
*Orli Jouet — "Robotrack" (featuring "Mecabot", a nigh-identical version of Omega Supreme in Hasbro colors, possibly produced as part of a partnership with GiG, with the TV commercial even featuring footage from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon]])

'''Finland'''
*Takara — ''Diaclone'' (featuring ''Diaclone'' figures, including a unique black version of [[Tracks (G1)#Black|Tracks]])

==Honorable mention==
[[File:HighwayPatrolRobo.jpg|100px|thumb|]]
*The [[Action Master]] [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]]'s design was inspired by a toy originally manufactured by Sunmayor Ohkawa (サンマーヤ大川) Co., Ltd., the "357 Magnum Robo" (357マグナムロボ). It was later called the "Highway Patrol Robo" and released in [[GiG]]'s ''[[Trasformer]]'' line in Italy. It was even covered in Takara's ''[[Takara SF Land Collection Complete Works]]'' toy book for unknown reasons.

== External links ==
* [http://www.fredsworkshop.com/vdiaclone.html Pre-Transformers!]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170913031534/http://1501bc.com/pretf/ The Pre Transformer Page]

{{toystub}}

[[Category:Fan terminology]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Optimus Prime Super Modes

2020-07-14T21:27:39Z

Elleby: /* Pre-Transformers and Generation 1 */ Removed random ) that didn't have a ( to go with it.

[[File:TwoHeros optimus supermode.jpg|thumb|230px]]
Over the years, it has become a recurring theme for the various incarnations of the '''[[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]]''' [[character]] across the numerous ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' [[franchise]]s not only to [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|die]], but also to assume some form of '''[[Super Mode|super mode]]'''. Typically, this is achieved either by Optimus's "standard" robot mode (which usually, but not exclusively, [[transformation|transforms]] into a [[alternate mode|truck cab]]) combining with his trailer, or with another Autobot.

==By continuity==
===Pre-Transformers and Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 UltraMagnusPreviewVersion toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Not actually Optimus Prime. But almost. Maybe.]]Powered Convoy, the ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy that later ended up as 1986's ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]], originally represented a "powered up" version of Battle Convoy, the ''Diaclone'' predecessor of 1985's ''Generation 1'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], which combined the standard robot mode formed from the truck's cab with the new car carrier trailer into a "super robot" mode. Some fans speculate that Hasbro had originally intended for [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] to survive the events of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and be upgraded into an improved form, which would have been represented by the former "Powered Convoy" toy. Ultimately, however, Optimus [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|died]] in the movie, and the ''Transformers'' version of the "Powered Convoy" toy appeared as a different character, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]. However, both the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] and the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|Marvel UK comics]] presented the "combined" mode as the character's "standard" robot mode and ignored the toy's smaller "cab" robot mode (which wouldn't be explicitly featured until [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|War Within: The Dark Ages]]'' comic).

[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime_toy.jpg|left|thumb|200px|The Western world would originally only get this.]]
It is evident, however, that the basic concept of the Powered Convoy/Ultra Magnus toy inspired later Optimus Prime toys. The first one was the [[Powermaster]] Optimus Prime toy from 1988, a brand new [[mold]] that featured a transforming cab/Optimus Prime robot which could combine with the included trailer to form a larger Optimus Prime robot. An animatronic puppet version of Powermaster Optimus Prime's "super robot" mode appeared in the new opening and closing footage for [[The Transformers (cartoon)#Season 5|season 5]] of the ''Generation 1'' cartoon, together with [[Tommy Kennedy]]. Powermaster Prime also appeared in the Marvel comics, originally both in his "standard" robot mode and the "super robot" mode, which he eventually used permanently (while gradually [[scale|shrinking in size]]).

[[Image:GodGinrai_toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The "bling" version, meanwhile, was exclusive to Japan for 15 years.]]
[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s Japanese version of the Powermaster Optimus Prime toy, meanwhile, though originally designed as a new version of Convoy (Optimus Prime's Japanese name), was released as a different character named [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]]. Ginrai's "standard" cab-robot combined with the trailer into Super Ginrai, the counterpart of Powermaster Optimus Prime's "super robot" mode. Furthermore, an additional trailer named [[Godbomber]] could be combined with Super Ginrai into God Ginrai. Ginrai in his various modes appeared in the [[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|''Masterforce'' cartoon]]. 15 years later, in 2003, when Hasbro decided to release a [[Generation 1 reissues|reissue]] of Powermaster Optimus Prime as part of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues, they decided to base it on the Japanese version of the toy, including the additional "Godbomber" trailer, now named "[[Apex Bomber]]". The combined mode was simply named "'''Powermaster Optimus Prime with [[Apex Armor (G1)|Apex Armor]]'''".

===Robots in Disguise===
[[Image:Omega Prime toy.jpg|110px|thumb|left|Why does [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] keep calling these combinations a "god"?]]In 2000, Takara released a new character based on ''Generation 1'' Optimus Prime as part of their ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Car Robots]]'' line. Named "[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Fire Convoy]]", his [[alternate mode]] was a fire engine. The engine's cab would transform into Fire Convoy's "standard" robot mode, which in turn could combine with the rear part of the fire engine into a "super" robot mode similar to Powermaster Optimus Prime. Furthermore, Fire Convoy in his "super mode" could combine with his brother [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|God Magnus]] into [[Omega Prime|God Fire Convoy]]. The characters in all their modes also appeared in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|''Car Robots'' cartoon]]. One year later, Hasbro imported the ''Car Robots'' line to the rest of the world and renamed it ''Robots in Disguise''. The characters were also renamed, with Fire Convoy becoming Optimus Prime, God Magnus becoming Ultra Magnus, and God Fire Convoy becoming '''Omega Prime'''.
{{-}}

===Unicron Trilogy===
[[Image:Armada JetOptimusMegaweapon toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Okay, not a "god" this time. Just "Jet Convoy" and "Magna Convoy".]]
''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] had multiple recurring combinations. In [[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|toy]] form, [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super-Base Optimus Prime]] was very similar to Powermaster Optimus Prime, namely a semi truck with the cab transforming into a "standard" robot mode, which could then combine with the trailer into a "super" robot mode. Furthermore, instead of the trailer, the "standard" robot could also combine with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] into "'''Jet Prime'''" (also named "'''Jet Optimus'''"). Lastly, Optimus, in both combinations with either his trailer or Jetfire, could ''further'' combine with [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] into "'''Optimus Prime Megaweapon'''". Naturally, all combinations also appeared in the [[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|''Armada'' cartoon]]. In [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave's]] [[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|''Armada'' comic]], on the other hand, the only combination that was ever featured was the Optimus/Jetfire one, in the [[Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4|penultimate issue]] before the title was renamed ''Energon''.

[[Image:Energon Prime toy.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Only one of many possibilities.]]
During ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'', Optimus once again had a "standard" robot mode that transformed into a truck cab which carried a trailer. However, this time he wouldn't combine with the trailer itself. Instead, the trailer contained four drone vehicles, the "[[Prime Force]]", which could form limbs for Optimus's "super" mode in various configurations. Furthermore, Optimus was later able to combine with [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] into either "'''Optimus Prime Fight Mode'''" or "'''Optimus Prime Flight Mode'''" (depending on the configuration), and with [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] into "'''Optimus Supreme'''" (also known as "'''Powerlinx Omega Supreme'''"). All of these combinations were also featured in the [[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]], whereas only the combination with the "Prime Force" drones was featured in Dreamwave's [[Transformers: Energon (comic)|''Energon'' comic]]. Optimus and Wing Saber ''did'', however, combine in one of the ''Energon'' toy pack-in mini-comics.

[[Image:Cyb GalaxyForceOptimusPrime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|He believes he could fly.]]
The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' version of UT Optimus Prime had some kind of futuristic fire truck as his alternate mode. The cab and truck bed would form the "standard" robot mode, with the rest of the truck mount serving as "super mode" add-ons (actually explicitly called "Galaxy Convoy Super Mode" in the Japanese ''Galaxy Force'' version of the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|cartoon]], and "'''Optimus Prime Super Mode''' in early episodes of the [[Voicebox Productions|English dub]]). Furthermore, ''Cybertron'' Prime could combine with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]] into "'''Savage Claw Mode'''" (with Leobreaker serving as a claw arm), or with Wing Saber into "'''Sonic Wing Mode'''". (A combination with ''both'' Leobreaker ''and'' Wingsaber ''is'' possible with the toys, but somewhat unstable.) All combinations were also featured in the cartoon.

{{-}}

===Animated===
[[Image:Endgame2-OptimusPrimeInArmor.jpg|left|thumb|200px|"I hate the lack of creativity."]]

[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] had [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] fashion him a jetpack, giving him the power of [[flight]] and thus creating the power-up form, '''Wingblade Optimus Prime'''. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} His appearance resembled ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime's Super Mode, but was actually based on [[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]]. A toy version was planned by Hasbro, but only released by Takara.

{{-}}

===Live-action film series===
[[Image:ROTF movie Powered-Up Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Combined with a corpse.]]
In the 2009 movie ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers. Revenge of the Fallen]]'', after [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]] was critically injured, he offers [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] to use his parts as battle armor for Optimus' battle with [[The Fallen]]. After Jetfire rips out his spark, [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] and [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] then link up Jetfire's parts with Optimus, who proceeds to defeat the Fallen. Based on the movie, the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Leader Class Optimus Prime and Jetfire toys can be combined into "'''Power Up Optimus Prime'''". A much simpler combination (which is not documented in the instructions) can also be achieved with the [[Legends Class]] toys, which simply have Jetfire (in his SR-71 Blackbird mode) attach to Optimus as some sort of "backpack". Hasbro finally officially acknowledged this feature on the packaging of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toy line's]] [[Kmart]] exclusive "The Victory of The Fallen" Legends five-pack, which includes redecos of both toys.

A non-transforming Mega Power Bots toy that represents the Optimus Prime/Jetfire combination was also released, named "'''Jetpower Optimus Prime'''". However, this toy cannot be split up into the individual characters.

===''Robots in Disguise'' (2015)===
The Minicon [[Aerobolt]] could link up with Optimus and allow him to gain a super powered armor and jetpack.

===''Cyberverse''===
Cheetor would use the AllSpark to give Optimus and Megatron powered armors from ordinary Earth vehicles during their deuk for the relic. Optimus's armor was formed from a fighter jet. A toy would also depict him combining with the Ark itself, whether by increasing his size or shrinking the ark down is unknown.

{{-}}

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]

Introdump

2020-07-13T15:49:32Z

Elleby:

[[File:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The buying public will never suspect their TRUE NATURES as commercial products until it is TOO LATE!]]
An '''introdump''' (also known as name-dropping, name-checking, forced introduction, or "really awkward self-exposition") is a scene in which new characters are introduced, and the dialog goes out of its way to give each character's name. It is particularly prevalent in certain portions of ''Transformers'' fiction.

Sometimes the characters give their ''own'' names (referring to themselves in the third person). On other occasions, the characters will work each other's names into the dialog. The classic [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|G1 Marvel Comic]] was particularly guilty of this, not least because they introduced on the order of 200 characters across only 84 issues (counting ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters]]''). In '''that comic''', it was '''usually signified''' by the '''writing''' of '''each new character's name''' in '''bold typeface'''.

Because most ''Transformers'' fiction exists [[to sell toys]], it seems likely that [[Hasbro]] required the writers of the comic to make sure every new character was explicitly named, so the readers could then go out and ask the toy store employee for 'em by name.

Though the G1 comics were particularly notorious for it, introdumps pop up across the whole spectrum of ''Transformers'' fiction. In egregious examples, the characters also describe their "selling points" (weapons, etc.)

{{quote|And that is a flat-out unnatural speech pattern. I know Cerebros. Why is he introducing him to me?|[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]|"[[Ten to Midnight]]"}}

==Marvel Comics==
[[File:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Ten characters, nine color schemes, and only six molds.]]
* A ''particularly'' heavy example, from [[The Transformers (issue)|the first issue of the US comic]]. (Note [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]'s ironic comment of "Can the speeches.")
[[File:MarvelUS22 Stunticons.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Mouseketeer roll call!]]
* At right, the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] introduce themselves in "[[Heavy Traffic!]]". Bonus points for [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]], who goes the extra mile by indicating his personality, too.
{{-}}

==''Beast Wars'' cartoon==
{{listen
|Introdump bwep1 thepain.ogg
|Painful Introductions
|The Maximals introduce themselves.
|350 KB
}}
* In the sound clip at right, from [[Beast Wars (Part 1)|the first episode]] of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', the writers at least have the justification that the characters are adopting new names at that moment. Through the opening two parter, we also get extended, individualized transformation sequences where the characters shout their names.
{{-}}

==''Transformers Animated'' cartoon==
* In "[[Transform and Roll Out]]", the [[Decepticon]]s bicker, giving their names and at least one important fact per character:

: '''Lugnut''': Megatron is wise! Megatron is bold! Megatron will return the Decepticons to Cybertron and...
: '''Blackarachnia''': ...and wipe our homeland clean of the stench of Autobot tyranny, blah-dee blah blah blah! Did you memorize that speech, Lugnut? Or is it just hardwired into that thick, one-track processor of yours?
: '''Blitzwing''': ''(as Icy)'' As usual, Blackarachnia, your demeanor is as unpleasant as that accursed organic mode of yours.
: '''Blackarachnia''': Blow it out your actuator, three-face.
: '''Blitzwing''': ''(switches to Hothead)'' Ze name is Blitzving, insect! Remember it! Cause it's ze last thing you're going to hear before I-''(switches to Random)'' express my feelings in song!
{{-}}

==IDW Publishing==
===2005 IDW continuity===
[[File:PrimusAllGoodThings-introdump.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|I, [[John Barber]], probably had way too much fun writing this.]]
By contrast, IDW's comics seem to go out of their way to avoid introdumps, meaning that sometimes a character with an all-new design will go unnamed for several issues, forcing readers to guess who they are. And the occasional new character is tossed in (and left unnamed) just to make things even more of a challenge. (For instance, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], who isn't even named in his first appearance except on the retailer incentive cover.) The [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing IDW series]] occasionally used captions to identify some (but not all) characters by name rather than dropping these names in dialogue. The concept returned in ''[[Revolution]]'' and ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'', supplying names and brief character blurbs with varying degrees of tongue-in-cheek humor.

One exception is in "[[Primus: All Good Things]]," during a flashback sequence designed to homage the early Marvel style, including a lovingly-crafted old-fashioned introdump. This issue's infodump references specifically the Decepticon introdump from the first Marvel issue, seen above.

===Other IDW comics===
Another exception to the above is IDW's ''[[Transformers: The Animated Movie|Animated Movie Adaptation]]'', in which writer [[Bob Budiansky]] gives characters whose toys had been available 20 years earlier (!) ''more'' blatant introdumps than in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' itself. Old habits, probably.

John Barber takes another excuse to spoof the convention in [[Age of Eggstinction!|issue #2]] of ''[[Angry Birds Transformers (comic)|Angry Birds Transformers]]'': as the recently created [[Autobird]]s stand around and introduce themselves, [[Blues|Bluestreak Bird]] demands to know why they're talking so strangely and saying their own names for no reason. He eventually gives up and yells his own name just to get it over with.
{{-}}

==''Prime Wars Trilogy'' cartoons==
* In the [[The Swamp|first episode]] of ''[[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|Power of the Primes]]'', as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] surround the heroes, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] names off himself, [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] in sequence and introduces them as the Dinobots. [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] points out that they've already known each other for a long time, making the introductions rather pointless.

==External links==
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20120303004705/http://theswordreview.com/item.php?sub_id=1289 A parallel coining of "introdump", in the context of prose SF.]
* {{w|Exposition (narrative)#Information dump|"Information dump", a broader term, at Wikipedia}}.
* [[tvtropes:Main/Introdump|Introdump]] on TVTropes (because ''we'' are the trope namer)

[[Category:Media]]
[[Category:Fan terminology]]

User:TX55/Sandbags 7

2020-07-13T14:39:16Z

Elleby: This user is not actually a fan term

==Godmasters==
*[[Buster (Masterforce)|Buster]] - sun or Sol (Sun)
*[[Clouder]] - moon or Luna (Moon)
*[[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] - fire or Mars
*[[Lightfoot (Masterforce)|Lightfoot]] - water or Mercury
*[[Ranger]] - wood or Jupiter
*[[Road King]] - metal or Venus
*[[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] - soil or Saturn
*[[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] - earth or Terra (Earth) ''(TBA)''

==Multiforce==
*[[Wing (Victory)|Wing]] - wind
*[[Waver]] - water
*[[Dash (Victory)|Dash]] - sun
*[[Tacker]] - fire
*[[Mach (Victory)|Mach]] - moon
*[[Tackle]] - earth
"''Not [[Wikipedia:Captain Planet|Captain Planet]]'', we swear." for thumb caption.
{{-}}

==Powered Masters==
*[[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] - The hero of the earth
*[[Sonic Bomber]] - The warrior of the wind
*[[Roadfire|Road Fire]] - The brave of the fire

;Reference
*[http://fusuian.tamon.co.jp/?page=%A4%DE%A4%F3%A4%AC%CC%BE%BF%F4%BB%F6%C5%B5]

==Trainbots==
Each Trainbot's name are Japanese and may likely written into:
*Shōki - [[Wikipedia:Zhong Kui|鍾馗]]
*Getsuei - 月影 "Moon Shadow"
*Kaen - 火炎 "Flame"
*Seizan - 棲山 "Living in seclusion in the mountain" / 青山 "Green mountain"
*Suiken - 水圏 "Hydrosphere"
*Yukikaze - 雪風 "Snow Wind"
*Raiden - 雷電 "Thunder and Lightening"

==Dinoforce==
Each Dinoforce member's name are Japanese and may likely written into:
*Gōryū - 剛竜　"Valor Dinosaur" / 豪竜 "Bold Dinosaur"
*Kakuryū - 角竜 "Horn Dinosaur"
*Gairyū - 鎧竜 "Armor Dinosaur"
*Yokuryū - 翼竜 "Wing Dinosaur"
*Rairyū - 雷竜 "Thunder Dinosaur"
*Doryū - 土竜 "Land Dinosaur (Soil Dinosaur)"

==Commando==
*The Japanese name for the Commando members are likely derived from:
**Valdigus (''Ba-ru-di-ga-su'') - Bruticus (''Bu-ru-ti-ka-su'')
**Dolrailer (''Do-ru-rei-rā'') - Trailer (''To-rei-rā'')
**Greejeeber (''Gu-ri-ji-bā'') - Green jeep (''Gu-rin-jī-pu'')
**Danger (''Dan-gā'') - Tank (''Tan-ku'')
**Shuttler - Shuttle
**Hepter - Helicopter

==Transformers: Visualworks Gallery==
There are parts of the pictures featured in "Transformers: Visualworks".

[[Image:Transformers Visualworks cover.jpg|thumb|center]]
<center><gallery>
Image:EarlyGalvatronTVMagazine1.jpg
Image:GestaltTrioTVMagazine.jpg
Image:ScrambleCityPoster1.jpg
Image:TrypticonGenerations1.jpg
Image:TrypticonRisesTVMagazine1.jpg
Image:Guiltaur.jpg
Image:PredakingTVMag1.jpg
Image:GalvatronOhiraOX.jpg
Image:ThrottlebotTVMag1.jpg
Image:DevastatorManga1.jpg
Image:Generations-CybertronBattle.jpg
Image:Guiltaur.jpg
Image:GuiltorPrelim01.jpg
</gallery><gallery>
Image:AutobotSuperScramble.jpg
Image:DarkNova3.jpg
Image:BattlestarsStoryPage17-18.jpg
Image:TripleCombinationBattlestar.jpg
Image:FlareJet-TVM.jpg
Image:DarkJet-TVM.jpg
Image:PrimeZodiak.jpg
Image:SuperAndUltraMegatron.jpg
Image:TripleCombinationBattlestar.jpg
Image:GuardCity.jpg
</gallery><gallery>
Image:G2PrimeJustice.jpg
Image:Ironhideg1.jpg
Image:SDLDDecepticons1.jpg
Image:JapG2Meg.jpg
</gallery></center>

==Black repaint==
<center>
{{main|Black repaint}}
<gallery>
Image:G1-toy_SkywarpCommSeries.jpg
</gallery><gallery>
Image:Scrapperclassics.jpg
Image:Classics_Long_Haul_toy.jpg
Image:Jafcon_convoy.jpg
Image:Nucleon_quest_convoy.jpg
Image:Rmblackconvoy.jpg
Image:THS-02B_G2Convoy.jpg
Image:Batmanprimal.jpg
Image:RMLioConvoyBlack_toy.jpg
Image:TFU03-toy_Skywarp.jpg
Image:RID_Scourge_toy.jpg
Image:Scourgedestructicon.jpg
Image:AltNemesisPrime_toy.jpg
Image:AltNemesisPrime_toy.jpg
Image:Nemesisprimesdcc08.jpg
Image:GrandScourge-box.jpg
Image:WingConvoyOriginalFigure.jpg
Image:Gentei-darkskyfire-toy.jpg
Image:Nemesis_breaker_toy.jpg
Image:Animated_Skywarp_Voyager.jpg
Image:SBAniMegs..jpg
Image:Movie_Deluxe_StealthBumblebee_toy.jpg
Image:ROTF-toy_Legends_StealthBumblebee.jpg
Image:ROTF_Tsutaya_DVD_blackBumblebee.jpg
Image:ROTF_GravityBots_BoltBumblebee.jpg
Image:ROTF_BattleChargers_StealthBumblebee.jpg
Image:ROTF_Leader_OptimusPrime_BlackVersion.jpg
Image:Ani-toy_BumblebeeEG.jpg
Image:MarvelCrossover_Spider-manblack.jpg
Image:MarvelCrossoversWarmachine.JPG
</gallery></center>
http://tfwiki.net/w2/index.php?target=Black+repaint&offset=&limit=1000&title=Special%3AWhatlinkshere&namespace=0

==Media specification or unification?==
:''Ready to be post in [[Project talk:Community Portal]]''
*Manga & Anime, such as The Headmasters (anime), Super-God Masterforce (anime), Victory (anime), Zone (anime), Beast Wars II (anime), Beast Wars Neo (anime), Car Robot/Robots in Disguise (anime), Micron Legend/Armada (anime), Super Link/Energon (anime), Galaxy Force/Cybertron (anime).
**Change all the Japanese cartoon to (anime) or change all the manga to (comic)?

==Foreign name format==
<blockquote style="background:white; padding:1em; border:1px solid #999;">
:''Foreign name:'' '''Name A''' (Foreign word, '''Romanization''', note<toyline or fiction><country>) / '''Name B''' (...)

:''Foreign name:'' '''Name A''' (Foreign word, "Meaning", note<toyline or fiction><country>) / '''Name B''' (...)
</blockquote>

<pre>
:''Foreign name:'' '''Name A''' (Foreign word, '''Romanization''', note<toyline or fiction><country>) / '''Name B''' (...)

:''Foreign name:'' '''Name A''' (Foreign word, "Meaning", note<toyline or fiction><country>) / '''Name B''' (...)
</pre>

===Testing===
;Old
<blockquote style="background:white; padding:1em; border:1px solid #999;">
:''Japanese name (Hot Rod):'' '''Hot Rodimus''', except for "The Rebirth"
:''Japanese name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimus Convoy'''
:''French-Canadian name (Hot Rod):'' '''Météorite''' ("Meteorite")
:''French-Canadian name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimus Primo''' ("Rodimus First", official toy name)
:''French-Canadian name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimus Primus''' (official dub name)
:''Italian name:'' '''Folgore''' / '''Captain'''
:''Hungarian name (Hot Rod):'' '''Nagyágyú''' ("Hot Shot")
:''Hungarian name (Hot Rod, The Movie):'' '''Peca''' ("[[:Image:HotRodFishing1.jpg|Fisher]]"?)
:''Hungarian name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodimusz Fővezér''' ("Prime Commander Rodimus")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan, Hot Rod):'' '''Rod''' / '''Rhode''' (羅德 ''Lúo Dé'')
:''Chinese name (Taiwan, Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rhodie Jr-tsūn''' (羅迪至尊, "Rodimus Prime")
:''Chinese name (China, Hot Rod):'' '''Re Po''' (热破, "Hot Break")
:''Chinese name (China, Rodimus Prime):'' '''Bu Tian Shi''' (补天士, "Soldier who [[Wikipedia:Nüwa|repairs the sky]]")
:''English-Malay Headmasters name (Hot Rod):'' '''Roadimus Prime''' (yes. ROAD-imus.)
:''Russian TV dub name (Hot Rod):'' '''Patron''' ("Cartridge")
:''Russian TV dub name (Rodimus Prime):'' '''Rodomes Prime'''
</blockquote>

;New
<blockquote style="background:white; padding:1em; border:1px solid #999;">
:''Japanese name:'' '''Hot Rodimus''' (Hot Rod, except for "The Rebirth") / '''Rodimus Convoy''' (Rodimus Prime)
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Météorite''' ("Meteorite", Hot Rod, Canada) / '''Rodimus Primo''' ("Rodimus First", Rodimus Prime toy name, Canada) / '''Rodimus Primus''' (Rodimus Prime dub name, Canada)
:''Italian name:'' '''Folgore''' / '''Captain'''
:''Hungarian name (Hot Rod):'' '''Nagyágyú''' ("Hot Shot", Hot Rod) / '''Peca''' ("[[:Image:HotRodFishing1.jpg|Fisher]]"?, The Movie first dub) / '''Rodimusz Fővezér''' ("Prime Commander Rodimus", Rodimus Prime)
:''Chinese name:'' '''Rod''' or '''Rhode''' (羅德 ''Lúo Dé'', Hot Rod, Taiwan) / '''Rhodie Jr-tsūn''' (羅迪至尊, "Rodimus Prime", Rodimus Prime, Taiwan) / '''Re Po''' (热破, "Hot Break", Hot Rod, China) / '''Bu Tian Shi''' (补天士, "Soldier who [[Wikipedia:Nüwa|repairs the sky]]", Rodimus Prime, China)
:''English-Malay Headmasters name:'' '''Roadimus Prime''' (yes. "ROAD-imus", Hot Rod)
:''Russian name:'' '''Patron''' ("Cartridge", Hot Rod, TV dub) / '''Rodomes Prime''' (Rodimus Prime, TV dub)
</blockquote>

==TF==
<blockquote style="background:white; padding:1em; border:1px solid #999;">
'''TF''' is an abbreviation for "[[Transformers|'''T'''rans'''f'''ormers]]". The term "TF" is often used by [[fandom|fan]]s and Japanese products.



==Usages==
===Official===
*Transformers: Binaltech & TF Collection Complete Guide

===Fandom===
*This site
*www.bwtf.com
*TFW2005
*TFviews.com

<s><nowiki>{{stub}}</nowiki></s>

</blockquote>

==Section stub==
 {{messagebox
|header=Thanks for helping me... pull myself together.
|message_text=''This section is a [[:Category:Section stubs|stub]] and is missing information. You can help '''{{SITENAME}}''' by [{{SERVER}}{{localurl:{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}|action=edit}} expanding it].''
|image_name=MissingPiece.jpg
|image_width=85px
|width = 90%
}}<includeonly>[[Category:Episode Stubs]]</includeonly><noinclude>

If the article is missing a part/section/information, which is neither [[:Category:Character stubs missing fiction|Character stubs missing fiction]] nor [[:Category:Character stubs missing toys|Character stubs missing toys]], you can place <nowiki>{{sectstub}}</nowiki> on the section missing information.

[[Category: Stub templates]]

Stege

2020-07-13T14:37:28Z

Elleby: Undo revision 1315724 by Riptide (talk) - One person having bad spelling does not make it terminology used by the fandom

#redirect [[War for Cybertron: Siege (franchise)]]

Magno Sound & Video

2020-07-12T14:29:43Z

Elleby: Replaced broken article link with Archive.org backup

[[Image:MagnoSound_logo.jpg|thumb|right|Magno Doodle is such fun...]]

'''Magno Sound & Video''' is an American post-production studio. In 2003, when [[Rhino Entertainment|Kid Rhino]] remastered [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']], Magno was contracted to remaster the mono soundtrack into a 5.1 multi-channel track befitting a DVD release, but mixer Michael Jordan and sound designer Jeff Formosa infamously added in 30 new tracks of sound effects that did not exist in the original soundtrack by [[Sunbow Productions]]. When professionally interviewed, their reasoning was that the new mixes would appeal to a broader audience <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090705004118/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HNN/is_10_18/ai_110073878 BNet article from October 2003 "'Transforming' mono cartoons into multichannel DVDs"]</ref>; when simply asked about it by fans, Magno executives lied about adding the noises and claimed that they had always been there, but that they had not been heard before because of the limitations of 1980s televisions. <ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/a614b114805c5209? Rhino DVD consultant Dave "Zobovor" Edwards recounts the "explanation" he was given for the added sounds]</ref>

In 2005, UK DVD distributor [[Metrodome]] brought Magno in to do similar work for their [[The Transformers: The Movie|''Transformers: The Movie - Reconstructed'']] release, and again, Magno introduced the random sound effects heard in the Rhino release of the television series. When confronted on the issue by Metrodome, who were not informed that the audio would be modified to this extent, Magno continued to lie about the sounds always having been there.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/6f02f543cfc7d0e7/ Metrodome DVD consultant Chris McFeely relays the "explanation" Magno gave to Metrodome mid-review]</ref>

These "improvements" have been met with '''considerable''' ire from the ''Transformers'' [[fandom]], and since then, subsequent remasters of the ''Generation 1'' cartoons have generally left the soundtracks alone.

==DVD sets affected by Magno Sound & Video's handiwork==
===Kid Rhino===
*''The Transformers''

===Metrodome===
*''Transformers: The Move - Reconstructed''

===Madman Entertainment===
*''The Transformers: Complete Collection''

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.magnosound.com/ Magno Sound & Video's official website]

[[Category:Home entertainment]]

Rhino Entertainment

2020-07-12T14:26:38Z

Elleby: Replaced broken article link with Archive.org backup

{{factions|vhs|dvd|usa}}
{{disambig3|Rhino}}
[[Image:Rhino logo.jpg|thumb|200px]]
[[Image:Rhinomation logo.jpg|thumb|150px]]
[[Image:Kid Rhino logo.jpg|frame|]]
'''Rhino Entertainment''' is an [[United States of America|American]] record label and [[home video]] production and distribution company. Their children's entertainment division is currently known as '''Rhinomation''', having changed its name from '''Kid Rhino''' in 2001.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rhino held the North American video rights to ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]. The movie and a few episodes were first released on VHS, branded as ''[[The Original Transformers]]''. Eventually they were released on DVD for the first time (keeping the same branding) and the movie's soundtrack album was re-released on CD. Rhino likewise issued full DVD boxed-sets for ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'', ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]''.

In 2002 Rhino remastered the Generation 1 cartoon series for release on DVD, to subsequent controversy. As the original broadcast masters (the tapes used for broadcast) had degraded to an unacceptable level of visual quality over the years, Rhino opted to use pre-broadcast masters that had far superior clarity and picture quality. Unfortunately, as these pre-broadcast tapes used unfinished animation, the episodes included on Rhino's DVDs suffered from animation errors, missing special effects and colouring mistakes that did not occur in the original 1980s broadcasts.

Additionally, Rhino contracted post-production studio [[Magno Sound & Video]] to remaster the monaural soundtrack to a 5.1 surround soundtrack worthy of a DVD release. Unfortunately, Magno's engineers added in some 30 tracks of new sound effects to this new soundtrack,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090705004118/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HNN/is_10_18/ai_110073878 BNet article from October 2003 "'Transforming' mono cartoons into multi-channel DVDs"]</ref> and once again Rhino's DVDs introduced new elements that were largely seen as undesirable. Rhino representatives rather disingenuously attempted to claim that these sound effects were there all along and that fans had simply been unable to hear them before, despite evidence to the contrary.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/a614b114805c5209 Transformer fan Zobovor explains on ATT how the new sound effects include noises that ''didn't exist'' in 1985.]</ref>

The new sounds include abnormally loud and glossy stock sound effects for lasers, explosions, and swooping jets layered across numerous scenes. The show's [[commercial bumper]]s were also altered, with motor, laser, and transforming sound effects added where there had originally been only music and [[Victor Caroli]]'s voice.

==Releases==
===''The Original Transformers''===
{{main|The Original Transformers}}
[[Image:RhinoVHSvol1.jpg|thumb|125px]]
;<big>VHS</big>
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 1: Prime Threat''' (1999)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 2: Revenge of the Decepticons''' (1999)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 3: Programmed for Evil''' (1999)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 4: The Key to Vector Sigma''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 5: Return to Cybertron''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 6: Evolution Revolution''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 7: The Return of Optimus Prime''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 8: Evil Experiments''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 9: Grimlock the Hero''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 10: Megatron's Master Plan''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 11: The Decepticon Possession''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume 12: Size Matters''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — More than Meets the Eye''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Dinobots''' (2000)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Heroes: The Rebirth''' (2001)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom''' (2001)

[[Image:Rhino Season1 DVD.jpg|thumb|175px]]
[[Image:Rhino Season2 Part1 DVD.jpg|thumb|175px]]
;<big>DVD</big>
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Heroes: The Rebirth''' (2001)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Villains: The Ultimate Doom''' (2001)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — First Season Collector's Edition''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume One''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Two''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Volume Three''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 1''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 2''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 3''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 1: Vol. 4''' (2002)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 5''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 6''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 7''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 8''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 1''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 2''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 3''' (2003)
*'''''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 2 & Season 4''' (2004)
{{-}}

===''The Transformers: The Movie''===
;VHS
*'''''The Transformers: The Movie''''' ([[October 5]], 1999)
*'''''The Transformers: The Movie'' — Special Collector's Edition''' ([[November 7]], 2000)
;DVD
*'''''The Transformers: The Movie'' — Special Collector's Edition''' (November 7, 2000)
:Includes an exclusive interview with [[Vince DiCola]].
<center><gallery>
Image:Rhino TFTM VHS 1999.JPG|'''''The Transformers: The Movie''''' 1999 VHS release
Image:Rhino TFTM VHS 2000.jpg|'''Special Collector's Edition''' VHS release
Image:Rhino TFTM DVD.jpg|'''Special Collector's Edition''' DVD release
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

===''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines''===
;VHS
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 1''' ([[January 29]], 2002)
:Contains episodes 1-3: "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]" through to "[[The Web]]".
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 2''' (January 29, 2002)
:Contains episodes 4-6: "[[Equal Measures]]" through to "[[Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge]]".
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 3''' ([[August 13]], 2002)
:Contains episodes 7-9: "[[Fallen Comrades]]" through to "[[A Better Mousetrap]]".
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 4''' (August 13, 2002)
:Contains episodes 10-12: "[[Gorilla Warfare]]" through to "[[Victory (episode)|Victory]]".
<center><gallery>
Image:Rhino BeastWars Vol1 VHS.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' Volume 1 VHS'''
Image:Rhino BeastWars Vol2 VHS.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' Volume 2 VHS'''
Image:Rhino BeastWars Vol3 VHS.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' Volume 3 VHS'''
Image:Rhino BeastWars Vol4 VHS.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' Volume 4 VHS'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

;DVD
Rhino's DVD releases of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' each included a 5.1 audio track and a handful of special features.
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 1''' (January 29, 2002)
:Contains episodes 1-6: "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]" through to "[[Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge]]".
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — Volume 2''' (August 13, 2002)
:Contains episodes 7-12: "[[Fallen Comrades]]" through to "[[Victory (episode)|Victory]]".
<center><gallery>
Image:Rhino BeastWars Vol1 DVD.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' Volume 1 DVD'''
Image:Rhino BeastWars Vol2 DVD.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' Volume 2 DVD'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete First Season''' ([[August 12]], 2003)
:4-disc box set containing all 26 episodes of the first season, plus interviews with [[Larry DiTillio]] and [[Bob Forward]]. Also included as an [[Easter egg]] is the 2002 short film ''Agent 12,'' an amateur spy movie directed by Forward and starring his son Angus.
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Second Season''' ([[March 23]], 2004)
:2-disc box set containing the entire 13-episode second season, plus some animation test footage. Also buried on Disc 1, not accessible from any menus, is... uh... a mute version of the 1957 {{w|Sid and Marty Krofft}} TV pilot "{{w|Here's Irving}}"? That's... probably not supposed to be there.
*'''''Beast Wars: Transformers'' — The Complete Third Season''' ([[September 7]], 2004)
:2-disc box set containing the entire 13-episode third season, plus a deleted scene and the full animatic from "[[Nemesis Part 2]]".
*'''''Beast Machines: Transformers'' — The Complete Series''' ([[February 28]], 2006)
:4-disc box set containing all 26 episodes of the series, plus interviews with [[Bob Skir]], [[Marv Wolfman]], [[David Kaye]], and [[Susan Blu]].
:Also includes audio commentaries by Bob Skir on the episode "[[Fires of the Past]]" with Marv Wolfman, and the episodes "[[Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall]]" and "[[Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future]]" with [[Steven Melching]].
<center><gallery>
Image:Rhino Beast Wars Season1 DVD.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' 1st Season'''
Image:Rhino Beast Wars Season2 DVD.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' 2nd Season'''
Image:Rhino Beast Wars Season3 DVD.jpg|'''''Beast Wars'' 3rd Season'''
Image:Rhino Beast Machines DVD.jpg|'''''Beast Machines'''''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

===''Armada''===
*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Battles''' ([[March 30]], 2004)
:Contains the episodes "[[Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis]]", "[[Base]]", "[[Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation]]" and "[[Decisive Battle]]".
*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks''' (March 30, 2004)
:Contains the episodes "[[Prehistory]]", "[[Trust (Armada)|Trust]]", "[[Past]]" and "[[Past II]]".
*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Battle for the Mini-Cons''' ([[June 22]], 2004)
:Contains the episodes "[[Chase (episode)|Chase]]", "[[Tactician]]", "[[Rescue]]" and "[[Mars (episode)|Mars]]".
*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Power of the Mini-Cons''' (June 22, 2004)
:Contains the episodes "[[Soldier (episode)|Soldier]]", "[[Jungle]]", "[[Desperate]]" and "[[Runaway]]".
<center><gallery>
Image:Armada Best Battles DVD.jpg|'''Best Battles'''
Image:Armada Flashbacks DVD.jpg|'''Flashbacks'''
Image:Armada Battle for the Mini-Cons DVD.jpg|'''Battle for the Mini-Cons'''
Image:Armada Power of the Mini-Cons DVD.jpg|'''Power of the Mini-Cons'''
</gallery></center>
{{-}}

*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Best of the Autobots''' ([[August 24]], 2004)
*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Best of the Decepticons''' (August 24, 2004)
:Contains the episodes "[[Swoop (episode)|Swoop]]", "[[Overmatch]]", "[[Remorse]]", and "[[Puppet]]".
*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One''' ([[November 9]], 2004)
:4-disc box set containing the series' first 26 episodes: "[[First Encounter]]" through to "[[Linkup]]".
*'''''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two''' ([[September 26]], 2006)
:4-disc box set containing the series' remaining 26 episodes: "[[Detection]]" through to "[[Mortal Combat]]".
:Unlike the previous set, the discs of Part Two did not include chapter searches for the individual episodes.
<center><gallery>
Image:Armada Best of the Autobots DVD.jpg|'''Best of the Autobots'''
Image:Armada Best of the Decepticons DVD.jpg|'''Best of the Decepticons'''
Image:KidRhinoTransformersArmadaPart1.jpg|'''Season One: Part One'''
Image:ArmadaDVDPart2.jpg|'''Season One: Part Two'''
</gallery></center>
{{stub}}
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.rhino.com/ Official website]
*{{w|Rhino Entertainment}} at Wikipedia

[[Category:Home entertainment]]

Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise

2020-07-11T14:57:27Z

Elleby: /* Vinyl figurine */ Fixed link

{{suite}}

'''Optimus Prime''' is a bit of a shill.
==Stamp Bot==
[[File:OptimusPrime-StampBot-1984.JPG|upright=1.1|thumb|Truck stamp is cool!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (1984)
:Made by HG Toys, Stamp Bot Optimus Prime is a small, non-poseable figurine of Optimus Prime based on his toy with a rubber stamp on the base, and a cap with a felt "floor" that was soaked in ink. The stamp made an image of Optimus Prime's cab mode.
{{-}}

==Knitting Pattern==
[[File:Transformers-knitting-pattern.JPG|thumb|Here to transform your sweater into something that will get your ass kicked.]]
*'''Wendy DK 3015''' (1986)
: Produced by U.K. company Wendy DK and designed by Joy Gammon, this pamphlet contained patterns for two ''Transformers''-themed sweaters, one featuring Optimus Prime in robot mode, one featuring Optimus Prime in vehicle mode. The patterns were sized as Children's Large, so you're going to have to upscale it quite a bit if you want your <s>girlfriend</s> mom to knit you one.
{{-}}

==Oral Care Station==
*'''Optimus Prime Oral Care Station''' (1984/85?)
:An electric toothbrush in the likeness of Optimus Prime. A battery-operated feature causes the toothbrush (attached at Prime's left wrist) to move back and forth. The set also included a cup for [[water]], an extra brush head, and a stand to hold the various accoutrements.
::*''[https://www.flickr.com/photos/14985789@N07/3207711517/?rb=1 Image at Flickr.com]
::*''[http://fredsworkshop.com/oral.html Images of the Oral Care Station in-box at FredsWorkshop.com]''

==The Transformers Cookie Jar==
*'''The Transformers Cookie Jar''' (1984?)
:A ceramic cookie jar in the likeness of Optimus Prime's head. The top of Prime's head lifts off for the storage of delicious baked goods or Energon or what-have-you. The cookie jar was manufactured by [[Great American Housewares]] under license from [[Hasbro]].
::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/179468-optimus-prime-cookie-jar-price-check.html Images of The Transformers Cookie Jar at TFW2005]''

==Transformers Milk Caramel==
[[File:Tfcaramel optimus prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Note: Do not eat! ... the candy. The toys taste better.]]
*'''Convoy''' (1985)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
:A small soft-rubber figurine (known as a ''keshigomu'' in Japan) of Optimus Prime was released as part of [[Kabaya]]'s line of ''[[Transformers Milk Caramel]]'' [[candy toy]]s. Like all the figures from the 1985 range, Prime came blindpacked, and was available in a variety of colors including white, blue, yellow, green and orange. As the name of the series suggests, he came with a piece of caramel candy.

*'''Convoy''' (1985)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
:A second Optimus Prime ''keshigomu'' was included in the second wave of ''Milk Caramel'' figures, sporting some broader proportions and more toy-based design cues like visible wheels, holding its gun in its left hand, rather than its right. This figure was available in red, yellow and blue variations; a baffling variant is known to exist with a ''Decepticon'' symbol on its left shoulder!

*'''Convoy''' (1985)
**''ID number:'' '''2'''
:The second ''Milk Caramel'' wave also contained a third Optimus Prime figure, largely identical to the second, except with its gun in its right hand, and holding its left arm aloft. Again, this figure was available in red, yellow and blue variations.
{{-}}

==Transformers Choco==
[[File:Tfchoco optimusprime.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Convoy''' (1985)
:A small solid-color snap-together model kit of Optimus Prime was released by Kabaya as part of their ''[[Transformers Choco]]'' line, coming packaged with small chocolate candies similar to [[M&M's]] called "Chocolate Dots". The kit can transform from robot to vehicle mode, though this version of Prime doesn't have any hands.

*'''Convoy''' (1985)
**''Accessories:'' Two fists
:A second ''Choco'' version of Prime was upsized from the first a little, and was given a pair of removable fists, the right one clutching Prime's [[ion blaster]].
{{-}}

==Transformers Gum==
[[File:Tfgum optimusprime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' (1985)
**''Accessories:'' Two fists, ion blaster
:In addition to the small ''Choco'' model kit, Kabaya also released a larger version of Prime under their ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' line. Essentially a downsized version of the original Prime toy (sans trailer), the kit is sculpted from black, red, and grey plastic, features stickers rather than paint applications for details, and came with a stick of gum.

{{-}}

[[File:Tfgum2010 g1prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
:The first wave of 2010's revival of the ''Transformers Gum'' series served up a double dose of Prime, beginning with this new model kit of the original Generation 1 version of the character. Sculpted from white, red, and blue plastic, the kit features a positively ''ungodly'' amount of stickers to make it look presentable and comes with Prime's traditional ion blaster weapon, which stores on the rear of his cab in vehicle mode.

:In terms of transformation, Convoy partially partforms, as the forearms are needed to be removed and attach it back during conversion.
{{-}}

[[File:Tfgum2010 henkei prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/laser cannon
:The second Prime figure in the 2010 ''Gum'' line was this kit of his ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]''/''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (franchise)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' body. As with the Generation 1 model, this figure is made from white, red and blue plastic and uses ''lots'' of stickers. It comes with the ''Classics''' figure's transforming smokestack/laser cannon weapon.
{{-}}

*'''Star Convoy''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Cannon, Roller/ treads, car mode Hot Rodimus

:Released as part of the 8th wave of Kabaya's 2009 series of standard model kits, Star Convoy is a snap-together model kit that can transform into a futuristic big rig. Like the full-sized Star Convoy toy, this model kit can assume a battle station mode and also includes a diminutive and non-transformable Hot Rodimus in car mode that can interact with the base mode ramps. Like most other Kabaya model kits, Star Convoy has no paint applications and relies on stickers for added details.

==Hero Set==
*'''Convoy''' (1985)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle
:A large ''keshigomu'' of Optimus Prime was produced by TakaraTomy licensee [[Maruka Toys]]. Packaged on a blister card, the static, unposeable Prime figure came with a removable laser rifle, and featured a few small stickers for colour and detail. Maruka also produced a Megatron figure in the same scale, and both Prime and he were available in red, yellow or green.
{{-}}

==Decoy==
[[File:Decoy optimus prime.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Cybertron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1986)
*'''Defeat Trypticon Strategy Game''' (board game, 1986)
:Optimus Prime was among the many characters rendered by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] as part of their series of 1.5" ''keshigomu'' figurines. Like all the Autobots in the series, Prime was molded in soft red rubber, and featured a number sculpted into his back that was the sum total of his [[Tech Spec]]s, for use in the various games that could be played with the figurines. Prime was available as part of a 22-piece box set of Autobot figures, as a playing piece in the Defeat Trypticon Strategy Game, and later, in a peach coloration randomly packed as part of various other box sets.

*'''Optimus Prime''' (1987)
**''Checklist number:'' '''31'''
:The Prime figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the "[[Decoy]]" promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number (31, in Prime's case). Like all Autobot Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Decoy Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Vinyl figurine==
[[File:Optimus Prime Vinyl Figure set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Vinyl Prime leads his decoys into battle [[Action Masters|before the great storm]].]]
*'''Scramble Gun Set''' (1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''Part.1'''
:Optimus Prime was one of several characters released by [[Seven]] and Takara as large vinyl figurines in a variety of different novelty sets. Prime came packaged with a roleplay pistol (the titular "Scramble Gun"), an Autobot badge, and four randomly assigned peach-colored decoy figures. In [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Vinyl figurine|"Part.2"]] of the set Prime is replaced by a vinyl Ultra Magnus.{{-}}

==Gold Convoy Trophy==
[[File:Gold Convoy Trophy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Thou will worship this golden convoy. Or Perish!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (trophy, 1988)
:A gold chrome trophy in the likeness of Optimus Prime was given as an award to an unknown number of distinguished [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] employees and as a [[Lucky Draw]] (alongside the [[Chromedome (G1)|Silver Chromedome Trophy]]) in [[TV Magazine]] in 1988. The two different releases have different plaques but appear to be otherwise identical. If you're an Optimus Prime merchandise completist, good bloody luck finding this one.
{{-}}

==Vehicle Play Tent==
[[File:Vehicleplaytent.jpg|thumb|Both a big truck ''and'' a series of tubes.]]
*'''ERO''' (1984?)
:The Vehicle Play Tent was part of the deluge of Transformers merchandise in the 80s. The tent was constructed by means of a series of plastic tubes that fit into sockets on corner pieces (similar to the "k'nex" building system that arrived a few years later), then a vinyl cover was slipped over this PVC skeleton to make the tent.
{{-}}

==Generation 2==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Dairy Queen promotion, 1994)
[[File:DairyQueen Optimus.jpg|thumb|Good luck tracking me down]]
:Released in Dairy Queen's 'Kid's Pick-Nic!' meals in 1994, this hunk of red and blue plastic is the both the first and worst of all kids meals toys. It has no transformation and no articulation. The only thing it does boast is an included sticker pack, but even those aren't accurate.

:These can be pretty hard to find. The two major reasons for that are the scarce distribution (compared to other fast food retailers) and due to kids tossing them in the trash years ago for being such rubbish toys.
{{-}}

==Metalforce==
[[File:MetalforceConvoy.jpg|thumb|I'm expensive!]]
*'''Convoy''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MFC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, alternate hand, unpainted rifle, Matrix, helmet and hand
:''Metalforce'' Convoy is a large vinyl figurine sculpted to very closely resemble Optimus Prime as he appeared in the original television series, and at the time was the most accurate product depiction of Optimus Prime's cartoon appearance.

:The figure has useful swivel joints at the shoulders and neck, and not-so-useful ones at the wrists and knees. It comes fully painted and pre-assembled, but true to his garage figure origins his Ion blaster must be cut free using a hobby knife, then assembled. His clear blue chest window piece is removable to allow the installation of his [[Matrix of Leadership/toys|Matrix of Leadership]], as is a ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Movie]]''-style Matrix cover (not pictured). He also comes with an alternate hand that allow him to hold his accessories, as well as unpainted and uncut duplicates of his Matrix, hands and helmet, for some reason...

:Metalforce Prime was available in both a matte-paint "anime" version that more precisely echoed the colors of the actual series, and a metallic-paint version (pictured), which is less [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] but more shiny. The plain-colors version was the first release and has an Autobot symbol tampograph on his shoulder as per [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the cartoon]], while the later metallic-finish version instead came with a decal sheet.

{{-}}
==Choro-Q==
*'''Convoy''' (2000)

:''[[Choro-Q]]'' Convoy is a [[redeco]] of the Domra Truck toy from Takara's ''Choro-Q'' toyline of non-transforming [[super-deformed]] vehicles. He was an [[exclusive]] at [[BotCon]] Japan 2000, and features a [[pull-back motor]] and a rear license plate that reads "BotCon Japan 2000".

:Along with ''Choro-Q'' [[Mirage (G1)|Ligier]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], Convoy was given out randomly to convention attendees. Each toy was limited to 1000 pieces.

==Super Collection Figure==
[[File:SCF Optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|#Igotprimeonit]]
*'''Convoy''' (2000)
**''Act'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

: A three-inch tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Optimus Prime was available as part of the first wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a clear plastic version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFaxe}}
[[File:SCF Optimus chase axe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Convoy''' (2000)
**''Act'': '''1'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:Also available in the first ''Super Collection Figure'' wave was a rare "Secret Figure" version of the Prime figure, decorated in metallic paint and replacing his gun-wielding right hand with his [[energon-axe]].

: It was ''presumably'' released at a ratio of one per every ten cases; while this has not been officially confirmed, later waves gave these odds for Secret Figures.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFtrailer}}
[[File:SCF Optimus Truck.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|We're just as confused as you are, folks.]]
*'''Convoy (Trailer Mode)''' (2000)
**''Act'': '''2'''

:Part of the second ''Super Collection Figure'' act, this is the only ''SCF'' figure of a vehicle mode Transformer. As with the previous non-chase Prime figure, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a clear plastic version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve blindpacked figures.

: Unlike every other figure in the line (excluding build-a-figures), this one does ''not'' come with a figure stand, because... well, what would be the point?

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFMegaGun}}
[[File:SCF Optimus chase jetpack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Convoy with Megatron Gun Mode'''{{fact}} (2000)
**''Act'': '''2'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:The second ''Super Collection Figure'' wave, like the first, also had its own Optimus Prime chase figure, this one wielding Megatron in gun mode and wearing [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]'s [[jet pack|rocket pack]], as seen in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] episode "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]".

: This was presumably also released at a ratio of one per every ten cases.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFdamage}}
[[File:SCF Optimus chase damage.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Convoy Damage Version'''{{fact}} (2001)
**''Act'': '''3'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:There was no mass-release Optimus Prime figure for the third ''Super Collection Figure'' act, but there was another rare chase figure, this time a battle-damaged version of the original figure from the first act, referencing his injuries from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

: Again, it was ''probably'' released in one out of every ten cases. He replaced the clear version of [[Bumblebee (G1)/merchandise#Super Collection Figure|Bumblebee]] in the case.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFcom}}
[[File:SCF Optimus Comm.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He's actually checking his makeup.]]
*'''Convoy (B)''' (2001)
**''Act'': '''4'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:For the fourth ''Super Collection Figure'' wave, Prime was rendered weaponless, speaking into the open communication panel on his left arm. Like all the figures in the fourth wave, Prime was available in both standard full color and metallic silver "pewter" versions, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve blindpacked figures.

: Care should be taken when moving the joints of the pewter version, as is not uncommon for the connector pegs to have gotten painted as well, resulting in stuck limbs and tearing joints. Shaving the interior of the socket slightly with a hobby knife is usually sufficient to relieve the issue. (This holds true for all other pewter figures on this list, and in fact the entire dang line from here on.)

: In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version of Prime came packaged with the left arm of the collectible [[Metroplex (G1)#Super Collection Figure|Metroplex]] build-a-figure; these parts were either in full color or clear-plastic, packed at an equal ratio of four out of eight cases.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFSilverMatrix}}
[[File:SCF Optimus chase silver.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Convoy''' (2001)
**''Act'': '''5'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:This version of Prime was a chase figure in the fifth ''Super Collection Figure'' act, and depicts the Autobot leader, rendered in metallic silver, opening the Matrix, referencing the end of "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]". This figure was packed in at a ''confirmed'' ratio of one per every ten cases.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFMegatrongun}}
[[File:SCF Optimus Act6.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Shadow the Convoy, ow the edge.]]
*'''Convoy (C) with Megatron Gun Mode''' (2002)
**''Act'': '''6'''
**''Accessories'': Extra right fist, stand

:The sixth ''Super Collection Figure'' wave featured yet another mass-release version of Optimus. While this Optimus is wielding Megatron (using the same mold as the chase figure from the second Act), he has entirely new-mold arms, plus an interchangeable empty right fist. On top of that he was extensively redecoed: he's actually cast in different shades of light salmon plastic and heavily painted over in an overall darker, less saturated scheme, his normally-white parts now in medium-gray. His pec-windows are painted with a weird shiny dark blue that gives them a translucent look. The figure was available in both full color and pewter versions in an equal ratio.

: In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version came with the head for the wave's [[Grand Maximus#Super Collection Figure|Grand Maximus]] build-a-figure, packed at a ratio of six color parts to two pewter per case.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFStarConvoy}}
[[File:SCF Optimus Star Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Chonktimus Prime.]]
*'''Star Convoy''' (2002)
**''Act'': '''8'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:After taking a break for the seventh wave, Prime returned for the eighth ''Super Collection Figure'' wave, which would prove to be the final Generation 1-themed set of figures. This figure of Prime in his Star Convoy body was available in both full color and pewter versions in an equal ratio.

:In eight out of every ten cases, the colored version came with the right arm for the wave's [[Scorponok (G1)/toys#Super Collection Figure|Scorponok]] build-a-figure; this part could be in either full color or pewter, at a 4:4 ratio.

{{-}}{{anchor|ConvoySet}}
[[File:SCF Optimus Earth Obliteration.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Special "The Earth Obliteration Plan": Exclusive Convoy Set''' ([[February 3|Feb 3]] 2002)
**''Accessories'': Stand

:Available exclusively at the Wonder Festival convention, this set includes two metallic-paint versions of Convoy figures from Act 2: the "Convoy w/ Megatron Gun" chase figure (minus the jetpack), and the truck-mode "figure".

: The set was limited to only 1000 units.

{{-}}{{anchor|ConfrontationSet}}
[[File:SCF Optimus Confrontation.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''TF Confrontation Set 01: Convoy vs Megatron''' ([[September 20|Sept 20]]-[[September 22|22]], 2002)
**''Accessories:'' Energon-axe

: Exclusive to the Tokyo Game Show 2002, this special set includes a new version of the original first-Act Optimus Prime figure, along with a new version of the first-Act Megatron. Both are cast in transparent plastic and completely painted over in a grimy, battle-damaged look. Both also come with the interchangeable energon-axe and mace weapons from their first-wave chase figures. Completing the theme of the set is the backdrop of the packaging interior, which depicts [[Sherman Dam]].

: Curiously, Optimus features the larger, rounded-off antennae of the [[Hasbro]] ''[[Heroes of Cybertron#Heroes of Cybertron|Heroes of Cybertron]]'' version of the mold, which was in production/circulation about the same time.

: As with the above Wonder Festival set, this set was also limited to 1000 units.
{{-}}

==Heroes of Cybertron==
[[File:HOC Optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey Spike, pull my finger.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2002/2006)

: Part of the first wave of Hasbro's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' series, Optimus is a [[redeco]] of the standard ''Super Collection Figure'' Optimus mold, with a ''slight'' [[retool]]ing to give him longer, thicker, rounded-off helmet antennae [[for safety reasons]]. Like all the standard ''Heroes'' figures, he is cast in transparent plastic, then painted over, save for the eyes and a small patch on the back of his head, giving him a [[light-piping]] gimmick. There are a few other small deco differences to the ''Heroes'' version, such as his helmet crest changing from white to gray.

: Optimus was re-released in 2006 as part of a short-lived ''Heroes of Cybertron'' revival, celebrating the 2006 DVD release of the original ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Cast in solid-white plastic rather than translucent blue, this makes him ''very'' similar to the original ''SCF'' toy, but he retained the thicker antennae, plus got some very minor paint changes on the head: his crest-vent went back to white, and oddly his eyes are white too, rather than the ''SCF'' version's chest-window light blue.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HoCOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|HOCApex}}
[[File:HOC Optimus Apex.jpg|upright=1.66|right|thumb|Don't tell anyone, but this crap is HEAVY!]]
*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime Apex Armor''' (2002)

: An unexpected addition to the line, especially in the first wave next to another Optimus (see above), "Apex Armor" Optimus is a [[redeco]] of [[Ginrai (robot)#Super Collection Figure|God Ginrai]], the double-armored-up form of Optimus's ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' lookalike [[Ginrai (robot)|Ginrai]]. There are a few small paint differences between God Ginrai and Apex Armor Prime (beyond the obvious "opaque vs clear-plastic base figure" thing, we mean), most notably that the many parts on God Ginrai that are darker unpainted gray plastic, like the thighs and side-panels/guns on the lower legs, have been painted the same light gray as the chest on Optimus.

: This is the first Hasbro-release depiction of Optimus in this mode, later backed up with the release of the full-fledged toy of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|Powermaster Optimus Prime]] with [[Apex Bomber]] the following year.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HoCPMOptimusPrimeApexArmor/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Powermaster Optimus Prime Apex Armor at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|HOCaxe}}
[[File:HOC Optimus Axe.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Energon Axe: Only used in [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2|one episode]]. Ever.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2002)

:This second-wave ''Heroes of Cybertron'' release is a variation of the chase figure from the first ''Super Collection Figure'' wave, depicting Prime with his right hand replaced with his energy axe. This figure is a little different from its Japanese progenitor (beyond the "clear-plastic painted over" deal, of course), being painted in normal matte/gloss rather than metallic paint, and replacing the left "pointing" hand with the clenched fist of the later "communicator" version of Optimus. It also retains the ''Heroes'' molding alterations to Optimus's helmet.

: Oddly, he comes with the same collector card as the first version, and the packaging does not call out the energy weapon in any way. The card-back cross-sell even shows only the original Optimus. (The same happened to this wave's energy-weapon-wielding [[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#Heroes of Cybertron|Megatron]].)

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HoCAxeOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime with Plasma Weapon at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|HOCSpark}}
[[File:HOC Optimus Spark Attack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|This can't be [[Spark attack|Spark Attack]]! His is so energetic that... he BURNS.]]
*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime Spark Attack''' (2002)

: In a yet another unusual choice for the line, this second-wave figurine is a redeco of the first God Ginrai/Powermaster Prime Apex Armor PVC figure, cast in translucent orange plastic with red gradients and flame detailing, depicting a "spark attack" mode.

: This is a variant of the ''Super Collection Figure'' "God Fire Guts" God Ginrai chase figure, which had been rendered entirely in solid metallic gold paint.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HoCPMOptimusPrimeSparkAttack/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime Spark Attack at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|HOCComm}}
[[File:HOC Optimus Comm.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You won't believe where I'm calling you from!]]
*''' Optimus Prime with Communicator''' (2003)

:This fifth-wave ''Heroes of Cybertron'' figure is a release of the Prime figure from the fourth ''Super Collection Figure'' wave, depicting a weaponless Prime talking into the communicator in his left arm. He retains the helmet alterations of the previous versions of the figure.

: This toy also came with the head and weapons for the wave's collectible [[Metroplex (G1)#Heroes of Cybertron|Metroplex]] build-a-figure.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/HoCCommunicatorOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime with Communicator at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Hard Hero==
[[File:HardHero OptimusPrime bust.JPG|thumb|upright=0.85]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Bust, 2002)

: Optimus Prime was the first ''Transformers'' bust released by [[Hard Hero]]. He is approximately six inches tall at the head (8.5 at the gun) and is made out of cold-cast porcelain. There were also a version of the bust signed by the sculptor, limited to 100 samples.

{{-}}

[[File:HHero OptimusStatue.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Not there. There!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Full figure statue, 2003)

:Hard Hero also created a 13-inch tall Optimus Prime statue. It is sculpted pointing with his left hand while holding his ion rifle in his right.

{{-}}

==MyClone==
*'''Optimus Prime'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MFT001''' and '''MFT006'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base
: Optimus Prime was released three times in the [[MyClone]] line, all in the first wave of toys. He was released in both robot and truck mode, while a clear Optimus in robot mode was one of two chase figures along with a clear Megatron.

==Generation 1 Figure-Collection==

[[File:Bottlecap prime gun.JPG|thumb]]

*'''Convoy (gun)''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:At only one inch in height, this Optimus "bottlecap" figurine (so named because its display base is the size of a bottlecap) was one of fourteen blindpacked figures available in Kabaya's Transformers [[Generation 1 Figure-Collection]]. The figure was rendered in both a standard "retro" black and white color scheme, and [[:File:Bottlecap chase prime.jpg|a rare full-color]] [[chase figure|chase]] version, and came with a leaflet, personalized with cartoon screen captures.
{{-}}
[[File:Bottlecap prime pointing.JPG|thumb]]
*'''Convoy (pointing)''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-2'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:The second Prime figure in the Generation 1 collection was much like the first, only sculpted with an empty hand, pointing off into the distance like a lot of Optimus Prime figures are wont to do.
::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/misc_item/kabaya_bottle.htm More information on the Bottlecap Collection at Autobase Aichi]''

{{--}}

==KT Figure Collection - The Transformers==
[[File:Optimus_Prime_KT.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Thanks for helping me... [[City of Steel (episode)|pull myself together.]]]]
*'''Convoy''' (KT Figure Collection, 2004)
: This figure was designed by [[Yuki Ohshima]] and produced by [[KT Figure Collection]]. The figure is actually a mini bust of Optimus Prime, which includes the head and the upper body without arms. The chest design comes with translucent blue windows and a grill on the midsection. There is also a button in the back. Pushing the button will open the chest and cause the Matrix to emerge, similar to the scene in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
{{-}}
[[File:Optimus_Prime_ex_KT.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb|No, I am [[redeco|NOT]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]! I'm silver, not [[:File:Magnuslongshot.jpg|white]]]]
*'''Convoy "Revival version"''' (''[[Figure Ō]]'' exclusive, 2004)
: The 82nd issue of the hobby magazine ''[[Figure Ō]]'' came with a [[redeco]] version of Optimus Prime's mini bust. It is painted completely silver, making him appear to be coated with the special alloy from "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2]]".

{{-}}

==Palisades==
[[File:Palisades WarWithinPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''The War Within Optimus Prime''' ([[Palisades]], 2005)

:'''The War Within'' Optimus Prime is a six-inch-tall polystone mini statue based on his appearance in the popular [[War Within (franchise)|''War Within'' comic book series]]. Prime stands on a silver Autobot-insignia stand, is decorated with dirt to simulate battle damage, and has articulation in his head and arms. The statue was limited to 1500 pieces worldwide.

{{-}}

==Titanium Series==
[[File:TitaniumRMWWPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Descend, Squattimus Prime.]]
*'''War Within Optimus Prime''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand

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

: He is squat. Very squat.

{{-}}
{{anchor|TitaniumG1}}
[[File:TitaniumRMG1Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Drop and give me twenty, soldier!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand

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

{{-}}
[[File:TF-Titanium-Series-3-inch-Robot-Masters-Battle-Damaged-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Drop dead and give me 20!"]]
*'''Optimus Prime (Battle Damaged)''' (3" Robot Master, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
: This is a repaint of the 3" G1 Optimus Prime titanium figurine, with a 'battle-damaged' deco.
{{-}}
[[File:Titanium-Series-Optimus-Prime-and-Bumblebee-2pack.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"You! YOU STOLE MY LAST CESIUM SALAMI!"]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Bumblebee''' (2-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, display stand
: A Toys 'R' Us [[exclusive]] two-pack, this set features "Supermetal Finish" (read: shiny) versions of the "Robot Master" ''Titaniums'' Optimus Prime and Bumblebee.

{{-}}

==Diamond Select==
[[File:Optimus Prime Mini-bust.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"I can't roll out without my legs installed!"]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Diamond Select, 2007)
:A mini-bust of Optimus Prime based on his appearance in the comic was released by [[Diamond Select]] in 2007. The figure includes the upper body of Optimus Prime, carrying his laser rifle and posed as if preparing to charge. The Matrix of Leadership is sculpted into the base of the statue.

{{-}}
[[File:Ark Globe.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''Autobot Snow Globe''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

:Optimus Prime is also featured in Diamond Select's Autobot-themed snow globe, posing above a [[Mount St. Hilary]] base which also features the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' and [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. The globe was sculpted by [[Art Asylum]].

{{-}}

[[File:DST08 FinalBattlePrimeBust.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Hold this for a moment won't you.]]
*'''Final Battle Optimus Prime''' (Diamond Select, 2008)
:Final Battle Optimus Prime was exclusive to the online retailer Action Figure Xpress. He was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1000 pieces. Optimus Prime is shown after his climactic battle with Megatron during Transformers: The Movie; shortly before he passed the Matrix of Leadership (which is also removable here) to Ultra Magnus. His base features the life support readout that monitored both his declining health and eventual death.

{{-}}

{{anchor|G1AnimatedOptimusPrimeBust}}
[[File:DST SDCCToonPrimeBust.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''G1 Animated Optimus Prime''' (Diamond Select, 2008)
:G1 Animated Optimus Prime was exclusive to the 2008 San Diego Comic Con. He was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and features a more matte color scheme to better match the cartoon's palette.

{{-}}

[[File:DiamondSelect PowermasterOptimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime''' (Diamond Select, 2010)

:This fourth Optimus Prime bust was to be based on his [[Powermaster]] incarnation, but appears to have been canceled.

{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}
[[File:DiamondSelect OptimusPrime bustbank.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
*'''Optimus Prime Bust Bank''' (Diamond Select, 2010)

:A 6-inch hollow Optimus Prime bust to keep your spare change safe! It would've featured articulation in its shoulders and neck, but like the Powermaster bust, it never saw release.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==First 4 Figures==
[[File:SnakeEyes OptimusPrime statue.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Get with the program.]]
*'''Snake-Eyes & Optimus Prime Statue''' (2007)

:[[First 4 Figures]] produced a statue based on the cover of [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 1|issue 1]] of ''[[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers]]'', featuring an Optimus Prime in the [[Cobra]] [[HISS tank]] body he used in that series. Prime is an 8-inch tall one-armed bust, and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> resident ninja [[Snake-Eyes]] stands battle-ready in his open palm.

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[[File:StormShadow OptimusPrime statue.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Hey, Private Haircut! I might have taken a bit too much off...YOUR HEAD!]]
*'''Storm Shadow & Optimus Prime Statue''' (2007)

: First 4 Figures's second ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' statue is 7.5 inches tall and is based on the cover of [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|issue 5]]. This one depicts [[Cobra]]'s own ninja, [[Storm Shadow]], taking a stance above Optimus Prime's damaged head. The statue was limited to 1000 samples.

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==Transformers (2007)==
*'''Optimash Prime''' (2007)
{{main|Optimash Prime}}
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[[File:Softimus Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Freedom is the right of all sentient beings... in bed.]]
*'''Softimus Prime''' (2007)

:Softimus Prime is, as his name suggests, a plush G1 Optimus Prime toy. Obviously, he has no problems with articulation and passes the drop test with flying colors. His main draw is the ability to "transform" into his Freightliner FL86 vehicle mode by turning the plush toy inside out, his transformation roughly similar to the Powermaster cab Prime's. He features Movie-style faction symbols on his right arm and both sides of his cab mode. He is love.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/SoftimusPrime/softimusprime.htm More information on Softimus Prime at TFU.info]''

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==Robot Heroes==
[[File:RH Optimus vs Ravage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Mini-Me!]]
*'''Optimus Prime Vs Ravage''' (2007)

: Packed with [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]], Optimus Prime is one of the first figures in the Transformers segment of the ''Heroes'' franchise. As with all ''Heroes'' figures, Optimus Prime is a simple, yet well-detailed two-inch tall figurine with exaggerated, cartoony proportions. He is sculpted holding his Ion Blaster rifle in his right fist and his left arm in a pointing pose. He is also love, and demands that you pull his [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3#Notes|Finger of Doom]].

:Hilariously, the way Optimus Prime and Ravage being packaged (with Prime pointing his finger to Ravage) gives an impression of [http://orig12.deviantart.net/b22b/f/2008/216/7/1/optimus_prime_vs_ravage_by_cobaltkitty.jpg him freaking out to Ravage's size].

: This version of Optimus was later also released as part of a set with a 100-piece [[jigsaw puzzle]].

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[[File:Robot Hero Supermetal Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=0.99|Cuteness is the right of all sentient beings.]]
*'''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (2007)

: "Supermetal Finish" Optimus Prime is a special shiny [[redeco]] of the previous Robot Hero. He came in a Wal-Mart exclusive multipack also including "Hologram" [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys|Cliffjumper]], "Supermetal Finish" [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]].

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[[File:RH Prime vs Unicron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|'Til all are cute.]]
*'''Optimus Prime Vs Unicron''' (2007)

: Packed with [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]], a second SD Optimus Prime for the Transformers segment of the ''Heroes'' franchise. This version of the Chibimus Prime has him opening the Matrix of Leadership to shine the Autobots' darkest hour. Better him than [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]. (Well, [[Transformers: Deviations|almost]].)

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==Attacktix==

*'''Optimus Prime''' (Starter Set, 2007)
[[File:Attacktix Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|He shoots sideways. The direction, not [[Sideways (Armada)|the character]].]]
{{attacktix
|ID=TF2-19
|faction=Autobot
|class=Leader
|special=Last Stand - 13/26 (50%) success ratio
|cost=40
|speed=6
|attacktype=Shooter (Force Blast)
}}
{{-}}
:Optimus Prime will shoot you down. He was released as part of the 2007 Starter Set along with ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Landquake (Energon)|Landquake]] and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]].

:Optimus' Last Stand special allows him to stand up if he's the only figure in your team left in play. If you're down to two men you might even be tempted to shoot your own man just to keep Optimus Prime in play. Don't though. [[Peter Cullen]] wouldn't approve.

:Sadly you can't bring him into play with the ''Cybertron'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Super Optimus Prime]] vehicle mode because he's not ''Super'' Optimus Prime.
{{-}}

==Revoltech==
[[File:Revoltech Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Windowbra! ''(2007 Version pictured)'']]
*'''Convoy''' (2007/2014)
**''Series number:'' '''019'''
**''Legacy of Revoltech ID number'': '''LR-008'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, two clenched fists, gun-wielding right hand, pointing right hand, open left hand

:A non-transforming but ''highly'' articulated Optimus Prime action figure, ''[[Revoltech]]'' Convoy uses the ''Revoltech'' "revolver joints" for maximum poseability. Prime comes with his now-standard ion blaster and Matrix of Leadership accessories, as well as a few alternate hands; while one of the hands is specifically designed to grip the ion blaster, he can't really do anything dramatic with the Matrix, and it just sort of sits in his open-palmed left hand. His sculpting is explicitly in the style of [[Pat Lee|Pat "serfdom" Lee]]'s interpretation of Prime, but due to physical constraints has no lack of perspective.

:Unsurprisingly, this mold was redecoed to create ''Revoltech'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Revoltech|Ultra Magnus]]. Magnus comes with a new hand mold that can be used to connect him and Prime together in a handshake.

:The initial reveal of the figure (sculpted by Yamaguchi) features swiveling cut joints instead of "revolver joints" (notably the hip parts), with a rather jarring angled joint on the waist (which results in a "sliced" appearance if swiveled).

:Unfortunately, ''Revoltech'' Convoy cannot be distributed to the US due to licensing restrictions, so fans must rely on online hobby shops to import him.

:In 2014, ''Revoltech'' Convoy was reissued as part of the ''Legacy of Revoltech'' line, with an increased price of 3900 yen. This rerelease uses revised Revoltech joints, which come in matte black instead of glossy and have more ratcheting points than previous releases.
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===Amazing Yamaguchi===
[[File:Tf-Yamaguchi-Revoltech-014-Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Convoy''' (2019)
**''Series number:'' 014
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Energon Axe, 1 pair of splayed hands, 1 pair of trigger hands, left clawed hand, right pointing hand, interlocked hand

:''Amazing Yamaguchi'' Convoy is an all-new take to the Revoltech figure above, but more poseable. Apart from the Ion Blaster, this figure comes with an Energon Axe accessory, and an interlocked hand accessory that is used to took down Megatron in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

:Unlike the first Revoltech figure, Convoy features painted-details-on-colored-plastic rather than fully coating them. The plastic is noted to have a hollow feel compared to the first figure.

:Due to production delays, the release date is rescheduled from September 29 to October 24.

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==Ornaments==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2007)
[[File:OptimusPrimeG1Ornament.jpg|thumb|100px|''(American Greetings version pictured)'']]

:Manufactured by [[American Greetings]] as part of their Heirloom ornament collection, this hanging sculpt of Optimus Prime is based upon the 20th Anniversary toy release.

*'''Optimus Prime''' (2014)
[[File:Optimus-prime-keepsake-Hallmark.jpg|thumb|''(Hallmark version pictured)''|upright=1.1]]
:Manufactured by [[Hallmark]] as part of their Keepsake ornament collection as part of the Hasbro series which includes ornaments based on [[My Little Pony]] G1, the electronic game Simon, and the board game Sorry, this hanging sculpt of Optimus Prime is based upon the original G1 toy cab in robot mode posed like 1984 box art.
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==Mighty Muggs==
[[File:MightyMuggs OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|Optimus lost his ears in the rock tumbler.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Ion rifle

: This [[super deformed]], non-transformable Optimus Prime figure uses the standard [[Mighty Muggs]] body template, with swivel joints in his neck and limbs. He comes with a similarly super-deformed version of his ion rifle.
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{{anchor|SDCCmightymugg}}
[[File:MightyMuggs MetallicOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|Optimus, did you polish your head in the Shine-O Ball-O?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Ion rifle

: An [[exclusive]] to the 2009 [[San Diego Comic-Con]], this Optimus Prime Mugg has a shiny metallic finish.
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{{anchor|2018mightymugg}}
[[File:MightyMuggs 2018 Optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.44|You ever get so mad you sprout new ears?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' ([[2018]])

: Based on his [[evergreen]] design, this Optimus is part of the 2018 ''Mighty Muggs'' relaunch. As part of the new line, he has a helmet that can be pressed down to change his expression. He features three different faces: [[Mouthplate|classic]], angry, and angrier.
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==Transformers Wacky Wobblers==
[[File:WackyWobblers G1OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)

: This Optimus Prime {{w|bobblehead}} is part of the popular ''[[Wacky Wobblers]]'' line produced by {{w|Funko}}. Aside from the standard-issue big wobbling head, he features an ion rifle molded onto his right hand and his arms swivel at the shoulders. Optimus is affixed to a base with his name on it.
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==USB-Powered Speaker Head==
*'''Optimus Prime USB-Powered Speaker Head'''
[[File:G1-optimusprime-merc-speaker.jpg|thumb]]
: As a 6.5" figure, Optimus Prime's head is built-in with {{w|Universal Serial Bus|USB}}-powered speakers. There are two speaker inside each side of Optimus Prime's head. The control panel, USB port, and earphone port is locate in the back of the head. Under the neck, there is a display to support the head.
: The speaker is redecoed to create Ultra Magnus Speaker.
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==Transformers Backpacks==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2009)

:Made by [[F*A*B Starpoint]], these backpacks are allegedly "engineered for style, safety, comfort... and saving the Universe!" The Generation 1 Optimus Prime design features a stock silhouette of Optimus Prime surrounded by stars, like the [[Paramount Pictures]] logo, while on the lower compartment there is a gigantic Autobot sigil.

==Universal Studios==
*'''Optimus Prime plushie'''

:Created for the [[Transformers: The Ride – 3D|Transformers ride at Universal Orlando]], a [[super-deformed]] plush toy of Optimus was made available at the Supply Vault gift shop near the opening of the ride.

==Titan Warriors==
[[File:Titan-Warrior-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb]]
*'''Titan Warrior 5-Pack''' (2013)
:Available at San Diego Comic Con 2013, This Optimus Prime is a 6" PVC Titan Warrior figure (similar to Bandai's ''Ultra/Sentai/Rider Hero, Movie Monster Series'') representing his Generation 1 character. He was packed with [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]].

*'''Optimus Prime''' (Titan Warrior, 2014)
:The Titan Warriors Optimus Prime toy was released individually, under the Beast Hunters Titan Heroes subline.

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==SD-Style==
[[File:Topearm-SD-Style-Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Convoy''' (2013)
**''ID number:'' '''TSD-001'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, 2 energon-axes

:Produced by [[Topeam]], ''SD-Style'' Optimus Prime is a posable super deformed figure that can be [[partformer|taken apart]] and transformed into a truck. He features a Matrix in his chest and light-up eyes activated with a button in the back on his head. He comes with a blaster and two axes, one orange and one blue.

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==Mecha Nations==
[[File:klog tfop 003.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Prime, not the shrink wrap!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2014)
**''ID Number:'' '''MN01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Energon Axe, Removable Armor.

:Created by [[Kids Logic]], this [[super deformed]] G1 Optimus Prime stands 6" tall and is articulated. He features a metallic color scheme, removable armor and replacement hands. He also features LED light up eyes, lights, weapons and [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]].

:This figure was also redecoed into Mecha Nations [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Mecha Nations|Black Convoy]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Mecha Nations|Ultra Magnus]].

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==Ultimetal==
[[File:Ultimetal-UM01-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Why waste your money so easily Prime?"]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2014)
**''ID number:'' '''UM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, energon-axe, small Matrix, 24 armor pieces, 2 smokestacks, large Matrix, display stand, 8 display stand parts, remote control

: ''Ultimetal'' Optimus Prime is a large non-transforming figure produced by [[Art Storm]], standing at an impressive 1 foot 4 inches/43 cm and made from extensive [[die-cast]] metal. Packaged in four different boxes, he features plenty of articulation and detail, including an opening chest and numerous magnetically attached armor panels that, when removed, reveal Prime's internal anatomy. He also has electronic light-up eyes and roof lights as well as 20 spoken English phrases, all activated via remote control. His [[mouthplate]] even moves when he talks, just like in the cartoon!

: Prime comes with an ion blaster which can also be opened to reveal technical detail, an energon-axe, and two Matrices of Leadership of different sizes. The smaller one fits into his chest, where it can be lit up by an LED, while the larger one lights up on its own and can be held in his hands or placed on display. Prime's display stand has smaller stands for the Matrix and ion blaster and also has light-up parts.

: Optimus Prime was recolored into the inner robot of ''Ultimetal'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Ultimetal|Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://artstorm.co.jp/ultimetal_optimusprime.html More information on ''Ultimetal'' Optimus Prime at Art Storm's official site]''

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==EX Gōkin==
[[File:EXGokin Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|]]
*'''Convoy''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Two fists, two open hands, two gripping hands, right pointing hand, ion blaster, energon-axe, display stand

: A 6.6-inch tall non-transforming Optimus Prime action figure was produced by Art Storm as part of their ''EX Gōkin Transformers Series'' line. He comes with his trademark blaster and energon-axe as well a number of extra hands, and his chest opens to reveal a non-removable Matrix.

::*''[http://artstorm.co.jp/exgokin_transformersseries_convoy.html More information on ''EX Gōkin'' Convoy at Art Storm's official site]''
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==Hikari==
[[File:HikariLimitedEditionMetallicOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px]]
*'''Metallic Optimus Prime''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime with a metallic finish. This figure is a limited edition, and limited to 2,000 pieces.

:This mold was also used to make the other limited edition Optimus Primes seen below.

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[[File:HikariLimitedEditionClearGlitterOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px]]
*'''Optimus Prime Clear Glitter''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime figure. While retaining the classic, original colors, this mold is redone to be clear plastic, with glitter bits put into the figure. This vinyl is a limited edition, and limited to 3,000 pieces.

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[[File:HikariLimitedEditionBattleReadyOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px]]
*'''Battle Ready Optimus Prime''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime. The mold is Redon again, this time in a battle-damaged look, while he retains the classic Optimus Prime colors. This figure is a limited edition, and limited to 1,000 pieces.

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[[File:HikariLimitedEditionGreySkullOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px|By the power of Grayskull... '''''I HAVE THE POWER!''''']]
*'''Grey Skull Optimus Prime''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime. This vinyl takes the colors in a different way, which is mostly white with some dark grey areas. The colors to kinda look skeleton-ish. This figure is a limited edition, and limited to 1,000 pieces.

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[[File:HikariLimitedEditionDistressedOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px]]
*'''Distressed Optimus Prime''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime. The colors take on an [[Optimus Prime (Movie)#''Age of Extinction'' film|Age of Extinction Optimus Prime]], in his flat-nose truck mode. This figure is a limited edition, and limited to 1,000 pieces.

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[[File:HikariLimitedEditionFireOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px]]
*'''Fire Optimus Prime''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime, cast in clear plastic. The colors seem to homage the Generation 1 [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]].,This figure is a limited edition, and limited to 1,000 pieces.

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[[File:HikariLimitedEditionDangerousOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px]]
*'''Dangerous Optimus Prime''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime, done in a camouflage style. This figure is a limited edition, and limited to only 600 pieces.

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[[File:HikariLimitedEdition24KOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright|150px]]
*'''24K Optimus Prime''' (2014)

:A non-transforming vinyl Optimus Prime, cast in gold plastic. This figure is a limited edition, and only limited to 600 pieces.

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==Thrilling 30==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''1 / #1'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Optimus Prime was released among the blindpacked [[Thrilling 30#Collectible Figurines|''Thrilling 30'' Collectible Figurines]] by [[Goldie Marketing]]. He comes with a base to help him stand, a collector's card that doubles as a puzzle piece, and a checklist.

*'''Collectible Figurines''' (5-pack, 2014)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Accessories:'' 5 collector's bases
:The same Optimus Prime figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Megatron]], [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Thrilling 30|Ratchet]], [[Starscream (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Soundwave]].

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==Tiny Titans==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Tiny Titans, 2015)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''10/12'''

: Part of the third assortment of ''[[Tiny Titans]]'' [[blindpacking|blindpacks]], this version of Optimus Prime is a very small, soft-plastic figure of him in robot mode, brandishing both his rifle and his energy-axe weapon in a running battle pose.

: He includes a collectible card that renders him in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 franchise)|2015 ''Robots in Disguise'']] styling. The card includes a scan-badge for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (mobile game)|''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game]], which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.

{{-}}{{anchor|TinyTitans2}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Tiny Titans, 2016)
**''Series'': '''5'''
**''Number'': '''11/12'''

:Part of the fifth assortment of ''Tiny Titans'', this version of Optimus is in a more neutral pose, this time only carrying his rifle.

:As per usual, he includes a collectible card that includes a scan-badge for the ''Robots in Disguise'' mobile game, which unlocks a random amount of Energon "currency" and a randomized bonus power-up item.

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==D-Style==
[[File:D-Style-OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|You got D-touch. You got D-power]]
*'''Convoy''' (2015)
**''ID number:'' '''43'''
**''Accessories:'' Two fists, pointing right hand, Ion blaster, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, Convoy cab with trailer

:An Optimus Prime was produced by [[Kotobukiya]] as part of ''[[D-Style]]'', their franchise-spanning line of super deformed model kits. His accessories include an ion blaster, an energon-axe, a Matrix that can store in his chest, and a tiny super deformed representation of his truck mode which can carry the ion blaster. Moving his antennae causes his mouthplate to move up and down.

:For a small figure it includes a large amount of articulation, including ankle tilts and top of legs tilting away from the yellow codpiece.

: The Convoy Trailer, ion blaster and the gold part of the Matrix all require painting. In addition, on promotional images ''all'' the black details and lines (for example on the front thighs and round the edge of the yellow codpiece) are painted and the eyes have been painted blue instead of left as clear plastic.

: Amusingly, the head has the [http://www.1999.co.jp/itbig29/10294593z.jpg mouth-less face] underneath Optimus' mouthplate, as a either a reference to the error from [[The Search for Alpha Trion]] or limitation in the model kit (or both).

:This mold was also used to make ''D-Style'' [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#D-Style|Black Convoy]].
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==ES Gōkin==
*'''Convoy''' (2015)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, energon-axe, Matrix, left & right gripping hands, left & right open hands, left & right pointing hands, display stand

:Optimus Prime was also released as part of Art Storm's ''ES Gōkin'' series, a line of posable super deformed figures. He comes with his trademark gun which he can hold in either hand, an energon-axe that plugs into his wrist sockets, and a Matrix he can hold but not store in his chest.

::*''[http://artstorm.co.jp/esgokin_convoy.html More information on ''ES Gōkin'' Convoy at Art Storm's official site]''
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==D-Collection==
[[File:D-Collection Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|]]
*'''Convoy''' (2015)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, energon-axe

:[[Kabaya]]'s ''D-Collection'' Optimus Prime is a small super deformed figure that requires some assembly and features articulation limited to his shoulders. He comes with his trademark blaster and axe accessories. Sold blindpacked, Prime is available as both a standard full color figure and a rare clear plastic version. He comes with chewing gum.
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==Hot Toys==
*'''Optimus Prime (Starscream Version)'''
**''Accessories'': Jetpack, Starscream's Guns, Ion Blaster, Matrix of Leadership, Base

*'''Optimus Prime (Megatron Version)'''
**''Accessories'': Fusion Cannon, Ion Blaster, Matrix of Leadership, Base
{{charstubtoys}}
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==Block Wars==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2016)
**''Number:'' '''1'''

:Part of [[Kabaya]]'s ''[[Transformers Block Wars]]'' candy toy line, this Optimus Prime kit is surprisingly, based on his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Cyber Series|Cyber Series Commander toy]]. Molded in red, blue, and yellow plastic with detailing from stickers, he transforms into a truck when finished and is armed with a two-pronged spear. He can also be taken apart and combined with ''Block Wars'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Block Wars|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron (G1)/merchandise#Block Wars|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Block Wars|Starscream]] in various configurations, the ones involving Prime shown on the packaging being:

:*Giving Prime Starscream's wings as a jetpack and arming him with Megatron's cannon.
:*Placing Megatron's turret on Prime's truck mode.
:*Giving Bumblebee Prime's spear, Megatron's arms and Starscream's wings.
:*Attaching Prime and Starscream's legs to Megatron's vehicle mode to create a walking tank.
:*Powering Starscream up by attaching Prime's spear to his back and giving him Bumblebee's weapons.
:*Combining all four into an unnamed combiner, with Optimus Prime forming the torso and upper legs.

==Transformers Figure Collection==
[[File:TF-Transformers-Figure-Collection-Optimus-Prime-Decoy.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Convoy''' (01-2016)

:Standing 42mm tall, ''Transformers Figure Collection'' Optimus Prime is a non-poseable soft-rubber figure greatly based on a [[Decoy]] figure.

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==Hero of Steel==
[[File:HeroofSteel Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.11|]]
*'''Convoy''' (2016)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster

:Produced by Alpha Max, ''Hero of Steel'' Convoy is a stylized, non-transforming figure standing at 9 inches/23 cm tall. He comes with his ion blaster.

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==Bitfig==
[[File:Bitfig-Part-1.jpg|thumb|]]
*'''Convoy''' (12-2016)
Part of the first wave of Transformers Bitfig capsule toys.
Convoy's design is inspired by his appearance in the G1 cartoon, and is articulated at the neck and shoulders.
Bitfig toys were packaged in capsules color coded to the toy they contained.
{{-}}

==Prime 1 Studio==
[[File:TF-Premium-Masterline-PMTF-01-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.55|thumb|"Just in case you want to say "''I should've looked like this in the movies''", yes, I heard you."]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Premium Masterline Statue, 2017)
**''ID Number'': '''PMTF-01''' (Regular), '''PMTF-01EX''' (exclusive)
**''Accessories'': Right hand/Ion Blaster, Fusion Axe (exclusive), Energy Axe (exclusive)

:One of the very first releases of the Transformers ''Premium Masterline'' series by [[Prime 1 Studio]], this Optimus Prime is a ''massive'' non-transforming statue based on his ''Generation 1'' appearance with a blend of live-action film aesthetic, and he features light-up eyes. The statue was also designed by [[Josh Nizzi]] himself. If customers had purchased the statue at [https://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/transformers-optimus-prime-transformers-generation-1-prime-1-studio-9027641/ Sideshow's website], they would receive an exclusive Energy and Fusion axes, which can be used to replace Prime's Ion Blaster hand. Optimus Prime is limited to 1500 (exclusive is 750) pieces.

:This statue was later redecoed as [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Prime 1 Studio|Nemesis Prime]] and the currently-in-development Ultra Magnus. The statue's model also served as an inspiration to [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Movie Optimus Prime]]'s appearance in [[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]].

{{-}}{{anchor|P1SGold}}
[[File:TF-Premium-Masterline-PMTF-01GL-Optimus-Prime-Gold-Edition.jpg|upright=1.55|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime Gold Edition''' (Premium Masterline Statue, 2018)
**''ID Number'': '''PMTF-01GL'''
**''Accessories'': Right hand/Ion Blaster, Fusion Axe

:Limited to 500 pieces, Optimus Prime Gold Edition is a redeco of the statue above, evoking his Electrum-coated appearance in the ''Generation 1'' episode [[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon]]. He also comes with a Fusion Axe arm.

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==The Loyal Subjects==
{{charstubtoys}}
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==My Busy Books==
[[File:TF-My-Busy-Books-Transformers-Optimus-Prime-figurine.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Transformers: My Busy Book''' (2017)

:Included with the 10-page board book, 12 figurines, and a playmat, Optimus Prime is represented by a pair of small, PVC non-transforming figurines of his robot and his semi-truck alternate mode, based on his [[evergreen]] design. Like most of the land-based vehicle figurines, his wheels do not roll.

:In terms of quality control, the figurines' paint applications can be... shoddy. If you're a collector who prefers to display them, you should resign yourself from buying it or try to [[customizing|customize]] the figures with better paint applications if you have the skills.
{{-}}

==Rubik's Crew==
[[File:Rubiks Crew Optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Rubik's Crew Game: Transformers Optimus Prime Edition'''<ref>[https://www.hasbro.com/en-us/product/rubik-s-crew-game-transformers-optimus-prime-edition:70976F4B-5056-9047-F52F-5BB6105031BB Rubik's Crew Game: Transformers Optimus Prime at hasbro.com]</ref> (2017)
This [[super deformed]] version of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s robot mode has a detachable "Puzzlehead" that functions like the [https://www.rubiks.com/store/puzzles/rubiks-2x2 2x2] [[Rubik's Cube]].
{{-}}
{{-}}
==Fidget Its==
[[File:TF-Fidget-Its-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Fidget Its, 2017)

:''Fidget Its'' Optimus Prime is non-transforming cube-shaped figurine, built for for your fidgeting needs! His pair of eyes & his forehead can be pushed like buttons, his right arm can swivel, his rear section can be fiddled like a combination lock dial, and his left arm can be moved up, down, up, and down.

{{-}}

==Hauck==
[[File:Hauck Go Kart Optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Everyone wants to ride Optimus.]]
*'''Optimus Prime Go Kart''' (2017)
:Manufactured by [[Hauck toys]], the Optimus Prime go-kart is a small, pedal-operated vehicle for kids aged 4-8 years old. Cast in the image of Optimus (even featuring his head sculpted on the front), the kart features an adjustable seat as well as a brake.
{{-}}
==Transformers Trading Card Game==
[[File:W1SOptimusPrimeAL.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime, Autobot Leader''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1S: Starter Set'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T03/T04'''
**''Stars: ''7
:'''Optimus Prime, Autobot Leader''' is one of four double-sided character cards available in the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]] Starter Set.

:The artwork on the card is reused from the [[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]] mobile card game.
{{-}}
[[File:W1OptimusPrimeBL.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime, Battlefield Legend''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T29/T40'''
**''Stars: ''13
:'''Optimus Prime, Battlefield Legend''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The card's Bot-mode line-art was done by [[Guido Guidi]], and Alt-mode line-art by [[Marcelo Matere]] and Alt-mode colors by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]].

{{-}}
[[File:W1OptimusPrimeFF.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime, Freedom Fighter''' (2018)
**'''Wave 1'''
**''Rarity: '''''CT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T30/T40'''
**''Stars: ''12
:'''Optimus Prime, Freedom Fighter''' is one of forty double-sided character cards available in Wave 1 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]].

:The Alt Mode artwork on the card is reused from the [[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]] mobile card game, while the Bot-mode features line-art by [[Marcelo Matere]] and colors by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]].
{{-}}
[[File:W2OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime, Gleaming Commander''' (2019)
**'''Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T32/T46'''
**''Stars: ''11

:Optimus Prime, Gleaming Commander was released as part of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]] Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners. Like all other members of [[combiner]] teams released in the set, Optimus Prime, Gleaming Commander is a folding card, with the Bot and Alt modes being depicted when the card is folded in half, and a holofoil portion of the the combined mode depicted when unfolded. The reverse of Optimus Prime, Gleaming Commander depicts the center right portion of [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus']], of whom Optimus Prime forms the torso and head.

:The artwork for Bot Mode is reused from the [[Combiner Wars (franchise)|Combiner Wars]] Battle Core Optimus Prime toy's packaging art.

:Optimus Prime, Gleaming Commander can be used to form Optimus Maximus, Ultimate Defender with the use of the Action card [[Enigma of Combination|Sentinel Enigma]] while he and the other Wave 2 Sentinels are in Bot mode on the battlefield and/or KO area.
{{-}}
[[File:W3GeneralOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb]]
*'''General Optimus Prime, Infantry-Leader''' (2019)
**'''Wave 3: War for Cybertron: Siege I'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T07/T48'''
**''Stars: ''11
:General Optimus Prime, Infantry-Leader is one of forty-eight double-sided character cards available in Wave 3 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege I.

:The card's artwork is based on the ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege (franchise)|Siege]]'' Voyager-class Optimus Prime toy, with the Bot Mode artwork being reused from the toy's packaging art.
{{-}}
[[File:W4GeneralOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb]]
*'''General Optimus Prime, Galactic Commander''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''SRT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T06/T52'''
**''Stars: ''15

{{-}}
[[File:EEOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime, Battlefield Legend''' (2019)
**'''Wave 1: Energon Edition'''
**''Rarity: '''''SRT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T205/T06'''
**''Stars: ''13

Released as part of the TCG's Wave 1: Energon Edition, this card is a reprint of Wave 1's Optimus Prime, Battlefield Legend. Printed on semi-transparent plastic instead of a normal Character Card, this version features new art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
{{-}}
[[File:W5OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime, Legendary Warrior''' (2020)
**'''Wave 5: Titan Masters Attack'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T32/T46'''
**''Stars: ''12

:This card's set was originally set for an April 2020 release, however due to the global COVID-19 pandemic the release was pushed back to May 29, 2020.
{{-}}

==Flame Toys==
===Furai Model===
[[File:FlameToys-FuraiModel-01-OptimusPrimeAttackMode.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime (Attack Mode)''' (September 2018)
**''Number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion cannon, axe, 4 hands
:Produced by [[Flame Toys]], "Optimus Prime (Attack Mode)" is the first kit in their ''Furai Model'' line of plastic model kits. Using parts made of hard ABS plastic and some polycaps, Optimus Prime (Attack Mode) is an original design created by Flame Toys in collaboration with [[Akira Amemiya]] of [[Studio Trigger]]. The finished model kit is approximately Voyager-sized in height.

:This model kit was later [[Redeco|redecoed]] as [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Flame Toys|Nemesis Prime (Attack Mode)]] and [[Optimus Prime (SG)#Flame Toys|Shattered Glass Optimus Prime (Attack Mode)]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Furai03}}
[[File:FlameToys-FuraiModel-03-OptimusPrimeIDW.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime (IDW ver.)''' (March 2019)
**''Number:'' '''03'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion cannon, 4 hands
:Optimus Prime (IDW) is a plastic model kit based off of the Optimus Prime design created by [[Don Figueroa]] for [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[The Transformers (IDW)|2009-2011 ''The Transformers'' comic series]]. Similarly to the previous model kit, IDW Optimus is also Voyager-sized.

:This model kit was later redecoed as [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Furai08|Nemesis Prime (IDW ver.)]], and it's also used to make the pre-built Furai Action figure. (see below.)

{{-}}

*'''Optimus Prime (G1 ver.)''' (April 2020)

{{toystub}}
{{-}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (20??)
:Part of the ''"Deformer Model Kit"'' subline of the ''Furai Model'' line, this Optimus Prime model is a cutesy, "[[Super deformed|super deformed]]" take on the Autobot leader.
{{comingsoontoy}}

===Kuro Kara Kuri===
[[File:FlameToys-KuroKaraKuri-04-OptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (December 2019)
**''Number:'' '''04'''
**''Accessories:'' Large sword, stone, Swords (2), Large axe, Small axe (2), Ion cannon
:Part of Flame Toys' ''Kuro Kara Kuri'' line of high-end, non-transforming action figures, Optimus Prime is an original design, though one that bears many similarities to the Don Figueroa design from IDW's ''The Transformers'' vol. 1. He comes with a multitude of accessories, including a very large sword that can be plugged into a stone, two smaller swords resembling handheld versions of those used by the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action movie Optimus Prime]], a large axe, a pair of hatchets resembling those of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|''Animated'' Optimus Prime]], and of course G1 Optimus Prime's iconic Ion cannon.
{{-}}

===Furai Action===
[[File:FlameToys-FuraiAction-OptimusPrimeIDW.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Just like one of those second-hand pre-built Gunplas you've seen in Akibahara!]]
*'''Optimus Prime (IDW ver)'''(January 2020)
**''Accessories'': Ion cannon, 4 hands

:''Furai Action'' Optimus Prime is a pre-assembled redeco of the 2nd Furai Model kit, with the weathering effect painted on.

{{-}}

==Playskool Friends==
[[File:Playskool-Friends-TF-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.88|thumb|A mouth on his mouthplate? That's a new one.]]
*'''Transformers Collector Pack''' (Canceled)

:Intended to be released as part of the 7-pack for the Playskool Friends lineup, this Optimus Prime is a very adorable non-transforming figurine. He was to come packed with Bumblebee, Arcee, and 4 Rescue Bots: Heatwave, Chase, Boulder and Blades.

:Given the inclusion of the four Rescue Bots, it was ''probably'' unclear if this Optimus Prime is mean to represent his ''Generation 1'' counterpart or his ''[[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Aligned]]'' counterpart.

{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}

==Uglydolls==
[[File:Uglydolls plush collab.jpg|250px|thumb]]
*'''Ox as Optimus Prime''' (2018)
:A collaboration with ''[[Uglydolls]]'' for the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con, the character Ox is dressed as Optimus Prime. He is a limited run exclusive plush, along with Ice-Bat as [[Bumblebee (G1)/merchandise|Bumblebee]].
{{--}}

==McDonalds==
[[File:2018-McD-Authentics-Bumblebee-Optimus-Prime.jpg|250px|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime with a sword''' (Happy Meal Toy, 2018)
:Released as part of the [[McDonald's]] June 2018 Happy Meal Toys along with [[My Little Pony]], this Optimus Prime is a super-deformed figurine, and he features a gimmick on his left arm, which can be swung down to reveal a pop-out sword with the press of a button on his back. The sword can be retracted manually by raising the arm.

:The toy was available in South Korea, Italy, Russia, and Malaysia. This toy was rereleased in the US as [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise|Optimus Prime]] for the ''[[Bumblebee (franchise)|Bumblebee]]'' promotion. In Malaysia, this toy is one of the few items that can be found in several hobby toy shops.
{{--}}

{{-}}

==ReAction==
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2020)
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster
:Released in Super7's line of multi-property 3.75-inch action figures, ''ReAction'' Optimus Prime is a non-converting action figure with 5 points of articulation and an [[Ion blaster]] accessory he can only hold in his right hand. As with all releases in the ''ReAction'' toyline, Optimus comes packaged in a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of [[Kenner]] [[Star Wars]] action figures of the late 1970's.

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{-}}
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Bitfig]]

Starscream's Ghost

2018-02-26T00:48:53Z

Elleby: /* Animation and technical errors */ Added image and a bit of flavor text

{{episode|
|series=G1toon
|series2=2010
|ep=75
|ep2=7
|prev2=Thief in the Night
|next2=Dark Awakening (episode)
|image=G1 StarscreamsGhost AHHHHH.jpg
|caption="Ebenezer Ooooctaaaane! You must pick a mode and stick to it!"
|title="Starscream's Ghost"
|production code=700-95
|airdate=[[October 2]], 1986
|written by=[[Megeen McLaughlin]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Unknown Generation 1 animation studios|Unknown]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}
'''On the run from the Decepticons, Octane seeks asylum on Cybertron, where he encounters the ghost of Starscream, who is still scheming in death.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:G1 StarscreamsGhost SpaceDynamite.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Clearly, Homeland Security is earning its budget.]]
Exiled from the [[Decepticon]]s, the former Decepticon [[Octane]] now makes a living freighting scrap metal from planet [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] for the [[Autobot]]s. However, his past catches up to him when a vengeful Galvatron hires an alien bounty hunter, the [[Skuxxoid]], to assassinate Octane. Just after he leaves Junk, Octane's cargo ship is destroyed by a bomb planted by his would-be assassin. Fortunately Octane is merely blown away from the explosion and is rescued by a passing transport ship.

[[File:G1 StarscreamsGhost Combaticonstalkers.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Who would have thought [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] could keep quiet?]]
Enraged by this failure, [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] dispatches the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] to track and eliminate the exile. Fearing for his life, Octane takes refuge with the Autobots on [[Earth]] and seeks the advice of his friend [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], who at first doesn't believe him. When they are ambushed and the Combaticons concentrate on Octane while leaving Sandstorm alone, however, the Autobot is convinced and the pair escape Earth in an [[Autobot shuttle]].

[[File:G1 StarscreamsGhost Diningout.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"Why'd you take me here, man? This bar has the ugliest hookers in space."]]
The two [[Triple Changer]]s stop and refuel at a neutral alien space station and use the time to discuss the situation at the adjoining diner. The Skuxxoid, having either tracked them there or anticipated their arrival, poses as the host and ushers them into the diner. As they enter, some seated customers get in a fight, knocking their own table over. Octane and Sandstorm nonchalantly right the table and have a seat, and soon a waitress delivers a plate of [[energon]] appetizers. As they eat, Octane tells Sandstorm that Galvatron wants him dead because he had stolen [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] and tried to become the most powerful Decepticon. Meanwhile, the Skuxxoid tries several times to kill Octane but is thwarted by a farcical series of mishaps. In frustration, he finally charges at his target from behind and jumps onto his shoulders, pounding his head repeatedly to little effect. Octane grabs the alien and demands to know who hired him. When the Skuxxoid says he was hired by Galvatron, Octane decides to go deeper into hiding.

[[File:StarscreamCryptMarker1.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Octane's a leg man.]]
He is followed to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]], [[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]], and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]]. When the attacking Decepticons pin him down, he seeks shelter in what appears to be a large drainage pipe, but turns out to be the secret entrance to a [[Decepticon Crypt]]. While there, he encounters the [[ghost]] of [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who conspires with Octane to take control of Cyclonus. Successful, Starscream then proceeds to "capture" the runaway Octane. However, they are pursued by the Autobots, intent on protecting Octane. [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus]] confronts "Cyclonus", and when he hears his voice, he recognizes him as Starscream instantly. Starscream promises Rodimus a "bonus" if he lets them go, and Rodimus agrees, to the other Autobots' confusion.

When "Cyclonus" brings the cowering Octane back to [[Chaar]], Galvatron is initially furious that the exile was not destroyed. But "Cyclonus" convinces Galvatron that the traitor should be interrogated for any information he might have learned amongst the Autobots. "Cyclonus" puts on a show of torturing Octane, who eventually relents and volunteers a "secret". The two conspirators take Galvatron to a location where Rodimus Prime appears to be alone and vulnerable. Galvatron attacks him and a short battle ensues, but he pauses when he realizes that several more Autobots have come out of hiding and all have their guns trained on him. Rodimus Prime waves to "Cyclonus" and Octane as they abandon Galvatron and fly away.

[[File:G1 StarscreamsGhost Cyclonuswrecked.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"DAMN YOU, TACO BELL!"]]
"Cyclonus" and Octane return to Chaar and lounge on Galvatron's throne, gloating about their successful ambush. But their mood is quickly spoiled by the appearance of a battered and vengeful Galvatron. Starscream reveals his identity to the Decepticon leader, who fires at him just as he exits Cyclonus's body. The gut-shot Cyclonus mumbles that the last thing he remembers is being in the Decepticon Crypt. Galvatron orders Cyclonus to be repaired, and Scourge acknowledges the command... then giggles with Starscream's voice as an image of the ghost becomes slightly visible over him.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|c1=
*[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] (5)
*[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] (15)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] (16)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (17)
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] (18)
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]] (19)
*[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]] (20)
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]] (21)
*[[Slingshot (G1)|Slingshot]] (22)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Perceptor]] (23)
|c2=
*[[Octane]] (2)
*[[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] (3)
*[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] (6)
*[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]] (7)
*[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]] (8)
*[[Scourge (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Scourge]] (11)
*[[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] (12)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus]] (13)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (14)
|h3=Others|c3=
*[[Junkyard (G1)|Junkyard]] (1)
*[[Skuxxoid]] (4)
*Alien serving wench (9)
*Alien tentacle guy (10)
}}

==Quotes==
"Hurry, hurry, hurry! Head on up and moooove 'em out! Come on down to Cybertron! A day without scrap metal is like a breakfast without sunshine!"
:—'''Junkyard'''

"Ehh, I'd probably be a jerk too if I was made of junk."
:—'''Octane''', apparently having forgotten that he ''is'' a jerk.

[''Taps Octane on the shoulder''.]"It's your old buddy, ''Starscream''! AHAHAHAHAHA!" 
"Just a shadow of my former self. Don't you think?" 
"STAAARRRRRSCCCRRREEEEAAAAAMMMM!"
:—'''Ghost Starscream''' and '''Octane''' have a less than warm reunion.

[''Autobots shoot at Decepticons in air''.] 
"They've spotted us!" 
[''muttering''] "Whatever would we do without a powerful intellectual like ''you'' along?" 
:—'''Octane''' to '''Cyclonus/Starscream''' who is thrilled by the remark.

"Okay, that's it!" 
"I'm still hungry!" 
"Oh, this? I picked it up on Mars." 
"Ahaha, you mean without a paddle?" 
"Well, I ''thought'' the water was safe to drink." 
"Is he with us? We gotta get movin'!" 
:—A group of diner patrons have the most nonsensical conversation ever while unintentionally thwarting one of the Skuxxoid's assassination attempts.

[[File:Starscream'sGhost Skuxxoid.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
"Take THAT, you overgrown tin can, and that, and THAT, and—I didn't WANT this job, I HAD to take it! I've got a wife and kids! I HAVE to deactivate you! Look, a guy's got to make a living, don't you understand?!"
:—'''Skuxxoid''', easy lizard, we don't want to hear your life story!

"He must be hiding in the crypt." 
"Good. Then we won't have to take him anywhere when we're done."
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Scourge'''

[[File:StarscreamsGhost Sweeps.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
'''Scourge''': You! Go down that shaft! 
'''Whining Sweep''': How come I gotta do the dirty work? 
'''Scourge''': You! See if the traitor is hiding down there! 
'''Cowardly Sweep''': No way! If you're so fired up to know what's going on, ''you'' go down there! 
'''Scourge''': YOU LEAD! 
'''Politely Declining Sweep''': I wouldn't want anyone thinking that I question you as a leader, but sorry. 
'''Cyclonus''': ''I'' question your leadership skills, Scourge. The last one in there will face ''me''! 
''[The Sweeps jump into the shaft.]'' 
'''Cyclonus''': You have much to learn. 
'''Scourge''': Yes, that is true. 
'''Cyclonus''': Now, ''DIVE!'' 
:—'''Scourge''', the Sweeps and '''Cyclonus''' debate entering the Crypt.

"Come out and die like a warrior! How dare you disgrace your ancestors by cowering like a pocket computer! He's worse than the Sweeps! Come out and face your fate like the powerful Decepticon you once were, not like the miserable excuse for a Decepticon you have become!"
:—'''Cyclonus''', after spotting Octane hiding behind somebody's marker

"Yes...we will interrogate him. Even if it's not informative, it will be ''fun''!"
:—'''Galvatron'''

"I'll never tell! (Hey, you got pretty close that time.)" 
''[Snicker]'' "You'd better before they discover your bad acting!"
:—'''Octane''' and '''Cyclonus/Starscream''' during their faux interrogation

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
[[File:ThundercrackerCryptMarker1.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
*This episode is the first appearance of Starscream's ghost. He'll reappear in the follow-up episode "[[Ghost in the Machine (G1)|Ghost in the Machine]]" (though the details don't quite line up).
**Outside the original cartoon, ghost Starscream would also appear in [[The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 4|the 4th issue]] of [[The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers|the 2010 manga]] and in the ''[[Transformers: The Battle of the Star Gate|The Battle of the Star Gate]]'' manga, and a decade later in the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Possession]]". He's also put in more recent appearances in issues of the ''[[Information Administration Teletraan 15 Go! Go!]]'' comics, [[Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama]], the ''[[Transformers × Evangelion]]'' online story as the "[[Angel]]"-[[Starscream (G1)|scream]], and the Facebook blog "[[Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur]]".
**The ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Bad Spark]]" would explain Starscream's "ghost": the [[spark]] of Starscream possesses a mutation which has rendered it indestructible.
*The creature that eats the Skuxxoid's gun paraphrases an old favorite line of the Insecticons: "A little heavy on the photons."
*The Decepticons have a dark sense of humor. Starscream's marker in the Decepticon crypt consists of nothing but his boots, in apparent "homage" to his death in ''The Transformers: The Movie'', wherein his legs were the only part of him not seen crumbling to ash.
**Other markers in the crypt include [[Thundercracker (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Thundercracker]], [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]], and, apparently, [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (or [[Prophetic dead Decepticon|someone with similar mannerisms]].)
**For some reason, the Decepticon Crypt is accessed via a drainage grate.
*The freighter Octane uses at the start of this episode is apparently a common Autobot design, as one is seen entering Cybertron as the Decepticons make their second attempt on Octane's life.
[[File:G1 StarscreamsGhost PRON.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Grab your dipstick and double-click...]]
*The [[Cheesecake robot|female robot]] Octane ogles on his internets looks surprisingly like [[Arcee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Arcee]]... but with much larger... shoulder pads. Yes.
*This is the first and the last time Cyclonus is seen serving as Galvatron's personal transport after Transformers the Movie
*Powers and gadgets:
**When Octane and Sandstorm transform and go off joyriding, for some reason Sandstorm constantly emits huge clouds of exhaust fumes. It's presumably a skewed interpretation of his bio ability to whip up "blinding sandstorms", which he actually uses correctly to evade the Combaticons.
**Sandstorm's cockpit is evidently large enough for Octane to operate him in robot mode. (In animation terms, Octane basically shrinks to fit inside him.)
*In the year 2006, the Skuxxoid uses the high-tech explosive dynamite.

===Real world references===
*The unnamed Junkion offers up a few pop culture references:
**"Head 'em up and move 'em out" is a common reference to cowboy culture; it was made particularly famous as part of the theme to ''Rawhide''.
**"A day without scrapmetal is like a breakfast without sunshine" plays on an old ad campaign for orange juice: "Breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine."
**"Best to you each morning" is likewise an old Kellogg's cereal ad slogan.
*Starscream gets in a bizarre one of his own after he takes over Cyclonus' body. When Octane asks "is that you in there?", Starscream replies "only my metal polisher knows for sure." This borrows from an old Clairol hair color ad which featured the tagline "[http://youtu.be/hCrEyOWAEVw only her hairdresser knows for sure.]"
*The famous ''Star Trek'' door slide sound can be heard as the hatch on Octane's ship closes behind him.
*Sandstorm borrows the same helicopter blade sound effect used for Cop-Tur in ''Challenge of the Go-Bots''.
**Likewise, Cyclonus and the Sweeps use the two most common Go-Bot laser sound effects as they first open fire on Octane.
*''Star Wars'' sound effects:
**When Cyclonus/Starscream fires on Sandstorm (and again when Galvatron blasts Cyclonus), the laser sound is sampled from ''[[Star Wars (film)|The Empire Strikes Back]],'' when C-3PO is shot to pieces by a Stormtrooper. The sample fails to cut out 3PO's cry of "No!", and his voice can heard in this episode and each time the sound effect is used again, in "[[Only Human]]" and "[[The Rebirth, Part 1]]".<ref>[http://zobovor.tripod.com/starscreams_ghost_bloopers.html Starscream's Ghost bloopers] on Zobovor's site.</ref>

===Animation and technical errors===
[[File:Cyclonus alt.jpg|thumb|right|200px|We could also criticize the all-over-the-map vocal performance of Roger Carmel, but he actually sounds pretty awesome.]]
*Though this isn't an AKOM episode, it does make consistent use of Rodimus Prime's outdated color model, giving him red shoulder indentations and white windscreen hip-details, like all AKOM episodes do.
*Everybody gets big sexy lips - first Octane, then Sandstorm, then Cyclonus as the episode rolls on.
*Cyclonus appears in his original discarded character model for the entire episode, save for one shot when he is "interrogating" Octane.
*Cyclonus has ''huge'' eyebrows in the crypt scenes. His eyebrows and chin are also colored dark purple, rather than the normal pale purple.
*Cyclonus and Rodimus both have colored mouths, to match their helmets: purple and red, respectively.
*When first seen, [[Junkyard (G1)|Junkyard]] is drawn in [[Scrapheap (G1)|Scrapheap]]'s colors.
*When Galvatron is shown giving orders to have Octane destroyed, he's missing from the shot - so the Skuxxoid is quaking in fear before an empty throne!
[[File:scary_chair.jpg|thumb|right|The scariest chair in the entire galaxy!]]
*As the Skuxxoid approaches the scrap conveyor, robots colored like Ultra Magnus, Kup and Sandstorm are shown where Octane and the Junkion should be.
*The thruster-glows on Octane's ship disappear after takeoff. Technically correct, since the ship shouldn't need to keep thrusting once it's in space, but not consistent with the way ships usually operate in the cartoon.
*Octane's robot pinup girl appears on a small monitor that wasn't there when we saw the full console a couple of shots earlier.
*While Octane is walking with Sandstorm outside Autobot City, he trips and falls over a rock. The rock actually jumps in front of Octane's foot causing him to fall down. Can't this guy catch a break?
*Coloring errors:
**Blast Off's forehead is colored as though it were an optic visor.
**Brawl's mouthplate is colored gray instead of brown as the smoke engulfs him.
**Starscream's back cowling is colored cockpit yellow as he walks up behind Cyclonus.
**Silverbolt has a red cockpit as he dives to attack.
**Rodimus's helmet rims are orange instead of red as he orders the Decepticons to be encircled.
**The center of Rodimus's spoiler is yellow instead of orange during and after the fight with Galvatron.
*Sudden starry night:
**After Octane gets up and the pair begin to walk again, the background is of deep space, even though they are on Earth.
*Wrong lasers:
**The standard Autobot and Decepticon lasers sound effects are MIA for this episode. The Combaticon lasers use one sound effect; Cyclonus and the Sweeps - and later the Autobots - use a variety of old science fiction stock sound effects for their weapons, some of which were standard sound effects on ''Challenge of the Go-Bots''. (See also Real World References, below.)
*Autobot City's wall is very, very low—low enough for Octane and Sandstorm merely to jump over when the Combaticons fire upon them.
*The commercial bumpers have a few extra seconds' worth of music in this episode.
*The Skuxxoid's laser pistol has a sight as he arms it, but is sightless when he aims it at Octane. The sight reappears in subsequent shots.
*Octane reacts to the attacking Decepticons long before they actually emerge from the smoke cloud.
*When the Decepticons attack Octane on Cybertron, some of the laser fire coming towards Octane is coloured gold, like Autobot lasers.
*After smacking Scourge, Cyclonus returns to jet mode with no transformation sound.
*The back of Starscream's legs are colored light blue as he creeps up behind Cyclonus in the Crypt.
*Cyclonus destroys the bars in the grate, causing Octane to fall down the chute. Later, as Cyclonus and the Sweeps approach the damaged grate, its bars are fully intact.
*The fleeing Decepticons simply appear out of thin air on the monitor, while the background behind them remains unchanged.
*A layering error has the Aerialbots shooting at Sandstorm!
[[File:G1 StarscreamsGhost BackwardsKup.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|"Kup, there's something wrong with your optics!" "They're fine, Magnus; [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] fixed 'em yesterday." "...Ratchet's dead, Kup."]]
*Silverbolt is drawn with four engines when the Aerialbots go after Cyclonus/Starscream's group.
*When the Autobots counter-attack in an attempt to rescue Octane, Kup is shown arriving at the battle driving ''backwards''.
*One of the Sweeps just hangs around behind Rodimus while Starscream and Octane take off.
*During Octane's "interrogation," Octane mouths Starscream's laugh.
*When Octane and the possessed Cyclonus are sitting around Decepticon headquarters discussing Galvatron's fate, Octane is shown mouthing Starscream's question, and Cyclonus is drawn mouthing Octane's response.

===Continuity errors===
*For some reason Autobot City appears to be deserted, as nobody comes out to investigate the battle with the Combaticons.
*The "energon" served on board the alien space station/space trucker rest stop is drawn and coloured as small orange wedges, rather than the traditional glowing purple cubes.

*Humanizing:
**The Combaticons cough when they're surrounded by Sandstorm's dust clouds... even though none of them have mouths!
**As Octane stuffs his face with "energon", he makes repeated "gulping" sound effects.
*The Autobot freighter leaves a cloud of smoke... in space. (It suddenly appears when the Decepticons need to use it for cover.)
*As Octane wanders through the crypt, he looks at the statue of a generic robot and paraphrases Dirge's catchphrase about "Death comes to he who crosses me" (a cut line from ''The Transformers: The Movie'', actually used in "Five Faces of Darkness"). Only problem is, Dirge isn't dead! Despite being eaten by Unicron in the movie, and blowing up in "Five Faces", he shows up in several subsequent episodes. Even if he ''were'' killed in one or the other of these instances, when would the Decepticons have had a chance to build a memorial to him, as they didn't control Cybertron after the Unicron battle? And why doesn't the statue look like him in the first place?
*A Sweep comments that Cyclonus "sounds like Starscream", to which Scourge replies "No need to be insulting." Starscream mutters "You will suffer for that!" in response... but it's several shots and lines of dialog afterwards, breaking the flow and making it seem like he's addressing Sandstorm, who he just shot down. It's even more unfortunate since this one line seems to be setting up Starscream's later possession of Scourge - at the end of this episode and again in its sequel.
*A script glitch has Galvatron asking "You mean WHAT, old friend?" and Starscream replying "Who do you think I mean?" In keeping with the previous lines, Galvatron should have asked ''who''.

===Trivia===
[[File:TVMagazineStarscreamsGhost1.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Hey, remember that episode where Blitzwing fought Starscream's ghost? That was awesome.]]
*Several clues indicate that this episode was originally scripted to feature [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] in Octane's role, following on from the conclusion of "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]", in which Blitzwing was banished from the Decepticons and offered a place among the Autobots by Rodimus Prime (though he declined):
**When Octane relates the reasons for his banishment, he quotes verbatim Galvatron's words to Blitzwing, that he would "never be welcome in the ranks of the Decepticons again".
**The events of "[[Thief in the Night]]" are used to provide a reason for Octane's own banishment, but when he recounts them in this episode, actor [[Beau Weaver]]'s lines sound noticeably rushed, as if they were being fitted into a pre-existing framework that did not originally contain them. Also, "Thief in the Night" was actually broadcast ''after'' this episode.
**Also, "Thief" didn't end with Galvatron and Octane on bad terms.
**A piece of artwork in Japan's ''[[TV Magazine]]'' shows Blitzwing being accosted by the specter of Starscream.
**When Octane first sees Starscream, he is paralyzed in terror halfway between truck and robot mode. Starscream even remarks that he needs to be "straightened up". This reflects Blitzwing's on-package [[bio]], which states that he "often gets stuck in mid-transformation."<ref>Blitzwing's on-package bio, [http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/decoder.asp?CharName=Blitzwing&ImgURL=/archive/techspecs/decepticon/1985/ts_blitzwing.jpg scan at botchthecrab.com]</ref>
**Though Blitzwing's toy was still being sold at this point, Octane's was newer, which has always been [[to sell toys|a good enough reason]] for anything that happens in ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' media.
**Sandstorm refers to Octane as an 'older model', which Octane isn't happy with. While it could be Octane is just an older model, Blitzwing's toy was out for a year longer (it was last years model, not the current years) and was even introduced much earlier in the show (series 2, not series 3), the line would fit Blitzwing much better. Similarly, Starscream refers to Octane as "old friend", despite Octane not having appeared before Starscream's death.
*This episode's [[dialogue script]] ascribes all of Sandstorm's dialogue to [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]. While it's tempting to think that, like Octane, his character was consciously switched, this script seems to have been written up using the ''finished episode'', rather than the actual recording script, so it's probably just a transcription error.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/38be154a237a9aa3?pli=1 Alt.toys.transformers post about script errors]</ref>
*Two of the alien patrons of the diner were originally for the episode "[[Chaos (episode)|Chaos]]", though due to script changes, they were not used until "Starscream's Ghost".
*This was one of twelve episodes of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] released as audio adventures by the [[Germany|German]] company [[Karussell|Karussell Musik und Video]].
*This episode has an especially humorous tone, with quippy dialogue and wacky events such as Octane tuning into robo-porn and the Skuxxoid clumsily failing to kill him multiple times.

===Foreign localization===

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Der Geist von Starscream'''" ("The Ghost of Starscream")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Caccia al traditore'''" (First dub, "Traitor Hunt"), "'''Il fantasma di Starscream'''" (Second dub, "Starscream's Ghost")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' スタースクリームの幽霊 (''Starscream no Yūrei'', "Starscream's Ghost")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[December 26]], [[1986]]

'''Mandarin'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Sǐbùgānxīn de Hóngzhīzhū '''" (死不甘心的红蜘蛛, "Unresigned Starscream's Ghost")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Prizrak Skandalista'''" (''Призрак Скандалиста'', "Starscream's Ghost")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1987 — ''Transformers'' — Starscream's Ghost / The Nightmare Planet / The Ghost in the Machine ([[St. Michael Video Library]]) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 1991 — ''Transformers'' — Starscream's Ghost / Fight or Flee ([[Tempo Video]])
;{{w|LaserDisc}}
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1999 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers: 2010'' — DVD Box (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 3 Part 1: Vol. 2 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 3 and Season 4 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 4: Series 3.1 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[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 UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season's Three & Four {{sic}} (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 Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2010 — ''The Transformers'' — Seasons Three & Four: 25th Anniversary Edition (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'' — Seasons Three & Four: 30th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory) 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2014 — ''Transformers'' — The Classic Animated Series (Metrodome)

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/season-3/synopses/700-95.html Episode Dossier at The Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:The Transformers episodes]]

File:Starscreams-ghost-animation-error-scary-chair.jpg

2018-02-26T00:44:08Z

Elleby: Animation Error from the episode Starscream's Ghost

Animation Error from the episode Starscream's Ghost

Windcharger (G1)

2016-08-29T15:03:57Z

Elleby: /* Notes */ Fixed Wheeljack link to point to the proper page.

{{picsneeded|fiction, decoy}}
{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Windcharger}}
:''Windcharger is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Windcharger flash.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|This looks like a job for...]]

Of all the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s crew who crash-landed on Earth, '''Windcharger''' is unquestionably the fastest on the ground, at least for short distances. Windcharger can go from zero to 60 MPH virtually instantly, limited only by the traction between his tires and their driving surface. Frequently, after tearing away with a neck-snapping jerk, he will just as rapidly squeal to a halt to investigate something that caught his eye, for Windcharger is impulsive as well as impatient, both in mind and in body.

In [[robot mode]], Windcharger can energize his arms and make them the poles of a precisely controllable electromagnet, powerful enough to levitate ten tons of steel 700 feet away. With care, he can draw objects gently toward him or hurl them violently away. Also, as the long-suffering laws of physics dictate, this field is extremely strong near Windcharger; at close range, he can tear magnetic objects to shreds.

Unfortunately for Windcharger, his power supply, biased as it is toward a brief, heavy overload, is prone to failure if the overload is too severe or too long-lasting. Even worse, his impulsive nature makes him hardly willing to exercise the mental control he needs to avoid overusing his power. As a result, Windcharger often finds himself stumbling home, reeking of ozone and burned insulation, and needing medical attention and a nice, tall, chilled glass of dielectric [[oil]].

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukonly}}
''Five million years ago, Windcharger was part of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s plan to defend [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] from the [[Decepticon]]s. After Prime lured the Decepticons onto a bridge and blew it up, Windcharger used his magnetic powers to pull him to safety.'' {{storylink|And There Shall Come...a Leader!}}

Windcharger was among the elite few selected by Optimus Prime to join him in crashing the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' into the [[Earth]], to keep the ship's secrets from the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}} After the Autobots awoke in 1984, Windcharger was very concerned with how they would obtain more fuel, though thankfully a solution presented itself almost immediately; [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] had befriended a human who suggested a means of converting gasoline to Energon. {{storylink|Power Play!}} After the human, [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], was abducted by the Decepticons, Windcharger participated in the attack on [[Fortress Sinister]] to rescue him. After the clash, Windcharger looked on at [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]'s body, deactivated following his fellow Autobot's plummet from the Decepticon fortress, but still salvageable. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}} ''Returning to base, the Autobots busied themselves in repairing the Ark. During their work, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] was subjected to a powerful electrical feedback, altering his personality and making him violently irrational. The haywire Autobot stormed out and began rampaging through a nearby town, forcing Windcharger and the others to subdue him. Another electrical shock returned Brawn to his senses, but the Autobots couldn't be sure he was wholly back to normal. His test of loyalty came in the form of a trial by combat against [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]], and though Windcharger believed that Brawn was destroyed in the duel, he was overjoyed to see that the Autobot's demise had simply been a ruse orchestrated using Mirage's holographic powers. Windcharger then cheered as Brawn was welcomed back into the Autobot fold.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

[[File:WindchargerTriumphant.gif|left|upright=1.1|thumb|When he gets done with Guardian, he's gonna erase all the big guy's VHS tapes. Just BECAUSE.]]
''During a Decepticon attack on the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime attempted to activate the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s computer, known as [[Aunty]], to bring the defense systems back online. Unfortunately, Auntie had been damaged in the crash and become unstable. Unable to remember who was friend or foe, she used a magnetic field to subdue all the combatants aside from Windcharger and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], whose magnetic powers enabled them to counter Auntie’s magnetic force. With Ravage's help, Windcharger was able to deactivate Auntie's [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]] battle droid. Once Ravage shut down Auntie, Windcharger used his powers to hurl [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] from the Autobot base.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

After witnessing [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] accuse [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] of treachery, Windcharger battled the Decepticons once more, but was defeated by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] along with the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Last Stand}} His deactivated body was strung up from the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s ceiling to be used as spare parts. {{storylink|The New Order}}

''The Decepticons reprogrammed Guardian while in control of the Ark, and once they had been vanquished from the ship, the droid was reactivated. At this time, the Ark was still full of deactivated Autobots in need of repair. The few active Autobots made Windcharger's reactivation a priority so that he could use his magnetic powers to thwart the hostile droid. Ultimately, however, Windcharger did not get the chance, as Swoop stepped up to the task instead.'' {{storylink|The Wrath of Grimlock!}}

After [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] had put the bulk of the Autobots back in working order, he had Windcharger and the others go on a diagnostics run through the open plains to ensure they were back in tip-top shape. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}} Some time later, Windcharger was gunned down by Optimus Prime's body when the Decepticons took control of it using a fake head. {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''When the Autobots were dispatched to locate the missing [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], all suffering from madness due to circuit damage, Windcharger was assigned to lead "A-Team", which included [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. The three searched for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] in a northern [[California]] swamp, but were captured in a Decepticon ambush led by [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]]. They were later rescued thanks to [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

He was seen much later, watching [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] duke it out for leadership of the Autobots on the moon. He then took part in fighting the Decepticon forces that attempted to ambush them. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[John Stephenson]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese, "SOS Dinobots"), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese, "Microbots", "Fire on the Mountain")|[[Juan Cuadra]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Antônio Patiño]] (Brazilian Portuguese, 1st voice)}}

[[File:MTMTE2 Windcharger coat.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"A phone booth! I need a phone booth!! ...Also, pants."]]
Windcharger was part of the initial crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', on a mission to seek out new energy sources to fuel their struggle with the Decepticons. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} After awakening on Earth over four million years later, Windcharger participated in the unsuccessful Autobot counter-attack on the Decepticon siege of [[Sherman Dam]], which was being run at dangerous capacities to fill the Decepticons' [[energon cube]]s. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}}

He was also among the group of Autobots who attempted to stop the Decepticons raiding the [[ruby crystal mines of Burma]]. He dressed up in a lab coat during an attempt to trick the Decepticons into attacking a fake rocket base, though it turned out the Decepticons they were fighting were decoys, and he and the other Autobots were forced to try and stop the Decepticons from taking off in their [[Victory (G1)|space cruiser]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

When [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] was severely damaged, Windcharger, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] went to see how the repairs were going, unaware that [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] had hitched a ride on Brawn's shoulder. He later helped defend headquarters long enough for a new [[cosmitron]] to be retrieved from Cybertron, so Prime could be repaired. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} Windcharger attended the unveiling of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], and was knocked over by [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the ensuing chaos. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}}

[[File:FireOnTheMountain Windcharger vehiclemode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|[[Laserbeak (G1)|Tinfoil turkey]] at seven o'clock.]]
Of all the other Autobots, he seemed to be closest to [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]], judging from their excellent teamwork and friendly banter while journeying with [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] to investigate a Decepticon super-weapon in Peru. When Windcharger was injured during the battle later in that mission, Brawn was quick to swear vengeance for the small 'bot. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain}}

[[File:UltimateDoom2 Windcharger tractorbeam.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Windcharger, sitting in the rafters, waving a flashlight in a slow circle. Welcome to the worst rave ever.]]
When [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] was kidnapped by the Decepticons, Windcharger was in the group which tunneled beneath the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]], using his magnetic field to detect when they'd reached their destination and carrying Sparkplug from the base. Along with the other Autobots, he was unsuccessful in preventing [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] from bringing Cybertron into Earth's orbit. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} After [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] fell into a chasm during the Autobot retreat, Windcharger used his tractor beam to pull the little Autobot out. The eruption of [[Mount St. Hilary|the volcano]] at Autobot HQ blew Windcharger, [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and Huffer into the air, necessitating a rescue by Skyfire. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 2}}

[[File:PlagueOfInsecticons Windcharger repulsorfield.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Windcharger's call for help from the sea creatures was unsuccessful. It was answered by a yellow Volkswagen and a kid in a hard hat.]]
After [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] were sighted in [[Bali]], Windcharger, Brawn and Bumblebee headed there in Skyfire. They found the Insecticons feeding on a field of hay, but had trouble fighting them off. Windcharger had to set up a repulsor field to stop them from being cut to bits by the spikes from [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]'s grenade. The rest of the Autobots turned up in time to save their bacon, and they pursued the Decepticons to a nearby refinery. {{storylink|A Plague of Insecticons}}

Windcharger was in the group of Autobots who attempted to defend a new Air Force rocket base from the Decepticons. He and Ratchet were taken out by an attack from behind by [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]], who was promptly given the boot by Brawn. Windcharger was OK though, and later helped the other Autobots try to reason with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] when the boy was placed in a robot body and went a little nuts. {{storylink|Autobot Spike}} He was hanging around Autobot HQ when [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] detected strange readings from the bottom of the Atlantic, but didn't bother volunteering to go check it out. {{storylink|Atlantis, Arise!}} At one point, he helped the other Autobots construct [[detection plate]]s to increase Headquarter's security grid. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}}

[[File:PrimeProblem Windcharger scrap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Silly Windcharger — did you destroy another good PC with your amazing magnetic powers?" "...A bee flew by and I panicked."]]
Much like the other Autobots, Windcharger was bemused by Optimus Prime's odd behavior after one particular battle, and even more confused when a second Optimus drove into Headquarters. Their test to determine the real Prime proved inconclusive, however the Autobots were alerted by strange energy readings from the crevasse the earlier battle had taken place at. Returning to the scene, they battled the Decepticons again, however Windcharger and Spike spotted [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] acting oddly, and found Megatron's [[Incredibly tall rocket|control center]], from which he was controlling the false Prime.

Before they could return to warn the other Autobots, the pair were spotted, and Windcharger was knocked into the crevasse, where he only escaped destruction by transforming — his vehicle mode tires insulated him from the [[korlonium crystal]]s filling the crevasse. He was able to climb out and warn the other Autobots. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

[[File:PrimeTarget Optimus addresses Autobots.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|"Why do I bother showing up for roll call when no one ever talks to me?"]]
Windcharger was around when [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] attempted to demonstrate how he'd taught the Dinobots to better control their abilities. It didn't go well. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} When Megatron supercharged himself with the [[Heart of Cybertron]], Windcharger helped defend Headquarters against the Decepticon leader. {{storylink|Microbots}} All of the Autobots were banished from Earth after the Decepticons framed them with an elaborate plan. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} They almost crashed into the sun, but made it back to Earth safely. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}}

After a close call with [[Cybertonium]] depletion, Windcharger was around for a ceremony honoring Spike, [[Carly]] and the Dinobots for retrieving more of the valuable substance from Cybertron. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} He, Huffer and [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] blasted Decepticon drones in New York City. {{storylink|Make Tracks}} After [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and Bumblebee disappeared, Windcharger took part in the search. As the other Autobots were picked off by [[Chumley|Lord Chumley]] and his servant [[Dinsmoore]], Windcharger narrowly escaped one of their fiendish traps. He regrouped at HQ with the other Autobots in time for Chumley to deliver his challenge to Optimus. {{storylink|Prime Target (episode)|Prime Target}}

[[File:WindchargerTFMovie.jpg|thumb|He got better... maybe.]]
Windcharger was among the five Autobots who disguised themselves as [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]] in order to halt one of Megatron's evil schemes; he [[camouflage paint|camouflaged himself]] as [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. When the group was forced to become a fake [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], Windcharger's magnetic powers were essential to pull the Autobots together for the illusion. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

Windcharger was among the Autobots killed at the [[Battle of Autobot City]]; [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] pulled his corpse into the shelter of a bunker and laid it alongside that of Wheeljack. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}
{{note|Windcharger’s involvement in these events, or events mostly similar, were also chronicled in the comic mini-series ''[[Transformers: The Animated Movie]].''}}

{{-}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|The Autobot Run}} {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon}}}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' manga====
Windcharger greeted [[Kenji]], the Autobots' new human friend, when he came to visit their headquarters in [[Japan]]. Shortly afterwards, the city of Yokohama came under attack from the Decepticons, and Windcharger followed Optimus Prime to the site of the battle. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #4}}

====Full Throttle Scramble Power!====
After the Autobots had foiled the Decepticons' [[Omega Whip|latest plan]], Windcharger and dozens of other Autobots arrived at the villains base alongside [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] to punish them for their misdeeds. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

====''Story of Binaltech''====
Granted a vision of the future by the time-tossed Decepticon [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] saw Windcharger's looming death in the year 2005, and resolved to save his life. {{storylink|Project Bodyshop}}

Two BT-16 Honda S-2000 Aero Style bodies were built for Windcharger to use, but the [[Earth Defense Command|EDC]] shuttle they were on disappeared during delivery. One of the BT-16s ended up being possessed by the [[spark]] of a [[Blackarachnia (BW)|future Transformer]], while the other was implanted with an evil [[laser core]] by [[Unicron]] and became [[Decepticharge]]. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 8/8/2015}}

{{Note|Due to the cancellation of the ''[[Binaltech]]'' Blackarachnia toy, this material went unused until the Facebook version of [[Ask Vector Prime]] canonized it in 2015.}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{wingsnote}}
By 2012, memorial statues of Windcharger, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], and [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]] had been built at Autobot City. {{storylink|A Flash Forward, Part 2}}

====''Deviations''====
In an alternate timeline where [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] survived the [[Battle of Autobot City]], Windcharger's body was lined up with other victims of the battle to be honored. {{storylink|Transformers: Deviations|Deviations}}

===''Find Your Fate Junior''===
{{notemultipath}}
====Dinobots Strike Back====
[[File:DinobotsStrikeBack-magnets.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Magnets, how do they work?]]
When [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] used a [[cerebro-shell]] to control the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and send them on a violent rampage, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] had few options. One option involved letting [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] use a hologram of Optimus Prime to lure the Dinobots over a cliff. The other was to allow Windcharger to use his magnetic powers to remove the shells from a distance. Windcharger was eager to be chosen.

But how far away should he stand? If he stands too close, he may cause a whirlwind of magnetic destruction that would rip the Dinobots to shreds, causing dino-corpse parts to fly about and knock the Autobots around! But if he stands too far away, his powers may have no effect and everyone will die helplessly at the hands of their brainwashed comrades.

Windcharger stood 40 feet away:

{{quote|"The magnetism is too much - they'll be ripped apart!" shouts Prowl as bolts, screws, and bits of metal fly away from the whirling Dinobots. "I'm afraid you're right," Windcharger replies with a frown, "but there's nothing we can do."}}

Let's stand a little further away next time, Windcharger. You murderer.

In the alternate path, he did just that. From 100 feet away, his magnetic field harmlessly popped all four shells right off.

The next day, in one possible path, Skids returned to the ''Ark'' to report Bumblebee disappearing after radioing him about a secret base inside [[Mount Lomas]] where the Decepticons were ready to process black coral into superfuel. While Prowl wanted to have the Dinobots infiltrate and back-stab the Decepticons, Windcharger advocated an immediate all-out assault, partly for Bumblebee's sake. Turns out either course of action would produce an Autobot victory, but [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]] didn't fare as well if Optimus selected Windcharger's plan. {{storylink|Dinobots Strike Back}}

====Earthquake====
[[File:EarthquakePowerglideBeahccomberWindcharger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
In one possible sequence of events, Windcharger was sent out alongside Powerglide and Beachcomber to investage a secret Decepticon fortress discovered by Beachcomber. Once the three Autobots arrived at cliff face that concealed the Decepticons' base, the three of them debated on which course of action they would take.

If the three Autobots decided to walk through the main entrance of the Decepticons' base, Windcharger was the first to charge forward. Unfortunately for Windcharger, the doors slammed shut upon him, crushing him into a heap of smoking metal. Fortunately for Windcharger, Rumble was tricked into creating an earthquake that incapacitated the Decepticons almost immediately, allowing for Powerglide and Beachcomber to retrieve his remains, and bring them to Ratchet for repairs.

If the trio decided instead to look for an alternate entrance into the Decepticon fortress, they discovered a narrow passageway hidden behind bushes and scrubs. Beachcomber then led his squad into the passageway until they emerged into a storage room. Leading out of the storage room was a passage not unlike the one from which they had just emerged, and a brightly lit corridor. Windcharger voted to explore the other dark passageway.

If Beachcomber joined Windcharger, the two of them soon found themselves before a heavy stone doorway. Hearing Decepticon voices beyond the door, the pair argued whether or not to try spring a surprise attack on the Decepticons.

If Beachcomber decided to proceed with Windcharger and attack, the two Autobots started to argue once more on how to get through the heavy door. While Windcharger was eager to use his magnetic abilities to bust it down, Beachcomber considered attempting to decode the door’s access lock.

If the pair managed to decode the door’s password, they found themselves intruding upon Megatron’s secret chamber. Upon hearing Megatron approaching, the pair grabbed him from behind. Taken by surprised, the Decepticon leader was tricked into thinking that the Autobots had has base surrounded, and was made to have the Decepticons surrender. After contacting Optimus Prime, to send reinforcements, the Decepticons’ ploy was successfully undone.

If the pair were unable to decode the door’s password, Windcharger attempted to smash the door down, despite Beachcomber’s protests. All Windcharger managed to do was make a lot of noise, and the two Autobots fled. Unfortunately, as they retreated, they were spotted by Megatron, who blocked off their exit in his weapon mode. The Decepticon leader then promptly slaughtered the pair.

If Beachcomber decided to explore the brightly-lit corridor with Powerglide, Windcharger was unable to find anything of importance on his own. But the other two Autobots shortly met up with him once more, and informed Windcharger that they had uncovered the Decepticons’ ploy. The trio returned to Autobot headquarters to relate their findings to Optimus Prime. The Decepticons planned to use a Destruction Beam to create a fault line near Center City, which would in turn be exploited by Rumble’s earthquake-inducing abilities to destroy the entire area. The Autobots then decided to split up in two groups, one to attack the Decepticons’ fortress, the other to attempt to stop Rumble in Center City. It is unknown which group, if any, Windcharger was assigned to.

Alternatively, if Beachcomber decided to have Windcharger, Powerglide and himself each investigate a different area of the Decepticons’ fortress, Beachcomber would get himself captured, leading to his teammate’s capture. Windcharger was ordered executed by Buzzsaw while the Decepticons carried on with their evil deeds. {{storylink|Earthquake (book)|Earthquake}}

{{-}}

====Desert Flight====
[[File:DesertFlightDirgeandThrustattackAutobots.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
Windcharger was part of a group of the Autobots’ best scouts, led by Optimus on a fuel-finding mission. He rescued Powerglide from crashing before the Autobots’ newest adventure could even begin when P.G.’s engines stalled, through the use of his magnetic abilities. The noise the convoy had heard, which had led to Powerglide stalling out, was a large explosion in the distance. Optimus sent Cosmos to investigate the noise.

If Cosmos radioed his findings to Optimus immediately, Optimus’s convoy moved in to investigate a nearby Decepticon base. En route, the Autobots passed near a human town, but began floating in mid-air before being able to reach it. Evidently, the phenomenon was caused by a Decepticon anti-gravity weapon.

If Optimus ordered his troops to come to the humans’ aid, they found themselves taking part in a struggle in futility, as the entire town was near-weightless, meaning they couldn’t put the humans anywhere where they wouldn’t float away once more. Then, the Autobots heard Decepticons approaching. Helpless in their current position, the Autobots were quickly eradicated by the Decepticons.

If Optimus ordered his troops to attack the Decepticon base, they soon reached an area free of the anti-gravity beam’s influence. They were then attacked by a small fleet of Decepticons. The Decepticons were quickly forced to break off their attack and retreated. But with the battle over, the Autobots noticed a small human boy at their feet. The Autobots then headed for the Decepticon base, with their stowaway. Megatron delivered an ultimatum; if the Autobots did not surrender Optimus Prime to the Decepticons immediately, he would use his gravity beam to have the nearby humans float off into space.

If the Autobots decided to continue with their initial plan to simply attack the Decepticon base, their advance was halted by a force field. Megatron then fired his beam in all directions, causing a ripple effect that sent everything not fastened down to the Earth’s surface to float helplessly out into space.

Alternatively, the Autobots could concoct a plan where Optimus would pretend to allow himself to be taken prisoner, per Buddy’s suggestion. In actuality, Windcharger and the rest of the Autobots were hidden away inside Optimus’s trailer. The Autobots then led a surprise attack on their unsuspecting foes. Windcharger was tasked with disabling the Decepticons’ forcefield, so that further Autobot reinforcements could allow for a quick victory. Seeking out the control room, Windcharger came face-to-face with a Decepticon drone, demanding a password. The Decepticons being rather uncreative with the passwords, Windcharger settled on two possible phrases that had a high possibility of being correct.

If Windcharger guessed that the password was “MEGATRON IS SUPREME!” he was promptly executed by the Decepticon drone.

If Windcharger guessed that the password was “DEATH TO OPTIMUS PRIME!” the guard drone allowed him safe passage. Windcharger then easily turned off the bases’s forcefield.

In the event that Buddy tampered with the gravity gun in the ensuing battle, the Autobots would emerge victorious.

In the event that Buddy instead entered a space-time anomaly created throughout the course of the battle, the Autobots would lose their fight against the Decepticons, and Windcharger wound up either injured or dead.

In a completely different possible sequence of events, wherein Cosmos had taken off to explore the Decepticon base on his own, The Autobot convoy were surprised to see two Cosmoses flying back towards them some time later. Both Cosmoses declared themselves to be the real one, and urged Optimus to destroy the other.

If Optimus destroyed the wrong Cosmos, the duplicate obliterated Windcharger and the rest of the Autobots with the proton bomb it housed within its body.

If Optimus destroyed the duplicate Cosmos, the real one would inform the Autobots of the Decepticons’ schemes, and the convoy would roll out to take on their adversaries. They were soon met by a squad of flying Decepticons, but were at a strict disadvantage against their adversaries as their vehicle modes possessed no weapons. The Autobots nonetheless managed to fight their way to the Decepticons’ base, one way or another, and defeated the Decepticons by using their own gravity weapon against them. {{storylink|Desert Flight}}

{{-}}

====Decepticon Poison====
[[File:DecepticonPoisonAutobotVictory.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
Windcharger’s magnetic powers come from his magnetic gun, rather than being built into his superstructure.
In one possible scenario, Windcharger was amongst the troops that Optimus brought to the Decepticons’ poison lab, in order to foil the Decepticons’ plan of poisoning the humans’ nearby water supply. Upon seeing the Decepticons hauling out barrels of poison, Windcharger suggested that he drive down and use his magnetic powers to cause a ruckus. The rest of the Autobots would then be able to come in and take care of the Decepticons easily.

If Optimus went along with Windcharger’s plan, WIndcharger would levitate the barrels over the Decepticons’ head with his magnetic abilities, leading to Jazz and Prowl working together to ignite their contents over the Decepticons’ heads. The Decepticons were forced to retreat, and the lab was destroyed, allowing the Autobots to drive back to base victoriously. {{storylink|Decepticon Poison}}

{{-}}

===Sticker Adventures books===
Windcharger helped fend off a Decepticon attack. He and the other Autobots then enjoyed an unusual lull in Decepticon activities for the next several days, only to find out they had been lulled into a false sense of security; the Decepticons had stolen the Autobots’ entire supply of fuel during this quiet time. Windcharger set out to find more fuel before it was too late, only for Hound to tell him that the Decepticons were already approaching. Thankfully, Optimus returned just in time with a new shipment of fuel.Re-energized, the Autobots forced the Decepticons to flee once again. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Storybooks continuity===
Windcharger was one of the thirty-five Autobots rebuilt on Earth as terrestrial vehicles. Learning that Megatron was once more up to no good, Windcharger joined Optimus and the rest of the Autobots in an assault on the Decepticon base. Finding themselves welcomed with open arms into the enemy stronghold, Windcharger gave Optimus a confused look in response to these bizarre happenings. The Decepticons' act was soon revealed as a distraction, and Windcharger engaged Soundwave in combat, repelling the Decepticon with a magentic field. The Autobots were expelled from the Decepticons' headquarters, but soon returned to do battle with the evil robots once more when Megatron executed his plan to take millions of humans hostage ina a bid to gain the Earth's unconditional surrender. In the fight that followed, Windcharger was blasted by Devastator. The Autobots eventually won the conflict thanks to the Dinobots' timely intervention, and Windcharger drove away with the rest of the Autobots. {{storylink|Battle for Earth}}

[[File:GrimlockpullsDevastatorstatue-ASW.jpeg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
In order to liberate a group of Autobot hostages from the Decepticons, Windcharger helped build a statue of Devastator, from within which the Autobots could hide. Windcharger helped bring the false peace offering before the Decepticons' headquarters. From this point on, it was up to the Autobots hiding within the statue to rescue the hostages. They ultimately succeeded. {{storylink|The Autobots' Secret Weapon}}
{{-}}

===Marvel coloring books===
Windcharger was part of the Autobot convoy that followed Optimus Prime into battle when the Autobots learned that the Decepticons were using a [[molecular transfer device]] to steal fuel from all over the globe. He helped Huffer fight Starscream by using his magnetic powers to pull the Decepticon down into Huffer's range. Having expended a lot of his energy during the fight against the Decepticons, Windcharger was tended to by Ratchet, and received a fuel transfer from the much less fuel-efficient [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]].{{storylink|Summertime Coloring Book}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===

Windcharger was part of a battle unit assembled by Optimus Prime to stop the Decepticons from seizing control of...a single windmill. (No, really.) {{storylink|Laserbeak's Fury}}

===Listen 'n Fun audiobooks continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' ??
While spying on the Decepticons, Windcharger found out that they were intending to use Doctor [[Heath Blaisedale]]'s solar reactor to drain all the [[Sun]]'s energy for their own use, spelling doom for Earth. He returned to headquarters to warn [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and found that Dr Blaisedale had already been persuaded to help the Autobots. They raced to the solar plant to defend it against the Decepticons, but when Blaisedale was kidnapped by [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Windcharger was part of a team led by Optimus to rescue her. By the time they got back to the solar plant, [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] had run out of energy, and Windcharger had to push him clear of the battle. {{storylink|Sun Raid (Listen 'n Fun)}}

===The Battle for Planet Earth===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter Marinker]] (English)}}
After a day of hard work repairing the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', Windcharger and the other Autobots relaxed in front of the [[television]], only to discover the Decepticons were kidnapping humans. {{storylink|Bumblebee to the Rescue (G1)|Bumblebee to the Rescue}} He, [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] and [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] kept the Decepticon base under constant surveillance via a shift system. When Windcharger spotted the Decepticons leaving for [[Stanley Lake]], he alerted the other Autobots and was part of the mission to save the dam there. {{Storylink|Menace at the Dam}} When [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] attempted to defect to the Autobots, Windcharger thought that the Decepticon would have much useful information for them. As it turned out, it was a trick so Starscream could pass on information to the Decepticons, but the Autobots were able to use it to their advantage and destroy the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Espionage!!!!!}}

===Deadly Paradise===
[[File:DeadlyParadise Windcharger kills Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Oh, okay, ''that's'' how they work. Yikes.]]
Windcharger was part of a team of Autobots who traveled to [[Carob Island]] to investigate suspected Decepticon activity. Upon discovering Decepticon machines digging for a unique ore, he helped destroy them using his magnetic abilities. It soon transpired that the Decepticons were forcing local roboticist [[Cee|Madame Cee]] to build fake Autobots, and after rescuing [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] from her grasp, Windcharger and the others made it to the Decepticon base on the island. They were initially captured and imprisoned, but were soon busted out by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and started attacking their captors. During the battle, Windcharger grabbed [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and crushed him to death using the full force of his personal magnetic field. {{storylink|Deadly Paradise}}

===''Big Looker'' storybooks===

When [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] was brainwashed by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]'s cerebro-shell, Windcharger was able to magnetically remove the shell from his head on the battle field, in a manner that apparently caused no lasting brain damage. Hooray! {{storylink|Insecticon Attack!}}

When the Decepticons invaded a car show at the Coliseum, Windcharger was one of the robots in disguise who infiltrated the show to thwart the Decepticon plot. {{storylink|Car Show Blow Up}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Windcharger was among the crew of the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' when it crashed on [[Earth]], and awoke in 1984 to battle the Decepticons. When the Autobots defeated the Decepticons and planned to return to Cybertron aboard the ''[[Ark II]]'', Windcharger was one of many Transformers recovered by Lazarus after the starship exploded over the Arctic. In 2002, the Decepticons broke free of Lazarus's control before the Autobots, and tore through their captive enemies. Optimus Prime and a free group of Autobots did some spot-welding to repair as many comrades as they could in a hurry, but Windcharger was too badly damaged and remained off-line until after the resulting battle in [[San Francisco]] was over. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

[[File:NightofCombaticons Wheeljack Windcharger defeated.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|This looks familiar....]]
''When Optimus Prime and Megatron joined forces against the U.S. military, Windcharger was on hand with the Autobots in confronting the President's forces. He was one of the first to fall before the assault of the [[deconstructionite]]s. {{storylink|Transformers: Fusion|Fusion}}''

The Autobots were entrenched against the Decepticons on the shores of [[Alaska]], fighting over a pod containing [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]], when Shockwave arrived from Cybertron. Shockwave proclaimed a new era of peace, slaying Scourge in the process. Optimus Prime and a number of other Autobots were forced to surrender to Shockwave's fantastically violent security force, but Windcharger was part of a small unit that managed to sneak away and remain in hiding on Earth. These 'bots, led by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], were tasked with investigating Scourge's appearance, to gain further insight on the unfolding events. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Windcharger, Jazz, and Brawn returned to the Alaska battlefield, only to discover that Scourge's body had vanished. Baffled by this turn of events, Windcharger suggested that the group return to base, and leave the brainier 'bots to figure out what to do next. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}}

After the end of Shockwave's despotic rule over Cybertron, the Autobots on Cybertron made contact with Windcharger's crew for an update and promised to send supplies. {{storylink|Generation 1 issue 0|Generation 1 #0}} Unfortunately, a group of Decepticons returned to Earth under Starscream's command first. Windcharger was deactivated battling the brutal [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], and subsequently left to rust at the bottom of a lake. {{storylink|Night of the Combaticons}} {{storylink|Black Sunshine}} He was eventually fished out by [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] and [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] (who had arrived from Cybertron with Bumblebee with supplies), but they were waylaid by [[Earth Defense Command]]. {{storylink|The Omega Effect}} Bumper, Warpath, Windcharger and the other unconscious Autobots were then transported to a secret underground facility. {{storylink|Atonement}} There, the EDC began repairs on the Autobots, though Windcharger needed more work than most, and was still off-line when several other Autobots accompanied [[Marissa Faireborn]] and her soldiers on a mission to [[San Desto]]. {{storylink|Infestation (Dreamwave)|Infestation}}

By the time the San Desto mission had been completed, Windcharger was back on his feet. He and the rest of Jazz's team said their goodbyes to Marissa before departing in the ''Orion''. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}} The Autobots traveled to Alaska, where Prowl and the troops serving under him had already begun construction of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
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===''The Beast Within''===
After a brutal battle during which [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]], a monstrous gestalt of unimaginable power, was released, Windcharger’s butchered form lay smoldering in a mass grave of both Autobot and Decepticon corpses. {{storylink|The Beast Within Part 2, Consequences}}
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===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
[[File:Shadowplay3-WindchargerLowBoredomThreshold.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Magic arms!]]
Windcharger was an "[[outlier]]": a Transformer who had some abnormal skill or attribute that had nothing to do with his alt mode. (He called them his "magic arms".) [[Functionism|Functionists]] ''hate'' that crap, so he kept it secret and hung out at the [[Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology]], where [[Shockwave (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Senator Shockwave]] had created a safe haven for outliers. Windcharger owed so much to Shockwave that he joined him and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Orion Pax]] in a heist, risking his life against a [[Senate]] conspiracy; his magnetic powers were used to "fly" the thieves into the [[Primal Basilica]] to steal "the Matrix" (actually a bomb) without tripping any alarms. He also used his magnetism to stop the bomb falling when Ratchet accidentally dropped it. Sadly, his Academy home was destroyed and his mentor Shockwave [[Shadowplay|brainwashed]] in an [[Institute]] branch. {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}}

The Outliers stuck with Orion Pax and aided him in defending a [[hot spot]] in [[Alyon]] from [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s [[Cybertron Elite Guard|forces]]. With help from a group of time travelers from the ''[[Lost Light]]'' of the future, the group took down a weapons platform sent to irradiate the hot spot's [[spark]]s: in Windcharger's case, he magnetically ''hurled'' Pax ''through'' the platform. They then had their memories of the travelers wiped by [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]]. {{storylink|Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|All Our Parlous Yesterdays}}

Some time later, after [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]] were killed in the line of duty, Windcharger attended their funeral. Most mourners were Autobots working in [[Kaon (polity)|Kaon]] Security Services, with [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] present, so Windcharger may or may not have switched to the Security Services. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

Windcharger responded to Optimus' rallying call for additional support and fought in the following battle for control of Cybertron. {{storylink|Broadcast}} Windcharger later met the Autobot leader personally (again). {{storylink|Endgame}}

[[File:TheIronAge Autobots vs Decepticons.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|Behind Prime, firing without looking, not hitting anything. Damn it, Windcharger, quit trying to look cool and just act normal!]]
As the war spread across Cybertron, Windcharger became a soldier in the Autobot army under Optimus Prime's command. When they were defending a city from the Decepticon advancing force, Optimus Prime ordered [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] to use his speed to break through the enemy ranks and sow confusion. Windcharger volunteered his own rapid movement, but Optimus Prime rebuffed him due to Blurr's superior speed, and asked Windcharger to hold the line with [[Groove (G1)|Groove]] and [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]]. After their victory, he was seen at a celebration talking with [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[File:WokenFuries-Windcharger.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]

Much, much later, Windcharger made it to [[Earth]], along with [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] and [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] after the Decepticons wiped out Autobot outposts across the galaxy. {{storylink|Ride-Along}} At one point, Windcharger was captured by [[Skywatch]], along with [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

He was released from captivity once the Autobots and Skywatch settled their differences, but it wasn't long before the Decepticons struck once again. Forced to abandon their Skywatch base, Windcharger and the other Autobots fled towards [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] only to find themselves under attack, first from humans with anti-Transformer sentiments, then from [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] himself. Even the Autobots' combined firepower failed to put a scratch on the Decepticon's brand new body, and they were defeated in short order. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies|Woken Furies}}

Most of the Autobots left Earth a while later, intending to return to Cybertron. They took a captive Megatron with them, and seeing the powerful Decepticon leader in bonds was a source of great interest to Windcharger and others. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory #1}} Once back on their home planet, the Autobots fought against [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron]]'s [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]] army. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 1}}}}

==Games==
===Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons===
Windcharger had been taken prisoner by the Decepticons, and was hidden away in their maze-like base along with several other Autobots. This prompted Optimus Prime to embark on a rescue mission. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}
===''Transformers Legends''===
Windcharger was among the Autobots handpicked by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] for a mission to deliver energon to a hidden Autobot base. Unfortunately their plan was foiled by the interference of [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]], [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]] and [[Headstrong (G1)|Headstrong]]. {{storylink|Road to Ruin}}

Windcharger was part of [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s team which had to speed a vital component to a power station to prevent it from exploding. They made it, despite interference from [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] and [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]. {{storylink|Rushdown Road}}

Windcharger and a few other Autobots were heading back from a charity event when they received a distress signal from a nearby human military base. Investigating, they found the Decepticons scouring the base for the [[MacGuffin Generator]]. Though Windcharger learned of the device's location, he was too late to prevent [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]] from stealing it. Though the Decepticons appeared to have won as they activated the device, it proved too volatile and blew them off into the distance. Windcharger helped the humans rebuild the base in the battle's aftermath. {{storylink|Raiding Party}}
===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsWindcharger.jpg|thumb|right|400px|]]
Windcharger participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was an Uncommon character that could be recruited by collecting 35 units of Cybermetal, and 16 units of Transmetal. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[File:G1Windcharger toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|What, no face? Ripoff!]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Mini Vehicle, 1984/2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''12'''

: Released in the first year of Transformers in the same color as its [[Micro Change|Microchange]] version, and later on in a darker shade of red (coinciding with the addition of the rub mark to the line in 1985), Windcharger transforms into a [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes#Pontiac Firebird Trans Am|Pontiac Firebird Trans Am]] sports car. The Microchange toyline was meant to depict robots that turn into toy cars, which accounts for the somewhat cartoonish proportions of Windcharger's Trans Am mode.

: This mold was also used to make [[Camaro]], and was [[retool]]ed to make [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]].

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-mini-vehicles-windcharger/264/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Windcharger at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Windcharger/windcharger.htm More information on Windcharger at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.botchthecrab.com/archive/instructions/autobot/1984/instr_windcharger.jpg Instructions for Windcharger at Botchthecrab.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Estrela}}
*'''Camaro''' (Robocar, 1985)

:Released in Brazil by [[Estrela]] in 1985, Robocar Camaro was available in two color schemes: red and grey (Windcharger's original colors) and white and grey. Whether or not Robocar Camaro is the same character as the evil [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] Camaro is unknown.

:No, he's not actually a Camaro.

{{-}}{{anchor|Antex}}
[[File:AntexCamaro.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[http://s0.ilike.com/play#The+Dead+Milkmen:Bitchin%27+Camaro:68893:s10602794.13120974.22864842.0.2.154%2Cstd_b4a67af2604249fab8fed0385ab3a138 BITCHIN CAMARO BITCHIN CAMARO]]]

*'''Camaro''' (Robocar, 19??)
:Released in Argentina by [[Antex]], Robocar Camaro was available in two color schemes: blue and black and yellow and black. Both toys feature a paper decal based on the original Microchange sticker on the [[robot mode]] chest that doesn't particularly like to stay in place thanks to weak glue.

:While Camaro's cardback depicted a white version, it is suspected that this was merely photography of an Estrela toy, and that the white version was never sold in Argentina.

{{-}}{{anchor|keychain}}
[[File:G1-toy WindchargerKeychain.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Keychain, 2003)

: In 2003, toy company [[Fun4All]] made four different keychains, based on four of the original Generation 1 [[Mini Vehicle]] molds, Windcharger among them. This version is almost identical to the original, only it has a ring on the front bumper to attach the chain portion, and no face paint.

: In Japan, all four keychains were released in blind-packed boxes. Each one also had a rarer all-black "chase" version. While the normal Windcharger retained the lack of silver face-paint, the black version actually got the silver paint on his face once again.

:This toy was [[redeco]]ed to make the [[BotCon Europe 2002]] [[exclusive]] [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/BlackWindcharger/windcharger.htm More information on the black keychain Windcharger at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[File:AltWindcharger toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Who am I and what happened to my gun?!!]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Alternator, 2004)
**''Alternator ID number'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-shield

: Originally designed to be an updated version of the [[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibot]] [[Overdrive#Binaltech|Overdrive]], this ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' toy ended up having its name changed to "Windcharger" by [[Hasbro]] after they were unable to obtain the [[trademark]] for "Overdrive". (The toy ''was'' released as Overdrive as part of the Japanese ''Binaltech'' line, however.) His [[alternate mode]] is a [[licensed vehicle alternate modes|licensed]] 1:24 scale Honda S2000 sports car with a removable "ragtop" roof, which doubles as a shield in robot mode, plus a replacement "folded down" ragtop roof piece. Like most ''Alternators'' toys, Windcharger features [[rubber tires]], opening doors, hood and trunk, a detailed driver/passenger compartment complete with seats, dashboard and steering wheel and a working "steering" mechanism (though not connected to the steering wheel).

: Differences between ''Alternators'' Windcharger and ''Binaltech'' Overdrive go beyond the different names and the usual mix of [[die-cast]] metal and plastic parts for the ''Binaltech'' version's vehicle mode shell (including a fully painted car exterior) versus the ''Alternators'' version's all-plastic car shell: At the request of Honda's USA branch, who didn't like the idea of "their" toy toting a gun around, Windcharger lacks the long drive-shaft/barrel for the rifle accessory formed from his engine block, which was even called a "shield" on the packaging. Since Honda's Japanese department had no such objections, however, ''Binaltech'' Overdrive did include an unchanged barrel. Other minor differences include slightly differently-shaped visors, the [[paint operation]]s on the front grille, and their dashboards sculpted as mirrored counterparts of each other, with Overdrive having the steering wheel on the rights side (like a Japanese car) while Windcharger has it on the left side (like an American car) for all the Hasbro markets he was released in.

: This sculpt was [[retool]]ed into [[Decepticharge]], which was planned to get a ''Binaltech'' counterpart (with Overdrive's Japanese-car dashboard) as [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]] and eventually as "[[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Binaltech|Blackwidow]]", but those plans were ultimately scrapped. The intended "Blackwidow" version was later released in different colors as ''Binaltech'' [[Arcee (G1)/toys#Binaltech|Arcee]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/AltWindcharger/windcharger.htm More information on ''Alternators'' Windcharger at TFU.info]''
{{AlternatorsWindchargerMold}}
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
[[File:TF2010 scout G1Windcharger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Fire, water, air and dirt, ****ing magnets, how do they work?]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Scout, 2010)

:Windcharger transforms into a genericized modern muscle car that's a cross between a fifth generation [[Wikipedia:Ford Mustang|Ford Mustang]] and a fifth generation [[Wikipedia:Chevrolet Camaro|Chevrolet Camaro]]. In robot mode, Windcharger features flip-out "hand blasters"/magnets in his wrists. His head sculpt is based on the same "modified [[character model|animation model]] head" design as ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Decepticharge]]'s head, which had originally been designed with Windcharger in mind (see below). His magnet assembly also features [[C joint]] bars that can be used even when the magnets are retracted. As part of the ''[[Reveal the Shield]]'' [[subline imprint]] of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toy line]], he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:Like many other ''Reveal the Shield'' toys, Windcharger fell victim to the discontinuation of the 2010 ''Transformers'' line by all major US retail chains in favor of the then upcoming ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' line. While he ''was'' widely available in foreign markets such as the United Kingdom, Canada, or Germany, US [[fandom|fans]] who didn't want to import him could initially only buy him from online retailers. Windcharger, together with several other ''Reveal the Shield'' toys, later showed up at discount stores such as Ross and Five Below, where he sold for a mere $5 a pop, and CVS Pharmacies, who charged more than MSRP for him. Coupled with the demand for a new-sculpt toy of a 1984 character, this resulted in a situation where you could either buy him locally for cheap if you were lucky, or had to resort to importing him or even buying from [[Toy scalping|scalpers]]. On the upside, at least ''he'' got officially released, unlike [[Bodyblock (TF 2010)|the subsequent]] [[Rumble (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Scout Class]] [[Downshift (TF 2010)|wave]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Windcharger/windcharger.htm More information on Windcharger at TFU.info]''

===United===
[[File:Unitedtoy-Windcharger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Now with less ambiguity!]]
*'''Windcharger vs Decepticon Wipe-Out''' (two-pack, [[January 28|1-28]]-2012)
**''ID number:'' '''UN-27'''

: Windcharger is part of wave five of [[Transformers United|''United'']], and comes packaged with his [[redeco]], [[Wipe-Out]]. ''United'' Windcharger replaces the rub sign with a tampographed Autobot symbol. While there are the ''slightest'' of plastic shade differences from the Hasbro release, they're pretty much visually negligible.
{{-}}

===Generations===
[[File:TFGenerations Legends Windcharger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Windcharger''' (Legends Class, 2014)

:Windcharger, released as part of the first wave of the ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' line's ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[subline imprint]], is a retool of ''Generations'' [[Tailgate (G1)#Generations|Tailgate]] with a new head, which heavily resembles that of the ''Reveal the Shield'' figure. Because the head sculpt and the center of his vehicle mode hood are one piece, the latter is also changed, now sporting sculpted details instead of Tailgate's smooth surface. The [[5mm post|5mm peg hole]] is retained.

:His lower legs feature details that are intended to evoke the look of rear window shades. While both the original Windcharger toy and the ''Reveal the Shield'' figure actually had rear windows with sculpted "shades" that ended up on his legs, ''Combiner Wars'' Windcharger has a smooth rear window, and the details on his legs are a case of "[[kibble#"Faux-parts"|faux-parts]]". They weren't as obvious on Tailgate due to the latter's plastic color layout and the lack of paint, but on Windcharger, they're painted the same color as his actual rear window, making them stand out much more.

:He includes a collector card featuring art from the "[[Road to Ruin]]" episode of ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' (art which is highly evocative of the [[Reveal the Shield]] toy and ''not'' this one).

:The original version of this mold was redecoed into ''Timelines'' [[Nightracer (G1)#Timelines|Nightracer]] and served as the basis of the non-toy ''Shattered Glass'' incarnation of [[Tailgate (SG)|Tailgate]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/CWWindcharger/windcharger.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Windcharger at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Windcharger''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy ID number'': '''25'''

:[[Decoy]] Windcharger is a small, red rubber figure depicting his robot mode. Like all Autobot Decoys, he was randomly packaged with [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Windcharger/windcharger.htm More information on Decoy Windcharger at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
[[File:Windcharger-COTP01.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|"Look alive, men — oh, sorry, Windcharger."]]
*Windcharger had the preliminary name of '''Sprint'''.
* Poor ol' Windcharger is the only Autobot who doesn't get a name-check or a chance to use his special powers at any point during the show's three-part pilot, "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]". All he gets to do is get beat up by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]. Per the episode's original script, he was ''supposed'' to get a brief spotlight helping Brawn and Huffer fight the [[oil rig]] fire at the conclusion of the [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1|first episode]], but with the removal of this scene, he didn't even get to ''speak'' until "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*In an early draft of ''The Movie'', Windcharger's fate was much more gruesome. He survived the initial assault on Autobot City, true, but was present when [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] and his new troops came back to finish the job. Windcharger was launched into the air by a volley of missile fire that obliterated [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], and was ripped to pieces in midair by [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and his "armada" '''flying through him'''. His dismembered parts rained down on [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]], who then ran for it.<ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/heritaage-auctions-transformers-movie.html</ref>
* Windcharger makes a post-mortem appearance in the third season episode "[[Call of the Primitives]]" as the energy creature [[Tornedron]] attacks [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Whether this appearance was accidental or if he "got better" (like [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation_1_cartoon_continuity#Victory cartoon|Wheeljack]]) is unknown.
* Whether the ''Alternators'' Windcharger toy actually represents G1 Windcharger or the Omnibot [[Overdrive]], whom it was originally designed as (and actually released as under ''Binaltech''), is up for debate. The toy's packaging lacks a bio, it even predates the addition of mottos to ''Alternators'' packaging, and with ''Alternators'' designs not appearing in any fiction whatsoever (with [[Descent into Evil#Notes|one exception]]), all we have to go by is his name. Since Windcharger predates the practice of using the name of an established character as an alternate name for a toy of a different character from the same continuity whose name is unavailable for trademark (or other) reasons (see "[[Slag (G1)#Generation 1 Series|Snarl]]", "[[Swoop (G1)#Age of Extinction|Strafe]]" and "[[Tracer (Nebulan)#Generations|Caliburst]]" for a few examples), we have chosen to keep the figure listed on Windcharger's page, not least because the ''Binaltech'' version ''is'' listed on Overdrive's page after all.
* The retool of ''Alternators'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators|Grimlock]] was originally planned to be Windcharger (presumably in red), with the vehicle mode being a convertible. Ultimately, however, the toy ended up as [[Wheeljack (G1)#Alternators|Wheeljack]] instead, with a new head sculpt. The head sculpt originally intended for Ford-Windcharger eventually ended up being used for the retool of the actual "Windcharger" toy (the Honda S2000 mold) instead, now named "[[Decepticharge]]".

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Charger''' (チャージャー ''Chājā''), '''Windcharger''' (ウィンドチャージャー ''Windochājā'')
*''French:'' '''Rapido''' (Canada)
*''Hebrew:'' '''To'én Rúah''' (טוען רוח, "Wind Charger")
*''Hungarian:'' '''Széllovas''' ("Wind-rider")
*''Italian:'' '''Lampo''' ("Lightning Flash")
*''Mandarin:'' '''Chōngdiànqì''' (充电器, "(Electrical) Charger")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Ventania''', '''Vendaval''', '''Giro''' (Brazil comics)
*''Russian:'' '''Razrjadnik''' (Разрядник, "Discharger")
*''South American:'' '''Camaro'''

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Ladybird Books Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Transformers (2010) Autobots]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

Optimus Prime memorial

2014-05-10T05:36:38Z

Elleby: /* The Transformers cartoon */

[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|dies a lot]]. Taking that into consideration, there have been a number of '''memorials''' constructed to honor his memory. These memorials exist on a number of planets where his influence was felt the most.

Exactly what ''happens'' to these memorials when Prime inevitably returns to life is anybody's guess.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
<center><gallery>
Image:StarscreamsBrigade Optimus Memorial.jpg
Image:G1-screencap darkawakening Optimus empty tomb.jpg
Image:AutobotCityOpPrimeMemorial01.jpg
</gallery></center>

In some [[United States of America|American]] [[Earth]] city, television reporter [[Marty Minkler]] was interviewing [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] at the unveiling ceremony for the ''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] Memorial'' when [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and his newly recruited army of [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] attacked, taking the two [[Autobot]]s prisoner. Oddly this memorial was unveiled 20 years before Optimus Prime actually dies. The statue was badly damaged from [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]'s weapon fire. {{Storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Although not dedicated to him specifically, Optimus Prime was among the many interred in the [[Autobot Mausoleum]], which included a memorial called the ''Veil of Remembrance''. The memorial recognized all those lost during the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Optimus included. At least until he came back as a [[zombie]]. {{storylink|Dark Awakening (episode)|Dark Awakening}}

After Optimus Prime was ''really'' dead, another memorial was constructed in his honor, this time within [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] on Earth. [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]] could be found moping about the statue, asking the stone representation of Prime why he kept seeing him in his dreams. The statue never responded, so far as anyone knows. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1}}

====''The Headmasters'' comic====
<center><gallery>
Image:HM01-03.jpg</gallery></center>

After Optimus Prime died for the ''third'' time, yet another memorial was built in his honor. This time, it was constructed on the Autobot base planet of [[Athenia]]. Depressingly, only [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]], [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], [[Brainstorm]] and [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] attended the unveiling of the statue. Likely, with this being the third statue unveiling, the ceremonies had probably grown dull and passe'. {{storylink|The Headmasters issue 1|The Headmasters #1}}

====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic====
Later, for the appointment of [[Ginrai]] as [[Supreme Commander]] of the Autobots by [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]], the ceremony was held beneath the statue of Optimus Prime on Athenia. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
<center><gallery>
Image:Mus17-walloffame.jpg
</gallery></center>

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] was honored on the [[Wall of Fame]] alongside other Autobots when he was thought dead for four million years. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}}

===Beast Wars===
====''Theft of the Golden Disk'' cartoon====
<center><gallery>
Image:TheftDiskPrimeStatue01.jpg
</gallery></center>

On planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], a large statue of Optimus Prime could be found decorating the outside of the [[Cybertropolis Maximal Data Archive]]. Central Branch, to be precise. {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
<center><gallery>
Image:Statue rockandrollhalloffame.jpg
Image:Sparkwar2_Optimus_hologram_primal.jpg
</gallery></center>

Also on Cybertron, another large Optimus Prime statue could be seen outside the [[Cybertron Archives]]. Flaunting a [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]] in each hand, the statue was eventually shot down and destroyed by [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] drones. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}

In the ruined subterranean city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], [[Optimus Primal/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] stumbled upon a holographic tribute to Optimus Prime. [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] later used the memorial to trick Primal into giving up information on the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search}}

[[Category:Beast Machines]]
[[Category:Cybertron]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Memorials]]
[[Category:United States of America]]

Quest for Survival

2014-05-08T16:22:29Z

Elleby: /* Quotes */

{{episode
|image=QuestForSurvival Blaster repels morphobots.jpg
|caption=The Morphobots raise the roof.
|series=G1toon
|ep=45
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=34
|prev2=Make Tracks
|next2=The Secret of Omega Supreme
|title="Quest for Survival"
|written by=[[Reed Robbins]]/[[Peter Salas]]
|production code=700-44
|airdate=[[November 5]], 1985
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Autobots find themselves outnumbered when facing an Insecticon Clone Army and look to find a robotic insecticide to destroy them. However, their problems are just going to get bigger when spores from alien plants on Cosmos begin to grow rapidly...'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:QuestForSurvival Insecticon swarm incoming.jpg|left|200px|thumb|''Here we come to eat the haaaay The Insecticons are on their way'']]
The [[Decepticon]]s have turned the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]' cloning ability to new heights, to be an unstoppable force that will devour Earth's food resources and convert it into [[energon]]. Like a horde of mechanical locusts, they swarm Earth's crops, from Asia to the United States to the tropics - with the potential to cause the human race to starve to death. The Autobots make an attempt to stop the Insecticons, but they are too many in number, and are forced to retreat. At [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]], the Autobots explain what happened to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], when [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], and [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] contact Prime, saying that they found some [[robotic insecticide]] on [[Floron III]]. As they leave, however, something grabs hold of Cosmos, and he is barely able to escape.

Returning to the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon base]], the Insecticons convert the food they've eaten into energon, but only get one [[energon cube]] each. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] claims that this is because of the costly energy conversion process, but in another room, the Decepticons are busily converting massive amounts of energy into energon. Megatron muses that the Insecticons would be deadly if they weren't so stupid.

[[Image:QuestForSurvival Spike surveys damage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I ''told'' you not to pick up those hitchhikers.]]

On his approach to Earth, Cosmos discovers that spores from whatever attacked him are growing across his hull, and he is losing control of his systems. Bumblebee and Spike manage to abandon ship before Cosmos crashes, and go to get help. Arriving back at the base, Bumblebee discovers that spores are attached to his body, but [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] manages to get them off. Prime attempts to contact Cosmos, only to discover that the valley he crashed in has been overtaken by the plant-like machines. As the Autobot leader leads a rescue mission, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] learns of the insecticide, and reports it to [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]]. Megatron takes a team to retrieve it before the Autobots can...and in case he might need the insecticide himself.

At the base, [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] discover that the spores are [[Morphobot]]s, a plant-like species that the [[Transformer]]s believed was extinct. They contact Prime, warning him that the Morphobots are particularly fond of robotic lifeforms. Elsewhere, [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] is overseeing the Insecticons, when Megatron orders him to warn the Insecticons to stay away from the valley. The Insecticons suspect that Megatron is hiding something, and attack Thrust, after which they take the entire clone army to the valley.

[[Image:Primequestforsurvival.jpg|left|200px|thumb|LA LA LA LA, NOT LISTENING!]]

At the valley, the Decepticons arrive first, only to discover the Morphobots. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] fires first, only to have the blast from his [[null-ray]] deflected right back at him. Before Megatron can <s>choke a bitch</s> properly admonish Starscream, Soundwave detects the Autobots. Megatron decides to let Prime do the work of getting the insecticide for him. [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] fires a blast, but gets nowhere; [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s liquid nitrogen only freezes them momentarily. [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] begins broadcasting, which causes the Morphobots to recoil. Bumblebee, Ironhide, [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], and Blaster take Cosmos out of the field.

[[Image:G1 QuestforSurvival Morphobot eats Bombshell.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The venus fly trap from outer space.]]

Once they're out, Megatron and the Decepticons attack, destroying the insecticide. However, the Morphobots also attack the Decepticons. As things get bad, the Insecticons arrive. Megatron believes the noble creatures are coming to save them. Obviously his [[Circuits|logic circuits]] fail to tell him just how many things are wrong with his idea. Believing them to be food, the Insecticon clones fly straight into the field, and the Morphobots consume all the clones. The original Insecticons manage to escape, and the Decepticons follow.

At their base, the Autobots have loaded the Morphobots into a shuttle, intended to take them to a world with a large robotic insect population. However, Perceptor requests that a second shuttle be prepared as soon as possible, as the Morphobots he has been studying have become a little too friendly for his tastes.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (6)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (7)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (8)
*[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (9)
*[[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] (10)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (11)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (12)
*[[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] (13)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (15)
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (16)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (25)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (26)
*[[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (27)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (30)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (34)
*[[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] (35)

|c2=
*[[Insecticon clone]]s (2)
*[[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (3)
*[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (4)
*[[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]] (5)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] (19)
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (20)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (21)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (22)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (23)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (24)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (28)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (29)
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (31)
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] (32)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (33)

|c3=
*Farmers (1)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (17)

|c4=
*[[Morphobot]]s (18)
}}

==Quotes==
"Robotic Insecticide?"
:—'''Skids''' makes his debut by asking what everyone else is thinking.

"Muahah. If the Insecticons had ''brains'', they'd be ''dangerous!''"
:—'''Megatron''' reflects on the Insecticons' gullibility.

"Hmm. Very interesting." 
"What is it?" 
"Hmm? What is what?"
:—'''Perceptor''' and '''Prowl''', a typical conversation with a scientist.

"Where is your courage, Megatron?"
:—'''Starscream''' should practice what he preaches.

"Who says plants aren't intelligent? The Morphobots are repelled by your music."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', being a little ungrateful to Blaster, who is repelling the Morphobots

"Just don't stand there with your cockpits open, you fools!"
:—'''Megatron''', being dragged along the ground by a Morphobot.

"The Insecticons! Those noble creatures have come to save us, despite the danger to their own lives."
:—'''Megatron''', seriously overestimating his allies.

[[File:G1 QuestforSurvival Bombshell Kickback.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Kickback and Bombshell share a "special" private moment.]]
"Our friend Megatron is in trouble." 
"If I wasn't so ''hungry'', I'd stop to help him out. HAHAHAHAHAH!"
:—'''Kickback''' and '''Bombshell''' both showing how an 'ally' should act.

"You didn't tell us they'd bite back!"
:—'''Kickback''', realizing that plants do bite back.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
[[File:QuestForSurvival Inferno puts out Tracks.jpg|thumb|right|200px|I'm burning! burning!]]
* Shrapnel is not on-screen when he says "I'm starved"; instead, Kickback is prominently in the foreground.
* In the overhead shot of the two farm vehicles, one is cutting a path through the corn, while the other is not. When the drivers abandon the vehicles a moment later, both have paths behind them.
* The two vehicle-driving farmers switch places at the start. The fellow in blue overalls is driving the tractor, but is shown running from the combine harvester, trading vehicles with his pal.
* Tracks has Bombshell's vocal processing effect when he gives the order to transform, and again when he is set on fire.
* Coloring errors:
** In the line-up of newly tranformed Autobots, Smokescreen's headcrest is blue instead of yellow, and his feet are dark gray when they should be blue.
** Insect-mode Kickback has a white mouthplate thinger as he flees from Tracks' missile.
** As Smokescreen explains the retreat to Optimus, his forehead crest is blue agin, and his chest is squared off instead of rounded.
** In the first shot of him struggling against the plants, Cosmos' Autobot symbol is a featureless black shape - like a [[rubsign]]!
** Bumblebee's nose is yellow as Cosmos struggles against the Morphobots.
** And again as Cosmos orders Spike and Bumblebee to eject.
** "Where's Cosmos?" - Prime's running lights are blue instead of red.
** After the Insections leave their transfer chambers, Bombshell's chest compartment is gray instead of yellow.
** Laserbeak's wings are all red (missing their black and light gray bits) as he observes the traveling Autobots.
** As Kickback kicks Thrust, Bombshell's shoulders are maroon, and his eyes aren't colored in.
** As the Decepticons arrive at the valley, Starscream's left wing is missing its red stripe. In the same shot, Blitzwing is flying with his landing gear down.
** The Decepticon jets fire on the Autobots with the Autobot laser sound.
** Soundwave's forehead flashes between white and blue as he laughs at Starscream's pratfall.
** In the shot of the newly arrived Autobots, Ironhide's helmet is gray instead of red.
** The edge of Ironhide's helmet is the same color as his face in a couple of shots, notably when he reacts to the Morphobots shrugging off his nitrogen.
** Tracks has white tires as he walks behind Bumblebee through the Morphobot field.
** Blitzwing's helmet is purple instead of yellow as he lands to attack.
** And again as he runs to assist Megatron.
** Gun-mode Megatron is all dark gray when Soundwave releases him.
** Dirge's face is white instead of dark gray after he's been thrown by the Morphobots.
** Ironhide's shoulders are gray instead of red as he agrees with Optimus about disposing of the Morphobots.
* Just before the Autobots retreat, Tracks fires a couple of missiles... but his launchers aren't empty after he does so.
* The area around Autobot Headquarters looks different in this episode. It's sitting flush with a plateau off to the side, not the usual rocky cliffside.
* At Decepticon Headquarters, Kickback - or a clone - transforms without any transformation sound.
* As Megatron greets the Insecticons, Dirge is missing his wings.
* As they speak to Cosmos post-crash, Spike gestures as if he's trying to project his voice across the cliff, but Bumblebee is the one yelling.
* Spike is in the driver seat whenever Bumblebee is rolling, but he exits - and re-enters - from the passenger side.
* When Bumblebee transforms to go for help, his windows change from glass-blue to completely transparent. Then his seats, rear windows and interior appear out of nowhere when he starts to drive off.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** How the heck did Teletraan One get a camera inside the energon production room of Decepticon Headquarters? Even the Insecticons couldn't get in there!
** Megatron brings up a view of Thrust flying along.
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Beachcomber and Ratchet are in the group of Autobots who set out for the crash site, but when the group gets there, Ironhide and Hoist are there instead. Nonetheless, Beachcomber gets a line of dialogue (in response to Blaster's music).
** Windcharger is also there for one shot, but disappears from the rest of the show.
** Blaster doesn't appear at all until after Ironhide and Warpath have tried to destroy the Morphobots. Maybe he was hiding in someone's back seat?
* Perceptor and Prowl should really have some radio muffling as they contact Prime, but it's just their normal voices.
* The problem of Kickback's insect head shows up as the Insecticons react to Thrust's arrival. Up to now, he's been shown with the correct plain black insect head, but throughout this whole scene, he's got his full robot face on display, even getting a closeup of it as he speaks a line.
* When Megatron transforms to shoot the insecticide, he doesn't make the transformation noise (nor does he when he transforms back, for that matter). His shot doesn't make the usual fusion cannon sound, either.
* The second time Soundwave laughs, his voice is missing its usual synthesizer effect, [[Roll for It|and not for the first time]].
* As Megatron is thrown by the Morphobots, his voice sounds different and is missing its metallic effect.
* Several times towards the end of the episode, the triangles on Megatron's forehead are drawn wrong (sometimes one or the other is a square or cut-off polygon).
* When Perceptor is struggling with the Morphobots, his mouth isn't quaking with the rest of his body.
* The color on a handful of scenes is visible grayed and desaturated, such as when Perceptor calls Prime for help.

===Continuity errors===
[[File:QuestForSurvival Cosmos ejects escape pod.jpg|thumb|right|200px|This thing fits inside Cosmos. Spike and Bumblebee fit inside this thing. But when Cosmos transforms, he's like one head taller than Bumblebee.]]
* The Morophobots repeatedly show the ability to grow out of, well, nothing. The specimens on Cosmos, and the ones that Perceptor studies, both blossom into huge vines without actually consuming any matter.
* Who's in charge of the first Autobot excursion? Tracks gives the order to transform, but Smokescreen gives the order to retreat.
* Why does Cosmos need Spike to fire his emergency jet? Can't he do it himself?
* Cosmos' interior is ''huge'' in this episode, big enough to carry Bumblebee, Spike and their cargo in relative comfort, not to mention an ''ejection chamber'' which is ''also'' capable of carrying the same occupants. It was similarly large in "[[Sea Change]]", but considerably smaller in "[[Blaster Blues]]" and "[[Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust]]".
* When the Morphobots penetrate into Cosmos' cabin, there is no indication of decompression from his pressurized and vacuum-sealed hull being breached.
* In "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]", the Insecticons are shown to be able to convert organic food directly into energy by themselves. What, from the Insecticons' point of view, is the logic behind extracting energon from them and converting it to energon cubes, from which it would have to be consumed again?
* Megatron's orders to Thrust appear to have been moved - he brings up Thrust's image on a viewscreen but does not say anything to him; several scenes later, completely off-screen, he orders Thrust to contact the Insecticons - ''after'' Thrust has already located them and is flying over them!
* If the Morphobots can't be harmed by explosives and laser fire, and they can hogtie Megatron in a matter of seconds and sling him around like a bag of bolts, how did the Autobots manage to round them up and put them inside the rocket ship? (Blaster's music could have played a part.)

===Continuity notes===
[[File:QuestforSurvival bee carries blaster.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[File:Skidsanimated.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* First appearance of [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (out of only [[Triple Takeover|two in the whole cartoon!]]).
* Gadgets and powers:
** Tracks actually uses his missile launchers!
** Cosmos has something called an "Auxiliary laser jet". Because jets and lasers are totally the same thing! (Maybe it's just a backup [[wikipedia:HP LaserJet|printer?]])
** Ironhide shoots some kind of gray graphite lookin' stuff from his retracted fingertips, which forms a hard shell around its target.
** Later he shoots nitrogen in the same fashion, freezing the Morphobots in place.
** Blaster transforms into a halfway form between his cassette player form and his robot mode. Later, he transforms into his boom box mode without shrinking at all.
* Blaster repulses the Morphobots with an instrumental version of the song "[[Cold Slither (song)|Cold Slither]]" played in the ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' episode of the same name.

===Real-world references===
* The opening scene is set in an unspecified Asian country; the next scene, somewhere in the American south, to judge by the accents of the farmers.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** [[TIE Fighter]] roar as Thrust swoops over the grassy plain.
** [[Death Star]] super laser as he lands in the field.
** ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine burst as he retreats from the Insecticons, and again as the Insecticons take off after him.

===Trivia===
[[File:RoboticInsecticide.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Comes in Small, Medium, Large and Combiner sizes.]]
* This episode marks one of only two instances in which Soundwave laughs (the other being "[[Auto-Bop]]"). He chuckles along with Megatron when Starscream is knocked on his can, and again after Megatron destroys the insecticide.
* To get rid of the Morphobots, the Autobots send them to a planet inhabited by their prey, robotic insects. While that's nice for the plants, isn't kinda mean to the robotic insects? Won't it screw up the ecology of the planet? Isn't it kinda... morally borderline at best?
* Okay, seriously... ''robotic insecticide?''

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''L'insetticida robotico'''" ("The Robotic Insecticide")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Lotta per la sopravvivenza'''" ("Fight for Survival")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Survival Sakusen'''" (サバイバル作戦, "Operation: Survival")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 28]], [[1986]]

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 5 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume Two: 25th Anniversary Edition (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/quest_for_survival.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Make Tracks

2014-05-08T02:25:44Z

Elleby: /* Real-world references */

{{disambig2|the Generation 1 cartoon episode|the Marvel UK comic story with a similar title|Makin' Tracks!}}
{{episode
|image=Maketracksraoul.jpg
|caption="I really think we should exchange insurance." "Nah, nah man, it's fine. You can totally buff that out. And that's ''supposed'' to be on fire."
|series=G1toon
|ep=43
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=33
|prev2=The God Gambit
|next2=Quest for Survival
|title="Make Tracks"
|airdate=[[October 30]], 1985
|written by=[[David Wise]]
|production code=#700-42
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|animation studio=[[Unknown Filipino animation studio]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Transformers go to New York, and Tracks makes a friend.'''

==Synopsis==
In [[New York City]], two thugs carjack a familiar looking car, which also has a stereo sitting in the front seat. Heading to a chop shop, the punks try to sell the car...at which point the car turns into [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], and the stereo turns into [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]]. The chop shop head, [[Winston]], tries to run, when [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] arrives. Winston vainly tries to shoot Optimus as the actual police arrive and arrest him.

The [[Autobot]]s are helping the NYPD in a crime busting program, but their [[Great War (G1)|never ending war]] is also on Prime's mind. The Autobot leader is convinced that the [[Decepticon]]s are nearby, plotting mischief, as they are prone to do, but the Autobots just can't find them. Heading back to [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]'s garage, Tracks is enjoying the city so he decides to go for a drive, while [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]], [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]], [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] and [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] go out on patrol.

[[Image:G1MakeTracks TracksRaoul.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Naughty boy. Spankings for you.]]

Tracks has a run-in with some more punks and scares them off, but one of the punks shoots a tire out, causing Tracks to crash. Unable to [[Transformation|transform]] or call the garage, he is found by young [[Raoul]], who drags him to an alley and plans to sell him to the [[Geddis brothers]]. Once he learns that Tracks is alive, he decides to fix him up, but he's still planning on selling him. Raoul accidentally cuts a wire that connects Tracks' computer to his body and silences the Autobot, but reconnects it. (That's one important wire.)

On patrol, Seaspray is disgusted with what the humans have dumped in the East River (aren't we all). Cosmos swoops down to inspect an accident, which Huffer and Hoist help clear up. They update Prime, who is getting worried about Tracks.

Back at the alley, Raoul is done, and is having second thoughts about selling Tracks. The Geddis brothers arrive and start to rough up Raoul, only for Tracks to transform and "ask" them to stop. The Geddis brothers flee, mentioning how shocked they are that a Transformer is attacking them. Tracks and Raoul follow, Tracks having deduced that they must be dealing with the Decepticons. They lose the Geddis brothers, but Raoul knows their main garage is down by the wharf. Heading there, Tracks and Raoul follow the legion of stolen cars.

[[Image:Maketracksstarscreammall.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Starscream knows the best way to avoid lines on [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]: rob the store on Thanksgiving.]]

Above them, Powerglide spots [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], and follows him. Powerglide and Cosmos chase the [[Air Commander]] into a human mall, only for Starscream to threaten the civilians and escape. Prime calculates that Starscream is heading for the [[Pine Barrens]] in [[New Jersey (Earth)|New Jersey]], and the Autobots roll out.

Somewhere in the Pine Barrens, the Geddis brothers are working with the Decepticons to provide them with 500 stolen cars. The Geddis brothers demand their million dollar payment. [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] shows them the business end of the [[fusion cannon]], and one of the brothers fires off a few shots at Megatron. A single blast from Megatron sends the Geddis brothers running. Tracks tries to contact Prime, but his radio is still damaged, so he decides to get up close and personal, seeing what Megatron intends. When he discovers that the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] are intending to dismantle the cars, Tracks attempts to flee, only for the wire connecting his computer to sever again. Tracks is placed on the conveyor belt with the other cars ready for demolition.

[[Image:Maketracksprimewatches.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Prime defeated Megatron, Starscream, Shockwave, and death itself...but the traffic of New York horrified him more than anything.]]

Realizing Tracks is in danger, Raoul reveals himself to the Decepticons and says he placed a bomb in his car. Megatron allows him to disarm it, but instead Raoul reconnects the wire that reactivates Tracks and the pair bail. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] sends [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] to hunt and kill, and Tracks is running out of power. He tells Raoul to run, but [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] arrive and drive [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|the two cassettes]] off.

Back at the garage, Tracks and Raoul fill the Autobots in on what's happening, just as the Autobots discover first-hand that the rebuilt cars are heading into New York. Prime, Blaster, and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] defend the Washington Bridge, as Tracks, Bumblebee, [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], and Sideswipe defend the [[Chrysler Building]], while [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], Huffer, and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] defend another part of the city. Just when the Autobots believe they have the upper hand, the cars transform into gun-wielding drones, presenting a severe tactical deficiency.

[[Image:Maketracksspraymegatron.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Uh, I came in for a dental appointment, not surgery."]]

Ratchet realizes that the drones are being remotely controlled, and that the Jersey base is the source. Blaster jams the control frequency, allowing the Autobots time to break off to attack the Decepticon base. Raoul tries to take a crow bar to the controls of the car drone factory. However, Megatron captures Raoul, and orders the Autobots to surrender. Raoul opens a panel on Megatron's chest, and uses a spray paint can to short circuit the Decepticon leader. Rumble orders a retreat back to the [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|base]] before Starscream can declare himself the new leader. The Autobots destroy the factory, causing the drone army to shut down.

At Sparkplug's garage, the poor fleshling predicts that it will take weeks to restore the cars to their original configuration, even with Ratchet, Hoist, and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s help. Raoul takes that as his cue to leave, only for Tracks to "volunteer" Raoul for repair duty.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] (1)
* [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Blaster]] (4)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (6)
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (8)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (9)
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]] (10)
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] (11)
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (12)
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (13)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (23)
* [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (24)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (25)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (26)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (27)
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] (28)
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (29)

|c2=
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (16)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (17)
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] (18)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (19)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (20)
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (21)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (22)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (30)

|c3=
* Car Thief 1 (2)
* Car Thief 2 (3)
* [[Winston]] (5)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Raoul]] (14)
* [[Geddis brothers]] (15)
}}

==Quotes==
"Well, nobody seems to want you, so that makes you mine."
:—'''Raoul''' demonstrating a very lax understanding of property law as he steals Tracks.

"Look, I've been shot at, smashed up, and stolen three times tonight, and I'm in a most foul humor."
:—'''Tracks'''. Some days, it just doesn't pay to be an ambiguously gay car.

"That car... talks!" 
"You've got a mind like a steel trap."
:—'''Raoul''' and '''Tracks'''

"First time in my life I try to steal a car, and I get one with a big mouth."
:—'''Raoul''' discovers karma.

"How do you do, Starscream? Not very well, I hope!"
:—'''Cosmos''' introduces himself with laser blasts.

"Attention, Soundwave: Uh-oh!"
:—'''Starscream''' just wanted Soundwave to know he's okay.

"I have no desire to be carved up into Auto-sushi!"
:—'''Tracks'''

"They don't look all that smart to me. Ha! Their aim's not too good either." 
"Maybe, but they've got us outnumbered. Fire!"
:—'''Blaster''' and '''Optimus Prime''' on the drones.

"Let us stomp out these cheap imitations!"
:—'''Tracks''' disapproves of [[knockoff]]s.

"I'll teach you to mess with the [[Chrysler Building]]!"
:—'''Tracks''' to the drones.

"Throw down your weapon, Prime!"
:—'''Megatron''', about to experience his most humiliating defeat yet.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* As the cop car arrives at the garage, its back door opens - but is shown to be hinged at the back instead of the front.
* As Blaster throws the punks on the ground, one of them clips through the police officers.
* The animators never seemed to get a good grasp on the design of Tracks' car mode, and this episode puts it on full display. For example, as he leaves Sparkplug's garage, he's drawn with over-sized tires and squished doors.
* Rauol restores Tracks' computer stuff, but in two behind-the-hood shots, the blinking lights are missing.
* As Prime activates a screen to contact Powerglide, the screen's initial static is wider than the screen itself.
* When Hoist hauls the damaged '4WD' (which is actually a sedan car) away, he drives floating mid-air into the background.
* Tracks' flying car mode is shown with nothing but 2 wings rotating out from under his chassis. Normally it's a full transformation with tailfins and some alterations to his back half.
* Starscream's first line appears to be cut off; he says "Attention Soundwave" even though Soundwave is not part of the story at this point, then goes "Uh oh" as he notices Powerglide following him.
* Starscream's shots at Powerglide use the Autobot laser sound effect.
* Coloring errors:
** Starscream's canopy is all-yellow as he pursues Powerglide, instead of having a grey cowling at the end.
** Sideswipe is colored as Soundwave twice — once in an overhead shot at the Autobot base, and again when the Autobots charge towards Megatron's building.
** The sides of Blaster's helmet are white as he transforms on the bridge.
* After Cosmos strafes Starscream, the details from the front of his ship mode are repeated on his back. Later, in the mall, they will be drawn on the back of his robot mode as well.
[[File:Maketracksstarscreammall.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* Starscream, Powerglide, and Cosmos have no trouble fitting in a shopping mall, walking right in through the main doors. They even run up (what must be an incredibly wide) escalator!
* "He must be hiding somewhere!" - Cosmos is a couple of heads taller than Powerglide. Normally he'd be about the same height or a bit shorter.
* Cosmos gets no transformation sound as he lands with the damaged elevator car.
* The first time we see Megatron, his gunbarrel is on the left side of his back. In the next shot, it's (correctly) on the right side.
* The other stolen cars randomly appear and disappear as Tracks rides the conveyor belt into the Decepticon building.
* The start of Teletraan's warning to Prime is cut off. Tracks then says "The Decepticon cars - they're here!" with the same radio muffling that is normally applied to Teletraan.
* When leaving to intercept the drones, Tracks is supposed to walk in front of Optimus, toward the camera; but he's layered behind Optimus therefore appears to be ''taller'' than Prime for a moment.
* Ratchet's first shots aren't aligned with the barrel of his gun.
* All of the Decepticon drones are identical, right down to the color scheme, despite transforming from cars of wildly different makes and colors.
* As Blaster notes, "They don't look all that smart to me," Optimus Prime is the one shown to be speaking.
* The bridge fight has several errors: Sometimes the ground is smooth, while other times it has rectangular lines; several times, the drones and the Autobots are drawn with a sky background where the bridge towers should still be shown; and as Blaster activates his jammer, the cable wires disappear.
* Blaster activates his jamming frequency using the same switch the thieves pressed at the beginning of the episode to turn on his radio.
* The animations for muzzle flashes and lasers in this episode are very different and of a much lower quality than in most of the previous episodes (for instance, we usually see only the flashes and not the beams in closeups). The sound effects are different also, including Ironhide's weapon sounding like a chain gun, among other things.

===Continuity errors===
[[Image:MakeHoistHuffer.jpg|right|200px|thumb|C'mon, it's not any worse than [[The Transformers: The Movie|Devastator forming inside of Astrotrain]], or [[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2|the Autobots boarding Silverbolt like human passengers]], or [[Quest for Survival|Cosmos having an ejection chamber that can fit all of his passengers]].]]
[[File:MakeTracks Scrapper sword.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* After pointedly professing that he doesn't understand all of Tracks' fancy computer stuff, why the heck does Raoul just reach in and cut a random wire?
* And why DOES Tracks have such an easily reached vulnerability right under his hood?
* During the fender bender traffic jam, Hoist is seen riding in Huffer's cab. For scale reference, Huffer is ''shorter'' than Hoist in robot mode.
* The Geddis brothers rough up Raoul at midnight. Some time later, Powerglide and Cosmos harass Starscream in a shopping mall that's doing a pretty decent amount of business. Even in New York City, the malls don't stay open ''that'' late.
* Speaking of the mall, Starscream must be incredibly stealthy since all the mall patrons are oblivious to his presence. No one is screaming or running, and in fact people are just sitting down at tables or casually looking over ledges. You'd think by now they would realize that when a Decepticon appears, you don't want to hang around.
* Fighting against two flight capable Autobots, Starscream escapes... into the air?
*All the advanced technology at the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]' disposal, technical know how to build transforming drones...and [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] is using a ''sword'' to slice the cars in half? And how does slicing them in half make them easier to convert into drones?
* Raoul must have a Doraemon-style inner-jacket pocket. There is no bulge or any other indication he is carrying a can that large... it basically materializes out of nowhere.
* And how did he know exactly what button opens Megatron's chest?

===Continuity notes===
[[File:MakeTracks Seaspray communicator.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
* One new commercial bumper debuts in this episode: [[Hook (G1)|Hook]].
* According to this episode, Sparkplug has a set of warehouses/garages in New York that can hold 200 cars and a makeshift Autobot base (complete with a copy of Teletraan I!).
* Raoul would appear again in "[[Auto-Bop]]".
* Tracks can be disabled by cutting ''one'' wire. It just happens to be right under his hood, which is one of the more vulnerable places on an Autobot's body.
* Megatron can be disabled by a ''can of spray-paint''.
* Gadgets and powers:
** Seaspray uses a common wrist communicator to radio in, accompanied by a blinking light on his chest.

===Real-world references===
[[File:MakeTracks Chrysler Building.jpg|thumb|right|200px| ]]
[[Image:Maketracks tftm.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Metaformers: The Reference]]
* Tracks comments on the cliche of loving New York, which is a reference to the [[wikipedia:I_Love_New_York|famous New York advertising campaign]]. This ad was also seen earlier in the season in "[[City of Steel]]".
* Though it's not named, the bridge battle seems to occur on the George Washington Bridge.
* Tracks identifies the Chrysler Building for us (as do several of the omnipresent signs.)
* The backgrounds in this episode are absolutely ''loaded'' with signs (the animators appear to have used Tokyo as a model as much as NYC.) Quite a few advertise actual real-world brand names. Many are illegible, but some can be read:
**Most notably, in two different scenes (basically using the same background), a movie theater can be shown advertising ''[[The Transformers: The Movie (fictional)|The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
** The opening pan includes "FD Rum Appliances", "Life Life", "Star", "Victoria Hotel", "Lido", and "Astoria". That last one shows up again later - Powerglide flies by it when he is reporting in to Prime. While presumably done to reference the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Astoria is also, coincidentally enough, the name of the girl who loved Powerglide in "[[The Girl Who Loved Powerglide]]".
** In the pan that introduces the two car thief punks: "Night"
** As they drive Tracks away: "Stano Bar", "Mugen Nightclub", "William(?) Intercom Portraits". "Stano Bar" and "Mugen" repeat a couple of shots later - were the punks just driving around the block?? Tracks later returns to this spot when he encounters the trio of thugs.
** As Tracks hits the street lamp: "Restaurant Luncheonette", "BB Club", "Gold Steak(?)", "Portr(aits?)"
** As Raul laments his car thieving luck: "New York Holidays", "Astoria Hotel", "Crown", "Automat", "Imporded" [''sic''], "Banana", and "Night Clove".
** As Cosmos swoops down: "Huston", "Apollo", "Kilimanjaro", "Las Vegas", "Jamiaca(?) Academy". Also briefly visible is a truck based on Prime's alternate mode.
** As he careens around 5 feet above the street: "Canadian Club", "Dallas Starclub", "Amazon", and a pickup with "Ford" on the tailgate and mudflaps.
** As Tracks first pursues the Geddis Brothers: "Casablanca", "Abba Cafe", "Victoria restaurant"
** Visible alongside the TF:TM marquis: "Victoria" (another theater), "Toshiba", "Admiral Television Appliances"
** As the car chase continues: "Cuba Dance", "Dolce", "Fashion Show", "Forker Garbo", "Victoria Hotel" (apparently the most omnipresent chain in the city), "Dragons Club", "Angels Orion", "Hollono".
** Through Tracks' windshield: "Hitchco(ck)", "Devar", "Champ El"
** As Tracks launches into the sky: "Academy", "Cuba", "Ballad Opera", "[[Dallas]]", "Kentucky", "Canterbury", "Las Vegas", "Capone", "Alexander", "Acapolco", "Caracas".
** As they spot the Geddis' escaping car: "Camus" "Academy" "Casanova" "Country Club", "Dallas Ang(?)".
** After Tracks lands: "French Can Can Casinofolie Fokker Game", "Ceylon", "Diamond Game Casablanca Hustle Hot".
** As Starscream first dodges from Powerglide: "Angel Hotel", "Time Bell", "Hyway"
** As Starscream dives after Powerglide: "Angel Hotel", "Yesterday", "Club Honey Boy", "Sunny Girl", "Broad", "Sting Man", "Happy", "Sun Shine", "Momo Club"
** After Cosmos joins the battle: "Canadian", "Brazillion", "(Hol)iday In", "General Hospital"
** On the outside of the mall: "Clothing Original", "Accessory bargain sale", "Man and Woman Shoes Center", "Alexander", "Benelux Fashion"
** As the drones approach Bumblebee and company: "Caniiland", "Body Building", "Danube", "Beef Steak", "Hitchcock", "Clumos", "Crown Hotel", "Casino Game"
** As the drones explode a second later: "Parking", "Casino", "(?)rcheri", "Reff(?) Cine Stands", "Inmaxfactor"
* For maybe the first time in the whole series, a human's normal handgun makes bullet-shooting noises, when the car thief fires at Optimus outside the garage.
* ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** Tracks takes off with a lengthy ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' engine roar.
** Lots of [[Death Star]] defense lasers during the final firefight.

===Trivia===
* The [[New York City]] of this episode, while still a cartoon, is a lot more grimy and grungy than [[City of Steel|the last time we saw it]] (some might say more true to life.) It's got stolen cars, gangs, punks, a river full of garbage, traffic jams, and an overall darkness that fits with the 1980s perception of the city.
* Even given that 500 cars have been stolen and it's late at night, there seems to be a severe lack of traffic (in the streets and on the bridge) in New York City. The Autobots and the drones are the only vehicles/robots we see towards the end of the episode.

===Foreign localization===
'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Autorobots'''" ("Autobots")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Sulle tracce di Tracks'''" ("On the Trail of Tracks")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Senshi Tracks'''" (戦士トラックス, "Tracks the Warrior")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[February 21]], [[1986]]

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Nastoyashchaya droozhba'''" (Настоящая дружба, "The Real Friendship")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;Laserdisc
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1994 — ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' — Convoy Set ([[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 1998 — ''The Transformers'' — Autobot Edition ([[Geneon Universal Entertainment|Pioneer LDC]]) — Japanese audio only.
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2001 — ''The Transformers'' — DVD Box 1 (Pioneer LDC) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[The Original Transformers|Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2003 — ''The Original Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2: Vol. 5 (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Season 2 Part 2 ([[Metrodome]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2004 — ''Transformers'' — Collection 3: Series 2.2 ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2006 — ''Transformers'' — The Complete Generation One Collection (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2007 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of Italy.png|20px|Italy]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Volume 05: Stagione Due Parte Terza ([[Medianetwork Communication]]) — English and Italian audio. 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2009 — ''Transformers'' — Season Two: Part Two (Metrodome) 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Complete Collection: Decepticon Edition (Madman Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — Season Two, Volume One: 25th Anniversary Edition ([[Shout! Factory]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2009 — ''The Transformers'' — The Complete Series: 25th Anniversary "Matrix of Leadership" Collection (Shout! Factory)

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/make_tracks.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Transport to Oblivion (episode)

2014-05-06T21:36:45Z

Elleby: Captioned uncaptioned image.

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=4
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=4
|prev2=More than Meets the Eye, Part 3
|next2=Roll for It
|series3=''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|The Transformers: Generation 2]]''
|ep3=25
|prev3=Fight or Flee
|next3=Roll for It
|image=FHE-TransportToOblivion.jpg
|caption=Cliffjumper IS Admiral Ackbar.
|title="Transport to Oblivion"
|production code=#700-01
|airdate=[[October 6]], 1984
|written by=[[Bryce Malek]] [[Dick Robbins]]
|animation studio=[[Toei]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''After months in hiding, the Decepticons return and have a new method for moving energon cubes to Cybertron.'''

{{TOCclear}}
==Synopsis==
[[File:TransporttoOblivion Decepticon-shaped rock.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|The Shadow knows....]]

The [[Decepticon]]s have not been seen in months and are presumed dead by the [[Autobot]]s. That doesn't stop a twitchy [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] from blasting a rock that vaguely resembles a Decepticon. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] is also not completely convinced of the Decepticons' demise. Unknown to the Autobots, the Decepticons are in fact still alive and have constructed a [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|undersea fortress]] out of their [[Victory (G1)|crashed ship]] under the ocean.

Meanwhile, on Cybertron, an energy-depleted [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] attempts to make contact with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. Shockwave succeeds in his attempt and informs Megatron that the [[energon]] reserves on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] are almost depleted. He also tells him of the newly constructed [[space bridge|Space Bridge]].

The Decepticons head out again to collect more energy. Their first target is a solar power plant. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] scare off the workers and secure the generators for energon creation.

[[File:TransporttoOblivion Cliffjumper attacks Megatron.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|If Megatron were human, that'd be really painful.]]

While cruising the city, [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] encounter a traffic jam—the cause of which is a city-wide blackout. Both decide they need to head back to base to check in. [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] shows that the blackout has spread across the city. Optimus has Teletraan survey the surrounding power stations. At the solar plant, Optimus sees Megatron.

Optimus puts together a small strike team consisting of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], Cliffjumper, [[Gears (G1)|Gears]], and [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] to take care of the Decepticon raid (the rest of the force are out on patrol). The Autobots arrive and drive off the Decepticons, but not before they manage to steal a large amount of energy. During the battle, Ironhide is injured while saving Optimus from an attack.

[[File:TransporttoOblivion Spacebridge theory.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|The rebel base will be in firing range in 4 minutes...]]

Back at base, Ironhide is worked on by Ratchet and [[Sparkplug Witwicky]], but his pride is more wounded then his chassis. Wanting to know how they plan to get the energon to Cybertron, Optimus sends Bumblebee out on recon to search for signs of the Decepticons in the surrounding area; Spike offers to go with him.

The two stumble upon the location of the Space Bridge and witness the Decepticons' first failed attempt to transport a small vehicle across space. Bumblebee and Spike attempt to leave, but are captured before they can report back. Megatron decides to use his two captives as pilots for the shuttle to help keep it on its course to Cybertron.

[[File:TransporttoOblivion Bumblebee escapes.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|That's what happens when you drive your car too close to Area 51.]]

Bumblebee and Spike are placed in the second test vehicle and sent toward the Space Bridge portal, but the Decepticons run out of time and the alignment between Cybertron and [[Earth]] passes. The Bridge can't be reactivated for 3,000 astro-seconds. While the Decepticons grouse about the delay, Bumblebee transforms into his car mode and smashes free of the transport vehicle. Spike is recaptured immediately. Bumblebee manages to evade them for a short time but is also recaptured. Megatron alters Bumblebee's memory chips so he can lead the Autobots into a trap.

Bumblebee returns to [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters]] and tells the gathered Autobots that Spike has been captured. They head for the Space Bridge, but Bumblebee has given them an incorrect location. The false location leads them to a cave where the Decepticons, tipped off by Laserbeak, have been waiting in ambush.

[[File:TransporttoOblivion Bumblebee rescues Spike.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Spike performed his own stunts.]]

The battle is cut short as the dimensional alignment between Cybertron and Earth recurs, allowing for Space Bridge transport. The Decepticons leave, but not before Megatron blasts the cave, sealing the Autobots within. During the battle, Bumblebee is injured and Ratchet discovers that a bank of Bumblebee's memory chips have been altered. The Autobots soon learn the true location of the Space Bridge and once free of the cave, roll out.

The Autobots engage the Decepticons once more at the true location of the Space Bridge, managing to rescue Spike and destroy the shipment of energon. As the battle nears its conclusion, Megatron is knocked into the active Space Bridge and is presumed destroyed. [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] assumes command and orders a retreat. But within [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|the Decepticon base]] on Cybertron, Megatron emerges intact from the Space Bridge, and swears vengeance on his enemies.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (2)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (3)
*[[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] (11)
*[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (13)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (14)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (15)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] (16)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (20)
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (22)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (23)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] (24)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (5)
*[[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (6)
*[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (8)
*[[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (10)
*[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (17)
*[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] (19)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (21)

|c3=
*[[Ed (worker)|Ed]] (7)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (12)
*[[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (18)
}}

==Quotes==
'''Cliffjumper:''' "Don't worry, Megatron. I'll get them after I've taken care of YOU!" 
(Cliffjumper punches Megatron downstairs. This has no effect, and he is brushed aside like a rag doll.) 
'''Megatron:''' "WHO will take care of me?" 
'''Optimus Prime:''' "I will, Megatron."
:—Megatron gets put in his place for picking on the short one.

'''Skywarp:''' "Starscream! Behind you!" 
(Starscream turns to see Cliffjumper and Gears running towards him) 
'''Cliffjumper:''' "Too late, Starscream!" 
'''Starscream:''' "It's never too late, Autobot." 
[''calmly raises his left arm and fires'']

[[File:G1 Transport RatchetSparkplug fixingIronhide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"Ok Ironhide, turn your head and cough."]]
"No more backtalk, or I'll short your mouth circuit."
:—'''Ratchet'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bedside manner toward Ironhide.

"How're we gonna get out of this?" 
"By the skin of our teeth!" 
"I didn't know human teeth had skin!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Spike'''

"The Autobots robbed me of my victory, but they have not seen the last of Megatron. I shall be avenged!"
:—'''Megatron''', for the first time, but not the last.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Maybe not an error, but definitely odd: The establishing shots of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]] are two completely different matte paintings that show exactly the same thing.
* A strange establishing shot meant to convey the transition of an Earth-bound scene to one set on Cybertron shows a whole bunch of gray planets near each other, then suddenly cuts to the stock shot of Cybertron. It's possible this was meant to be a pan across our solar system, showing the Moon and then Saturn, but what it actually portrays is more like three moons orbiting a distant ringed planet unlike any in our [[Solar System]].

[[File:TransporttoOblivion colourchanging Ed.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Black-White-Black]]

* The animated glow behind Shockwave when he is communicating to Megatron is mis-aligned with his body.
* Coloring errors:
** Ed, a solar power plant worker, has his skin change color from one shot to the next. He's first seen as an African-American when his coworker tells him to turn the radio down. When he turns to face the radio in the next shot, he's white. As he backs away from Soundwave's transformation, he's black again, possibly suffering from a rapid (but intermittent) form of [[wikipedia:Vitiligo|Vitiligo]].
** When the Autobots crash through the skylight, Cliffjumper is colored like Bumblebee.
** After Ironhide is shot protecting Optimus Prime, Prowl's gun is black.
** The sides of Starscream's air intakes are gray instead of red when Megatron restrains him from attacking Bumblebee.
** Starscream's thighs are dark gray instead of light gray as he and Megatron fire on the fleeing Bumblebee.
** As the Autobots are waiting for Bumblebee and Spike's return home, Cliffjumper is colored as Bumblebee. Hey, it's the yellow Cliffjumper toy [[variant]]!
** Megatron's fusion cannon is white instead of black as he threatens to finish Ironhide and Prime.
** After Megatron blasts the cave shut (again) and returns to robot mode, blue sky can be seen between Starscream's arms and torso, in the space where his wings should be. Possibly the artists thought his wings were attached to his arms instead of his back.
** Ironhide's cheek guards are gray instead of red as he patches himself up after the cave battle.
** Megatron's face is black as he listens to Shockwave's instructions about the space bridge.
** Megatron's eyes are blue instead of red as he punches buttons on the space bridge console during the final battle.
** After Megatron falls into the [[space bridge]], two successive shots feature Skywarp in Starscream's color scheme, resulting in two Starscreams appearing on screen at once.
[[File:Soundwave jesus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|So Soundwave and Laserbeak [[Warrior School!|use their alternate forms to sneak into an industrial facility and take it over]]...]]
* A glow effect surrounds Soundwave as he enlarges out of his tape player form. While it is clearly a deliberate artistic choice, this effect is never again seen for Soundwave's transformations.
* Cliffjumper and Gears' voices can clearly be heard among the panicked power plant workers.
[[File:TransporttoOblivion fillingcubes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|...and the Decepticons [[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|re-establish contact with Cybertron]], and [[The Bridge to Nowhere!|build a space bridge]], and [[Rock and Roll-Out!|start making energon cubes]]...]]
[[File:Trans to ob megs spacebridge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|...and the whole thing ends with [[Gone but Not Forgotten!|Megatron getting tossed into his own space bridge and unceremoniously launched to Cybertron]]. Did [[Bob Budiansky]] watch this episode or what?]]
* As the Decepticons start filling energon cubes, the background cubes filled by Skywarp are layered in front of the foreground cubes filled by Starscream.
* When Jazz slams on his brakes during the traffic jam, the car in front of him is green. When he backs up to leave, the car is blue and a different model.
* On-screen [[Engrish]]:
** The signage in the city includes some rather odd phrases: Par, Bolo Bulue, Spu Rashu, Bolve, Fee, Mascot, IOU, April, AGF, Bell.
** When Optimus Prime is using Teletraan I to survey nearby power stations, the map on the screen is labeled "EVE ISLAND".
** Teletraan's readout screen has a number of lost-in-translation typographical errors. It reads: SOLOR POWE STATION #001; CAPACITY: 80 %; PURRENT PRODUCTION: 0%.
* During Optimus' close-up when he says "Megatron lives.", the background is of a cloudy sky instead of [[Ark (G1)|Autobot Headquarters']] interior.
* Skywarp has the wrong voice as he says his "Hurry it up!" and "Starscream! Behind you!" lines.
* As Megatron gloats over Optimus Prime's defeat and prepares to transform into gun mode, he says "Soundwave—Prime is target, Soundwave! FIRE!", an awkward-sounding line that appears to have been hastily edited to remove some dialog. Additionally, Megatron orders Soundwave to fire him before he even finishes transforming.
* When the Decepticons are leaving the power station, Skywarp is seen flying away twice.
* Laserbeak's caws and cries are not electronically modulated and are much more bird-like than the synthetic trill that would become his standard vocalization later in the series.
* The Autobots storming into the power plant at the battle's end do not have the standard Autobot laser fire sound effects.
* As the space bridge powers up for its first test, the light effects at the back of the ring pass in front of the test vehicle, which is inside the ring.
* Amid the rocks and debris sucked up into the space bridge, the test vehicle can be seen rising...then falling back down again!
* Bumblebee and Spike clearly withdraw from the edge of the river canyon, yet Bumblebee is standing right at the edge again when he transforms (a convenient conceit, so he can fall down and be captured).
* As Megatron says that Bumblebee and Spike have "volunteered", a glint of light plays across his optics. The sound guys mistook this for a powered light-up effect and inserted a sound effect accordingly.
* The animation of test run #2 is recycled from the first test run...which means that the test vehicle is shown inside the ring, even though it shouldn't be there.
* When Shockwave says, "Test run number two aborted," the animation is of Megatron speaking.
* Skywarp and Starscream get the same not-standard-issue laser sound effect that the Autobots at the power plant had.
* Upon arriving, Bumblebee says that "''Pike'' was taken by the Decepticons!" Maybe it's [[The Insecticon Syndrome|a nickname]]?
* Appearing/disappearing Autobots:
** Four red(dish) cars are among the group leaving Autobot Headquarters. Ironhide and Cliffjumper should be red; the third could be Gears. The fourth is either a miscolored Prowl or Jazz, leaving the group one man short.
** Best guess is that it's Jazz who is missing from that last shot, because he's also missing from the lineup of Autobot cars outside the cave. His voice shows up once the group enters the cave...but he's not actually ''seen'' until after the first commercial break.
** Brawn, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, and Trailbreaker all appear at various points during the battle in the cave and its aftermath, despite not being part of the group that arrives and leaves the cave.
* As often happens, Soundwave's chest is suddenly see-through transparent when he's playing back a tape report.
* Prowl's car form is horrifically off-model when Ironhide asserts that Bumblebee is never wrong. Gears isn't much better and is missing some of his red coloration as well. When off-model Prowl transforms, his missing headlights and bumper appear out of nowhere.
* Megatron's wrist blaster disappears instantly after he fires it.
* Starscream is holding one of his arm-mounted weapons in his hand as Megatron orders him to blast the cave entrance open.
* Ratchet announces that Bumblebee's memory banks have been altered, despite not doing any work near or inspection of his head. All he does is weld 'Bee's chest for a brief second.
* As Ravage guards Spike, the energy cage is layered over Ravage's neck, even though he is closer to the camera's point of view.
* Spike makes a very strange gesture as the energy cage disappears, seemingly rubbing a rock in the background as if he were wiping it off. Not only is it strange, it's also spatially impossible, as the "rock" is actually the ground below him, meaning he's just making a random wiping motion in the air.
* Soundwave's shadow over Spike disappears a second before the shot ends.
* As Megatron coaches Spike, Soundwave is missing his Decepticon insignia. Megatron's own insignia is missing its central crest.
* When the space bridge opens for the third time (with Spike as the driver), the inside of the ring is bizarrely misdrawn; the outlines and edges of the bridge ring do not line up correctly, resulting in [http://www.blifaloo.com/illusions/impossible.php impossible shapes].
* Ironhide is suddenly toting a HUGE green bazooka cannon laser gun thing when the Autobots attack the space bridge. He's never had this weapon before or since.
* Starscream is missing his back wing insignia as he takes off.
* As the space bridge beam arrives on Cybertron, the beam is layered in front of the bridge receiver tower that it's supposed to be entering.

===Continuity errors===
* At the end of the previous episode, the Autobot ship was being refueled and repaired in preparation for the imminent return of the Autobots to Cybertron. At the beginning of this episode, their journey home seems to have been all but forgotten.
** In the original script, just before Cliffjumper blasts the rock formation, Optimus and Ironhide are talking about their ship being ready to launch the next day.
* This is the only time Autobot Headquarters is ever depicted as being near a cliffside overlooking the ocean.
* In the opening scenes, Optimus seems pretty certain that the Decepticons have survived... yet he still seems shocked when Megatron reappears.
* Speaking of which, could the Decepticons really have built this whole huge underwater fortress without anybody noticing their activities?
* If Shockwave is "losing power", then he really shouldn't be up on the roof of [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Decepticon Headquarters]] shooting at nothing. The animation fails to convey that he had any sort of target or that a battle was occurring.
* Shockwave is clearly the most loyal soldier in all of creation. He's still trying to communicate with Megatron ''four million years after he disappeared'' and clearly expects an answer. What would it take to convince Shockwave that Megatron is actually dead??
* There doesn't appear to be any purpose to Soundwave sneaking into the power station in tape player mode. Megatron just marches right in about five seconds after Soundwave launches his attack.
* A ''solar'' power station would not need generators.
* Again, if Prime is shocked to find that Megatron is alive, it doesn't make a lot of sense for over half the Autobots to be on patrol.
* Ratchet and Sparkplug are working on Ironhide outside, in the desert sand, even though Ratchet has a (presumably) sanitary medical center for such things.
* Given that Starscream is a highly sophisticated living machine, it seems unlikely that he would have to look at his (notably unadorned) wrist to count down five seconds accurately. That said, he also does count an unusually long second.
* Would it really have killed Bumblebee to stop for half a second to let Spike get inside, instead of making him run alongside?
* Jazz is somehow able to use a stalagmite as a bat to knock back a null ray blast at Starscream.
* Optimus Prime's foot gets caught in a boulder for no apparent reason. In one shot, he's just standing around after helping Ironhide; in the next, he's suddenly stuck.
* It's a totally [[The Agenda (Part III)|stock cartoon trope]], but really, how many times can one cave be blasted open and shut? (Two times each in this episode.)
* Megatron can't possibly be dumb enough to think that Prime and company couldn't just blast their own way out of the cave, yet he declares that sealing the cave means "the end of Prime and the Autobots".

===Continuity notes===
* This episode does a fair bit to establish the status quo for the rest of Season 1 and all of Season 2:
** The Decepticons are shown to have converted their crashed space cruiser into the vast [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|Decepticon Headquarters]] complex.
** The Decepticons re-establish contact with Cybertron.
** The 'Cons make their first use of the [[space bridge]], a device that will feature in many future episodes. The space bridge's erratic performance and seemingly random opening times and locations would feature in a few more episodes, but would largely be downplayed.
* The generic hard rock/big band song makes its debut in this episode; the guitar section is featured as source music played by both Jazz and Soundwave.
* Prime's casual reference to "the entire city losing power" might be construed by continuity hounds as meaning that the traffic jam that Spike and Bumblebee run into is in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]], a city later demonstrated to be close to, and have some legal jurisdiction over, the land where Autobot Headquarters is located. That might be giving the continuity editors too much credit, however.
* This episode continues the trend of Cybertron being located outside the [[Milky Way]] galaxy, as Shockwave refers to the space bridge as an "intergalactic transport system".
* Gadgets and powers:
** When Cliffjumper opens fire on the rock formation, he is carrying Jazz's gun.
** Ratchet describes Starscream's fire as "a concussion blast" (it's supposed to be a null ray.)
** Ratchet has a [[laser scalpel]] (or something similar) that emerges from his forearm. Later, he uses a less focused device that slides out of his wrist.
** Megatron has a chest-mounted hose-like memory scrambler... and a gauntlet-launched saw blade... and a wrist laser.
**Starscream apparently wears a wristwatch. Who knew?
** Watching Bumblebee make his scrambled report, Laserbeak uses a head-mounted retractable microphone. Later episodes (and the Movie) would have a video camera in the same spot instead.
** Ratchet has a wrist-based net launcher, that fires a Pac-Man shaped net (which for some reason brings down Laserbeak.)
** Optimus Prime's laser rifle has a variable focus barrel that allows him to shoot a needle-beam blast.
** The blue button on Megatron's tummy blinks to show him communicating with Shockwave. [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Later]], it would be the two trapezoids on his pecs that blinked.
* What makes Starscream the leader? Megatron fell into the space bridge! '''[[S.O.S. Dinobots|'''> >]]'''

===Real-world references===
* ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars]]'' sound effects:
** Laserbeak is a one-bot ''Star Wars'' effects gallery. He launches from his spy mission with the sound of the [[Death Star]]'s superlaser obliterating the planet Alderaan.
** He then arrives at the Decepticon Headquarters docking tower with the sound of the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' arriving at the Rebel Base on Yavin IV, followed by a repeat of the Death Star/Alderaan effects.
** He then flies into Soundwave's chest with another burst of ''Millennium Falcon'' engines.

===Trivia===
[[File:TransporttoOblivion Cliffjumper attacks Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Right in the gonads!]]
*In an unusual directorial choice, the second and third acts of this episode lack most of the usual flip-symbol [[scene transition]]s, instead using a series of ''Star Wars''-like transition effects (iris out, triangular wipes, radar screen wipe, etc.)
*The third act also features a one-time-only bit of background music as the Decepticons retreat from the cave.
*Seriously, Cliffjumper charges Megatron and punches him in the junk! That takes bearings of chrome steel.
*This was one of twelve episodes of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]] released as audio adventures by the [[Germany|German]] company [[Karussell|Karussell Musik und Video]].

===Foreign localization===
'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Die Weltraumbrücke'''" ("The Spacebridge"), "Reise nach Cybertron" (''Generation 2'', "Journey to Cybertron")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 19]], [[1989]]

'''Hebrew'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shigoor El Avadon'''" (שיגור אל אבדון, "Transport to Oblivion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Italian'''
:*''Title (dub 1):'' "'''Il ponte spaziale'''" ("The Space Bridge")
:*''Title (dub 2):'' "'''Passaggio verso l'oblio'''" ("Passage to the Oblivion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?
:*In the first dub, Optimus Prime briefly calls Teletraan I "Supervista", which is [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s name.

'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Space Bridge Sakusen'''" (スペースブリッジ作戦, "Operation: Space Bridge")
:*Original airdate: [[July 27]], [[1985]]
:**'''Cut:''' After Prime discovers that Megatron still lives and orders the Autobots to assemble, following the symbol transition, the role call of Ironhide through Gears is cut. The sequence resumes at his lines about half the force being out on patrol.
:**'''Cut:''' After Megatron gets his "power boost" and punches Prime in the face, the following scene of Starscream lifting Energon cubes, getting shot at, shooting Ratchet and Prowl, Cliffjumper and Gears attacking him, and his line "It's never too late, Autobot" before firing on them have all been cut. The sequence resumes at his transforming to jet mode and flying off with Skywarp.

'''Russian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Doroga v nikooda'''" (Дорога в никуда, "Road to Nowhere")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Serbian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Putovanje u zaborav'''" (Путовање у заборав, "Voyage into Oblivion")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

'''Swedish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Resa in i det okända'''" (Generation 2, "Journey into the Unknown")
:*''Original airdate:'' ?

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;VHS
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 1985 — ''The Transformers'' — Volume 7: "Transport to Oblivion" ([[Family Home Entertainment]])
;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'' — Original Series: Volume Two ([[Maverick Entertainment|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 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]] 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 Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2007 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (3DVDs) ([[Flex Media]]) — German audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers'' — Box-Set (2DVDs) (Flex Media) — German audio only. 
[[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)

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/transport_to_oblivion.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
[[Category:Generation 2 episodes]]

Hot Rod (G1)

2014-05-02T23:02:04Z

Elleby: /* Big Looker Storybook continuity */ Removed reference to genocide that was no longer referenced.

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{{disambig3|Rodimus}}
{{disambig3|Hot Rod}}
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:''Hot Rod is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. He has also been known as '''Rodimus Prime''', '''Rodimus''', and '''Rodimus Major'''.''

[[File:DVDbox3d1.jpg|301px|thumb|And yet he still gets carded.]]

'''Hot Rod''' is brash and headstrong, with an overwhelming self-confidence that borders on arrogance. [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] has assumed the role of mentor and advisor to the impetuous young Hot Rod, offering him wisdom and advice when he needs it (though Hot Rod rarely feels that he does, much to Kup's annoyance). [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] also serves as a calming influence on Hot Rod, and tends to either worry about him when he is not around, or deride and tease him when he is. Their relationship is antagonistic, but friendly. Exactly how deep Hot Rod's feelings for Arcee might run is unknown, whether they be friendly, [[Transformer romance|romantic]], or otherwise.

In contrast, his '''Rodimus Prime''' persona—while still headstrong and stubborn—seems to suffer from a severe lack of confidence, often doubting his own decisions and expressing distress over his position as an [[Prime (rank)|Autobot leader]]. Of course, much of this comes from comparisons with his former commander [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]—and let's face it, shoes-to-be-filled just don't ''get'' much bigger than that.

One thing that both sides of this Autobot's identity have in common is their impatience—neither Hot Rod nor Rodimus Prime can stand to wait around when they could be doing something instead. He is also very self-reliant, rarely sending others to do anything when he could be doing it himself. His [[Targetmaster]] partner is [[Firebolt (G1)|Firebolt]]. As Rodimus Prime, his vehicle sometimes splits between his robot and [[Mobile Defense Bay]].

{{bigquote|I ''knew'' you had potential, lad.|[[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]] on Hot Rod's transformation into Rodimus Prime|''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
[[File:Fightorflee Rodimus explosion.jpg|thumb|250px]]
{{main|Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity}}

At some point before [[2005]], Hot Rod became stationed at [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] and so was present during the [[Battle of Autobot City]]. This was a turning point in the life of the turbo-revving young punk, because the [[Matrix of Leadership]] chose him as its next bearer following the death of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. As Rodimus Prime, his first accomplishments were the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the return of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to the Autobots.

During his time as [[Prime (rank)|Prime]], Rodimus not only had to deal with the Decepticons and [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|their new leader]], but also the political complexities of the planetary alliance Cybertron joined, the return of the Transformers' cruel masters from long ago, the [[Quintesson]]s, the possible revival of Unicron and the arrival of Unicron's "little brother" [[Tornedron]].

During the [[Hate Plague]] outbreak in [[2006]], Optimus Prime was brought back to life and Rodimus gave up his rank of Prime, becoming Hot Rod once more. He would live to see the next Cybertronian [[Golden Age]].
{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
[[File:Hoverscooter.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Wheeeee....]]
{{main|Hot Rod (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity}}
Initially serving under [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Hot Rod travelled to [[Nebulos]] where he became a [[Targetmaster]] and then on to [[Earth]] where he joined [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s forces aboard the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]]. Returning to Cybertron, he survived the battle against [[Unicron]] and formed part of the shaky Autobot-Decepticon alliance under the leadership of Prime's successor [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]]. Betrayed by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Decepticons, Hot Rod was killed during the ambush on [[Klo]] but revived shortly afterwards by the power of the [[Last Autobot]].

In some [[splinter timeline]]s Hot Rod went on to become Rodimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, and took part in further battles against Unicron and his minion [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], albeit with mixed results. In others, he has yet to fulfil this part of his destiny.
{{-}}

===S.T.A.R.S. pack-in flyers===
[[File:PackIn RodimusPrimeRemembers Front.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Just like he remembers Woodstock.]]

Unicron just might consume the universe, and the Autobots need to determine who the Chosen One is so that he may rise from their ranks, unlock the Matrix of Power, and save all from Unicron! Unfortunately, not even the Chosen One himself knows his identity, and his discovery may come too late. {{storylink|The Autobots Have a Special Mission for:}}

There was a legendary conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons when Optimus Prime led Rodimus Prime and a large team of Autobots in a search for the future site of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. They were ambushed by Megatron and [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], and this became known as the Transformers' greatest battle on Earth. Rodimus Prime dubbed it "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction (G1)|Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]." {{storylink|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.}} Some of the Autobots were forced to retreat due to Thundercracker's "force shield," and Optimus Prime told Rodimus and the others that their only hope was to call in for additional troops. {{storylink|Transformers Combat Data}}

Later, Rodimus Prime remembered the Transformers' greatest battle on Earth. {{storylink|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.|Rodimus Prime remembers the Transformers greatest battle on Earth.}}
{{-}}

===Big Looker Storybook continuity===
[[File:CarShowBlowup-AutobotCity.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Hot Rod clearly does not pass emissions standards.]]
Kup and Hot Rod traveled to the coliseum to check out a robot car the [[human]]s had built that could respond to voice commands. They heard about it on their car radios! But when they arrived at the coliseum, Kup spotted Decepticons flying about. As some entered the back door, Kup shooed Hot Rod away, telling him to warn the others. If Hot Rod stayed, he would just get into trouble!

[[File:Wildboyofquintessonbattle.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|]]
When Hot Rod returned with the Autobots, Kup had been captured and held prisoner, so the others entered the coliseum in vehicle mode. Meanwhile, Hot Rod snuck up behind Kup and freed him. Yelling "Geronimo!" they jumped from the control room onto the coliseum floor, taking the Decepticons by surprise. Galvatron and the others escaped, but Kup and Hot Rod agreed that they'd be ready for him when he returned. {{storylink|Car Show Blow Up}}

Later, Kup led Hot Rod, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] on a special mission to take supplies from Earth to a space station on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s second moon. Despite Kup's warnings, the Dinobots loaded too many supplies onto the ship, and in the middle of their journey, the ship began to have problems. Hot Rod reassured Arcee that everything would be okay, but the ship was going down! It crashed on a planet which Kup recognized. It was the planet [[Quintessa|Quintesson]]! They were interrupted by a tribal scream and a flurry of firestones. However, the boy who made his presence known was not aiming at them, but at the Quintessons behind them. The boy's name was [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], and he had been abandoned on the planet when his ship crashed their earlier.

Wheelie led them through the jungle, battling Quintessons along the way, until they reached Wheelie's crashed ship. Hot Rod was able to fix it, and everyone left the planet Quintesson, Wheelie included! {{storylink|The Story of Wheelie, the Wild Boy of Quintesson}}
{{-}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
[[File:DecepticonsatthePole-HotRodSparks.jpg|left|thumb|upright=0.85|Say I'm badly drawn to my face, pal!]]
Hot Rod was one of several troops stationed on Earth when [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] was in charge and the Transformers' war was still a secret one. He got along well with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], the two spending their downtime looking at car magazines together, and was quite pleased to receive some snazzy gold wheel-trims from the boy. {{storylink|Decepticon Hideout}}

In the time following this campaign, Hot Rod would mature into a more sensible warrior and even a team leader. During the early stages of the war on [[Nebulos]], Hot Rod was Autobot commander against [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]'s Decepticons before the return of Optimus Prime. At one point, he prevented the Decepticons causing Nebulos' destruction via cosmic radiation. {{storylink|Decepticons at the Pole}}

===Sticker Adventures===
Out searching for a missing shuttle, Hot Rod and Kup spied it crashed on the Junk planet. They landed to find their friends engaged in battle with the natives, but Kup cautioned Hot Rod not to rashly jump in and join them. Kup's use of the Universal Autobot Greeting resulted in the Junkions abandoning the fight and making friends with the newcomers, and causing Hot Rod to exclaim "Holy cow!" The Junkions helped repair the damaged shuttle before the Autobots left. {{storylink|Battle on the Junk Planet}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers'' Adventure Game Books===
[[File:Wolf at the door desert of danger.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|When you're weary, feelin' small...]]
Hot Rod had himself delivered by freight to the planet of Nebulos, where he and his Targetmaster partner Professor Sparks suspected the Decepticons were attempting reinforce their position in spite of a treaty in place to limit their numbers. With [[you]]r help they traced the Decepticons to the [[Wolf at the Door]] nightclub, an [[oil]] bar for Nebulan miners run by [[Monzo]], and discovered that [[Weirdwolf (G1)|Weirdwolf]], [[Skullcruncher]] and [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] were importing [[Attack Squad robot]]s from Cybertron and awakening them from cryogenic suspension with a catalytic stimulant disguised as [[Sirian brandy]].

After a confrontation with the Decepticons that left Skullcruncher and Mindwipe out of action, Hot Rod faced off against Weirdwolf and Monzo. Weirdwolf was defiant, but Monzo wasn't feeling lucky and surrendered to the Autobot. Though the Headmasters had to be released under the terms of the treaty, the Attack Squad robots were destroyed. {{storylink|Desert of Danger}}

{{note|"Desert of Danger" is a [[multipath adventure]] and the above only applies to the optimum path through the book. If you make the wrong decision, the Decepticons may well triumph instead.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers PD Type'' comic===
[[File:Pdtype rodimus manga.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb]]
Clutching a [[Blackball]], Rodimus Prime found himself being attacked by Galvatron. As the Decepticon leader attempted to throttle him, a light shone from Rodimus's chest, making Galvatron think it was the power of the Blackball. After Galvatron had fled, Rodimus revealed it was just a torch, and reflected on what an idiot his foe was. {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##11 "Take a Stand! Rodimus Prime!"|Take a Stand! Rodimus Prime!}}

As Fortress Maximus and Mega Zarak clashed violently, Rodimus reminded Optimus that he had said never to let those two fight. {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##14 "Watch Out! Mega Zarak!"|Watch Out! Mega Zarak!}}

Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime enjoyed many victories against the Decepticons, but [[Greatshot|who was that in the background?]] {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##15 "No One Knows When he's Come or Gone. Greatshot..."|No One Knows When he's Come or Gone. Greatshot...}}

Together with Ultra Magnus, Rodimus engaged in battle against [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]], but was terrified when the Decepticon ninja unleashed the fury of his "Six Shadow Selves"! Luckily for Rodimus, Sixshot's doppelgangers were actually other Decepticons whom he'd painted black (and weren't very happy about it). {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##18|The Ninja of Space, Sixshot!!}}

In a later altercation with Sixshot, Rodimus attempted to use his Photon Eliminator gun to strike down the fleeing ninja. Though he managed to shoot ''every other'' Decepticon on the battlefield, he failed to hit his intended target. Rodimus sat pouting in the corner as the other Autobots convened to register their disappointment that Rodimus let Sixshot get away. {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##21|Photon Eliminator}}

Joining [[Ginrai|God Ginrai]] and Ultra Magnus in an assault on Mega Zarak, Rodimus was terrified when the mammoth Decepticon unleashed his titanic Anti-Gravity Rifle. Fortunately for the Autobots, the gun jammed and Mega Zarak was left fiddling with it while they opened fire. {{storylink|Transformers PD Type##24|Anti-Gravity Rifle}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
[[File:WarAgainstDestructions-HotRodApeface.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|GRONK yourself!]]
As Ultra Magnus left for a mission to find an Energon source, Hot Rod assured him that everything would be fine on Cybertron, and if there was any hint of trouble "Rodimus" would pop up and save the day. When Magnus later checked in, Hot Rod reported that they'd made some process on Headmaster technology. Though Magnus was more concerned about the threat of war, Hot Rod told him not to worry, unaware that [[Sixshot (G1)|Sixshot]] was planning to throw him a surprise. {{storylink|The Test (issue)|The Test}}

Hot Rod was pleased to have [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] back. Then [[Monitorus]] arrived with the news that [[Tau-Ursa]] had been attacked and leveled by Decepticons, and Hot Rod got to point out that the Tau-Ursans had refused the Autobots permission to build a defense base there. He shortly took part in an attempt to repel a Decepticon attack on Cybertron, finding himself fighting against Sixshot, who seemed more interested in goading him than fighting. This turned out to be a diversion, while [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] used his new [[Nullification Cannon]] on the planet's Energon supplies.

Hot Rod and Blurr next visited Tau-Ursa to check for Decepticons, and encountered [[Apeface|Ape Face]], who had found a [[Logicon]] warning beacon. The two Autobots wrestled it from him and returned to Cybertron, where the beacon was found to hold the coordinates to [[Metascan Alpha]], a major Energon storehouse. Prime placed Hot Rod in charge of one of two teams to search for the planet, though the operation was hampered slightly by the discovery of the two Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clone]]s spying on them. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

{{Note|At this point [[Blackthorne Publishing]] went bankrupt and the storyline was never completed}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Hotroddreamwave.jpg|left|thumb]]
Hot Rod joined an underground Autobot cell led by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] after [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave's]] takeover of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Among the members of the cell was [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], whom Hot Rod became attached to. From the [[Wastelands]], Hot Rod, [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] observed an incoming Decepticon shuttle carrying the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} Shortly afterward, the cell rescued [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] from [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]] and [[Runabout (G1)|Runabout]], and took him to their base. After awakening, Prime attacked [[Gnaw]], Blurr, and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]], forcing Hot Rod (who didn't recognize him) to hold the Autobot leader at gunpoint. After receiving a corrective slap from and being admonished by Kup, Hot Rod apologized. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}

After Shockwave unleashed the [[Guardian robot]]s on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], Prime organized the resistance cell and other Autobot forces on the planet in an assault on Shockwave's citadel. Fighting alongside the Autobot leader, Hot Rod was amazed that the stories Kup had told him about Prime's courage and heroism had all been true. As an injured Prime breached the citadel, Hot Rod, Ironhide and [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] provided cover fire, taking down a number of Guardians in the process. Along with the rest of Iacon, they witnessed the divine light of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Autobot Matrix of Leadership]] when Shockwave activated it. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (issue)|Countdown to Extinction}}

As Prime and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] battled Shockwave within the citadel, Hot Rod and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] took down [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] and [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. Immediately afterward, they were confronted with the looming threat of a remaining Guardian robot—a threat that was soon neutralized by the arrival of the [[Wrecker]]s, the [[Autobot High Council]], and [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]]. The unified Autobot group soon breached the citadel. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Some time later, Hot Rod ran a simulation combat scenario against Kup, and won using tactics that, in Kup's opinion, would have killed them both had it been real. Only after his victory did Hot Rod remember that he'd promised to take Arcee to see an [[Earth]]-bound shuttle launch—a duty Springer was happy to relieve him of. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}} Soon afterward, he was assigned to perimeter guard duty at [[Autobase]] with Gnaw and Wheelie, separating him from Arcee. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}
{{-}}

===''Universe: Featuring the Wreckers''===
[[File:Skidswreckers2.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|It's funny because Rodimus sucked at everything.]]
A few months after the destruction of [[Unicron]] in 2005, Rodimus Prime spearheaded an effort to establish multiple recon posts to watch for advancing threats... even though some of his scientists said he shouldn't. When only two of the five launched ships were ever heard from again, Rodimus felt like a schmuck. Guy can't catch a break. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

After the Great Wars ended and the [[Pax Cybertronia]] was signed, he changed his name to simply "Rodimus" and decided to check out the new "[[Great Upgrade|Maximal Upgrade]]". His relationship with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] effectively ended shortly after, as the latter went through dark gripping emo depression over the death of [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] and vanished.

Rodimus joined the [[Wrecker]]s at some undetermined point afterward. After [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] took over Cybertron with his [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon drones]], Wrecker leader [[Apelinq]] got stranded on prehistoric [[Earth]], leaving Rodimus in charge. True to form, he ditched leadership duties to [[Primal Prime]] as soon as possible.

After Primal Prime got his marching orders from the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], he met Rodimus deep inside Cybertron's caverns, where an even more gothy-emo Arcee—in a new Maximal body—lurked and stewed in her depression. Realizing he couldn't convince her to give a damn about anything, he left, rejoining the main Wrecker force in battle. Making it onto an ancient Autobot shuttle, the Wreckers blasted off... with late-arrival Arcee. {{storylink|Departure}}

[[File:Arceedisclosure.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|Except you're the size of my arm now.]]
Rodimus recognized the homing beacon emitting from [[Akalo|Archa Nine]] as one of those missing exploration parties mentioned before. When the shuttle landed, Rodimus stayed behind to help repair the damage the ship had suffered. The entire Wrecker team later gathered in an [[Akalouthan]] village, where Rodimus was reunited with [[Glyph (G1)|Glyph]], who took them to see the artifact known as the [[Divine Light]]. The Wreckers' analysis of the item was cut short, as it was stolen by the traitor [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. Rodimus saw the back-in-his-old-body [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] off, who was sent to chase after Cyclonus, while the Wreckers made for their next destination... even though several of them were now leery of the visions Primal Prime had been getting. Because they'd really done ''so well'' by the Wreckers so far. {{storylink|Betrayal}}

Upon landing on the frozen planet, Rodimus was part of the search party immediately dispatched to look for... something. Primal Prime wasn't too specific. They came across [[Al-Badur]], an exiled [[Quintesson]], who gave them a little history lesson. They were then promptly attacked by a school of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]], but the Wreckers made short work of them. They made their way back to the ship, with Al-Badur in tow, and made for their next destination... {{storylink|Disclosure}}

[[File:WreckersFinaleII-RodimusCyclonus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|If Optimus can die, so can I!]]
...Cybertron. As Primal Prime took some Wreckers after their true foe, [[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]], Rodimus tried to get their injured to a safe place. Unfortunately, the planet was under a full scale Quintesson invasion, and some anti-aircraft fire inevitably clipped the ship and sent them plummeting downwards. After they made it to safe ground, Rodimus and the crew hooked up with his fellow [[Matrix Templar]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], and followed his insight to the battle. They confronted Cryotek's underling, Cyclonus, and his purloined squad of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]]s. With casualties mounting on both sides, Cyclonus beat a safe retreat, collapsing the tunnel behind him to prevent pursuit. Rodimus was quick enough to dive through the falling debris, however, leaving the two old enemies alone to do battle. Centuries of bad blood carried them through the conflict, until both drew their weapons at point blank range, and fired.

Horribly damaged by this last attack, Rodimus struggled to keep up with the other Wreckers and the running conflict between [[Sentinel Maximus]] and Cryotek. The fighting came to an end at a Quintesson banishing chamber, where the treacherous Al-Badur had attempted to toss Sentinel and Cryotek into a formless void. The two warriors were trapped behind an energy dome, barely able to fight off the portal's pull using their flight systems. Once [[Fractyl]] pointed out that Cryotek was empowered by the Divine Light, a fraction of Primus's own power, Rodimus realized that as Matrix Templars he and Cheetor could drain that power away from the Predacon. They managed to extract most of it before Cryotek cut off their siphoning effect. In the end, Sentinel Maximus sacrificed himself to pull Cryotek into the void with him. Rodimus finally expired from his wounds from fighting Cyclonus, quietly passing on into the Matrix. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
{{-}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[File:GIJoeTFHotRod70s.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|"That bumperchest really doesn't feel right. How do Prowl and Jazz live with it?"]]
Hot Rod was one of [[Teletran 3]]'s unfortunate victims when the computer malfunctioned and transported a random number of Transformers to random points in Earth's timeline. Along with [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], Hot Rod ended up in mid-1970's [[San Francisco]], where he was locked into the form of a Ford Mustang muscle car. The dormant Autobot was soon stolen by a car thief, but was chased down by a group of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joes]] and [[Cobra]] members sent to retrieve the Transformers. Discovering [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] in the process, the humans equipped both vehicles with [[disruption unit]] that awakened the Transformers and sent them back to present-day Cybertron seconds after Hot Rod commented about feeling "really weird." {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}} Back on Cybertron, they were stuck waiting inside the force field Ultra Magnus had erected to prevent [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] from capturing Teletran 3. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 2|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #2}}

Some time after his time travel adventure, Hot Rod reported to Optimus Prime that [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]'s team on Earth had been sidetracked by a Cobra attack. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 2|The Art of War #2}} When said team ended up disappearing in Cybertron's [[Gladiator Zone]], Hot Rod convinced Optimus to stay behind and take care of an Autobot peace ceremony instead of going out and searching for them. Hot Rod then assembled his own search party, but they failed to find the missing Autobots. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 3|The Art of War #3}} Unfortunately, [[Serpentor|Serpent O.R.]]'s forces attacked the peace ceremony and captured Optimus Prime, leading to Hot Rod assembling a new team intent on rescuing him. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 4|The Art of War #4}} They fought Serpent O.R.'s Decepticon army together with reinforcements from G.I. Joe, and during the battle, Hot Rod paused in horror as he saw the light of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] being opened inside the Decepticon base. The Decepticon army eventually defeated, and by the time Hot Rod reached inside their base, Serpent O.R. had been killed as well. {{storylink|The Art of War issue 5|The Art of War #5}}

A few months later, Hot Rod questioned Optimus Prime's choice to go to Earth again, accusing his leader of feeling guilty about [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s death at Serpent O.R.'s hands and doing everything by himself just to prevent more people from dying. Prime just looked at him sadly before leaving, causing Ultra Magnus to tell Hot Rod that he really needed to learn when to stop talking. {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}}
{{-}}

===IDW Generation 1 continuity===
{{main|Hot Rod (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity}}
[[File:SpotlightHotRod-HotRodcvrAexcerpt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|As much as anything else, this was to troll [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]].]]
Originating from the city-state of [[Nyon]], Hot Rod destroyed it to keep its population from being painfully, fatally drained to fuel the corrupt [[Zeta Prime (G1)|Zeta Prime]]'s war machines.

Years later, Hot Rod held a fairly high rank in the Autobot army, equivalent to [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]], and was sent on a mission to [[Ki-Aleta]] to retrieve the [[Magnificence]] which turned into a only technically-successful disaster, with himself the only apparent survivor. When he found out [[Doubledealer|Dealer]] had also survived, he rescued him from a Decepticon prison, unaware that he was the traitor who had caused things to go so wrong. Soon after, he was called to Earth to aid [[Optimus Prime (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Optimus Prime]], but briefly returned to retrieve the Magnificence to gain information on the [[Expansion]], during which he discovered Dealer's treachery and killed him. Thereafter, he returned to his information-gathering task on the [[Machination]], and though was badly beaten by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], he still aided in the Decepticon's defeat.

After surviving the [[Surge (event)|Surge]] and watching Optimus surrender to [[Skywatch]], he led a group of Autobots to make an alliance with [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] to get off Earth, with the capitalist Decepticon buttering him up by dubbing him "Rodimus Prime", a name he adopted and continued to use even after Swindle's inevitable betrayal. Flying off in a stolen shuttle to retrieve the Matrix from the Decepticons, he was blasted into space by [[Megatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Megatron]] after taking it from [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]], leading to a trip that involved the discovery of [[Galvatron (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Galvatron's]] army-building. Returning the Matrix and this information to Optimus, he was permanently redubbed Rodimus and joined him in facing Galvatron, convincing Optimus that only the Matrix could undo the [[Darkness (G1)|Heart of Darkness]]' contamination of Vector Sigma.

After the Chaos War was done, he was given half of the now-empty Matrix by Optimus, and led a two-hundred strong crew into space aboard the ''[[Lost Light]]'' to seek the [[Knights of Cybertron]], leaving Cybertron and its returned, hostile, population of [[NAIL|neutral Transformers]].

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===
[[File:Henkei manga rodimus.jpg|thumb|left|155px]]
While the other Autobots were busy dealing with a rampaging [[Astrotrain (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Astrotrain]], Rodimus disrupted [[Megatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Megatron]] and the other Decepticons' attack on a power plant by engaging them solo. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 2}} Unable to tackle Megatron in hand-to-hand combat, he was able to get [[Starscream (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Starscream]] to accidentally blast his leader instead, but this did little more than annoy Megatron, who flattened Rodimus with a [[fusion cannon]] blast. With Rodimus defeated, the Decepticons pulled out, but the Autobot cavalier didn't let the defeat get him down, and he sped off to join the other Autobots in battling Astrotrain. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 3}} Soon after, Rodimus helped defend another power plant against a Decepticon attack, shielding the human workers from Starscream's blasts with his own body. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 4}}

When the mysterious new Decepticon warrior [[Cyclonus (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Cyclonus]] provided Megatron with the means to transform himself into the monstrous [[Galvatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Galvatron]], Rodimus, [[Ironhide (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Ironhide]] and [[Mirage (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comic|Mirage]] trailed Cyclonus's Targetmaster partner [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]] to the volcano in which Megatron was carrying out his transformation. Despite resistance from Starscream and Cyclonus, Rodimus and his team were able to collapse the volcano's cone in on itself. They believed they had sealed Megatron within, and were about to focus their attack on Starscream when they were sent scattering by the explosive emergence of Galvatron from the remains of the caldera. {{storylink|Henkei! Henkei! volume 9}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun'' manga===
Following the defeat of [[Galvatron (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Galvatron]] on [[Earth]], Rodimus was among the Autobots that [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Optimus Prime]] summoned to the planet. Together with [[Ironhide (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Ironhide]], [[Hound (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Hound]] and [[Jetfire (G1)#Henkei! Henkei! Bun Bun manga|Skyfire]], Rodimus was to protect the planet while Optimus's team set off for Cybertron in pursuit of the fleeing Galvatron. {{storylink|To the Sea of Stars}}
{{-}}

==Games==
===3D Battle-Card Game===
Hot Rod was one of [[Optimus Primal]]'s many Autobot allies in a fight against [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]]'s Decepticon forces. {{storylink|3D Battle-Card Game#Energon Wars expansion|Energon Wars Expansion Set}}

===''The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth''===
[[File:C64RodimusPrimeAndHotRod.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Along with their fellow Autobots, Hotrod{{sic}} and Rodimus Prime protected Earth from the menace of the Decepticons. Hotrod was ostensibly under the command of Rodimus Prime. {{storylink|The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth}}

{{note|In this game, "Hotrod" and Rodimus Prime are separate characters who can be in the same place at the same time. Don't try to think about this too hard.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Mystery of Convoy''===
[[File:Mysteryofconvoy rodimus.jpg|left|thumb|225px]]
When Optimus Prime went missing under mysterious circumstances, Ultra Magnus was given the task of battling hordes of Decepticons in order to solve the mystery of his whereabouts. The Decepticons had also stolen a collection of seven energon cubes belonging to Rodimus Prime, which Magnus strove to recover during his fight. When all seven were successfully obtained and the battle was won, a new challenge rose its head, but with his energon cubes back, Rodimus was able to take up the fight! He had a funny habit of looking like an orange Ultra Magnus if you looked at him sideways. {{storylink|Transformers: Mystery of Convoy}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Headmasters''===
Rodimus Prime was kidnapped by the Decepticons and held captive on Cybertron by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. He was rescued by [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] and his other comrades, and in turn helped rescue those who were still imprisoned. Once they had reunited, Rodimus Prime and the others met with [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] for the last battle against [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]. {{storylink|Transformers: The Headmasters (video game)|Transformers: The Headmasters}}

===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter von Gomm]] (English)}}
====Autobot story====
[[File:Callofthefuture rodimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"I am from the future and know a lot about history!"]]

When [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] gained the incredible power of the [[Zel Quartz]] in the year 2010 and began cutting a swath of destruction across the galaxy, Rodimus Prime, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] resolved to prevent this devastation by traveling back in time and eliminating the quartz in the past, thereby altering their future. Using a [[Transwarp]]-equipped ship supplied by the [[Quintesson]]s, they traveled to the world of [[Zel Samine]] in the year 2003, where they ran across teams of present-day Autobots and Decepticons led by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], who were carrying out investigations on their own on the planet.

Making matters worse, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] also followed them back in time, and the two teams allied themselves with their respective present-day factions in order to locate the Zel Quartz. It wasn't necessarily an easy alliance to make: Rodimus was barely able to keep his cool when [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], not believing that he and his team were really Autobots, demanded to know if Rodimus was Autobot leader in the future, what happened to Optimus? Fortunately, Optimus calmed his lieutenant down and welcomed the trio of future Autobots into his forces.

Working with the present day Autobots was not easy for Rodimus, as he was well aware of the fate that awaited them. On a number of occasions, he struggled with his knowledge of the future, knowing he could prevent a [[Battle of Autobot City|great tragedy]] but could also cause untold damage to the timestream by doing so. He also showed some interest in Arcee when he attempted to give her a precious stone he'd found during a mission to a mine, only for the female Autobot to scold him for taking something that didn't belong to him. Luckily for him, Optimus stepped in and settled things by ordering Rodimus and Arcee to return the stone. That Optimus makes one heck of a wingman.

After several false leads, the quartz was eventually located, serving as the power source of the [[ELTA]] power transmission array. After fighting their way through the likes of Cyclonus, Scourge, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and both Soundwave and his future counterpart Soundblaster, Rodimus and Optimus engaged Megatron and Galvatron in a two-on-two battle over ELTA, using the power of their twin Matrices to stop the computer from self-destructing. Once the dust from the fight had settled, Starscream reemerged and snatched up the Zel Quartz, only to promptly take it off-planet, where it disintegrated without Zel Samine's atmosphere and electromagnetic properties to sustain it. With their future thus averted, Rodimus and his Autobots began fading away to rejoin the timestream. Before they disappeared, Rodimus attempted to warn Optimus of the coming dangers in the future, including his Optimus's death (for which Rodimus continued to blame himself), but Optimus silenced him, telling him that he did not need to know what the future held. Rodimus told Optimus that he would always be the greatest leader in Autobot history, but Optimus told him that he was merely a soldier who loved justice, and that that was all Rodimus needed to be too.

====Decepticon story====
Megatron, Starscream and Soundwave encountered Rodimus Prime while investigating the presence of unknown craft over Zel Samine. Rodimus was stunned to see the Decepticon [[Emperor of Destruction]] before reminding himself of the era he was in. For his part, Megatron thought he was facing Hot Rod, but quickly realised his mistake. After a short, sharp fight that saw Rodimus defeated, Megatron was distracted enough by the appearance of Galvatron to allow the future Autobot to escape.

Rodimus would again battle Megatron as well as Galvatron at the ELTA power transmission array, this time alongside his hero Optimus Prime. He was shocked that despite the fact the two Primes were working together, they were still defeated. When Megatron and Galvatron resolved to destroy the ELTA array Rodimus pleaded with them to stop, pointing out that the array generated a massive amount of energy, the same energy the Decepticons so loved. Sadly, the two Emperors of Destruction felt that with the Zel Quartz now in their possession, they no longer needed the array and proceeded to destroy it with their combined power. The wounded Rodimus barely escaped.

He presumably returned to the future alongside all the future Transformers when Starscream unwittingly rendered the Zel Quartz powerless. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}
{{-}}
===''Transformers Legends''===
Following [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s rebirth as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Rodimus led the Autobots to a decisive victory over the Decepticon forces. {{storylink|All Hail Galvatron}} When Galvatron summoned [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] to the battlefield, Rodimus attempted to block the Decepticon advance with [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], though unsuccessfully. {{storylink|The Colossus War}}

Rodimus and [[Kup (G1)|Sergeant Kup]] were put on trial by the [[Quintesson]]s. They faced death by [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] until [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] organized a well-timed coup. {{storylink|Mockery of Justice}} The Autobots subsequently found themselves up against [[Unicron]]. Rodimus defeated the monster by opening the [[Matrix of Leadership]], saving [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and becoming the new Autobot leader in the process. {{storylink|'Til All Are One (Legends)|'Til All Are One}}

When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] were abducted by [[Skuxxoid]]s during the [[Galactic Olympics|Galactic Games]], [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and Rodimus Prime traveled to [[Chaar]] to see if the Decepticons were responsible. Damaged in an attack, he had a vision revealing the Quintessons were behind the kidnapping. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 1}} He almost sacrificed himself on the planet Goo to save the rest of his team. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 2}} Rodimus traveled into the Matrix to learn the origin of the Transformer race. Following an attack on Cybertron, Galvatron was only prevented from fighting with Rodimus by [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness: Part 3}}

Following an Decepticon assault led by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], Rodimus, alongside Spike, [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and Ultra Magnus were forced into taking cover within the [[Autobot Mausoleum]]. This did little to improve their situation, however, as the Decepticons continued their advance. Unexpectedly, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] rose from his tomb, providing hope that the tide may yet turn in the Autobots' favour. Rodimus returned the Matrix of Leadership to the resurrected Autobot leader, reverting to Hot Rod in the process. Once in possession of the Matrix, however, Optimus fled for Cybertron, leaving the other Autobots stranded. The Matrix was returned to Hot Rod when Optimus regained his senses, who sacrificed himself once more to undo the Quintessons' trap, much to the chagrin of the Autobots. {{storylink|Dark Awakening (Legends)|Dark Awakening}}

==Toys==
{{main|Hot Rod (G1)/toys}}

==Notes==
[[File:RodimusPrime-earlymodel.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|"Hey, ladies. Look at your G1 Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime toys, now back to us, now back at your toys, now back to us."]]
*Like the rest of the 1986 movie's original characters, Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime had early designs by [[Floro Dery]] which the toys were based on, and then final models were drawn from the toys. Both designs had revised heads that made it into the ''[[The Transformers Universe|Transformers Universe]]'' profile books and subsequent Marvel comic book appearances.
** Rodimus Prime's early model appears to carry the trailer of the truck on his back, plus additional [[kibble]] on the back of his forearms. If only there were art of the back of this design. We'd plotz.
**Both Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime's character models suggest that the windshield and roof of their respective vehicles form the pelvic area, including little side windows on their hips. The animation studio [[AKOM]] even colored his crotch like his windshield. Unsurprisingly, this has never been duplicated on any toy, although the Masterpiece version makes a nod to it with a transparent groin plate with indentations underneath denoting two seats and a steering wheel.
**Meanwhile, both sets of wheels are on Hot Rod's arms in his character model, as they are intended to span the entire length of the vehicle. His wristcuffs are intended to become the vehicle's taillights. This also has never been duplicated on any toy.
**Much of Hot Rod's early model seemed to form the basis of Rodimus Prime's finished model. (Though given that nearly everybody else from the movie had a totally redrawn finished model, we wouldn't be surprised if there's a more-final-er model out there.)
**According to earliest materials (also the source of the earliest Hot Rod head seen in this section's first image), Rodimus Prime's original name was '''Hot Rodimus'''.
[[File:Hotrodrodimuscharactermodels.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Rodimus is always embarrassed by his yearbook photos.]]
*Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime look very similar in fiction, but there are ways to distinguish them by sight.
**Rodimus Prime's character model has extra lines on his face that go from the bottom of his nose and connect to another line forming a triangle shape. Hot Rod's cheeks are more clear and youthful.
**Despite their toys being the same color of red, the cartoon series rendered Hot Rod as magenta, and Rodimus a dark shade of burgundy (the movie, however, made Rodimus the same color as Hot Rod). In addition to repeatedly getting the two character models mixed up, sometimes the animation would depict one model colored as the other.
**In Marvel stories, Hot Rod was also colored almost entirely magenta, with a yellow spoiler and flame deco, but with silver thighs instead of orange. Whoever did the Marvel deco sheet seems to have been looking at the [[:File:G1catalog86-PinkHotRod.jpg|original toy photos]] and colored the thighs like the toy's silver stickers. While Marvel Hot Rod was stark magenta, Marvel Rodimus was colored in the reds, oranges and yellows of his toy. Future comics and toys would ignore any differences in color between the character's two forms, presenting them both in the original toy colors (see the image at the head of the article for a good example).
**The Japanese ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'' cartoon, in addition to featuring the coloration differences of the American Generation 1 cartoon, also added some extra lines around the perimeter of Rodimus's eyes to further distinguish him from Hot Rod. These odd-looking lines appeared only intermittently, thankfully so—they made Rodimus look like he was wearing robo-mascara. The ''Headmasters'' Rodimus Prime character model also moved the wheel kibble from the back of the arms to the front, to better approximate their position on the toy.
[[File:RodimusPrimeG1-trailermanagement.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Maybe his Mobile Defense Bay is just an extra set of legs!]]
*Rodimus Prime's toy followed the model set by Optimus Prime before him by having a trailer that disconnected and transformed into a battle station (in this case, called the "[[Mobile Defense Bay]]"). Unlike Prime's [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]], however, Rodimus's Defense Bay failed to make the leap to fiction, with the cartoon simply depicting his trailer as somewhat unfeasibly folding up into his legs and body <ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/stories/tfpulp/8704TVM/k.gif Image of Rodimus Prime's animated transformation scheme from TV Magazine]</ref> (barring a few animation errors that depicted it as a separate unit). This transformation scheme was realized in toy form with Rodimus's 6" ''[[Titanium Series]]'' action figure.
*A lot of early secondary material uses Hot Rod and Rodimus in ways that don't fit the main Movie-established dynamic. As with stories from the same era that portrayed Megatron and Galvatron as separate beings, this was likely to avoid spoiling the Movie's ending.
*Hot Rod might be the ''Transformers'' character with the most names in the US. From "Hot Rod" to "Rodimus Prime", to "Rodimus Major" to just plain "Rodimus". Varieties of "Rodimus" appear to be how he will be for a while, as Hasbro appears to be unable to secure the [[trademark]] on "Hot Rod".
*[[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]]'s powered up form has a color scheme which resembles Hot Rod's. The reference came full circle with [[Side Burn (G1)|G1 Side Burn]], who was a redeco of a Rodimus toy.
*Aside from the ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Rodimus (Energon)|namesake character]], Hot Rod has also been [[homage]]d twice (or possibly thrice depending on how you look at it) in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. For ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the "[[Powerlinx]]" upgrade of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] was given a very Hot-Rod-inspired deco. In ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] made a redeco of Hot Shot (well, "Exillion"), who already had some Hot Rod homage elements in his toy design, with Hot Rod deco as a DVD-pack-in [[exclusive]]. [[Hasbro]] then took this deco, altered it, and released it in the US line at mass retail as the new character [[Excellion (Cybertron)|Excellion]].
*This Rodimus Prime, along with the original [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], and [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] makes a cameo appearance as one of the four elders who began the [[space bridge]] project in the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' episode "[[Balance]]".

===Foreign names===
====Hot Rod====
*''Japanese:'' '''Hot Rodimus''' (ホットロディマス ''Hotto Rodimasu''), '''Hot Rod''' (ホットロッド ''Hotto Roddo'')
*''English:'' '''Roadimus Prime''' ([[Omni Productions]] dub)
*''French:'' '''Météorite''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Nagyágyú''' ("Hot Shot"), '''Peca''' (''The Movie'', "Fisher")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Hotrod''' (홑롣 ''The Hot One'')
*''Italian:'' '''Folgore'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Rod''' (Taiwan, 羅德 ''Lúo Dé''), '''Rè Pò''' (China, 热破, "Hot Break")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Roda Quente''' (Portugal comic)
*''Russian:'' '''Patron''' (cartoon, Патрон, "Cartridge")

====Rodimus Prime====
*''Japanese:'' '''Rodimus Convoy''' (ロディマスコンボイ ''Rodimasu Konboi''), '''Rodimus Prime''' (ロディマスプライム ''Rodimasu Puraimu'')
*''French:'' '''Rodimus Primo''' (Canada toy, "Rodimus First"), '''Rodimus Primus''' (Canada cartoon)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Rodimusz Fővezér''' ("Prime Commander Rodimus")
*''Indonesian:'' '''Rodimus Prime''' (로디뭇 패리므 ''Rodimus Prime'')
*''Italian:'' '''Captain'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Rhodie Jr-tsūn''' (Taiwan, 羅迪至尊, "Rodimus Prime"), '''Bǔ Tīan Shì''' (China, 补天士, "Soldier Who [[Wikipedia:Nüwa|Repairs the Sky]]")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Rodimus Supremo''' (Portugal comic)
*''Russian:'' '''Rodomes Prime''' (cartoon, Родомес Прайм)
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Rodimus Najkrashhyj''' (cartoon, Родімус Найкращий, "Rodimus The Best")

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Hot_Rod Hot Rod's Universe profile at NTFA.net]
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Rodimus_Prime Rodimus Prime's profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Beast Machines Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
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Starscream (G1)/toys

2014-04-30T17:03:57Z

Elleby: /* Classics (2006) */ Linked to "For safety reasons" article

{{suite}}[[Image:MP Starscream book cover art.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Next person who says '[[Dull surprise]]' gets a null-ray to the face!"]]
Many toys have been made of [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] '''[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]''', enough to warrant this page!

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Starscream toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|[[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Then]] [[Sunstorm (G1)|about]] [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|eight]] [[:Image:G1BlackStarscream toy.jpg|million]] [[Seeker (body-type)|redecos]] [[E-HOBBY|followed]].]]
* '''Starscream''' (Decepticon Jet, 1984/1985/1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null-rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

: Starscream's first toy began life as "Jet Robo" from the ''[[Diaclone]]'' line, transforming into a grey, red and blue F-15 Eagle fighter jet. To transform Starscream, one must essentially take most of his plane parts off and transform his body, then reattach most of plane parts on again, along with the addition of two blue fists. If you don't mind being fiddly, though, transformation can certainly be achieved by only removing the fists, weapons and landing gear (which can store in Starscream's cockpit). Owing to the modular nature of his design and the fact that it is impossible to store all the parts in either mode, it can be quite difficult to find an intact original set of this toy.

:Starscream is armed with a pair of missile launchers that mount on his arms in robot mode, and under his wings in jet mode, with a pair of specialized projectiles for each. In jet mode, two short "[[cluster bomb]]" projectiles are fitted into the launchers to make them resemble the drop tanks a real F-15 carries, while in robot mode, they are replaced with the long barrels of Starscream's [[null-ray]]s. The original ''Diaclone'' version of the mold featured spring-loaded firing mechanisms in these launchers; while this feature was removed for the [[Hasbro]] release of the toy, it was left intact for the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] version, and all subsequent reissues.

:The ''Diaclone'' version of the Starscream mold featured tailfins with solid tips and solid fists, and both these features carried over to the earliest ''Transformers'' releases. Soon, however, the ''Transformers'' mold was modified to add hollow tips to the fins, and tabs to the insides of the fists to allow them to hold onto his arms tighter, resulting in a visible slit on either side of each one. These altered versions became the standard for all subsequent reissues of the mold. Like all his 1984 brethren, a [[rubsign]] was added to Starscream in 1985.

: Starscream's mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] into the concurrently-available [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]]. It would later be redecoed again to make [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], and [[Retool|retooled]] into [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]], [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], and [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. On top of this, given his role as a major Generation 1 character, Starscream himself would be reissued many times down the years; this article strives to list each reissue of the figure under its own header. The long lifespan of his toy actually began in 1986, when Starscream remained part of the assortment for that year despite the departure of nearly every other 1984 toy from store shelves.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on Generation 1 Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|GoodbyeMegatron}}
[[Image:G1toy_goodbye_megatron.jpg|right|thumb|300px|More of a "See ya later", really]]
* '''Good Bye Megatron''' (Multi-pack, 1986)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

:The second release of Starscream's toy came with this Japanese-exclusive two-pack, which saw him packaged alongside [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], in commemoration of the Decepticon leader's passing ([[Galvatron (G1)|of sorts]]) in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Starscream himself was ''actually'' dead, but where was his "Good Bye Starscream" set, eh?

{{-}}{{anchor|Pretender}}
[[Image:PretenderStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You can tell he's evil because he's spiky.]]
* '''Starscream''' (Classic Pretender, 1989)
**''Accessories'': 2-part Pretender shell, helmet, left & right wings, left & right "lasers"/tail wings, rifle
:The first new Starscream toy since the original brought the treacherous Air Commander back as a [[Classic Pretender]]. He still transforms into a grey, red and blue F-15 fighter jet, though his vehicle mode now borders on the [[super deformed]]. He is armed with a pair of blue lasers, which become his tail fins in jet mode.

:Starscream's two-piece [[Pretender]] shell resembles a human in a teal, grey and brown space armored suit with a removable helmet. The shell is armed with a large blue rifle, and while Starscream is stored inside it, his removable grey wings store in holes on the shell's back. There is, however, nowhere to store Starscream's tail fins.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on Classic Pretender Starscream at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|G1Legend}}
[[Image:G1toy_legends_starscream.jpg|right|thumb]]
* '''Starscream''' (Legends, 1989)
**''Accessories'': Left & right wings, left & right "lasers"/tail wings

:The inner robot of Pretender Starscream was also sold as a [[Kmart]] [[exclusive]] "[[Legends (G1)|Legends]]" figure, sans its shell and its accessories. It was otherwise identical to the Classic Pretender release.
{{-}}{{anchor|Heroset}}
[[Image:G1toy_japanese_legends_giftset.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Odd 'Con out]]
* '''Hero Set''' (Multi-pack, 1989)
**''Accessories'': Left & right wings, left & right "lasers"/tail wings

:Released exclusively in Japan ''instead'' of the individual Classic Pretender figures, rather than in addition to them, this giftset contained the "Legends" versions of Pretender Starscream and his fellow Classic Pretenders, [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Legend|Bumblebee]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Legend|Jazz]], and [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Legend|Grimlock]]. This version of Starscream featured a silver face, as opposed to the Hasbro version's black.

:In Italy, [[GiG]] also forewent releasing the individual Classic Pretenders, and instead released their own version of the Hero Set named "Set Commandos". These versions of the toys were identical to the Japanese "Hero Set" versions.

{{-}}{{anchor|Actiomaster}}
[[Image:ActionmasterStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He loved the gray helmet so much, he used it again.]]
* '''Starscream''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' Turbo Jet, rifle, 2 missiles

: [[Action Master]] Starscream is a non-transforming action figure based loosely on his cartoon [[character model]], but using a color scheme derived from the Pretender toy. His main accessory is the [[Turbo Jet]], a small personal attack craft that Starscream can set astride like a motorcycle. The Turbo Jet rolls on three small wheels, and can transform into a gun emplacement.

: This mold was [[Redeco|redecoed]] as [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#ActionMaster|Action Master Thundercracker]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on Action Master Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|Reissue}}
[[Image:G1toy_2001_starscream_reissue.jpg|right|thumb|300px|In a box, no one can hear you 'Scream]]
*'''Starscream''' (Re-issue, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

:The first of numerous reissues of the original Generation 1 Starscream toy in the 21st century, this Japanese release of the figure included functional spring-loaded launchers, and was also simultaneously available as three different exclusive redecos, listed below.

{{-}}{{anchor|GhostStarscream}}
[[Image:GhostStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Wait a minute. Since when do ghosts have painted metal chests?]]
* '''Starscream Ghost Version''' (e-Hobby Exclusive, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

: Available concurrently with the 2001 reissue of the original Generation 1 Starscream figure, "Starscream Ghost Version" is an [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] redeco of the 2001 Starscream reissue, cast almost entirely in translucent plastics (except for those parts made of die-cast metal) in homage to Starscream's tenure as a ghost in the third season of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]. To make the toy further match Starscream's cartoon appearance, it features a notably lighter shade of blue, and a translucent orange cockpit as opposed to the traditional smoky grey. The toy came in unique monochrome-blue window box packaging featuring [[CGI]] artwork of Starscream.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Decepticon/StarscreamClear/starscream.htm More information on Starscream Ghost Version at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BlackStarscream}}
[[Image:G1BlackStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Who am I again?]]
* '''Starscream Black Version''' (e-Hobby Exclusive, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

: The second e-Hobby-exclusive redeco available concurrently with the 2001 reissue of the original Generation 1 Starscream toy, "Starscream Black Version" sports a color scheme loosely based upon ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' [[#Machine_Wars|Starscream]], despite the only real point of similarity being that they're both black. The toy's [[bio]] makes a rare fictional reference to ''Machine Wars'', describing the events of the series in the past tense. The toy shared the window-box packaging of the "Ghost Version" (see above), except it's box was monochrome-black.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Decepticon/StarscreamBlack/starscream.htm More information on Starscream Black Version at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SecretStarscream}}
[[Image:Secret Starscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Songs are made of mystery... and clouds are made of moonbeams... Secret Starscream.]]
* '''Starscream Secret Version''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

: The third exclusive redeco of the original Generation 1 Starscream toy released alongside the 2001 reissues, "Starscream Secret Version" was available through the [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] contest held in conjunction with the first edition of ''[[Transformers Generations]]'' (with a ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' Skywarp figurine as second prize). The figure was limited to only ''five'' pieces, making it one of the rarest officially-released ''Transformers'' toys in the world, and to cap it off, the toy was not actually ''shown'' during the contest, hence its "Secret" moniker. Given its amazingly limited availability, it was not even 100% known ''what the toy looked like'' until a picture of it appeared in ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]'', showing it as being primarily clear and colorless. Prior to this appearance, it was suggested that both this toy and the ''SCF'' Skywarp were ''not'' officially released, due to the bankruptcy of ''Generations'' publisher [[Keibunsha]]. Whether or not this scenario is accurate is still unknown at this time, as no one has publicly translated the text regarding the figure from ''Generations 2009''.

::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-toys/toy-gallery/1219/Collectors+Edition+Japanese/Secret+Starscream.html More information on what is probably Starscream Secret Version at Transformers @ The Moon]''
{{-}}

===Generation 2===
[[Image:G2Starscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|With my camouflaged wings, I'll appear to be merely a fuselage flying through the sky!]]
* '''Starscream''' (Decepticon Jet, 1993)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear, 2 missile launchers, 3 missiles, sound/light energy unit

:Starscream's ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' release is a slight [[retool]] of his original toy, armed with new, functional spring-loaded launchers and missiles, and an electronic light-and-sound "energy unit" in the shape of a tank. The electronic box lights up with the press of either button, and emits electronic "machine gun" or "jet engine" noises. In robot mode, the box attaches to Starscream's back; in jet mode, it plugs into his tail-end.

:The new accessories were also used, in different colors, for ''Generation 2'' Ramjet.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on Generation 2 Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
{{-}}{{anchor|ATB}}
[[Image:G2toy_ATB_megs_and_screamer.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Transforms from backstabber to backpack and back!]]
*'''Megatron''' (limited test market release)
**''Accessories'': 12 missiles, 2 missiles launchers

: A planned-but-more-or-less-canceled redeco of ''Generation 2'' [[Dreadwing (G2)|Dreadwing]], "Advanced Tactical Bomber" [[Megatron (G1)/toys#ATB|Megatron]] would have come with Starscream, a redeco of Dreadwing's partner [[Smokescreen (G2)|Smokescreen]]. The pair could combine into the "flying wing" Advanced Tactical Bomber, while Starscream coud detach to become a smaller solo jet, leaving Megatron to transform into a treaded tank mode. According the Toy Fair 1995 Transformers presentation, the toy's missiles were intended to glow in the dark.

: This toy's deco (but not the glow-in-the-dark missiles) was used to make ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'''s [[BB]] and [[Starscream (BWII)|Starscream]] out of the same mold-set. This mold was also used to make ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] and [[Smokejumper]], while Starscream's mold was sold separately during the ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' line as [[Smokesniper]].

: This figure was only released to test markets in Ohio in very limited quantities. It was never available as a wide release.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/issue02/atbmegs.htm ATB Megatron in packaging at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-toys/toy-gallery/1784/Generation+2/Starscream.html Image gallery of a loose ATB Starscream at Transformers @ The Moon]'
{{-}}

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:MWStarscream Toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I have no mouth and I must Starscream.]]
* '''Starscream''' (Ultra, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' 10 missiles
: Starscream's ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' incarnation is a redeco of the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]] [[Skyquake (G1)|Skyquake]], transforming into a large bomber jet based vaguely upon an SR-71 Blackbird. The main feature of the toy is its "carpet bombing" gimmick; each wing contains a drum that holds up to four missiles, which drop out as the drum is rotated. A further two missiles can also store on each wing, and one on each side of his fuselage, but while Skyquake came with enough missiles to fill all these ports, Starscream only comes with ten. The short length of the missiles necessary for this gimmick to function means that Starscream does not come with Skyquake's firing missile launcher, since the missiles are shorter than [[for safety reasons|safety reasons]] allow, although it is incorrectly shown on his packaging. Starscream also lacks Skyquake's [[Megavisor]] gimmick.

:Starscream is known to have come with either pale grey missiles, better fitting his new color scheme, or bright green missiles like Skyquake's.

: This mold was later redecoed to make [[King Atlas]]. The toy was repurposed as the [[Starscream drone]]s.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Machine Wars'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Transtech===
[[Image:Starscream-transtech.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Obscure both by design and by accident]]
* '''Starscream'''

: Starscream would have been made available in the aborted ''[[Transcendent Technomorph|Transtech]]'' series in 2001. Control art and early [[Prototype]] images have surfaced, showing that the toy would have been at the Deluxe scale and featured internal lighting mechanisms that changed color depending on its mode. The toy is clearly a homage to his ''Machine Wars'' body, which at the time of ''Transtech's'' intended release would have been the last form Starscream had inhabited in American markets.

: In 2008, this design would be [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the [[Transcendent Technomorph|TransTech]] universe's [[Starscream (TransTech)|Starscream]].

: This design was revived by [[Draxhall Jump]] when they were contracted to create the ''[[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] Megamorphs'' line for Toy Biz; Starscream ultimately became the [[Iron Man]] toy.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===Commemorative Series===
[[Image:G1toy_commemorative_starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's back, with a big boost of confidence.]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null-rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

:The first reissue of the original Starscream toy in North America since the Generation 1 toyline reached its end, this "[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]" edition of the figure was a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive. It featured functional missile launchers for the first time on a Hasbro version of the toy, but because the launchers now worked, both sets of missiles had to be lengthened [[for safety reasons]]. This didn't work out ''so'' badly with the null-rays, but the cluster bombs just wound up looking ''stupid''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/CSStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Commemorative Series Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Transformers Collection===

*'''Starscream''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''9'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null-rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear, two-piece gun-mode Megatron, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] fist

:As another in an increasingly large number of reissues of the original Generation 1 Starscream toy, this entry in the Japanese-exclusive ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues decided to mix things up by giving the figure a full-scale redeco into [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] colors. His blue plastic became much lighter, while his cockpit was made bright orange, and even featured new grey paint applications running across it. Several of his stickers were replaced with new, show-accurate paint applications, including new wing-stripes and [[tampograph]]ed Decepticon symbols on his wings and nosecone (of course, Starscream didn't have one on his nosecone in the cartoon, so it isn't perfect!).

:Starscream's fists were remolded with new circular peg-holes so he could wield his missile launchers in his hands, which also worked in conjunction with a new tab on the fists' undersides to allow him to hold his new accessory: Megatron in gun mode. This miniature Megatron splits into two pieces at the handle, with each half plugging into the new hole and tab added to each of Starscream's fists. Megatron can also plug into Starscream's underside in jet mode, replicating the time the characters linked up in this fashion in the cartoon episode, "[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]". The set also came with a remolded fist for the original Optimus Prime toy, allowing him to hold the Megatron accessory, and a DVD featuring a trailer for the upcoming Playstation 2 video game ''[[The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers]]'' and Japanese toy [[commercial]]s for Optimus Prime, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/AnimeStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Transformers Collection Starscream at TFU.info]''

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:STFStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I will rule all the redecos, Megatron!]]
* '''Starscream''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GTF-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers/cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tailfins

: Standing at only two inches tall, ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Starscream is a ''very'' small-scale simplification of the original Starscream toy. It retains a surprising amount of the larger toy's functionality and accessories, except its tail fins and wings are combined into single pieces, and his null rays and landing gear are left out.

:This mold was, of course, redecoed into ''Smallest Transforming'' versions of Skywarp and Thundercracker, and retooled into Thrust.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/SmallestStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Robotmasters===
*'''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-12'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 null rays, 2 missile pods[[Image:RobotMastersStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I have thighs?]]

: Starscream's ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' toy is a re-imagining of the original Generation 1 figure, retaining its basic transformation scheme, but designed to be closer to the animation model, with greater articulation and integrated parts that do not require detachment during transformation. The only pieces that now need to be removed are Starscream's null ray rifles, which move from his wings to his arms. He has three peg-holes on each arm, allowing the null rays to be mounted on his shoulders, on his forearms, or in his fists. These holes are also designed to accommodate the generic spring-loaded missile launcher weapon included with ''Robotmasters'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Robotmasters|G1 Convoy]], [[Optimus Primal/toys#Robotmasters|Beast Convoy]] and [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Robotmasters|Beast Megatron]].

:Starscream came with two "missile pods" based on weapons Starscream used but once, in the Generation 1 cartoon episode "[[Fire on the Mountain]]". These chromed accessories plug into the square holes in Starscream's chest, and feature opening covers that reveal (non-firing) missiles within.

: This mold was redecoed into ''Robotmasters'' [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Destron/RMStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Robotmasters Starscream'' at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:Robot Masters black starscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Okay now I feel used. That's much better.]]
*'''Starscream Limited Black Version''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-12'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 null rays, 2 missile pods, Jamming Trident

: Available only via mail-order through ''[[Figure Ō]]'' No. 80, the "Limited Black Version" of Starscream is just that: a straight [[black repaint]] of the Starscream toy, replacing the original toy's blue, red and the grey of his wings with black. He comes with all his original accessories, as well as a gold-chromed version of the "Jamming Trident" [[Solitarium]] weapon that came with [[Wingstun]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Destron/HHStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Starscream Limited Black Version at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
[[Image:MasterpieceStarscream toy.jpg|right|375px|thumb|And the fandom complained (and rejoiced).]]
* '''Starscream''' (2006)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-3'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 null rays, 2 missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot figurine, gun clip, two-piece display stand

:The second new mold in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece| Masterpiece]]'' line, this highly-detailed version of Starscream is the "odd man out" of the series, eschewing the slavish cartoon-accuracy of the other ''Masterpiece'' figures in favor of creating as accurate an F-15 Eagle alternate mode as possible, with a somewhat more stylized robot mode. The toy features several unobtrusive built-in gimmicks, including ''numerous'' opening panels on his jet-mode surface (highlighting the attention this mode received), flip-up panels in his chest that reveal missile racks based on the weapons seen in the Generation 1 episode "Fire on the Mountain", and a rotating face that allows Starscream to switch his expression from stony-faced to sneering. Owners of the toy are given quite a few customization options, as Starscream comes with an extensive sheet of sticker decals, including variously sized Decepticon symbols, and squadron numbers and markings, including one of [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]]!

:In addition to his built-in features, Starscream comes with several accessories. He is armed with both his traditional null-ray rifles, but his familiar cluster bombs are replaced with a rack of (slightly inaccurate) Sidewinder missiles. He also comes with a clip that mounts under his nosecone, allowing him to hold the Megatron pistol accessory that came with [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#20th_Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime]] in emulation of the way the characters linked up in "S.O.S. Dinobots", and a small figurine of [[Doctor Arkeville]], his partner in crime from several first-season episodes of the Generation 1 cartoon, which can fit in his cockpit. Finally, he includes a two-piece, reconfigurable display base that allows the figure to be posed in mid-flight in either jet or robot mode, and can store Starscream's accessories while they are not in use. [[Control drawing|Control art]] for ''Masterpiece'' Starscream which showing the figure wearing his [[Transformer clothing|Crown of Leadership]] (as seen in the coronation scene of the original animated movie) and a pair of otherwise-pointless flip-out notches in the finished toy's shoulders indicated that Takara planned for a set of clip-on coronation gear. Ultimately, it would take ''six years'' before these accessories were finally released.

: ''Masterpiece'' Starscream's creation was overseen by famed Japanese mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]], who was particularly intent on hiding the robot-mode details on the underside of the fighter mode. The first prototype for the figure was essentially an upgraded, more complex version of the original toy, with much more accurate robot and jet modes, but Kawamori's desire to avoid simply making a new version of an old toy saw the figure go through a major redesign into its finished form. Perhaps the most notable change was the repositioning of Starscream's tail-fin structures from his legs to his hips, with the intent of creating the feel of a samurai wearing a pair of swords at his waist (presumably, if somewhat oddly, based on the then-recent ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' cartoons' portrayal of their [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] as a noble swordsman). Even so, Kawamori was still unhappy with the amount of robotic parts visible underneath the plane, but conceded that too many changes would essentially not make the toy look like Starscream in robot mode. In this pursuit of realism, the most visible concession to the Starscream's design was the abandonment of his traditional color scheme, replaced with an all-over greenish-tinged grey. Given that this color is inaccurate to most real F-15 fighters (whose Gunship Gray coloration is ''much'' closer to Starscream's traditional shade), the question of why it was changed at all is not an unreasonable one. However, there are instances of [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VLv-xwhhag/TZ7hPg5UX-I/AAAAAAAAAXo/UW1469Fm19M/s1600/F-15_three_shipper.jpg F-15 Strike Eagles] that actually utilize this (seldom seen) color scheme.

:This mold was later retooled into the ''Masterpiece'' versions of [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Thundercracker]], and was recolored by Hasbro into a [[#MasterpieceUS|more cartoon-accurate Starscream color scheme]] released under their ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' line as well as redecoed into Hasbro's version of Masterpiece [[Skywarp_(G1)/toys#Universe_.282008.29|Skywarp]] under the [[Transformers:_Universe_(2008_franchise)|Universe]] line. It was also redecoed and retooled to create the eleventh ''Masterpiece'' figure, [[#MP11|Starscream]].

:Though not stated on the package, Starscream is in fact a 1/60 scale F-15. The same scale used by many popular Japanese mecha toys including Kawamori's own Macross Valkyries. Coincidence?

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/MPStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Masterpiece Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MP3G}}
[[Image:Masterpiece ghost starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Oh sure. Make a Transformer from the line that has some of the most complex figures ever cast ENTIRELY out of translucent plastic. Great idea.]]
*'''Starscream Ghost Version''' (2010)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-3G'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 null rays, 2 missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot figurine, gun clip, two-piece display stand

:Cast almost entirely in translucent plastic, this "Ghost Version" ''Masterpiece'' figure is yet another callback to Starscream's spectral tenure from the Generation 1 cartoon. When purchased from [[e-HOBBY]], buyers will receive an [[MP-3G Destron Air Commander / Starscream Ghost Ver.|exclusive comic]] packaged with the figure.

:Like Gentei Ghost Starscream, Masterpiece Ghost Starscream is cast in light purple translucent plastic instead of just colorless clear plastic like the G1 Ghost Starscream figure.

:This figure was also released in [[Australia]], as an [[exclusive]] through [[Toys"R"Us]], in late [[2010]].

:Surprisingly Ghost Starscream comes with the same sticker sheet as the original MP-3 Starscream, only with the numbering designation changed.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP11}}
[[Image:Masterpiecetoy coronation starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (2012)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-11'''
**''Accessories:'' Crown, pauldrons (left and right), cape, 2 null rays, hologram pilot figurine

:Following up on the original plan for the ''Masterpiece'' Starscream figure six years after the fact, MP-11 decks Screamer out in his coronation gear from ''The Transformers: The Movie'', including crown, twin shoulder pads, and a sculpted plastic cape (rather than a fabric one). In addition to his new accessories—which also includes a new hologram pilot figure in place of Doctor Arkeville—Starscream features some extensive retooling to wind his ''Masterpiece'' design back into Kawamori's original, more Generation 1-accurate look, with most of the robot mode being newly tooled parts, including chunkier legs that now incorporate his tail-fins, [[retool]]ed shoulders and wingtips that no longer curve into one another, a new head (with collapsible head fins), new heel spurs that flip out for added support in robot mode, and re-engineered null rays attached to extending armatures that mean they no longer have to be [[Partformer|removed]] for transformation. Despite the similarity to the original MP-3 prototype, the retooled parts are in fact a whole new design heavily based on the original concept. This new version of the mold was redecoed into [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]] and (without the coronation gear) into Hasbro's [[Thundercracker_%28G1%29/toys#Transformers_.282010.29|Thundercracker]] and [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]].

:2013 saw a China only re-release of MP-11 Starscream. While announced as the same as the original, it featured some changes. Chief among them are the head is no longer molded in light gray plastic painted over gloss black and dark metallic gray (for the face) but it's molded in a more cartoon accurate dark gray (for the helmet) and a lighter metallic gray for the face. This release also features the nosecone molded in light gray plastic rather than molded in blue and then painted over light gray. It also included a collector's coin like the original Asian (excluding Japan) release.

{{-}}

===Classics (2006)===
[[Image:ClassicsStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Fear my extra-long null rays!!!]]
* '''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' 2 null-ray cannons (left and right), 2 missiles

: Like the other entries in the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' series, Starscream is a faithful "modernizing" of his original Generation 1 form, updating his original toy with modern standards of toy engineering, transformation, sculpting detail and articulation (not dissimilar in principle from his ''[[#Robotmasters|Robotmasters]]'' incarnation, but with less of an adherence to his cartoon [[character model]]). Sharing many design elements with his ''[[#Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' toy, Starscream still transforms into an F-15 Eagle, but has the nose of an [[wikipedia:F-14_Tomcat|F-14 Tomcat]] fighter jet. His color scheme is, of course, based on the traditional Starscream palette, but seems to owe its new layout to [[wikipedia:Image:F-15A_first_prototype_2.jpg|the original F-15 prototype]].

:As usual, Starscream is armed with his familiar null-rays, which can mount under his wings, on his shoulders, or in his fists, and fire spring-loaded projectiles. The large size of his null-rays (necessary [[for safety reasons]]) restrict his arm movement somewhat in robot mode, as they bump into his wings. Like all ''Classics'' figures, he has a heat-activated rubsign on his left wing. Certain parts of Starscream, like his back panel and tailfin assemblies, are made of unusually rigid gray plastic that is slightly prone to cracking or breaking, and should be handled with care.

: Later versions of Starscream saw a [[retool]] in the jet intake area, which involved the slope of his shoulders being decreased, and a fifth small rectangle being added to the vertical area. This version of Starscream is the harder to find of the two, but was redecoed to create Starscream's ''[[#Henkei! Henkei!|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' counterpart, ''Classics'' [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Classics|Skywarp]] (on whom the retool was first observed), ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]], as well as ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] and ''[[Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Bitstream (G1)|Bitstream]], [[Hotlink (G1)|Hotlink]] and [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]]. The toy was also more significantly retooled to create ''Classics'' and ''Henkei!'' [[Ramjet (G1)#Classics|Ramjet]], and ''Timelines'', ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)#Gentei! Gentei!|Gentei!]]'', ''Generations'' [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]. Phew.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Classics Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MasterpieceUS}}
[[Image:Hasbro Masterpiece Starscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Wait, you say the ''Hasbro'' version is the slavishly 'toon-accurate one? Your credibility is on shaky ground, Wiki.]]
* '''Masterpiece Starscream''' (2007, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' 2 null rays, 2 missile racks, Doctor Arkeville pilot figurine, gun clip, display stand

: A [[Walmart]] exclusive, Hasbro's Masterpiece Starscream is an ''extensive'' redeco of the previous year's ''Masterpiece'' figure from Takara, recolored to resemble the character's animation model, down to the orange canopy and the silver nosecone, although the cartoon-accurate silver paint on the nosecone actually covers ''toy''-accurate blue plastic.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/radicons-customs/206593-clean-mp-ss-cleanscream-blue-nosecone.html Clean MP SS - Cleanscream(blue nosecone) - tfw2005.com]</ref> In an effort to bring out detail in the sculpt, he has also been given an extensive paint wash to bring out his panel lines. His colors were not the only thing changed, however; the tips of his vertical stabilizers were shortened and rounded, and the plastics used overall have greater resilience to impact and damage than the fragile Japanese release.

:Starscream includes the same accessories as the Takara version of the toy, including a two-piece display stand, null rays, sidewinder missiles, a small figurine of Doctor Arkeville (which now has the correct skin color), and a clip to hold 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime's Megatron gun while in jet mode. Starscream was finally given the correct tech spec stats he was originally supposed to have back in 1984 for this release, which had been mistakenly given to Skywarp instead.

:Takara got in on the act the following year when they released Hasbro's version of Masterpiece Starscream as a "[[USA Edition]]", adding a Japanese sticker to the Hasbro ''Classics'' packaging. This version of the toy was not without a few changes: the original mold for the tail fins was used, an extra Decepticon symbol was added to Starscream's nosecone (which was present on his original toy, but not his animation model), and his black "scorch mark" [[paint operation]]s were dialed back, and those that remained were switched to a lighter gray.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/MPStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Classics'' Masterpiece Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Titanium Series===

[[Image:TitaniumHeroesWWStarscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"How ''dare'' you make ''me'' a redeco! Do you know who I am?!"]]
* '''Starscream''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Display stand

:Perversely enough, ''Titanium'' Starscream is actually a redeco of ''Titanium'' [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Thundercracker]], instead of the other way around. Based on the Seekers' [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] forms as seen in the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic series ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'', this version of Starscream transforms into Cybertronian "tetra-jet", as designed by [[Don Figueroa]]. As a ''Titanium'' figure, Starscream is made in large part from die-cast metal, and comes with the generic display stand shared by all of the 6" "Cybertron Heroes", with a unique removable nameplate.

: This mold was redecoed into ''Titanium'' versions of [[Sunstorm (G1)#Titanium Series|Sunstorm]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Skywarp]], and [[Thrust (G1)#Titanium Series|Thrust]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/TitStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Titanium Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Sports Label===
[[Image:Sports_label_starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Sportscream? Shoescream? So many possible nicknames...]]

*'''Starscream featuring Nike Free 7.0''' (unreleased)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

:This red and black redeco of the ''[[Transformers Sports Label|Sports Label]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Sports Label|Megatron]] figure (itself a retool of the ''Sports Label'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Sports Label|Optimus Prime]]) appeared on eBay in mid-2007, identified by the auctioneer as Starscream. More pictures followed from a different source a month later, but after that, this strange little redeco quietly vanished, never released, and never even officially ''acknowledged'' by [[TakaraTomy]]. Was it a [[knockoff|knock-off]], or an abandoned official product? We may never know.

:As a redeco of the one communal mold used for all the ''Sports Label'' toys, Starscream, if that's who he really was, would have transformed into an undersized Nike sneaker with real fabric shoelaces, and would have been armed with a modular two-piece gun that split and stored inside each half of the large sneaker "shell" that made up a big chunk of his alternate mode.

::*''[http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=11499 Gallery of Sports Label Starscream picture on Seibertron.com]''

{{canceledtoy}}

===Encore===
[[Image:Encore_starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Meet the new box, same as the old box.]]
*'''Starscream''' (2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''04'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, 2 missile launchers, 2 null-rays, 2 cluster bombs, left & right wings, left & right tail fins, left & right tail wings, landing gear

:A new series of reissues means a new release of the original Generation 1 Starscream figure, and Takara's ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' series proved no different. This edition of the figure featured no extra accessories, with its only notable change from past versions being a pale yellow window instead of dark gray, and the inclusion of [[tampograph]]ed Decepticon insignias on its wings and nosecone, rather than stickers (similar to the [[#Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]] reissue before it but not flipped like the animation and metallic purple and silver instead of glossy purple and white).
{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Starscream toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He feels much better in the boring ol' stripes.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-02'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles
: ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' Starscream is a redeco of ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' Starscream, decorated in entirely different colored paint applications to more closely mimic a more detailed version of the original ''Generation 1'' cartoon model. Like all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive rubsign that the ''Classics'' counterpart featured, but has two [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] barrels on his missile launchers.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/ClassicsStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Henkei Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|HenkeiGhost}}
[[Image:Henkei ghost starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Starscream's transparency; sometimes it isn't just figurative.]]
*'''Starscream Ghost Version''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles
: Available only as a mail-away exclusive offered through ''[[Transformers Generations 2009]]'' Vol 2 that was released in November 2009, this redeco of Starscream is the second in the character's history to pay homage to his time as a ghost in the third season of the Generation 1 cartoon by casting him almost entirely in traslucent colored plastic. Parts of the figure made in softer plastic, like his thighs, remain opaque.

: Starscream Ghost Version uses the altered version of the ''Classics'' Starscream mold that originated with Classics [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] and was last seen with [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] (down to the 2006 copyright date stamped on it), rather than the modified version first used on ''Universe'' Starscream and the iterations that followed ([[#Universe (2008)|see below]]). He has the date K0409 (11/04/2009) etched into the inside of his leg.

{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
{{anchor|Classic Series}}
[[Image:Universe2008-toy LegendsG1Starscream.JPG|right|300px|thumb|On casual Fridays, Starscream prefers to wear his wings down.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Legends Class, 2008)
**''Series'': '''Classic Series'''

: The first ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toy of Starscream is a [[Redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Legends Class|Legends]] [[Thundercracker (Armada)|Thundercracker]], transforming into an SU-37 fighter jet.

: This mold was also used to make the ''Classics'' Legends-class [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] and ''Universe'' [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/LegendsUniStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Universe Classics Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{anchor|Generation 1 Series}}
[[Image:Universe2008 deluxe G1Starscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Yep, he's still feelin' good in the stripes.]]
*'''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Series'': '''Generation 1 Series'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 missile launchers (left and right), 2 missiles

:The second ''Universe'' Starscream toy is a redeco of ''Classics'' Starscream, with a considerably lighter gray base color, more vibrant red paint, his face painted in dark gray compared to ''Classics'' Starscream's flat gray plastic color for the face and a deco more faithful to Starscream's original ''Generation 1'' toy, very similar to the ''Henkei! Henkei!'' release. Several minor changes were made to the sculpt for this release: his launcher pegs were widened, and the peg-holes for them on his shoulders and wings were modified in order to accommodate them, while his air intakes were further modified (on top of the changes made to the mold for ''Classics'' Skywarp) so that the bottom-most rectangle goes completely across the air intake's surface rather than just the center. This modified version of the mold was used for ''Henkei! Henkei!'' [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys|Thundercracker]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TFUStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Universe Generation 1 Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Alternity===
[[Image:Alternity starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|And the fandom shall dub thee "Carscream", and complain (and rejoice).]]

*'''Starscream White Pearl''' ([[May 29|5/29]]/2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''A-04'''

:The <s>first</s> [[Action Master|second]] Starscream toy not to turn into a jet, ''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' Starscream transforms into a licensed 1:32 scale [[wikipedia:Mitsuoka_Orochi|Mitsuoka Orochi]]. Like the other toys in the line, he features [[die-cast]] metal parts and rubber tires, as well as an opening hood, trunk and doors. This is also currently the only ''Alternity'' mold to feature [[Kibble#"Faux-parts"|a fake kibble chest]].

:In car mode, small wings are ''supposed to'' be able to flip out from under Starscream's rear wheels, giving him the appearance of a flying car. Unfortunately, this [[gimmick]] suffers from a rather nasty [[design flaw]]: there is simply not enough clearance under the car for the wheels to be able to pass and hinge through, and attempting to do so will result in the plastic reinforcement struts underneath ''deforming the rims and chipping the tires''. His door panels also tend to detach from their [[ball joint]]s ''very easily''.

:This mold, with a different head sculpt, was also used to make the simultaneously released ''Alternity'' [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Alternity|Skywarp]], and later [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Alternity|Thundercracker]] and [[Banzai-Tron (G1)#Alternity|Banzai-Tron]] as well.
{{-}}

===Transformers (2010)===
{{anchor|2010legend}}
[[Image:TF2010-toy StarscreamLegends.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Starscream''' (Legends Class, 2010)

:[[Legends Class]] Starscream is a new sculpt based on his Generation 1 jet appearance with many fuselage details borrowed from the [[#Masterpiece|Masterpiece version]]. This is the first Starscream in many years to attempt an entirely new transformation for him, with the arms now forming the rear of the jet and the legs folding under the wings. Amusingly, he has ''two'' cockpits, with the one that is actually part of his jet mode folding ''right behind'' the [[kibble#faux-parts|fake]] one on his chest in robot mode. As part of the "[[Reveal the Shield]]" [[subline imprint]], Starscream sports a [[rubsign]].

: Early samples of the toy feature an unpainted gray-plastic helmet, a comparatively rare [[variant]]. This variant is the one featured in the Hasbro [[stock photography]].

: The "Reveal the Shield" Legends figures saw exceedingly limited release at large-scale retail chains in the US. Throughout 2011, they eventually started appearing in discount stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Tuesday Morning, with perhaps the largest and most consistent outlet being Five Below stores.

:This sculpt was also used to make ''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Chronicle|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Chronicle|Skywarp]], as well as ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Generations|Thundercracker]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/RTSLegStarscream/starscream.htm More information on 2010 Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

{{anchor|DollarLegends}}
*'''Starscream''' (Legends Class, 2012)
:*''Accessories:'' Two guns (running change variant only)
:The "[[Reveal the Shield]]" [[Legends Class]] Starscream sculpt in the deco from the first ''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' EZ Collection wave (see below) was released as a "Dollar Store" exclusive (available at stores such as Dollar General and Big Lots) in generic 2010 ''Transformers'' packaging alongside [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Bumblebee]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Megatron]]. A later [[variant#running changes|running change variant]] featured the new tooling originally used for ''Generations'' Legends Class [[Thundercracker_(G1)/toys#Legends|Thundercracker]], with not only the retooled hands and holes inside his wings compatible with [[C joint|3mm posts]], but also Thundercracker's gun accessories.
{{picsneeded}}
{{-}}

===Chronicle===
[[File:EZCollectionStarscreamToy.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Starscream''' (EZ Collection, 2011)

:''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' Starscream is a redeco of the Legends Class Starscream toy. This version of the figure is nearly identical to the painted helmet variant of the Hasbro release, except ''the entirety'' of his head is painted black (making it look strange in F-15 mode) and his heat sensitive symbol is replaced with a [[Tampograph|tampographed]] Decepticon symbol on each wing. Like many Japanese "EZ Collection" toys, Starscream was [[blindpacking|blindpacked]].
{{-}}

===Generations===
{{anchor|GenerationsFOC}}
[[Image:Generationstoy-FOCStarscream.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2012)
**''Series / Number'': '''1 / #010'''
**''Japanese number:'' '''TG09'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 assault cannons

{{note|This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Generation 1 Starscream in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comics.}}
: Part of the third wave of [[2012]]-onwards ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron]]'' [[Starscream (WFC)#Generations|Starscream]] transforms into a Cybertronian jet fighter. He comes with two spinning, triple-barreled "assault cannons" which can combine to form a larger hand-held weapon that is geared to spin its two triple-barrels together, and resembles the [[Neutron assault rifle]] from ''Fall of Cybertron''. Each of the weapon halves features two [[5mm post]]s, as well as a peg-hole on their hollow sides, while the combined form features another peg-hole at the top, but makes the peg-holes on the hollow sides inaccessible. Starscream features numerous 5mm peg-holes, such as his hands, forearms, lower legs, and wing undersides.

: In an undocumented feature, Starscream's tail-fin is attached via a 5mm post on its underside, and can be detached to reveal three additional peg-holes, with two of these peg-holes being just the right distance to accommodate the two pegs found on the underside of the combined assault cannons/rifle, with the tail-fin pegging on the rifle's top peg-hole. This allows the weapon to mount on top of the vehicle mode, and store on his back in robot mode.

: He was later redecoed into ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Skywarp (WFC)#Generations|Skywarp]] and ''Thrilling 30'' [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Thrilling30|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Generations|Skywarp]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/FOCStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Generations'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

{{-}}{{anchor|GenLegends}}
[[File:Generationstoy-T30-LegendsStarscreamWaspinator.jpg|thumb|300px|Doctor Arkeville was traded for someone more used to abuse.]]
*'''Starscream & Waspinator''' (Legends Class, 2013)
**''Series / Number'': '''02 / #003'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 null ray cannons

:Part of the fourth wave of 2012-onwards ''Generations'' Legends Class toys, ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' Starscream is a new mold that is roughly the same size as a ''[[Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class toy. Based on a [[Guido Guidi]] [[Seeker (body-type)|seeker]] concept for IDW comics, Starscream transforms from a hybrid F-15/F-22 style jet. He features a fold out front landing gear, [[5mm post|5mm-compatible]] hands, and back/roof, and has [[C joint|3mm-compatible]] upper arm ports. He comes with two removable null rays that have both 5mm and 3mm pegs.

: Alluding to the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' episode "[[Possession]]", Starscream is partnered with [[Waspinator (BW)#Generations|Waspinator]], who can transform into a wasp, a robot with 3mm-compatible hands, and a gun with 5mm handle. He has an [[autotransformation]] feature that folds up his wings when his gun barrel is extended.

: This figure was redecoed into ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' [[Acid Storm (G1)#Generations|Acid Storm]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/GenLegStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Generations'' Legends Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MegatronStarscream2pack}}
[[File:TTGenerationsTG28StarscreamWaspinator.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Megatron & Starscream''' (Multi-pack, [[December 28|12-28]]-2013)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TG28'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 null ray cannons

:Part of the twelfth wave of Japanese ''Generations'' toys, the [[TakaraTomy]] release of Legends Class Starscream is a [[redeco]] with a number of minor differences in color, most notably a gray nosecone, null ray cannons and tailfins. He also features different wing stripes and his torso is coated in metallic red and silver paint. Starscream and Waspinator were only available in a two-pack with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MegatronStarscream2pack|Megatron]] and [[Chop Shop#MegatronStarscream2pack|Chop Shop]].

{{-}}{{anchor|ArmadaStarscream}}
[[File:Generations armada starscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Armada Starscream''' (Deluxe, 2014)
**''Series / Number'': '''02 / #011'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Energon Swords, 2 missiles

{{note|This toy was repurposed as Generation 1 Starscream in IDW Publishing's Robots in Disguise comics.}}
:Part of the eighth wave of 2012-onwards ''Generations'' Deluxe Class toys, ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' "[[Starscream (Armada)#Generations|Armada Starscream]]" is a modern update of the original ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Starscream (Armada)#Armada|Starscream]] figure. He comes with two "Energon Swords" which he holds via 5mm post, and can fold up and store on his wings. He has numerous [[Powerlinx]] plugs on his forearms and turbines. Additionally, his turbines can each fire a missile in either mode via pressure-launch, and can be positioned in robot mode to either face forward or lay flat on his back.

:While his [[bio]] paints this toy as ''Armada'' Starscream, the included comic by [[IDW Publishing]] repurposes this toy as a new body for ''Generation 1'' Starscream in their ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' comic book series, debuting it in the [[Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|issue]] the figure comes packaged with.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/GenArmadaStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Generations'' Armada Starscream at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===United===
[[Image:United_Starscream_toy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Fifth time is the charm.]]
* '''Seekers: Aces''' ([[December 21]], 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right launchers, 2 missiles
:''[[Transformers United|United]]'' Starscream is a fifth redeco of the ''Classics'' Starscream mold, and the first time he is offered with both of his wing mates [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]].
: This version of Starscream is heavily based on his cartoon appearance. He features a light gray (lighter than the Henkei! Henkei! figure), shiny metallic blue paint on most of his blue plastic, an amber cockpit, and shiny metallic red paint on his torso. Paint operations found on the Henkei! Henkei! release were shuffled around for the sake of cartoon accuracy.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===HG Toys===
[[Image:Hgtoys_starscream_products.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

Licensor [[HG Toys]] released quite a few piece of ''Transformers'' merchandise in 1984, including several sculpted in Starscream's likeness. All of these items shared the same basic sculpt, modified to fit the piece of merchandise in question.

*'''Stamp Bot''' (1984)

:A small, non-poseable figurine of Starscream with a rubber stamp on the base. An alternate version of Starscream was also available with fewer paint applications and ''Autobot'' symbols on its wings!

*'''Zippper Clip''' (1984)

:A smaller version of the Starscream sculpt, designed to be attached to a coat zipper.

*'''Clip On''' (1984)

:A pocket clip depicting Starscream.
{{--}}

===3-D Jigsaw Stand Up Puzzle===

[[Image:Standup_starscream_puzzle.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]

*'''Starscream''' (1984)

:This piece of Starscream merchandise was a jigsaw puzzle in disguise! The puzzle was of a battle scene of the Seekers battling Optimus Prime, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], but once broken down, the puzzle pieces could be assembled into a three-dimensional model of Starscream in either robot or jet mode—a progenitor of the [[3D Battle-Card Game]] in many respects!
{{--}}

===Transformers Milk Caramel===
[[Image:Milk caramel starscream.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Starscream''' (1985)
:One of [[Kabaya]]'s first Transformers [[candy toy]] lines, the ''Transformers Milk Caramel'' series featured small rubber figures, similar to the later-released [[Decoy]]s, but smaller, flatter and based more on the toys, rather than their animation models. Starscream was available in numerous different colors.
{{-}}

===Transformers Choco===
[[Image:Kabaya gashapon starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|No, no, no, I said green ''screen!'']]
*'''Starscream''' (1985)

:One of the first of many snap-together candy toy model kits released by Kabaya during the Generation 1 era, this small version of Starscream was available as in various solid colors as part of the ''[[Transformers Choco]]'' range, coming packaged with small "Chocolate Dots". Owing to its diminutive size, it could only transform between robot and jet modes by being disassembled and put back together in different configurations. The figure was apparently also available through capsule machines.
{{-}}
===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Kabaya gum starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (1985)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right fists, 2 missile launchers, landing gear

:Starscream was also available as part of the larger ''Transformers Gum'' range of figures. Released in the first wave of the series and standing at about four inches tall, he was moulded from red, black and grey plastic and featured stickers for detail. Unlike his smaller ''Choco'' counterpart, as was standard for the ''Gum'' figures, he is fully transformable, essentially being a scaled down version of the actual Starscream toy.

:This Starscream figure was later re-released in 1997 by a Korean company named [[Toon Town]], in a two-pack with the "Transformers Gum" version of [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]].
{{-}}

[[Image:Kabaya-Starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (2011)
:Released in the third wave of the revived ''Transformers Gum'' series in 2010, this transforming model kit of Starscream is made from red, blue and silver plastic, with stickers for detail. He's based on the ''Henkei'' Starscream release.
{{-}}

===Decoy===
[[Image:Decoy_starscream.jpg|right|thumb|Not a mis-colored Skywarp]]
*'''Destron Hero Collection 22''' (multi-pack, 1985)
: This small purple rubber figurine of Starscream was released in Japan as part of a large multi-pack of similar figures, which were used as playing pieces for ''Transformers'' board games. The figure features a number etched into its back which is the sum total of Starscream's [[Tech Spec]] ratings, which served some function in the gameplay the figures were used for. A peach-colored version of the figure could be found packed in various other multi-packs the following year.

*'''Starscream''' (1987)
**''Decoy number:'' '''35'''

: The Starscream figurine was later brought over to [[Hasbro]] markets as part of the [[Decoy]] promotion, largely identical to the Japanese release except for the fact that the number on his back was replaced with a simple "checklist" number (35, in Starscream's case). Like all Decepticon Decoys, he was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]] and [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], and was, very early on in the promotion, available in an alternate red coloration that was only packed in with the Throttlebots. Unsurprisingly, this red figurine is much rarer.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Decoys/Starscream/starscream.htm More information on Decoy Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Parody Deformed===
[[Image:Pd_starscream.jpg|right|thumb|"Don't push me, Megatron, my desire for cuteness is as great as yours!"]]
*'''Starscream''' (1990)

:A small red and white, non-transforming [[super deformed]] model kit of Starscream was available as part of [[Kabaya]]'s "[[Parody Deformed]]" line of [[candy toy]]s. The tenth figure in the series, he came with a "[[Transformers PD Type]]" comic about himself, "Good Luck! Starscream!!", and something that could charitably be described as "chocolate".
{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:Hoc_starscreams.jpg|right|thumb]]

* '''Starscream''' (2000)
: A three-inch tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Starscream was available as part of the first wave of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all the figures in the wave, it was available as both a standard full color figure and a clear plastic version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures.

:This figure was redecoed into ''Super Collection Figure'' Thundercracker and Skywarp, and retooled to become Thrust, Ramjet and Dirge.

* '''Ghost Starscream''' (2001)
: Starscream's figurine was recast in translucent colored plastic to represent his ghostly form from the third season of the Generation 1 cartoon, and re-released as a rare chase figure in the fifth wave of the ''Super Collection Figure'' series.

* '''Coronation Starscream''' (2002)
:Starscream was retooled for a third and final release in the eight and last wave of the ''Super Collection Figure'' line. Like the ghost figure, "Coronation Starscream" was only available as a rare chase figure, and features a new head and arms with the crown, shoulderpads and cape from his cornation scene in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
{{--}}

===Heroes of Cybertron===
When the ''Super Collection Figure'' series was imported to become Hasbro's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, the figures were all cast entirely in translucent colored plastic, then painted over, save for the eyes and a small patch on the back of their heads, giving them all a [[light-piping]] gimmick. Unlike the Japanese figures, they were sold in individual blister packaging, with character profile cards.

* '''Starscream''' (2002)
[[Image:HoC 3H Seeker Set.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Leader of the pack.]]
:A first-wave ''Heroes of Cybertron'' release of the first ''Super Collection Figure'' Starscream figure.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Decepticon/HoCStarscream/starscream.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Starscream at TFU.info]''

* '''Starscream with Crown''' (2002)
:This ''Heroes of Cybertron'' release saw the ''SCF'' chase figure of Starscream in his coronation gear reach a much wider audience. It came packaged with the left leg of the fifth wave's [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] "build-a-figure".

* '''Starscream''' (OTFCC exclusive, 2003)
: The original Starscream figurine was re-released again in this six-pack of figures available exclusively at [[OTFCC 2003]]. He came packaged with ''Heroes of Cybertron'' versions of Thundercracker, Skywarp, and three [[Air Warrior]]s.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/OTFCCStarscream/starscream.htm More information on OTFCC Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Mega Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:Mega SCF Starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Just keep it away from any [[Galvatron (G1)|reformatted megalomaniacs]].]]
* '''Starscream''' (2002)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MegaSCF TF 07'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 open hands (left & right), 2 clenched fists (left & right), right fist w/ Megatron, 2 shoulderpads (left & right), cape, alternate head w/ crown

:''Mega Super Collection Figure'' Starscream is a highly articulated non-transforming PVC action figure. Standing at five inches tall, Starscream features several interchangeable fists, including one clutching Megatron in gun mode, and a full compliment of coronation gear, including two shoulderpads, a real fabric cape that attaches to them, and an alternate head wearing his Crown of Leadership.

:This mold, minus accessories, was supposed to be used to make [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]], but the figure was never released.
{{--}}
===Hard Hero===
[[Image:HardHero Starscream bust.JPG|right|thumb|Caught mid-pelvic thrust.]]
* '''Starscream''' (2002)

:A cold-cast porcelain Starscream bust measuring six inches in height with a nine-inch wingspan. The bust was fifth in [[Hard Hero]]'s main series of ''Transformers'' busts, and was limited to 5000 pieces. An additional 100 pieces were signed by sculptor [[Jason Ray]].
{{--}}

===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone Starscream.jpg|right|thumb|Every Transformers fangirl owns this.]]
* '''Starscream''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MTF003'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

: Released in the third wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable little Starscream comes with a hexagonal red display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other ''MyClone'' figures. Starscream's modular design is common to all ''MyClone'' figures, allowing his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other figure.

: This mold was also used to make ''MyClone'' Thundercracker.
{{--}}

===Q-Robo Collection===
[[Image:Qrobo starscream.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)

:A super-deformed PVC of Starscream was released as part of the ''[[Q-Robo Collection]]''. Like all the figures in the series, it was sold blindpacked in a plastic capsule, featured articulation in the neck and shoulders, and was also available in a translucent purple color scheme.

::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/figure/q_robo1.htm More information on the Q-Robo Collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}

===Generation 1 Figure-Collection===

[[Image:Kabaya_bottlecap_starscream.jpg|right|thumb|"Hey! Hey! ...Betcha can't guess who I am!"]]

*'''Starscream''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-2'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:At only one inch in height, this Starscream "bottlecap" figurine (so named because its display base is the size of a bottlecap) was one of fourteen blindpacked figures available in Kabaya's Transformers [[Generation 1 Figure-Collection]]. The figure was rendered in a "retro" black and white color scheme, and came with a leaflet, personalized with cartoon screen captures.

::*''[http://snakas.web.fc2.com/misc_item/kabaya_bottle.htm More information on the Bottlecap Collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{--}}

===History Collection===

[[Image:History_collection_starscream.jpg|right|thumb]]

*'''Starscream''' (2004)
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:Takara produced this PVC figurine of Starscream as part of their [[History Collection]]. Despite its diminutive size, this two-piece full-color figure features articulated shoulders.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act234/ More information on the History Collection at TFKenkon.com]''
{{--}}

===Palisades===
* '''Starscream''' (Palisades, 2005)

[[Image:PalisadesStarscream.jpg|thumb|]]

:Starscream is a six-inch-tall polystone statue with articulated head and arms. He can stand normally or use a stand to take on a "hovering" pose. Starscream was sculpted by [[3L Creation Group]] from a design by [[George Tremarco]].

:This statue was later [[redeco]]ed as Skywarp, Sunstorm, Thundercracker, and the Ghost of Starscream.
{{-}}
* '''Ghost of Starscream''' (Palisades, 2005)

[[Image:PalisadesGhostStarscream.jpg|thumb|]]

:A ''Previews''-exclusive clear redeco of the Starscream statue, the Ghost of Starscream is a six-inch-tall polystone statue with articulated head and arms. He can stand normally or use a stand to take on a "hovering" pose. Limited to 300 pieces, Ghost of Starscream was sculpted by [[3L Creation Group]] from a design by [[George Tremarco]].[http://web.archive.org/web/20051017011253/http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=23&s=132&ai=22313]
{{--}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumRM Starscream.jpg|right|thumb|Stop, in the name of love...]]
* '''Starscream''' (3" Robot Masters, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Pistol, "cloud" base, Display stand

: Released in the second wave of "Robot Masters", ''[[Titanium Series]]'' Starscream is a small, non-transforming die-cast metal figurine, based upon his Generation 1 cartoon appearances. He is sculpted holding a pistol in his left hand (Why? He's got guns on his arms!) and holding up his palm outward with his right, while using his jets to fly up.

: This mold was also used to make ''Titanium'' Thundercracker.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Decepticon/TitStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Titanium Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{--}}
===Kiss Players===
[[Image:Atariscream_pvc.jpg|right|thumb|This may explain ''[[Slipstream (Animated)|her]]''.]]
*'''Atari-scream''' (2007)

:A redeco of the PVC figurine of [[Atari Hitotonari (KP)|Atari Hitotonari]] released the previous year, this black-costumed version of the figure represents Atari while she was possessed by Starscream, as seen in the ''[[15 Go! Go!]]'' manga. It was available only as an online-order exclusive from [[Dengeki Hobby]] magazine.
{{--}}
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RH Mirage vs Starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's cute when he betrays you.]]
* '''Starscream''' (Mirage Vs Starscream, 2007)
: Starscream is a two inch high figure sculpted in a super deformed style and articulated at the shoulders. This figure was later redecoed into (guess what) Thundercracker for the Jazz vs. Thundercracker set, and Skywarp for the "Decepticon Sneak Attack" set.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/RHStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Robot Heroes Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Boss Coffee===
[[Image:Boss_coffee_starscream.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Starscream''' (2008)

:A non-transforming PVC figure of Starscream was released as part of a promotion by [[Boss Coffee]]. The small figure was randomly included with single cans of the company's "Rainbow Mountain Blend" coffee, contained in a plastic capsule affixed to the top of can which then became a display base for the figurine once removed. Starscream features articulation at the shoulders and waist, and came with a small catalog leaflet that could be folded up and attached to the lid/base to form a diorama background for added display value.

*'''Starscream''' (2008)

:A larger, metallic gold version of Starscream was also part of the promotion. Nearly twice as tall as the smaller figure, it was not merely an upsized version, but an entirely different sculpt, with a notably broader wingspan. This Starscream was randomly included with two-packs of Rainbow Mountain Blend coffee cans, which featured a double-wide plastic capsule to hold him.
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
[[Image:Attacktix g1starscream.jpg|right|thumb|Elephantiasis of the blaster]]
*'''Starscream'''

: The ''[[Attacktix]]'' Starscream game piece was to be a small figure depicting on his robot mode. A missile-type piece, he would have featured an oversized null-ray missile launcher on his right arm. Starscream would have been a Captain-class piece worth 30 points.

: Hasbro displayed Starscream at a few conventions, but he was ultimately canceled alongside the rest of the ''Attacktix'' line.

{{canceledattacktix}}
{{--}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[Image:3DBattleCard ClassicStarscream.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Classic Starscream''' (2007)

: A 42-point "rare" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, "Classic" Starscream "transforms" into a grey and red fighter jet with a color scheme based on his ''Classics'' toy. He uses the same parts layout as [[Transformers (film)|Movie]] [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]], [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] and [[Jetfire (Movie)|Jetfire]], and Generation 1 [[Skywarp (G1)/toys|Skywarp]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]].
{{--}}

===Revoltech===
[[Image:Revoltech Starscream.jpg|right|thumb|Let's just hope [[Pat Lee]] didn't get royalties from this.]]
* '''Starscream''' (2008)
**''Yamaguchi Series number:'' '''046'''
**''Accessories:'' Megatron gun mode, 2 closed fists (left & right), open right hand, pistol grip right hand, pointing left hand, display stand

:A non-transforming but ''highly'' articulated Starscream action figure, ''[[Revoltech]]'' Starscream uses the ''Revoltech'' "revolver joints" for maximum articulation. It comes with his twin null-ray cannons, a gun-mode Megatron, a posing stand, and three extra hands (a Megatron-holding right hand, an open-palmed right hand, and a left hand for pointing or disco-dancing).
{{--}}

===Transformers - Mini Bust===
[[Image:Starscream statue.jpg|right|thumb|Only half here and I still look this good.]]
* '''Starscream''' (Diamond Select, 2008)
:Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Starscream was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 1,000 pieces.

:This bust was retooled and redecoed into [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]].

{{-}}
[[Image:Coronation statue.jpg|right|thumb|Coronation Starscream? This is [[Main Page|bad comedy]].]]
* '''Coronation Starscream''' (Diamond Select, 2008)
:Released by Diamond Select Toys in 2008, Coronation Starscream was an exclusive to on-line retailer Action Figure Xpress. He was sculpted by [[Mark Wong]] of [[Art Asylum]] and limited to 600 pieces. It features Starscream decked out in the royal crown, cape, and big honkin' shoulder pads he wore (albeit briefly) in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
{{--}}

===Mighty Muggs===
[[Image:MightyMuggs_Starscream.jpg|right|thumb|Bet that they got it wrong because of the faction symbols?]]
*'''Starscream''' (2009)
**''Accessories:'' Wings

: This [[super deformed]], non-transformable PVC figure uses the standard [[Mighty Muggs]] body template, with swivel joints in Starscream's neck and limbs. Although Hasbro stock photography (right) shows him with his wings pointing down, they are detachable and are meant to be put in the standard upwards position.

{{-}}

===G.I. Joe and the Transformers===
[[Image:StarscreamSkystriker.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A whole lotta [[Chris Latta|Latta]].]]
*'''Starscream Skystriker with Cobra Commander''' (2011)

: An [[exclusive]] release for [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2011, this is a [[redeco]] of the 2011 new-[[mold]] ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' [[Skystriker]] meant to represent Starscream. It includes [[Cobra Commander]] in a flight suit, wielding a [[Megatron (G1)/toys#G.I. Joe and the Transformers|"human-scaled" Megatron pistol]]. After more than a quarter of a century, it represents just the [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|second official mingling]] of the ''G.I. Joe'' and ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' franchises in toy form.

: The last one of us alive will have the privilege of being buried with it.

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:G2BlackDeathStarscreamMockup.jpg|thumb|200px]]
[[Image:G2BlackDeathStarscreamProductionColor.jpg|thumb|200px]]
[[Image:G2SSJungleprotojet.jpg|200px|thumb|]]
*A hand-painted mock-up and accompanying artwork for what seems to have been a proposed ''Generation 2''-era redeco of Starscream appeared in auctions on [[eBay]], amongst similar items put up for sale from the collection of a former [[Hasbro]] employee. The mock-up features the words "Black Death" on its nosecone, which would probably lead fans to refer to the figure as "Black Death Starscream" if anyone were aware of it existing.
**Somewhat confusingly, there appear to be two different pieces of artwork related to this redeco concept: one is simply a palette-swapped version of Starscream's [[:Image:G2StarscreamPackageArt.jpg|''Generation 2'' artwork]] (down to having the exact same color stickers), while the other features numerous alterations, among them new foot, knee, and shoulder intake detailing, differently positioned wings, and the missile launchers included with the ''Generation 2'' releases of Starscream and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]. Though unconfirmed, it is thought that the second piece of artwork was meant to go with the final release.
**Speaking of the final release: in 2012, it was revealed that "Black Death Starscream" was ''much'' further along in production than the fandom had previously suspected when a sticker-less test shot was discovered on the Chinese auction site TaoBao (from a seller also possessing loose ''Generation 2'' [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], and a production-colors [[Sandstorm (G2)|Sandstorm]]). The test-shot differs from the package art and mock-up by possessing black missiles instead of blue ones and having no Decepticon symbols on the rear stabilizers (although it's possible those were meant to be stickers).
**The actuality of the figure being intended as Starscream is uncertain. In fact, the "desert" redeco of Ramjet discovered at the same time has been revealed as having been intended as [[Sandstorm (G2)|a separate new character]] and not an alternate version of Ramjet as had been assumed. It very well may be that this toy was likewise intended as a new character with the working name "Black Death," and not Starscream at all, but without confirmation of this it may as well remain listed here.
*A second unproduced redeco of Starscream for the ''Generation 2'' line was found in 2007, also in an auction on eBay. It is known to the fandom as "Jungle Attack Starscream", although just as with "Black Death Starscream", it is unclear if it was intended to actually be another Starscream toy.

{{-}}

==References==
<references />

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decoys]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Decepticons]]
[[Category:KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Vacuum metallizing

2014-04-30T01:54:17Z

Elleby: Removed the "Pics Needed" as a picture was added over five years ago!

That shiny "chrome" plating on some [[Toy|Transformer toys]] is not applied by traditional electrical or dip plating, but by '''vacuum metallizing'''.[[Image:Chrome-r.jpg|thumb|A good example of "going too far".]]

In this process, the part is placed in a chamber with most of the air pumped out. Metal vapor enters the chamber and condenses on the part to form a very thin and shiny metallic coating.

The most common metal used for this process is nearly-pure aluminum, which gives a "silvery" finish. To change its color to gold, red, or whatever is desired, a transparent, colored paint may be applied over the metallizing. A clear coat may be applied even if the metal's natural color is suitable, to protect the finish.

This metal coating, if made of a corrosion-prone metal like aluminum, may easily tarnish and grow dull if its protection wears off. Furthermore, it is very thin, and may flake, peel, or be worn away with prolonged play. When new, though, it looks totally rockin' cool, awesome and rad.

Vacuum metallizing was especially common during the [[Beast Era]], where it was a defining characteristic of the [[Transmetal]] sublines. The chrome on toys from this era will sometimes show an excessive amount of spiderwebbed cracking and flaking, far beyond that expected from normal wear. The problem was sporadic and unpredictable, not confined to any particular toy. Sometimes the cracking would show up almost as soon as the toy was opened; other times it did not appear until months or years later. Though the problem was fairly common, the majority of toys were not affected.

Toys produced and sold in the United States in recent years have used few or no plated parts, and the metallizing was omitted from toys in the [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]] line which had originally featured it, such as the Transmetals. However, vacuum metallized parts have made a distinct comeback in TakaraTomy's [[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] line, where virtually ''every'' figure has at least something shiny, regardless of whether it makes sense or not.

==External links==
*[[Wikipedia:Vacuum metallizing|Vacuum metallizing]] at Wikipedia

*[http://www.p2pays.org/ref/05/04519.pdf Vacuum Metallizing Plastic Parts] — Paper on vacuum metallizing.

[[Category:Toys]]