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Megatron (G1)/Generations toys

2024-07-21T13:36:28Z

Gargunkle: correcting a typo

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[[File:Kingdom Golden Disk Megatron returns to pits.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]

Much like [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], the [[Decepticon]] leader also continues to receive more toys than the average ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' character. While '''[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]''' doesn't have quite as many toys as his nemesis, he is one of ''at least'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|four]] [[Starscream (G1)|main]] characters that are guaranteed to get a new toy just about every year.

For the sake of finding an easy and definitive split from the main toy article, we have opted to make this page strictly for the various ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]''-branded toylines, as this appears to be the brand [[Hasbro]] will likely continue adding Generation 1 characters to for the foreseeable future.
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==GDO==
{{anchor|GenerationsVoyager}}
[[File:GenerationsGDOtoy-Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Bludgeon (RID 2001)|What goes around, comes around.]]]]
*'''Megatron''' (Voyager Class, [[2012]])
**''Accessories:'' {{w|Katana}}, {{w|:Wakizashi|tanto}}
{{toydesigner|[[Andrew Frankel]] (Hasbro)}}
:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Megatron is an Asian market and Toys"R"Us-exclusive redeco/retool of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen: N.E.S.T. Global Alliance]]'' Voyager Class [[Bludgeon (ROTF)#Voyager|Bludgeon]], sporting a new, smiling head. Megatron transforms from a Japanese {{w|Type 90 Kyū-maru|Type 90}} tank into a samurai-esque robot mode. He features a flexible plastic sword which is made out of a portion of the barrel of the tank's main gun, as well as a smaller dagger. The dagger can be stored in a sheath which is revealed from inside the tank turret, and both blades can be slotted in holes provided on the robot mode's left hip guard. The larger sword has a peghole at the bottom of the hilt; though it is specifically designed to allow the dagger's handle to fit in the base to form a double-bladed weapon, it can also fit any other accessory that uses [[5 mm post]]s. The post used to combine the swords remains unobstructed in vehicle mode, meaning you can attach the dagger to the end of Megatron's main tank cannon if you're feeling silly. He also has [[Mech Alive]] [[gimmick]]s in his thighs and turret: sculpted cylinders in his thighs rotate whenever his lower legs are rotated, and pulling his turret open makes a sculpted white "disc" at the center rotate while a scabbard for the tantō hinges over to the side and props itself up for use.

:The vehicle mode is one of the very few Transformer tank toys with rubber components to its treads. Portions of the tread links can unlock, allowing them to hang from the robot mode, while the wheels of the treads are integrated separately into the robot mode form itself. The treads still do not function realistically; small plastic wheels on the underside of the treads help the tank mode roll, as is standard with nearly all Transformer tank toys. On the plus side, the tank turret can be rotated a full three-hundred sixty degrees, as can the purple machine gun that sits atop the turret.

:Unlike the other uses of this mold, Megatron comes [[Packaging|packaged]] in robot mode holding his swords, with additional plastic and paper ties in the tray imperfectly holding his swords in position. Because they were packaged this way since they were shipped out of the factory, most Megatrons come with the swords being badly bent and warped in the box. Fortunately, the swords' blades can be mostly straightened by leaving them sheathed in their hidden scabbards. Straightening their ''hilts'' is a different matter, though.

:As a redeco of the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Bludgeon mold, it is highly likely that Megatron is cursed with the same design fault as his brethren - the rubber treads break down over the course of years, causing them to corrode spots of plastic and leave melty gashes behind.

:This version of the mold was also used to make ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' [[Megatron (Cloud)#Toys|Megatron]], while the original version was redecoed into ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Hunt for the Decepticons]]'' [[Banzaitron (TF 2010)#Toys|Banzaitron]], and differently retooled to make ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Overlord (G1)#Timelines|Gigatron]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2012/Decepticon/GDOMegatron/megatron.htm More information on ''Generations'' Megatron at TFU.info]''
{{ROTFBludgeonMold}}

==''Thrilling 30''==
{{anchor|GenerationsLegends}}
[[File:Generationstoy-T30-LegendsMegatronChopShop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Watch yer wallet, Megs.]]
*'''Megatron & Chop Shop''' (Legends Class, [[2013]])
**''Series / Number'': '''02 / #004'''
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the fourth wave of 2012-onwards ''Generations'' Legends Class toys, ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' Megatron is roughly the same size as a ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class toy. He transforms from a generic tank with rotating turret into a robot based on his [[Alex Milne]] pre-war design as seen in "[[Chaos Theory Part 1]]" from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s 2009-2011 ''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'' comic series, and features [[5 mm post|5 mm-compatible]] ports for his hands and left forearm/turret roof.

:He comes with [[Chop Shop (G1)#Generations|Chop Shop]], who can transform into a stag beetle, a robot, a weapon with a 5 mm handle, and a mine plow that attaches to the front of Megatron's tank mode. He features gearing that opens his pinchers when his legs are moved.

:This mold also served as the model for the non-toy ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Megatron (BW)#Beast Wars: Uprising|Megatron]] and was retooled into ''Generations [[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Legends Class [[Warpath (G1) #Combiner Wars|Warpath]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/GenLegMegatron/megatron.htm More information on ''Generations'' Legends Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|T30Deluxe}}{{anchor|Deluxe}}
[[File:Generations IDW megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|And the fandom collectively soiled itself.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Deluxe Class, 2013)
**''Series / Number'': '''02 / #003'''
**''Accessories'': 2 wingtips (combine to form Fusion Cannon)
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist, uncredited)}}

:Part of the fifth wave of 2012-onwards ''Generations'' Deluxe Class toys, ''Thrilling 30'' Megatron is based on [[Don Figueroa]]'s stealth bomber design from the IDW Publishing [[Heart Like a Wheel|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]] ongoing series (which resembles a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit). In robot mode, his wingtips detach to combine and transform into his [[Fusion cannon#Deluxe|fusion cannon]] (although it's actually designed after the [[rail gun]] this body was equipped with in IDW's comics, but of course Hasbro couldn't call it ''that'' on a toy's packaging). The cannon can peg into 5mm ports on his hands and forearms. This design was actually taken from an official pitch without Figueroa's permission and with no compensation to the artist, a fact he was rather sore about.<ref>[http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/don-figueroa-designed-idw-s-stealth-bomber-megatron-but-wasn-t-compensated--t96022s0.php "So I read that this was being made into a toy? wow, and I thought only 3rd party companies take stuff without giving any notice, acknowledgement or compensation... FYI: hasbro nor idw solicited me to do this design, I did it on my own."]</ref>

:In the American release Megatron comes packed in with a copy of IDW's ''[[Spotlight: Megatron]]'', sporting a 'Hasbro Exclusive Cover' cropped from the [[Clayton Crain]] [[:File:Spotlight Megatron cvrRI.jpg|retailer incentive cover]]. In European and Canadian markets the figure was released without the ''Spotlight''.

:He was later retooled into ''Generations'' [[Dreadwing (G2)#Generations|Dreadwing]], ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' [[Krok (G1)#Timelines|Krok]], and ''The Last Knight'' [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#TLKDeluxe|Megatron]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/GenMegatron/megatron.htm More information on ''Thrilling 30'' Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2013}}{{anchor|SDCCMetroplex}}
*'''Metroplex''' (Titan Class, 2013)
**'''01 OF 30'''
:An [[exclusive]] version of Titan Class [[Metroplex (G1)#SDCC2013|Metroplex]] was made available at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2013. He comes with 12 [[Slug figure|small, non-transforming figurines]] of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#SDCC2013|Orion Pax]], Megatron, [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#SDCC2013|Bumblebee]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Thrilling 30|Thundercracker]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#SDCC2013|Trailcutter]], and [[Hoist (G1)/toys#Thrilling 30|Hoist]], all in both modes. The figurines are based on their ''Thrilling 30'' Deluxe Class toys, and similarly to [[Decoy]]s, the Autobot figurines are cast in red plastic, and the Decepticons in purple.

{{-}}{{anchor|ACGHK2013}}{{anchor|HKACGCONMetroplex}}
[[File:Generationstoy-T30-Metroplex-Megatron-HKACGCON.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I... can't... move...]]
*'''Metroplex''' (Titan Class, 2013)
**'''05 OF 30'''
:Another exclusive version of Titan Class [[Metroplex (G1)#ACGHK2013|Metroplex]] was made available at [[Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong]] 2013. This Metroplex also has the 12 figurines of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#ACGHK2013|Orion Pax]], Megatron, [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#ACGHK2013|Bumblebee]], [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#ACGHK2013|Thundercracker]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#ACGHK2013|Trailcutter]], and [[Hoist (G1)/toys#ACGHK2013|Hoist]], but casts the Autobot figurines in gold plastic, and the Decepticons in silver.
{{--}}

==''Generations'' (Japan)==
{{anchor|TG25}}{{anchor|VSOrionPax}}
[[File:TF-Generation-JP-TG25-Megatronus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Orion Pax VS Megatronus''' ([[October 26]], [[2013]])
**''ID number'': '''TG-25'''
**''Accessories'': 2 wingtips (combine to form cannon)
:Released in the Japanese ''[[Transformers: Generations (Japan)|Generations]]'' lineup, Megatronus is a redeco of ''Thrilling 30'' Deluxe Class Megatron in a darker shade of black, replacing the previously purple parts with more black and rendering the translucent plastic cannon a shade of red. Megatronus features extensive paint details, including purple lining inside the grooves on his head, shoulders, and knees, silver paint on his legs and engines and red eyes. He was only available in a two-pack with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#TG25|Orion Pax]].

:This toy is meant to depict Megatron as he was before the war broke out, hence the name, which originated as a pre-war name for [[Megatron (WFC)|Aligned continuity Megatron]].

{{-}}{{anchor|TG28}}{{anchor|MegatronStarscream2pack}}
[[File:TTGenerationsTG28MegatronChopShop.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|BURRITOOOS!!!!]]
*'''Megatron & Starscream''' ([[December 28]], 2013)
**''ID number:'' '''TG28'''
:The Japanese release of Legends Class Megatron is cast in his traditional gray, black, and red color scheme and features extensive metallic silver paint. He and [[Chop Shop (G1)#TG28|Chop Shop]] were only available in a multi-pack with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#TG28|Starscream]] and [[Waspinator (BW)/toys#TG28|Waspinator]].
{{--}}

==''Combiner Wars''==
{{anchor|Leader}}
[[File:LeaderMegatron2015.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.95|"What? No, of course I don't have an Autobot insignia! [[...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|Why would you think that?"]]]]
*'''Megatron''' (Leader Class, [[2015]])
**''Accessories'': Two guns (combine to form rifle), missile
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

:Part of the first wave of 2015 ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' Leader Class toys, Megatron transforms from a robot heavily inspired by his Generation 1 animation model into a tank featuring working treads. He includes a sticker sheet featuring two each of Decepticon and Autobot [[insignia]] (the latter in reference to IDW's ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''), plus stickers intended to replicate those on the original Megatron toy's chest and fusion cannon. Megatron also comes packaged with a collector's card featuring art from the initial release of the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile game. His box-back bio bears a superficial similarity to our wiki's article on [[Megatron (WFC)|another Megatron]]. He features a spark chamber hatch which is sculpted in likeness to the one seen in "[[Master Blaster]]". In a feature that goes undocumented in Megatron's instructions, his two combining guns can store underneath the rear of his alternate mode. Although the website description & the package billed the transformation as "15 steps", the toy actually has ''10'' steps. In keeping with that simplicity, his articulation is more limited than one might expect of a toy this size, with his restrictive knee articulation and lack of ankle joints making it tricky for him to stand in dynamic poses.

:In robot mode, Megatron's fusion cannon is on a pinned swivel, allowing it to be flipped in either direction, and appears to have been deliberately shaped to evoke the fusion cannon's traditional look no matter which way it faces. With the missile-firing tip backwards, the swivel piece allows the cannon to fold further out to the side, giving enough clearance for the arm to bend up to 90 degrees. In this configuration, the visible swivel piece matches the hexagonal detailing on the traditional cannon design, and a grooved dial sculpted into the cannon is slightly angled such that it perfectly matches the vertical position of the adjustment dial on the original scope/cannon. Of course, in that configuration Megatron can't shoot anyone with his missile, so where's the fun in that, you silly nerd?

:Select aspects of this design, such as the leg-mounted treads, the general transformation sequence and the tank alt-mode, were used to represent G1 Megatron in ''[[Transformers: Devastation]]''. The toy meanwhile was retooled into [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Generations|''Armada'' Megatron]], which was released at the same time. This mold’s tank mode bears almost no specific resemblance to that Megatron’s original ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toy, but in a concession to that character’s legacy, both versions of this mold feature ''Armada''-style [[Mini-Con]] connection ports; a rarity in any year of the ''Generations'' toyline.

:Though Megatron's wave was scheduled for a first quarter 2015 release, it arrived on U.S. store shelves in late 2014.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/CWMegatron/megatron.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Megatron at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|SingaporeTRULeader}}
*'''Megatron''' (Lucky Draw Leader, [[2016]])
**''Accessories'': Two guns (combine to form rifle), missile
:Released as a contest prize for Toys R' Us Singapore, this ''Combiner Wars'' Leader Class Megatron is a redeco of the Leader Class toy above, featuring chrome (if by chrome, it means ''metallic'') silver and red paint on his paintable silver and red plastic parts (which includes neutering the light-up gimmick). The figure can be obtained by spending $600 worth of Transformers products only with their Star Card. The contest ran in March 1st till 31st.

{{-}}{{anchor|TFSS}}{{anchor|DoublePretender}}
[[File:TFSS-5.0-Double-Pretender-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"[[Jason Marnocha|Fifty years I was alone... And when I'm finally saved from that loneliness, all I find is horror... In this form, I am powerless; doomed to witness these atrocities. I need a body...I WILL have a body!]]"]]
*'''Double Pretender Megatron''' (TFSS 5.0, 2017)
**''Accessories'': Pretender Shell, Sword for Pretender Shell, Rifle for Pretender Shell, [[Spacewarp#Generations|Spacewarp]] Mini-Con, Joint piece for Spacewarp/Rifle
:Released as a part of the [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service#2017|Figure Subscription Service 5.0]], Megatron is a redeco of his [[#Thrilling 30|Legends Class toy]], with his coloration based on his canceled ''Generation 2'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#CombatHero|"arctic-camo" Combat Hero Megatron toy]]. He also comes with [[Spacewarp#Generations|Spacewarp]] (a redeco of [[Blast Master#Generations|''Thrilling 30'' Payload]]) and his Pretender shell, which is redecoed from [[Grand Maximus#Toys|Grand Maximus]]'s. Double Pretender Megatron also comes with a joint piece for Spacewarp to let her fit in the shell along with Megatron. This joint piece is sculpted to resemble the large chromed laser cannon that the original G1 Megatron toy came with. His Pretender shell weapons are black repaints of ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Generations|Sentinel Prime]]'s rifle and Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#TRVoyager|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Laser Rod (weapon)#Generations|sword]].

:Megatron and Spacewarp were released alongside [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#TFSS|Double Pretender Optimus Prime]] and [[Hi-Q#Combiner Wars|Hi-Q]].

:There are two suggested ways to make Megatron and Spacewarp fit into the shell, though some fans may have their own methods:
::1. Fiddle the Megatron figure into a different position, and insert the joint piece on his chest to allow Spacewarp to attach on it.<ref>{{citesocial|quote= How it all fits: https://t.co/pFFmXwkzpl|link=https://twitter.com/JesseWittenrich/status/857749521190801409|name=Jesse Wittenrich|site=Twitter|year=2017|month=04|day=28|(defunct=)}}</ref>
::2. If the joint piece doesn't work due to its tolerance, rearrange Megatron in a slightly different position, and peg Spacewarp into Megatron's arm.<ref>{{citesocial|quote= If that doesn't work for you, you can skip the accessory and peg Spacewarp to Megatron's arm. https://t.co/aogfRbvhfD|link=https://twitter.com/JesseWittenrich/status/857749905867251712|name=Jesse Wittenrich|site=Twitter|year=2017|month=04|day=28|(defunct=)}}</ref>
{{--}}

==''Cyber Series''==
[[File:Generations-Cyber-Battalion-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He may have rocket launchers in his feet, but that doesn't mean he has mistletoe.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Cyber Battalion, 2015)
**''Accessories:'' Fusion cannon

:Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#PrimeWarsTrilogyAsian|Generations: Cyber Series]]'' Cyber Battalion figures, Megatron is a Voyager-sized figure and transforms into a futuristic tank with a [[transformation|transformation scheme]] that borrows much of its engineering from the [[#Universe (2008)|''Universe'' G2 Legends Class Megatron]] from 2008 though does have some unique steps. His large fusion cannon can be held in his fist or mounted on his arm as any classic representation of Megatron would.

:The ''Cyber Series'' as a whole was initially pretty hard to come by. This figure along with the others was available in limited quantities from online retailer BigBadToyStore.com, though other than that they haven't hit mass retail anywhere besides Asia and Latin America. The line was later sold in greater quantities through [[Walgreens]] stores in parts of the United States.

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroesAndVillains}}
[[File:TF-Heroes-and-Villains-Optimus-Prime-Megatron-2-pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime and Megatron''' (2-pack, 2021)

:In 2021, the ''Cyber Series'' [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/Generations_toys#Cyber_Series|Optimus Prime]] and Megatron figure were reissued as a 2-pack exclusive to Amazon.com.
{{--}}

==''Titans Return''==
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Voyager-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Blitzwing who? I'm just a Megatron who happens to turn into a tank ''and'' a jet. All the cool [[Megatron (disambiguation)|Megatron]]s are doing it!]]
*'''Doomshot & Megatron''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])
**''Accessories'': Fusion Cannon, Rifle, Doomshot Titan Master
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)}}

:''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' Megatron transforms from robot to tank to plane and back. Megatron comes with [[Doomshot#Toys|Doomshot]], a [[Titan Master]] who becomes his head. The G1 toy-accurate 'scrollwork' details on his chest and all Decepticon insignias (on his robot mode chest, jet nosecone, and tank tread cowling) are chrome-backed, factory-applied, low-quality stickers which are notoriously prone to peeling off at the slightest disturbance. As their chrome-backed nature clashes heavily with Megatron's otherwise unpainted torso, replacing them is recommended. His wing stickers are similarly metallic, but appear to adhere better and clash less with the figure's overall aesthetic.

:The fusion cannon is shown in stock renders to be solid black, while the final one is light grey plastic dipped in black paint with the posts left bare. His dark-grey plastic is nowhere near as dark as the stock renders shows, though it is still darker than the light-grey plastic.

:Like all Voyager Class ''Titans Return'' figures, he has a pair of pop-up parts to fill in the area around his head; in this case, a pair of missile racks. While it initially looks like his chest does not contain a pivoting assembly for better range of movement on Megatron's neck, there is in fact one hidden under the grey parts that form his robot mode collar that allow the missile racks and the Titan Master port to turn in either direction.<ref name="neck">[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/titans-return-voyager-megatron-and-doomshot.1092333/page-18#post-14975031 Detailed look on TFW2005.com]</ref> Due to the nature of his transformation it is possible to transform Megatron into tank mode without removing his head, though this leaves it completely exposed at the back of the tank.

:His fusion cannon can plug into the short barrel of the tank turret or the rifle/Titan Master vehicle weapon. In an undocumented additional feature, the rifle can be inserted into the front end of the fusion cannon. The fusion cannon can be mounted on his forearm or held by any figure with 5mm hands. It also has a peg hole that an accessory such as his rifle can plug into, with extra square peg holes specifically to hold the rifle in place. The tank cannon on his turret, while held in ''very'' hard by a pair of ridges and a 5mm post, can also be removed; it can be pegged in by its 5mm post barrel onto a peghole in Megatron's shoulder to recreate G1 Megatron's classic shoulder barrel.

:The instructions for robot-to-tank transformation suggest that you move his robot mode chestplate downwards into the collapsed jet position. It appears to have a clearance issue, with the chest protruding too far; leaving it in robot mode position will ensure there are no clearance issues. However, the chest ''can'' be made to fit better by putting it into position before transforming the treads, preventing the tread panels from getting in the way. Also in some copies of the toy, Megatron's left and right leg panels will randomly pop and stick out. This is especially prominent in tank and jet mode.

:This mold was retooled into [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Titans Return|Blitzwing]], and redecoed into ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Legends|G2 Megatron]] and ''[[Street Fighter II × Transformers]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Street Fighter II × Transformers|Megatron]] <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[M. Bison#Toys|Vega]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>. Megatron would have been redecoed/retooled into [[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]] with a new Titan Master face for Doomshot as part of the "Action on Hydrus Four" boxset for BotCon 2017 that never came to be.
{{--}}

==''Platinum Edition''==
[[File:TF-Platinum-Edition-OsS-OsF-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"An official Red Ryder carbine-action, two-hundred-shot range-model air rifle, with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time."]]
*'''One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall''' (2-pack, 2016)
:Part of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition]]'' offerings for 2016 intended to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', this Megatron is another redeco of the ''Classics'' Voyager toy. Megatron features a new and significantly different deco for the sake of [[for safety reasons|gun safety laws]]. The sides of his gun mode are entirely cast in clear red plastic, his arms are a different shade of red plastic and there is red paint on the legs as well–in addition to the bright orange parts on both the tip of the barrel and the scope, just like the ''Classics'' figure. Whether by design or by accident, his deco strongly resembles the [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive [[Nerf]] "[[wikia:nerf:Sonic FIRE|Sonic Fire]]" color scheme.

:''Platinum Edition'' Megatron was only available as part of a 2-pack with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#PEOSSOSF|Optimus Prime]], named "One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall" after Prime's famous line in the movie. In the United States and Canada, this set was officially released as an [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive. It was also available in several of Hasbro's Asian markets (namely the Philippines and Singapore; it's currently unknown whether it was exclusive to any particular stores there or not). In Australia, it was sold at Myer stores, whereas in the United Kingdom, it was both sold at [[Toys"R"Us]] stores and available via Tesco's website (but never found in stores). Surprisingly, it was (and still is) a common find in Brazilian online stores.

::*[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Decepticon/PlatinumMegatron/megatron.htm More information on ''Platinum Edition'' One Shall Stand, One Shall Fall Megatron at TFU.info]
{{--}}

==''Alt-Modes''==
[[File:Alt-Modes Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Starscream shall pay for this!]]
*'''Megatron''' (Alt-Modes, 2016)
**''Series'': '''1, 2'''
**''Collection'': '''1, 2, 3''' (Series 1), '''1''' (Series 2)

:''[[Alt-Modes]]'' Megatron is a super deformed toy whose body transforms into a tank when the Decepticon faction symbol on his head is flipped. He was [[Blindpacking|blind-boxed]] and available in all four cases of the first and second series.
{{--}}

==''War for Cybertron: Siege''==
[[File:WFCS-Voyager-Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Such heroic nonsense.]]]]
*'''Megatron''' (Voyager Class, [[2019]])
**''Hasbro ID number:'' '''WFC-S12'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SG-13'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': '''[[March 30]], [[2019]]'''
**''Hidden message code'': '''KAON'''
**''Accessories:'' "D50-R35 Fusion Cannon", "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher" (combines to form "NFM Particle Beam Megalauncher")
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Gray]] (Hasbro)|[[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}

:''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Megatron transforms from a G1 cartoon-esque robot to a <s>Grizzly battle tank from the ''Command & Conquer'' series</s> Cybertronian tank and back! Megatron's robot mode is pretty accurate to the original cartoon, despite having a completely different altmode. He is armed with 2 weapons compatible with the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]], one of which is his trademark [[fusion cannon]] called the "D50-R35 Fusion Cannon". The other is the "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher," with two symmetrical blades facing the opposite direction, and can transform into a large sword resembling the sword included in the Takara release of the [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 1|original Generation 1 toy]] and can be stored on his back. It can also be mounted on his back to resemble the gun barrel on the original cartoon model's back. Both can combine into the insanely large "NFM Particle Beam Megalauncher," which is meant to be held in his hands or over his head. Like his contemporaries in the ''Siege'' toyline, Megatron features 'battle damage' paint applications all over his head, chest, arms, and legs.

:Due to the way Megatron transforms, it's possible to rotate the turret 180 degrees and use the fusion cannon solely as the tank barrel, in the event one should lose the "Laserstrike Launcher" accessory; while not as aesthetically pleasing as the intended transformation, it still works.

:Megatron also suffers a slight design flaw: unlike with the left ankle, the right ankle's pivoting joint has a tendency to not lock back to its straight position once it is unlocked. The only way to amend this is by pressing the top end of the black plastic peg on the right foot. The light grey backpack/central front tank kibble also has a tendency to dislodge if his waist is moved left or right. Due to the Fusion Cannon's slightly longer post, the hand's dorsal panel slightly protrudes when in tank mode.

:There is a message written in [[Cybertronian language|Cybertronian letters]] on Megatron's box art, which reads "RISE FROM THE SHADOWS". Megatron's pose in the instruction manual's front cover is based on the [[:File:Megatronguido.jpg|promotional artwork]] by [[Guido Guidi]].

:Amusingly, the first TakaraTomy (and later, Hasbro's secondary) stock photos of his robot mode depict him wielding the fusion cannon like a handheld weapon.

:Though designated for release in the first quarter of 2019, Megatron's wave reached U.S. store shelves in late 2018.

:Megatron was a notorious shelfwarmer, particularly in Asia, often unsold in large numbers.

:This mold was redecoed and retooled into multiple different Megatrons below, and [[Megatron (SG)#Shattered Glass Collection|Shattered Glass Megatron]].
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|S66}}
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-35th-Voyager-Classic-Animation-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I thought you're made of sterner stuff, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Walmart35thVoyager|Optimus."]]]]
*'''Classic Animation Megatron''' (Voyager Class, 2019)
**''ID number:'' '''WFC-S66'''
**''Accessories:'' "D50-R35 Fusion Cannon," "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher" (combines to form "NFM Particle Beam Megalauncher")
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (deco artist)}}

:Specially branded for the 35th anniversary of the ''Transformers'' brand, ''Siege'' "Classic Animation Megatron" is a redeco of the Voyager figure above, featuring a cel-shaded paint pattern that evokes his appearance in the cartoon (though the physical result is reminiscent of [[Transformers: Devastation|''Devastation'']]). In addition, the figure omits the paint on the shoulders and his launcher/sword, and the front tank tread panels are now grey.

:Secondary stock photos of the robot mode still depicts his Fusion Cannon as a handheld weapon.

:Alongside fellow cel-shaded figure [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#S65|Optimus]], Megatron was exclusive to [[Walmart]] in Canada and the United States.
{{--}}

==''War for Cybertron Trilogy''==
[[File:TF-Netflix-WFC-Trilogy-Voyager-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|1,000,000 years and still functioning.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Voyager Class, [[2020]])
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''WFC-07'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[December 19]], 2020
**''Accessories:'' "D50-R35 Fusion Cannon," "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher" (combines to form "NFM Particle Beam Megalauncher"), Pinpointer [[Battle Master]], Lionizer Battle Master, 3 [[Fire Blast effect]]s
{{toydesigner|[[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}

:Promoting the ''Siege'' chapter of the [[Netflix]] [[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon]], this ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' redeco of ''Siege'' Megatron slathers the Decepticon leader in an ''extensive'' paint wash coating to represent accumulated grime and battle scars. Aside from the mold's usual weapons, Megatron comes with redecos of ''Siege'' Firedrive into "[[Pinpointer (G1)#Generations|Captive Pinpointer]]" and "[[Lionizer (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Captive Lionizer]]" with the original orange-and-grey color scheme, both with their own respective blast effects. Battle damage aside, Megatron's grey plastic is molded in a darker shade and his black plastic lacks any hints of brown. He also features metallic silver across his front on the silver sections, serving as a base for the battle damage. This Megatron features tighter ankle joints and a weakened snap, allowing for easier posing.

:The unpaintable metallic plastic parts, such as the sword's blades, the upper thighs, and the joints, are prone to [[photodegradation]].

:As with other Netflix series figures, Megatron was exclusive to Walmart in Canada and the United States. Megatron was also available as a Kmart exclusive in Australia.
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|E33}}
[[File:WarForCybertronCenturionDroneWeaponizerPack.jpeg|upright=1.66|thumb|Are you sure it's not an upside-down submarine?]]
*'''Deluxe Centurion Drone''' (Deluxe Class with accessories pack, 2020)
:An accessory of Megatron's Pistol form is available as part of the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' [[Centurion droid#Toys|Deluxe Centurion Drone Weaponizer Pack]]. It also comes with a silencer, but does not include the stock. In Japan, the toy was released as a [[TakaraTomy]] Mall exclusive for ''Earthrise''.<ref name="TT Twitter">{{citesocial|quote=＼フォロワー27 000人突破／新情報2つ目はアースライズシリーズ「センチュリオンドローン＆ウェポナイザー」発売決定しました！予約開始は少し先の予定ですが楽しみしてにお待ち下さい！ #トランスフォーマー #Transformers https://t.co/8DpFsjRCuP|link=https://twitter.com/TF_pr/status/1285098906422931456/|name=Transformers PR|site=Twitter|year=2020|month=07|day=20|(defunct=)}}</ref>

:It should be noted that this is the first ''Generations'' toy to depict his alt mode as a gun, albeit in a non-converting accessory form. It was soon followed by the ''Kingdom'' Core Class toy below.

{{-}}{{anchor|2021Netflix}}
[[File:TF-Netflix-WFC-Trilogy-Spoiler-Pack-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Spoiler Pack''' (Leader Unboxing, [[2021]])
**''Accessories:'' "D50-R35 Fusion Cannon," "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher" (combines to form "NFM Particle Beam Megalauncher"), [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Spoiler|Matrix of Leadership]] bandolier, [[AllSpark#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Allspark]], two Fire Blast effects, [[Play-Doh|compound]]
:Promoting the ''Kingdom'' chapter of the Netflix ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon, Megatron is a minor redeco of the [[#War for Cybertron Trilogy|above]] Netflix ''Siege''-based Megatron, with blue highlights on the "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher" instead of red, and more accurate chest battle damage (albeit, to his appearance in the ''Siege'' and first half of ''Earthrise'' chapters). His silver paint is also a lighter shade while the other paint applications are a darker shade. The set includes the translucent purple "[[Skelivore#Toys|Fossilizer Skelivore]]", the [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Spoiler|Matrix of Leadership]] on a bandolier, and a compound through which a buyer can dig to reveal two blue "Fire Blast" effects (redecoed from ''Earthrise'' [[Slitherfang#Toys|Slitherfang]] and [[Doublecrosser (Earthrise)#Toys|Doublecrosser]]'s effects parts) and the [[AllSpark#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Allspark]].

:The Matrix bandolier can latch onto his robot mode chest or his tank turret, and the Allspark is compatible with the 3 mm effects part system, featuring a 3 mm port on one face and a shallow 3 mm post of its own on the opposite side. Skelivore can use the C.O.M.B.A.T. System/[[F.O.S.S.I.L. Technology]] to weaponize Megatron, with two official configurations, and their head specifically evoking Megatron's classic [[energon mace]].

:Much like previous Spoiler Packs, this set is in a windowless box designed to look like an ammo crate and features translatable [[Cybertronian language|Ancient Autobot]] inside the box. The lateral side of the package also features artwork of Megatron, reused from the ''Kingdom'' [[:File:Kingdom Golden Disk Megatron returns to pits.jpg|Wave 2 Golden Disk card]]. Compared to the previous [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Spoiler Pack]], the packaging itself uses less cardboard and tape and has two Decepticon-themed quotes as opposed to one Autobot and one Decepticon. The "spoiler" text reads "WITH THE MATRIX IN HAND / I CAN WIN THE ALLSPARK / AND USE IT TO RESHAPE / CYBERTRON IN MY IMAGE" and "TAKE THE MATRIX / MEGATRON THEN THE / ALLSPARK MAY IT HAVE / MERCY ON YOU", quotes from Megatron and Optimus Prime respectively from [[Kingdom episode 4|''Kingdom'' episode 4]], though Megatron's quote in the cartoon lacks "With the Matrix in hand".

:Megatron's renders in the instructions feature the battle damage from the first [[#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Netflix ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toy]], as opposed to the battle damage on this release. Also, the image showing the completely assembled second official weaponizer configuration in the instructions depicts the included effect parts being plugged onto the ends of the back-mounted cannons to simulate muzzle-flash effects; however, this configuration is impossible with the selected effect part mold types that were included with this set.

:As with other Netflix-series figures, this Spoiler Pack was exclusive to Walmart in Canada and the United States. This set was also available as a Kmart exclusive in Australia and was on [[Hasbro Pulse]] in the US and the UK in limited quantities.
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Behold}}
[[File:Behold Galvatron Megatron.JPG|thumb|200px]]
* '''Behold, Galvatron! Unicron Companion Pack''' (Leader Class, 2022)
:This release of Megatron is as a non-transforming and immobile [[Slug figure|minifigure]], barely 10mm tall, scaled to interact with the immense [[Unicron/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|'War for Cybertron Trilogy'' Unicron]] figure and its clear display base. This was one of a set of 14 minifigures in the "Unicron Companion Pack" that was included with the [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|"reformatting" version of Galvatron]]. The set was [[exclusive]] to [[Hasbro Pulse]].
{{--}}

==''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''==
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-E-Voyager-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|What, were you expecting a [[Sixshot (G1)#toys|submarine]]]]
*'''Megatron''' (Voyager Class, 2020)
**''Hasbro ID number:'' '''WFC-E38'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''ER-13'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[January 30]], [[2021]]
**''Accessories:'' Fusion Cannon, tank turret/bladed weapon, tank-filler part/shield
:Released as part of the third and final wave of ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' Voyager Class toys, Megatron is a heavy retool of ''Siege'' Megatron that converts into an Earth-based tank (particularly resembling an M1A2 Abrams) while sharing a mostly identical transformation scheme (and parts, such as the thighs, feet, front of the upper arms, forearms, and various inner parts). Megatron also retains the "battle damage" paint his ''Siege'' figure featured, mostly focused around his legs and tank body. Unlike the stock render, the rear half of Megatron's shoulders are molded in black plastic. Megatron also features a "D-16" marking on the left side of his tank body, referencing his Japanese ID number.

:Like the ''Siege'' figure, Megatron's turret also doubles as a melee weapon, though it must be forearm mounted in order to use the blade. The blade can be a shield if paired with the sword from the ''Siege'' toy above. To try and reduce his alternate mode's resemblance to an H-tank, he has a [[Partformer|partforming]] piece that is attached between his shins, or onto the bladed weapon. Stock photography for the above ''Generations Selects'' redeco shows the melee weapon can plug into his back as a back-mounted cannon, much like his "G1" cartoon design, and the filler part can be a forearm-mounted shield.

:The new tooling to keep his head/neck flap more secure can make pulling his head out while transforming him to robot mode ''very'' difficult; the strain of doing so can cause the ball joint socket to crack, and form stress marks on his cheeks. This can be remedied by pushing the flap up from beneath using the filler/shield piece tabs.

:The unpaintable plastic parts, such as the thighs and the joints, are prone to [[photodegradation]].

:Like all ''Earthrise'' toys, Megatron comes with an exclusive piece of a clip-and-save of a larger star map, along with a translucent red decoder. Megatron's piece of the map, aptly, is the labeled location of "[[Cybertron (planet)|CYBERTRON]]".

:The [[energon mace]] accessory was sold separately as part of the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' [[Centurion droid#Toys|Deluxe Centurion Drone]] set above. The mace is intended for ''Earthrise'' Megatron's newly molded hands, so keep caution for a breakage risk if used on ''Siege'' Megatron.
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}
{{--}}

==''Generations Selects''==
{{anchor|GS01}}
[[File:Selects-Voyager-CombatMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|After many years, unobtainium has finally become obtainable.]]
*'''Combat Megatron''' (Voyager Class, [[2019]])
**''Series'': '''''War for Cybertron: Siege'''''
**''ID number:'' '''WFC-GS01'''
**''Accessories:'' "D50-R35 Fusion Cannon," "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher" (combines to form "NFM Particle Beam Megalauncher")
{{toydesigner|[[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] (detailing), [[Mark Maher]] (deco artist)|[[AJ Piejko-Brown]] (packaging)}}

:"Combat Megatron", a ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' add-on to ''Siege'', is a redeco and new head retool of the above Voyager Class mold in the arctic camouflage deco of the unreleased ''Generation 2'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#CombatHero|Combat Hero figure]]. The figure's new head is based on Megatron's initial "miner" appearance in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'', drawing most heavily on [[Marcelo Matere]]'s covers for the series. (Coincidentally or not, the [[#TFSS|last Megatron toy]] based on the same unreleased deco ''also'' used tooling based on IDW Megatron's mining days.)

:Announced at New York [[Toy Fair 2019]], this Megatron was an exclusive debuted at the regular Voyager price through the [[Hasbro Pulse]] website in the U.S. market. Combat Megatron comes in a mostly plain cardboard box with black spray-paint deco in the form of a drippy Autobot symbol, "WAR" spelled out in Cybertronian, and the "War for Cybertron Trilogy" nameplate. While the instructions replaced the ID number and Megatron's name with "Combat Megatron", the CGI renders still depict the original head. Also included is a thank you letter from Hasbro's [[John Warden]].

:Despite being the third ''Generations Selects'' figure to be announced, Combat Megatron came out ahead of [[Ricochet (Headmasters)#Generations|Ricochet]] and [[Swoop (G1)/toys#POTPGS|Red Swoop]].

:This toy was repurposed as [[White Megatron]] in ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]''.
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SuperMegatron}}
[[File:TF-Selects-Super-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Why do [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Future|you]] throw your turn away so recklessly?"]]
*'''Super Megatron''' ([[September 26]], [[2020]])
**''Hasbro ID number:'' '''TT-GS09'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion Cannon/starship nose/tank turret, triple-barrelled cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Ban Magami]] (concept artist)}}

:''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' Super Megatron is an extensive retool of [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' Voyager Class Galvatron]], with the Titan Master gimmick being removed. The figure is based upon illustrations by [[Ban Magami]] for [[:File:SuperAndUltraMegatron.jpg|Super Megatron and Ultra Megatron]] from ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars]]'' story pages, and is capable of assuming the two robot modes and two alternate modes featured therein. Although not officially a part of the [[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|''War for Cybertron'']] toyline, he has a grand total of 19(!) [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]] distributed throughout his new tooling, making him more than compatible with the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]].

:Being faithful to the illustrations it is based upon, the figure has both a "Super Jet Mode" and a triple-barreled "Ultra Tank Mode". The figure comes with his signature fusion cannon, which forms the nose of his gunship mode and the turret of his tank mode. He also has a triple-barreled cannon, which is stored inside the fusion cannon, and can be accessed by unfolding the front of the cannon and opening it up from the bottom. The triple-barreled cannon is detachable from the fusion cannon, and can be wielded by Super Megatron as a handheld weapon if you so choose.

:As mentioned before, the figure also has two robot modes to represent Super Megatron and his upgraded '''Ultra Megatron''' form, which differ in forehead and chest detailing. In service to this, Super Megatron's forehead and chest can be swapped around between his two robot modes. The two robot modes are also distinguished by weapon configuration (the fusion cannon being closed for Super Megatron and open for Ultra Megatron, and Ultra Megatron also featuring the triple-barrelled cannon mounted on his right shoulder) and gunship mode wing arrangement (folded for Super Megatron and unfolded for Ultra Megatron).

:Original to the figure and its [[Super Megatron comic 2|accompanying fiction]], a third robot mode was also designed and given the name '''Ultra Megatron Omega''', formed by taking the figure in its Ultra Megatron robot mode and swapping its face out for a more monstrous one. This new face appears to be an amalgam taking cues from both his [[Megatron (Movie)|live-action film counterpart]]'s mask in ''The Last Knight'', as well as the face of [[Dark Nova]]. If one so wishes, he can take the [[Silver Matrix]] accessory included with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Selects|''Generations Selects'' Star Convoy]] and plug it into this figure's left shoulder to replicate [[:File:Ultra Megatron Omega Selects.jpg|his initial appearance]] upon transforming into this form.

:The ''Selects'' [[God Neptune comic 2|Special Comic promoting God Neptune]] further introduces a ''fourth'' robot mode, '''[[:File:Megatron Omega Perfect Selects.jpg|Megatron Omega: Perfect Form]]''', into which the figure can also be configured. To achieve this, his shoulder pads must be folded back, with the smaller wing pieces angled up at a 45° angle; his chest piece with the insignia, folded forward to partially reveal the tread details; his back wings folded down at a 45° angle; and his Fusion Cannon/triple-barreled cannon should be in tank mode configuration, tabbed into the port on his upper-back, with the triple-barrels facing straight up. His Fusion Cannon barrel halves should then be angled up at 45° angles, to create an "X-wing" shape behind him.

:The aforementioned God Neptune chapter also depicts a third alternate mode for Ultra Megatron Omega, an "[[:File:GS-Ultra-Megatron-Omega-SF-Gun-Turret--Mode.jpg|SF Gun Turret Mode]]". To achieve this mode, Megatron must first be placed into his Super Jet Mode, from there the subsequent steps can be taken in any order. With his waist kept in the same configuration, his legs must be rotated at the thigh, then folded up alongside his torso; his arms must be folded straight down, with the forearms folded forward, so that the figure is now resting on both them and the tank treads on his legs; the chestplate must then be lowered slightly, so that the treads touch the ground; his larger wings should be folded up into the tank mode configuration; and his smaller wings should be folded straight back.

:A feature not mentioned in the instructions is that the lower part of his helmet is attached via a [[C joint]] on the neck, and can be removed to allow easier access to the forehead and face-swapping gimmick. This is particularly helpful, as otherwise there isn't much clearance for it to turn, and the swivel is fairly tight.

:Contrary to popular belief, this figure ''is'' in scale with ''Selects'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Generations Selects|Star Convoy]].

:This toy was released exclusively through [[TakaraTomy Mall]] in Japan and an EB Games exclusive in Australia.

{{-}}{{anchor|GS14}}
[[File:TF-Generations-Selects-Voyager-G2-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Voice of Doom sadly not included.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Voyager Class, 2020)
**''Series'': '''''War for Cybertron: Earthrise'''''
**''ID number:'' '''WFC-GS14'''
**''Accessories:'' Fusion Cannon, tank turret/spear, tank-filler part/shield
:A ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Selects]]'' add-on to ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'', this version of Megatron is a redeco of the ''Earthrise'' Voyager Class mold above in the first ''Generation 2'' toy-themed colors.

:Much like most 2020 ''Selects'' products, the toy is only branded as part of the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' and not ''Earthrise''.
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}
{{--}}

==''War for Cybertron: Kingdom''==
[[File:WFC-Kingdom Core Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Add in a 5mm peg, and you can have Megatron holding Megatron holding Megatron.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Core Class, [[2021]])
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-K13'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''KD EX-06'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[July 31]], 2021
**''Accessories:'' Blaster/Tank Barrel
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (deco artist)}}

:''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' Core Class Megatron is a Legends-sized toy that can interact with Titan Class figures. He takes many cues from his larger ''Earthrise'' toy sculpt-wise, with similar robot and Earth-based tank forms... save for the head, which seems to be based on his ''Masterpiece'' figure. His tank mode lacks any kind of rolling wheels.

:Megatron features his trademark Fusion Cannon, attached with a mushroom joint. He includes a blaster resembling his original pistol alternate mode which forms his (rather unconvincing) tank mode's barrel and has a stacked peg with 3-millimeter and 5-millimeter portions for compatibility with other Core figures as well as larger size classes. As shown in the instructions, but not specifically pointed out as such, the gun can plug into his back to replicate the gun barrel from the G1 figure. Due to the right forearm needing two pieces for the transformation, Megatron ends up having two asymmetrical forearm parts.

:Megatron suffers from a mildly annoying issue regarding his shoulder joints; the hook tabs can barely lock into place, and they can be dislodged if his arms are bent back in robot mode. Fortunately, the shoulder ball-and-socket joints are loose enough (though not to a greater extent) to counter this.
{{--}}

==''Premium Finish''==
[[File:TF-Premium-Finish-PF-WFC-02-Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Why [[#War_for_Cybertron Trilogy|throw]] [[#War_for_Cybertron:_Siege|away]] away your money so recklessly?"]]
*'''Megatron''' (Voyager Class, [[November 27]], 2021)
**''ID number'': '''PF WFC-02'''
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''GE-02'''
**''Accessories'': "D50-R35 Fusion Cannon", "HPR Telescopic Laserstrike Launcher" (combines to form "NFM Particle Beam Megalauncher")
:As part of the second wave of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Premium Finish|''Premium Finish'']]'' subline, Megatron is a detailed redeco of the [[#War_for_Cybertron:_Siege|''Siege'']] mold, featuring more paint applications that represent his appearance in [[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|''Transformers: War for Cybertron: Siege'']] and with the same weapons as the aforementioned mold.

:For some reason, the stock photos depict his shoulders sitting a bit too low, due to them not being fully inserted to the joint.
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}
{{-}}

==''Collaborative''==
[[File:Collab-toy-Megatron-HISS-Tank.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Megatron opted for the lady because [[Cobra Commander|her boss]] reminds him too much of Starscream [[Chris Latta|for some reason]]...]]
*'''Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank and Baroness''' ([[2022]])
**''Accessories'': [[Baroness#Collaborative|Baroness]], backpack, rifle, battle stand, fusion cannon, 2x turret guns, HISS tank rear panel/shield
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Shuhei Umezu]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:The tenth figure released in the ''[[Transformers Collaborative|Collaborative]]'' line, "Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank" transforms from an almost 100% accurate [[Cobra]] signature original [[HISS tank|H.I.S.S. tank]] into a roughly Commander Class-sized Megatron. He comes with his traditional fusion cannon accessory and has a swiveling twin turret backpack, whose guns can be lowered down to tilt over Megatron's head or turn left or right. Both turret guns are attached via 5mm pegs and features pegs for [[Fire Blast effect|fire blast effects]]. Megatron's fusion cannon can either mount atop his H.I.S.S. form's turret platform or on the outside of either fist.

:His hips are ratchet joints, but the rest are all simple friction joints, including his lateral thigh swivels, which when combined with the weight of half the vehicle mode hanging off his back means that he's prone to tipping over in certain poses. Megatron's sizeable heel spurs do a lot to alleviate the problem, thankfully. The back plating and rear guard of the H.I.S.S. detaches to form a shield. The back of his fusion cannon is severely truncated to clear the H.I.S.S. parts on his shoulders or the turret gunner in vehicle mode, which looks more than a little silly. Said cannon and shield both attach via fairly shallow 5mm pegs. Due to packaging constraints, most of the H.I.S.S. tank is detached from Megatron in the box, with only the treads and lower part of the cockpit built into the main figure. Megatron is also a considerably warmer gray than depicted in his stock renders.

:The set also includes a new recreated original 3.75" [[Baroness]] figure, with recreations of her accessories as well as a battle stand, who can ride in Megatron's H.I.S.S. mode cockpit or man his turret guns. Rather impressively, Megatron can be transformed entirely without removing the figure from the turret, though the same can't be said for the one in the cockpit.

:Although originally set to release in January 2023, Megatron and The Baroness were spotted at a [[Toys"R"Us]] in [[Taiwan]] in late [[June]] 2022 and was released more widely via online outlets starting in [[October]] of that year.

:This toy also doubles as the independent ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]'' character [[Fusion (RPG)|Fusion]].

{{-}}

==''Legacy''==
[[File:TF-Legacy-Core-Class-G2-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|A worthy opponent for [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Universe (2003)|this guy.]]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d2|'''G2 Universe Megatron''' (Core Class, [[2022]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Blaster/tank barrel

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' Core Class toys, "G2 Universe Megatron" is a [[redeco]] of [[#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' Core Class Megatron]] in the colors of his ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|tank incarnation]], and serves as a scaled-down version of the [[#GS14|''Generations Selects'' repaint]] of the Voyager Class ''Earthrise'' mold. Megatron includes the same blaster accessory as the original ''Kingdom'' toy, this time cast in green.

: Megatron was spotted at a [[Toys"R"Us]] in [[Taiwan]] in mid-[[June]] 2022 before any official announcement from Hasbro.

{{-}}{{anchor|RiseofTyranny}}
[[File:TF-Legacy-Miner-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Just a miner retool.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-multi|'''Rise of Tyranny 2-Pack''' (2-pack, 2023) }}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Drill, drill attachment, pickaxe, handle
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Koki Yamada]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[[May 16]], [[2023]]'s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPFnqhvXhTs Hasbro Pulse Transformers Fanstream] on YouTube, with [[Evan Brooks]], [[Ben MacCrae]], and [[Sixo]].</ref>

: Revealed during the [[May 16]]th, 2023 Transformers Fanstream, ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy: Evolution]]'' "Miner Megatron" is a retool of the ''Siege'' mold to match his younger appearance in the [[2005 IDW continuity]], with a new chest, shoulders, hazard stripes and an [[Alex Milne]]-inspired head. Oddly, this newly molded head is a completely different mold from the ''Generations Selects'' Combat Megatron toy's head, which was also inspired by Megatron's miner design. While his helmet has details from ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'', the color scheme and molding changes reference his appearance in ''[[Chaos Theory Part 1|Chaos Theory]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''. He includes a new pickaxe, drill, and drill mount rather than his fusion cannon and sword. He is capable of attaching the pickaxe head between the drill and mount to create a crossbow-like weapon through Evo-Fusion.

: Some copies of the figure have been reported to have their inner knee joints misassembled—the circular detail above the screw should be towards the back instead of the front. One way to remedy this is to unscrew the knees, pop the pin in the thigh and swap the knee joint. This also has been reported to (somewhat) improve the joint's looseness.<ref>[https://twitter.com/shihshihming1/status/1677047933429239808 @ShihShihMing1's tweet showcasing the issue], 6 July 2023</ref>

: He is included in a "Cybertronian Origins" two-pack with [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Legacy|Senator Ratbat]].

: Amazon mistakenly mixed up the product IDs for the Rise of Tyranny and Humble Origins two-packs; as a result, customers who pre-ordered this set were actually sent [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#HumbleOrigins|Data Clerk Orion Pax]] and [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#HumbleOrigins|Senator Shockwave]]. This was corrected a few days after the pre-orders started arriving; customers who purchase this set now will receive what they ordered.

::''[https://www.instagram.com/p/CsUU9MpO8M9/ Designer commentary on Miner Megatron from Evan Brooks on Instagram]''
{{WFCSiegeMegatronMold}}
{{-}}

{{-}}{{anchor|FracturedFriendship}}
[[File:TF-Legacy-United-Fractured-Megatron.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2sq409UGtY "I'm Spartacus!"]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Fractured Friendship 2-Pack''' (2-pack, [[2024]]) }}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Drill, drill attachment, pickaxe, handle, energy sword, energon hammer head

: ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy: United]]'' "Gladiator Megatron" is a redeco of the ''Legacy: Evolution'' figure above, this time based specifically on his gladiator look from ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]''. He includes all of Miner Megatron's accessories, now recolored to match Gladiator Megatron's light gray color scheme, as well as a red energy sword and the head of a pink energon hammer (which pegs into the same handle piece used by the pickaxe), both taken from his battle with [[Cy-Kill (G1)|Cy-Kill]] in [[Megatron Origin issue 2|issue #2]].

: Gladiator Megatron is included in the "Fractured Friendship" 2-pack alongside the similarly-IDW-inspired [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#FracturedFriendship|Security Officer Orion Pax]]. The two-pack was revealed by IGN on [[June 27]], 2024 as an exclusive for that year's [[San Diego Comic-Con]], with limited quantities to later be made available on [[Hasbro Pulse]]. The set was spotted at Chinese retail soon after its official reveal. <ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/hasbro-sdcc-exclusive-figures-star-wars-marvel-transformers-gi-joe Hasbro SDCC 2024 exclusives reveal] - on IGN</ref>
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:SuperAndUltraMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
*The design of ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' Super Megatron is based on illustrations by [[Ban Magami]] from the ''[[Battlestars]]'' story pages (see right). What made the resulting figure especially faithful to the original illustrations was the fact that Magami created the character designs with a working transformation in mind.<ref>[https://tfsource.com/blog/2020/04/03/countdown-answering-5-big-questions-about-the-generations-selects-super-megatron/ COUNTDOWN: Answering 5 big questions about the Generations Selects Super Megatron at TFSource]</ref> This made it easy for the figure's designers to then use the [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' Voyager Class Galvatron]] figure as a base for retooling into Super Megatron.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Amazon exclusives]]
[[Category:Collaborative Decepticons]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:Generations Selects toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legacy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Pretenders]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:TakaraTomy Mall exclusives]]
[[Category:Titans Return Decepticons]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]

Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers

2014-07-21T19:40:02Z

Gargunkle: Misleading modifier

{{picsneeded}}
Over the years, many '''misconceptions and urban legends''' have sprung up within ''Transformers'' [[fandom]], often resulting from such factors as fuzzy childhood memories, inaccurate catalog illustrations, and mistranslations of foreign material.

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
*'''Transformers is (only) a cartoon from the Eighties that has been brought back into vogue recently.'''
: A misconception usually held by casual fans or nostalgic adults is that Transformers went away some time around 1986 (or 1987, or 1988—pick your year). People who stumbled across a newer incarnation of the Transformers franchise before 2007 commonly assumed that it had only recently popped back up as an attempt to cash in on '80s nostalgia. From 2007 onwards, people who were (obviously) aware of the [[live-action film series]] commonly believed that it was the [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]] that brought the franchise back from limbo. Neither assumption is correct.
:In fact, the [[Transformers brand]] has been continuous since 1984 (there was a brief gap between 1990 and 1993 as far as the United States market was concerned, but the brand still continued with new products in other markets). It includes many [[Franchise|lines of toys, cartoons and comics]] that span nearly three decades, with no sign of stopping, as Hasbro considers it a core brand. Each line has experienced varying degrees of success, rebooting when its target audience gets too old or uninterested in the toyline and fiction.
:Some of this misconception is based on the fact that most of the original audience stopped watching and following the franchise after its cancellation, or even before (as it wasn't "cool" to be kiddy once puberty hit). Without any exposure to the market, the toyline and the new cartoons, they simply assume that ''Transformers'' has sunk in popularity, quality and/or sales, since it's not what they remember.
:It ''is'' true that Transformers hit a low point of popularity in the early 1990s, with the cancelation of Generation 1 and the unremarkable sales of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''. But the successor ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' line re-established the brand for a new generation beginning in 1996, and Transformers has been a dominant toy franchise ever since. While it's true that the live-action movies caused a major hike in popularity for the brand, they didn't revive a long-forgotten franchise; rather, they merely turned a steadily successful toy series into a major worldwide multimedia phenomenon.
{{-}}
*'''Generation 1 obviously has the best toys, cartoons and characters.'''
:Casual fans likewise tend to assume automatically that the original 1980s iteration of Transformers is the best and most successful line to date, with all other successors being unpopular and/or unsuccessful ventures.
:While it's hard to measure the overall success of every line in all its aspects, the original line has been surpassed in both quality and sales multiple times over. In factors such as realistic alternate forms, durability, articulation, action features, and complexity, various later toylines have all exceeded Generation 1. And while fiction can't be measured objectively, many fans will swear up and down by some of the later incarnations of ''Transformers''.
:Arguably, Transformers is in an endless cycle of creating [[true fan|new fans who share new opinions on what is "teh greatest"]].
{{-}}
*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime was the first, ''original'' Optimus Prime toy.'''
[[Image:G1 OptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|1984—the original.]]
[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|1988—the Powermaster version.]]
:This one claims that the [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] toy, originally released in 1988, is the ''original'', first Optimus Prime toy ever released, rather than the ''earlier'', non-Powermaster toy, which is an entirely different mold and was originally available in 1984. This phenomenon is particularly common in [[eBay]] auctions, where Powermaster Optimus Prime toys are frequently advertised as "ORIGINAL Optimus Prime".
:The reasons for this misconception are obvious: Numerous people arrived late to the party—that is, became fans of the original ''Transformers'' line after the ''real'' original Optimus Prime toy had vanished off the shelves in 1986 (the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] was still shown in reruns on TV). Any of them looking for a toy of the iconic [[Autobot]] leader would only find the Powermaster toy on store shelves starting in 1988. Fast-forward to 20 years later, and people who weren't really paying a lot of attention to the brand for the past few years, now looking to sell off their childhood toys, would naturally conclude that the toy they got as a kid was the ''original'' Optimus Prime toy.
:The phenomenon is even more widespread in countries such as Germany, where the cartoon wasn't officially shown on TV until 1989(!). By that point, the ''original'' toy, which had originally been released by [[Milton Bradley]] in the European market in 1985, was long gone off the shelves. Thus, the only Optimus Prime toy available to kids who had only just become fans because of the cartoon was the Powermaster version. Admittedly, gray imports of the Mexican version of the ''original'' toy by [[IGA]] were also available in European stores around this time, and Hasbro themselves would release the original toy again two years later as part of their European-exclusive [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] line of reissues. However, the Powermaster Optimus Prime toy was still a lot more widespread.

*'''20th Anniversary Optimus Prime was the Optimus Prime toy available more than 20 years ago/Alternators are the same toys that were available 20 years ago.'''

[[Image:20thAnniversary OptimusPrimesm.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Sadly, this didn't exist until 2003.]]
:This misconception usually comes from people who, upon seeing the 20th Anniversary [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] toy (which was originally released in 2003/2004), honest-to-god swear it's the toy they had when they were a kid. Similarly, there are also people who believe that the toys from the ''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]'' line are the same toys they had as kids, when they're most likely confusing them with the original Autobot Cars, which are about half the size.
:The reasons for this aren't too hard to guess: People were a lot smaller when they were kids, so obviously the original Transformers toys seemed a lot larger to them. Since these fans didn't repeatedly hold or play with their Transformers while growing up, they weren't constantly adjusting to the toys' size in relation to their own. This resulted in blurred memories of outright ''gargantuan'' Transformers toys available in the 1980s. (One might wonder how tall those people would remember [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] being.)
:When confronted with the original toys—now relatively small because the fans have grown up—these people often reject them, insisting the "original" toys were ''larger'' (occasionally even accusing the ''real'' original toys of being downsized [[Knockoff|knockoffs]]). Showing them the Alternators or 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, on the other hand, will bring back warm (albeit incorrect) memories.

{{-}}

*'''A "giant"-sized Optimus Prime toy was available during Generation 1.'''
:A variant of the above of sorts. In at least a few cases, claims regarding a "giant" Generation 1 Prime may stem from dim memories of coming across [http://www.pleasesavemerobots.com/scrambledcity/skorbia/skorbyg2.html oversized Optimus Prime knockoffs that were made in Korea]—or because they had the ''normal'' Prime as kids, when they (the former kids) were about ''half'' the height they are now (see above). Other people also may have blurred memories of the Powermaster Optimus Prime toy's larger robot mode when combined with his trailer.
:The release of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime didn't exactly help matters either (again, see above).

*'''"Bumblejumper" is a fan name for a yellow version of Cliffjumper./Bumblejumper was sold both on Bumblebee and Cliffjumper cards.'''
[[Image:G1Bumper toy.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Bumper", who later would be known as "Bumper".]]
:As part of the launch of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|''Generation 1'' toyline]] in 1984, Hasbro released two Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] toys, [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], both of which had vehicle modes that used [[Choro-Q]]-like proportions. Bumblebee was based on a classic Volkswagen Beetle, whereas Cliffjumper was based on a Porsche 924 Turbo. In all the official advertising as well as the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon series]] and the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel comics]], Bumblebee was consistently colored yellow, whereas Cliffjumper was colored red (not counting one-off coloring and [[Animation error|animation errors]]). However, Hasbro also released a red Bumblebee and a yellow Cliffjumper, both of which used the same cardbacks as the regular versions.
:In addition, Hasbro also released a [[Bumper (G1)|''third'' mold]] using a similar body structure and transformation scheme, based on a Mazda Familia 1500XG. This toy had originally been available as part of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' line, but was not officially advertised as a ''Transformers'' toy. (Note that this toy is not to be confused with [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]], a yellow [[retool]] of Cliffjumper released in 1986.) To this very day, only yellow samples of this toy in ''Transformers'' packaging have surfaced, all of them on "Cliffjumper" cards. The color variants for Bumblebee and Cliffjumper continued to be available with the 1985 assortment (which featured [[Rubsign|rubsigns]] and the Mini Vehicle toys packaged in robot mode rather than in [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]), whereas no samples of the Mazda Familia in 1985 packaging have surfaced thus far.
:Fans later started to refer to the Mazda Familia mold by portmanteau names such as "Bumblejumper", "Cliffbee" and "Bumper". The last of these names was eventually made official when a character based on the toy made appearances in the ongoing [[Transformers: Generation 1 (Dreamwave) |''Generation One'' Volume 1]] comic series by [[Dreamwave Productions]] and in the ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' mini-series by [[IDW Publishing]]. However, fans who know about the Bumblebee/Cliffjumper color variants, but are unaware of the existence of the Mazda Familia mold, occasionally incorrectly assume that the name "Bumblejumper" refers to the yellow color variant of Cliffjumper... which is simply referred to as "yellow Cliffjumper" by most fans.

*'''A now-rare (and thus valuable) blue variant of Bluestreak was available during Generation 1.'''

[[Image:G1 Bluestreak boxart.jpg|right|150px|thumb|You had this as a kid. The picture, that is. Not the toy.]]
:The very earliest [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] toy [[catalog]]s used a photo of a blue-sided ''[[Diaclone]]'' Fairlady Z to represent [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]; photographs of the same toy were used for Bluestreak's own [[Instructions|instruction booklet]]. The same blue-sided color scheme was also used on his [[Package art|box art]]; which was in turn shown on ''every'' 1984 instruction booklet as a sample tech spec.
:All this gave rise to a long-standing myth that a blue Bluestreak toy was sold under the ''Transformers'' brand during Generation 1, with some people going so far as to "remember" owning blue Bluestreaks as children, or at least knowing someone else who did. Adding to the confusion, ''[[wikipedia:ToyFare|ToyFare]]'' magazine has a long history of listing the supposed blue Bluestreak as a "foreign [[variant]]" in its monthly price guide.
:However, actual samples of a blue-sided Bluestreak in a sealed ''Transformers'' box have ''never'' appeared, and the [[Karl Hartman|collectors who have been at it since the very beginning]] and [[Jon Hartman|amassed ''insane'' numbers of rare Transformers]] have never seen one.
: Oddly enough, numerous other Transformers toys from that era were depicted in both catalogues and packaging art with colors they were never released in —[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], for example— yet Bluestreak is the only one to be (mis)remembered in this manner, perhaps because his name is Bluestreak, so he had to have been blue, right?

*'''A show-accurate Skyfire toy was available during Generation 1.'''

[[Image:Jetfire-SkyfireModels.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Patience. You just have to wait 22 years.]]
:Due to some legal entanglements, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] was renamed "Skyfire" for the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], with a [[character model]] that bore only a vague resemblance to the toy. Some confused viewers seem to have come away assuming that there had to be a [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] Generation 1 toy by the name of Skyfire. (The ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Jetfire toy is actually designed as a mix between the original toy and the cartoon character model.)

*'''Some Generation 1 toy molds were in use as long ago as 1974.'''
:Some ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]''-derived toys have the text "©1974 TAKARA" stamped on them, and as a result are occasionally sold on eBay with descriptions such as "original 1974 [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]". However, the date 1974 refers to the introduction of the original [[Microman]] franchise due to the way Japanese IP law worked at the time; the first ''Microchange'' toys weren't even designed until the early 1980s.

*'''A winged variant of Sludge was available during Generation 1.'''
:A [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] [[knockoff]] that featured wings and a pterodactyl-like beast head was fairly commonplace during the Generation 1 era, and in some cases people who owned this knockoff as children seem to have misremembered it as being a [[Hasbro]] or [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]-produced [[variant]].<ref name="Sludge Knockoff">[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/Sludge1.html http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/Sludge1.html]</ref>

*'''A Unicron toy was available during Generation 1.'''
[[Image:Unicron Proto.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Seriously, aren't you glad your poor parents didn't have to waste like a hundred bucks on this back in '86?]]
:No toys of [[Unicron]] were available (or even produced beyond [[prototype]]) until 2003. In fact, the mere ''existence'' of those prototypes wasn't actually officially confirmed until many years later. The first official Unicron toy to be released came out as part of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line in 2003 and was a brand new mold, not based on an old, unused prototype.
:The fictional existence of a ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' Unicron toy is likely based on schoolground one-upmanship: if one kid had a larger toy such as [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], a rival kid would claim to have a Unicron toy in order to appear cooler, but would most likely retire to his bed a sobbing mess, knowing in his heart that one day God would punish him for being a HUGE FIBBER.
:What could also have attributed to this misconception was the voice actor for Unicron himself, Orson Welles. He died before the movie's release and the part in the 1986 movie was his last for his death in 1985. He loathed the part and could not even remember his character's name; he was quoted as saying, "I play a big toy who attacks a bunch of smaller toys," mistakenly assuming there was a toy for him.

*'''The reissue Soundwave toys released by Takara are reverse-engineered from Soundblaster because the original molds are lost.'''
:Both the ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' and ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] releases have different tape buttons and hinges than the ones found on the vintage Hasbro release. While the vintage Hasbro Soundwave had inset controls and an internal tape deck hinge, the Takara reissues have a large button block that serves as a pivot point for an external tape deck hinge. The supposed reason for this is the mold for the original versions of the buttons and door are lost or worn out, so a new single tape door was made to work with the Soundblaster mold.
:In fact, the buttons and hinge used on the reissue Soundwaves were originally a [[retool]]ed running change [[variant]] of Takara's original 1985 release of Soundwave. The further Soundblaster retool was based on the later Japanese version of Soundwave, as were the reissues. Presumably, the original mold in its original condition ''is'' lost - but this happened ''long'' before Takara retooled Soundwave into Soundblaster.

*'''A few years ago, a crazy old man claimed he had created the original ''Transformers'' toys.'''
:In 2005, the ''Transformers'' [[fandom]] learned, by way of a newspaper article posted by an internet fan site, of the existence of [[Henry Orenstein]], a former toymaker. Although the main focus of the article was Orenstein's then-current achievements in the field of poker, it also implied that Orenstein had "created" the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toys, and even featured a photo that depicted a somewhat confused-looking Orenstein holding [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]], with his facial impression strongly implying that he had never seen this particular toy before. Many fans subsequently assumed that this was a deluded old man who believed he had created the concept of ''Transformers'' toys, even though the fandom knew full well by this point that the original toys were originally created in Japan. His status as the "creator" of the ''Transformers'' toy line was subsequently repeated in several other articles about the man, possibly directly based on its mention in the original 2005 article.
:The ''fact'' is that Orenstein had worked for [[Hasbro]] during the 1980s, and was the person who had convinced [[George Dunsay]], then Hasbro's Vice President of R&D, to acquire the rights to a (more or less) innovative type of Japanese toys, which would eventually become known as the original ''Transformers'' toys. In addition, Orenstein shares the original patent for the [[rubsign]]s with Dunsay. Aside from that, his contribution to the [[Transformers brand|''Transformers'' brand]] is marginal at best. Obviously, the writer of said newspaper article had only marginal knowledge of the history of the ''Transformers'' brand, was told what was most likely nothing more than an anecdote by Orenstein (his biography is full of fascinating episodes, by the way), and subsequently inflated it massively with hyperbole, possibly in an attempt to gain more attention to his article due to the popularity of the brand, even before the [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]]. The only question is, where did the photographer get the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime toy from?

===Generation 2===
*'''"Generation 2" means "after ''The Transformers: The Movie''."'''
:This common but explicitly false idea probably stems from the many casual fans who grew up with the original ''Transformers'' line but stopped paying much attention around 1986, when the animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' debuted and the ''Transformers'' craze began to die down. Many such fans regained some interest in ''Transformers'' many years later, particularly with hype surrounding the [[Transformers (film)|2007 live-action movie]]. Seeing the phrase "Generation 2" batted around in fandom, it might seem natural to assume it refers to the big changeover that happened with the animated film. It certainly didn't help that, early in the life of [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]], [[Pat Lee]] shared in this misconception, leading other new arrivals to the fandom to ape his use of the term.
:While the original animated movie certainly marked a change from one "generation" of toys to another, along with some new design trends, the phrase "Generation 2" refers to [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|a very specific franchise]], marketed from 1992 to 1995—years after the animated film had come and gone. Its relative obscurity probably contributes to the mis-attribution of the term, as ''Generation 2'' marks a low point in popularity for ''Transformers'' as a whole.

===Robots in Disguise===
*'''The ''Robots in Disguise'' toyline was known as "Transformers 2000" in Japan.'''
:As information about the then-new [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|''Car Robots'' toyline]] began to trickle out of Japan in 2000, early rumors purportedly from Japanese sources indicated that it was officially named "Transformers 2000".<ref name="Transformers 2000">http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/e6436b92178f0c0a</ref> It's possible those Japanese sources were also going by early, inaccurate rumors or perhaps a soon-to-be-discarded working title for the line. The idea persisted with many Western fans well after the true name of the show was revealed, encouraged by online import retailers (who were equally misinformed) using the title to promote pre-orders on their sites.

*'''''Robots in Disguise'' Side Burn was so complex, the toy's designer later apologized.'''
:Basically. [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|''Car Robots'']] [[Side Burn (RID)|Speedbreaker]] was the first ''Transformers'' toy designed by [[Hironori Kobayashi]], and it kind of shows. In a later interview, he admitted that the development process was a "painful experience" and an "admonition" to do better in the future.<ref name=Translated interview at ToyboxDX>http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?3,97799,97800</ref>

===Alternators===
*'''A yellow version of Alternators Tracks was released to North American stores (but then recalled by Hasbro).'''

[[Image:YellowTracks.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Only in Japan, baby.]]
:When [[Hasbro]] (and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) originally announced the ''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]'' version of [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] in 2004, the toy's [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode's]] primary color was yellow. This caused the ire of a significant portion of the fandom, which insisted that the toy had to be ''blue'', like its ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' predecessor.
:However, while Takara did release their ''Binaltech'' version of the toy in yellow, stolen [[Prototype|samples]] of the Hasbro version eventually surfaced which were indeed blue rather than yellow. Hasbro eventually confirmed at [[OTFCC 2004]] that the initial idea had been to release the toy in yellow first, and then later as a running change [[variant]] in blue, like Takara would ultimately do. However, Hasbro had encountered problems at the test shot stage, where it became evident that some of the toy's innards were shining through the yellow plastic. As a result, plans for a release of the yellow version were scrapped, and it was decided to release the blue version from the get-go.
:However, around the time when the yellow version of ("Autobot") Tracks was originally supposed to arrive in stores, rumors started circulating that some stores (usually [[Walmart]]) had indeed received a shipment of the toy, but were then asked by Hasbro to send back the entire batch. Some variants of this rumor later even claimed having seen a cell photo from the friend of a friend depicting a yellow Alternators Tracks in packaging on top of a case sporting a "RETURN TO SENDER" note. Conveniently, circumstance always prevented these people from taking a photo and sharing it with the internet public.
:Needless to say, no substantial evidence has ever surfaced to back up these claims. Furthermore, there are several factors that make this story extremely doubtful: First, Hasbro—in their own words—discovered the problems with the see-through yellow plastic at the test shot stage (which is the entire ''point'' of this part of the production run). Why would they actually bother to continue the production run, print the packaging, pack the toy and send it to stores and ''then'' decide to recall it? Never mind that toy recalls are usually done due to safety concerns, not because of ''looks''. Also, we've seen "leaked" (read: stolen) packaged samples of pretty much every single Alternators toy several months prior to its official release. Yellow Tracks? The last thing we saw of him was an unpackaged, painted sample with (intentionally) off-color Autobot [[insignia]] and "NOT FOR SALE" markings. In all the years since the toy's alleged stealth shipment to stores, not a single packaged sample has surfaced.
:The only "packaged" versions of a yellow ''Alternators'' Tracks we ever got to see were internet pranks of the "yellow ''Binaltech'' Tracks in photoshopped Hasbro box" variety. Which, of course, didn't help matters at all.
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[[Image:WindchargerOverdrive.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Castrated at the request of Honda.]]
*'''Hasbro omitted ''Alternators'' Windcharger's gun barrel for safety reasons.'''

: When the first stolen [[Prototype|test shots]] of ''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]'' [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] surfaced in 2004, the toy sported an extraordinarily long gun barrel (which doubled as the [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]'s drive shaft). The toy was ultimately released without the barrel, which was not shown or mentioned anywhere on the packaging or in the instructions. Indeed, Windcharger's weapon accessory was officially identified as a "shield" on the back of the packaging (in addition to the actual, ragtop roof shield). [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], on the other hand, later released their own ''Binaltech'' version of the toy (named [[Overdrive]]) with the full barrel, prominently shown in the official promotional photos.

:The initial fan theory upon seeing the barrel-less toy was that Hasbro had gutted it [[for safety reasons]], under the notion that the long barrel might pose a choking hazard. Even though this was refuted by actual experts on toy safety standards, the rumor still persisted. An official response from Hasbro's customer service department to an e-mail inquiry (published on a fan site's message board) confirmed that the reason for the barrel's omission was "so the accessory would not look like a weapon".<ref name="Windcharger gun barrel">"http://forums.tformers.com/talk/index.php?showtopic=13088 Response from Hasbro's customer service department regarding the lack of Alternators Windcharger's gun barrel.</ref> Eventually, Hasbro (in the presence of Takara representatives) would confirm the full story at [[BotCon 2005]]: It had indeed been Honda, specifically their North American branch, that had asked to remove the gun barrel and all references to "weapons" from the toy, its packaging and included paperwork. Honda's Japanese department, on the other hand, had no such concerns, which is why Takara were able to release the ''Binaltech'' version with the barrel intact.

===Masterpiece===
*'''Masterpiece Convoy has more diecast parts than 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime/Masterpiece Convoy is made almost entirely out of diecast/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime is made entirely out of plastic.'''
:This misconception was started by now defunct Hong Kong-based online retailer Action-HQ<ref name="plasticahq">[http://tformers.com/transformers-20th-anniversary-optimus-prime-plastic/2150/news.html "20th Anniversary Optimus Prime Plastic?"], November 2003.</ref> and ''might'' have been extrapolated from the ''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]'' toys, which are made entirely out of plastic (except for the rubber tires) for their Hasbro releases, whereas their Japanese ''Binaltech'' counterparts feature a few parts made out of [[die-cast|die-cast metal]].
:In fact, however, the amount of die-cast metal parts versus injection-[[mold|molded]] plastic parts is the same between 20th Anniversary [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and his Japanese ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece| Masterpiece]]'' Convoy counterpart. The only differences between the two toys (not counting the packaging) are the shortened smokestacks for Hasbro's 20th Prime and the addition of painted battle damage that is missing from the Takara version.

===Transformers Collection===
[[Image:G1 Vol.1 Issue2 1.jpg|thumb|100px|right|A solicitation of then upcoming Takara reissues? Not really.]]
*'''Takara's ''Transformers Collection'' had something to do with Dreamwave.'''
:In 2002, Takara launched their series of [[Generation 1 reissues]] named ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'', also commonly referred to as "bookbox reissues" or even "Dreamwave reissues" among fans. The reason for that is simple: The [[package art]], especially for early releases such as [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Meister]] or [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]], was directly taken from the covers of and promotional posters for [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave's]] first ''[[Prime Directive|Generation One]]'' mini-series drawn by [[Pat Lee]]. A common misconception among fans at that time was that Takara was coordinating their reissues with Dreamwave. Some even tried to predict upcoming reissues based on the existing Dreamwave covers. Yet [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] never materialized.

:In fact, probably the main reason why Takara recycled Pat's Dreamwave artwork of those characters for the [[packaging]] of their reissues was its coincidental availability: The artwork had already been created and paid for, so why commission new art when they could just use what already exists? Furthermore, only about half of the TFC reissues actually sported "Dreamwave" package art, whereas the rest ''did'' use newly-commissioned art drawn by Japanese artist [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]], who has never in his life worked for Dreamwave and had been drawing in this style long before Pat Lee rose to his brief "superstar artist" fame.
{{-}}

===Commemorative Series===
*'''Commemorative Series Side Swipe was found at Toys"R"Us stores in the USA.'''
:In mid-2004, due to low sales, [[Toys"R"Us]] decided to discontinue the [[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] line of ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Generation 1 reissues|reissues]] they had [[exclusive|exclusively]] carried up until that point. This affected several planned releases, such as [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], which ultimately never came out. However, it ''also'' affected the ready-to-ship ''Commemorative Series'' VIII and IX: Series VIII [[Skids (G1)|Autobot Skids]] and Series IX [[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]] were still released; however, Series VIII [[Sideswipe (G1)|Side Swipe]] was ultimately released as a [[KB Toys]] exclusive over a year later, whereas Series IX [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] ended up as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive shortly afterwards. Side Swipe ''did'', however, show up at ''Canadian'' and ''Australian'' Toys"R"Us stores at different points in 2004.

:Still, around the time when Side Swipe's intended series-mate Skids hit stores, rumors started to pop up that someone ''had'' indeed found Side Swipe at Toys"R"Us. Similar to the "yellow ''[[Transformers: Alternators| Alternators]]'' [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] at [[Walmart]]" rumor, however, nobody was ever able to provide evidence of having purchased the toy. Thus, any of these instances were likely either due to fans trying to get their ten minutes of internet fame, or misinterpretations of Canadian or Australian sightings as hailing from the US ('cuz, y'know, all ''Transformers'' fans are presumed to be Americans by default).

===Prime===
*'''''Transformers: Prime'' was not initially planned to have any toys.'''
:The [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|toy line]] for ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]'' was ''very'' delayed, debuting roughly a year after the associated cartoon had premiered. Previously, at a [[BotCon 2010]] panel about the then-upcoming ''Prime'' cartoon, a Hasbro representative had made a statement that they weren't talking about toys just then. ''Transformers'' fandom being [[Red Alert (G1)|what]] [[Breakdown (G1)|it is]], a widespread belief developed that Hasbro was never going to make ''Prime'' toys ''at all.'' As additional information gradually surfaced, this evolved into a rumor that ''Prime'' would only have a small number of toys, with some further speculating that they would also be limited to the Deluxe [[size class]] (since initially only Deluxes had been seen). The eventual revelation of a full ''Prime'' toyline caused the belief to evolve once more, with the new theory being that there wasn't ''originally'' going to be a ''Prime'' toyline, but Hasbro changed their minds due to demand.
:The reality, as usual, was much less apocalyptic. The statement from the Hasbro Studios panel was never intended to refer to anything except the panel itself—the people ''in that room'' weren't going to be discussing toys ''at that panel''. (In fact, [[Eric Siebenaler]] expressed excitement about [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'s toy at the very same panel.) As for the delay in the line's launch, put simply, this was for appearance's sake. Hasbro wanted to establish ''Prime'' as a strong ''fictional'' franchise, rather than merely [[To sell toys|a glorified toy commercial]], and reasonably concluded that launching a toyline immediately would detract from that goal. There ''was'' a point when a few ''Prime'' toys were planned to be released under the ''[[Transformers: Generations]]'' banner, but since ''Generations'' is exclusively Deluxes, the aforementioned Bulkhead (a Voyager) indicates that this idea had already been abandoned when the rumors started.
:In short, this is just a matter of fans jumping to conclusions based on misinterpreted statements.

===Europe (all generations)===
*'''Optimus Prime's toy was originally not released in Europe due to a trademark conflict.'''
[[Image:Jetfire-Dutch.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Oddly enough, Optimus Prime can still be seen in the background.]]
:In 1985, Hasbro launched the [[Generation 1 (European toyline)|''Transformers'' line]] on the European continent, using the domestic subsidiaries of [[Milton Bradley]], whom Hasbro had recently merged with, to distribute the toys in countries such as France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The "MB"-branded ''Transformers'' toys were released in two [[wave]]s before the packaging started to sport "Hasbro" logos in 1986. However, the first wave was a rather odd line-up, with many prominent characters missing, among them [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Optimus Prime]]. Instead, MB declared [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] the leader of the Autobots and even depicted him as such in [[In the Transformers|a pack-in mini-comic]]. Furthermore, Dutch comic book publisher [[Junior Press]], which published a translated version of the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comic]], initially renamed Optimus Prime into "Jetfire" for all his comic appearances. Optimus Prime's toy was eventually released with the second wave of MB-branded ''Transformers'', and the Junior Press comics subsequently referred to him by his correct name. The reason for Optimus Prime's initial omission from the MB line-up is claimed to be due to a [[trademark]] conflict: A Swedish manufacturer of kitchen utensils named "[http://www.optimusstoves.com/ Optimus]" allegedly made the use of the name unfeasible for the time being. This theory was widely accepted by the majority of the Transformers [[fandom]] for many years.

:It was only recently that the theory was put into question, if not to say completely refuted: A manufacturer of kitchen utensils usually does not operate in the "toys" field, thus making a trademark conflict unlikely to begin with. The rumor originates from an editor's note in the Junior Press comic trying to explain the "Optimus"/"Jetfire" name confusion and subsequent rectification, which claims that the ''Transformers'' were originally ''two'' toy lines by different manufacturers in the United States, and MB had only released one of them in the Netherlands, while the "[[copyright]]" to the name "Optimus Prime" belonged to the other manufacturer. Many years later, this editor's note (including the incorrect use of the term "copyright" rather than "trademark") was cited by a Dutch fan who added his own speculation (without marking it as such) about the "Optimus" company in a response to a website article about the MB Transformers, thus spawning the urban myth that was subsequently accepted by the fandom.<ref name="optimusdutch">[http://www.fredsworkshop.com/veuro2.html The origin (?) of the "Optimus trademark conflict in Europe" rumor?] at The Complete Transformers Variants Page</ref>

:A much more likely explanation for the entire two-wave MB line-up that brings more sense to another odd portion of the Junior Press editor's note is the fact that a French company named [[Joustra]] released their own version of [[TakaraTomy|Takara's]] ''[[Diaclone]]'' line in many of the same markets as MB would release their ''Transformers'' toys in. The theory suggests that because of Joustra's exclusive contract with Takara, any toys from their ''Diaclone'' line-up were initially off-limits for MB's ''Transformers'' line-up.<ref name="mijofive">[http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/mb-transformers-part-5/ Mijo's "MB Transformers: Part 5" article] at 20th Century Toy Collector</ref> A related theory suggests that Joustra's parent company, Ceji, got into financial trouble at the time, prompting them to sign a deal with MB to allow them to use their existing (but still unsold) ''Diaclone'' stock and release it in ''Transformers'' packaging instead. This explains why the second wave of MB-branded ''Transformers'' matches up almost perfectly with Joustra's ''Diaclone'' line-up.<ref name="mijofour">[http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/mb-transformers-part-4/ Mijo's "MB Transformers: Part 4" article] at 20th Century Toy Collector</ref>

*'''The Generation 1 Seacon Overbite was released under the name "Jawbreaker" in some European markets.'''
[[Image:JawbreakerComic.jpg|right|thumb|UK comic exclusive name variant!]]
:This appears to originate from the fact that [[Enemy Action!|issue 152]] of the Marvel UK comics, the first appearance of the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], refers to [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]] as "Jawbreaker", a name repeated in his appearance in [[Salvage!|issue 160]] and an "A to Z" profile in the [[Transformers Annual 1989]]. In the early days of the Transformers online fandom, when information about (and scans of) the UK comics were made available to a larger number of American fans for the first time, they concluded that this must mean that the toy had been released under a different name in Europe (which is not ''entirely'' unfounded: Generation 1 toys ''had'' been released under alternate names in Canada and Italy; and many of the tail-end G1 toys that were released following the cancellation of the line on the United States market were also available in several name variants on various European markets). A further variation of this rumor even cited legal (possibly [[trademark]]) reasons as an explanation for the alleged name change.
:However, no substantial evidence has ever surfaced to back up this rumor; in fact, European fans, when questioned, all claimed to recall that the toy was called "Overbite" when released in their respective countries (except for Italy, where [[GiG]] actually didn't release the Seacons ''at all''). Furthermore, the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|letters page]] in [[City of Fear!|issue #164]] of the UK comic features a question by a confused (British) reader who inquires about the "Jawbreaker" name, since the toy was called "Overbite" when released in the UK (which then results in a made-up-on-the-spot explanation on behalf of the Marvel staff to reconcile both names).
:So, why ''did'' the story identify the character as "Jawbreaker"? It's likely that writer [[Simon Furman]] simply got a few names mixed up, since the Overbite toy's instructions refer to his ''weapon'' as a "Jawbreaker cannon", and his weapon mode for Piranacon is called "Jawbreaker weapon" in the Piranacon assembly instructions. That, or "Jawbreaker" was an early working name for Overbite. Or, as his first appearance was very early in the year, when the story was written Marvel UK had received incomplete information about a toy that was not yet on sale.

*'''Some toys were exclusively (or predominantly) available in the United Kingdom (sometimes also the Netherlands).'''
:This likely stems from the fact that during the early days of the Transformers online fandom, when information from European countries was shared with American fans, two of the most active fanbases (or, at least, fanbases with members who were capable of, and interested in, engaging in conversations using the English language) as far as Europe was concerned were based in the UK and in the Netherlands. As a result, when information about toys (or toy variants) that were not available in the United States was spread, there simply were no fans from Germany or France around to confirm that the toys in question had also been officially available in their respective countries. (Although to be fair, it's quite possible that some toys, such as the [[Milton Bradley]]-branded ''Generation 1'' toys, were indeed released in bigger quantities in the Netherlands than in Germany or France.)<ref name="mbpart6">[http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/mb-transformers-part-6/ "MB Transformers: Part 6"] at 20th Century Toy Collector.</ref>
:As a result, the red variant of [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] was initially branded a "Netherlands" release, as were some the Mexican toys originally produced by [[IGA]] for the Mexican market that were later imported to Europe through gray channels and sold in at least half a dozen countries (most notably exotic variations such as blue versions of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]). Meanwhile, tail-end G1 releases after the toyline had been cancelled as far as the United States market was concerned, such as the [[Action Master Elite|Action Master Elites]], the "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]" reissues, the [[Turbomaster|Turbomasters]] or the [[Obliterator|Obliterators]], were often referred to as "UK exclusives" (and are occasionally still to this very day), even though all of them were also available in numerous other countries—some of them even in Canada and Australia!
:Simply put, there are very few toys that were actually exclusive to a single European country: ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators/Binaltech|Meister]] and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] have both only been released in Italy as far as the European (but not the American, or Australian, or Asian) market is concerned. Even the red "Powerlinx" version of ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], which had originally been available as a "[[USA Edition]]" in Japan and was later found in Israel of all places, also has confirmed sightings for Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. The toy was even found in ''Australia'', but only in stores that also occasionally sell toys imported from other countries, and again in European packaging, oddly enough.
:The first ''genuine'' "UK exclusives" were released as part of the accompanying [[Movie (toyline)|toyline]] for the 2007 [[Transformers (film)|''Transformers'' live action movie]], namely a three-pack containing the Deluxe Class toys [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]], [[Protoform]] [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]], and a two-pack, named "Towed to Safety", which contained the first of the two Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] molds and [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] (''not '' to be confused with the Screen Battles—aka "Battle Scenes"—"Final Stand" set, which was ''also'' available in the UK), both of them in their original decos. Meanwhile, other multi-packs or minor variants of toys from the 2007 movie toyline that were available in the UK but not in the United States were also available in other places, such as Japan, Hong Kong, Australia or other European countries again.

*'''A green variant of Trailbreaker was available in some European countries.'''
:This belief seems to stem from the fact that [[IGA]]'s Mexican version of [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (which, like most Mexican Transformers, was widely available on the European gray market circa 1989, as mentioned above) used the same head sculpt as [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]. But like the "Blue" Bluestreak, no samples of an actual green version of the Trailbreaker mold actually sold ''as'' "Trailbreaker" have been found.

===Takara vs. Hasbro===
*'''Takara (alternatively, Hasbro) are ''solely'' responsible for designing, developing and manufacturing (all, or certain specific) ''Transformers'' toys.'''
: This was true only for the original [[The Transformers (toyline)|''Generation 1'' toys]], and possibly also the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' toys]]. Most of the toys from 1984 to 1986 were imported (and, occasionally, slightly altered) versions of already-existing Japanese toys originally designed and released by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. Following that, Takara developed new toys both for the Japanese and the Western market, now specifically with ''Transformers'' in mind. The primary exceptions are a handful of toys licensed from other Japanese companies (Jetfire, Whirl and Roadbuster, for example), and the 1986 toys for the [[The Transformers: The Movie|animated movie]], which were mostly based on designs by [[Floro Dery]].
: However, ever since 1988<ref name="dunsay">[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/images/full/BC04Dunsay.jpg BotCon 2004 program guide interview with George Dunsay]</ref>, most "main" line toys released both in Japan and the Western hemisphere (such as the [[Unicron Trilogy]], ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'', the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 Movie line]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]/[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'') have been designed and developed in cooperation between [[Hasbro]] (or its subsidiary [[Kenner]]) and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] (now TakaraTomy). (For the specifics of this joint venture development process, see the article about [[Toy|toys]].)
: Still, numerous reasons have led some people to assume incorrectly that ''all'' ''Transformers'' toy lines were ''solely'' developed by only one of the two companies:
:* The Western public and mainstream media, naturally, tend to be unaware of the existence of Takara (TakaraTomy these days). It's therefore logical to assume that Hasbro, the company responsible for distributing Transformers toys outside Japan, is also solely responsible for developing and manufacturing the toys. The fact that Hasbro regularly chooses not to mention their Japanese business partner in official press releases and interviews hasn't exactly helped matters, either.
:* On the other hand, Western anime fans are used to Japanese companies being solely responsible for designing robot toys, which are then imported and sold by Western companies. For lack of better knowledge, those people then simply assume the same also applies to ''Transformers'' toys — namely, that Takara does ''all'' the design and engineering work on their own, and Hasbro is merely the Western ''distributor'' of those toys. The fact that the back of Hasbro's packaging for ''Transformers'' toys sports a small note saying "Manufactured under license from Takara Co., Ltd." (changed to "TOMY Company, Ltd." on more recent toys) is occasionally cited as "proof" that Takara is the sole manufacturer of ''Transformers'' toys as well. A long paper trail of evidence to the contrary<ref name="Hasbro Tour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/gallery.php?event_id=70&size=0&start=272 Exemplary rundown] of the development process of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], shown during the Hasbro tour at [[BotCon 2007]]. Of course, Hasbro just replaced the name "Takara" in some of the steps with "Hasbro" in order to convince fans that... yeah, riiiight.</ref> has not been able to convince those people of the flaws in their conspiracy theory — rather, some of them have even postulated the existence of a so-called "Hasbro PR machine", whose sole purpose is to convince ''Transformers'' fans that Hasbro actually has a larger part in the development of ''Transformers'' toys than is actually the case.<ref name="Propaganda">[http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?1,88668 ToyBoxDX thread with anime fanboys arguing that "Takara is an enormous toy '''manufacturing''' company. Hasbro doesn't manufacturer anything. The sole reason for its existence is for marketing the products of their partners and wholly-owned subs. Just to be clear here - Takara is bigger than Hasbro."] They wouldn't even believe that [[Joe Kyde]] actually worked at Hasbro. No kidding.</ref>
: That being said, there ''are'' indeed a few toys originally developed by either Hasbro or Takara without the other one's involvement, and then later picked up by the other company, but they're fewer than usually assumed: For Takara, those include the new molds for ''[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]'', ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (toyline)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Car Robots]]'', plus various mostly short-lived, collector-aimed, niche market lines (such as the new ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' molds, the ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'', the ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' toys etc.); for Hasbro, those are mostly either toys originally based on fiction-based franchises that did not originate with Hasbro (such as ''[[Animorphs]]'' or the ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars Transformers]]'' and their later successor, ''[[Transformers: Crossovers]]''), cross-brand lines ''within'' Hasbro where the Transformers toys only make up one part of the overall lineup (such as the [[Titanium Series]] and the [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] figures) and a few very rare "main" line Transformers toys such as the ''Generation 2'' [[Power Master|Power Masters]] and [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]], [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]], [[Alpha Quintesson]], [[Kicker Jones#Toys|Energon Kicker]] and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] from ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''.

*'''Takara's Japanese-market releases are always of intrinsically better quality than their U.S. counterparts. (E.g., they have sweeter exclusives, and are always more show-accurate, have more accessories, and have tighter quality control.)'''
: This one depends a bit on the speaker, as it can either be a genuine misconception, a matter of opinion, or at worst, [[Personal canon|willful]] [[True fan|snobbery]]. But, like any broad generalization, it does have some basis.
:*"Better quality" can refer to the fact that Japanese versions of individual toys sometimes have clear plastic instead of painted-on windows like [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Movie Bumblebee]], or have vac-metallized parts where the equivalent U.S. release doesn't, like [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|''Energon'' Optimus Prime/Grand Convoy]]. Or, "better" quality can refer to the fact that Japan is a less litigious society, with different toy safety laws, and Takara can thus give [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Prime]] toys old-school long smokestacks, which are now shortened in the U.S. [[for safety reasons]]. These laws also mean that [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Masterpiece Megatron]] is freely available in Japan, but hard to get in the U.S. (the exact opposite of ''real'' handguns, ironically).
:*"More [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] decos" does have some basis, as Takara frequently releases its toys later than Hasbro does Stateside, and thus they are better able to reflect discrepancies between late-run changes to a character's coloration in a show (such as with the original [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] or [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|''Armada'''s Tidal Wave]]). The most extreme example of this was ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)#2005 (Beast Wars Returns)|Beast Wars Returns]]'', the Japanese release of ''Beast Machines'', which was ''years'' later than in the U.S., allowing Takara to add a lot of the deco that was added to the characters by [[Mainframe Entertainment]] that was not accurate to the original toys.
:*"More accessories" mostly comes from the fact that ''some'' of Takara's releases have some extra accessories, but the only cases of this before the reissues were [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]]'s two swords, Megatron's sword and bullets (even though the Japanese release lacked the barrel, scope and stock extensions) and clear cases from the various cassettes. Japanese reissues have included additional accessories from the cartoon (the axe, chain mace, Energon cubes and gun-mode Megatron in the ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' reissues of Optimus and Megatron, Insecticons and Starscream, respectively, the Matrix from New Year's Convoy). Some ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Super Link]]'' releases came with [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Energon weapon|Energon weapons]] as well. ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' [[Hot Rod (Henkei!)|Hot Rod]] came with two missile launchers and missiles not included with ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Universe_.282008.29|Hot Shot]] due to budget constraints, and featured the original tooling for the rear bumper for their inclusion. In contrast, ''Henkei! Henkei!'' [[Sideswipe (G1)#Henkei! Henkei!|Lambor]] was ''lacking'' the supercharger engine accessory ''Universe'' Sideswipe came with—TakaraTomy officially confirmed that they had ''deliberately omitted the optional piece of accessory'' to make the toy more "G1-accurate".<ref name="generations2009">Interview with Hisashi Yuki in [[Transformers Generations 2009|''Transformers Generations 2009'' vol. 1]], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/223379-takaratomy-staff-interview-generations-2009-vol-1-translation.html English translation] at TFW2005.</ref>
:*"Sweeter exclusives" is really a matter of taste. If endless redecos of Generation 1 toys as completely unprecedented Generation 1 characters, buying $40 worth of toys you got a month ago for a single [[Mini-Con]], and shelling out half your mortgage for [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] gold chrome figures is what floats your boat, then yeah, Japan has better exclusives.
:*"Tighter [[quality control]]" is a total myth. Takara products are manufactured under much the same production conditions as Hasbro's: Pretty much everything for both markets is made in China—in fact, according to Hasbro [[Australia]] representatives and Hasbro designer [[Eric Siebenaler]], ''all'' of the Transformers toys jointly developed between Hasbro and Takara/TakaraTomy are manufactured at factories contracted to the Japanese toy company. This means Takara is (at least indirectly) responsible for whatever quality control problems occur with Hasbro-released toys. Takara's standards of quality control for their domestically-released toys are just as likely to let mistakes creep through. Just ask any buyer of ''Henkei! Henkei!'' [[Thundercracker (G1)#Henkei! Henkei!|Thundercracker]] how well his weapons stay attached to the arms. And let's not even get started on ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Rodimus Convoy's]] first production run.
:*The fields in which Takara genuinely excels Hasbro are comparably minor: Takara's [[stock photography]] generally tends to be more impressive than Hasbro's, without obvious mistransformations and awkward poses, and at the same time looks more representative of the actual toy due to less reliance on blatant digital touch-ups. Likewise, Takara's [[instructions]] tend to be more detailed and useful than Hasbro's.

===Other===
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not literally a waste of packaging material.]]
*'''"Repackaged" toys are ''literally'' unsold toys sent back to Hasbro, taken out of the old packaging, put into new packaging and then sent back to stores.'''

:Every so often, a ''Transformers'' toyline features [[rebranding|rebranded]] items; toys that originated in one line, but are later re-released as part of a later one with virtually no changes to the toy itself, only the packaging it came in. This happened most frequently during the final stages of the original ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, which featured numerous straight re-releases of toys from the since-ended ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' lines, among many others. Because the common fandom term for those releases was "repackages", a popular misconception claims that those toys are ''literally'' "repackages": unsold toys sent back to Hasbro, who took them out of their old packaging, put them into new packaging and then sent them back to (different) stores.

:Needless to say, that theory is dubious for various reasons. Generally, old unsold toys are ''not'' sent back to Hasbro. They either [[Shelfwarmer|remain in the store]] until someone finally decides to buy them, or the store somehow dumps them. And even ''if'' Hasbro did regularly get sent back huge shipments of unsold toys, they'd be highly unlikely to go through the effort (and additional cost) of literally repackaging them. Hasbro confirmed this in January of 2009, stating that due to the toys being manufactured in Asia, it would be a waste of time and money to repackage them only to sell them at the same price-point.<ref>[http://www.sirstevesguide.com/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=1934 SirStevesGuide.com, Tri-Weekly Hasbro Q&A - January 30th]</ref> Thus, they are new production runs of previous product.

{{-}}
[[Image:SmokesniperStarscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|The similarities are astounding. Especially those that aren't there.]]
*'''A new toy that is vaguely reminiscent of an older toy is a retool of said toy.'''

:Hasbro likes to [[redeco]] toys a lot (usually to recoup the R&D costs for developing the original [[mold]]). They also like to release redecos of toys from older lines in newer lines. In some instances, Hasbro also don't just redeco a toy, they [[retool]] it (or create new toolings for new parts that replace parts of the old version of the toy)—sometimes to improve a feature or fix an error, but sometimes also to give the toy new features or [[Gimmick|gimmicks]], or simply to make it different enough from the original version so owners of the original version would be interested in buying the "retool" as well.

:Some of those retools are comparably minor (such as [[Jazz (Movie)|Final Battle Jazz]] from the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 Movie line]]), whereas others can be pretty elaborate. Sometimes the retools are so elaborate that the line between "retool" and "new [[mold]]" gets blurred. The most drastic instances in this regard would be [[K-9]] from ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' (based on [[Wolfang (Maximal)|Wolfang]] from the same line) and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Dark Crumplezone]] from ''Cybertron'' (based on the original ''Cybertron'' Crumplezone toy), both of which have most, if not ''all'' of their parts entirely retooled. Another borderline case would be the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]] [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] and [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], which were released around the same time and are based on the same basic design, share a similar body structure and have very similar [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]].

:However, sometimes fans ''definitely'' get too far decrying a new toy a "retool" (or "remold"). Toys that share some superficial design similarities, coupled with similar transformation schemes, are often mistaken for retools even though they're simply that: Similar toys based on the same general design, maybe even directly influenced by the older toy, but nothing more. For more examples, see: [[retool#Not actually a retool|retool]].

{{-}}
*'''Hasbro lost the rights to a lot of G1 Transformers names. That is why you see toys named "Autobot Jazz" or "Decepticon Brawl" these days. Takara is more competent than Hasbro and doesn't need to change their toys' names.'''

:That's not quite how name rights —aka [[trademark]]— work. There are indeed instances where another company has snatched a trademark, making it unavailable for Hasbro's use. The reason is because trademarks need to be consistently used in commerce (roughly once every year or so), or it could be considered "abandoned", making it open for grabs should another company try to claim it. "[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]" is unavailable to [[Hasbro]] because Mattel holds several similar trademarks, "[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]" was too similar to Gendron's "Toledo 'Blue Streak'" trademark, and a company named Lanard held the trademark "Shockwave" until a few years ago. This prompted Hasbro to use substitute names for toys based on these characters, such as "Rodimus Major" and "Rodimus" for Hot Rod, "Silverstreak" for Bluestreak and "Shockblast" for Shockwave (Hasbro has since managed to reacquire the "Bluestreak" and "Shockwave" trademarks).

:Meanwhile, the names with prefixes such as "Autobot" or "Decepticon"? Those are usually non-compound single real words from the English language. Hasbro's legal department considers them too "generic" to be easily defensible as trademarks, hence the addition of prefixes such as "Autobot Jazz", "Decepticon Brawl "or "Constructicon Devastator" for better protection. This does ''not'' work with names already trademarked by another company–otherwise, [[Bandai]] could release a toy named "Megazord Optimus Prime" tomorrow, and Hasbro couldn't do anything about it.

:For a while, it seemed like these trademark quibbles were limited to Hasbro, and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] was somehow exempt due to a different market situation. However, the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' line saw the emergence of quite a few "Cybertron", "Destron" and "[[Stunticon (G1)|Stuntron]]" prefixes, implying that the trademark situation on the Japanese market was changing, and starting with the [[Movie (toyline)|''Movie'' line]], TakaraTomy (now adopting Hasbro names instead of their established Japanese-market names) began to use "Autobot" and "Decepticon" prefixes. With ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and ''[[Transformers United|United]]'', TakaraTomy even used prefixes for names Hasbro has been able to use ''without'' prefixes.

{{-}}
*'''Hasbro is responsible for your local store not having the newest toys right now.'''

: Hasbro actually has almost nothing to do with distribution (when Product A arrives in Store B) beyond making sure the manufactured product leaves the factories and shipyards of China at the desired time. Once the items arrive on US shores, they are almost immediately sent from the ships to the distribution centers for the retail chains that ordered them. From there, it's more truck rides to various regional warehouses, which is all controlled by the retailers, not Hasbro. After that, the schedule for taking product from those warehouses and putting it on shelves is dictated by each chain's inventory system.

: It's ''conceivable'' that Hasbro could take more control of the situation, but that would require chains like Wal-Mart to release the vise-like death grip they have on manufacturers' nuts that lets them dictate how the system works—and they're sooooooo not doing that.

{{-}}
*'''Hasbro should totally cater to the wishes of older collectors, as they purchase the most Transformers product.'''

: Fans would like to think they've got some sway over the direction of the [[Transformers brand|''Transformers'' brand]]. After all, they've been buying toys for many years (as opposed to the limited purchasing span of most children), and they buy many ''more'' toys than any individual child. And in truth, Hasbro does pay attention to the desires and discussions of its older buyers, even designing certain line segments like ''Alternators'' or ''Classics'' and its successors with collectors as the primary target audience.

: Collectors, however, simply can't compare to the vast numbers of children out there whose parents buy Transformers for them. The bulk of Transformers product is purchased for and/or by young children, and if a company like Hasbro wants to stay in business and keep making money (and by extension, more toys), it must design and market its products accordingly. No accurate figures exist on the collector/children ratio, but estimates mentioned at BotCon panels range from around 10% to 20% of all purchases coming from older collectors—enough to be worth listening to, but not at all the driving force behind the brand. Past toylines have shown that betting ''too much'' on sales from adult collectors can be disastrous.

: Furthermore, it's not as though the [[fandom|fans]] speak with a unified voice. More often, for every fan pushing for one particular idea, there's another fan who thinks that same idea is boring or [[Ruined FOREVER|awful]].

==Fiction==
===Generation 1===
====General====
*'''Transformers were meant as a "genderless" race. Arcee and the other female Transformers were added to the brand because feminists complained about the Transformers all being male.'''
: When [[Bob Budiansky]] was assigned to work out the character details for the toys, he initially intended some of them to represent female characters, like [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. However, he was not given permission by [[Hasbro]] to include females because the company feared it would have a negative impact on the sales of those toys.<ref>[http://rustingcarcass.yuku.com/topic/954 Rusting Carcass interview]</ref>
: For the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comics]], this was not a big deal, even though Budiansky still slipped in a female Cybertronian in the form of [[Aunty]]. For the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]] however, Hasbro's interests had to be matched with those of the TV networks that would broadcast ''The Transformers''. Since television requires a bigger investment than comics, but also offers the potential for a much better payoff, it is of interest for a TV network to broadcast material that reaches the highest possible demographic. Women make up half the population, so TV networks want at least one (hero) female character to bring in their views. As noted in the [[production bible]], the [[Female Autobots]] and possibly [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] are the result of the networks' demands. This situation has not remained unique in ''Transformers'' history either; Female [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] and [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] have also been added to their respective cartoons because of network demands, whereas [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]] were a request from the writers to Hasbro.
: Despite persistent stories, there is no documented instance of feminists demanding the inclusion of female Transformers (and likely, they've got something better to do than complain about another generic boys show like there are hundreds of). There is, however, a comic story called "[[Prime's Rib!]]" which presents Arcee's introduction to the Autobot ranks as an attempt by Optimus Prime to appease [[Feminist mob|human feminists]]. While the story is obviously satire, through hearsay it has become believed by some that it is what actually happened.

====The original cartoon====
*'''The original ''The Transformers'' series was redubbed anime which originated in Japan, just like ''Battle of the Planets'', ''Voltron'', ''Robotech'' and other such shows screened in the '80s.'''
: Although most moderate-to-hardcore fans are well aware that this is a fallacy, there are those more casual fans (or those who have not rewatched the Generation 1 cartoon since childhood) who are under the misconception that [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] was an anime.
: Although the original toyline and thus the characters' basic visual designs were taken from Japanese-originated products, the original characters, names, factions and entire story premise of the whole ''Transformers'' franchise were developed in the United States by [[Hasbro]], [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] and eventually [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]]. Although the animation was farmed out to [[Toei|Japanese]] (and later also [[AKOM|Korean]] and [[Unknown Filipino animation studio|Filipino]]) [[Tokyo Movie Shinsha|studios]], the writing and original voice recording of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|all four seasons of the original series]] plus ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|The Movie]]'' was entirely done in America.
: This misconception probably stems from distant childhood memories of the cartoon, the fact that shows like the aforementioned ''Robotech'' were redubbed anime and the ''Transformers''' obvious Japanese influences. This ''may'' also be due to passing exposure to ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|Robots in Disguise]]'' and the [[Unicron Trilogy]] shows which, viewed as an adult, are ''very'' obviously redubbed anime.
: This is in part related to the misconception that '''all''' ''Transformers'' toys are ''solely'' designed, developed and manufactured by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], and all [[Hasbro]] ever does is to put them in new packaging and distribute them in the Western market (see above). Because this is true for other Japanese robot toylines, and therefore it must also apply to ''Transformers''.

*'''''The Headmasters'' was going to be dubbed into English and shown in America.'''
: In America, "Season 4" consisted of "The Rebirth", a 3-episode mini-series. In Japan, "The Rebirth" was ignored, and a full-fledged series titled ''The Headmasters'' continued the story instead. Rumors once swirled in the fandom of an American-led dub of ''The Headmasters'' series; the dub was largely finished, goes the story, till the materials were lost in a warehouse fire.
: Given the meandering pace of the series (common for Japanese shows but anathema to American sensibilities), the presence of numerous characters who had no toy equivalent on US shelves, the incompatibility with the "[[Nebulan]]" head characters, the number of Japanese cultural references, and the very existence of "[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Rebirth]]", this rumor seems unlikely on the surface.
: More to the point, no official confirmation or other evidence has ever surfaced to back it up. In all likelihood the rumor was probably a [[wikipedia:Chinese_whispers|Chinese Whisper]] from the fact that the laughably-bad English language [[Omni Productions]] dub (or "Star TV" dub) was screened on UK satellite TV during the 1990s.

====The Transformers: The Movie====
[[Image:TFTM dead gray Prime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Traumatizing enough as it is, frankly.]]
*'''There exists an "uncut version" of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' containing all sorts of non-kid-friendly content.'''

: These stories stem mainly from the fact that many home-video releases of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' omit two relatively minor instances of characters using profanity, which during the 1990s resulted in some [[alt.toys.transformers]] posters advertising "uncut" VHS copies of the movie for sale, thus either intentionally or unintentionally creating the myth of a really foul-mouthed and ultra-violent alternate version of ''The Transformers: The Movie''. At least one poster claimed to have uncut reels of the original film showing a number of violent scenes<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/07464cbfbb5d0cc9/8aee0b30765b2b4a?hl=en#8aee0b30765b2b4a THE UNCUT JAPANESE TRANSFORMERS MOVIE]</ref>, but, unsurprisingly, was unwilling to provide any form of proof.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/799fec40c1aa285e/6af42e4099affa04?hl=en#
Doth the Canadian protesteth too much?]</ref> So have ended all claims of uncut footage from the film.

:A much stranger rumor, whose origins are unclear, claims that the original theatrical cut of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' depicted [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] crumbling into dust after dying, and that that scene was cut by the distributor in mid-release because children were traumatized by the imagery. Interestingly, the "[[Death of Optimus Prime]]" track on the original soundtrack album does contain ten extra seconds of music. At the end, just before the song's final low-octave percussion sequence, there is a very distinct series of notes that appears nowhere else in the song and is not in the onscreen version. However, no other evidence of this "lost" animation sequence exists among the many storyboards, preliminary animations, interviews, varying formats, etc., that have come to light. The myth could be related to the death of Starscream, a few scenes later, where Starscream '''does''' indeed crumble to dust after being shot by Galvatron; time and distance could lead fans to confuse the two scenes.

:These claims should not be confused with the extra storyboarded scenes and early script revisions which have come to light over the years, which do in fact contain a lot more violence. But no evidence exists that any of these sequences, even those that made it to storyboard, were ever animated. Especially given the expense of producing full animation.

::''See also: [[The Transformers: The Movie#Edits]].''

{{-}}
*'''Some portions of Unicron's dialogue were recorded by an actor other than Orson Welles.'''

: A common rumor in the Western fandom claimed that Unicron's final lines ("Destiny... you cannot destroy my.. destiny!") were recorded by [[Leonard Nimoy]], based on claims that those lines sounded "different" from the rest of [[Orson Welles]]' lines.<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092106/trivia IMDB.com reference to the Leonard Nimoy-as-Unicron rumor.]</ref> Compounding the rumor is the fact that Welles died shortly after recording his ''TF:TM'' lines<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/This-Orson-Welles/dp/030680834X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-6174389-3113623?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182349938&sr=8-1 According to one biography, Welles recorded his ''TF:TM'' lines on October 5, 1985 and died five days later.]</ref> (and indeed, one version of the rumor has Welles actually dying ''before'' completing his lines). Despite being debunked repeatedly (including by [[Susan Blu]] and [[Wally Burr]], both of whom should know), this one still pops up from time to time.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/387399-leonard-nimoy-officially-announced-voice-sentinel-prime-13.html#post5858748 Nimoy-as-Unicron rumor repeated by TFW2005 user "RedAlert Rescue".]</ref><ref>[http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2007/07/when_orson_welles_was_a_transformer.single.html Slate.com discusses the Unicron rumor.]</ref>

{{-}}
*'''''The Transformers: The Movie''/Scatman Crothers coined the term "ginormous", which has since been added to several dictionaries.'''

: In ''The Transformers: The Movie'', [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], voiced by [[Scatman Crothers]], described [[Unicron]] as "a ginormous, weird-looking planet". The word "ginormous", a portmanteau of "gigantic" and "enormous", was officially added by the Merriam-Webster Online dictionary in 2007.<ref name="webster">[http://www.merriam-webster.com/info/newwords07.htm Merriam-Webster adding the word "ginormous]</ref>

: Some fans believe that Crothers had coined the term, which is incorrect for several reasons. Even putting aside the notion that under this theory, Crothers is assumed to have ad-libbed the line (rather than simply reading it from [[Ron Friedman]]'s script), the term has actually been around for much longer, being listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as a "British informal" word that has existed since at least the 1940s, and was originally military slang.<ref name="oxford">[http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/ginormous Oxford dictionary entry for "ginormous"]</ref>

{{-}}
*'''''The Transformers: The Movie'' was never released in Japan.'''

: It is true that ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was not released in Japan at the same time it was released in [[Hasbro]]'s markets, with Japanese fans instead getting the ''[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]'' OVA to explain the changes going into the third season of the show (second for Japan). But ''The Movie'' ultimately made it to Japanese theaters in August 1989. The various discrepancies between it and subsequent Japan-only Generation 1 fiction (such as who [[Prowl (G1)#The Headmasters cartoon|didn't]] [[Wheeljack (G1)#Victory cartoon|survive]] the movie) are largely a matter of the Japanese animators and writers being unaware of the precise details of the film.<ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&postid=216153#post216153</ref><ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&postid=216478#post216478</ref><ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?threadid=30800</ref>

{{-}}
*'''''The Transformers: The Movie'' was released in Japan under the title ''Matrix Forever''.'''

: ''[[Matrix Forever]]'' was actually the title of a 20-minute video created to promote the Japanese release of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', but some Western (and even Japanese) fans have been confused into thinking that ''The Transformers: The Movie'' itself was renamed ''Matrix Forever''.<ref>http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/a5d29844863d2c29</ref>

====The Marvel comic====
*'''A Spider-Man story from the Clone Saga era confirms that Spider-Man's appearance in issue 3 of the Marvel ''Transformers'' comic isn't considered part of the mainstream Marvel Universe.'''
: Originally, the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Generation 1'' comic]] was intended as a four-issue limited series. As was common with Marvel's licensed titles at that time, the early issues featured guest appearances by well-known Marvel characters, most prominently [[Spider-Man]] in [[Prisoner of War!|issue 3]]. However, when the title was expanded into an ongoing series, Marvel soon dropped all references to its established superhero universe. (The [[Savage Land]] got named in [[Repeat Performance!|issue 8]], but that's about it.) Likewise, no subsequent stories in Marvel's other non-licensed titles ever made mention of the Transformers existing in the same universe. Eventually, in 2006, the then-recent edition of the ''[[Wikipedia:Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe|Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe]]'' identified the Transformers' Earth (or, more precisely, the Marvel UK universe which [[Death's Head (G1)|Death's Head]] debuted in) as "[[Earth-120185]]" within Marvel's own multiverse, versus the mainstream Marvel Universe's "Earth-616". (In addition, the Marvel US ''Transformers'' universe has recently been declared to be "[[Earth-91274]]", although this designation still has to be established in an official Marvel publication.)

:What's ''not'' true, however, is that a Spider-Man story published as part of the "[[wikipedia:Clone_Saga|Clone Saga]]" during the 1990s features a line where Peter claims that he had never been to Oregon, thus negating his appearance in ''Transformers'' issue 3 (where he ''does'' make a trip to Oregon). The issue in question is "Adjectiveless" ''Spider-Man'' #57 (1995), where Peter Parker (the <strike>clone</strike> guy who would have been active as Spider-Man at the time of ''Transformers'' #3) claims (in a monologue) to have never been to '''Utah''', where Louise Kennedy (whose murder he was accused of) had been killed by [[wikipedia:Kaine|Kaine]] in ''Spider-Man: The Lost Years'' #3.

====Japanese Generation 1 fiction====
*'''In Japanese continuity, Megatron and Galvatron are two separate characters.'''
:There are a few instances of Japanese fiction (and advertising) that would seem to support this notion, all of which can be attributed to a lack of communication between [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] prior to the release of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. All of them were ultimately ignored by the "primary" fiction, namely the (dubbed) third season of the cartoon (named ''Transformers: 2010'' in Japan) and the accompanying manga, which followed the Western story concept of Galvatron being a reformatted [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]].
:The [[The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 2|second issue]] of ''[[The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers]]'' [[manga]] depicts [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] commanding [[Megatron Corps|a legion of automatons]] created in [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s image, which some non-Japanese-speaking fans misinterpreted as depicting Galvatron and Megatron co-existing.<ref>http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=179</ref>

*'''In Japanese continuity, the Destrons (Decepticons) were invaders from a planet called Destron.'''
:The [[Autobot|Autobots]] were renamed "Cybertrons" in the Japanese translation, resulting in a misconception that the Destrons ([[Decepticon|Decepticons]]) must hail from somewhere other than the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. However, the Japanese translation also used slightly different spellings for the faction, "Cybertron" (literally: サイバトロン, "Sa-i-ba-to-ro-n"), and the planet, (literally: セイバートロン, "Se-i-baa-to-ro-n"), commonly interpreted as "Seibertron" by Western fans, in order to avoid confusion, even though both words originally started out based on the English name "Cybertron".<ref name="tfa522">[http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=522 The Transformers Archive essay about various urban legends surrounding the Transformers franchise]</ref>
:This rumor presumably originates from an article a Thomas Wheeler had written for ''Attic's Collectible Toys and Values Monthly'' during the hiatus between the [[The Transformers (toyline)|G1]] and [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|G2]] toylines. According to that article, Hasbro chose not to follow this element of the story because of the similarity between the term "Destron" and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'''s "[[Destro]]" character. Of course, seeing as the story originated in America to begin with and was only dubbed into Japanese later on, this doesn't make a lot of sense. In later years, Wheeler wrote toy reviews for Master Collector's website, which occasionally also display a certain lack of knowledge about various toys and the ''Transformers'' brand's overall history, so it doesn't seem entirely out of place for him.

*'''Black Shadow and Blue Bacchus are both members of a "Space Mafia".'''
:[[Black Shadow (Victory)|Black Shadow]] and [[Blue Bacchus]], two characters from ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Victory]]'', both have their function listed as "Space Gangster". An early fan translation of their on-package [[Bio|bios]] misinterpreted the Japanese word for "gangster" to mean "Mafia", hence the belief that a "Space Mafia" exists in the Japanese Generation 1 universe.

*'''Metrotitan is a zombie version of Metroplex.'''
: [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]] was a Destron [[redeco]] of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] from the ''[[Transformers: Zone (franchise)|Zone]]'' portion of Japanese Generation 1 continuity. For unclear reasons, Western fans believe that Metrotitan was a "zombified" version of Metroplex, and a stranger variation on this rumor holds that Metrotitan was somehow "regrown" from one of Metroplex's legs.<ref name="tfa522" />

====European Generation 1 fiction====
*'''Starscream and Shrapnel are female characters in the French dub of Generation 1.'''
: This rumor is only partly true. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon]] used three different dub teams for the French version: one for the TV show's dub broadcast in Quebec, one for the TV show's dub broadcast in France and one for the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]] used in both countries. Neither of the TV show's dubs depict [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] as a female as he uses a distinctively male voice;<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhOCYZRxypM YouTube: Doublage de France: Combaticons et Égo]</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMXCeXw5Vdo Doublage Québécois: Égo et Dr. Croc-en-ville]</ref> however, the movie's dubbing team used a female voice for Starscream, and at one point [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] calls Starscream "une imbécile" (articles in French are gender-specific), clearly cementing Starscream's movie status as a female.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20080612225831/http://www.bigbot.com/mp3/transformers_mp3.shtml#Femmes</ref> All the same is also true for [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], who is even referred to as "Mademoiselle Shrapnel" by [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] in the movie.

*'''The German version of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was edited and didn't depict Starscream's death scene.'''
: German TV didn't air a dubbed version of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Generation 1'' cartoon]] until 1989. ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' was aired for the first time on German TV in 1994, with only one repeat. For unknown reasons, a rumor was circulating for several years claiming that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] death was considered too "violent" for German TV standards for children's programs and had therefore been edited out.<ref>[http://www.ofdb.de/view.php?page=fassung&fid=7489&vid=38680 German movie database ''still'' listing the rumor about Starscream's "edited death" in TF:TM]</ref> However, recordings of the TV airing still exist, which don't feature any obvious edits other than [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike's]] infamous "swear" line. Furthermore, a German DVD edition of the movie released in 2004 that features an entirely different dub also depicts Starscream's death in all its glory.

*'''An Earthforce story was written to promote the non-combining Constructicon toys.'''
:The comic story "[[Desert Island Risks!]]" from issue 264 of the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel UK]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#Marvel UK|G1 comic]] reveals that the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] have somehow lost their ability to combine into [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. As a result, they try to build another Devastator as a new robot.

:Some fans mistakenly believe that this is somehow related to a re-release of the Constructicons (now in yellow) that were available in [[Generation 1 (European toyline)|Europe]] after the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' toyline had ended in the USA. Those Constructicons omitted the extra parts necessary to form Devastator; and furthermore, [[Hook (G1)|Hook]] and [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]] (neither of them officially named in this version; all six toys came on multi-purpose cardbacks simply named "Constructicon") were [[retool|retooled]] to omit the tabs that were necessary for combining them (and [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]) when forming Devastator. Since the toys couldn't combine into Devastator anymore, fans believe that the [[Earthforce]] comic story was intended to serve as an "explanation" for this.

:The problem with this theory, however, is that the yellow "Euro" Constructicon toys were released in 1992; the comic story, however, had already come out in early 1990. If anything, "Desert Island Risks!" was based on the [[Action Master]] version of Devastator, which no longer consisted of six individual Constructicons. (Also, the individual Constructicons don't even appear in the story.)

===Beast Wars===
*'''In Japanese ''Beast Wars'' continuity, Optimus Primal and Megatron were the same characters as their Generation 1 namesakes.'''
: While ''Beast Wars'' Megatron and Optimus Primal were identified in early packaging as new incarnations of ''Generation 1'' Megatron and Optimus Prime in the Western release of the toyline, the Japanese dub of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon remained consistent with the original English language version in keeping the characters separate. In the Japanese dub of "[[The Agenda (Part 2)]]", ''Beast Wars'' Megatron, while relating the tale of the Golden Disk to Ravage, even describes ''Generation 1'' Megatron as "My ancestor Megatron".<ref>我先祖のメガトロン, ''Waga senzo no Megatron''</ref>

[[File:BWIICatalogCover01.jpg|right|thumb|Everything you know is a lie!]]
*'''The characters of the ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo'' cartoons hail from the same time-period as the cast of ''Beast Wars''.'''
:''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' remain at present the only Japanese-exclusive Transformers cartoons to have never been subtitled in their entirety, either officially or by fans. As such, even here on TFWiki, knowledge of their absolute specifics is far from 100%. But this particular misconception does have a nugget of truth in it: The first [[Catalog#Beast_Wars_II|pack-in catalog]] included with the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' toys did indeed present [[Lio Convoy (BWII)|Lio Convoy]] and [[Galvatron (BWII)|Galvatron]] as contemporaries of ''Beast Wars'' Optimus Primal and Megatron. Subsequently, the Hasbro toy bios of [[Transmetal 2]] [[Cybershark]] and ''[[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]]'' [[Magmatron]] further complicated matters by making vague yet recognizable references to the two Japanese cartoons: Cybershark's bio alluded to the ''Beast Wars II'' [[Seacon (BWII)|Seacons]], and Magmatron's bio recalled both ''Beast Wars Neo''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s hunt for the [[Angolmois]] capsules and the character's "[[Emperor of Destruction]]" title; both likely derived from the original misconception.

:In truth, however, the [[Emissary of the Fourth Planet|thirty-sixth episode]] of the ''Beast Wars II'' cartoon established that the planet [[Gaea]], on which the series was set—which was clearly intimated to be a future version of [[Earth]]—had been lifeless for tens of thousands of years. As the ''Beast Wars'' characters hailed from a time only 300 years after the Generation 1 era, when Earth was still populated, this made it apparent that their native time was ''long'' after that of the ''Beast Wars'' cast. A scant few weeks later, the [[Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!|''Beast Wars II'' movie]] corroborated this with a guest appearance from Optimus Primal, who was treated as a figure of legend, and not a present-day equal of Lio Convoy's (though, many a fan initially interpreted this as supporting the above-mentioned misconception of Optimus Primal being the same person as Optimus Prime in Japan). Nearly a decade later, a fan translation of TakaraTomy's [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)/src|2007 timeline]], which clearly dated ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Neo'' shows to tens of thousands of years after the home-time of the ''Beast Wars'' cast, was the first exposure many English-speaking fans had to this idea, having long taken the catalog as immutable canon for the cartoon, but that is now firmly relegated to the status of a [[micro-continuity]]. As for the aforementioned toy bios, the references they made were thankfully parsed vaguely enough to mean little, if anything at all, to those unaware of either Japanese series, and many Hasbro toy bios from the Beast Era were already often contradictory to the material presented in the cartoons to begin with, to the point that the bios can be and generally are considered part of a separate continuity all on their own.

:In contrast to the ''Beast Wars II'' cartoon, though, the [[Free the Captured Matrix!|third chapter]] of the [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (manga)|''Beast Wars II'' manga]], set in a different continuity from the cartoon, ''did'' follow the catalog's lead by showing Optimus Primal existing on Cybertron at the same time as Lio Convoy. Similarly, the ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Neo'' casts appear as contemporaries of the ''Beast Wars'' characters in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Transformers, Beast Wars: The Gathering|The Gathering]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars: The Ascending|The Ascending]]'' comic books, that was likely less a deliberate choice and more a product of the original misconception (except, here, the timeline of these comics treats the events that parallel those of ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo'' as having happened ''before'' the home time-period of the ''Beast Wars'' instead of during or after, which ''was'' a deliberate choice).

*'''In ''Beast Wars II'', Apache is a drunkard as part of a Native American stereotype.'''
: [[Apache]] did indeed get drunk in the first episode of the ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars II]]'' cartoon, but only in grief, believing (erroneously) that his actions earlier had caused the death of [[Lio Convoy (BWII)|Lio Convoy]] (which didn't happen). He did not get drunk again for the duration of the cartoon, nor did he ever do so in the manga. Outside of that, the Native American stereotype "common" to Japanese fictions is a stoic, silent, and often mystical warrior—none of which could be used to describe Apache accurately at all.
: That's not to say there aren't [[Jointron|some ethnic stereotypes]] in BWII that could be considered pretty offensive.
: Amusingly enough, in the sixth installment of the [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (manga)|''Beast Wars II'' manga]], ''Lio Convoy'' gets drunk for no apparent reason and ends up trashing Apache's room.

===Beast Machines===
*'''A ''Beast Machines'' writer said, "Real heroes don't use guns."'''
:''Beast Machines'' was the first (but not the last) ''Transformers'' series to explicitly avoid all hand-held projectile [[weapon]]ry. While the [[Vehicon (BM)|villains]] still had traditional "blasters" mounted on their bodies, some of the [[Maximal|heroes]]' weapons were more esoteric (such as [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]'s energy-web attack, activated by putting her hands on the ground, or [[Optimus Primal]]'s gauntlets, powered by absorbing enemy fire). According to story editor [[Bob Skir]], this creative decision was agreed upon between the story editors, [[Fox Kids]], [[Mainframe Entertainment]], and [[Hasbro]],<ref name="Skir">[http://web.archive.org/web/20080222040119/http://bigbot.com/beast-machines-transformers-bob-skir/Beast-Machines-FAQ/Sat_06_Nov_1999.html Archived Q&A from Bob Skir's now-defunct website,] where Skir responds to the gun controversy (question 7).</ref> and it is indeed reflected in the toys as well.

:Note that many Maximals had weaponry that was functionally no different from a "gun"—compare [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]]'s hip-mounted energy cannons, [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]'s back-mounted sonic blaster, or Optimus Primal's chest-mounted energy disc launcher to [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]'s shoulder-mounted ray guns or [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]'s wrist-mounted energy... tossing thingies.

:On his website, Skir also elaborated on his own position as a writer choosing if or how to portray gun use, including this statement: "Our heroes use their wiles and resourcefulness, plus a few cool weapons. Guns? I've never been a fan of them myself, and do not write heroes who need them."<ref>[http://members.aol.com/zobovor/guns.html Article on the fan Dave "Zobovor" Edwards' personal site,] quoting Bob Skir's original gun statement.</ref> Some fans interpreted Skir as condemning ''all'' gun use, even in the real world, no matter the circumstances. This led to the misquote, "Real heroes don't use guns,"<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_thread/thread/be5e55a90df944bb/b748601b997b3508#b748601b997b3508 Alt.toys.transformers thread] with the misquote and attendant assumptions right at the start.</ref> which remains a notoriously persistent error in the fandom. Skir, responding to the controversy, said on his site that "there '''are''' heroes who '''do''' need guns (such as the [[Punisher]]). Spider-Man doesn't need guns. Neither does the [[Hulk]]. And neither do Optimus, Cheetor, Black Arachnia{{sic}}, et al."<ref name="Skir" />
:Notably, the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (franchise)|series]] [[Unicron Trilogy|immediately]] [[Movie (franchise)|following]] ''Beast Machines'' did return to classic hand-held gun use among both heroes and villains. However, the more recent ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' series has again eschewed guns, probably because of its younger target audience.

===Robots in Disguise===
*'''The Japanese ''Car Robots'' cartoon was a direct sequel to ''Beast Wars Neo''.'''
: Some fans seem to have concluded, based on the similar animation style and overall tone, that the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (cartoon)|''Car Robots'' cartoon]] was meant to pick up where ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' had left off, but all indications are that ''Car Robots'' wasn't meant to take place in any pre-existing TF continuity. But now Takara says it's in the Generation 1 continuity. <ref>http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=490</ref>

===Transformers (2007)===
[[Image:Japaneseflowchart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Look! No 2007 movie!]]
*'''The movie series takes place in the Generation 1 timeline in Japan.'''
: This is another one of those instances where one TakaraTomy thing, very early in the life cycle of a new ''Transformers'' [[franchise]], will say one thing about said franchise, and then literally ''everything else ever'' will say another.

: When the live-action movie series was getting started, TakaraTomy went live with their "World of Transformers" web site. The website timeline made the rather bizarre claim that the 2007 live-action movie also somehow took place in the Japanese Generation 1 continuity in 2007, but this was ''not'' reflected by the accompanying flow-chart, and was established to not be the case by the [[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)/src|''Kiss Players'' timeline]] (which noted that the movie-verse Autobots and Decepticons came from another universe when they appeared in a ''Beast Wars'' crossover). And of course, nothing else ever attempted to make the connection.

:So... technically, in one [[micro-continuity]] this is true. Everywhere else? Not so much.

{{-}}
*'''''Transformers'' was nearly rated R by the MPAA.'''
: In the spring of 2007, it was reported that ''[[wikipedia:Disturbia|Disturbia]]'', a then-upcoming [[DreamWorks]] film starring [[Shia LaBeouf]] and produced by [[Steven Spielberg]], had received an R rating from the [[wikipedia:Motion_Picture_Association_of_America|Motion Picture Association of America]]. That film's rating was eventually lowered to PG-13 on appeal, but in the meantime some ''Transformers'' fans became confused and believed that it was ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' that had been rated R, leading to some heated discussion on ''Transformers'' message boards.

{{-}}
[[Image:MovieCreditsNoBrawl.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Invisible credit.]]
*'''Brawl is named in the credits.'''

: The Decepticon tank, who was named "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie, ended up being named "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in [[Hasbro|Hasbro's]] [[Movie (toyline)|toy line]]. Both Hasbro and the screenwriters, [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]], have expressly favored the toy's name, referring to the name in the movie as an "error".

: Since the character has a "speaking" line in the movie, some fans claim that the voice actor is named in the ending credits, and the character's name is stated as "Brawl" there. In fact, however, there's no credit ''at all'' for the character, under either name, as he has no voice actor, his "speaking role" being little more than echo-y electronic gibberish.

{{-}}
[[Image:BanachekMustacheMan.jpg|right|250px|thumb|One of these is not like the others.]]
*'''The Decepticons' hologram is Tom Banachek.'''

: Several Decepticons in the movie are seen using a holographic "pilot"/"driver" based on the same short-haired, mustache-clad human with an intense stare, only wearing different clothes to match their respective [[alternate mode]]s. Since [[Tom Banachek]], the head of [[Sector Seven]]'s Advanced Research Division, also sports a mustache, a short-cropped hairstyle and a pretty intense stare, many fans mistakenly believe that the Decepticons' hologram is meant to look like him.

: There are two problems with that. One, the Decepticons' hologram, dubbed "[[Moustache Man]]" in the credits, is played by real-life United States Air Force Major [[Brian Reece]], whereas Tom Banachek is portrayed by established actor [[Michael O'Neill]].

:Two... how would the Decepticons know who Banachek even was to model a hologram after him?

{{-}}

===Animated===

*'''The Japanese dub of ''Transformers Animated'' presents it as a prequel to the live-action movies.'''

:This appears to have ''some'' basis: Back in March 2010, the then-recent edition of ''[[TV Magazine]]'' published some early pre-release information about the Japanese dub of the [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|''Animated'' cartoon]]. Among the details announced was the name-change of [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] to "Ironhide", and changing his character to be closer in personality to [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action movies]]. The article allegedly also claimed that because [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] was not Supreme Commander of the Autobots in ''Animated'', the cartoon would be "set chronologically before the live action movies".<ref name="tvmagani">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/animated-8/latest-edition-of-tv-magazine-reveals-new-transformers-animated-japan-details-169265/ TFW2005 reporting on ''TV Magazine'' article about the Japanese dub of the ''Transformers Animated'' cartoon], March 2010.</ref>

:In actuality, however, not much of this has been reflected in the dub itself: Aside from the aforementioned renaming of Bulkhead into "Ironhide", there's nothing in the Japanese dub that ties the ''Animated'' cartoon any closer to the live-action movies than its American counterpart.

===Revenge of the Fallen===

*'''Barricade's return?'''
:A common misconception among fans is that [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade's]] Saleen Mustang alternate mode was spotted on the set of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', possibly as part of the alleged "disinformation campaign" director [[Michael Bay]] repeatedly insisted he had initiated. In fact, however, a truck transporting three "Barricade" prop vehicles was spotted in Culver City, California, in March 2008, more than ''two months'' before principal shooting for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' started.<ref name="vehspotted">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=6980 Superhero Hype reporting on the spotting of Barricade vehicles in March 2008]</ref> There's been no indication that this had any significance other than moving the prop cars... someplace. Barricade would not make his reappearance until the ''next'' movie, ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]''.

===Prime===
*'''The High Moon Studios games are part of G1.'''
{{quote|We really did look very closely at Generation 1 stuff and tried to capture what for us was the essence of the characters.|[[Sean Miller]], Director Character and Animation|[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/21/transformers-art-video.aspx Gameinformer interview]}}
:With its designs aiming at a video gamer audience who grew up with [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]], the development team for ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)| War for Cybertron]]'' took a great deal of inspiration from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] for such things as characters and the design aesthetic for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/21/transformers-art-video.aspx Gameinformer interview]</ref> A [[Commercial#War for Cybertron|commercial]] even depicted Shockwave ordering Soundwave to play [[The Touch|a song]] made famous by the [[The Transformers: The Movie|original animated movie]]. Furthermore, War for Cybertron toys were sold as part of the ''[[Transformers: Generations|Generations]]'' toyline that featured Generation 1-styled characters. These factors led many to believe the game was actually part of Generation 1.

:To be fair, there was and is virtually no information available to the average fan that ''War for Cybertron'' is not part of Generation 1. Hasbro has essentially been folding ''War for Cybertron'' into their modern continuity, and have been informing dedicated fans of this fact through [[Hasbro Q&A|question and answer sessions]].<ref>"The official story of the original 13 and specifically Alpha Trion has not been explored fully in the modern continuity that Transformers War for Cybertron, Exodus, and Prime are a part of." [[Hasbro Q&A/September 2010: Answers]]</ref> The [[Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)|''War for Cybertron'' comic adaptation]] and [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/play/details.cfm?guid=7fd5ecd9-19b9-f369-1041-a7635be83172 online timeline] actually are adaptations from ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'', which is the basis for the new modern continuity fiction.

:Canonically, both WfC and its sequel Fall of Cybertron are in the Aligned continuity, but beyond suggestions and mandatory changes from Hasbro, High Moon Studios doesn't seem to care about Hasbro's declarations of canon. In the art book for the sequel to WfC, ''[[The Art of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron]]'', the only influences of the concept art and designs mentioned are G1 related. Dreamwave, the original cartoon, and other concepts and ideas from Generation 1 are cited, but the fact that Cliffjumper's head is based off of Prime Cliffjumper's is not mentioned, nor are the modifications to Optimus Prime's gun, Megatron's new body, [[Tox-En]], or the other assorted influences from Prime.

*'''''War for Cybertron/Fall of Cybertron'' is a prequel to the G1 cartoon.'''
:With its designs aiming at a 20-something audience who grew up on the original cartoon, many gamers would be forgiven for mistaking ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' for a prequel, and it doesn't help that the developers at [[High Moon Studios]] advertised the game as such. More savvy fans would recognize that the game is generally irreconcilable with the cartoon (or any other Generation 1 continuity for that matter): the circumstances of [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s rise to power would contradict "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]", and Optimus's [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|predecessor]] does not possess the Matrix, unlike his [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#Generation 1 cartoon|cartoon counterpart]]. The Autobots left Cybertron because the [[Core]] shut down, not because energy sources were depleted, and characters like [[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]], [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], [[Cyclonus (WFC)|Cyclonus]], the [[Aerialbot (WFC)|Aerialbots]] and [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] wouldn't be on Cybertron or even ''exist''. Additionally, the game draws inspiration from other continuities, including characters not from Generation 1 like [[Slipstream (WFC)|Slipstream]] and [[Demolishor (WFC)|Demolishor]]. The game does share a lot of similarities with Dreamwave's ''[[War Within (franchise)|War Within]]'' series (where Jetfire and Trypticon are present), but it cannot take place in that continuity either.

==Companies==
===Marvel Comics===
*'''John Romita designed the Generation 1 character models.'''
:The rumor here comes about through a misreading of the credits to [[The Transformers Universe]]. Legendary Marvel Comics artist John Romita, Sr. was listed as "Art Director", leading readers to assume that he was in charge of designing or developing the various [[character model]]s used in the series (and reprinted in said comic). However, Romita was actually the Art Director for Marvel Comics as a whole at the time. The majority of the character models were in fact done by [[Floro Dery]], who went uncredited.<ref>See [http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/01/11/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-85/ Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed] for more information.</ref>

===TakaraTomy===
*'''Takara was taken over by Tomy.'''
:In 2005, it was announced that Takara, longtime Japanese manufacturer/distributor of Transformers toys, and former competitor Tomy would merge into a new company, named [[TakaraTomy]], as of March 1, 2006. Some fans misinterpreted the media coverage, believing that Takara had been bought out by rival Tomy. This was not helped by official press releases declaring Tomy the "surviving company", Tomy having the majority of shares, and the merged company simply going by the name "Tomy" outside Japan.
:The name issue is easily explained, as it was done for purely pragmatic reasons. "Tomy" is an internationally established brand, since the company already had divisions in many other countries prior to the merger, and distributed their toys under their own name there. Takara, meanwhile, had mostly abandoned ventures into international markets years ago, and had its products distributed through other companies (such as [[Hasbro]]) instead. Therefore, the merged company decided to use the better-known name for its international business, while it would continue as "TakaraTomy" within Japan itself.
:Now, as for the specifics of the merger... Although the merger ratio was set at 0.356 of a Tomy share for each Takara share (including a split of Tomy's stock), and the companies announced a layoff of 15% of their combined workforce mostly on the Takara side, the term "merger" (as compared to "take-over") was prominently used in all the official announcements by the two companies, and twisting tiny details into a de facto "takeover" of Takara by Tomy is effectively splitting hairs.

*'''e-Hobby is owned by Takara (TakaraTomy).'''
:The [[e-HOBBY]] shop is owned by Part One, Ltd. Although the company has had close ties with Takara for decades, the online store also sells toys by other companies, primarily TakaraTomy's rival [[Bandai]].
:The online store ''directly'' owned by TakaraTomy, meanwhile, is [[Toy Hobby Market]].

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=522 Ten popular but incorrect rumors about Japanese Transformers]

[[Category:Fandom]]
[[Category:Lists]]

Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys

2012-11-08T12:08:56Z

Gargunkle:

{{suite}}

Like [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|other Optimuses]], [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] has a lot of toys.

[[Image:OptimusPrimeUT-Armada.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hiyaaah...]]
==Toys==
===Armada===
[[Image:Superbase ArmadaPrime.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Stand up and be counted, container!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super Base, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] [[Mini-Con]], trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: The first [[Unicron Trilogy]] Optimus Prime toy transforms into a longnose truck cab of made-up model. His clear-plastic smokestacks can detach and form a double-barrelled pistol that he can hold in robot mode, and a button on top of his head causes his [[mouthplate]] to jiggle up and down as if he were talking (the irony being that while this was a familiar trait of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|G1 Optimus Prime]], in the ''Armada'' animated series, this Prime's mouthplate remained static when he talked). He can also hold a large cannon that is stored within his [[trailer]], and his chest flips down to reveal a (non-removable) [[Matrix of Leadership]]. He is packaged with his Mini-Con partner Sparkplug.

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

:Prime's cab and trailer can also combine to form a super robot mode. Transforming the cab into the torso portion sends the transformation command to the trailer, which raises itself up off the ground to become a pair of immobile, statuesque legs (as long as you're not playing with it on carpet), and when the pair are connected, the super-robot head pops up with a metallic shriek sound effect. Pressing the Autobot symbol on the figure's chest activates a pulsing laser sound effect, and the small grey button on his right shoulder illuminates his fist with a red LED, which can illuminate either of his guns, as well as the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] sword (the Star Saber was specifically cast in clear plastic for this purpose, but in practice, the light failed to carry even halfway up the blade).[[Image:Armada JetOptimusMegaweapon toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Gunjob Spacepants!]] Prime's firing missile and Mini-Con activated gimmicks remain accessible in this mode, but look a bit doofy if you deploy them. The initial [[Hasbro]] release of Prime had tabs in its Super Mode shoulders that prevented them from rotating above the horizontal default position, so as not to break the wires that run through the toy's right arm. Coupled with the limited elbow joints, this left Optimus Prime able only to point his weapons towards the ground, and the tabs were removed on subsequent editions of the figure.

:Instead of his trailer, Prime can alternately combine with ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], who forms a pair of legs, as "'''Jet Prime'''" ('''Jet Optimus''' on the cartoon, or "'''Jet Convoy'''" if you own the Japanese version). In addition to this, ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] can form a pair of massive cannons that attach to either Prime's base mode, or mount over the shoulders of his super robot torso (with either his trailer or Jetfire as legs), forming '''Optimus Prime Megaweapon''' (or '''Magna Convoy''').

:[[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s Japanese release of Optimus Prime the following year made a few changes, noticeably replacing the gold paint and plastic of the Hasbro toy with bright yellow. This version of the figure was never burdened with the mobility-inhibiting shoulder tabs, and it's Super Mode chest button featured an extra clip of Prime shouting "Convoy, ready for battle!" in Japanese. Late in the Japanese run, [[JUSCO]] stores offered this toy with blind-packed "Space Galaxy" versions of the individual [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]] members, one toy per box.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Super Base Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|Super-Con}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super-Con, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MC-06'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] Mini-Con, left and right smokestacks
[[Image:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Mini-Con-activated shimmy-shimmy.]]
:This deluxe-size, highly-poseable version of ''Armada'' Optimus Prime is an entirely new mold, retaining the ability to tow Super Base Prime's trailer, though he cannot combine with it. He comes with the Mini-Con Over-Run, who can transform into a gun for him, or can peg onto the [[Powerlinx]] plug on Optimus's back to activated a double-fisted "punching" action (that looks more like hyperactive shrugging). Like the Super Base figure, Prime has a flip down chestplate, but lacks a molded-in Matrix, and his smokestacks can be removed, but cannot peg together as a gun. Shipping in a great many waves throughout most of the later run of the line, Supercon Optimus became a notorious [[shelfwarmer|pegwarmer]].

:The initial release of the figure featured silver lights on his roof; later on, the lights were changed to yellow, and later still, an Autobot emblem was added to the hood of the vehicle. These changes were not made on the Japanese release of the figure, which bore the unfortunate appellation of "STD", meaning "standard".

: This mold was redecoed for inclusion in the ''Cybertron'' and ''Universe'' lines (see below), as well as to create the new characters of ''Armada'' [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]] and ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (Universe Two-Pack)|Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/SuperConPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Armada Supercon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|GoldArmada}}
[[Image:Armadatoy gold convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Kinpika Convoy''' (Super Base Lucky Draw figure, August 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Prime Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: This Japanese-exclusive [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] golden redeco of Super Base Optimus Prime, whose name means "Shining Golden", was available as a prize in several draws, including a colouring contest held in the pages of ''[[TV Boy]]'' magazine, and in-store lottery draws at Tobu Department Stores. Between the draws, at least 58 "Kinpika" Prime toys are known to have been given away, making it one of the more widely available [[Lucky Draw figure]]s, comparatively speaking. It came packaged in a plain white box, and including all the accessories and features of the standard release of the figure, including a gold-chromed Sparkplug (or "Prime", as he's confusingly known in Japan).
::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+super+mode+convoy/1084/gold+super+mode+convoy.html More information on Kinpika Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Powerlinx}}
[[Image:Powelinx Armadaprime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Dracula Prime?]]
*'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime''' (Super Base, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Corona Sparkplug Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|Crystal}}
[[Image:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Optimus Prime can't avoid his toy contracts even when he's dead!]]
*'''Crystal Convoy''' (Super-Con, October 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Surge Mini-Con, left and right smokestacks

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

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act153/ More information on Crystal Convoy at TFKenkon.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MatrixMultipack}}
[[Image:Armada-optimus-prime-gold-kmart.jpg|thumb|right|300px| ]]
*'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''Accessories:'' Sparkplug Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A K-Mart exclusive set released on "[[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]]" (the day after Thanksgiving, the most hellishly busy shopping day of the year), this set consists of Super Base Optimus Prime, Jetfire, their respective partner Mini-Cons Sparkplug and [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]], the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]], and oddly enough, [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]]. Optimus Prime's red plastics and paint were replaced with gold, the only changes made to anyone in the set. It is this set from which the name of Optimus Prime's combined mode with Jetfire, '''Jet Prime''', comes.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|MagnaConvoyDX}}
[[Image:Armada MagnaConvoyDX1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I think he needs another gun.]]
*'''Magna Convoy DX Set''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''ID number:'' '''MC-XX'''
**''Accessories:'' Prime Mini-Con, trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: This set is a [[Toys"R"Us]] Japan exclusive, consisting of Powerlinx Optimus Prime (dubbed "Convoy Final Battle Coloration" and slightly redecoed with more show-accurate colours, principally a silver [[mouthplate]] instead of red), a "crystal" version of Overload ("Ultra Magnus Special Clear Version") made out of transluscent plastics, and an exclusive [[X-Dimension Micron|X-Dimension]] redeco of the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Street Action Mini-Con Team]]. This set is entirely "new" content not available in the normal mass-retail ''Micron Legend'' line, and is also the last release of "X-Dimension" Mini-Cons. Rather than come with individual bio cards for the various characters, the set came with only a single card for Magna Convoy.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act167/ More information on Convoy Final Battle Coloration at TFKenkon.com]
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act168/ More information on Magna Convoy DX at TFKenkon.com]
{{-}}

===Built to Rule===
{{anchor|AmradaBTR}}
[[Image:BTR ArmadaPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"My Matrix for a quick death." (How could this happen to me?)]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles

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

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/BTROptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Built to Rule Armada Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonBTR}}
[[Image:BTR EnergonPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Blocktimus Prime]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Built to Rule, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles''

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

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

===Energon===
{{anchor|EnergonSuper}}
[[Image:Energon Prime toy.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Form feet and legs! Form arms and body! And I'll form... the head!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super, 2003, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Copter-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

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

: Prime is armed with a spring-loaded missile launcher that stores on the rear of his truck mode (which becomes the backpack of his robot mode) when not in use. Like most of the weapons of the ''Energon'' line, it sports a [[5mm post]], allowing it to be held by most every ''Enegon'' figure, to combine with assorted other weapons and [[Energon weapon]]s released in the series, and to peg into numerous compatible ports shared by many figures, like the hole in the radar of Prime's own trailer, or even conveniently placed 5mm screw holes like those of the Prime Force.
[[Image:Energontoy prime combinations.jpg|right|thumb|400px]]
:In lieu of combining with the Prime Force, Optimus Prime can also merge with ''Energon'' [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] in a similar fashion, with Wing Saber splitting into four components that connect to Prime as limbs. Wing Saber's red and white torso components can become arms for Prime while his legs attach to Prime's own, creating Prime's "Flight Mode", but the parts can also be swapped around, with Wing Saber's legs deploying large missile launchers and becoming arms to make Prime's "Fight Mode". Alternately, Prime can combine with ''Energon'' [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]] to form what his packaging calls "Powerlinx Omega Supreme", but which the cartoon named "Optimus Supreme". The Prime Force drones can attach to four connectors on Optimus Supreme's body.

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|EnDx}}
[[Image:Energontoy sl grand convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''SL Grand Convoy''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SC-13'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|Kicker2pack}}
[[Image:STD Grand Convoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|My name is Optimus Prime, and I like energon goodies.]]
*'''SL Grand Convoy & Kicker''' (multi-pack, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SS-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|OprimusMegsTRU}}
[[Image:Energontoy prime vs megatron.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Powerlinx Optimus Prime versus Megatron''' (multi-pack, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

: The SS-03 version of Takara's Deluxe-class Optimus figure, complete with chromed chest, was released in Hasbro markets in a two pack with the smaller Japanese [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] figure. With no appreciable differences between the figures and their Japanese versions, this set was a Toys"R"US exclusive in the US, but sold at pretty much any retailer that wanted to carry it elsewhere in the world.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonGold}}
[[Image:Energontoy gold grand convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Gold Grand Convoy''' (Super Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Gyro-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

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

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+grand+convoy/1094/gold+grand+convoy.html More information on Gold Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{-}}{{anchor|FireSL}}
[[Image:Firegrandconvoy.JPG|right|300px|thumb]]
*'''Fire SL Grand Convoy''' (TV Magazine exclusive Deluxe, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:This vibrant red and orange redeco of the Deluxe class Optimus Prime figure was a ''TV Magazine'' exclusive, limited to 3,000 pieces. It shipped in a unique monochrome red version of the traditional ''Super Link'' packaging, and did not include a character card.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act261/ More information on Fire SL Grand Convoy at TFKenkon]''
{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonSLGold}}
[[Image:Energontoy gold sl convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''SL Grand Convoy Mēki Version''' (Deluxe Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Rifle
:Released as part of the "W Convoy" campaign ("Double" Convoy, that is!) alongside a silver chrome version of [[Rodimus (Energon)|''Energon'' Rodimus]], this gold chrome "Mēki" ("plating") version of the Deluxe size Optimus Prime toy was available only as a prize in a mail-in [[Robot Point]]s contest. Initially limited to 20 units in the original draw, it appears that many more were made available through toy store drawings, given how many went on to appear on online auction sites through 2005 and 2006.
::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+sl+grand+convoy/1091/gold+sl+grand+convoy.html More information on SL Grand Convoy Mēki Version at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{-}}{{anchor|CostCoOverload}}
[[Image:Energontoy_costco_prime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|How many times has this set been reused?]]
*'''Optimus Prime and Overload''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

: A [[Costco]]-exclusive redeco of the ''Armada'' Optimus Prime toy in black, yellow, and brick red, it also came with a redeco of ''Armada'' [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]]. It is from this set that the name of Prime's combined form with Overload, '''Optimus Prime Megaweapon''', comes.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|CustomColorEnergon}}
[[Image:Energontoy custom color prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grand Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Super Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)
**''ID number:'' '''SC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Gyro-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|cancelledrepaint}}
[[Image:Energontoy unreleased prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Super, unreleased)
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Copter-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, trailer, rifle, missile

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

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

===Cybertron===
[[Image:Cybertrontoy leader optimus prime.jpg|right|400px|thumb|"Well... a fire truck is bigger."]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GC-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, [[Cyber Key]]

: The first ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Optimus Prime toy transforms into a heavily-armed fire truck of made up origin, topped with two large cannons. The left fires a spring-loaded translucent blue missile, while the right features electronic sound effects and a flashing red LED. The cannons and the sides of the truck fold down to create an unlikely flight mode for the vehicle.

:In true Prime style, forward portion of the vehicle mode detaches to become Prime himself, while the rear "trailer" transforms into a gun emplacement. In robot mode, the barrel of the truck's left cannon detaches to become a hand-held rifle for Prime, and the figure features an opening chest compartment concealing a removable Matrix of Leadership accessory. Prime's gigantic hands mean that he can't hold it especially ''neatly'', but he can certainly grip hold of it. Atypical of both most Unicron Trilogy figures and indeed, [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Primes]] in general, Prime's hands are ''not'' designed to accommodate weapons with 5mm posts, instead featuring a small peg-hole in his palm that allows him to tightly grip objects designed to fit there, like his own rifle, [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Leobreaker]]'s whip, ''Cybertron'' Wing Saber's swords, and ''Cybertron'' [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]]'s [[Sparkdrinker|axe]].

:As this is the Unicron Triogy we're talking about, it should come as no surprise that Prime can transform into a Super Mode by combining with his trailer, which becomes a massive winged backpack and a pair of large boots, generally evocative of [[Ginrai|God Ginrai]]. To complete his Super Mode look, a small lever of the back of Prime's head raises his traditional mouthplate into place, covering his Optimus Primal-style mouth slot, and two "crests" fold out from either side of his helmet. Hasbro's instructions and stock photography for the figure orient the wings so that the two cannons point over Prime's shoulders, but Takara's have wings arcing up past his shoulders, with the cannons slung under his arms. This was the way Prime appeared in the cartoon series, and was the way all subsequent Hasbro redecos of the toy were positioned. In Super Mode, Prime is a rather top-heavy robot, and his hip joints are not that tight, which makes standing him up a challenging prospect.

:Prime comes with a unique Cyber Key, designed after the twin-handled appearance of the Matrix of Leadership, bearing the [[Cyber Key Codes|code]] '''l8p3'''. When inserted into the cannon that the rifle is part of, a pair of additional spring-loaded missile launchers flip down from the its sides. Slotting the key into the electronic cannon opens up the panels covering the front of the barrel, unlocking a different sound with its button is pressed. The paint job of the key is the principal difference between the Hasbro and Takara versions of the figure; the Japanese release features a metallic gold paint border around the key, furthering its resemblance to the Matrix. Other differences include some more intricate paint applications, and the use of metal hinges to hold on Prime's wing tips, which were removable on Hasbro's version, and came disconnected in-package.

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|LOC1}}
[[Image:LOC CybertronPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Optimus Minor?]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)

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

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

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaloConvoy}}
[[Image:GF MetallicGalaxyConvoy Legends toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|To [[scale]] with something? Blasphemy!]]
* '''Megalo Convoy & Galaxy Convoy Metallic Version''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''GC-23'''

: A special metallic-paint version of Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime was included with the Japanese release of ''Cybertron'' Metroplex, as a demonstration of their actual size difference as depicted on the television series.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act378/ More information on Galaxy Convoy Metallic Version at TFKenkon]''

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldGF}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy gold galaxy convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip
:This gold-chrome and clear-plastic redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure was first offered as a prize in a mail-in contest held through ''TV Magazine'' alongside a silver chrome version of the same toy ([[#SilverGF|see below]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" (again, [[#CustomGF|see below]]).
::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1099/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{-}}{{anchor|SilverGF}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy silver galaxy convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy Silver Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip
:This silver-chromed redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure first saw the light of day as a prize in a ''TV Magazine'' mail-in, offered alongside a gold chrome version of the same toy ([[#GoldGF|see above]]). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" ([[#CustomGF|see below]]). Despite being offered in equal quantities in these contests, this silver version is apparently much harder to come by.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/silver+galaxy+convoy/1797/silver+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Silver Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{-}}{{anchor|CustomGF}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy custom color convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px|It's not that easy being Prime.]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip
:One of the single rarest Lucky Draw Figures in existence, this "Custom Color" redeco of Super Optimus Prime was limited to only ''one'' in the world. It was the grand prize of a coloring contest held in Septemeber 2005's ''TV Magazine'', in which entrants colored in lineart of Prime with the deco they wanted to see. The winning entry was in green, blue and gold, while ten runners-up received one of five gold or five silver Lucky Draw versions of Prime.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy/1104/custom+colour+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Custom Color Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{-}}{{anchor|EZClear}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy ez clear optimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''EZ Collection Clear Set''' (Multi-pack, 2005)

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|PrimeMagnus2pack}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy ridprime magnus 2pack.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Ultra Magnus & Optimus Prime''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Accessories:'' Pistol, 4 missiles

:This Costco exclusive is a redecoed Super ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (RID)|Optimus Prime]] toy, sold in a two-pack with [[Ultra Magnus (Cybertron)|Ultra Magnus]], itself a repackaged redeco of [[Ultra Magnus (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Ultra Magnus]] previously sold in the [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|2003 ''Universe'' toyline]]. He transforms into a Japanese Hino Brandlier fire truck with chromed wheels and rubber tires, the forward section of which detaches to become his standard robot mode. The rear portion becomes a battle station, and disassembles to form armor pieces for the robot that transform Prime into his "Battle Mode".

: The bio that accompanied this set indicates that these toys are new versions of the Unicron Trilogy characters, but no fiction has featured them in these form. However, the dimension-jumping appearance of the ''Robots in Disguise'' Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus in the [[Balancing Act|''Cybertron'' comic]] published in the [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Transformers Collectors' Club magazine]] appears to have been inspired by the release of this set.

:In Australia, this set was released as a Myer exclusive.

{{-}}{{anchor|SonicConvoy}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy_sonic_convoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm gorgeously shiny!]]
* '''Sonic Convoy''' (Toys"R"Us exclusive multi-pack, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''EX-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

:This redeco of Leader-class Optimus Prime replaced most of the plastics in the cab robot with colored translucent equivalents, with chromed silver wrist-pipes, a golden chrome Matrix, and red chrome window frames. His trailer remained opaque, but was cast in much deeper red plastic, with a more metallic silver used for his cannons. He was available only in a Toys"R"Us Japanese exclusive giftset released in October 2005, with a redeco of Wing Saber, and the [[Cobybot|Coby Sen'yō Rumble]].

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

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldMetroplex}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy gold ez convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Megalo Convoy Gold Version''' (Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
:A golden-chrome redeco of ''Cybertron'' Metroplex was offered as a contest prize in the December 2005 issue of ''TV Magazine'', and came with an equally blinged-out Legends/EZ Collection Optimus Prime figure. Fifteen of this set were available as prizes in the initial contest; a single Metroplex was later offered as one of many prizes in a Takara website contest, but this version came only with the standard metallic paint version of Prime.
::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/gold+galaxy+convoy/1103/gold+galaxy+convoy.html More information on Gold EZ Collection Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers]''
{{-}}{{anchor|LeaderGalaxyForce}}
[[Image:Cyb GalaxyForceOptimusPrime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Sowing confusion on message boards everywhere.]]
* '''Galaxy Force Optimus Prime''' (Leader, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

:Released in the latter stages of the ''Cybertron'' toyline, this redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure introduced a new colour scheme that several other tail-end releases would emulate. Taking its name from the Japanese version of ''Cybertron'' and with a bio noting that this new body depicts Prime after he embarks on his galaxy-spanning mission at the end of the ''Cybertron'' cartoon, "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime replaces the original toy's blue parts with black and the translucent blue with smokey clear, and moulds several—but not all—grey parts out of red plastic, including the toy's rifles, rail gun covers, missile launchers and Super Mode leg guns. In the realm of new paint operations, Prime now sports all four Cyber Planet Key symbols on his shoulders, and his unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key (now with the code '''lo9x''') finally has a gold-painted border, as it had always had in Japan. Additionally, Prime's hip joints were tightened up with this release, making it easier to stand him up in Super Mode.

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|CybDx}}
[[Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|You've [[:Image:Supercon ArmadaPrime.jpg|already]] [[:Image:Armada CrystalConvoy.jpg|bought]] [[:Nemesis Prime (Armada)|me]] [[:Ultra Magnus (Universe Two-Pack)|five]] [[:Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|times!]]]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key

:The first Deluxe Optimus Prime figure in the ''Cybertron'' line was a redeco of the [[#Super-Con|Super-Con ''Armada'' Optimus Prime]], recolored in red and black to resemble the Leader class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure. As was the case with [[Ultra Magnus (Universe Two-Pack)|"Battle in a Box" Ultra Magnus]] version of this toy, Prime's forearms were [[Misassembly|swapped]] upon the toy's initial release, leaving his elbows useless, but this was corrected for later releases, which also saw the four planet symbols added to the truck-mode's cab.

:Optimus Prime and his wave-mate [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] debuted a new brand of Cyber Key: [[Retool|retooled]] from the standard Cybertron style key, this version lacked a molded [[insignia]], so that any symbol could be [[tampograph]]ed on to it, and featured a [[Mini-Con]]-style [[Powerlinx]] socket on the back, allowing it to operate the figure's formerly-Mini-Con-activated "punching" feature without the figure itself having to be remolded. The key was stamped with the code '''d56b''', but upon entry into Hasbro's website, this code brought up information about Demolishor, and vice versa.

: This mold was later redecoed for a 2008 ''Universe'' [[#Universe_.282008.29|multi-pack release]].

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

{{-}}{{anchor|LOCGalaxyForce}}
[[Image:Cybertron GFOptimusPrime Legends toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron, 2006)

:Like the Deluxe-class figure before it, this redeco of ''Legends of Cybertron'' Optimus Prime was designed to resemble the Leader class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure, essentially replacing the blue with black, the yellow with silver and adding the Cyber Key symbol tampographs onto his shoulders.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/LOCGFOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Galaxy Force" Legends Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|Gorilla}}
[[Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime beast toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Bananas are the right of all sentient beings.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Jetboard, missile, Jungle Planet Cyber Key

: This unusual iteration of Optimus Prime is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]'' Optimus Primal, transforming into a robotic gorilla in the pseudo-[[technorganic]]-looking style of the other [[Animatron|Jungle Planet]] toys. He comes with a Jungle Planet Cyber Key stamped with the code '''d7s9''', which plugs into his flying surfboard accessory to reveal a spring-loaded missile launcher. His brown and cream deco seems inspired by Donkey Kong, while the scar over his beast mode eye seems intended to homage Peter Jackson's [[King Kong]].

: While this mold was first released earlier in 2006 as part of the ''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' line and is obviously meant to be Optimus Primal, it was developed to fit in with ''Cybertron's'' Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" the ''Beast Wars'' Anniversary release didn't pan out (according to [[Aaron Archer]]'s statements at [[BotCon 2005]]).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Jungle Planet Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|Costoco2pack}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy prime wingsaber 2pack.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Wing Saber''' (multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

:Released in Fall of 2006, this Costco-exclusive two-pack bundled the original version of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure with his combination partner Wing Saber and a DVD including the [[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] episode "[[United]]".
{{-}}{{anchor|LOCTarget4pack}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy LOCtarget4pack.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Megatron, Soundwave, Jetfire & Optimus Prime''' (Legends of Cybertron multi-pack, 2007)

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

===Hybrid Style===
{{anchor|THS01}}

* '''Galaxy Convoy''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''THS-01'''
**[[Image:HybridStyletoy galaxyconvoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]''Accessories'': Trailer/backpack, leg armor (x2), standard head, Super Mode head, left and right fists, left and right pointing hands, left and right open hands, left and right gripping hands, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip (x2)

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

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

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

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

===Transformers (2007)===
[[Image:TargetGenerationsLegends.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Generations Legends''' (Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

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

{{--}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Universe2008toy BftCPK optimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys''' (Sam's Club exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|VsCrumplezone}}
[[Image:Universe2008CybOptimusPrimeAndCrumplezone.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs Crumplezone''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

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

==Merchandise==
===Fast food promotions===
{{anchor|ArmadaMcD}}
[[Image:Armadatoy happymeal prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toy, 2002)

: An extremely simplified version of Optimus Prime, this [[McDonald's]] Happy Meal toy transforms into a trailer-less truck cab. He is formed out of a large percentage of translucent plastic, and can combine with the other Happy Meal Armada toys (Hot Shot, Red Alert, and Smokescreen) into a human (well, robot) pyramid-style configuration, notionally considered a "[[Mighty Robot]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/McOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on McDonald's Armada Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonMcD1}}
[[Image:McEnergon-prime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Jesus and Santa rolled into one.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toy, 2004-2005)
**''Accessories'': Energon Cube, "Mini-Con" remote

:The Happy Meal version of ''Energon'' Optimus Prime features a very similar transformation sequence to his larger figure, though his limited articulation means that his shoulder insignias aren't visible in robot mode when his arms are facing forward. His torso his hollow to contain his electronic "Energon Cube" accessory, which generates effects when activated by remote control. This remote is in the form of the Mini-Con jet [[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]], and can mount on the top of his cab in truck form.

:Unreleaed in the United States, Prime and his fellow Happy Meal toys initially appeared in (at least) the [[Netherlands]] in September 2004, before making their way to the [[United Kingdom]] in February 2005, to [[New Zealand]] in March, and to [[Australia]] in November.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/McOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on McDonald's Energon Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}{{anchor|CybertronBK}}
[[Image:Cybertrontoy burgerking optimus.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (Burger King kids meal toy, 2005)

:Available in kids meals from [[Burger King]], this Optimus Prime is transforms into the character's basic fire engine "cab", lacking a trailer or a Super Mode. Made entirely from blue and red plastic, he features only the tiniest token amount of paint, for his windows and wheels.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/BKPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Burger King Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:SCF armada primes.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:A three-inch tall non-transforming PVC figurine of Optimus Prime was released in the ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''-specific ninth wave of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. The figure came in both full colour and metallic silver "pewter" variants, available at an equal ratio one each in every case of twelve blindpacked figures.

*'''Convoy (Cybertron Mode)''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:A rare [[chase figure]] of Optimus in his Cybertronian body, as seen in the first [[First Encounter|two]] [[Metamorphosis|episodes]] of the ''Armada'' cartoon, was also available in the ninth ''Super Collection Figure'' wave. It could only be found in one out of every ten cases, taking the place of the full-color version of the regular Prime figure in that assortment.

*'''Convoy Super Mode''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:A PVC of Prime in his Super Mode was part of the tenth ''Super Collection Figure'' wave, continuing the ''Armada'' theme of the previous one. As with the first figure, he was available in both full colour and pewter variants, one of each of which could be found in every case of twelve blindpacked figures.

*'''Convoy Super Mode w/ Star Saber''' (2003)
**''Accessories:'' Display base
:Prime filled one of the chase figure slots for the tenth wave as well. This rare figure was the same as the regular Super Mode PVC, except instead of wielding his Convoy Gun, Prime was armed with the Star Saber sword. As with the previous chase figure, it could only be found in one out of every ten cases, and took the place of the full-colour Prime figure in that assortment.
{{-}}

===Mega Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:MegaSCF armada primes.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy Supermode''' (2002)
**''ID number:'' '''08'''
**''Accessories:'' Prime Mini-Con, Convoy Gun, two clenched fists, two open hands
:A five-inch tall, non-transforming highly-articulated PVC figure of Optimus Prime in his Super Mode was the eighth entry in Takara's ''Mega Super Collection Figure'' series. In addition to a non-transforming figurine of Sparkplug, Optimus comes with two sets of alternate hands—one set with spread palms, one curled into fists—and is armed with his Convoy Gun, which can either peg into his right fist (and ''only'' his right fist) or onto his back.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part3/act61/index.php More information on Mega SCF Convoy Super Mode at TFKenkon.com]''

*'''Convoy Normalmode''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''12'''
**''Accessories:'' Star Saber, Convoy Gun
:A ''Mega Super Collection Figure'' of Prime in his "normal mode" was released a few months after the first figure. He came with a translucent blue Star Saber, and a much larger version of the Convoy Gun accessory, creating a sense of comparative scale, even though he's the same height as the Super Mode figure. Like the Super Mode figure, only his right fist has a peg-hole in it, so he can't hold both weapons at once.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act132/ More information on Mega SCF Convoy at TFKenkon.com]''
{{--}}

===Q-Robo Collection===
[[Image:QRobo armada prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (2003)
:Optimus Prime was one of only two ''Armada''-theme figures in the otherwise Generation 1-centric ''[[Q-Robo Collection]]'' line of [[super deformed]] PVC figurines, the other being ''Armada'' Megatron. Like all the figures in the series, Prime featured articulation in the neck and shoulders, and was also available in a translucent colored plastic: as an Autobot, Optimus came in translucent red, but was also uniquely available in a golden metallic "pewter" variant as the wave's solitary rare chase figure. All ''Q-Robo'' figures were sold in sets of two, one full-color figure and one translucent one, blindpacked in a plastic capsule.

::*''[http://snakas.web.infoseek.co.jp/figure/q_robo1.htm More information on the Q-Robo Collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{--}}
===Big Transformers===
[[Image:BigTF_optimusprimes.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
**''Accessories:'' Convoy Gun
:A non-transforming PVC figurine of Optimus Prime was released by Japanese confectionery company [[Kabaya]] in the first wave of their ''[[Big Transformers]]'' line of [[candy toy]]s. He comes armed with his "Convoy Gun", and was packaged with fizzy "Ramune" candy.

*'''Convoy Super Mode''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''2'''
**''Accessories:'' Prime Mini-Con
:The first wave of ''Big Transformers'' also included a figure of Prime in his Super Mode. In addition to being able to hold the standard figure's Convoy Gun, Super Mode Prime comes with an unpainted figurine of vehicle-mode Sparkplug that can attach to the hardpoints on his shoulders, or to any of the other figures in the wave.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part4/act78/index.php More information on Big Transformers wave 1 at TFKenkon.com]''

*'''Jet Convoy''' (2003)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
:A figure of Prime combined with Jetfire was release as part of the second ''Big Transformers'' wave, which came with no accessories of its own, but could hold any of the weapons released with the other second wave figures, including Jetfire's gun, the Star Saber, the Skyboom, and the Requiem Blaster. As with the first wave figures, he came packaged with Ramune candy.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act138/ More information on Big Transformers wave 2 at TFKenkon.com]''
{{-}}
===Mini Car Collection===
[[Image:MiniCarCollection_optimusprimes.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Convoy''' (die-cast vehicle, 2003)
:French die-cast model producers [[Majorette]] teamed with Kabaya to produce the ''[[Transformers Mini Car Collection]]'', a line of ''Armada''-themed die-cast vehicles, all of which were redecos of pre-existing Majorette toys. Prime was a redeco of Majorette toy #256—a long-nosed tow truck—in his traditional red and blue, now bearing the Autobot insignia, the ''Micron Legend'' logo, and an image of the Autobot leader on its hood. The toy came with a pack of gum.

*'''Convoy Super Mode''' (die-cast vehicle, 2003)
:A second die-cast vehicle representing Prime was also part of the ''Mini Car Collection'', this one a red redeco of Majorette toy #291, a Chevrolet K-10 pick-up. To distinguish it from the other Optimus vehicle, this one is randomly allocated the "Super Mode" label, and features a image of the leader in his powered-up form on is hood in addition to the Autobot symbol and series logo.
{{-}}

===Transformers Figure===
[[Image:Omron optimus primes.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Convoy''' (2003)
:A non-transforming 5" PVC figurine of Optimus Prime was released by [[Omron Entertainment]] as part of their simply-named ''[[Transformers Figure]]'' line of gaming arcades prizes. Despite there being a nationwide commercial for the figures, their distribution was poor, and not many arcades actually wound up carrying them.
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/part6/act127/ More information on Omron PVC figures from TFKenkon.com]

===Transformers Die Cast Figure===
*'''Convoy''' (2003)
:In addition to their range of PVCs, Omron also released a small line of solid [[die-cast]] metal figures. A golden version of Optimus was part of this ''[[Transformers Die Cast Figure|Die Cast Figure]]'' line, clocking in at about 3.5" tall.
::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/transformers-pvc-300/convoy-micron-legend-omron-diecast-5958/ More information on die-cast Omron Optimus Prime at TFW2005.com]
===Mascot Keychain===

*'''Convoy''' (2003)
:Omron also released a series of 2.5" tall ''Armada''-themed PVC figurines as the ''[[Mascot Keychain]]'' line, including Optimus Prime.

===Transformers Strap===
*'''Megatron''' (2003)
:Omron's keychains were not limited to soft plastic, with die-cast versions of the same characters from the ''Mascot Keychain'' line being made available in their ''[[Transformers Strap]]'' range. This Prime is pretty much identical to the ''Die Cast Figure'' version of the character, just a little smaller—about 2.5" in height—and with the addition of a keychain with a wrist-strap.
{{-}}
===Battle for Cybertron Game===
[[Image:BattleforCybertron optimus piece.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Transformers: Armada - Battle for Cybertron Game''' (2003)
:A small figurine of Optimus Prime was among the eight Transformers character playing pieces included with the [[Milton Bradley]] ''[[Battle for Cybertron Game|Battle for Cybertron]]'' board game.
::*''[http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6841/transformers-armada-battle-for-cybertron More information on Battle for Cybertron at BoardGameGeek.com]''
{{--}}
===Flashlight Keychain===
[[Image:Armada optimusprime keychain.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Transformers Armada Flashlight Keychain'''

: Distributed by [[Basic Fun]], this keychain is a likeness of Prime's Armada form. It has rotation joints at the neck and shoulders. Pressing a button on Prime's back activates a light located between his feet. He has a keychain protruding from between his shoulder blades. Handy!
{{--}}
===Bubble Twist===
[[Image:BubbleTwist optimusprime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2003)
:A small solid-color PVC figurine of Optimus Prime in Super Mode was among the [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] toys available with [[Bubble Twist]] bubble gum, produced by Hasbro's subsidiary [[Cap Candy]] and only available at Toys"R"Us. Like all figures in the series, Optimus was available in red, blue, purple, grey and black.
::*''[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=2059 More information on Bubble Twist at TFormers.com]''
{{--}}
===DX Transformers===
[[Image:DXTF grand convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grand Convoy''' (2004)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
**''Accessories:'' Convoy Gun

:This small version of ''Energon'' Optimus Prime was released by Kabaya as part of their ''[[DX Transformers]]'' line of candy toys. Prime transforms in the same manner as the larger ''Energon'' figures do, though his arms have to be removed at the shoulder and reinserted into his back to form truck mode. The Prime Force were sold in a separate set in the ''DX Transformers'' series, and can combine with Prime to form his Super Mode. Optimus came with a stick of gum.
::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/other-kabaya-cybertrons-445/grand-convoy-dx-transformer-2907/ More information on DX Transformers Grand Convoy at TFW2005]''
{{--}}

===Pla-Kit Collection===
[[Image:Plakit grand convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Grand Convoy Super Mode''' (Pla-Kit Collection, 2004)
**''ID number:'' '''PKS 01'''
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Gyro-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, Convoy Gun, 3 "bullets", [[Energon star]], standard robot mode feet (x2), standard mode head, Super Mode head, antenna

: This miniature model kit of ''Energon'' Optimus Prime comes unassembled and unpainted, moulded mainly from white, red and black plastic and featuring some stickers for essential detail. Standing at around 4.5 inches tall, he comes with his Prime Force drones and can combine with them in the usual ways; while Fire-1, Gyro-2 and Digger-3 are moulded in their normal colours, Submarine-4 is stuck being black, and like every other non-color-molded, non-stickered detail on the kit, must be painted by the buyer. Prime's transformation involves removing his feet and head (an alternate Super Mode head is included, as his antenna does not transform into a helmet), and he does not come with a trailer for the Prime Force, but his gun can shoot small orange plastic BBs via a pressure-launching mechanism, and he comes with a small gold-chromed Energon star that fits onto his left shoulder. The kit also comes with "Episode 1" of the "[[Optimus Prime VS Scourge]]" mini-comic, printed on the back of the instructions.

:The kit was later [[redeco]]ed into Grand Convoy Super Mode White Version (see below) and [[Grand Scourge]], which came with episode 2 of the Convoy VS Scourge story.

::*''[http://snakas.web.infoseek.co.jp/energon/pks01.htm More information on Pla-Kit Grand Convoy Super Mode at Autobase Aichi]''

*'''Grand Convoy Super Mode White Version''' (Pla-Kit Collection, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Fire-1, Gyro-2, Digger-3, Submarine-4, Convoy Gun, 3 "bullets", [[Energon star]], standard robot mode feet (x2), standard mode head, Super Mode head, antenna

:A redeco (or should that be ''de''-deco?) of the Grand Convoy Super Mode Pla-Kit, Grand Convoy Super Mode White Version was available exclusively on July 17th and 18th at the Japanese convention, Kodansha Super Chara Festival 2004 ("K-Fest"). It is a solid white version of the normal model kit, possessing all the features of the normal figure, which was intended to be used in a customization/painting contest held at the convention. It lacks the comic of the normal release.

:The Grand Convoy Pla-Kit was also used to make Grand Scourge.

::*''[http://snakas.web.infoseek.co.jp/energon/pks01white.htm More information on Pla-Kit Grand Convoy Super Mode White Version at Autobase Aichi]''

===Super Real Figure===
[[Image:WingConvoySuperRealFigure.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Wing Convoy Super Real Figure''' (TV-kun exclusive, 2004)

:Wing Convoy Super Real Figure (ウイングコンボイ超リアルフィギュア, ''Wing Convoy chou Real Figure'') is a PVC of Optimus Prime combined with [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]] in Flight Mode. It was sold exclusively with the August issue of ''[[TV-kun]]'' magazine, first on sale July 1st, 2004.

::*''[http://snakas.web.infoseek.co.jp/energon/wingfig_televi.htm More information on Wing Convoy Super Real Figure at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}
[[Image:WingConvoyOriginalFigure.jpg|thumb|300px|I sure am Optimus Prime. Yesiree.]]
*'''Wing Convoy Original Figure''' (JUSCO exclusive, 2004)

:A [[redeco]] of the Wing Convoy Super Real Figure, Wing Convoy Original Figure (ウイングコンボイオリジナルフィギュア) was available at JUSCO department stores starting on July 30th 2004. The figure was available with purchase of a Wing Saber figure, and came in a platic baggie, rather unattractively scotch-taped inside the toy's packaging. A sticker was placed on Wing Saber's packaging to note the promotion.

:Despite being sold as Wing Convoy/Optimus Prime, the figure's color scheme bears a striking resemblance to that of [[Grand Scourge]], whose model kit was on sale the same month.

::*''[http://snakas.web.infoseek.co.jp/energon/wingfig_jusco.htm More information on Wing Convoy Super Original Figure at Autobase Aichi]''
{{-}}

===Chupa Chups===
[[Image:Chupachups_optimusprimes.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Transformers Armada Spin Pop Candy''' (2004)
:Produced by the [[Chupa Chups]] lollipop company, this small version of Prime is essentially a battery-powered "holder" for lollipops, which fit behind his head and are spun around by a motor that activates when his pelvis is pressed. Prime has articulation in his shoulders, and his fists feature small holes that allow him to hold and store two more lollipops, in addition to the strawberry sucker he comes with.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act263/ More information on Optimus Prime spin pop at TFKenkon]''

*'''Optimus Prime''' (2006)
:This opening clamshell case of ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime's head contains a Chupa Chups lollipop inside, and has a clasp attached to it that can be hooked to your belt or backpack.

*'''Tranformers Cybertron Mini Spin Pop Candy''' (2006)

:This ''Cybertron'' spin pop consists of a generic handle with an Optimus Prime sticker, topped with a figurine of Prime through which the included lollipop slots. When the handle is squeezed, a manual gear mechanism spins both the figure and lollipop—no batteries necessary! The handle was also redecoed in orange for a Megatron spin pop, with a figure of the Decepticon leader on top.
{{--}}

===Hyper Transformers===
[[Image:HyperTransformers optimusprimes.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Wing Convoy Cannon Mode''' (2004)
**''ID number:'' '''2'''
**''Accessories:'' Shoulder cannons (x2)

:Kabaya's second candy toy of ''Energon'' Optimus Prime was released as part of the ''[[Hyper Transformers]]'' series. This non-transforming figurine depicts Prime in his lesser-seen combined mode with Wing Saber: "Fight Mode", as Hasbro called it, or "Cannon Mode" in Japan. The figure's shoulder cannons came on a separate sprue in-package and had to be removed by the buyer. Prime's head can be removed and attached to the ''Hyper Transformers'' Omega Supreme figure, creating Optimus Supreme. As a candy toy, Prime came with a stick of gum.

::*''[http://snakas.web.infoseek.co.jp/energon/kabaya_hyper.htm More information on Hyper Transformers Wing Convoy at Autobase Aichi]''
{{--}}

===Energon Figure Pen===
[[Image:TransformersEnergonFigurePen.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Standing up—my one weakness!"]]
*'''Transformers Energon Figure pen''' (2004)

: The Transformers Energon figure pen is based on Optimus Prime in his standard Energon body. About the size of a scout class toy, he transforms from truck mode to robot mode almost identically to his mainline toys, apart from the fact that his feet contain the pen and cannot bend. It's really hard to write with, and almost impossible to pose, even though it has full arm articulation. Amusingly, this figure can position itself to transform into his super robot mode (by flipping his helmet on, opening his chest and flipping his hands in), but because there are no versions of the Prime Force drones in this scale, it's impossible to complete him.

:The pen was manufactured and distributed by Stylus.
{{-}}
===Hyper Galaxy===
[[Image:HyperGalaxy galaxyconvoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle

:The first of several ''Cybertron''-themed candy toys articulated, a non-transforming figure of ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime was released by Kabaya as part of their small ''[[Hyper Galaxy]]'' line of candy toys. The figure came with a stick of gum.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/other-kabaya-cybertrons-445/galaxy-convoy-hyper-galaxy-3100/ More information on Hyper Galaxy Galaxy Convoy at TFW2005]''
{{-}}
[[Image:HyperGalaxy galaxyconvoysupermode.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy Super Mode''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''2'''
**''Accessores:'' Left and right cannons.
:The ''Hyper Galaxy'' series also included a figurine of Optimus Prime in his Super Mode. Rather than swivel, Prime's distinctive twin cannons are instead removable, pegging to either his arms or the backs of his wings. This figure also came with chewing gum.

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/other-kabaya-cybertrons-445/galaxy-convoy-super-mode-hyper-galaxy-3101/ More information on Hyper Galaxy Galaxy Convoy Super Mode at TFW2005]''
{{--}}

===Blockformers===
[[Image:Blockformers galaxyconvoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle, left and right leg armor, left and right leg guns, left and right missile pods
:This Kabaya candy toy of ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime transformed into cab mode through disassembling into its component pieces and being rebuilt, hence the line's name of ''[[Blockformers]]''. He came with his hand-held rifle, and a stick of chewing gum. Each figure in the ''Blockformers'' line came with additional pieces that could combine with Prime to either make his trailer in vehicle mode, or convert his robot form into Super Mode. Prime himself came with his missile pod/shoulder brackets, his leg armor and guns, his right cannon came with Leobreaker, his backpack and wings came with [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], his Super Mode head came with [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]], and his left cannon came with [[Evac (Cybertron)|Evac]].

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/other-kabaya-cybertrons-445/galaxy-convoy-blockformers-3103/ More information on Blockformers Galaxy Convoy at TFW2005].
{{--}}

===Change Galaxy===
[[Image:ChangeGalaxy galaxyconvoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Galaxy Convoy''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
**''Accessories:'' Rifle, left and right leg armor, Super Mode head
:Optimus Prime was the central figure of Kabaya's final ''Cybertron'' candy toy series, ''[[Change Galaxy]]'', which was themed around his combinations with Leobreaker and Wing Saber. In addition to being transformable (again, through partial disassembly), this figure of Prime combines with the ''Change Galaxy'' versions of his partners, forming Savage Claw Mode and Sonic Wing Mode. Prime himself came packaged with an alternate Super Mode head and his leg armour in order to complete his appearance in each of these forms. Additional Super Mode pieces were not created for this line, as that wasn't the point.
::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/resources/other-kabaya-cybertrons-445/galaxy-convoy-change-galaxy-3108/ More information on Change Galaxy Galaxy Convoy at TFW2005]''
{{--}}

===Gummy Candy===
[[Image:ClassicsGummies.jpg|right|thumb|]]
*'''Transformers Gummy Candy''' (2006)

:Optimus Prime was one of three Transformers characters immortalized in [[Gummy Candy]] form by the [[Frankford Candy & Chocolate Company]]. Released during the time when ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' had just replaced ''Cybertron'' on the toy shelves, Prime's candy depicts him in his ''Cybertron'' body, alongside [[Bumblebee (G1)|Generation 1 Bumblebee]] and a kooky ''Cybertron/Classics'' Megatron cross-breed. The candies were all sold individually in blister bubbles.
{{--}}

===Attacktix===
[[Image:Attacktix superoptimusprime goldbase.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Super Optimus Prime''' (Intergalactic Showdown, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=SVT05
|faction=Autobot
|class=Leader
|special=Recover - 8/26 (31%) success ratio
|cost=40
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Heavy Energy Blast)
}}
{{-}}
:What can one say about a beast of a figure like [[Attacktix]] Super Optimus Prime? With the biggest missile, and probably the best defense in Attacktix, Super Optimus Prime is a devastating figure. This version of the figure is the Gold-based one available only in the Star Wars vs. Transformers pack.

:The SVT05 version of Super Optimus Prime has a gold base and a different power to the Booster version. He's able to recover — standing up if you have another figure in play. In tournament play only one gold-based Attacktix figure may be used per team.

:The mould has four points of articulation; head, shoulders and waist.

{{-}}
[[Image:Attacktix superoptimusprime booster.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Super Optimus Prime''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF13
|faction=Autobot
|class=Leader
|special=Transform - 8/26 (31%) success ratio
|cost=40
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Heavy Energy Blast)
}}
{{-}}

:The booster version of Super Optimus Prime is nearly identical to the normal version except that it has a black base and a different power. Its power allows you to summon Super Optimus Prime's vehicle form from your backups — ''transforming'' the figure.

{{-}}
[[Image:Attacktix superoptimusprime vehicle.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Super Optimus Prime (Vehicle)''' (Booster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF14
|faction=Autobot
|class=Leader
|special=Transform - 20/26 (77%) success ratio
|cost=30
|speed=8
|attacktype=Shooter (Small Missile)
}}
{{-}}
:Based on Cybertron Optimus Prime's fire truck mode, this figure is basically a support figure for your Super Optimus Prime robot mode figures. The figure's very reliable ''Transform'' power allows a player to get the expensive 40 point Super Optimus Prime figure into play for only 30 points.

:The vehicle mode figure sits on a raised platform that can rotate 360 degrees, and his ladder has limited articulation. His high speed makes him one of the fastest shooters in the game.
{{-}}
*'''Super Optimus Prime''' (Booster, <strike>2007</strike>)
[[Image:AttacktixSuperOptimusPrimeSparkAttack.jpg|thumb|200px]]
{{attacktix
|ID=TF15
|faction=Autobot
|class=Warrior
|special=Recruit -
|cost=50
|speed=6
|attacktype=
}}
{{-}}
:A redeco of Super Optimus Prime in a scheme evoking the ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' "Spark Attack" Apex Armor Optimus Prime PVC was planned for the second wave of Attacktix boosters. Like the rest of the figures in that assortment, it never saw release.

:The version of this piece seen at the [[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]] Celebration IV convention was translucent, not opaque, indicating that the stock photograph used an early painted mock-up.

{{canceledattacktix}}

{{-}}

==Notes==
* The first test shots of Superbase Optimus Prime had a [http://www.behindthetoys.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7661 molded and recessed Autobot insignia] on the chest button rather than a flat surface with a tampographed symbol. It is unknown why this change was made.

[[Image:MonsterConvoy.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Arise, Bigfootimus Prime.]]
* One of the earliest ''Armada'' Optimus Prime concepts depicts him as being an ENORMOUSLY HUGE MONSTER TRUCK. Makes one wonder about the origins of the "Monster Convoy" inscription on Super Base Optimus Prime's tires.

* ''Cybertron'' Optimus Prime has some design similarities to GaoGaiGar from ''[[wikipedia:The_King_of_Braves_GaoGaiGar|The King of Braves GaoGaiGar]]'', such as the chin protrusion and cheekguards.

{{-}}

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

[[Category:Armada Autobots]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Energon Autobots]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Kmart exclusives]]
[[Category:Matrix bearers]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Leadfoot (DOTM)

2012-06-12T15:07:45Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|autobot|wreckers}}
{{disambig3|Leadfoot}}

:''Leadfoot is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Dark of the Moon (franchise)|Dark of the Moon]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:LeadfootDOTM-poster.jpg|right|thumb|400px|[[BotCon]]'s most popular cosplay subject.]]

'''Leadfoot''' is one of the [[Wrecker]]s, a group of former engineers turned fighters who have turned their talents to kicking [[Decepticon]] tail across the galaxy. His specialty is building bigger and better weapons, WITH SCIENCE! Unsurprisingly, this vocation has led him to strike up a friendship with the Autobots resident weapons-hound [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. The way the two egg each other on towards bigger and better "boom-sticks", the other Autobots fear one day waking up to find [[Wheeljack (G1)|a smoking crater where their workshop once stood.]]

{{quote| Wreckers, kill it!|Leadfoot and his pals engage in some brutality|''[[Dark of the Moon (film)]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''Dark of the Moon'' (film)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[John DiMaggio]] (English), [[Hiroshi Iwasaki]] (Japanese), [[Raul Solo]] (Latin American Spanish) [[Renzo Stacchi]] (Italian)

{{quote|We were hidden in the first booster rocket to separate. Splashed down in the Atlantic just as planned. (Spits) We ain't going nowhere.|Leadfoot after dismantling a Decepticon pilot|''[[Dark of the Moon (film)]]''}}

[[Image:DOTM-RoadbusterLeadfoot.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Get in mah belleh!]]

Leadfoot, Topspin and Roadbuster, collectively known as [[Wrecker|the Wreckers]], by [[Charlotte Mearing]], had arrived with the second wave of Autobots aboard the Autobot ship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', and were rarely let off of the [[NASA]] base because of their attitude. They would spend most of their time working on repairing their ship along with some human engineers, including [[Robert Epps]].

When [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] announced that the current occupation force of Autobots was to be exiled or the Earth would face the wrath of hundreds of Decepticons, the three prepared the ship for launch and accompanied [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and the others aboard, sending the ship into the atmosphere - where it was then targeted and blown to smithereens by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], seemingly killing all the Autobots aboard. Undaunted by this, the Autobot's human allies nonetheless tried to launch an incursion into Decepticon-held [[Chicago]].

Fortunately for them, the Autobots were not actually aboard the ship, and had only feigned their deaths in order to keep the Decepticons from following up on their global threat. Leadfoot and the other Wreckers swung into action immediately, rescuing Epps, [[Sam Witwicky]] and a group of soldiers from a [[Orbital Assault Carrier|Decepticon fighter]] and executing the pilot. Leadfoot revealed that they had hidden in the ''Xantium's'' booster rocket which had separated moments before the ship's destruction, stating that they weren't going anywhere.

While the Autobots were scouting a route to the building containing Sentinel's [[Space bridge]] pillars, [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his pet [[Driller]] separated Optimus from his weapons trailer. Optimus ordered Leadfoot and the other Wreckers to create a distraction so that he could retrieve it, and in their armored race car forms fired at Shockwave with their machine guns until being forced to retreat, leaving behind [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], who had hitched a ride with them. After Optimus had become snared in a construction site's cables, the Wreckers set out to free him. After doing so they rejoined the battle, battling against a long-limbed Decepticon. After the battle Leadfoot stood with the other survivors, accepting that Cybertron was gone forever and that Earth was their new home. {{storylink|Dark of the Moon (film)}}

===Target.com profile===
{{notemoviebio}}

Leadfoot single-handedly stormed [[Kaon]] to rescue a group of Autobot prisoners, defeating or destroying a number of Decepticons, including dueling and defeating [[Space Case (DOTM)|Space Case]], busting up the Decepticon's mental circuits in the process. He was then personally recruited for the Wreckers by Ironhide.

He has since used his mechanical skills to improve the performance of both of Ironhide's arm cannons, as well as reconfigure his companion [[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]] into the souped-up engine he is today. {{storylink|Explore the Cyberglyph Wall for Secrets and Savings#The Story of Leadfoot|The Story of Leadfoot}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
[[Image:DOTM_CyberverseLegion_Leadfoot.jpg|thumb|300px|I'm tubby and short and stubby!]]
* '''Leadfoot''' (Cyberverse Legion, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''007'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV17'''

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Cyberverse]] Legion single-pack toys, Leadfoot is a [[Legends Class|Legends-scale]] figure that transforms into a [[NASCAR]] [[wikipedia:Chevrolet_Impala#NASCAR_Sprint_Cup|Sprint Cup Chevy Impala]] stock car, specifically [[wikipedia:Juan_Pablo_Montoya|Juan Pablo Montoya's]] [[Target]]-sponsored #42 car, albeit heavily modified with a ridiculous amount of exposed (non-firing) weaponry and all the various sponsor logos concealed by the modifications. Present on the both sides of the car doors is the Sprint Cup logo found on all the Wreckers.

{{-}}

[[Image:Leadfoot_Target_Cyberverse.jpg|thumb|300px|...and now a corporate whore!]]
{{anchor|TargetCyberverseVs}}
*'''Leadfoot and Ironhide''' (Target exclusive Cyberverse 2-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' Cyberverse blaster

: Leadfoot comes as a [[Target]]-[[exclusive]] [[repaint]] of the legion figure. His entire hood is now painted red, with the Target Bulls-eye logo prominently displayed. The Sprint Cup logos are moved from his doors to the front fender, and his face and windshield lack the standard release's silver [[paint operation]]s. Other minor changes include the addition of a small Autobot [[insignia]] on his forehead, and the omission of the large Autobot insignia on the left of his left leg. He comes with ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Megaplex]]'s [[Megaplex#Machine_Wars|two-piece rifle]] and a [[redeco]] of [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#TargetCyberverseVs|Ironhide]].

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:DOTMDeluxeLeadfootJapan.jpg|thumb|300px|Well, bite my shiny metal - OH, NOOO!!!!]]
* '''Leadfoot''' (MechTech Deluxe, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DA34'''
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Cannon/Power Saw, two small guns, one large gun

:Released [[November 17]]th in Japan, TakaraTomy's single release of [[MechTech]] Deluxe-Class Leadfoot... does not actually look like its stock photos. The retail version has a silver-painted head and shoulders, a pair of white Autobot symbols on the hood and white stripes on its transformed rear fenders, plus it includes a redeco of [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys 3|Ratchet]]'s MechTech saw. The hey?

:This release comes packed with a character card and an accompanying transparent plastic card of his MechTech weapon for the MechTech Wars online game.

{{-}}

{{anchor|AutobotRacers}}
*'''Autobot Team Racers''' (Target exclusive MechTech Deluxe 2-Pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' MechTech Cannon/Power Saw, two small guns, one large gun

:This two-pack was originally represented at the [[BotCon 2011]] Hasbro slide show by stock photography of an unaltered deluxe Topspin (as a new character named Twin Twist) and, uh, ''Human Alliance'' Leadfoot. It has since been announced to be canceled along with some of the other US releases. A later [[eBay]] auction of this unreleased two-pack revealed that Leadfoot (now the Deluxe Class toy) would have come with a completely unaltered [[Topspin (DOTM)#AutobotRacers|Topspin figure]] (instead of Twin Twist), while Leadfoot himself would have featured his sponsor logos, such as the bullseye logo on his gut.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=87087 Thread about eBay auction of canceled Target-exclusive "Autobot Team Racers" two-pack]</ref>

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

====Human Alliance====
[[Image:HA_Leadfoot.jpg‎|thumb|350px|Was anyone surprised that this was a [[Target]] [[exclusive]]?]]
[[Image:HA_Leadfoot_TakaraTomy.JPG‎|thumb|350px|Was anyone surprised that this ''wasn't'' a Target exclusive?]]
*'''Leadfoot / [[Sergeant Detour]] & [[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]''' (Human Alliance, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DA30'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile, leash
:[[Human Alliance]] Leadfoot transforms into the same NASCAR Chevy Impala as the Cyberverse toy, although this one does not have any robotic bits showing in car mode. He comes with [[Sergeant Detour]] and [[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]].

:As usual, Sergeant Detour (or any other Human Alliance driver figure) can sit on the seats in vehicle mode or peg onto the robot's hands. He can also man two flip-out guns on Leadfoot's hood-chest as well as ride Steeljaw in his [[cyber-dog]] mode.

:Steeljaw can also convert into what might charitably be called a "weapon", which is basically his head flipped up and the limbs arranged into a crossbow-shaped missile launcher. The weapon itself can be pegged onto either Leadfoot's forearm or back via MechTech ports. Steeljaw also includes a detachable chain 'leash' which can peg to Steeljaw and be pegged into Leadfoot's hand. The leash itself stores in Leadfoot's right arm.

:Finally, as with all of the large Human Alliance figures, he has a gimmick concerning his head. It's essentially the same gimmick as Jazz's and Roadbuster's: when a lever on the back of his head is flipped, he dons a pair of visor-like "sunglasses".

:There are also hundreds of ways that Leadfoot's beer-belly and door chest can be arranged.

:One can store the missile by pegging it onto the thin ridge on the underside of Leadfoot's crotch in either mode. Somewhat unfortunately, it's not very subtle, with the missile proudly sticking out and erect between the seats in vehicle mode. Even more unfortunately, it's Leadfoot's ''crotch'', so storing the missile in robot mode will make Leadfoot particularly happy to see you. Also notable is that his top-heaviness makes him prone to falling over when standing completely straight. Placing him in an action-oriented pose can remedy this.

:There are two deco [[variant]]s of Leadfoot: A Target-exclusive version with the Target logos, car numbers, and other sponsors perfectly visible, especially the bullseye logo on his gut, and the [[TakaraTomy]] version that's been ''completely'' de-sponsored, lacking all of his markings, making the car look ''very'' bare as a result. In exchange, the entire car shell has received a shiny coat of paint, and the robot mode's lower legs, forearms and head are painted silver.

:The Japanese release comes packed with a character card for the MechTech Wars online game. Interestingly, the card still shows Leadfoot with all of his markings, but with the Target logo on his chest lacking the inner circle, essentially just being a ring.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Speed Stars===
====Mini-Vehicles====
*'''Leadfoot''' (2011)
**''Series:'' '''Stealth Force'''
**''Number:'' '''4 of 5'''

:[[Speed Stars]] Leadfoot is a non-transforming NASCAR Sprint Cup Chevy Impala stock car with a sculpted robot mode relief on his underside, and has a deco similar to his Target-exclusive versions. He was sold exclusively at Target, generally in the stocking-stuffer section.

{{picsneeded}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Leadfoot is the odd man out amongst the NASCAR trio in that his real-world counterpart is owned by Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, while [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] are based on Hendrick Motorsports racers.
* It sure is convenient that Leadfoot's Cyberverse toy conspicuously covers up those giant Target logos, isn't it? Much easier [[to sell toys]] at [[Walmart]] that way.
* Leadfoot appears to have a "beard" and a "beer gut," making him appear much like a stereotypical NASCAR fan.
* As part of the promotions for ''[[Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]'', the film prop versions of Leadfoot, Roadbuster, and Topspin made appearances at the [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]]th. They appeared both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.
* Contrary to the various images above, the headlights on real-world NASCAR racers don't work. They're actually just [[decal]]s.
* Despite already sporting Chevrolet Impala [[kibble]] in robot mode, Leadfoot's concept art featured sponsor decals that were based on the 2008 season's [[Wikipedia:File:Reed_Sorenson_2008_Target_Dodge_Charger.jpg|Target-sponsored #41 Dodge Charger]] driven by [[Wikipedia:Reed Sorenson|Reed Sorenson]], the concept art even featured him with the backlights of the Dodge Avenger.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>
* Early working names for him included '''Flash'''.<ref name="nizzi"/> In the movie's end credits, he's listed under two names, '''Leadfoot/Target''', the latter referring to his NASCAR vehicle mode's [[Target|primary sponsor]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Leadfoot''' (レッドフット ''Reddofutto'')

==Footnotes==
<references />

[[Category: Cyberverse]]
[[Category: Dark of the Moon Autobots]]
[[Category: Scientists]]
[[Category: Wreckers]]
[[Category: Target exclusives]]

Devcon (DOTM)

2012-06-12T15:00:51Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig3|Devcon}}

:''Devcon is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Clovercon.jpg|thumb|right|500px|Approximately seven hours ago, some... thing attacked the city. I don't know what it is. If you found this tape, I mean if you're watching this right now, then you probably know more about it than I do.]]

Despite being a quadruped, '''Devcon''' is still a formidable foe to tangle with, towering over many other Cybertronians.

==Fiction==
===''Dark of the Moon'' film===

Devcon had been stationed on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] until [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] activated a [[space bridge]] to Earth. Heeding the call of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], he joined the Decepticon beachhead in [[Washington, D.C.]]. During the invasion of [[Chicago]], Devcon participated in the initial strike and contributed to the mayhem. During the Autobots' attack on this Decepticon stronghold, he was one of the many Decepticons who fired upon the retreating Autobots. When the tide began to turn in the Autobots' favor, however, the behemoth met his end as he tried to hold a bridge. The [[Wrecker]]s piled onto Devcon, shooting him in the head multiple times until he fell to the ground dead. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Devcon (dotm).jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
* Devcon bears more than a passing resemblance to the monster in the film ''[[wikipedia: Cloverfield|Cloverfield]]'', with elongated, double-jointed forelegs, short back legs, and a pair of under-slung appendages. The first teasers for ''Cloverfield'' were screened during the release of the first ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' film. [[Leo Spitz]] also possessed a ''Cloverfield'' poster in the [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|second film]].

*Devcon's name originates in concept art, where he is shown to transform into a "Russian missile launcher."<ref>[http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6781963639_06aafaf90b_o.jpg "Devcon" concept art] from [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/537099-dotm-another-part-concept-arts.html DOTM Another part of Concept arts - TFW2005 - The 2005 Boards]</ref>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Live-action-only characters]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)

2012-06-11T17:09:15Z

Gargunkle:

{{Nav-dotm}}
[[Image:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|my friend]], I can only say this: of all the souls I have encountered, he was the most...human."]]
'''''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''''' is the third film in the [[live-action film series]]. It was released in 3D and IMAX at 9PM on [[June 28]], [[2011]]<ref name="open3D">[http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/1ef99019addbf7f207595f5da129bfb6-690.php See Dark Of The Moon One Day Earlier on IMAX 3D | MichaelBay]</ref> and in wide release on [[June 29]], [[2011]]<ref name="open">[http://www.deadline.com/2011/05/paramount-moving-up-transformers-3/ Paramount Moving Up ‘T’formers 3′ Release – Deadline.com]</ref> in the United States, and between [[June 29]] and July 1 for other markets.

The film is set three years after the events of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]''. The Autobots continue to work for NEST, but no longer in secret, and for the goal of keeping peace between humans by taking out volatile overseas political targets. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

And SCENE!

{{bigquote|Aw, shit, I seen this one. It's the one where [[Spock]] goes nuts.|Wheelie|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon''}}

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Dotm-Arkreflection.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Wha... this is the finest engine room in the whole Starfleet!"]]

In the distant past, during the latter days of the [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] civil war, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] attempted to leave the planet with groundbreaking technology on board the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]''. However, his ship was shot down by the Decepticons and, after being sent hurling through space for a while, eventually crashed on the [[Earth|Earth's]] [[Moon (moon)|moon]] in 1961. The crash is noticed by the humans on Earth, leading to the [[Wikipedia:Space Race|Space Race]] under President [[John F. Kennedy]]. Landing on the Moon as part of the [[Apollo 11]] mission in 1969, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] use several minutes of [[radio]] silence to investigate the spaceship and discover that Mankind is not alone in space.

In the present day, the Autobots are still part of [[NEST]], cooperating with the [[United States military|US Armed Forces]]. They have also begun to help humanity in it's local conflicts, as [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]], [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], and [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] destroy an illegal [[Iran]]ian nuclear facility. On a mission to the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]], a NEST team led by [[William Lennox|Lt. Col. Lennox]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] discovers an unknown alien fuel cell which had led to the [[Wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]]. While trying to secure the cell, they are attacked by the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and his pet, the [[Driller]], who are eventually forced to retreat by Optimus Prime. Meanwhile, [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] kills [[Alexi Voskhod]], who had called NEST to Chernobyl and was secretly working for him. After securing the fuel cell and identifying it as part of the ''Ark'', Optimus Prime is angry at the humans for not following through with their agreement of sharing all known information relating to Cybertron and its inhabitants. Despite this, he eventually informs his allies and [[Charlotte Mearing]], the [[WIkipedia:Director of National Intelligence|Director of National Intelligence]], about the space bridge technology the ''Ark'' contains. Together with [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]], Optimus travels to the Moon, where they find Sentinel Prime inside the ship. Retrieving him along with four pillars of the space bridge and the accompanying control pillar, they return to Earth, where Optimus uses the [[Matrix of Leadership]] to reactivate Sentinel Prime. In [[Africa]], Decepticon leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] (still recovering from wounds [[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|suffered]] in [[Egypt]]) meets with his lieutenants [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Upon learning that the Autobots have recovered Sentinel and the pillars, Megatron orders Soundwave and Laserbeak to terminate their "loose ends".

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]], the Autobots' human friend, is suffering from everyday problems. Even though President [[Barack Obama]] has awarded him a medal for saving the Earth twice, Sam has trouble finding a job. Together with his new girlfriend [[Carly Spencer]], whom he had met in the [[White House]] (after his former girlfriend [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] had left him), he also gives the stranded Autobots [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] a home. After a long search, he finally finds a position as a mail carrier at a telecommunication company named [[Accuretta Systems]]. From his colleague, [[Jerry Wang]], he learns about a conspiracy by humans who collaborate with the Decepticons. Before Jerry can tell Sam more, however, he is killed by Laserbeak.

[[Image:DOTM-Sentinelendofyourworld.jpg|right|thumb|300px|"There's a man out there I haven't seen in fifteen years who's trying to kill me."]]

Locked out of participating in the investigation by Mearing, Sam turns to [[Seymour Simmons]] for help. Simmons, who has become a millionaire as a writer, and his aide, [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]], help Sam find out that the Soviets have taken photos of Decepticons removing hundreds of space bridge pillars out of the ''Ark'' even before Apollo 11 had landed on the Moon. Sam and Simmons conclude that the Decepticons had left Sentinel Prime behind on purpose, knowing that only he would be able to activate the space bridge, and only Optimus Prime could reactivate him. Sam is able to warn the Autobots in time so they can protect Sentinel from a Decepticon attack and escort him back to the NEST headquarters. Arriving there, however, Sentinel Prime reveals that he had made a deal with Megatron, knowing that the Autobots could never win the war. After killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] and several NEST soldiers, Sentinel Prime claims the remaining pillars and escapes. The other Autobots track him down to [[Washington, D.C.]], but before Optimus can stop him, Sentinel activates a space bridge to the Moon. The portal allows Decepticon troops which had remained hidden under the Moon's surface to reach Earth, forcing the Autobots to retreat.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"We are one big, happy fleet! Ah, Kirk, my old friend, do you know the Klingon proverb that tells us revenge is a dish that is best served cold? It is ''very'' cold in space."]]

In the meantime, Sam is worried about Carly and searches for her. He finds her with her employer, [[Dylan Gould]], who reveals to Sam that he not only arranged for Sam to get a job with Acuretta, but is also a collaborator with the Decepticons. At their request, his father had used his influence to ensure that [[NASA]] would not conduct any more missions to the Moon. When Sam and Carly attempt to flee, they discover Carly's car is a disguise for Soundwave, who takes her captive. Dylan instructs Sam to ask Optimus Prime about the Autobots' strategy, otherwise Carly will die. To ensure that Sam will not try to warn the Autobots, he attaches a Decepticon disguised as a watch on Sam's wrist, and it taps into his nervous system.

Meanwhile, Sentinel Prime has given Mankind an ultimatum to exile the Autobots from Earth, since he is only trying to save Cybertron, or so he claims. The US government promptly passes a bill to this effect. Before the Autobots leave Earth aboard their spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', Sam asks Optimus about his plan. Optimus replies that there is no plan, and Mankind is on its own now. With all Autobots on board, the ''Xantium'' takes off, but is promptly intercepted by Starscream, who had waited in Earth's orbit. With the ''Xantium'' destroyed, the Decepticons believe the Autobots to be dead and let Sam go.

With the Autobots out of the way, the Decepticons conquer [[Chicago]], kill most of its population and set up the control pillar for the space bridge inside the city, placing the other pillars around the world. Dylan informs Carly that the Decepticons do not intend to return to Cybertron; instead, they want to transport Cybertron into Earth's orbit, because Earth not only has the necessary resources, but also six billion slaves to rebuild the Transformers' home planet.

Sam decides to go to Chicago, where Dylan has taken Carly. Former NEST soldier [[Robert Epps]], who now works for NASA, accompanies him, together with other former NEST members. Upon arrival in Chicago, they are promptly attacked by the Decepticons, but are rescued by Optimus Prime and the other Autobots. Having never intended to leave Earth, they had hidden themselves inside a modified rocket booster that was jettisoned before Starscream destroyed the ''Xantium''.

[[Image:DOTM Driller vs Prime.jpg|right|thumb|280px|"From Hell's heart, I stab at thee!"]]

The Autobots and the humans soldiers make their way to the skyscraper where Dylan is located in order to destroy the space bridge's control pillar. Sam and Bumblebee rescue Carly, killing Laserbeak in the process, during which they find a damaged UAV and alert the military to the Decepticons plans. Due to another attack by a team of Decepticons led by Shockwave, the team is separated once more. While the Autobots battle the Decepticons, Epps and his team try to destroy the pillar from another skyscraper. However, they are attacked by Shockwave's "pet", the Driller, who brings the skyscraper crashing down. Optimus Prime comes to their aid and destroys the Driller.

In the meantime, Lennox and the rest of NEST have managed to make their way into the city using [[wingsuit]]s, and with Lennox's help, Sam destroys Starscream using weapons provided to him by the Autobots' inventor Que. Meanwhile, the Decepticons have captured several Autobots, but Dylan convinces them not to take prisoners and kill them all. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] executes Que, and Soundwave moves to kill Bumblebee next, but the Autobots Wheelie and Brains have managed to make one of the Decepticons' ships crash, thereby distracting Soundwave long enough for Bumblebee and the other Autobots to get free. While NEST and the Autobots fight the Decepticons and kill most of them, Optimus Prime kills Shockwave and uses his arm cannon to topple over the space bridge's control pillar, deactivating the bridge.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg|thumb|left|280px|"Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out! Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"]]

A fight between Sentinel Prime and Optimus Prime ensues, during which Optimus loses an arm, with Sentinel gaining the upper hand. Carly stumbles across Megatron outside the main battle zone. Having previously witnessed a violent argument between Sentinel Prime and Megatron, she appeals to his pride and makes him realize that he will never be able to rule over Cybertron as long as Sentinel Prime is alive. Infuriated, he intervenes in the battle and turns on Sentinel, declaring that Earth is his planet to rule, and severely damages him. Megatron realized how far he had fallen in power within the past few years, and had decided to once again take his rightful place at the top of the command chain. Meanwhile, Dylan manages to reactivate the toppled pillar, but is attacked by Sam, who hurls him against the pillar, killing him. Subsequently, Bumblebee destroys the pillar for good, thus destroying the space bridge and, presumably, Cybertron with it. Megatron offers Optimus Prime a truce as long he could remain in charge of his Decepticon forces, but Optimus ignores his plea and just as Megatron is about to shoot his shotgun Optimus splits Megatron's head with an axe. Subsequently, he uses Megatron's shotgun cannon to kill a weakened Sentinel Prime, who is trying to excuse his actions.

[[Image:DOTM Autobots NEST victorious.jpg|thumb|right|280px|"Live long...and prosper..."]]

With the battle over, Sam and Carly are reunited, and Simmons takes an opportunity to kiss Mearing, who he still has feelings for, and she has him arrested. With their home planet now forever beyond reach, and the forces of the Decepticons destroyed, the remaining Autobots finally accept Earth as their new home, as Optimus Prime states that the Autobots will always be here, to protect the Earth and all who live on it.

[['Til all are one]].

==Quotes==

'''Mission Control''': We are not alone after all, are we? 
'''Buzz Aldrin''': No, sir. We are not alone. 
:—Buzz Aldrin makes history, and raises the hackles of conspiracy theorists.

'''Dino''': "He's in a bad mood. He's not talking to anybody today." 
'''Mearing''': "What is this, the silent treatment?" 
'''Ironhide''': "No, I've seen that. This is ''not'' that." 
'''Que''': "Definitely not." 
'''Ironhide''': "This is ''worse''."
:—NEST discusses Optimus Prime's foul mood.

"Who wants some chicken dinner now, bitch? Huh? 'Cause somebody messed with the wrong Wang today!" 
:—'''Jerry Wang''', being crazy. But also awesome.

"The thing about Russians is, they never like to talk. Gonna take a little of the 'international language.'" <Doorman opens sliding hatch> "''Do svidaniya''." 
"That means 'goodbye!'" <closes hatch>
:—'''Simmons''' tries to reason with a '''Russian''', to no avail.

"It's a Cyrillic alphabet; it's like all the buttons you never push on a calculator!"
:—'''Dutch''' tries to translate Russian, also to no avail.

"Class dismissed."
:—'''Ironhide''', after dispatching the Dreads.

"What you must realize, my Autobot brothers, is that we were never going to win the war. For the sake of our planet's survival, a deal had to be made...with ''Megatron''."
:—'''Sentinel Prime''' reveals his treachery.

[[Image:DOTM-MegatronLincoln.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"I'll give him this: [[Atlantis, Arise!|he's]] [[Transformers The Game (console)|consistent]]!"]]
"Here we are. Fight us ''now''."
:—'''Megatron''', pulling the evil overlord cliche on us while sitting atop the [[Abraham Lincoln|Lincoln Memorial]]

"If you go in this building, that's if she's even still alive, there's no way you're going to reach her!" 
"What do you suggest I do?!" 
"...it's over. I'm sorry, but it's over." 
:—'''Robert Epps''' tells '''Sam Witwicky''' that they've run out of plans.

"We will kill them all."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' offers an alternative plan.

"They got my trailer. I ''need'' that flight tech!" 
:—'''Optimus Prime''', valiantly [[To sell toys|selling toys]].

"Your Decepticons are finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." 
"IT WILL BE ME! It will ''always'' be me! 
"In any minute now, you'll be nothing but Sentinel's bitch."
:—'''Carly Spencer''' tells '''Megatron''' that if he's going to be the Starscream, he should ''act'' like it.

"Who would you be without me, Prime?" 
"Time to find out." 
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Optimus Prime''' exchange pre-fight banter one last time.

"In any war, there are calms between the storms. There will be days when we lose faith. Days when our allies turn against us... but the day will never come when we forsake this planet and its people."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==

{{featuredcharacters|
h1=[[Autobot]]s|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Leonard Nimoy]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[Mirage (Movie)|Dino/Mirage]]<ref name="credits">Mirage and Wheeljack, known by those names in the toyline and essentially all supporting media, are respectively named "Dino" and "Que" in the film. While Dino is simply credited as such, Que is listed in the credits as "Que/Wheeljack".</ref> ([[Francesco Quinn]])
*[[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que/Wheeljack]]<ref name="credits"/> ([[George Coe]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Brains]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]]
*[[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]]<ref>Roadbuster is listed as "Roadbuster/Amp" in the credits, a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not used in the film, but he is called "Roadbuster" in the toyline and supporting media.</ref> ([[Ron Bottitta]])
*[[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]]<ref>Leadfoot is listed in the film's end credits as "Leadfoot/Target", a reference to his car mode's sponsor. His name is not spoken in the film, but he is called "Leadfoot" in the toyline and the supporting media.</ref> ([[John DiMaggio]])
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap>Skids and Mudflap only appear during the convoy scene at the beginning of the film</ref>
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]<ref name=skidsandmudflap/>

|h2=[[Decepticon]]s|c2=
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] ([[Keith Szarabajka]])
*[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Igor]] ([[Greg Berg]])
*[[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]]
*[[Crowbar]] ([[Jimmie Wood]])*
*[[Hatchet]]
*[[Driller]]
*[[Hatchling|Hatchlings]]
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]] type Decepticon
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]] type Decepticon
*An unnamed [[Audi R8 Decepticon]]
*An unnamed [[M1 Abrams Decepticon]]
*[[Garbage truck Decepticon]]
*[[Superfund Decepticon]]
*[[Devcon (DOTM)|Devcon]]
*Unnamed [[Lensmeter Decepticon]]s
*Unnamed [[protoform]]s
*[[Watch-bot]]<ref>Repeatedly referred to as the "Watch-bot" (proper noun) in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|''Transformers: Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel'']]</ref>
*Unnamed [[Pickup Decepticon]]
*Unnamed [[Police car Decepticon]]

|h3=[[Human]]s|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Carly Spencer]] ([[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]])
*[[William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[Charlotte Mearing]] ([[Frances McDormand]])
*[[Dylan Gould]] ([[Patrick Dempsey]])
*[[Bruce Brazos]] ([[John Malkovich]])
*[[Hardcore Eddie]] ([[Lester Speight]])
*[[Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] ([[Alan Tudyk]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Jerry Wang]] ([[Ken Jeong]])
*[[Neil Armstrong]] ([[Don Jeanes]])
*[[Buzz Aldrin]] ([[Cory Tucker]]/himself)
*[[Walter Cronkite]]
*[[Bill O'Reilly]] (himself)
*[[Alexi Voskhod]] ([[Ravil Isyanov]])

|h4=Other|c4=
|nonumbering=true
}}

* *During the highway battle, Jimmie Wood's Bonecrusher scream in the high way battle from the first movie can be heard coming from Crowbar.

==Errors==
===Astronomical and historical errors===
* The Moon does not rotate with respect to Earth, and Mare Tranquillitatis is near the middle of the near side. Therefore, Tranquility Base could never be described as being on the far side, and Earth is never as close to the horizon as shown in the movie.
* The Apollo 11 Command/Service Module is seen flying to the Moon without the Lunar Module. The Lunar Module is attached when the vehicle is orbiting the Moon, however.
* When the modern day site of the Apollo 11 landing is seen, the ascent module (the cabin Buzz and Neil flew back to orbit in) is still there.
* Cybertron is apparently several times the size of Earth, yet the characters talk of bringing it "into Earth's atmosphere".
* The Space Bridge starts to bring Cybertron amazingly close to Earth - less than one Earth-diameter away. Assuming Cybertron's mass is proportional to its size, Cybertron's gravitational field would [[The Ultimate Doom|tear the Earth apart]] at that distance.

===Geographic discontinuities===
* The [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] is shown to be located ''inside'' of, or at least right next to the abandoned city of [[Wikipedia:Pripyat|Pripyat]], and the human characters access it through nearby buildings. In reality, the power plant is situated on the outskirts of the city. Even worse, [[Alexi Voskhod]] ''explicitly'' says that the entrance leads through a ''school''. Who builds a ''school'' right next to a ''nuclear power plant''?
* Furthermore, Prypiat's infamous Ferris wheel as shown in the movie is not only the wrong model (the real one's passenger cabins have canopies), but the real one is also located in an open field far away from any buildings.<ref name="ferris">[http://www.flickr.com/photos/nubber/544337347/ Photo of the Prypiat Ferris wheel] showing the closest nearby buildings.</ref> But hey, at least it's the right color!
* Also, why exactly is the Sputnik mission case inside the Chernobyl reactor building? Did the Soviets never bother to discard the packaging of their toy after starting to play with it?
* When Megatron transforms for the first time, he's in a grassy savannah. In the next shot, he's standing in the middle of a desert... and in the establishing shot of the Decepticon camp, it's back in the savannah.
* [[wikipedia:Mount Kilimanjaro|Mount Kilimanjaro]] is seen in the background of many of the scenes in Namibia; in reality, the mountain is located in Tanzania, more than three thousand kilometers away.
[[Image:DOTM-Wreckers-Prime-Cables.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Chicago's own [[knockoff]] of a prominent Chinese building.]]
* In a [[Atlantis, Arise!|fairly common cinematic contrivance]], the film depicts multiple skyscrapers in the background of many scenes set in Washington, D.C., while the real-life city has no skyscrapers.
* Also, Washington, D.C. almost entirely lacks old industrial buildings that could be converted into lofts, and likewise doesn't have the kind of densely urban streets that Sam is shown to live on.
* NEST Headquarters, supposedly in Washington, is actually Chicago's abandoned Main Post Office.
* Likewise, Dylan's auto collection museum, also set in (land-locked) Washington, is actually the Milwaukee Art Museum. [[Lake Michigan]] is even visible through the windows!
* When Optimus Prime (using his jetpack) gets himself caught in wires below an under-construction building, that building bears a striking resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: China Central Television Headquarters|China Central Television Headquarters]] in [[Beijing]], [[China]]... a far shot from [[Chicago]]. Since construction for the CCTV building was finished in 2008, long before ''Dark of the Moon'' was even ''conceived'', this appears to be an intentional instance of a "cool building" being inserted just for the sake of it.

===Continuity errors===
* Like in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', Ironhide sports his [[license plate]] from the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]], "4PCI382", on his robot mode chest, but doesn't have a license plate in vehicle mode. (According to set photos, his license plate in vehicle mode is mostly black, with a NEST logo on it.)
* Speaking of inconsistencies between robot and vehicle mode: Bumblebee's updated Chevrolet Camaro alternate mode no longer has pinstripes bordering his black racing stripes, but the CG robot model still has the pinstripes.
* In the highway battle scene with the [[Dread (DOTM)|Dreads]], Bumblebee enhances his front wheels to evade Hatchet, yet in the next scene he's fully in Stealth Force mode.
* During Ironhide and Sideswipe's "Mexican standoff" with Crankcase and Crowbar, all combatants drop their firearms, but when Ironhide is speared, his guns are on his back again. They disappear in subsequent shots.
* Despite being captured by Soundwave in her evening gown, Carly is somehow able to change into more convenient clothes before arriving in Chicago, and has yet another outfit the following day. Not only that, she changes her earrings, too!
* When the Autobots are boarding the ''Xantium,'' Simmons mentions that nine Autobots are leaving. Former Decepticons Wheelie and Brains apparently don't count. Poor little guys!
* The Wreckers claim they had been hiding inside a rocket booster that was jettisoned from the ''Xantium'' before Starscream destroyed it. The boosters are only seen to be detached after Starscream destroys the ship, after it has barely taken off from the ground.
* Though it's a standard action movie contrivance, it sure is convenient that the glass windows inside skyscrapers are extremely fragile when needed, and glass shards are as dangerous as bread crumbs so nobody suffers a single cut from sliding across them.
* Shortly after everyone jumps through the window and starts sliding down, a downwards shot of the building shows all of the windows behind them are intact.
* As everyone tumbles through a lower floor of the building, [[Stone]] is shown to fall right through and out the other side with a collection of office furniture, but not long after is back with Epps's squad.
* Despite the Decepticons taking over Chicago and killing a whole bunch of people, there seem to be a lot of people continuing to go about their daily lives. The skyscraper Epps's team goes into to launch a rocket from still seems to have plenty of office workers in it when the Driller attacks it. When Sam's being thrown around on the end of the grapple glove rope while fighting Starscream, he crashes through a wall into a dry-cleaning business where a woman appears to be calmly hanging up a shirt. Did they all just not get the memo?
* Though in an earlier sequence, Epps, Sam and company slide down the damaged building to a floor near the break, after the building falls over, the team is seen moving from one of the building's topmost floors to the neighboring building.
* Throughout the sequence of Barricade kicking and shoving Que along before executing him, he is speaking with Soundwave's voice.
*While fighting the Autobots at the end of the film, Sentinel Prime's cape disappears for a brief scene before reappearing on his back when the camera angle changes.
*Soundwave has his Mercedes alternate mode while he is in Africa, but his chest has only a blank grille. The Mercedes logo is only added to his chest from the scene where he reveals himself to be Carly's car onward.
*When Sam and Carly are reunited after the final battle, Carly's hands keep changing the position on every cut, sometimes on Sam's neck, sometimes on his shoulders.
*Not intentional: Skids and Mudflap appear for a brief few seconds in the film. This leaves questions as to what happened to them. They weren't seen departing from Earth or taking part in the Chicago battle.
*Dino used his electro-disrupter to overthrow Hatchet and kill him. When Hatchet falls on the car and is destroyed, Dino's weapon is still connected to him, so Dino was in robot mode, but in the next cut Dino appears at background in vehicle mode.
*It's said that four Autobots were captured by the Decepticons in Chicago, but actually five Autobots were captured.
*When Que is about to be executed, the "cardboard head on a stick" prop used for [[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] during the shooting of the movie (a common method used for the movies to give the actors ''something'' to react to) can be spotted in the final edit of the film<ref name="headprop">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/494618-movies-errors-mirage-prop-final-movie-edit.html "Movies Errors - Mirage prop in final movie edit"] at TFW2005</ref>, possibly a leftover from an earlier draft of the script where Soundwave mocked Bumblebee with Dino's decapitated head.
*Oddly, during the Decpticon siege of Chicago, and after all of the unmanned drones were shot down trying to get inside the city, no one within the government considered the use of submarines as a means of sneaking in.

==Transformers references==
In addition to recurring elements from the previous films, ''Dark of the Moon'' bases a number of elements on previous versions of the ''Transformers'' mythos, including plot elements based on older stories, something fairly rare in the other two movies:
* New characters [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] are heavily based upon their Generation 1 counterparts. [[Que]] is derived from G1 character [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]. [[Sentinel Prime]] is the name of Optimus's predecessor in many continuities, and in this instance, he continues his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)| predecessor]]'s legacy of being a giant jerk.

* "Carly" was the name of [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]'s [[Carly|girlfriend and eventual wife]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]].

* The ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' gets its name from the Autobots' crashed spaceship in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''Transformers'' comics]].

* The ''[[Xantium (G1)|Xantium]]'' is the name of the [[Wrecker]]s' spaceship in the [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' comics.

* Optimus's new trailer is based on the trailer that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|his Generation 1 counterpart]] hauled around, including its ability to open up into a weapons base.

* Optimus now carries the Matrix around in his chest as he has in past incarnations.

* The corrosive end met by Ironhide comes at the hands of [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]], the oxidizing pathogen that first appeared in the Generation 1 cartoon episode [[Cosmic Rust (episode)|of the same name]]. Though not named in the film, its identity is made clear by production artwork by [[Josh Nizzi]] which labels Sentinel Prime's gun a "Cosmic Rust gun".

* Megatron removing [[Abraham Lincoln]] from his chair at the [[wikipedia:Lincoln Memorial|Lincoln Memorial]] and then sitting in it is a scene taken directly from the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[Atlantis, Arise!]]", and the Decepticon ending for ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' (sort of).

* The idea of bringing Cybertron to Earth via space bridge and enslaving humans was the plot of the Generation 1 multi-part episode "[[The Ultimate Doom]]."

* Likewise, the idea of an influential and powerful human joining forces with the Decepticons, resulting in the Autobots being exiled from Earth by the government via a spacecraft, only for that spacecraft to be destroyed, was the plot behind another Generation 1 cartoon multi-part episode, "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1|Megatron's Master Plan]]."

* When the worker at Accureta Systems is trying to make the [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|photocopier]] work, it beeps the "more than meets the eye" refrain from the original cartoon's [[theme song]].

* The [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] can be heard at the end of the film when Bumblebee transforms to robot mode, the final onscreen transformation, just as it was heard during [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] transformation, which was also the first onscreen transformation in the first film.

==Real-world references==
* When Brains and Wheelie are watching ''[[Wikipedia: Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek: The Original Series]]'', the screen features [[Spock|Mr. Spock]], portrayed by Leonard Nimoy—who voices Sentinel Prime. Wheelie comments that it is "the one where Spock goes nuts," which foreshadows Sentinel's heel turn. The episode itself is likely the famous ''TOS'' episode ''[[Wikipedia: Amok Time|Amok Time]]''.

* Sentinel Prime says "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." The voice actor said the same line in the 1982 film ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan|Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]'' as Mr. Spock. However, in that movie, Nimoy's character dies a hero.

* To finish the Spock trifecta, when Bumblebee says his goodbyes to Sam, he uses a clip of Leonard Nimoy, as Spock, saying "I will always be your friend," another line from ''Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan''.

* [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]] and his fake girlfriend's name, "India", are a reference to [[Wikipedia:Dutch India|Dutch India]].

* [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]'s name is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from ''[[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]'' novels and films. Que also gives weapons to NEST soldiers while explaining the advantages and abilities for the weapons much like Q does for James Bond.

* When Bumblebee brings forth "rings" for Sam and Carly, he "hums" the [[Wikipedia: Wedding March|Wedding March]] (or, more correctly, the [[Wikipedia: Bridal Chorus|Bridal Chorus]] from [[Wikipedia: Richard Wagner|Richard Wagner's]] 1850 opera ''[[Wikipedia: Lohengrin (opera)|Lohengrin]]'').

==Other editions==

==Prequel material==
*''[[Transformers: Sector 7]]''
*''[[Transformers: Foundation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]''
*''[[Transformers: Convergence]]''
*''[[Transformers: Jazz]]''
*''[[Transformers: Space Case]]''
*''[[Transformers: Ratchet]]''
*''[[Transformers: Arcee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]''
*''[[Transformers: Starscream]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Stealth Force Edition]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons]]''
*''[[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Dark of the Moon|Transformers (Titan Magazine)]]''
*''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]''

==Adaptations==
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation]]''
*''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)]]''
*''[[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel]]''

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Dark of the Moon: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Download on September 30, 2011, followed by the 2-Disc Special Edition in December.<ref>[TFW2005 - Official Transformers Movie Website Updated With Transformers 3 Home Release Info http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/official-transformers-movie-website-updated-with-transformers-3-home-release-info-173245/]</ref>

==Theatrical posters==
<center>
<gallery perrow="3">
Image:DOTM-OPbillboardposter.jpg
Image:DOTM-Bumblebeebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-Shockwavebanner.jpg
Image:DOTM-OPportraitposter.jpg
</gallery>
</center>

==Reception==
On June 23, 2011, the world premiere of ''Dark of the Moon'' was held in [[Moscow]], [[Russia]], with band [[Linkin Park]] performing a concert that included their title song for the movie, "Iridescent".

The official release date was moved up from July 1 to June 29 to allow breathing room between its release and ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2]]''. On June 28, 2011, the film was released in 3D and IMAX at 9pm in the US. Some theaters cheated a little and showed it at 8:45.

''Dark of the Moon'' launched with nearly 10,000 copies in 4011 theaters nationwide. On its opening day, the movie earned $37.3 million, making not only for the best opening day of 2011 up to that point, but also ranking as the sixth most successful opening on a Wednesday ever, while at the same time ranking well behind ''Revenge of the Fallen'', with $60 million on its opening day (also a Wednesday).<ref name="openingday">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=3197&p=.htm "'Transformers' Suboptimal on Wednesday"], Box Office Mojo, June 2011.</ref> (Of course, a lot of the print material still listed the release date as [[July 1]]st, the following Friday.)

On [[August 2]], it crossed the $1 billion mark in worldwide gross, just under 5 weeks after its release, landing it in the #9 spot for worldwide gross of all time.<ref>http://www.deadline.com/2011/08/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-crosses-1-billion-worldwide-mark-for-paramount/ Deadline Hollywood</ref> Of that, $338 million came from the US. It is currently the only Paramount picture to have made the $1 billion mark. (While ''Titanic'' also made over $1 billion worldwide, it was only a Paramount movie ''domestically'', where it made "only" $620 million.)

''Dark of the Moon'' ended its theatrical run in the #4 spot for highest worldwide gross of all time.

''Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for three Academy Awards, in the categories of Best Visual Effects, Sound Editing, and Sound Mixing, losing all to ''[[wikipedia: Hugo (film)|Hugo]]''.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/nominees#t Official 2012 Oscar nominees page]</ref>

On February 25, 2012, it was announced that ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' was nominated for eight [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s. Unlike ''Revenge of the Fallen'', however, it did not receive the awards for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, & Worst Director, losing all of its nominations to ''[[wikipedia: Jack & Jill (film)|Jack & Jill]]''.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-is-safe-from-razzies-174726/]</ref>

==Production staff==
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{quote|[The Decepticons'] decision to attack Chicago seems inexplicable, until you take into consideration the generous tax credits offered by the Illinois Film Office.|film critic Roger Ebert|[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2011/07/on_the_origin_of_transformers.html On the Origin of Transformers]}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
[[Image:TF3-licensingPrime.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Featuring a surprise appearance by Optimus Prime!]]
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> On March 16, 2009, over three months before the premiere of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] announced the third movie for July 1, 2011.<ref name="3release">Pamela McClintock: [http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118001280?refCatId=13 Variety article from March 2009], confirming Transformers 3 for July 2011.</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]] promptly backpedaled, as he had intended for the third ''Transformers'' movie to be released in 2012.<ref name="baywait">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?3947-Wait-a-minute! Michael Bay's reaction to Paramount's July 2011 date for ''Transformers 3''], March 2009.</ref> He officially changed his mind in October 2009, agreeing to the release date set by Paramount.<ref name="bay3-2011">[http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.php Michael Bay officially confirms the 2011 release date], October 2009.</ref>

[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], two of the previous two movies' screenwriters, had already announced in March 2009 that they would not return for a third part.<ref name="noorcikurtz">[http://www.slashfilm.com/orci-and-kurtzman-not-returning-for-transformers-3-will-leonard-nimoy-voice-the-fallen/ Slashfilm quoting Roberto Orci that he and Kurtzman would not return for a third movie], March 2009. (Original post on Don Murphy's message board appears to no longer exist.)</ref> In September 2009, their ''Revenge'' co-writer [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as the screenwriter of ''Transformers 3''.<ref name="krugernelson">[http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/0fd64fd57c9b9b6d33e15c76a46dae48-565.php Michael Bay's website admin Nelson Lauren sorta-confirms Ehren Kruger as TF3's screenwriter], September 2009.</ref> Kruger had already impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology prior to working on ''Revenge''.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In an interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine in September 2009, [[Megan Fox]], the main female star of the previous two movies, discussed the harsh conditions on the sets and compared director Michael Bay to [[Wikipedia:Adolf Hitler|Adolf Hitler]].<ref name="latimesfox">[http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2009/09/megan-fox-on-michael-bay-he-wants-to-be-hitler.html Los Angeles Times article about Megan Fox's fatal interview with ''Wonderland'' magazine], September 2009.</ref> Bay initially played down the affair and still welcomed Fox back for the third installment a month later.<ref name="bay3-2011"/> Even though Fox was still spotted on the ''Transformers 3'' set in May 2010<ref name="foxonset">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/100786-megan-fox-on-set-for-transformers-3-previz Megan Fox on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref>, Paramount announced a few weeks later that she wouldn't return for a third movie after all.<ref name="nomorefox">[http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/michael-bays-revenge-no-more-megan/ Deadline article confirming that Megan Fox had been dropped off ''Transformers 3''], May 2010.</ref> Still that same month, [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] was confirmed to replace her as the lead female actress.<ref name="rosierepl">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640047/model-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-cast-transformers-3.jhtml MTV.com article confirming Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the new female star of ''Transformers ''], May 2010.</ref> Her character's name was confirmed as "[[Carly Spencer|Carly]]" by Nelson Lauren, the webmaster of Michael Bay's official website, in July 2010.<ref name="nelsonchicagojul">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?7566-Transformers-3-Chicago-Set-Photos Nelson posts about his visit to the Chicago set at shootfortheedit.com's forums], July 2010.</ref> In 2011, Michael Bay finally confirmed in an interview with ''GQ'' magazine that it had been [[Steven Spielberg]], executive producer of the ''Transformers'' movies, who had urged him to fire Fox following the Hitler comparison.<ref name="baygq">[http://www.gq.com/entertainment/movies-and-tv/201107/michael-bay-steven-spielberg-fired-megan-fox-transformers GQ interview with Michael Bay], June 2011.</ref> In a later interview, however, he claimed this statement had been taken out of context.<ref name="baych">[http://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/kultur/kino/Diese-Autos-muessen-zerstoert-werden--und-da-bin-ich-der-richtige-Mann/story/23997460 Interview with Michael Bay from Switzerland] (German language), July 2011.</ref>

In March 2010, Oscar winners [[John Malkovich]] and [[Frances McDormand]] as well as Comedian [[Ken Jeong]] were confirmed having signed on for supporting roles.<ref name="malkomcdor">[http://michaelbay.com/blog/files/73978045c5496d5271c90be6884209a8-598.php Michael Bay confirming John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong for ''Transformers 3''], March 2010.</ref>

In April 2010, [[Kevin Dunn]] and [[Julie White]] were confirmed as returning as Sam Witwicky's parents.<ref name="varietydunnwhite">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118017329.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 'Dunn, White sign on for 'Transformers 3''], Variety, April 2010.</ref>

In May 2010, Paramount confirmed that [[Patrick Dempsey]] has been cast in ''Transformers 3'' to play Mikaela Banes' boss (this was before Megan Fox was fired from the production).<ref name="dempsey">[http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2010/05/04/patrick-dempsey-confirmed-for-transformers-3/ "Patrick Dempsey confirmed for Transformers 3"], Hollywood Insider, May 2010.</ref>

In July 2010, Nelson Lauren confirmed that former American footballer [[Lester Speight]] would play a soldier in the movie.<ref name="nelsonchicagophotos">[http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/6e7f5a008e98162953abdfdfca1d32e8-612.php Photos of the Chicago set by michaelbay.com webmaster Nelson Lauren], July 2010.</ref>

[[Leonard Nimoy]] was confirmed as the voice actor for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] in March 2011.<ref name="nimoysent">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon Entertainment Weekly announces Leonard Nimoy's involvement], March 2011]</ref> Nimoy, who had previously voiced [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] in 1986's ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and is married to Michael Bay's cousin Susan, had previously been under consideration for [[The Fallen]]'s voice in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', but Bay had been hesitant for fear of offending his relative with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer''], MTV.com Movies blog, April 2009.</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review, April 2009.</ref>, it ultimately never worked out, and The Fallen was voiced by [[Tony Todd]] instead. For ''Dark of the Moon'', Bay finally overcame his anxiety and hired Nimoy, who accepted the offer.<ref name="nimoy3">[http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/03/31/leonard-nimoy-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ "Leonard Nimoy joins 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' voice cast -- EXCLUSIVE"], Entertainment Weekly, March 2011.</ref> In return, screenwriter Ehren Kruger included several nods to Nimoy's well-known character as Mr. Spock from ''Star Trek'' in the movie.<ref name="nimoystartrek">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666643/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-star-trek-references.jhtml "'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon': Behind The 'Star Trek' Nods"], MTV.com, July 2011.</ref>

===Writing and production===
After having defended the almost universally critically panned ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for a long time, Michael Bay finally acknowledged flaws of the script, but blamed the [[Wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike]] prior to the movie for many problems. As a definite error, he singled out the "dork comedy", which he promised to avoid with ''Dark of the Moon''.<ref name="bayvisit">[http://collider.com/michael-bay-interview-transformers-dark-moon-edit-bay-visit/63824/ Collider.com article about DOTM], December 2010.</ref>

Principal shooting began in May 2010. Shooting locations included [[Chicago]] (and nearby East Chicago and Gary Indiana), Moscow,<ref name="locations">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=63682 "Transformers 3 Headed to Chicago and Moscow"], Comingsoon.net, February 2010.</ref> the [[Kennedy Space Center]] in Florida<ref name="kennedyspace">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/101114-the-transformers-3-shoot-at-kennedy-space-center "The Transformers 3 Shoot at Kennedy Space Center"], SuperHeroHype.com, May 2010.</ref>, Milwaukee (Wisconsin)<ref name="milwaukee">[http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/movies/98266574.html "'Transformers 3' takes over Milwaukee Art Museum"], Journal Sentinel Online, July 2010.</ref>, Detroit<ref name="detroit">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/107775-photos-from-the-detroit-transformers-3-set "Photos From the Detroit Transformers 3 Set"], SuperHeroHype.com, September 2010.</ref>, [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="militaryextras">[http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=473674758199&id=114648515718 US Department of Defense casting call for ''Dark of the Moon''], October 2010.</ref> and Angkor Wat in Cambodia.<ref name="angkor">[http://www.akp.gov.kh/?p=1184 "'Transformers 3' To Be Shot in Cambodia"], Agence Kampuchea Presse, January 2011.</ref>

For the scene where Lennox and his soldier jump out of a V-22 Osprey using wingsuits, Michael Bay used real parachutists and thus avoided unnecessary CG effects. In fact, he had been inspired for this scene in the first place by watching the parachutists in their wingsuits on television<ref name="wingsuits">[http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/1498-transformers-wingsuits-no-cgi-required Yahoo! Movies article on the wingsuit parachutists], June 2011.</ref> and wrote the scene with the intention of using the parachutists in the movie.<ref name="bayvisit"/>

For the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in the flashback sequence at the beginning of the movie, astronauts [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] are played by actors Don Jeanes and Cory Tucker, respectively. In the present day timeline, Aldrin himself appears briefly as his own older self.<ref name="aldrin">[http://movies.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-contributor-network/astronaut-buzz-aldrin-hangs-out-with-optimus-prime-transformers-dark-moon Yahoo! Movies article on Buzz Aldrin's appearance in DOTM], July 2011.</ref>

Over 500 cars were destroyed in the making of ''Dark of the Moon'', all of them damaged property from insurance companies intended for destruction.<ref name="baych"/>

Two accidents happened during shooting: In September 2010, while shooting in East Chicago, Indiana, a female extra was severely injured when a stunt scene went wrong, leaving her with permanent brain damage, the left side of her body paralyzed and her left eye stitched shut. Paramount was subsequently sued for damages by the victim's family.<ref name="extrastunt">[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-10-05/news/ct-met-transformers-lawsuit-20101005_1_gabriela-cedillo-stunt-welding Chicago tibune article on the injured extra and the subsequent lawsuit], October 2010.</ref> She was eventually granted an $18.5 million settlement in May of 2012.<ref name="settlement">[http://www.tmz.com/2012/05/23/transfomers-3-injured-extra-gets-18-million-settlement/ TMZ story about Gabriela Cedillo's settlement]</ref> As a consequence, part of the scene of the car chase battle in Washington, D.C. (which would have included the shoot that had led to the accident) was instead "[[Stock footage|borrowed]]" from Michael Bay's 2005 film ''[[Wikipedia:The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]''.<ref name="island1">[http://movies.ign.com/articles/118/1180411p1.html "Transformers 3 Re-Uses Car Crash From The Island"], IGN Movies, July 2011.</ref> While shooting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010, one of the Chevrolet Camaro prop cars that served as Bumblebee's [[alternate mode]] crashed into a [[Wikipedia: Metropolitan Police|Metropolitan Police]] SUV. Nobody was seriously injured this time.<ref name="camarocrash">[http://jalopnik.com/5661321/bumblebee-smashes-cop-car-in-yet-another-transformers-3-accident Jalopnik article on the Camaro crash], October 2010.</ref> Hasbro would later "commemorate" this event with the [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] [[Cyberverse]] "Cybertronian Warriors" multi-pack.

''Dark of the Moon'' is the first of the ''Transformers'' movies to be released in 3D. Despite early considerations to shoot the movie in 2D and convert it into 3D later, Michael Bay ultimately shot 60% of the film in native 3D, another 15% were done digitally, and the rest was shot in 2D and converted later. [[James Cameron]] assisted Michael Bay with the 3D effects. The movie's budget amounted to $195 million, which is about the same budget ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had. About $30 million went into the 3D effects.<ref name="cameron">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/michael-bay-reveals-james-camerons-191774 "Michael Bay Reveals James Cameron's Secret Role in the Making of 'Transformers'"], The Hollywood Reporter, May 2011.</ref>

=== Sponsors and partners ===
==== Hasbro ====
Hasbro, licensor of the [[Transformers brand]], hoped that the third movie would once again boost toy sales, after profits had dropped in the first quarter of 2011.<ref name="hasbroq12011">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-1Q-profit-drops-71-pct-apf-664090076.html?x=0&.v=11 Yahoo! Finance article about weak Hasbro toy sales in 2011's first quarter], April 2011.</ref> For the second quarter of 2011, Hasbro reported a net revenue growth of 23 percent to $908.5 million, citing brands such as ''Transformers'' and ''Beyblade'' as the main sources of the increased income.<ref name="hasbro2nsq">[http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hasbro-Reports-Revenue-and-bw-4063497156.html?x=0&.v=1 "Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011"], Yahoo! Finance, July 2011.</ref>

==== US military and NASA ====
Like the previous two movies, ''Dark of the Moon'' featured real military personnel as extras, supported by the US Department of Defense.<ref name="militaryextras"/> Shooting locations were Hurlburt Field and [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name="hurlburt">[http://www.shadowspear.com/special-operations-entertainment/105725-transformers-filmed-at-hurlburt.html "'Transformers 3 Filmed at Hurlburt, 1SOW Included as 'Extras'"], ShadowSpear Special Operations, July 2011.</ref>

In addition, ''Dark of the Moon'' was also supported by NASA, and NASA employees appear as extras in the movie as well.<ref name="nasa">[http://www.space.com/12142-transformers-film-nasa-space-program-touches.html "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Has Real-Life NASA Touches"], Space.com, July 2011.</ref>

==== General Motors and other car manufacturers ====
[[General Motors]] once again provided several vehicles. All recurring Autobots retain their [[alternate mode]]s from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' despite some minor tweaks, such as Sideswipe now being a convertible, and Bumblebee now sporting a rear spoiler. Once again, the cooperation was mutual, with General Motors using Bumblebee for TV commercials. The first of those, aired during the 2011 Super Bowl, also revealed some minor tweaks to Bumblebee's robot mode.<ref name="bumblebeead1">[http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/02/-bumblebee-appears-in-a-chevrolet-camaro-super-bowl-ad/1 "'Bumblebee' appears in Chevrolet's Super Bowl ad"], USA Today, February 2011.</ref><ref name="bumblebeead2">[http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/chevy-drops-new-ad-touting-transformers-3-tie-in/ "Video: Chevy drops new ad touting Transformers 3 tie-in"], Autoblog.com, June 2011.</ref> According to Chevrolet, the ''Transformers'' movies notably affect car sales, as about ten percent of all Camaros sold in the preceding year were yellow, twice as many as with other models.<ref name="carstarscast">[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/transformers-dark-moon-how-sequels-204557 "'Transformers: Dark of the Moon': How the Sequel's Star Cars Were Cast"], The Hollywood Reporter, June 2011.</ref>

New additions for ''Dark of the Moon'' are a Ferrari 458 Italia and a Mercedes-Benz E550 as Autobots ([[Mirage (Movie)|Dino]] and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]], respectively) and a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as a Decepticon ([[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]). In the movie, both Autobots sport names which aren't recycled from existing Hasbro toys. In the Ferrari's case, the reason for this is that Hasbro's greatest competitor, Mattel, has an exclusive license for Ferrari toys.<ref name="ferrarimattel">[http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Mattel.aspx Mattel license information], Ferrari.com.</ref><ref name="nelsonnomirage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/409844-mirage-no-longer-name-red-italia-dotm-3.html#post6103423 Michael Bay's website admin, Nelson Lauren, explaining why the Ferrari isn't named "Mirage"], TFW2005, May 2011.</ref> "Dino" is named in reference to [[Wikipedia: Alfredo Ferrari|Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari]], as per Ferrari's request. The Mercedes-Benz E550, meanwhile, was specifically customized for the movie.<ref name="e550tuning">[http://www.eurotuner.com/news/eurp_1102_mercedes_benz_e550_for_next_transformers_movie/index.html "Mercedes-Benz E550 for Next Transformers Movie - Web Exclusive"], Eurotuner.com, February 2011.</ref> "Que" is named in homage to [[Wikipedia:Q (James Bond)|Q]] from [[Wikipedia:James Bond|James Bond]]. A Maybach 62S Landaulet is also featured in the movie, albeit not as a Transformer, but merely as a regular car used by [[Seymour Simmons]] and his assistant [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]].

Unlike Optimus Prime, whose alternate mode was not licensed for any of the three movies, the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 airport fire truck used for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] was officially provided by the Rosenbauer International AG and entirely repainted specifically for the film, at a cost of thousands of dollars, as real-world aircraft fire-fighting vehicles are required by FAA regulations to have a much lighter color scheme, which didn't appeal to director [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="rosenbauer">[http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/press/2011/06/rosenbauer-panther-6x6-to-be-f/ Rosenbauer America press release, June 28, 2011]</ref>

Since the heavily armed Chevrolet Impalas that serve as the [[Wrecker|Wreckers']] alternate modes are directly based on existing NASCAR race cars, the prop versions of [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]], [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]] made an appearance at [[2011]] Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on [[February 20]], four month before the movie's release, appearing both off the track as display cars, and on the track, participating in the ceremonial first lap.<ref name="daytona">[http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/photos/2011/02/18/TRANSFORMERS-cars-on-display-at-Daytona "'TRANSFORMERS' cars on display at Daytona"], Hendrick Motorsports, February 2011.</ref> Director Michael Bay, actor [[Josh Duhamel]] and actress [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] also attended the event, and during the television broadcast of the race, a new ''Dark of the Moon'' television spot was aired.

==== Other product placement ====
As always, various companies have their products and names prominently displayed throughout the movie, such as [[Wikipedia:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]], [[Wikipedia:CNN|CNN]], [[Wikipedia:Fox News Channel|Fox News]], [[Wikipedia:Cisco|Cisco]] and [[Wikipedia:Superfund|Superfund]].<ref name="brands1">[http://www.brandchannel.com/brandcameo_films.asp?movie_year_az=2011 "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"] at brandchannel.com.</ref> Paper manufacturer Double A also cooperated with Paramount and even had Michael Bay direct a commercial that features scenes from ''Dark of the Moon'', notably [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]].<ref name="paper">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/articles/167497-transformers-featured-in-double-a-paper-ad "Transformers Featured in Double A Paper Ad"] at SuperHeroHype, June 2011.</ref> Of particular note is the large number of Chinese brands such as [[Wikipedia:Lenovo|Lenovo]], [[Wikipedia:Yili Group|Yili]] Shuhua Milk, [[Wikipedia:Metersbonwe Group|Metersbonwe]] Mtee shirts and [[Wikipedia:TCL Corporation|TCL]] HDTV screens.<ref name="chinesebrands">[http://advertising.chinasmack.com/2011/transformers-the-rise-of-chinese-product-placement.html "Transformers: The Rise Of Chinese Product Placement"] at Chinasmack.</ref><ref name="brands2">[http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2011/07/05/Brandcameo-070411-Transformers-3.aspx "Transformers 3 Product Placement: If Tom Hanks Gets a Pass, Michael Bay Does Not"] at brandchannel, July 2011.</ref>

For [[Wikipedia:Nokia|Nokia]], the product placement turned out to be dated by the time the movie came out, as a mobile phone featured in the movie ran on [[Wikipedia:Symbian|Symbian]], despite Nokia mostly dropping Symbian as an operating system due to their recent partnership with [[Wikipedia:Microsoft|Microsoft]].<ref name="nokiaobit">[http://www.thenoisecast.com/2011/07/nokia-x7-product-placement-in-transformers-3-feels-like-an-obituary/ "Nokia X7 Product Placement In Transformers 3 Feels Like An Obituary"], Noisecast, July 2011.</ref>

=== Changes before, during and after production ===
* In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in June 2009, Michael Bay suggested that [[Ramon Rodriguez]] would reprise his role as [[Leo Spitz]] from ''Revenge of the Fallen'' for the third movie.<ref name="bayramon">[http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2009/06/30/ramon-rodriguez-will-have-bigger-role-in-third-transformers-movie-bay-hints/ "Ramon Rodriguez will have bigger role in third ‘Transformers’ movie, Bay hints"], Los Angeles Times, June 2009.</ref>

* As stated above, [[Megan Fox]] was originally intended to reprise her role as [[Mikaela Banes]] from the previous two movies. She was still spotted on the ''Dark of the Moon'' set during the previsualization stage in May 2010<ref name="foxonset"/>, but was fired from the production shortly afterwards due to a falling out with director [[Michael Bay]]. [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]]'s character of [[Carly Spencer]] was written in as a replacement, though the fact that her part was originally written for Mikaela still shows in some parts: For example, Carly is overseeing [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]]'s car collection, which could be viewed as an extension of Mikaela's history with working with cars. Furthermore, Sam and Carly not only have [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] (who had been previously "domesticated" by Mikaela) as a "pet", but also her dog [[Bonecrusher (dog)|Bonecrusher]] (played by Michael Bay's eponymous real-life dog).

*In January 2010, actor James Avery claimed in an interview that he would be playing a new Autobot named "Silverbolt".<ref name="avery">[http://unscripted.ca/episodes/show/136 James Avery interview on Unscripted], January 2010</ref> In June 2010, representatives of James Avery, responding to a bizarre rumor that he had passed away, confirmed that the actor was indeed alive and would be playing Silverbolt in ''Transformers 3''.<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-in-national/uncle-phil-james-avery-isn-t-dead-after-all James Avery isn't dead after all], The Examiner, June 2010.</ref> Despite this, neither Avery nor Silverbolt ultimately appear in ''Dark of the Moon''.

* In January of 2011, an Idaho newspaper<ref>[http://magicvalley.com/news/local/article_d4f374a4-d960-5589-8d0c-be37df66fc40.html?mode=story "Rupert's Fagerbakke finds a voice that is truly golden"]</ref> announced voice actor [[Bill Fagerbakke]] as the voice of a "Chevy Impala stock car" that would appear in ''Dark of the Moon'' (presumably meaning one of the three [[Wrecker]]s, who share that base altmode). Why Fagerbakke did not end up voicing any of the Wreckers in the final cut of the film is unknown.

* Shockwave's original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].

* In an earlier draft of the movie's script, Megatron is sincere when he offers Optimus Prime a truce at the end. Optimus accepts, and Megatron and the remaining Decepticons leave Earth to rebuild Cybertron. This ending is used for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]] and the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|comic adaptation]], according to Nelson, the ending was changed because the studio didn't want the adaptations to share the same ending with the film.<ref>http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/members/nelson-47919.html#vmessage284191</ref>

* Furthermore, it was originally supposed to be [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage/"Dino"]] rather than [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack/"Que"]] who would have been executed by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Chicago. This version made it into the comic adaptation and the [[Dark of the Moon: The Junior Novel|junior novelization]].

* Another scrapped death for Mirage is seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (novel)|novelization]], in where he's decapicated by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. His severed head is subsequently used by Soundwave to mock the Autobots before they are about to get executed.

* [[The Twins]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], were originally supposed to return for ''Dark of the Moon'', and to die at the hands of Sentinel Prime shortly after Ironhide. Even though [[General Motors]] provided two Chevrolet Sparks to serve as their alternate modes<ref name="chevyspark">[http://www.leftlanenews.com/chevrolet-spark-transformers-3.html Left Lane News article on two Chevrolet Sparks spotted on the DOTM set], May 2010.</ref> which were still spotted on the set as late as October 2010<ref name="dcparking">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-3-dc-parking-lot-gallery.html "Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, October 2010.</ref>, the two were mostly edited out of the final movie (their vehicle modes can barely be glimpsed in a few brief shots). Michael Bay even went so far as to offer a $25,000 reward for anyone who would see the Twins "perform" in the movie.<ref name="reward">[http://collider.com/transformers-3-twins-skids-mudflap-michael-bay/91104/ Collider.com article on Michael Bay's "reward" for spotting Skids and Mudflap "perform" in DOTM], May 2011.</ref> In the novelization and the comic adaptation, Skids and Mudflap still appear.

* Another plot point that was apparently dropped was an anti-Autobot sentiment among the human populace. Graffiti with a crossed out Autobot [[insignia|logo]] with the words "go home" below it showed up in several set photos.<ref name="gohome1">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2010/05/transformers-3-filming-with-twins.html Photos from the set in Sherman Oaks, California] at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, May 2010.</ref><ref name="gohome2">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-tf3-plot-point-revealed-autobots-go-home/19188/ Photos from the Chicago set] at Seibertron.com, July 2010.</ref> In the movie, Congress instantly passes a law exiling the Autobots from Earth following Sentinel Prime's ultimatum.

* Early working names included "[[Ultra Magnus (disambiguation)|Ultra Magnus]]" for [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]<ref name="chicagocall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicgo-call-sheet-for-ultra-magnus.html "Chicago Call Sheet For Ultra Magnus"], Transformers Live Action Movie Blog, June 2011.</ref>, "Enzo" (after [[Wikipedia:Enzo Ferrari|Enzo Ferrari]])<ref name="callsheet2">[http://tilallaremine.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/dark-of-the-moon-call-sheets/ Dark of the Moon Call Sheets!] at Til All Are Mine blog, July 2011.</ref> and "Rush" for Mirage/"Dino", "[[Warpath (disambiguation)|Warpath]]" for both [[Roadbuster (DOTM)|Roadbuster]] and [[Topspin (DOTM)|Topspin]], "Tempest" for Topspin, "[[Flash (disambiguation)|Flash]]" for [[Leadfoot (DOTM)|Leadfoot]], "[[Dreadwind (disambiguation)|Dreadwind]]" for [[Crankcase (DOTM)|Crankcase]], "[[Hooligan]]" for [[Crowbar]], "[[Dirtbag]]" for [[Hatchet]], "[[Blitzwing (disambiguation)|Blitzwing]]" for [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], "[[Breakdown (disambiguation)|Breakdown]]" for Soundwave's new vehicular design, "Colossus" for the [[Driller]]<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>, "Buzzard" for [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]], "[[Undermine]]" for [[Igor]] and "[[Steeljaw (disambiguation)|Steeljaw]]" for Wheeljack/"Que". However, it's quite possible a few of these were code names used to keep character identities a secret during production as images of Megatron's new cloak obscured face refer to the character as "Cyclonus".<ref name="wburt">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt DOTM concepts.]</ref>
[[Image:DOTM-SentinelPrimetrailer.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Colour me your colour, baby Colour me your car Colour me your colour, darling I know who you are]]

* Roadbuster was originally intended to have [[Wikipedia:Jeff Gordon|Jeff Gordon]]'s #24 [[Wikipedia:DuPont|DuPont]]-sponsored Chevrolet Impala as his alternate mode, rather than [[Wikipedia:Dale_Earnhardt,_Jr.|Dale Earnhardt, Jr.]]'s #88 Impala sponsored by [[Wikipedia:AMP Energy|AMP Energy]].<ref name="nizzi"/>

* Que/Wheeljack's head was once considered to be based on [[Wikipedia:Christopher Lloyd|Christopher Lloyd]]'s [[Wikipedia:Emmett Brown|Doc Brown]] from the [[Wikipedia:Back to the Future trilogy|''Back to the Future'' movies]], rather than [[Wikipedia:Albert Einstein|Albert Einstein]].<ref name="wburt"/>

* The Wreckers were originally intended to have a robot pet dog, whose working names also included "Warpath".<ref name="nizzi"/> Hasbro released a toy of the dog with the [[Human Alliance]] version of Leadfoot, named "[[Steeljaw (DOTM)|Steeljaw]]".

* In an interview with MTV.com, actors [[Shia LaBeouf]] and [[John Malkovich]] hinted at at some smaller scenes that were cut from the final edit of the movie. In addition to some add-libbing by the actors, one scene would have featured Malkovich's character, [[Bruce Brazos]], attempting to get Carly's phone number.<ref name="deletedmtv">[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1666772/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-dvd-deleted-scenes.jhtml MTV.com on deleted scenes], July 2011.</ref>

* In the original teaser trailer for ''Dark of the Moon'' that was released in December 2010, the opening scene that featured [[Neil Armstrong]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] investigate the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' on the moon had Sentinel Prime sport a gold and silver color scheme. For the final movie, his base color was changed to red.
{{-}}

=== Leaks and disinformation===
[[Image:DOTMgameSoundwave.jpg|thumb|300px|right|What you're about to see is totally classified.]]
The movie's title, then "Transformers: ''The'' Dark of the Moon", was first discovered on October 6, 2010 via listings for childrens' books on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. The title was further confirmed by a whois check for "www.transformersdarkofthemoonmovie.com".<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-title-revealed-170697/ Transformers 3 Title Revealed?] @ TFW2005.com</ref> On October 31, the official website for all three movies, [http://www.transformersmovie.com/ transformersmovie.com], was updated to show the ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' logo as well as international release dates.

[[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] was heavily touted as the new main villain, no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>

[[Image:TF3HasbroSoundwaveBio.JPG|thumb|300px|left|If you breathe a word of what you see in here, you will do time for treason.]]Michael Bay and other official parties tried ''really'' hard to suppress the plot twist of the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG given to [[Carly Spencer|Carly]] by [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] turning out to be the new [[alternate mode]] of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. After the Mercedes had been spotted on the set, with [[Rosie Huntington-Whiteley]] exiting it<ref name="mercedesset">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=67518 DOTM Set Photos], ComingSoon.net, July 2010.</ref>, the first hint that it was more than meets the eye came with the trailer for the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|video game]], which showed Soundwave's robot mode with car [[kibble]] such as wheels that heavily resembled those of the Mercedes. In addition, [[Rising Storm issue 3|issue 3]] of ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' depicted Soundwave's robot mode not only with car kibble, but with a Mercedes star on his chest. Despite this, director Michael Bay insisted that the Mercedes was simply Carly's car, claiming that "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's {{sic}} really frown on that. I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car."<ref name="baynomerc">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?8724-Update-Is-Soundwave-the-silver-Mercedes-on-set-of-DOTM&p=169598&viewfull=1#post169598 Michael Bay's response to the fan theory that Soundwave is the Silver Mercedes.], April 2011.</ref> On April 19, 2011, an event for promoting the ''Spider-Man: Edge of Time'' and ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' video games was held in London. As part of this, [[High Moon Studios]] released promotional stills from the ''Dark of the Moon'' game, one of which depicted Soundwave's new robot mode, again with Mercedes parts. However, a news embargo was enforced on the attending press, which was broken by South African video game site [http://egamer.co.za egamer].<ref name="egamera">[http://egamer.co.za/2011/05/exclusive-hands-on-transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ egamer's preview of the ''Dark of the Moon'' video game]</ref> The site was soon asked to take down the article and images, as were various ''Transformers'' fan sites that had reported on the article and mirrored the images. On May 2, 2011, Hasbro's [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/ official Transformers website] was given a massive overhaul, including the addition of the new [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/en_US/discover/cybertronian-database.cfm Vector Sigma database]. The entry for Soundwave initially identified his alternate mode as a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, but was soon changed to "satellite". On May 3, 2011, the embargo for the video game article and promotional stills was finally lifted, allowing sites to freely show the image of Soundwave's new robot mode.

On May 5, 2011, several weeks before the trade paperback collection's official release, preview pages from [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon Movie Adaptation|''Dark of the Moon'' comic adaptation]] were discovered on [http://www.amazon.com/ Amazon.com]. Through some bizarre system error, ''several dozen pages'' were made available, which included the major plot twist of Sentinel Prime showing his true colors and killing [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Unsurprisingly, this discovery was quickly posted on several major Transformers [[fandom|fan sites]], often without a spoiler warning.

==Notes==
* A 126-page script for the movie was leaked in December 2009<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/content/view/6435/20/ The Allspark: Transformers News Movie Comics Animated - Script Treatment for Transformers 3? Bogus or Not, Here You Go!]</ref>, causing much discussion among the fandom. It was later confirmed as fake.<ref>[http://shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6532 Script]</ref>
* When word hit that [[Megan Fox]] was off the picture, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIuqiepu4UY Heidi Montag] put an "audition" for her part on YouTube. [http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/114ce28ddd/sir-ben-kingsley-shows-up-heidi-montag Sir Ben Kingsley] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4FZeucBO0c Ashton Kutcher] made fun of her, because life is rad.
* Several concepts that had been established by the [[Transformers (film)|first movie]] were (more or less) dropped with ''Dark of the Moon'' in favor or a more traditional, ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-esque approach:
** In the 2007 movie, the Autobots arrive on Earth in "[[Protoform]]" entry modes (which was subsequently used as the basis for the Decepticons' arrival in [[Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall]]). Prior to the release of the movie, screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] defended this choice over the use of a spaceship such as the ''Ark'' by asking why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel".<ref name="orcitravel">[http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html TFormers quoting Roberto Orci], because Don Murphy's board can only be read by registered members.</ref> He somewhat changed his mind after the movie had been released, however.<ref name="orciship">[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=388596&postcount=271 Roberto Orci on the Transformers Live Action Movie Boards], July 2007.</ref> After the Decepticons' ship, the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'', had made an appearance in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', ''Dark of the Moon'' not only introduces the movieverse version of the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but also reveals that all the new Autobots who have been on Earth since before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had arrived in their own spaceship, the ''[[Xantium (DOTM)|Xantium]]'', making the notion of individual Transformers traveling through space as "comets" an exception rather than the rule.
** Furthermore, ''Dark of the Moon'' largely abandons the idea of Transformers having all their weapons integrated into their bodies in favor of more traditional, separate weapons. For example, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had blades and hooks emerging from his forearms in the previous two movies now stores all his weapons (including an axe) as accessories inside his trailer (though Optimus was shown to have his swords still in his arms during the battle for Chicago). Also, Ironhide, whose cannons were previously affixed to his arms, now sports handheld firearms instead. (To be fair, he dropped his cannons during the final battle in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) Even Megatron, whose [[fusion cannon]] previously grew out of his arms, now has an ordinary handheld shotgun. (Then again, his arm that turned into his Fusion cannon was ripped off by Prime in ''Revenge of the Fallen''.) The only ones who still seem to have the same converting arm cannons as in the previous movies are Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Starscream.

* [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] finally achieves a certain consistency between his two primary modes: Ever since his upgrade to a modern Camaro in ''Transformers'' (2007), his [[license plate]] had alternated between "900 STRA" in vehicle mode and "4NZZ 454" in robot mode. ''Dark of the Moon'' finally uses "900 STRA" for the robot mode as well. Hasbro's toys, which had previously favored the CG robot model's "4NZZ 454" (barring the occasional "4NZZ'''Z''' 454" flub), follow suit.
*Speaking of license plates: [[Dutch (DOTM)|Dutch]]'s Maybach 62S Landaulet sports a German license plate, "'''S MM 6201'''", registered in the city of Stuttgart. In reality, that plate is registered to the manufacturer and used for promotional photos.<ref name="maybach">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/update--transformers-3-rumor--who-wants-to-be-a-millionaire-170533/ Set photos and promo photos of the Maybach 62S Landaulet] at TFW2005.</ref>
*Michael Bay's private Gulfstream Aerospace G-1159A jet (registration number N4500X) has a cameo in the movie as [[Charlotte Mearing]]'s plane.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/Dark Side Moon''''' (トランスフォーマー/ダークサイド・ムーン ''Toransufōmā/Dāku Saido Mūn'')
*''Cantonese:'' (變形金剛: 黑月降臨, "Transformers: The Arrival of the Black Moon")
*''Finnish:'' '''''Transformers: Kuun pimeä puoli''''' ("Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''French:'' '''''Transformers 3: La Face cachée de la Lune''''' ("Transformers 3: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''German:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Polish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Lado Oculto da Lua''''' ("Transformers: The Hidden Side of the Moon")
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery 3: Tjomnaja storona Luny''''' (Трансформеры 3: Тёмная сторона Луны, "Transformers 3: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Serbian:'' '''''Transformers 3: Tama Meseca''''' ("Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers: El Lado Oscuro de la Luna''''' (America, "Transformers: The Dark Side of the Moon")
*''Swedish:'' '''''Transformers 3'''''
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biàn-hsín Jīn-gāng Sān''''' (Taiwan, 變形金剛３, "Transformers 3"), '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Yuè Hēi zhī Shí''''' (China, 变形金刚：月黑之时, "Transformers: The Time When the Moon Becomes Black")

==Footnotes==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com/ Official ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' website]
*[http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersdarkofthemoon/ Trailers.Apple.com ''Transformers: Dark of the Moon'' page]
* Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi], [http://www.warrenmanser.com/WarrenManser.com/PORTFOLIO_M/Pages/TRANSFORMERS_3.html Warren Manser], [http://www.joelchang.com/index.php?/projects/transformers-dark-of-the-moon/ Joel Chang], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8293 The Aaron Sims Company] (at Concept Art World), [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=8388 Wesley Burt] (at Concept Art World), [http://massiveblack.com/MBwebolution/blog/?p=301 Massive Black], [http://www.ghull.com/#/125195 George Hull]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dark of the Moon (film)}}
[[Category: Dark of the Moon| Dark of the Moon (film)]]
[[Category: Dark of the Moon media| ]]
[[Category: Real world films]]

Shockwave (Movie)

2012-06-11T14:43:07Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticonfilm|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Shockwave}}
:''Shockwave is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[live-action film series|live-action movie]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:ShockwaveDOTMgamepromo.jpg|right|thumb|400px|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s most bewildering foe: the faceless!]]

'''Shockwave''' was left to watch [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] by [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] long ago, arriving on Earth to hunt for the [[AllSpark]] shortly after Megatron. A peerless scientist with deadly efficiency and a cold devotion to logic, he is one of the very few who could rival Megatron. Shockwave is ready and willing to destroy the Autobots with his arm-mounted AstroMag Cannon.

{{bigquote|Emotionless, coldly logical, utterly ruthless... killing is all Shockwave lives for.|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]|[[Dark of the Moon issue 1|''Dark of the Moon'' #1]]}}

==Fiction==
===IDW live-action film prequel comics===
[[Image:Foundation1-Shockwavedoesntlikeit.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"'''Your star burns!''' I require frozen treats."]]
Eons after the [[Dynasty of Primes]] were vanquished, Cybertron fell into dark times. The [[AllSpark]] had been buried somewhere within Cybertron and been dismissed as a legend, and the planet itself lacked a star to orbit. As energy became more and more scarce, Cybertronians segregated into tribes. Shockwave chose to rally behind [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]], who claimed to be descended from [[Primus]] himself. However, he faced opposition from the non-believer [[Thetacon (tribe)|Thetacons]], and Shockwave joined [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]], and several others in repelling their attacks. Ultimately, Sentinel Prime won the day, as he and [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] were successful in locating the lost AllSpark and harnessing a new sun to orbit. This, however, did not please Shockwave. Now that the war was over, he was dissatisfied, and he no longer knew his purpose. This shocked his old friend, Megatron, and Shockwave explained that it was the journey he enjoyed, not the destination. Plus, well, that new sun was kind of bright. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}}

The next day, Megatron detailed to Shockwave how he had eavesdropped on a conversation between Sentinel and Optimus, where Sentinel had tried to pass on leadership to Optimus, who refused, unable to accept he was also a Prime. At the outskirts of [[Thetacon (polity)|Thetacon]], they encountered a [[Driller]], a subterranean lifeform that had been brought to the planet's surface by the new energy flowing through it, which was attacking a group of [[Hatchling]]s and their protector [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. Shockwave was amazed by the creature and called it "magnificent". After besting it, he joined the Cybertronian [[Defense Force]] that Sentinel placed under Megatron's command, rooting out dissident Transformers. {{storylink|Foundation issue 2|Foundation #2}}

After the war broke out he joined the Decepticons. As Starscream was asking what to do next minutes before the [[Nemesis (ROTF)|''Nemesis'']] went to space, Shockwave told him that they would obey Megatron's orders without any question. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} When the Autobots attacked [[Simfur Temple]], Shockwave attempted to apprehend [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]], but with no success. When Starscream blew up the [[Ark (DOTM)|ship]] carrying Sentinel and his [[pillar|secret weapon]], Shockwave ordered the annihilation of the retreating Autobots, but Megatron made him stand down, gleefully predicting Optimus would return with a vengeance. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

Shockwave returned with Megatron to his [[Lord High Protector citadel|citadel]] during Optimus's revenge attack. {{storylink|Foundation issue 1|Foundation #1}} Shockwave asked Megatron if he could kill Optimus Prime and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] after they had been stuck by the [[smelting pool]], but Megatron was disappointed by Shockwave's lack of vision. {{Storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} Optimus got inside to fight Megatron, while Starscream and Shockwave attempted to kill their former comrade Ironhide. Suddenly, the skies darkened: the Autobots had attacked the citadel to distract the Decepticons from their true goal of stealing the AllSpark from the temple. Optimus blasted Starscream and Shockwave, and the two Autobots escaped. {{storylink|Foundation issue 4|Foundation #4}}

[[Image:RisingStorm2-ShockwaveAllSpark.jpg|thumb|250px|]] Some time later, after the Autobots sent the All Spark into space, Starscream left Shockwave in charge of the Decepticons still on Cybertron as he went in search of his prize. During a battle with a team of Autobots, Shockwave heard the scream of the AllSpark when it was found by [[Sector Seven]]. Leaving [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] in charge of the Decepticons on Cybertron, Shockwave set out in an impossibly fast ship, swearing not to return without the AllSpark. He crashed in Tunguska, [[Siberia]] in [[1908]].<ref>''Rising Storm'' issue 2 reveals that Shockwave caused the mysterious real-life [[wikipedia:Tunguska_event|Tunguska event.]]</ref> He remained buried there in [[stasis lock]], healing until [[Soviet Union|Soviet Russia]] found him ten years later. Using stolen research from the U.S., who had found Megatron the same way, the Russians reverse-engineered his technology to invent nuclear power plants. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}} {{storylink|Frozen}}

There were no digital records of Shockwave's existence, and the physical documents pertaining to him were lost, burned, shredded or stolen in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse. The Siberian facility was abandoned and Shockwave was left forgotten. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}}
{{-}}

===Titan Magazines===
While Starscream doesn't like or trust Shockwave, he respects his intelligence and, if he had to choose, would give the nod to Shockwave being his successor. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|#21's Star Screams}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
[[Image:Shockwave-ROTFnewspaper.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Quick, add him to the character list!]]
At some point during 2009, Shockwave was caught on film and the event was written up for a newspaper article. A newspaper page with the headline "Mysterious Robot Spotted" was discarded in [[Egypt]], where it was sucked up by a rampaging [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]. {{Storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}
{{-}}

===IDW ''Dark of the Moon'' comics===
[[Image:RisingStorm_Shockwave_and_astrotrain.jpg|left|thumb|250px|"Astrotrain, go away. You're spoiling the G1 ambiance around me."]]
Soundwave discovered the satirical article and its photograph, and deduced it was based on stolen Soviet documents. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} In [[2010]], Megatron freed Shockwave and brought him to his "base" in [[Namibia]], where he was eager to get back to killing Autobots as soon as possible. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 2|Rising Storm #2}}

Shockwave and [[Astrotrain (DOTM)|Astrotrain]] made their presence known on Earth near [[Dalian]], [[China]], where they quickly disposed of the Autobots [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] and stole material for a mysterious construction project.

Shockwave began following the exploits of Earth's stranded Transformers from afar, and derided its war's combatants as idiots after watching a skirmish in [[California]]. After contacting Astrotrain for an update on their project, he tracked [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]]'s radiation trail back to Starscream's current base of operations, in a junkyard on the outskirts of [[Mexico City]]. Blasting his way through the Decepticons unwise enough to try defending Starscream, Shockwave informed the treacherous air commander that Megatron had "requested his services." Before the conversation could go any further, Astrotrain radioed Shockwave with some bad news: the "[[Brains|brain unit]]" scrap drone that held the control software for the machine he was constructing had escaped. Shockwave charged Starscream and his followers with recovering the drone. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 1|Rising Storm #1}}

[[Image:Risingstorm_3_shockwave_on_NEST.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Shock blast!]]

Shockwave contacted an angry Starscream who thought he was promised the Autobots would be occupied. Shockwave countered that they were occupied, but, you know, with Starscream, leaving Shockwave free to leave a message for [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] at the [[NEST]] Headquarters in [[Diego Garcia]]. After killing [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knock Out]], [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]], and other Autobots who stood in his way, Shockwave confronted the trembling humans left to fend for themselves. When Shockwave asked who was in command, [[Theodore Galloway]] told him that he was. Shockwave killed Galloway and the other humans save one, and he asked his question one more time. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 3|Rising Storm #3}}

After killing [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]], he and [[Fearswoop (ROTF)|Fearswoop]] left Diego Garcia, then he arrived in [[Philadelphia]] killing [[Elita-One (Movie)|Elita-One]] in the process and shot down [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Mirage (Movie)|Mirage]]. Enraged by the death of Elita-One and the other Autobots. Optimus Prime battled Shockwave destroying half of his face and body, Prime was about to kill Shockwave, till Shockwave's [[Driller|"pet"]] came to save his master. the badly damaged Shockwave returned to Namibia along Starscream and Soundwave. {{storylink|Rising Storm issue 4|Rising Storm #4}}
{{-}}

===''Dark of the Moon'' film===
:''Voice actor'': [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Jirō Saitō]] (Japanese), [[Miguel Ángel Ghigliazza]] (Latin American Spanish), [[Horst Lampe]] (German)

[[Image:DOTM - ShockwaveDriller.jpg|left|thumb|300px|"We have wormsign."]]

Shockwave and his pet [[Driller]] attacked the Autobots when they were summoned to [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant|Chernobyl]] by the Decepticon agent [[Alexi Voskhod]]. This was done as an act of misdirection to ensure that the Autobots did not realize that the Decepticons actually wanted them to find the fuel cell from the [[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]] located within the facility. After Optimus retrieved the fuel cell from the Driller, Shockwave emerged from it to reveal himself to Optimus, and the pair quickly retreated underground, leaving Optimus very disturbed to see Shockwave on Earth.

[[Image:DOTM-Shockwavecloseup.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The four tall tales of Robodian the one-eyed jerk.]]

Later, Shockwave took part in the invasion of [[Chicago]]. He and the Driller emerged from beneath the convoy of Autobots, and the Driller separated Optimus from his trailer. Shockwave left the Driller and proceeded to track down the Autobots. The [[Wrecker]]s were sent to distract him, peppering his armor with fire from their machine-guns. He used a car as a shield and fired at them, and once they drove off, he menacingly began to pursue them down the road, missing the two small Autobots, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]], who quickly fled.

[[Image:830px-Dotm-shockwave&driller-film-chicago.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Wanna pet my worm?]]
Later, he noticed humans inside a building, and sent his Driller into the fray to topple a building and kill [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Carly Spencer]], [[Robert Epps]], and the other humans inside. The beast was killed by Optimus Prime using his flight gear, however, and Shockwave, enraged by the death of his pet, opened fire on the Autobot leader, briefly disabling him and taking him out of the fight.

[[Image:DOTM-OptimusShockwave.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Welcome to the refinery.]]

He soon joined [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] and [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] to round up the other Autobots. Brains and Wheelie forestalled the Decepticons from further executing their prisoners by taking control of a Decepticon gunship, and dropping [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighters]] onto the battlefield. Shockwave retreated further away with Barricade and some other Decepticons, but the human soldiers had set a trap and fired upon them. Shockwave was blinded by one of their parachutes, and his eye was then shot out, causing it to dangle by its wires. Optimus Prime then came charging back into the battle, and when Shockwave fired at him, the Autobot dodged the shot, donned a set of knuckle-spikes, and punched Shockwave so hard that part of his abdomen shattered. Even ''this'' did not put Shockwave down, but Prime did not let up - he punched Shockwave again, pinned the Decepticon down and tore his dangling eye out through his throat, finally ending the Decepticon's life. Optimus then used Shockwave's cannon to shoot out the control pillar set up in the city. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: The Game'' (console)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daniel Riordan]]

[[Image:Tf2007console shockwave.jpg|left|200px|thumb|1% assorted Shockwave parts, 99% weapons.]]
Under the orders of Starscream, Shockwave attacked [[Tranquility]] in an effort to interfere with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s attempt to rescue [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] from [[Sector Seven]]. Prime actually had a grip on the helicopter net that held Bumblebee, but the force of Shockwave's entry mode's impact knocked him off, allowing Sector Seven to get away.

[[Image:Tf2007console shockwave turret.jpg|200px|thumb|Death Cannon OF LOGIC!]]
Landing in downtown, the [[Triple Changer|triple-changing]] Shockwave adopted a helicopter and an artillery emplacement as his alternate modes, promptly transforming into the latter and lobbing explosives around the city. Prime, forced to cut off his rescue, charged in and pounded Shockwave until the goliath transformed and retreated to another position. Prime doggedly kept at Shockwave, following him every time he retreated, eventually defeating the Decepticon and saving Tranquility. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

Later, when the Autobots returned to Cybertron, Shockwave appeared on the planet alongside (and presumably leading) an army of Decepticon drones. Optimus quickly defeated the drones and once more defeated Shockwave.

{{note|Shockwave is not a playable character in the game, appearing only as a boss character during the Autobot campaign. He also appears (but does not transform) as one of the enemies battled in the Autobot campaign's bonus level set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], but what this implies about Shocky is debatable at best, given the level's questionable in-game continuity.}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: The Game'' (PSP)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daniel Riordan]]

[[Image:Shockwave movie psp.jpg|left|170px|thumb|He makes up for his loss of weapons by being the most awesome character in the game. It is only logical.]]

The massive Shockwave might ''look'' like he's purely about muscle and firepower, but he's actually remarkably shrewd and cunning. Coveting the position of Decepticon leader for himself, Shockwave has been working to oust Megatron for years. As you might imagine, he and Starscream don't get along very well.

When the Decepticons arrived on Earth in search of their lost leader, Megatron, Shockwave adopted a tank as his alternate mode. Shockwave was supposed to join [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] in his attack on the [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base]] in [[Qatar]], but instead busied himself surrepticiously searching for leads to the location of the [[AllSpark]]. After receiving a communique from [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who informed him that the Autobots were on Earth and had discovered their own leads to the location of Megatron, Shockwave had [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] airlift him to Qatar, where he helped Blackout take care of the last few military units opposing him. He relayed Frenzy's message to Blackout, then departed for the Arctic with Thundercracker, intending to investigate the site where Megatron's body was discovered.

In the Arctic, Shockwave and Thundercracker faced resistance from an Autobot unit in the area, but fought their way through them to discover that Megatron's body had been moved by [[Sector Seven]]. The trip was not a wasted one, however: after scanning a computer terminal in the cavern, Shockwave discovered that Megatron had brought an army of drones with him to Earth to help in the search for the All Spark. These drones were presently lying dormant all over the Earth, and Shockwave schemed to reactivate them so that they could serve him as his personal army. The signal required to reanimated the drones had to be broadcast from a great height, so Shockwave and Thundercracker quickly made their way to a rocket launch site, where Shockwave
programmed the code into a rocket that subsequently beamed the signal down over the Earth from space. Drones sprang to life all over the planet, and began attacking the Autobots. Shockwave's control of his
self-made army was short lived, however, as Autobots [[Trailbreaker (Movie)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] successfully transmitted a virus that shut the drones down. Simultaneously, Shockwave received another message from Frenzy that the he had discovered the location of Megatron, and that the Decepticon leader was about to reawaken.

After the Autobots defeated Megatron and most of the other Decepticons in battle in [[Center City]], Shockwave retreated back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], as did Starscream. Back on their homeworld, Shockwave and Starscream faced off for leadership of the Decepticons, with Starscream ultimately claiming victory. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

{{note|In contrast to the console version of the game, Shockwave ''is'' a playable character on the PSP.}}

===Autobot Stronghold===

Shockwave was used as the basis for an army of [[drone]] units, who were part of the constant attacks on the Autobot's [[LG]] Stronghold. For some reason, these drones had ''two'' Sparks. {{storylink|Autobot Stronghold}}

===''Transformers: Dark of the Moon - The Game''===

:''Voice actor:'' [[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] (Wii version only)

====(Xbox 360/PS3)====
[[Image:Dark of the Moon game Shockwave.jpg|thumb|300px|Shockwave on the warpath.]]
Shockwave had crashed on Earth thousands of years ago and fell into stasis mode. He was later discovered by the Russians and a facility was built to contain him, where he was frozen to prevent him from waking up.

Three years after Megatron was wounded, the Decepticons took refuge in that same Russian facility to repair themselves. His leader [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] decided to release him, since he was needed for the upcoming operation. The base came under fire, however, thanks to Starscream leading the [[Autobot]]s straight to Megatron. The 'Cons abandoned base and left Shockwave to thaw out.

[[Image:Transformers DOTM Shockwave Game.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Give me your your face-er, I mean eye!]]
Optimus discovered Shockwave and ordered [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] to activate more freeze tanks to keep him frozen. Unfortunately, Shockwave's [[Driller|pet]] awoke from its slumber, and lashed out at the intruders. The attempts to keep him frozen eventually failed, and Shockwave woke up and decided to destroy the Autobot leader. Years under stasis meant that he wasn't fully combat ready, and it was something Optimus took advantage of when he attacked the Decepticon assassin. Shockwave soon managed to fully recover and lashed out at Prime with everything he had. Autobot reinforcements arrived to help in Optimus' assault, but were dispatched quite easily. During their skirmish, Optimus Prime (with a little help from Ratchet) deduced his weak spot as the three cylinder-shaped generators mounted on his back. With this knowledge, Optimus Prime was then able to take down Shockwave with his jetpack/machinegun upgrades, until the Driller decided to intervene, and blocked off the shots while retreating with its master.

Shortly after, Shockwave met up with Megatron, [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] in Nambia, Africa. He was ordered to find a device in a nuclear power plant called Chernobyl. Shockwave agreed, and Megatron told him and the others of Operation Pillar... {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)|Dark of the Moon (Xbox 360/PS3)}}

====Autobots/Decepticons====
[[Image:DOTMDS Shockwave.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Shockwave was in some state where he needed to be revived and was stored in the Decepticons' base in [[Siberia]]. When the Autobots invaded the base, Megatron was forced to revive Shockwave early, but managed to get the assassin out and began preparing for the next stage of the plan. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons|Dark of the Moon: Autobots/Decepticons}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===Dark of the Moon===
====Cyberverse====
{{anchor|CyberverseActionSet}}
[[Image:DOTM Cyberverse Shockwave FusionTank.jpg|thumb|350px|right|It's a fusion of terror and more terror.]]
*'''Shockwave / Fusion Tank''' (Cyberverse Action Set, 2011)
**''Series:'' '''1'''
**''Number:'' '''006'''
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''CV19'''
**''Accessories:'' Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade, missile, Chicago

: The [[Cyberverse]] Commander class Shockwave is cast in a lighter purple than his Voyager class figure. Like that larger toy, he transforms into a Cybertronian tank, and features a removable cannon, blade, and hose. He also has a [[Fusion Tank add-on|back component]] that attaches to his vehicle to form a "Fusion Tank," and that can separately transform into "Ground Weapon" and "Battle Base" modes.

: Shockwave's alternate mode has some rather annoying problems with the treads refusing to straighten out or peg onto his body and front "wheels" securely. As a result, combining him with the action set to form the "Fusion Tank" mode will result in the back treads becoming parallel with the rest of the tank... while the front treads split open and detach from the wheels.

: Like other action sets, Shockwave comes with a cardboard backdrop. In his case, it’s a scene of Chicago under attack. Oddly, the box bio mentions ''Shockwave'''s ability to drill through the ground, with no mention of his [[Driller|friend]].
{{-}}

====Voyager Class toys====
[[Image:DOTM_Shockwave_Voyager.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Observation: gun hose. Conclusion: awesome.]]
*'''Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager, 2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''DD05'''
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Voyager Class [[MechTech]] toys, Shockwave transforms into a purple Cybertronian tank. He has a large, detachable MechTech Battle Cannon on his right arm with a rubber tube which connects to his back, and a removable blade on his left arm. When a button is pushed on the rear of his arm cannon, MechTech gearing opens up the cannon, widening it and exposing more gun barrels. [[C joint]] rungs are located on Shockwave's arm-blade, with one concealed underneath said blade, two on his AstroMag cannon, two more on his backpack, and two more on his feet. Other MechTech weapons can peg into Shockwave's hands, on the barrel of his cannon, and behind each shoulder blade. Due to the nature of his MechTech weapon being integrated with his arm, it is not a prime candidate for swapping with other toys, due to the shape and color of the weapon; although it does fit with the Dark of the Moon Voyager Megatron.

: Shockwave's forearms seem to be backward in robot mode, with the screws holding them together facing out while the backs of his forearms are smooth and screw-hole-free. Also, his arm blade, when put in its proper place on his tank mode, is clearly backward. The blade has an obvious back, its left side, marked with gaps, whereas the mold detail on its right side is much cleaner. These may have been done to keep the screw-holes out of sight in vehicle mode and the gaps out-of-sight in robot mode as a form of compromise, instead. It should be noted that disassembling the figure's forearms and swapping them would change the cannon to the left and the blade to the right, which shouldn't be done because:
:# it's [[Show-accuracy|movie-inaccurate]],
:# the wrists are each held together with a pin which can be tricky to remove,
:# you'll end up with the screw-holes visible in tank mode instead, and
:# the gun hose is clearly meant to go to the right in robot mode, otherwise it will restrict articulation or keep falling off - though it should be mentioned that the peg hole where the hose attaches to the gun can actually be rotated 180 degrees instead of 90 (with the slightly more flexible plastic used in these areas allowing such movement), thus enabling the hose to be positioned on either side of the weapon.
:The extra barrels in the cannon also feature gaps like the arm blade for some reason.

: The instructions tell you to keep the cannon attached to his right arm in tank mode, though it is possible to stick it in between the arms. This is done by sliding the cannon's bottom in between Shockwave's thumbs. It is fairly stable, matches some stock photography, and makes for a more coherent tank.

: Shockwave's stock photography depicts him in a much, much brighter and bluer purple, while the MechTech lever on the cannon is bright red. Although partly cropped, his packaging photography on the box-front depicts an alternative placement of his gun hose in tank mode, plugging into the port on the side of his rear treads, which actually aligns better than the awkward frontal position depicted in the [[instructions]]; in the box-back. The gun hose in vehicle mode is not shown, but since the picture was taken from a left profile, it could just be covered by the toy itself, reinforcing the alternate placement. The stock photography also depicts Shockwave's hands to be articulated at the wrists, as the right arm in the photo has the hand rotated 90 degrees from the position actually possible with the figure. Many more paint applications are also present in the stock photography, not being limited to the red lever on the cannon, with vents on the vehicle mode being picked out in silver, gold details being present on the hips, and both halves of tread on each side of the body being painted silver. Overall, the colour scheme shown on the box photography is completely different from the actual figure within, with the stock photo's silver being replaced with a metallic lilac on the hands, feet spikes and knees.

{{-}}
{{anchor|CyberArmour}}
[[Image:DOTM-VoyagerShockwave-CyberArmour.JPG|thumb|300px]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Shockwave''' (MechTech Voyager-Class two-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

: Advertised as "'''SHOCKWAVE with CYBER METAL Armour'''" on the sticker, this Canadian [[Costco]]-[[exclusive]] two-pack contains a redeco of Shockwave along with an unchanged ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#CyberArmour|Optimus Prime]].

: His purple plastic was changed to dark blue and gray, the lilac was replaced by gray, and the gray on his face cover and feet was replaced by a dark purple, with all the grays being darker and cooler in general. Paint differences include the purple on his crotch being replaced by dark blue, the purple on his shoulders being replaced by metallic lavender, the purple on his feet being replaced by a silver that gradients towards the "toes", the bronze on all three of his "wheel" rims being replaced by pink, the bronze on the sides of his back treads being replaced by a "worn out" silver, the metallic lavender on his knee flaps being replaced by a dark silver, his spiky bumper, thighs, and head lacking paint in favor of having his ribs painted silver, and his treads and aforementioned ribs being painted in a much brighter silver than usual. His MechTech weapon has also been redecoed, with the purple housing and black hose being cast in a brighter, translucent purple plastic, the gray parts also being darker and cooler, the silver paint on the main barrel being replaced by the brighter silver, and the silver paint on the sides being replaced with a ''very'' faint and subtle brownish orange.

{{-}}
{{anchor|StreetsideBotBrawl}}
[[Image:DOTMVoyShockwaveStreetsideBotBrawl.jpg|thumb|300px]]
*'''Streetside Bot Brawl''' (Multi-pack, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[MechTech]] Battle Cannon/Particle Wave Blaster, rubber hose, arm blade

:Part of the [[Toys R Us]]-exclusive "Streetside Bot Brawl" three-pack, this grey and purple redeco of Shockwave was sold with battle-damaged redecos of ''Dark of the Moon'' Deluxe-Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#StreetsideBotBrawl|Bumblebee]] and ''Dark of the Moon'' Voyager-Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#StreetsideBotBrawl|Optimus Prime]].

{{-}}

==Notes==
* [[Transformers The Game (console)|''Transformers: The Game'']] Shockwave was designed by artist [[Ken Christiansen]].
*The "Attack Copter", "Recon Chopper" and "Stealth Chopper" [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-]][[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|A-Bot]] vehicle modes from the [[Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Nintendo DS video games]] transform into robot modes bearing some resemblance to Shockwave. The Attack Chopper is the only one that can be customized to appear purple, though.
*The photo on the newspaper article in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' is of [[:Image:Shockwaveministatue.jpg|Palisades's statue]] of [[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]], with something digitally added in the foreground.
*Shockwave was heavily touted as the new main villain prior to the release of ''Dark of the Moon'', no doubt in an attempt to conceal [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s unexpected betrayal halfway through the movie. A piece of information that commonly popped up in media coverage was the claim that Shockwave was the ruler of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] while the other Autobots and Decepticons were duking it out on Earth.<ref name="pushpops">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-3-plot-summary-revealed-170756/ "Transformers 3 Plot Summary Revealed"], TFW2005, October 2010.</ref> The last bit could be written off as a case of [[Wikipedia:Chinese whispers|chinese whisper]]: Shockwave got announced as the villain for ''Dark of the Moon'', mainstream media (such as USA Today<ref name="usatodayswitch">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2010-06-11-Transformers11_ST_N.htm "Next 'Transformers' is due for a switch"], USA Today, June 2010.</ref>) who aren't versed in Transformers lore looked up the character, found out about his ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' [[Shockwave (G1)|namesake]]'s role in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|cartoon]], included it as a piece of trivia to show they did their research, and then the trivia note got picked up as gospel by other media. Nevertheless, it was included in the ''official plot summary'' by Paramount's German branch (which also claimed that ''Shockwave'' was the robot discovered inside the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'' as seen in the trailer).<ref name="germansite">[http://www.transformers3-film.de/ Official German DOTM site] including faulty plot summary.</ref>
*Despite being one of the most highly anticipated characters in the film (being placed in commercials, newspaper articles, websites, magazines and even on billboards), Shockwave has very minimal screentime. His only understandable line in the film is at Chernobyl: "Optimus," and seems more like a drone than Megatron's greatest assassin (he gets a lot more lines in the comic book adaptation of the film, but was probably the work of its writer). As with [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] in the first film, and multiple characters in the second, he emits a lot of gnashing, gurgling noises that could be mis-heard as dialogue if one strains hard to hear something in them; as happened with [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]] on the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' DVD, the subtitle writer misinterpreted one of Shockwave's snarls as the hilarious sentence, "Driller-bot is thirsty".
*Shockwave does not have the same form in IDW's ''[[Transformers: Rising Storm]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Foundation|Foundation]]'' that he does in ''Dark of the Moon'' despite both being Cybertronian forms. His form in the comics is less skeletal in robot mode than his appearance in the film, and he also transforms into a Cybertronian jet, much like [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s original body, whereas his film design transforms into some form of Cybertronian tank. (Following the leader, maybe?) [[John Barber]] commented on his Twitter account that he isn't sure why Shockwave's appearance is different from that in the film, but that an explanation will be given in issue 4 of ''Rising Storm''. <ref>http://twitter.com/#!/TheJohnBarber/status/60710221739339776</ref> While the issue doesn't explicitly show how he gets his ''Dark of the Moon'' body, Shockwave is indeed badly damaged by Optimus Prime. Possibly because of this extensive reconstruction, Shockwave doesn't transform in the film (or the video game prequel before it, which displayed him with his current body instead of the old, G1-esque one).
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Generation 1 Shockwave]]'s original voice actor, [[Corey Burton]], expressed that he had no interest in voicing him for ''Dark of the Moon'', explaining "[I] have practically no interest in that kind of mega-budget movie enterprise involvement" and that the inspiration for his Shockwave voice, [[wikipedia:David Warner (actor)|David Warner]], was rumored to have been considered.<ref>[http://www.coreyburton.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=2707&highlight=#2707 Corey Burton's message board post.]</ref> In the end, Shockwave's almost-entirely-wordless-snarl-based role would have been something of a waste of Warner; the role ultimately went to Frank Welker. There's a nice touch of symmetry in the casting, with Welker taking over a Burton-originated role not long after Burton took on a Welker-originated character in [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' Megatron]].
*Hasbro's online bio for Shockwave claims he had spent decades trapped under Chernobyl, but this was not reflected in any actual media; both the video game and ''Rising Storm'' comics have him held at a Russian facility from which he is freed shortly before the film's events, and the film itself doesn't give any indication that his appearance at Chernobyl in its opening scenes is an "escape" of any kind.
[[Image:ShockwaveBoxartFace.jpg|thumb|150px|right|"Logically, I must gnaw your head off."]]
*Bucking tradition, this Shockwave has a mouth. Sure, it's more like a horrifying maw of teeth, but it's there. He also has a scar on his right cheek.
*Shockwave's AstroMag cannon is a reference to [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Notes|the original Shockwave's]] toy mold being first released by ToyCo as the "[http://www.robot-japan.com/Gallery/Takara/Transformers/G1/AstroMagnum/Toybox-Astro-Magnum.asp 4 Changeable Astro Magnum]".
*Select [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] stores in the US had a promotion for a Shockwave poster with the purchase of any [[Transformers brand]] [[toy]] from [[June 5]], 2011 to [[June 11]], 2011.
*Although Shockwave's toy transforms into a Cybertronian tank, this alternate mode is never seen in the [[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|live-action movie]] nor the Dark of the Moon video game.
*While Shockwave's weapon of choice is described as a particle or laser cannon in most related ''Dark of the Moon'' media, it appears to be some variety of cluster missile launcher in the movie proper.
*Early artwork for Shockwave for ''Dark of the Moon'' showed '''Blitzwing''' as a working name for the character.<ref name="nizzi">[http://www.joshnizzi.com/TF3.htm Josh Nizzi DOTM concepts.]</ref>
*Shockwave appears to have the ability of flight in his robot mode.
*Shockwave's appearance in a [[Burger King]] commercial that depicts him fighting Optimus Prime does not depict any scene in the film. Rather, the animation places Shockwave's model over Sentinel Prime's motions during part of his own fight against Optimus.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Shockwave''' (ショックウェーブ ''Shokkuwēbu'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Jèn-dàng-pō''' (震盪波, "Shock Wave"), '''Zhèngdàngbō''' (震荡波, "Shock Wave")

== References ==
<references/>

==External links==
*''Transformers: The Game'' Shockwave [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-01.html concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-02.html vehicle mode renderings], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-03.html robot mode and head concepts], [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-04.html final robot mode rendering] and [http://badflipblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/tf1-shockwave-05.html transformation animation guide] on Ken Christiansen's blog.
* [http://www.gamespot.com/video/932116/6172356/transformers-the-game-interview-1 ''Transformers: The Game'' video interview with Daniel Suarez, featuring Shockwave footage]

[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Triple Changers]]
[[Category:Costco exclusives]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]

Buzzsaw (Cybertron)

2012-05-26T10:39:24Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Buzzsaw}}
:''Buzzsaw is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:CYB buzzsaw boxart.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yeah... I'm surprised I exist too.]]
'''Buzzsaw''' is not exactly right in the head. After all, he's one of the few brave or insane enough to have remained on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] during the [[Unicron Singularity]] crisis. Something of an "old school" Decepticon, and a little thick, his one driving goal is to destroy as many [[Autobot]]s as possible. He's not in it for the fame or glory... he just likes killing Autobots, that's all.

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron Timelines'' stories===
{{note|See [[#Notes|the Notes section below]] about his cartoon "appearance".}}

Buzzsaw was assigned to the ''[[Upstart]]'' by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], operating under [[Brushguard]]'s command while they searched the galaxy for more [[Cyber Planet Key]]s. Their search took them to [[Combatron (planet)|Combatron]], a world devastated by conflict between more than a half-dozen factions. The factions had beaten themselves into extinction nearly 350 megacycles ago, but some of their hardware still existed. The Decepticons uncovered a massive bunker heavily guarded by corpses, which spoke to the possible riches inside. After [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runamuck]] tore the doors open, that estimation proved to be correct. Behind the door was a virtual treasure trove of death—weapons and armaments of all possible varieties, just ripe for the taking. Runamuck found a pair of still operational [[Mini-Con]] panels and shared his find with Buzzsaw. His new partner, [[Heavy Barrel]], cheerfully provided some more firepower for Buzzsaw's already impressive arsenal.

When they finally encountered the Autobots, the 'Cons were backed by an army of newly minted [[Decepticlone]]s. Buzzsaw and Heavy Barrel spent time trading Mini-Con-enhanced firepower with [[Checkpoint (Energon)|Checkpoint]]. Checkpoint's Mini-Con burnt out first, and Buzzsaw and [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]] managed to get the drop on him. Capturing most of the Autobots, the Decepticons were on the verge of victory before some local Mini-Cons stole their shuttle...and the missing Autobot [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|Armorhide]] crashed ''their'' shuttle straight down on the Decepticon position. Buzzsaw and the other Decepticons were left behind on Combatron for three weeks waiting for pick-up...with nothing but Hardtop's supply of comic books to keep them entertained. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

Eventually, Buzzsaw and the others were rescued, and they ended up in the employ of the space pirate [[Cannonball (Cybertron)|Cannonball]]. While on the bridge crew of the ''[[Kalis' Lament]]'', Buzzsaw heard the report from one of their probes that the Autobot shuttle ''[[Star Arrow]]'' had crashed on [[Sandokan]] with a valuable Force Chip in the crew's possession. Buzzsaw laughed out loud when his captain declared Sandokan a "cursed" planet, but his laughter turned to wheezes as Cannonball's vise-like claw closed around his throat. Instead of braving Sandokan themselves, the pirates sent in the mercenary [[Astrotrain (Timelines)|Astrotrain]] to soften up the resistance for them. Buzzsaw joined his captain on a short-range shuttle when they followed up on Astrotrain's initial strike, engaging the monstrous entity known as [[Synthos]], who had made Sandokan his home. Their fight against Synthos went well, but they made the mistake of leaving the Autobots unattended for too long...along with their shuttle. Buzzsaw and the others were stranded when the Autobots stole their ship (''again''), and they had to wait for the ''Kalis' Lament'' to come pick them up. Still, they did manage to steal Synthos's power source, the [[Dark Heart of Sandokan]], so the trip wasn't a total loss. {{storylink|The Dark Heart of Sandokan}}

==Toys==
===Galaxy Force===
[[Image:Cybertron Buzzsaw toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Good old stock photography... His lower body is on backwards.]]
*'''Buzzsaw vs Blurr''' (Multi-pack, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GS-01'''
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles, Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Key

: This figure is a [[redeco]] and fairly extensive [[retool]] of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Cyclonus (Armada)#Toys|Cyclonus]], transforming into a Cybertronian helicopter. The figure's cockpit is retooled into a "bubble" style window that resembles the head of a wasp. While one might think this removes the original [[Mini-Con]] "second cockpit" [[gimmick]], the cockpit can still be lifted up to accommodate [[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (or [[Heavy Barrel]]). His primary gimmick is a trigger-activated gear assembly that runs through the length of the vehicle mode; pulling the trigger both spins the rotor blade and a gear system in the cockpit area. Normally, this simply causes his cockpit-mounted twin-cannons to shake back and forth. If Crumplezone/Heavy Barrel is attached in secondary cockpit mode, the gears make their cannon move. Attaching a compatible geared Mini-Con to the square frame on the underside of his cockpit (any member of the [[Destruction Mini-Con Team]], the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]], or [[Refute]]) allows the gear system to activate ''their'' gear-wheel gimmicks as well by pulling the trigger.

: The figure's wing-mounted missile launchers have been retooled to operate off of a [[Cyber Planet Key]] rather than a Mini-Con, which also means he cannot wield the helicopter blade as an arm-mounted weapon as the original does. The Powerlinx ports on his legs do '''not''' activate the pop-out shin-guns anymore; these are released with a simple nudge.

: In robot mode the figure features a retooled head which resembles the "robot" head of the [[Buzz Saw|''Beast Wars'' character]] that is his namesake. Attaching a Mini-Con to the [[powerlinx]] plugs on either side of his legs will make new-tooling spring-loaded (non-firing) cannons pop up from his shins.

: In Japan, he was only available in a two-pack with [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Hasbro}}
*'''Buzzsaw''' (Deluxe class, 2005)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles, Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Key

: For his [[Hasbro]] release, Buzzsaw was made as an individual as part of the Deluxe assortment. He is seemingly physically identical to the Japanese release, save for his Cyber Key, which has the [[Cyber Key Codes|Key Code]] "'''df58'''" [[Tampograph|tampographed]] on its back.

:Later releases of this toy came with a pack-in DVD of the [[Cybertron (cartoon)|''Cybertron'' cartoon]] episode "[[Hidden]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Buzzsaw/buzzsaw.htm Buzzsaw at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Universe2008BattleForTheCyberPlanetKeys.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Battle for the Cyber Keys''' (Figure multi-pack, 2008)
**''Accessories'': 2 missiles, Cybertron Decepticon Cyber Key

: An unchanged Buzzsaw was re-released alongside similarly unchanged [[Runamuck (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Runamuck]], [[Longrack (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Longrack]], [[Blurr (Cybertron)#Universe (2008)|Blurr]], and a redeco of ''Armada'' Deluxe class [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]] in a [[Sam's Club]]-[[exclusive]] box set. The "[[Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys]]" set was marked as part of the "Cybertron Series" on the box's timeline.

{{-}}

==Notes==
* The [[Gang-molding|gang-molded]] Mini-Con partner was dropped from both the [[Takara]] and [[Hasbro]] releases of the toy. In Japan, it was put into the fourth [[Micron Booster]] assortment as "[[Heavy Barrel|Trigger]]". In the US and Europe, it... wasn't put anywhere. The Mini-Con being Buzzsaw's partner was [[fanon]] until it was stated in a new bio for him on the [[Fun Publications]] [[Official Transformers Collectors' Club]] website, and later depicted in "[[Force of Habit]]".
[[Image:Cyb_ep18_buzzsaw.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Someone had to spend time to model and paint this, and yet this is all we got?]]
* A model of Buzzsaw's helicopter form appears in the final leg of the [[Planet Cup]] race on [[Velocitron]] as an announcer. However, it is excessively unlikely that this ''is'' Buzzsaw, and just someone who happens to look like him, a not uncommon occurrence in Transformerdom.
* Buzzsaw's [[Cyber Key Codes|Cyber Key Code]] info confirms the obvious: his name, head sculpt, and color scheme constitute an [[homage]] to ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Buzz Saw]].
* The card-art for the four ''Armada'' retooled toys are the only ones in the ''Cybertron'' line to not have a "painted" look to them.
* Buzzsaw's toy was used as the model for the animation-only character [[Buzzbomb]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Buzzsaw''' (バズソー ''Bazusō'')

[[Category:Cybertron Decepticons]]
[[Category:Sam's Club exclusives]]
[[Category:Pirates]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Bot Shots (toyline)

2012-02-22T17:51:53Z

Gargunkle:

[[Image:BotShotslogo.jpg|center]]

[[Image:BotShots-rules.jpg|right|thumb|200px|]]
'''Bot Shots''' is an action-figure based game that involves small super-deformed auto-transforming figures with combat rules similar to "Rock, Paper, Scissors." Players transform their Bot Shots figure into vehicle mode, send it into their opponent's figure, and hopefully the collision will trigger a transformation into robot mode.

A three-sided rotating symbol in their chest (either a fist, a blaster, or a sword) put into place before the game by the player, is judged against the opponent's pre-set symbol using the below hierarchy, determining the winner.

* Fist beats sword
* Sword beats blaster
* Blaster beats fist

In the event of a draw, the figure's individual power ranking determines the winner. If a figure does not transform, its owner loses by default.

One bot in each wave is designated the [[Super Bot]]. This robot is cast in translucent plastic and has marginally higher power stats. His identity is blacked out on the back of the packaging of the other figures in the wave and has unique packaging deco calling out his "Super Bot" status. The packaging treats the Super Bots as their own "Series" with Bumblebee to Baricade being numbered Series 1: B001 to B004 but Sentinel Prime listed as "Super Bot 001." Super Bots for each wave are marked below.

44 Bot Shots figures are planned for 2012.

==Series 1==
===Bot Shots singles assortment===
[[Image:BotShotstoy-OptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
====Wave 1====
* B001 [[Bumblebee (Prime)#Bot Shots|Bumblebee]]
* B002 [[Starscream (Prime)#Bot Shots|Starscream]]
* B003 [[Optimus Prime (Prime)#Bot Shots|Optimus Prime]]
* B004 [[Barricade (Prime)#Bot Shots|Barricade]]

* Super Bot 001 [[Sentinel Zeta Prime#Bot Shots|Sentinel Prime]]

====Wave 2====
* B005 [[Mirage (BS)#Bot Shots|Mirage]]
* B006 [[Ratchet (Prime)#Bot Shots|Autobot Ratchet]]
* B007 [[Brawl (WFC)#Bot Shots|Decepticon Brawl]]

* Super Bot 002 Bumblebee

{{comingsoontoy}}

====Wave 3====
* [[Jetfire (WFC)#Bot Shots|Jetfire]]
* [[Lockdown (BS)|Lockdown]]
* [[Thundercracker (WFC)#Bot Shots|Thundercracker]] ([[retool]] of Starscream)
* [[Topspin (BS)|Topspin]]

* Super Bot 003 [[Megatron (Prime)#Bot Shots|Megatron]] (truck mode)

{{comingsoontoy}}

===3-Pack assortment===
*Sentinel Prime / [[Prowl (Prime)#Bot Shots|Prowl]] / Bumblebee
*[[Megatron (Prime)#Bot Shots|Megatron]] / [[Nemesis Prime (BS)|Nemesis Prime]] / [[Acid Storm (BS)|Acid Storm]]

{{comingsoontoy}}

===Launcher assortment===
====Wave 1====
* BL001 Optimus Prime with Trailer Launcher
* BL002 Megatron with Tank Launcher

{{comingsoontoy}}

====Wave 2====
* BL003 [[Ironhide (Prime)#Bot Shots|Ironhide]] Launcher
{{comingsoontoy}}

===Ultimate Battle Set===
*Decepticon Brawl / Megatron with Tank Launcher / Optimus Prime with Trailer Launcher / Bumblebee
**Includes [[Matrix]] trophy card!

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*Each figure's design is a mix of various incarnations of the characters, though usually settling somewhere between "Generation 1" and "movie". Because this sort of thing makes the Wiki's brain hurt, the figures are being considered [[Aligned continuity family]] characters by default.

[[Category:Bot Shots| ]]
[[Category: Franchises]]

Power Core Combiners

2011-12-18T21:01:19Z

Gargunkle:

{{disambig2|the real-world toyline|the in-fiction technology|Power Core Combination}}

[[Image:PCCLogo.jpg|center]]

'''Power Core Combiners''' is a toyline, released concurrently with the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] and ''[[Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toylines.

The design of the toys relies heavily on the titular [[gimmick]], [[Combiner|combination]]. Every main character is a "[[Commander (PCC)|Commander]]" sold with either a [[Mini-Con]] (which connects in several configurations) or a set of four [[drone]] vehicles (which connect as limbs to form a larger robot). The Mini-Cons and drones can be attached to any Commander, leading to ''millions'' of possible combinations between all of the figures.

Unlike the Mini-Cons of [[Unicron Trilogy|previous]] [[Classics (2006)|lines]], the Power Core Combiner Mini-Cons lack their own independent vehicle or animal modes. Rather, they turn from robots into accessories for their Commanders. In vehicle mode, a Commander can use a Mini-Con as a weapon or tool. In robot mode, a Commander can wield a Mini-Con as a hand-held weapon or wear him as armor.

The drones are similar to ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]'s "[[Prime Force]]", being vehicles with no robot modes. While the drones are left/right interchangeable, an arm-drone cannot become a leg-drone (or vice versa) making them more limited than the Prime Force drones. However, the fact that there are several teams of drones who can be swapped among Commanders adds a [[Special Teams|Scramble-City-esque]] dimension of play. Also, people who love [[Transformer]]s but hate transforming can breathe easy in the knowledge that the drones [[Automorph Technology|automorph]] into and out of limb mode simply by being plugged into and removed from a Commander.

Fictionally, the Power Core Combiners are not strictly connected to any other [[continuity]],<ref name=continuityqa>"...they basically exist on their own." [http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=27064 October Hasbro Transformers Q&A Answers for Cybertron.ca]</ref> although Smolder and Chopster have made an appearance in the [[Movie continuity]] via ''[[Cyber Missions]]'', and Bombshock via ''[[Transformers Classified|the Classified]]'' novels.

==Fiction==
The toys' packaging presents a simple storyline about [[Power Core Combination]] technology being found on [[Earth]]. A more robust account was published in the [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 32|Collectors' Club magazine #32]]. As of yet, there has been no narrative fiction, only summaries and [[bio]]s.

===Place in continuity===
As for which larger continuity family (if any) this fits into, clues are scant and contradictory. The strongest evidence appears to suggest the [[live-action film series]]:
* The storyline blurb on the packaging references "monsters like [[Devastator (disambiguation)|Devastator]]" in terms that best match the [[Devastator (ROTF)|live-action version.]]
* [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]]'s bio is fairly explicit that he is his movie counterpart, even referencing his origin as an [[AllSpark Mutation]].
* [[Smolder]] has made an appearance in [[Cyber Missions 9|movie-related fiction]].
* [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]] received a new toy in the ''[[Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' toyline.
* [[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]] appears in ''[[Transformers Classified: Switching Gears]]'' novel.

However, other elements seem to hint towards [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]:
* [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]]'s bio says that he's "just as inclined to grumble as he's ever been,"<ref name=hufferbio>Huffer's on-package bio</ref> implying that he is a preexisting, familiar character. There are only [[Huffer (disambiguation)|a few Huffers]], and this points pretty clearly to [[Huffer (G1)|the original]].
* While less explicit, several characters have bios that are too similar to same-named characters in the [[Generation 1 continuity family]] to be a coincidence. [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] is good at [[Leadfoot (G2)|infiltrating Decepticon bases]], [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]] is [[Sledge (G1)|noted for his loyalty and love of destruction]], [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]] wants to [[Icepick (G1)|scrap the obsolete]], and [[Stakeout (PCC)|Stakeout]] is [[Stakeout (G1)|a former ''loose cannon cop on the edge'' who has since mellowed out]]. Compare this to what [[Sea Spray]] got.

[[Hasbro]]'s official stance on the matter is that ''Power Core Combiners'' are not tied to any particular continuity family.<ref name=continuityqa /> This is in keeping with the company's recent apparent reluctance to tie its toylines to specific universes, and can be interpreted as "both," "neither," or not actually even an answer. Any conclusions are [[Personal canon|up to the reader to make.]]

==Toys==
===Power Core Combiners===
====Commander 2-packs====
[[Image:PCC-toy Smolder.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Smolder...]]
[[Image:PCC-toy Chopster.jpg|right|thumb|300px|... and his pack-in partner Chopster.]]

Each 2-pack contains a roughly-Scout-class-sized Commander figure as well as a partner Mini-Con.

Commanders transform from a robot to vehicle mode, as well as a "power up" torso-mode that can be combined with any of the drone sets from the 5-packs (see below). Commanders also have standard Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] plugs, so they are compatible with ''any'' Mini-Cons, not just their pack-in partners.

Mini-Cons have multiple configurations to enhance their larger partners. Each one transforms from a robot to "armor" that any Commander can use (though with limited usefulness on the 5-pack Commander molds due to placement of their Powerlinx plugs). They also have weapon modes; most have separate configurations for Commanders' robot and alternate modes, though a few only really have one that works on both.

'''Wave 1'''
* [[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] (semi cab) and [[Caliburst (PCC)|Caliburst]] (anti-aircraft cannon/rifle)
* [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]] (rescue helicopter) and [[Backwind]] (winch/rifle)
* [[Smolder]] (fire department brush truck) and [[Chopster]] (flamethrower/axe)

'''Wave 2'''
* [[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]] (arctic vehicle) and [[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw]] (missile launcher)
* [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] (F1 racer) and [[Pinpoint]] (engine-cannon/rifle)
* [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]] (rockwheel trencher construction vehicle) and [[Throttler]] (drill)

'''Wave 3'''
* [[Windburn]] (rescue helicopter) and [[Darkray]] (anti-aircraft cannon/rifle)
* [[Darkstream]] (stealth jet) and [[Razorbeam]] (cannon/axe)
* [[Steelshot]] (cannon truck) and [[Beacon (PCC)|Beacon]] (winch/rifle)

'''Wave 4'''
* [[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]] (tank) and [[Groundspike]] (mine plow/claw)
* [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]] (fighter jet) and [[Airlift (PCC)|Airlift]] (gun emplacement)

'''Wave 5'''
* [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]] (speedboat) and [[Waterlog (PCC)|Waterlog]] (gun emplacement)
* [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] (monster truck) and [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]] (missile launcher)
{{-}}

====5-packs====
[[Image:PCC-toy Bombshock.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Bombshock...]]
[[Image:PCC-toy Combaticons.jpg|right|thumb|300px|...and his Combaticons.]]

Each 5-pack contains a Commander and four drone-units.

Unlike the Commanders designed for the 2-packs, most (if not all) of the Commanders designed originally for the 5-packs do not have Powerlinx hardpoints that normally function for the 2-pack Mini-Cons' armor modes while in their standard Commander robot modes. However, these Commanders' power up modes allow for the proper placement of their Powerlix hardpoints.

The drones each [[Automorph Technology|automatically transform]] into a super-robot limb when they are attached to the bright blue connector points on any Commander's "power up" mode, and snap back to drone-mode once removed. Arm-drones and leg-drones cannot swap functions; they ''can'' be attached to each others' connection points, but arms will always be arms and legs will always be legs. Each drone also has Mini-Con [[Powerlinx]] [[peg|hardpoint]]s.

'''Wave 1'''
* [[Bombshock (PCC)|Bombshock]] (cannon truck) with [[Combaticon (PCC)|Combaticon]] drones
* [[Skyburst]] (stealth jet) with [[Aerialbot (PCC)|Aerialbot]] drones

'''Wave 2'''
* [[Double Clutch (PCC)|Double Clutch]] (sports car) with [[Rallybot]] drones
* [[Mudslinger (PCC)|Mudslinger]] (monster truck) with [[Destructicon (PCC)|Destructicon]] drones

'''Wave 3'''
* [[Stakeout (PCC)|Stakeout]] (fire response truck) with [[Protectobot (PCC)|Protectobot]] drones
* [[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]] (semi cab) with [[Destron (PCC)|Destron]] drones

'''Wave 4'''
* [[Steamhammer (PCC)|Steamhammer]] (bulldozer) with [[Constructicon (PCC)|Constructicon]] drones
* [[Grimstone]] (''Styracosaurus'') with [[Dinobot (PCC)|Dinobot]] drones

'''Wave 5'''
* [[Over-Run (PCC)|Over-Run]] (F1 racer) with [[Stunticon (PCC)|Stunticon]] drones
{{-}}

====Exclusive value packs====
[[Image:Skyburst-backwind-packagin.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]

'''[[Toys"R"Us]]'''
* Skyburst with Aerialbots (Includes Skyburst, Searchlight, Backwind, and the Aerialbots)

[[Image:PCCtoy-OverRunSledgecombo.jpg|right|thumb|300px|]]
'''[[Walmart]]'''
: After most stores had long gotten rid of ''[[Power Core Combiners]]'' (and a few waves of product virtually never hit normal retail shelves), Walmart put out these [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] bonus packs of a 5-piece combiner team with a two-pack taped to the side... all for the whopping price of ''ten dollars''. '''''TEN DOLLARS.''''' These were placed mostly on pallets pretty much wherever there was room in the aisle. There does not appear to be any particular order to who got packed with what, but reported combinations include:

{|class="wikitable" border="5" style="width:50%"
|-
!'''5-pack'''
!'''2-pack'''
|-
|[[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]] with [[Destron (PCC)|Destrons]]
|[[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]] with [[Bomb-Burst (PCC)|Bomb-Burst]] [[Skyhammer (PCC)|Skyhammer]] with [[Airlift (PCC)|Airlift]] [[Sledge (PCC)|Sledge]] with [[Throttler]] [[Undertow (PCC)|Undertow]] with [[Waterlog (PCC)|Waterlog]]
|-
|[[Double Clutch (PCC)|Double Clutch]] with [[Rallybot]]s
|[[Huffer (PCC)|Huffer]] with [[Caliburst (PCC)|Caliburst]] Salvage with Bomb-Burst [[Steelshot]] with [[Beacon (PCC)|Beacon]] Undertow with Waterlog [[Windburn]] with [[Darkray]]
|-
|[[Grimstone]] with [[Dinobot (PCC)|Dinobots]]
|[[Icepick (PCC)|Icepick]] with [[Chainclaw (PCC)|Chainclaw]] [[Leadfoot (PCC)|Leadfoot]] with [[Pinpoint]] Salvage with Bomb-Burst Skyhammer with Airlift Undertow with Waterlog
|-
|[[Mudslinger (PCC)|Mudslinger]] with [[Destructicon (PCC)|Destructicons]]
|[[Darkstream]] with [[Razorbeam]] Icepick with Chainclaw [[Searchlight (PCC)|Searchlight]] with [[Backwind]] [[Smolder]] with [[Chopster]] Skyhammer with Airlift
|-
|[[Over-Run (PCC)|Over-Run]] with [[Stunticon (PCC)|Stunticons]]
|Salvage with Bomb-Burst Sledge with Throttler Steelshot with Beacon
|-
|[[Stakeout (PCC)|Stakeout]] with [[Protectobot (PCC)|Protectobots]]
|[[Heavytread (PCC)|Heavytread]] with [[Groundspike]] Huffer with Caliburst Searchlight with Backwind Skyhammer with Airlift
|-
|[[Steamhammer (PCC)|Steamhammer]] with [[Constructicon (PCC)|Constructions]]
|Heavytread with Groundspike Icepick with Chainclaw Leadfoot with Pinpoint Salvage with Bomb-Burst Sledge with Throttler
|}

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Power Core Combiners| ]]
[[Category:Toylines]]

Remorse

2011-03-06T20:14:20Z

Gargunkle:

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=40
|prev=Crisis
|next=Depart
|title="Remorse"
|japanese=悔恨 (あせり) - remorse
|romaji=Kaikon [Aseri]
|translation=Regret (Impatience)
|image=
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-40
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Yukio Okazaki]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[October 3|3 October]] [[2003]] (Japanese) [[October 17]], 2003 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''The Autobots mourn the loss of Optimus Prime, and Hot Shot is hit particularly hard.'''

==Synopsis==
The Decepticons celebrate the destruction of Autobot leader Optimus Prime. While Cyclonus laughs, Megatron and Starscream stay calm, regretting the victory (for different reasons). Acting glad, Megatron orders his crew to return to Cybertron.

In the Autobot base, the kids have trouble coming to terms with the death of Optimus, Fred openly crying. Rad understands that Optimus knew he would die, and he mourns that nobody on Earth would know that Optimus died to save all humans.

A week later, the Autobots are still sad, but repressing their sadness to get work done has increased tensions. Hot Shot gets frustrated with how passively the other Autobots have been handling Prime's death, and goes to the teleporter room to meet with Jetfire. He recalls the time he accused Optimus of letting the Decepticons getting the upper hand by letting Starscream join the Autobots. Jetfire returns from his mission to the Decepticons' now-abandoned moon-base, and Hot Shot promptly demands Jetfire take him to space to vengefully hunt down the Decepticons.

The other Autobots arrive and try to stress how important it is that the spaceship be finished. But Hot Shot just tells his friends to shut up. Scavenger, insulted, throws Hot Shot to the ground. He commands Hot Shot to be silent as he drags the younger Autobot away. The two teleport away, and Jolt follows. The rest of the kids and Autobots are left to wonder what Scavenger intends to do.

Alexis determines Scavenger and Hot Shot to be on an abandoned highway. There, Scavenger brutalizes Hot Shot, and demands he fights back. Hot Shot avoids most of Scavenger's punches, but doesn't retaliate. The kids and Autobots watch as Hot Shot is thrown around. Hot Shot finally fights back when Scavenger mentions Optimus. When the two Transformers press their weight against each other, Scavenger mentions that it was Hot Shot that made him switch to the Autobots. Between punches, Scavenger explains that Optimus had integrity, and that's why Starscream was allowed to join the Autobots.
Alexis, watching the fight with the Autobots (who refuse to help Hot Shot) figures out that Hot Shot blames himself for Optimus Prime's death.

Hot Shot retreats away from Scavenger, still convinced that Optimus needs to be avenged. Blurr encounters Hot Shot on the freeway, but Hot Shot escapes again. The kids try to reason with the Autobots that abusing Hot Shot won't help Hot Shot overcome his own anxieties - but Red Alert is adamant that aggressive therapy is needed.

Side Swipe blocks Hot Shot's path and prepares to open fire against his brother. The Mini-Cons join in on forming the barricade, bringing Hot Shot to an advanced stop. Even Jolt abandons Hot Shot to join the other Minis. Hot Shot remembers Optimus Prime's word about trusting the Mini-Cons. Thanks to the Mini-Cons, Hot Shot has a moment of clarity and recalls what the war with the Decepticons is about.

Hot Shot apologizes to the assembled Mini-Cons and Autobots. He wants to re-join and help in the fight against the Decepticons as part of the team again. With the Autobots' morale revitalized, Jetfire announces that he's making Hot Shot the new Autobot commander. Scavenger arrives and starts to take a swing at the new commander, but Hot Shot doesn't move an inch. Scavenger cuts his punch before hitting, and gives Hot Shot his approval.

Later that evening, Jetfire tries to give Hot Shot the Matrix, but Hot Shot declines to accept it. Instead, he announces that he'll only lead the Autobots until the team gets back to Cybertron. Working together, the team gets back to work and gets ready to stop the Decepticons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] (12)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (13)
*[[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] (14)
*[[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] (15)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (16)
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (18) (flashback)
*[[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (19)

|c2=
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (4)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (5)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (6)

|c3=
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (7)
*[[Rad White]] (8)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (9)
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (10)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (11)

|h4=[[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]]|c4=
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (20)
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (21)
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (22)
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (23)
*[[Liftor]] (24)
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (25)
*[[Comettor]] (26)
*[[Oval]] (27)
*[[Spiral]] (28)
*[[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (29)
*[[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (30)
}}

==Quotes==
"Do you have any idea why I left the Decepticons and came over to the Autobots?" 
"Better money?" 
"I joined because of you."
:—'''Scavenger''' and '''Hot Shot'''

"That complete lack of fear has served you well, Hot Shot."
:—'''Scavenger''' hasn't been paying attention.

"Wow, either I'm overheating or I just heard Optimus speak to me directly from the other side." 
"Hey, that doesn't surprise me. In fact, I bet Optimus woulda chosen you to become the next commander of the Autobots."
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Jetfire''' in a WTF moment

"Yo, Autobots! Saddle up! We're going back to Cybertron!"
:—'''Hot Shot'''

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
* During his first line in the episode, Hot Shot has enormous hips.
* When Scavenger tells Hot Shot they're not friends, he's wearing a (red) Decepticon symbol.
* When Hot Shot asks Optimus for help in his vision, you can see the corner of a Decepticon symbol instead of an Autobot one.

===Continuity errors===
* Contrary to what Scavenger said in this episode, he was never REALLY a Decepticon, only an Autobot spy.

===Trivia===
*Flashback footage in this episode is taken from "[[Vow]]", specifically of Optimus walking towards Megatron and the Mini-Cons.
*In Germany this episode followed [[Carnival]] confusing a hell of a lot of kids. RTL II - the channel that aired the show - stated that Hasbro insisted on having the entire series aired in just two months to better promote the toyline. Great business practice there, Hasbro Germany.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 10 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Best Of The Decepticons ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

Past II

2011-03-01T13:59:05Z

Gargunkle:

{{picsneeded}}

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=32
|prev=Past
|next=Sacrifice
|title="Past II"
|japanese=過去 (けっちゃく)-後編 - past, part 2
|romaji=Kako [Kecchaku]-Kōhen
|translation=Bygone Days (Conclusion)-Latter Part
|image=
|caption=
|production code=TF: A-32
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Shōji Tonoike]]
|director=[[Shigenori Kurī]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[April 5]], [[2003]] (English) [[August 15|15 August]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Hot Shot refuses to do to Side Swipe what he didn't to Wheeljack.'''

==Synopsis==
Wheeljack fires a shot into Hot Shot's chest at close range, to finalize his switch to the [[Decepticon]]s. His business for the day concluded, Wheeljack vanishes, leaving an injured Hot Shot wondering how his friend could have made such a dramatic turn for the worse. Unable to cope with the trauma, he blacks out.

Hot Shot wakes up in the [[Autobot]]s' infirmary, having been brought back to the Autobots' base by Side Swipe. Wondering how he could have been so betrayed, Hot Shot tries to recall the last time he saw Wheeljack.

''On a fiery battlefield on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Wheeljack is left held down while Hot Shot runs to get some help to help lift the debris. But after getting out of the blaze, Hot Shot's superior refuses to allow Hot Shot to return. Ignoring his superior's orders and threats, Hot Shot runs back into the fire, but passes out from the heat. Later, he wakes up alone''.

Optimus reveals to Blurr that he knew about Hot Shot losing his friend, which is why Hot Shot was one of the troops chosen to come to Earth. Back in the infirmary, Side Swipe tries to convince Hot Shot to forgive himself, even if Wheeljack won't. Trying to collect his thoughts, Hot Shot drives out on his own, and runs into Thrust.

[[Image:Screenshot-arm-32-1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Guys, I think you're both using the wrong expression.]]
Wheeljack and Hot Shot meet up at an abandoned industrial station. Wheeljack relates the Transformer's obsession with wars to the human's own tendency to wage wars. The two battle, but Hot Shot shows an initial reluctance to fight back. When Wheeljack draws his weapon, Hot Shot offers to let Wheeljack execute him with no resistance. Side Swipe interferes, and a failed attempt to save Hot Shot sets the industrial complex on fire. Wheeljack laughs and takes advantage of the situation by abducting Side Swipe. As Wheeljack carries Side Swipe into the inferno, he mockingly suggests Hot Shot save his sidekick.

Hot Shot crawls through the burning factory looking for his friend. Thrust tries to play a part in Wheeljack's grudge match, but Wheeljack blasts the Decepticon jet away - revealing his own location to Hot Shot. Working his way through the flames and metal, Hot Shot locates and frees Side Swipe. The two barely manage to get away as the container Side Swipe was set on explodes. Meanwhile, Wheeljack encounters Megatron.

[[Image:Screenshot-arm-32-2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Anybody ever tell you that you look like Mojo Jojo?"]]
On the moon, Wheeljack pledges his loyalty to the Decepticon family.

At the Autobot base, Side Swipe declares himself "like family" to Hot Shot and chases Hot Shot for hugs. The other kids have a laugh at Alexis becoming too attached to the video game she learned to play from Billy and Fred.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (2)
*[[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] (4)
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (5)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (6)
*Hot Shot's teammates (7)

|c2=
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (1)
*[[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] (3)
*[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] (8)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (14)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (15)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (16)

|c3=
*[[Carlos Lopez]] (9)
*[[Rad White]] (10)
*[[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] (11)
*[[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] (12)
*[[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"I've come to get my revenge."
:—'''Wheeljack''', who isn't out for revenge, no sir.

"I wonder what's clogging up his tailpipe. Boy, those Autobots sure are a moody bunch."
:—'''Thrust'''

"Side Swipe, I'm on my way to help you! Sit tight!" 
"No, don't come up here, it's too dangerous! Would ya get out of here? This tank is gonna explode!" 
"No chance pal, I'm coming to save ya?" 
"Then would ya hurry up?"
:—'''Hot Shot''' and '''Side Swipe'''

"I think somebody needs a hug!"
:—'''Side Swipe''', chasing Hot Shot.

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===
===Animation and/or technical glitches===
[[Image:Screenshot-arm-32-3.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In [[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]], Hot Shot is still a good guy.]]
* Hot Shot is briefly drawn with a Decepticon logo.

===Continuity errors===
* How did Hot Shot know to meet Wheeljack where he did? Blame a bad translation.
* In the flashback, Megatron is shown in his current earth form. However, at the start of the series, before the characters' reformatting, Megatron looked different. Granted, it could be that he has changed back to a look he had before, but it seems unlikely.

===Transformers references===
* At one point when playing the game, Alexis hums the [[Theme song|opening theme]].

===Trivia===
*So the video game the kids are playing somehow involves recovered Mini-Cons as puppets, forcing them to battle each other? Are we sure these are the good guys?
*When Alexis realizes she's playing the game too much, you see a stylized Megatron on the screen.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 8 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Vol:10 ([[Warner Bros.|Warner Music Video]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Flashbacks ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2006 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part Two (Rhino Entertainment) 
[[Image:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2007 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — The Collector's Edition ([[Universal]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2009 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume Two ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]

ShÅ«ta GÅ

2011-02-26T18:26:27Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Shūta Gō is a [[human]] and [[Autobot]] [[Headmaster Junior]] from the [[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:Shutago.jpg|thumb|250px|The S is short for Sucker]]

At first, '''Shūta Gō''' (剛秀太 ''Gō Shūta'') was part of a long-standing tradition, fulfilling the role of the [[Autobot]]s enthusiastic young human ally. However, not long after the death of his father, [[Professor Gō]], Shūta became something much more. Bonded to the [[Transtector]] from the planet [[Master (planet)|Master]], Shūta became '''Goshooter''' (ゴーシューター ''Gōshūtā''), a [[Headmaster Junior]] and a true Autobot warrior, able to help his friends an allies in new, dangerous, but always exciting ways.

Whether in the form of a human or a Transformer, Shūta is always eager for new challenges and willing to jump into dangerous situations without hesitation... or thought, really. He means well, but he tends to leap before he looks, and his brain-mouth filter could use some work. A skilled soccer player, Shūta is close friends (and friendly rivals) with fellow Headmaster Junior [[Cab]], and they both have a slight crush on their teammate [[Minerva]].

:''Omni Productions dub name'': '''Siren'''
:''Italian dub name'': '''Sirena''' (Siren, also same as [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]])

==Fiction==
===''Super-God Masterforce'' anime continuity===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Yumi Tōma]] (Japan)

[[Image:Shuta_on_bike.jpg|left|thumb|He should really have a helmet on....]]

Once upon a time, Shūta had a pretty normal life. He went to school, he did his homework, and he was friends with one of the scientists at his father's observatory research center, "Mr. Hawk," who trained him and helped him to improve his soccer skills. On the day that a cruise liner was sunk off the coast of [[Canada]] by two [[Blood|monstrous]] [[Gilmer|creatures]], however, everything changed. Mr. Hawk revealed to Shūta that he was not from Earth—in truth, he was [[Metalhawk]], leader of a secret cell of Autobot [[Pretender]]s who had long been protecting [[Earth]] in secret. The monstrous creatures were [[Decepticon]]s, who had restarted their campaign against Earth, and Metalhawk and the Pretenders were forced to return to battle once more. Shūta followed Metalhawk into the nearby city on his motorcycle to watch him battle a [[Tentakil (Masterforce)|Tentakil]], but wound up trapped in the clutches on the slimy [[Seacon (Masterforce)|Seacon]]. With the help of his fellow Pretenders, Metalhawk defeated the Decepticons and rescued Shūta. {{storylink|Rise Up!! Pretenders}}

When news of a Decepticon attack on the [[Karin Islands]] reached the Autobots, Shūta convinced Metalhawk to allow him to go along. On the Karin Islands, he met the local prince, Cab, but their first encounter was a rough one, with Cab attacking Shūta because he thought he was a robot in disguise like the Pretenders. Once the misunderstanding was cleared up and the Decepticons were defeated, the two boys became quite friendly, and Cab decided to accompany Shūta and the Pretenders back to Japan. Upon their return, however, the group discover that Shūta's father's observatory had been attacked by the Decepticons, and Professor Go had been fatally wounded. The professor handed Shūta the key to the Autobots' new base and died before his son's eyes. {{storylink|Terror! The Decepticons' Manhunt}}

[[Image:Shuta_armor.jpg|right|thumb|.....told ya.]]

Shūta and Cab soon found something else to fight over when they met [[Minerva]], a young girl from [[Mont Porte]], while helping the Autobots to rescue the scientist [[Professor Blanieux]] from the Decepticons. Shūta and Cab proved instrumental in saving the professor, overpowering a [[Destroid]] that had been sent to capture him, and Minerva joined them in attending the [[International School]]. {{storylink|Kidnapping!? The Targeted Jumbo Jet}}

Not long thereafter, Shūta, Cab and Minerva's determination to help the Autobots in their fight prompted Metalhawk to make them a remarkable offer. Given [[Master-Brace]]s, which enhanced their strength and reflexes with [[Chōkon Power]], and [[Transtector]]s to which they could bond, the three kids became [[Headmaster Junior]]s and could now fight alongside the Autobots as true Transformer warriors. Shūta had to learn, however, that his powers were for rescuing innocents first and fighting Decepticons second. His first clash with the Decepticons' own team of Headmaster Juniors put his resolve to the test when he had to rescue a baby from a burning building without sinking to the Decepticon Juniors' level and fighting back. Metalhawk helped to take out the young punks, and Shūta saved the child, in the process learning the importance of putting the lives of others ahead of defeating his enemies. {{storylink|Birth! Headmaster Jrs}}

Despite learning this lesson, Shūta's new powers still made him a touch on the arrogant side, and a chewing-out from his soccer coach was soon followed by a trip to America to train with [[Diver (Masterforce)|Diver]]. He and Cab mastered their teamwork fighting Seacons and the Decepticon Juniors again, {{storylink|Rage!! Little Devils with No Need for Rules}} and later on during their American vacation, Shūta was instrumental in rescuing a boy named [[Chris]] from [[Wilder]]. {{storylink|Go, Goshooter - Showdown in the Wasteland}}

[[Image:Shuta_cab_rivals.jpg|left|thumb|They aren't fighting...their hair just got tangled.]]

Back in Japan, Shūta, Cab and Minerva enrolled in a hang-gliding contest, during which they came under attack from the newest addition to the Decepticon army, the [[Godmaster]] brothers, [[Hydra (Masterforce)|Hydra]] and [[Buster]]. {{storylink|Super Warriors - The Godmaster Brothers}} After a further altercation with the new villains in the Karin Islands, Shūta demanded to know why the Autobots did not have Godmasters of their own, {{storylink|A Fierce Battle!! The Autobots Are in Trouble}} but his wish soon came true with the appearance of [[Ginrai]]. Shūta and the Autobot Juniors travelled to America to meet their new comrade, {{storylink|Ginrai: God On of Rage!!}} and soon after, welcomed him to Japan when he came to visit the Autobot base. This also proved to be the first chance to battle alongside him, when they all tangled with the Decepticon Juniors and briefly captured [[Cancer]]. {{storylink|A Strange Friendship: Cancer and Minerva}} Friendship came quickly between Ginrai and the Juniors, and Shūta gave him the grand tour of the Autobot base. {{storylink|Friend or Foe!? The True Form of the Monster!!}}

Summer got off to a rocky start when Shūta attempted to stop Cab from peeping on Minerva and the other female pupils during their swimming classes at school, {{storylink|Lightfoot: A Dramatic Encounter}} but once summer vacation set in, the team enjoyed a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Canada, where they met [[Ranger]]. {{storylink|An Enemy? The Third Godmaster, Ranger}} The summer held several more exciting times for Shūta, like when he was mistaken for Ginrai by [[Sixknight]] {{storylink|A Powerful Foe!! Sixknight the Wanderer}} or when he met the famous F1 racer [[Road King]] (who turned out to be a Godmaster). {{storylink|Assemble! The Four Godmaster Gunmen}} Even a return trip to the Karin Islands resulted in more mayhem when the Autobots became caught up in another Decepticon plot in the area. {{storylink|Save the Little Girl! The Chōjin Warriors, the Godmasters}}

[[Image:Goshooter_birthhmjrs.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Domo Arigato, Mister Roboto]]

As the new school term began, a strange television program caught Shūta and Cab's attention when the mysterious fortuneteller featured on the show revealed the existence of the Autobots and Decepticons to the world. This was, of course, a Decepticon plot to turn Humanity against the Autobots, and Shūta and the Juniors did their part to help turn public opinion around by helping rescue people from a flood caused by the villains. {{storylink|Expose the Decepticons' Dark Trap!}}

Shūta and the other Juniors were left with little to do when the Autobots funnelled their resources into the "Bomber Project", aiming to create [[Godbomber]], a drone that would give Ginrai the power to fly and fight in space to battle the approaching Decepticon super-weapon [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]]. After BlackZarak was repelled, however, the Juniors discovered that they too possessed a link with Godbomber and were able to control and transform it by uniting their Chōkon Power. {{storylink|Destroy Godbomber!!}}

Shūta tasted the bitterness of true defeat when the final Godmaster, [[Clouder]], sided with the Decepticons and helped arrange an assault on the Autobot base. With only Shūta, his fellow Juniors and Metalhawk to protect it, the base was a lost cause, but Shūta refused to abandon his father's last great work. Nonetheless, the base was destroyed by the Decepticons' attack. {{storylink|Disaster! The Autobot Base Explodes}}

During a later outer space battle with BlackZarak and the Decepticons, [[Grand Maximus]]'s battleship was sent plummeting into Earth's atmosphere when its tachyon converter was knocked offline. Setting personal safety aside, it was Shūta who saved the day by donning a rocket pack and reactivating the converter. When the ship reactivated with a judder, he was thrown free and continued his searing re-entry, only to be swept up by Ginrai just before impacting. {{storylink|Crisis! The Day of Human Extinction}}

While searching for the Decepticon base, Shūta was approached by the repentant Clouder, who offered to take him there. Shūta warily agreed to accompany to see if his claim was legitimate before radioing the other Autobots, but while Clouder's intentions were good, the other Decepticons caught wind of the pair's approach and ambushed them. Captured and thrown in a dungeon, Shūta naturally assumed Clouder had betrayed him and began pummeling the Godmaster. [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] was gentlemanly enough to correct Shūta's misconception, but proceeded to use the Headmaster Junior as a bargaining chip, summoning Ginrai to the base in exchange for his supposed safety. Held in the grip of [[King Poseidon]], Shūta cried out for his commander to forget about him and fight back against Overlord. Thankfully, the equation was soon balanced out by Cancer, who turned against the Decepticons and freed Shūta. Decepticon defeat and Autobot escape immediately followed, {{storylink|God Ginrai: Showdown at the Decepticon Base}} and not long after, Shūta participated in a large-scale Autobot attack on the Decepticon base, culminating in its destruction. {{storylink|The Ultimate Combination!! BlackZarak, the New Lifeform}}

On a mission to stop BlackZarak in the Grand Canyon, Shūta, the other Juniors and Ranger were attacked by King Poseidon, and Shūta was seized by Buster and had a gun put to his head. The tables were luckily turned by the arrival of Ginrai, and the Decepticons retreated to Europe. {{storylink|Autobots! Desperate Attack!!}} Shūta and the Juniors again ran afoul of King Poseidon as the team scaled the Matterhorn, {{storylink|Malevolent and Inhuman! The True Form of Devil Z}} and they could only watch and cheer as Ginrai engaged in his final battle with BlackZarak. When the Decepticon adopted a new, serpentine form, Ginrai called upon Shūta and the Juniors for their power, and the three kids were transported into his chest cockpit. There, they added their Chōkon Power to Ginrai's to create the "Final Fire Guts" attack, with which BlackZarak and Devil Z were both finally destroyed.

In the wake of Devil Z's destruction, however, the bond between the Autobots and their Transtectors was broken, and Shūta became a normal kid again as his now-living Transtector and those of all the other Autobots headed into space to continue the fight against the Decepticons. {{storylink|A Battle... and Then...}}

===Comic continuity===
====''Super-God Masterforce'' comic====
[[Image:Shuta_manga.jpg|left|thumb]]

When the Decepticon Pretenders attacked the Karin Islands, Shūta accompanied his Autobot friend Metalhawk there and attempted to persuade the local prince, Cab, to back down from the fight. Cab responded by slugging Shūta one and telling the foreigner to keep out of it, but was shocked into silence when the Pretenders dropped their disguises and revealed their robotic forms. Shūta explained the origins of the Pretenders as Metalhawk routed the Decepticons, and said that he would introduce Cab to the Autobot hero. {{storylink|Gods? Devils? The Pretenders}}

Back in Japan, Cab and Shūta attended the International School together and soon discovered that Metalhawk had recruited their classmate, Minerva. Metalhawk explained that the three kids were going to help fight the Decepticons, and after a period of intensive training, they were given Master-Braces and Transtectors and became Headmaster Juniors. Shūta and Cab immediately went joyriding in their Transtectors and ran into trouble when they encountered a [[Lobclaw]] Seacon, but Metalhawk saved them—though not without chastising them for their lack of teamwork. {{storylink|Headmaster Jrs Are Born}}

[[Image:Shuta_cab_manga_torture.jpg|right|thumb|Pretenders: Sadists in disguise?]]

During a later battle between Metalhawk and Blood, Metalhawk summoned the Headmaster Juniors to aid in the rescue effort in the surrounding city. Shūta and Minerva were forced to sneak out of the International School dormitory, and they and Cab then met their opposite numbers in the Decepticon Headmaster Juniors, whom they defeated. Shūta was not best pleased about having had his night's sleep ruined, but Minerva pointed out that it was Sunday tomorrow anyway. {{storylink|Destined Confrontation: The Children of Good and Evil}}

Shūta and the Juniors soon met and befriended the Autobot Godmaster Ginrai, {{storylink|Enter on the Stage! The Name of the Savior Is Ginrai!}} and later travelled to the planet [[Athenia]] to see him be appointed [[Supreme Commander]] of the Autobots. {{storylink|The Battle Begins! The United Earth-Space Troops}}

At one point, Shūta and Cab were captured by the Decepticons and tortured by Blood. [[Mega]] and [[Giga]] hoped that the two boys would join their twisted Decepticon family, but Shūta refuted the notion that the villains were any kind of family at all. Thankfully, they were rescued by Minerva and Ginrai, and as they recuperated, the boys laughed about how the two seemed to be filling the roles of their mother and father. {{storylink|The Earth Family of Good and Evil}}

In the final battle against BlackZarak, the villain turned on his fellow Decepticons, leading them to unite with the Autobots in defeating him. All of the Transformers boarded Grand Maximus and charged him with their energy before he crashed straight into BlackZarak, obliterating him and Devil Z. The death of Devil Z caused the bond between the humans and their Transtectors to be broken, and Shūta became a normal kid again as his now-living Transtector and those of all the other Autobots headed into space to continue the fight against the Decepticons. {{storylink|The Birth of the Super Lifeforms}}

====''Victory'' comic====
[[Image:Shuta_victory_manga.jpg|thumb|left|Saint Seiya!]]

When a new Transformer war erupted on Earth, Shūta and Cab decided to check out the new Supreme Commander, [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], thinking that he wasn't a patch on God Ginrai. They appeared in the middle of a battle between Star Saber and the Decepticons, lecturing the adopted human sons of the two faction leaders ([[Jean Minakaze]] of the Autobots and [[Solon Kitakaze (Victory)|Solon Kitakaze]] of the Decepticons) on how much better Ginrai was. In mid-pontification, however, the boys were attacked by [[Dinoforce]] member [[Kakuryū]]. Star Saber swooped in to save them and hurled Kakuryū over a cliff, but as the Decepticon clawed at the edge of the crevice, Star Saver showed mercy and helped him back up. This was enough to convince Shūta and Cab that Star Saber was a good egg, and they cemented their friendship with Jean. {{storylink|Warrior of Love, Star Saber!}} Jean was later invited by the boys to Cab's treehouse, but that didn't turn out to be such a good idea, since [[Yokuryū]] smashed up the place and captured Jean. {{storylink|Watch Out, Jean! Hurry, Star Saber!}}

Shūta and Cab established themselves as members of Star Saber's Autobot warriors when they got new suits of armor modelled on the [[Brainmaster]]s. (Shūta wore a suit based on [[Braver]].) {{storylink|The Star of Friendship, Jean and Star Saber!}} Their little group of armored humans, the "[[Victories]]", was soon joined by Jean's sister [[Patty Minakaze|Patty]] (to whom both boys took a liking), {{storylink|The Strongest Partners, the Combination of Victory!}} and more surprisingly, by Solon, who betrayed the Decepticons when he learned his true heritage. With their team now completed, they were able to channel their power into their respective Autobot counterparts to form the Victory Blade attack, soundly thrashing [[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]] and [[Liokaiser]] in one blast. {{storylink|Shine! The Five Stars of Victory}}

Shūta, Cab and the other Victories were all aboard [[Galaxy Shuttle]] during the final battle between the Autobots and Deathsaurus's planet-destroying fortress. When the battle was done, they all boarded the fortress with the other Autobots and Decepticons and witnessed Deathsaurus's disclosure that the fortress contained all the Decepticon civilians. This revelation led to the laying down of Autobot and Decepticon arms and the beginning of a new age of peace. Shūta and Cab glomped Patty in happiness. {{storylink|Heroic! The Victory War}}

==Toys==
===Super-God Masterforce===
* '''Goshooter''' (Headmaster Junior, 1988)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''C-301'''
**''Accessories'': Headmaster transtector, helmet/seat, rifle, left & right small pistols

[[Image:Goshooter_toy.jpg|right|thumb|130px]]

:Shūta Gō's [[Transtector]] transforms into a white [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate_modes#Mazda RX|Mazda RX-7]] police car. The roof is hinged and can be opened to reveal an interior in which Shūta can sit, using his head-mode helmet as a seat. His head guns can be stored on the hood while his rifle can be plugged onto the roof.

: In robot mode, like all Headmaster toys, the Goshooter Transtector has a flip-down panel on its chest which covers a spring-loaded mini-[[Tech Spec|Tech-Spec]]-meter which gives reads for Speed, Strength and Intelligence. The tumblers are activated when Shūta (or any other Headmaster unit) is plugged into his neck socket. Shūta has the Transtector's face plainly visible on his back because, as a smaller Headmaster toy, he lacks the flip-down panel featured on larger Headmasters.

:The same mold was [[redeco]]ed from the American [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] [[Siren]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/GoShooter/goshooter.htm More information on Goshooter at TFU.info]''

*'''Goshooter Siren''' (Headmaster Junior, 1988)
**''Accessories'': Headmaster transtector, helmet/seat, rifle, left & right small pistols

: A Siren-decoed version of Goshooter was made available via mail-order offer in Japan. He cost 1800 yen and four [[Robot Point]]s. It is unknown if he came in a plain mailer box or in [[Hasbro]] packaging.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Super-God Masterforce===
[[Image:Shuta masterbrace toy.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Jinchōkon bling]]
*'''Headmaster-Braces—Goshooter''' (1998)

:Shūta's Master-Braces came alive with this role-play set, including two silver-chromed bracelets with handcuff-style hinges, and a small clip-on "communicator" pin.

{{-}}

===Super Collection Figure===
[[Image:Goshooter scf.jpg|right|120px|thumb|]]
*'''Goshooter''' (2002)

:Robot-mode Shūta was included as part of the fifth ''Masterforce''-centric wave of [[Takara|Takara]]'s ''[[Super Collection Figure|Super Collection Figure]]'' line of [[Plastic|PVC]] figurines. Like all figures in the wave, he was available in both full-color and metallic silver "pewter" versions. In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter version of Goshooter came packaged with the left arm of the BlackZarak "Build-A-Figure".

{{-}}

==Notes==

* Although this article presents Shūta's name in the traditional Western manner, in Japan, a person's name is written family name first, given name last. Hence, Shūta 's name is written as "Gō Shūta", this being the phonetic origin of his Transformer name, Goshooter (ゴーシューター ''Gōshūtā'').

* He is one of the only few whose age was not revealed, the others being [[Giga]], [[Mega]] and [[Clouder]]. But it can be assumed that he is about the same age as Cab and Minerva (13 and 15 respectively).

{{DEFAULTSORT:Go, Shuta}}
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce Autobots]]
[[Category:Super-God Masterforce humans]]
[[Category:Victory humans]]

The Transformers (toyline)

2011-02-26T18:00:44Z

Gargunkle:

{{disambig2|the original toyline|other uses of ''The Transformers''|Transformers (disambiguation)}}
{{Nav-G1}}

{{bigquote|Look! Two more Transformers to add to our collection!|[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] is excited to find [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]|"[[Starscream's Brigade]]"}}

'''''The Transformers''''' (retroactively called '''Generation One''' or '''G1''') started as a joint venture between two companies: [[Hasbro]] of America and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] of [[Japan]]. After an idea to rebrand and sell Takara's ''[[Diaclone]]'' and ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' [[Toy|robot toys]] as a whole new line with a new concept behind it, Hasbro unknowingly would wind up creating what would be one of its longest-running [[franchise]]s.

[[Image:Seekers ad.jpg|right|350px|thumb|Ahh, 1984's book of dreams.]]

In contrast to today's franchises, which tend by design to run 12 to 18 months, ''Generation 1'' was essentially an unbroken line from 1984 to 1991; its logo and packaging format only underwent one major change in that time. Toys tended to linger longer in the line; a few (Starscream, Bumblebee) were even sold for three years in a row (the record for non-re-issues is four years, set by cassettes [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], [[Rewind]], [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]], and [[Eject]]). The changing circumstances of retail have made this a thing of the past; toy lines now require yearly rebranding.

The ''Generation 1'' line introduced a number of concepts which would stay with subsequent iterations of the brand. Most prominent among these were [[package art]] showing the character's robot form, [[Tech Spec]]s rating the character's abilities, [[bio]]s giving a personality profile of the character represented by the toy, and (in the Japanese toylines) [[Japanese ID number list|ID numbers]] for each figure to identify them. Other "premiums" which didn't survive the 1980s included [[Robot Point]]s and various mail order exclusives.

In addition to the toy and its weapons and accessories, ''Generation 1'' toys typically included a sticker sheet, instructions showing how to transform the toy and apply the stickers, and a [[Catalog|toy catalog flyer]] showing the entire year's toy line. In the early years of the line, a red plastic "tech spec decoder" and various [[Pack-in material#Mail-order flyers|mail-away offers]] were included as well.

The line began with toys already designed by Takara and other companies, but over time it expanded into numerous original designs and concepts. While its run ostensibly ended after seven years with the advent of ''[[Generation 2 (franchise)|Generation 2]]'', it was resurrected almost a decade later in Japan via the ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues, supplemented by [[e-Hobby]]-exclusive reissues and new creations. A year later, Hasbro began retooling many of those reissues and selling them in North America as the ''[[Commemorative Series]]''. Even after Hasbro discontinued that line, TakaraTomy continued selling reissues under the ''[[Encore]]'' label. This toyline has changed direction and focus so many times that a year-by-year breakdown is the only way to get the full picture.

See also:

* Japanese ''Generation 1'' mini-franchise toylines:
** 1985—''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)]]''
** 1986—''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (toyline)]]''
** 1987—''[[The Headmasters (toyline)]]''
** 1988—''[[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)]]''
** 1989—''[[Victory (toyline)]]''
** 1990—''[[Zone (toyline)]]''
** 1991—''[[Return of Convoy (toyline)]]''
** 1992—''[[Operation Combination (toyline)]]''

* ''[[Generation 1 (European toyline)]]''
* ''[[Generation 1 (Chinese toyline)]]''

==1984==
===Overview===
[[Image:G1Prowl toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Prowl, one of the 1984 line's more iconic toys. In today's secondary market, he's usually found with his roof broken off. Prowl was redecorated to make two other characters as well, which was pretty common in the first two years.]]
The first two years of ''Transformers'' product in America mostly consisted of toys from the two Takara lines. A wide range of sizes and price points, from $3 Mini-Vehicles up to larger toys costing $20 or more, ensured that every kid could pick up at least a few Transformers, and still have a few left for the Christmas wishlist -- a marketing strategy that continues up to the present day.

The early G1 toys were largely marked by attention to vehicle mode detail, rubber tires, the frequent use of [[die-cast]] metal (particularly on larger toys), and a variety of loose parts which had to be kept track of and attached separately. The early toys were also marked by a lack of posability -- not a single one of the [[Autobot Cars|Autobot cars]] had knee joints, and most had feet that were fused together. The Decepticon jets couldn't do anything but raise their arms forward.

The combination of heavy die-cast and the brittle plastics of the time also made many of the toys fragile; toys such as Prowl and Mirage are infamous for winding up broken.

Due to products coming from different pre-existing product lines, the 1984 toys were highly inconsistent in terms of relative [[scale]]. Later years would not do much to mitigate this issue.

Many of the 1984 toys included the pack-in brochure [[Reinforcements from Cybertron!]]

===Autobots===
'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]]'''

{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
* [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]}}

{{note|Although the official catalogs and the box artwork depict Bumblebee in yellow and Cliffjumper in red, both toys were actually available in both colors. Additionally, a third toy of a similar design was also available in yellow, and sold on Cliffjumper cards. That toy was not officially marketed by Hasbro as a separate character, but was later dubbed "Bumblejumper" by fans, which was shortened to just "[[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]" by the time he was officially integrated into the fiction as a character in his own right.}}

'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]
* [[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]]
* [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]
* [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]
* [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]]
* [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]]}}

'''Autobot Commander'''
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]

===Decepticons===
'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (available as a two-pack)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] & [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|Another Decepticon Cassette, Buzzsaw, was available with Soundwave.}}

[[Image:Redeco.jpg|right|150px|thumb|L to R: Skywarp, Starscream, Thundercracker]]

'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]}}

'''Decepticon Communications'''
* [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] (with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]])

'''Decepticon Leader'''
* [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]

{{-}}

==1985==
:''For the toyline released in Japan this year comprising many of these toys and the 1984 figures, see: [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:1985catalogue-diorama.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The 80s! When toy companies actively encouraged you to play with fire!]]

The initial toyline was wildly successful, making "Transformers" a household word for the rest of the 1980s and leading to an ever-expanding product line. 1985's offerings more than doubled those of 1984. Additional cars, jets, and mini-vehicles were released; many of the standard cars and jets were retooled versions of 1984 toys (or of each other, in the case of Grapple and Inferno).

The line also veered into mechanical dinosaurs and insects, and futuristic vehicles. Some of these toys were designed and manufactured by companies in competition with Takara, among them Jetfire, the Deluxe Insecticons and the Deluxe Vehicles. These toys are among the few G1 toys with good articulation. However, their conflicting origins doomed most of them never to appear in the cartoon, as Takara did not wish to sponsor a show advertising its competitor's products. See ''[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]'' for more.

This year's toys primary pack-in brochures were "[[Earthlings: THE S.T.A.R.S. need your help now!]], and later [[Have the Decepticons defeated us once and for all?]].

In 1985, the Transformers line (with a few deletions) was ported back to Japan, as [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]].

===Autobots===
'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini Vehicles]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]
* [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]
* [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]]
* [[Seaspray (G1)|Seaspray]]
* [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]]}}

{{note|The "Mini-Cars" were renamed into "Mini-Vehicles" beginning with 1985. The 1984 Mini-Cars/Mini-Vehicles were re-released. 1985 Mini-Vehicles were briefly available with extra [[Mini-spy|Mini-Spies]], later replaced the Autobot symbols with rubsigns like the ones first featured on the Mini-Spies, and later shipments of the rubsign versions were available with iron-on patches. The versions of Bumblebee and Cliffjumper that came with the Mini-Spies were available in both yellow and red; the rubsign versions still featured color variants. The Bumper mold was no longer available.}}

'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
* [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
* [[Grapple]]}}

{{note|The 1984 Autobot Cars were re-released. All 1985 Autobot Cars sported rubsigns. The European version of Tracks released by Milton Bradley was originally available in red.}}

'''[[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]
*[[Slag (G1)|Slag]]
*[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]
*[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]
*[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]}}

'''[[Jumpstarter|Jumpstarters]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]
*[[Twin Twist]]}}

'''Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle|Deluxe Vehicles]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbuster]]
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]}}

'''Autobot Air Guardian'''
*[[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]

'''Autobot Communicator'''
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]

'''Autobot Scientist'''
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]

'''Autobot Motorized Defense Base'''
*[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]

'''[[Powerdasher]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* "Drill Type"
* "F-1 Type"
* "Jet Type"}}

{{note|The Powerdashers were only available via mail-order. Figure names are in quotes because these figures were not officially named. Names are taken from the Diaclone versions.}}

'''[[Omnibot (G1)|Omnibots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]
*[[Downshift (G1)|Downshift]]
*[[Overdrive]]}}

{{note|The Omnibots were only available via mail order.}}

'''Promotional toys'''
* "[[PepsiCo|Pepsi]]" Optimus Prime

{{note|A limited-edition variant of Optimus Prime was available with additional "Pepsi" stickers on the trailer. The [[Canada|Canadian]] version sported yet another variant with a large sticker covering the entire side of the trailer.}}

* "Cookie Crisp" Jazz

{{note|A variant of the Jazz toy was available as a Cookie Crisp promotional premium via mail order. Unlike the regular version, the "Martini" decals are missing from the doors.}}

====Notes====
* The entire 1984 lineup was still available in 1985, only now sporting [[rubsign]]s.
* Curiously, though animation models exist, Topspin and Twin Twist were also not shown in the cartoon, or even animated for commercials.

===Decepticons===
'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]}}

'''[[Insecticon (G1)|Deluxe Insecticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]]
* [[Chop Shop]]
* [[Ransack (G1)|Ransack]]
* [[Venom (G1)|Venom]]}}

'''[[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]
* [[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]]
* [[Hook (G1)|Hook]]
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]
* [[Mixmaster (G1)|Mixmaster]]
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (giftset)}}

'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Seeker (body-type)|Planes]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]}}

'''Decepticon Military Operations Commander'''
*[[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]]

====Notes====
* The entire 1984 assortment of Decepticons was still available in 1985, in updated packaging, now also sporting rubsigns.
* The Deluxe Insecticons made no appearances in the animated series.

==1986==
:''For the nearly-identical toyline (minus Sky Lynx) released in Japan this year, see: [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers 2010 (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:Protectobots-collectallfive.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Collect all five! The little ones are cheap, and you can bug your mom to buy you the big one!]]
1986 broke more ground with multiple [[combiner]] teams, two large "city" robots, and a full-length feature film to push a new crop of toys. By this point, Hasbro had gone through almost all of the "suitable" ''Diaclone'' and ''Microman'' toys, and were using up the last of the pre-existing (yet previously unmade) Takara design concepts, mostly in the form of the [[Scramble City]] combiner teams and the two citybots; thus the toys for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' became the first original designs developed by Hasbro (and also the first of a ''very'' few times that characters' in-fiction designs predated their toy designs). That year also marked the end of rubber tires and die-cast metal in the toys, as shipping and manufacturing costs dictated an all-plastic approach; many toys from that year were available both with and without rubber and die-cast. Though many fans regard this as a drop in quality, it had the effect of creating much sturdier toys.

Starting with 1986, the first Transformers toys - the Mini-Cassettes, the Triple Changers, the newly introduced Special Teams Mini-Vehicles and the [[Special Teams]] Large Vehicles - were available in mixed assortments that contained both Autobot and Decepticon characters. The 1986 toys are still listed as Autobots and Decepticons for simplicity's sake.

Some assortments of the movie character toys included one of four free [[posters]] promoting the [[Decipher the Decepticon]] contest. Many toys included the S.T.A.R.S. advertisement [[You Have Been Chosen.]] Mini Vehicles included an iron-on patch promoting the [[Prizes in Disguise]] contest.

===Autobots===
'''Autobot [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Vehicles]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]
* [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]
* [[Outback]]
* [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]
* [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]
* [[Tailgate]]}}

{{note|Bumblebee, Beachcomber, Seaspray, Cosmos, Powerglide and Warpath were re-released. All twelve 1986 Mini-Vehicles were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch.}}

'''Autobot [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassettes]]'''
* [[Rewind]] & [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] (available as a two-pack)
* [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] & [[Eject]] (available as a two-pack)

'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]
* [[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]
* [[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]
* [[Slingshot]]
* [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
* [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] (giftset)}}

'''[[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]
* [[Groove (G1)|Groove]]
* [[Blades (G1)|Blades]]
* [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]
* [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]]
* [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]] (giftset)}}

{{note|The smaller Aerialbots and Protectobots were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch. Silverbolt and Hot Spot have never been found with a poster.}}

'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Springer (G1)|Springer]]
* [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]
* [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]}}

{{note|All 1986 Triple Changers were alternatively available with or without a poster.}}

'''[[Autobot Cars]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]]
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]}}

{{note|All three 1986 Autobot Cars were alternatively available with or without a poster.}}

'''Heroes'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus Prime]]
* [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]]}}

'''Autobot [[City Commander|City Commander]]'''
* [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]]

{{note|A variant version of Ultra Magnus was available exclusively from KB Toys stores, replacing the diecast parts and rubber tires with plastic parts and sporting unpainted heads.}}

'''Motorized Autobot Space Shuttle'''
* [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]

'''Autobot [[City-bot|City]]'''
* [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] with [[Six-Gun]], [[Slammer]], and [[Scamper]]

====Notes====
* A limited edition version of Optimus Prime was available with a "Movie Edition" certificate.
* Sunstreaker, Mirage, Ratchet and Wheeljack, none of which were shipping to regular stores anymore by this point, were made available again via mail order.

===Decepticons===
'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassettes]]'''
* [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] & Frenzy (available as a two-pack)

{{note|Frenzy was a re-release of the 1986 Decepticon Cassette, now available as a two-pack with the new mold Ratbat rather than with Laserbeak. The two-pack of Ravage and Rumble was also re-released.}}

'''[[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]
* [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]
* [[Wildrider (G1)|Wildrider]]
* [[Drag Strip (G1)|Drag Strip]]
* [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]
* [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] (giftset)}}

'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]
* [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]
* [[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]
* [[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]
* [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]}}

{{note|While packaged samples might exist, Bruticus was presumably never officially released in giftset form in the USA. The smaller Stunticons and Combaticons were alternatively available with or without an iron-on patch. Motormaster and Onslaught have never been found with a poster.}}

'''[[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]
* [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]]
* [[Headstrong]]
* [[Tantrum]]
* [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]}}

{{note|Predaking was never available in giftset form outside of Japan.}}

'''[[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]]'''
* [[Gnaw]]

{{note|All five Predacons as well as Gnaw were alternatively available with or without a poster.}}

'''[[Triple Changer]]s'''
* [[Octane]]

{{note|Blitzwing and Astrotrain were re-released. All 1986 Triple Changers were alternatively available with or without a poster, and Astrotrain and Blitzwing are very difficult to find.}}

'''Decepticon Planes'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]}}

{{note|Starscream, Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust were re-released. Only Scourge and Cyclonus have been found with or without a poster. The other four jets in the asortment have never been found with a poster.}}

'''[[Battlecharger]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Runabout]]
* [[Runamuck (G1)|Runamuck]]}}

'''Decepticon [[City Commander]]'''
* [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]]

'''Motorized Decepticon [[City-bot|City]]'''
* [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] with [[Brunt (G1)|Brunt]] and [[Full-Tilt]]

'''[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Spectro]]
*[[Spyglass]]
*[[Viewfinder]]}}

{{note|Reflector was only available via mail order.}}

====Notes====
* A limited edition version of Megatron was available with a "Movie Edition" certificate.
* Thundercracker, who was no longer shipping to regular stores by this point, was made available again via mail order.

==1987==
:''For the marginally different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[The Headmasters (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:Technobots-specialteams.jpg|right|250px|thumb|28 dollars?! But in 1987, that was like... um... factor inflation... multiply by 2.1314159... carry the 1... um... a LOT!]]

1987 was dominated by two sublines, the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster]]s. It also marked the peak of the line's ambition, as it introduced the two-foot-tall [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] toy -- still the largest Transformer ever produced and, at nearly $100 in 1987 dollars, still one of the most expensive.

At the other end of the price scale, the $3 Mini-Vehicles of previous years were replaced by the [[Throttlebot]]s. Apart from them, the line was dominated for the first time by fictional vehicle modes (variously explained as "Cybertronian" or "futuristic") and mechanical monsters and beasts.

The smaller carded toys were sometimes available with a rubber [[decoy]] figure, as well as a bonus mini-comic. Larger toys included the pack-in mail-away brochure [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]].

===Autobots===
'''[[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Afterburner (G1)|Afterburner]]
* [[Nosecone (G1)|Nosecone]]
* [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]]
* [[Lightspeed (G1 Technobot)|Lightspeed]]
* [[Scattershot (G1)|Scattershot]]
* [[Computron (G1)|Computron]] (giftset)}}

{{note|The Aerialbots and Protectobots were also re-released. All individual Aerialbots, Protectobots and Technobots were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.}}

'''[[Throttlebot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Goldbug]]
* [[Chase (G1)|Chase]]
* [[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]]
* [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]]
* [[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]]
* [[Wide Load]]}}

{{note|The Throttlebots were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.}}

'''Autobot [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
* [[Fastlane]] & [[Cloudraker (G1)|Cloudraker]] (available as a two-pack)

'''Autobot [[:Category:Spies|Double Spy]]'''
* [[Punch (G1)|Punch-Counterpunch]]

'''[[Monsterbot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Grotusque]]
* [[Doublecross]]
* [[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]]}}

'''Large [[Targetmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Pointblank]] with [[Peacemaker]]
* [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] with [[Spoilsport]]
* [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] with [[Pinpointer (G1)|Pinpointer]]
* [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] with [[Haywire]]
* [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] with [[Recoil]]
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] with [[Firebolt]]}}

'''Large [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] with [[Stylor]]
* [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] with [[Duros]]
* [[Brainstorm]] with [[Arcana]]
* [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] with [[Gort]]}}

'''Headmaster Autobot [[City-bot|Base]]'''
* [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] with [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Cog (G1)|Cog/Gasket/Grommet]]

====Notes====
Metroplex, Rodimus Prime, Wreck-Gar, Ultra Magnus and Sky Lynx were also still available. The Autobot Mini-Cassette two-packs of Rewind/Steeljaw and Ramhorn/Eject were re-released.

===Decepticons===
'''[[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Rippersnapper (G1)|Rippersnapper]]
* [[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]]
* [[Cutthroat (G1)|Cutthroat]]
* [[Blot (G1)|Blot]]
* [[Hun-Gurrr]]}}

{{note|[[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]] was never officially released in giftset form in the USA.}}

{{note|The Stunticons and Combaticons were also re-released. All individual Stunticons, Combaticons and Terrorcons were alternatively available with or without a rubber decoy.}}

'''Decepticon [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Mini-Cassettes]]'''
* [[Slugfest (G1)|Slugfest]] & [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|The two-pack of Ratbat and Frenzy was also re-released.}}

'''[[Duocon]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Battletrap]]
* [[Flywheels]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]]'''
* [[Pounce]] & [[Wingspan]] (available as a two-pack)

'''Decepticon [[Six Changer]]'''
* [[Sixshot]]

'''Large [[Targetmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Triggerhappy]] with [[Blowpipe (G1)|Blowpipe]]
* [[Slugslinger (G1)|Slugslinger]] with [[Caliburst (G1)|Caliburst]]
* [[Misfire]] with [[Aimless]]
* [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] with [[Nightstick (Cyclonus)|Nightstick]]
* [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] with [[Fracas]]}}

'''Large [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Skullcruncher]] with [[Grax]]
* [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]] with [[Vorath]]
* [[Weirdwolf]] with [[Monzo]]}}

'''Headmaster [[Horrorcon]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Apeface]] with [[Spasma]]
* [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]] with [[Krunk]]}}

'''Headmaster Decepticon [[City-bot|Base]]'''
* [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] with [[Zarak (Nebulan)|Zarak]] and [[Fasttrack (Scorponok)|Fasttrack]]

====Notes====
Galvatron, Trypticon, the Predacons and the Sharkticon figure Gnaw were also still available.

==1988==
:''For the noticeably different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[Super-God Masterforce (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:G1Bomb-Burst toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Bomb-Burst, a typical full-sized Pretender.]]
[[Image:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Finally! They're selling Optimus Prime again!]]
1988 introduced a new logo design and tagline (More... MUCH more than meets the eye), but otherwise continued the directions of 1987, with a new line of Headmasters and the new [[Powermaster]] gimmicks, and a mixture of realistic and fanciful vehicle forms.

1988 also introduced the [[Pretender]]s, bringing non-transforming figures into the line for the first time. The Pretenders tended to have ''very'' simplified transformations and often unconvincing vehicle modes, though their designs make them among the most well-articulated of all G1 toys. The outer shells, by contrast, rarely featured any articulation beyond a swivel joint at the shoulders.

Other sublines of note included the [[Triggercon]]s, [[Triggerbot]]s, [[Sparkabot]]s and [[Firecon]]s, which took the Throttlebots' place as the line's low-end offerings.

G1 tended to be extremely non-self referential; until 1988, only one existing character, Bumblebee, had ever been revived with a new toy after having his older toy discontinued. That year, however, Hasbro seemingly began to realize the strength of the characters they had developed, as the line featured the return of Optimus Prime in Powermaster form following his death in ''Transformers: The Movie'' two years prior. The following two years would see more 1984/1985 characters return in Pretender and Action Master form.

This year's toys included the pack-in mail-away brochure [[The Autobots Are Under Attack!]].

===Autobots===
'''[[Sparkabot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Fizzle]]
* [[Sizzle (G1)|Sizzle]]
* [[Guzzle (G1)|Guzzle]]}}

'''[[Triggerbot]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Backstreet (G1)|Backstreet]]
* [[Override (G1)|Override]]
* [[Dogfight]]}}

'''Autobot [[Autobot Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]'''
* [[Grand Slam (G1)|Grand Slam]] & [[Raindance]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|The Rewind/Steeljaw and Ramhorn/Eject two-packs were also re-released once again.}}

'''Small [[Targetmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Landfill (G1)|Landfill]] with [[Flintlock]] and [[Silencer]]
* [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]] with [[Boomer]] and [[Ricochet (Nebulan)|Ricochet]]
* [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] with [[Holepunch (G1)|Holepunch]] and [[Tracer (Nebulan)|Tracer]]}}

{{note|The Large Targetmaster Autobots Pointblank, Sureshot and Crosshairs were also still available.}}

'''Small [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] with [[Muzzle]]
* [[Siren]] with [[Quig]]
* [[Hosehead]] with [[Lug]]}}

{{note|The Large Headmaster Autobots Chromedome, Hardhead, Brainstorm and Highbrow and the Headmaster Autobot Base Fortress Maximus were also still available.}}

'''[[Powermaster]] Autobots'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Getaway]] with [[Rev]]
* [[Slapdash (G1)|Slapdash]] with [[Lube]]
* [[Joyride (Autobot)|Joyride]] with [[Hotwire]]}}

'''Powermaster Autobot Leader'''
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] with [[Hi-Q]]

'''Autobot [[Six Changer]]'''
* [[Quickswitch]]

'''Large Autobot [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]]
* [[Cloudburst]]
* [[Waverider]]
* [[Groundbreaker]]
* [[Sky High (Pretender)|Sky High]]
* [[Splashdown]]}}

'''Autobot [[Pretender Beast]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]]
* [[Catilla]]}}

'''Autobot [[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
* [[Gunrunner (G1)|Gunrunner]]

====Notes====
The Autobot Double Spy Punch-Counterpunch, the Autobot Clones two-pack of Fastlane/Cloudraker and the Monsterbots Grotusque, Doublecross and Repugnus were also still available. The Technobots were re-released.

===Decepticons===
'''[[Firecon]]s'''

{{columnlist|3|
* [[Cindersaur]]
* [[Flamefeather]]
* [[Sparkstalker]]}}

'''[[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]]
* [[Seawing (G1)|Seawing]]
* [[Nautilator]]
* [[Skalor]]
* [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]]
* [[Snaptrap (G1)|Snaptrap]]
* [[Piranacon (G1)|Piranacon]] (giftset)}}

{{note|The Piranacon giftset only included five of the six individual Seacons; Nautilator was left out for reasons unknown.}}

{{note|The Terrorcons were also re-released.}}

'''[[Triggercon]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Crankcase (G1)|Crankcase]]
* [[Ruckus (G1)|Ruckus]]
* [[Windsweeper]]}}

'''Decepticon Cassettes'''
* [[Squawktalk]] & [[Beastbox (G1)|Beastbox]] (available as a two-pack)

{{note|The Slugfest/Overkill two-pack was also re-released.}}

'''Small [[Targetmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] with [[Hairsplitter]] and [[Singe]]
* [[Needlenose]] with [[Sunbeam]] and [[Zigzag]]
* [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] with [[Tiptop]] and [[Heater]]}}

{{note|The Large Targetmaster Decepticons Triggerhappy, Slugslinger and Misfire were also still available.}}

'''Small [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Horri-Bull]] with [[Kreb]]
* [[Fangry]] with [[Brisko]]
* [[Squeezeplay]] with [[Lokos]]}}

{{note|The Large Headmaster Decepticons Skullcruncher, Mindwipe and Weirdwolf, the Headmaster Horrorcons Apeface and Snapdragon and the Headmaster Decepticon Base Scorponok were also still available.}}

'''[[Powermaster]] Decepticons'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]] with [[Hi-Test]]
* [[Darkwing]] with [[Throttle (G1)|Throttle]]}}

'''Powermaster Mercenary'''
* [[Doubledealer]] with [[Knok]] and [[Skar]]

'''Large Decepticon [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Skullgrin]]
* [[Bomb-Burst (G1)|Bomb-Burst]]
* [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]]
* [[Iguanus (G1)|Iguanus]]
* [[Bugly]]
* [[Finback]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Pretender Beast]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Carnivac (G1)|Carnivac]]
* [[Snarler]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Pretender Vehicle]]s'''
* [[Roadgrabber]]

====Notes====
The Deception Clones two-pack of Pounce/Wingspan and the Decepticon Six Changer Sixshot were also still available.

==1989==
:''For the totally different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[Victory (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:G1Thunderwing toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Thunderwing, a Mega Pretender. This toy commands shocking secondary market prices as a result of the character's prominent appearances in the later Generation 1 comics.]]
By 1989, Hasbro's Transformers releases had been effectively split into two almost distinct sub-lines - Pretenders and Micromasters - that were available concurrently, a separation that was stronger from a marketing standpoint than the Autobot/Decepticon distinction from previous years.

The Pretender subline expanded to include [[Pretender Monster|a combiner team]] and increasingly complex gimmicks, including robots with multiple shells, and outer shells which could transform themselves and even combine with their inner robots.

The 1-inch-tall [[Micromaster]]s attempted to capitalize on the popularity of the Micro Machine toyline. They were originally sold in carded 4-member "patrols", and later with various bases and vehicles. Micromasters tended to have realistically styled vehicle forms. Though the first five patrols featured relatively diverse transformation schemes, as the subline proliferated, their designs would become extremely standardized.

===Pretenders===
====Autobots====
'''Small Autobot [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Pincher]]
* [[Doubleheader]]
* [[Longtooth]]}}

'''Autobot [[Pretender Classic]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]
* [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]
* [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]}}

'''Autobot [[Legends (G1)|Legends]]'''
{{columnlist|3|
* Bumblebee
* Grimlock
* Jazz}}

{{note|The Legends figures were identical to the Pretender Classics' inner robots, but lacking the Pretender shell. They were exclusively available from KMart stores. Curiously, Jazz and Bumblebee appear to have switched weapons.}}

'''Autobot [[Mega Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]]
* [[Vroom]]}}

'''Autobot [[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
* [[Skyhammer (G1)|Skyhammer]]

=====Notes=====
* Powermaster Optimus Prime, the Autobot Cassette two-packs of Rewind/Steeljaw, Ramhorn/Eject and Grand Slam/Raindance and the Large Autobot Pretenders were also still available.

====Decepticons====
'''[[Pretender Monster]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Icepick (G1)|Icepick]]
* [[Bristleback]]
* [[Wildfly]]
* [[Scowl]]
* [[Slog]]
* [[Birdbrain]]}}

'''Small Decepticon [[Pretender]]s'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Octopunch]]
* [[Stranglehold]]
* [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]}}

'''Decepticon [[Pretender Classic]]s'''
* [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]

'''Decepticon [[Legends (G1)|Legends]]'''
* Starscream

{{note|The Legends figures were identical to the Pretender Classics' inner robots, but lacking the Pretender shell. They were exclusively available from KMart stores.}}

'''Decepticon [[Mega Pretender]]s'''
* [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]]

'''Decepticon [[Ultra Pretender]]s'''
* [[Roadblock (G1)|Roadblock]]

=====Notes=====
* The Decepticon Cassette two-packs of Slugfest/Overkill and Squawktalk/Beastbox and the Large Decepticon Pretenders were also still available.

===Micromasters===
[[Image:Micromaster-sportscarpatrol-toys.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Here a novelty; soon an infestation.]]
====Autobots====
'''[[Micromaster]] Autobot Patrols'''
* [[Off Road Patrol]] ([[Highjump (G1)|Highjump]], [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]], [[Powertrain]] & [[Tote]])
* [[Race Car Patrol]] ([[Tailspin]], [[Free Wheeler]], [[Roadhandler (G1)|Roadhandler]] & [[Swindler]])
* [[Rescue Patrol]] ([[Seawatch]], [[Stakeout (G1)|Stakeout]], [[Fixit (G1)|Fixit]] & [[Red Hot]])
* [[Battle Patrol]] ([[Big Shot]], [[Sidetrack]], [[Sunrunner]] & [[Flak (G1)|Flak]])

'''Micromaster Autobot [[Micromaster Transport|Transports]]'''
* [[Erector]] (with [[Crane]])
* [[Overload (G1)|Overload]] (with [[Car carrier trailer]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Stations'''
* [[Hot House]] (with [[Fire station]])
* [[Ironworks]] (with [[Construction station]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Bases'''
* [[Groundshaker]] (with [[ATV]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Rocket Base'''
* [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] (with [[Rocket Base|Rocket base]])

====Decepticons====
'''Micromaster Decepticon Patrols'''
* [[Air Strike Patrol]] ([[Nightflight (G1)|Nightflight]], [[Storm Cloud (G1)|Storm Cloud]], [[Whisper (G1)|Whisper]] & [[Tailwind (G1)|Tailwind]])
* [[Sports Car Patrol]] ([[Detour (G1)|Detour]], [[Blackjack]], [[Hyperdrive (Micromaster)|Hyperdrive]] & [[Road Hugger (G1)|Road Hugger]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon [[Micromaster Transport|Transports]]'''
* [[Flattop (Decepticon)|Flattop]] (with [[Aircraft carrier]])
* [[Roughstuff]] (with [[Military transport]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Stations'''
* [[Greasepit (G1)|Greasepit]] (with [[Gas station]])
* [[Airwave]] (with [[Airport]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Bases'''
* [[Skyhopper]] (with [[Helicopter]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Jet Command Center'''
* [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]] (with [[Interstellar shuttle]])

==1990==
:''For the totally different toyline released in Japan this year, see: [[Zone (toyline)]]''

===Overview===
[[Image:Actionmaster Jazz.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Action Master Jazz, reintroducing a character from the line's early years.]]
Like 1989 before, 1990 also effectively saw two almost distinct Transformers sub-lines being available concurrently: the vastly-expanded Micromasters, and the non-transforming [[Action Master]] figures. The Micromasters came both in the $5 carded patrols and with transforming bases, some of which were quite large. The Actionmasters likewise came as carded figures with small transforming partners, and also with larger boxed vehicles.

The [[Generation 1 (European toyline)|European version of the "G1" line]], which continued after Hasbro had abruptly cancelled the line in the USA, would furthermore add the "Classics" sub-line to the mix.

Waning popularity led to the line's cancellation at this point; ''Transformers'' disappeared from shelves for two years, not returning until the debut of ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

===Micromasters===
====Autobots====
'''[[Micromaster]] Autobot Patrols'''
* [[Construction Patrol]] ([[Neutro]], [[Groundpounder]], [[Crumble]] & [[Takedown]])
* [[Air Patrol]] ([[Sky High (Micromaster)|Sky High]], [[Eagle Eye (G1)|Eagle Eye]], [[Blaze Master]] & [[Tread Bolt]])
* [[Monster Truck Patrol]] ([[Hydraulic]], [[Slow Poke]], [[Big Hauler]] & [[Heavy Tread]])
* [[Hot Rod Patrol]] ([[Big Daddy (G1)|Big Daddy]], [[Trip-Up]], [[Greaser]] & [[Hubs]])

'''Micromaster Autobot Combiner Squads'''
* [[Metro Squad]] ([[Wheel Blaze]], [[Roadburner]], [[Oiler]], [[Slide]], [[Power Run]] & [[Strikedown]])
* [[Astro Squad]] ([[Phaser]], [[Blast Master]], [[Moonrock]], [[Missile Master]], [[Barrage (Micromaster)|Barrage]] & [[Heave]])

'''Micromaster Autobot [[Micromaster Combiner Transport|Combiner Transports]]'''
* [[Missile Launcher]] (with [[Retro]] & [[Surge (G1)|Surge]])
* [[Tanker Truck]] (with [[Pipeline]] & [[Gusher]])

'''Micromaster Combiner Autobot Battlefield Headquarters'''
* [[Battlefield Headquarters]] with [[Full-Barrel]] & [[Overflow]]

=====Notes=====
* The Micromaster Transports Overload and Erector, the Micromaster Stations Hot House and Ironworks and the Micromaster Autobot Rocket Base Countdown were also still available.

====Decepticons====
'''[[Micromaster]] Decepticon Patrols'''
* [[Race Track Patrol]] ([[Roller Force]], [[Barricade (G1)|Barricade]], [[Ground Hog]] & [[Motorhead (Decepticon)|Motorhead]])
* [[Military Patrol]] ([[Bombshock (G1)|Bombshock]], [[Tracer (Decepticon)|Tracer]], [[Dropshot (G1)|Dropshot]] & [[Growl (G1)|Growl]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon Combiner Squads'''
* [[Battle Squad]] ([[Meltdown (G1)|Meltdown]], [[Half-Track (G1)|Half-Track]], [[Direct-Hit (G1)|Direct-Hit]], [[Power Punch (G1)|Power Punch]], [[Fireshot (G1)|Fireshot]] & [[Vanquish (G1)|Vanquish]])
* [[Constructor Squad]] ([[Stonecruncher (G1)|Stonecruncher]], [[Excavator (G1)|Excavator]], [[Sledge (G1)|Sledge]], [[Hammer (G1)|Hammer]], [[Grit (G1)|Grit]] & [[Knockout (G1)|Knockout]])

'''Micromaster Decepticon [[Micromaster Combiner Transport|Combiner Transports]]'''
* [[Cannon Transport]] (with [[Terror-Tread]] & [[Cement-Head]])

'''Micromaster Combiner Decepticon Anti-Aircraft Base'''
* [[Anti-Aircraft Base]] with [[Blackout (G1)|Blackout]] & [[Spaceshot]]

=====Notes=====
* The Micromaster Transports Flattop & Roughstuff, the Micromaster Stations Greasepit and Airwave and the Micromaster Decepticon Jet Command Center Skystalker were also still available.

===Action Masters===
====Autobots====
'''Autobot [[Action Master]] Figures'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]] with [[Anti-tank cannon]]
* [[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]] with [[Turbo Board]]
* [[Rad (G1)|Rad]] with [[Lionizer]]
* [[Rollout (G1)| Rollout]] with [[Glitch]]
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] with [[Heli-pack]]
* [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] with [[Flight Pack]]
* [[Jackpot]] with [[Sights]]
* [[Mainframe (G1)|Mainframe]] with [[Push-Button]]
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] with [[Hydro-Pack]]
* [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] with [[Tyrannitron]]
* [[Skyfall (G1)|Skyfall]] with [[Top-Heavy]]
* [[Kick-Off (G1)|Kick-Off]] with [[Turbo-Pack]]}}

'''Autobot Action Master Action Blasters'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Turbo Cycle]] with [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]
* [[Attack Copter]] with [[Over-Run (G1)|Over-Run]]}}

'''Action Master Autobot Vehicles'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Turbo Racer]] with [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys|Wheeljack]]
* [[Attack Cruiser]] with [[Sprocket (G1)|Sprocket]]}}

'''Action Master Autobot Armored Convoy'''
* [[Armored Convoy]] with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]

====Decepticons====
'''Decepticon [[Action Master]] Figures'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] with [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]]
* [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] with [[Catgut]]
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] with [[Scorpulator]]
* [[Krok (G1)|Krok]] with [[Gatoraider]]
* [[Shockwave (G1)/toys|Shockwave]] with [[Fistfight]]
* [[Banzai-Tron (G1)|Banzai-Tron]] with [[Razor-Sharp]]}}

'''Decepticon Action Master Action Blasters'''
{{columnlist|3|
* [[Off-Road Cycle]] with [[Axer]]
* [[Turbo Jet]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]}}

'''Action Master Decepticon Attack Vehicles'''
{{columnlist|3|
*[[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]'s [[Neutro-Fusion Tank]]
*[[Gutcruncher (G1)|Gutcruncher]]'s [[Stratotronic Jet]]}}

==2000==
:''For the line of ''Generation 1'' reissues begun in Japan this year, see: [[Transformers Collection]]''

==2001==
:''For the supplementary, store-exclusive Japanese line of ''Generation 1'' reissues and new creations begun this year, see: [[e-Hobby]]''

==2002==
:''For the North American counterpart to the Japanese ''Generation 1'' revival, see: [[Commemorative Series]]''

==2006==
:''For the ''Titanium Series'' toys with a "Generation 1" sub-label, see: [[Titanium Series]]''

==2007==
:''For the line of ''Generation 1'' reissues begun in Japan this year, see: [[Encore]]''

==2008==
:''For the "Generation 1 Series" toys, see: [[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]''

==Innovations and lasting effects==
Naturally, the original toy line introduced the original "[[gimmick]]" of <strike>[[trademark|transforming]]</strike> [[transformation|converting]]. Aside from that and introducing a plethora of "classic" [[character]]s, there were other notable features coming out of the original line:
*Like transformation itself, spring-fired projectiles were a common feature from the get-go (except where the springs were removed [[For safety reasons]]).
*1985 saw the introduction of the [[combiner]] concept. 1986 expanded on that with the introduction of "Scramble City"-style combiners with interchangeable limbs.
*1985 also introduced [[Triple Changer]]s, the first toys with multiple [[alternate mode]]s. 1987 went a step further with the introduction of [[Six Changer]]s.
*Furthermore, 1985 introduced [[rubsign]]s.
*In the early years, every new toy was designed and marketed as an entirely new [[character]]. Hasbro's policy in this regard changed gradually: 1987's [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Goldbug]] was the first toy to be clearly designed as the same character as 1984's Bumblebee; but despite being marketed as such, he was still sold under a different name. 1988's [[Powermaster]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] was the first new toy to be designed as a new version of an older character ''and'' sported the same name. This was followed by the [[Classic Pretender]] in 1989, and then half the [[Action Master]] line-up in 1990.
*In the early years, Hasbro also released a plethora of different gimmicks in multiple assortments each year, some of them shipping in Autobot- or Decepticon-specific assortments and others in mixed assortments. It wasn't until 1989 that Hasbro made their first attempt at streamlining the [[Transformers brand|brand]] into unified gimmicks with (excluding larger toys that shipped all by themselves) mixed Autobot/Decepticon assortments, in this case "[[Pretender]]s" and "[[Micromaster]]s". 1990 followed suit, with the year's entire Transformers output divided into "Micromasters" and "Action Masters".

{{DEFAULTSORT:Transformers (toyline), The}}

[[Category:Generation 1| Transformers (toyline)]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Clocker (Cybertron)

2010-12-27T22:47:10Z

Gargunkle:

{{Factions|velocitron|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Clocker}}
:''Clocker is a [[Velocitron]] [[Autobot]] from the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:CGIClockerModel.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Wears orange? Likes Hot Shot? [[:User:ItsWalky|Hmmmm.]]]]
'''Clocker''' likes [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] whole bunches of lots. Maybe he,[[Side Swipe (Armada)| Side Swipe]], and [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] should form a club. When he's not idolizing Hot Shot, he's spending time learning from or taking care of the ancient mechanoid [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]].

:''Japanese name'': '''Skids'''

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Brian Dobson]] (English), [[Nanae Katō]] (Japanese)

While being troubled by [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]], Clocker tried to protect the much older [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]]. He was knocked over but eventually saved by [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. {{storylink|Space}} Afterwards he worried about Brakedown's condition until Red Alert provided his medical skills to salve the old racer's wounds. Clocker attempted to invite Hot Shot and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] back to his home in gratitude for rescuing then, but overheard the Autobots saying they were from another planet. Hearing about their search for the [[Cyber Planet Key]], he took them on a little tour of the planet at Brakedown's request. Atop [[Mount Stargaze]], he pointed out the track where the planet's champion racer, [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], liked to hang out. If anyone on Velocitron knew something about a prize like the Cyber Planet Key, it would be her. Clocker watched on the sidelines as Hot Shot and the evil [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] raced with Override for information on the key and its connection to the [[Cyber Planet Key|Planet Cup]] Override possessed as champion of Speed Planet. {{storylink|Rush}} He later helped Hot Shot get ready for his race against [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]]. When the race was about to begin, he announced the start and then went to watch. {{storylink|Speed}}
[[Image:Cyb_ep6_autobots_meet_velocitronians.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Didn't I see you stuffed in a bubble at Walmart?]]
Later Clocker helped Hot Shot ready himself for another race and later watched as Hot Shot tested out his speed. Clocker warned Hot Shot not to go too fast, which was advice unheeded. Due to his increased speed, Hot Shot sped out of control. He was about to crash into the wall when Clocker used his [[Cyber Key]] Power to blast the wall open to save him. {{storylink|Time (episode)|Time}} After Hot Shot's collapse, Clocker stood by his bedside. He then went to fetch some energon for the newly arrived Autobots at Brakedown's request. He then continued watching Hot Shot and helped [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] with his repairs, but did not like the idea that he had to just watch and wait. When [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] started berating Hot Shot, Clocker was quick to defend his friend. He told Hot Shot that he was his hero for saving him and Brakedown. He then joined the Autobots in the race for the Planet Cup. {{storylink|Hero}} During the race he mostly hung back with Brakedown and the other Autobots as they ran interference for Hot Shot. {{storylink|Race}}
[[Image:Cyb_ep13_hotshot_injured.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Clocker auditions for the role of Daniel in a made for TV movie.]]
Before the next race, Clocker thanked the audience just prior to racing. He led the second group of racers as they reached the narrow stretch until Ransack was able to pass due to his small size. When Ransack then used his position to change the direction signs, Clocker fell for it and went the wrong way. As the race went on, he grew tired and tried to pace himself, but when Ransack and Crumplezone collapsed a tunnel in another of their cheating endeavors, Clocker, Red Alert and Landmine stopped to help fight the fires and clear the rubble that resulted. As a consequence, Clocker did not cross the finish line, and did not move on to the next heat of the contest. {{storylink|Detour (episode)|Detour}}
[[Image:Cyb_ep18_woohoo.jpg|left|thumb|250px|They're Grrrrreat!]]
No longer part of the race, Clocker was content to watch Hot Shot participate in the next stage of the competition. {{storylink|Sand}} For the race after that, Clocker checked out the race track with Hot Shot and was excited that he could work as part of his pit crew. During the race he kept Coby informed of Hot Shot's mechanical problems. This helped lead Hot Shot to victory, leaving Clocker ecstatic. It doesn't explain why Red Alert was rubbing Clocker's head for luck, but to each their own. {{storylink|Champion}}

He did not travel back to [[Earth]] with the Autobots, but they knew that Clocker and Brakedown would help them out if they had to retreat to Velocitron. {{storylink|Retreat}} When Starscream entered Earth's Cyber Planet key into the [[Omega Lock]], Clocker watched as the sky of Velocitron lit up with energy. {{storylink|Revelation (episode)|Revelation}}

Clocker and Brakedown began looking for [[Velocitron]]'s ancestral colony ship, the ''[[Ogygia]]''. When they finally discovered it Override returned to Cybertron with it for the Autobots to be able to travel to [[Gigantion]]. {{storylink|Warp}} The two were later seen regarding the black hole with [[Dirt Boss (Cybertron)|Dirt Boss]], as [[Primus]] continued his efforts to hold back the expansion. {{storylink|City}}

As [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] claimed the power of the united Omega Lock, and the threat of the giant black hole reached its apex, Clocker and Brakedown joined Override and the entire population of Velocitron as Autobot warriors standing at Optimus Prime's side against the forces of evil. {{storylink|Homecoming (episode)|Homecoming}} In the battle that followed, Galvatron super-charged the few Decepticons who remained loyal to him. Clocker and the other Velocitron warriors were forced to compete against a giant-sized Crumplezone. {{storylink|End}}

Following the destruction of the black hole, Clocker and the other Velocitronians helped maintain the planetary thrusters which brought [[Jungle Planet]] back into its proper orbit. {{storylink|Unfinished}} Following another race for the championship of Speed Planet, Clocker remained behind on Velocitron with its new leader, Hot Shot, while Brakedown and Override joined the Space Bridge project. {{storylink|Beginning}}

===Cyber Key Code content===
Clocker likes to hit the [[Energon (Energon)|energon]] overdrive when going into sixth gear while racing, which seems to be a surefire way for him to cross the finish line first. Well, for ''most'' of him to cross the finish line first.

===Universe bio===
Clocker took a job as a data courier for [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. He is one of the best at what he does, but [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]] was tasked with stopping him.

==Toys==
===Cybertron===
[[Image:Cyb Clocker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Seats the Rescue Rangers comfortably.]]
*'''Clocker''' (Scout, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GC-12'''
**''Accessories'': Engine-blaster, left & right side-pipes, Speed Planet Cyber Key

: Part of the Speed Planet theme, Clocker transforms into a Cybertronic (Velocitronian?) open-topped race car, complete with driver's and passenger's seats (why?). Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into his rear assembly pops up a pair of thrusters with pull-out non-firing blaster barrels. This assembly becomes a hand-held weapon for robot mode. He also has a pair of removable side-pipes that can also be used as hand-weapons. He comes with a silver-bordered Speed Planet style Cyber Key; the [[Hasbro]] release has the [[Key Code]] "'''s129'''" stamped on its back.

: The Hasbro and [[Takara]] versions of this toy go about two different ways of creating the same color layout. Where the Hasbro version is cast in orange and blue plastics and uses ample [[Paint operation|paint applications]] to make parts white, the Takara version is cast in mostly white plastics with some orange, which means his head, both arms and blaster-base use extensive paint to make them blue and orange. The Hasbro toy has a further difference, painting his side-pipes silver rather than the Takara version's unpainted white.

: This mold was also used to make ''Cybertron'' [[Swerve (Cybertron)|Swerve]] and the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie universe]] [[Clocker (Movie)|Clocker]]. It was also [[Retool|retooled]] for the ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' versions of [[Cheetor (BW)|"Axalon Cheetor"]] and [[Tigatron|"Unit 2" Tigatron]]. It was also the model for the non-toy characters that make up the [[Maximal Command Security Force]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Autobot/Clocker/clocker.htm More information on Clocker at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act314/ ''Galaxy Force'' Skids at TFkenkon so's for seeing the plastic differences]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BonusMetroplex}}
*'''Metroplex''' (Bonus bundle, 2006)
**''Accessories'': Engine-blaster, left & right side-pipes, Speed Planet Cyber Key

: In late 2006/early 2007, Wal-Mart stores got [[exclusive]] cases of Leader-class ''Cybertron'' toys with bonus Scout-class toys affixed to them, for the price of a normal Leader. Clocker was among these attached freebies, packaged with [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]].

{{--}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Movie Clocker toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''The Data War''' (Multi-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories'': Engine-blaster, left & right side-pipes, Cyber Planet Key
: For [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] 2009, Wal-Mart stores received exclusive two-packs containing Scout class figures identical to the previously [[Target]] exclusive [[Movie (toyline)|movie]] releases. Clocker was packaged with [[Hardtop (Cybertron)|Hardtop]].

[[Category:Cybertron Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Velocitron]]

Misassembly

2010-09-16T16:42:28Z

Gargunkle:

[[Image:MegatronUltimateBattle.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Doomed to walk backwards, but oddly has become a much better dancer as a result.]]
'''Misassembly''' is what happens when something goes wrong in the production process and parts of a toy are assembled in a way other than their design intended. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but the result is that many or even ''all'' units of a given production run on a toy will contain some form of incorrect assembly.

The most common form of misassembly is the swapping of two similar parts from left to right, such as feet, forearms, door kibble etc., and/or having parts attached backwards.

Misassembled toys will often appear normal at first glance, having made it through the manufacture and packaging process including [[quality control]], either without anyone noticing or, if they did, without thinking it was a significant enough problem to warrant the trouble of making a mid-run correction. Mistaken assemblies can create problems with posability or transformation, such as toys which can essentially transform but have parts that are difficult or impossible to click fully into place.

==Examples of widespread cases==
===Swapped parts===
[[Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|thumb|230px|right|WhY mY ELboWs huRt]]
* ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe ]]'' [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]'s forearms
* ''Universe'' [[Battle in a Box]] two-pack [[Ultra Magnus (Universe Two-Pack)|Ultra Magnus's]] forearms (error carried over onto the [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] [[redeco]] released as a mass-retail Deluxe Class toy for the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' line, then fixed with a [[variant|running change]] version)
* ''Universe'' [[Repugnus (Universe)|Repugnus's]] beast mode foreclaws (the same error is repeated on the [[BotCon 2005]] reuses of the sculpt.)
* ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing's]] upper arms
* ''Cybertron'' [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack's]] rear wheel struts (the same error is repeated on every subsequent reuse of the mold except for [[BotCon 2006]]'s [[Rattrap]].)
[[Image:Human Alliance Bumblebee Prototype.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Don't try this at home, kids!]]
* ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Storm Jet (Energon)|Storm Jet]] has his inside legs swapped so that the knee joint faces the wrong way. Furthermore, his shoulders are also misassembled, since there is a molded chevron...in his armpit. The same error is repeated on every subsequent reuse of the sculpt, such as ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Silverbolt (G1)#Universe (2008)|Silverbolt]] and the [[rebranding|rebranded]] ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Silverbolt (ROTF)#toys|Silverbolt]].
* ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee's]] legs were supposedly swapped because the extra transformation step (rotating the legs and waist) would have been too difficult for kids to do. Although [[prototype]] photos seen via [[TakaraTomy]] show the legs with the wheels in a more [[show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] setup, the official [[Hasbro]] [[stock photography|stock photos]] and the [[instructions]] show the "missassembly" as the "correct" assembly.
{{-}}

===Backwards parts===
* [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] Ultimate Battle [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron's]] feet.

===Nonfunctioning/compromised gimmick===
* [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Cybertron Runamuck]]'s punching gimmick.

===Transformation-inhibiting errors===

==Isolated incidents==
[[Image:BTAltProwlMisassemblies.jpg|thumb|180px|left|Just give me a call and we can swap parts...]]

Aside from these widespread misassemblies, there are also countless instances of isolated incidents where a single specimen of a toy, or at least very ''very'' low quantities, feature assembly errors. Chances are that every toy collector has encountered at least one of these over the years, and trying to compile a list is pretty much pointless considering their sheer ''variety'', as well as their (usually) low quantities.

A toy with an unusually large amount of reported errors, many of them of the really ''odd'' variety, was ''[[Alternators|Alternators/Binaltech]]'' [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]: One specimen of the ''Binaltech'' version sported the "Type S" rims of his ''Alternators'' counterpart on both his front wheels (but the correct "Type R" rims on his rear wheels); one specimen of the blue ''Binaltech'' version had the wrong set of fingers on one hand, resulting in an articulated ''pinky finger'' instead of the index finger. The most commonly reported error, however, was of the toy sporting two of the same hand. This error was apparently ''so'' common that it even showed up in ''two different sets of [[stock photography|stock photos]]'' (which also featured two of the same forearms, and one of them even two of the same ''shoulders'')!

Reportedly, some specimens of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] also came with a very unusual problem, where one of [[Silverbolt (ROTF)|Silverbolt's]] legs was assembled the wrong way (a widespread error, as noted above), but the other one was assembled ''correctly''.
{{-}}

==Solutions==
Many cases of misassembly can easily be fixed with the aid of a screwdriver and a modicum of judiciously applied pressure. Most Transformers include many parts that are held together with Phillips-head screws, which can generally be removed quite easily, allowing the misassembled pieces to be reversed, swapped out or otherwise re-aligned. Also, many toys from ''Beast Wars'' onwards feature [[Ball joint|ball joints]] or similar that can usually be popped free and easily reconfigured. Examples include ''Animated'' Blitzwing, whose left-right swapped upper arms can be easily popped out of his shoulders and unscrewed from his forearms and then reassembled.

However, sometimes the assembly process involves adhesives or metal rods, which makes certain parts virtually impossible to separate without serious risk of damaging the toy permanently. Also, toys involving electronic [[Gimmick|gimmicks]] can be particularly tricky to tinker with. All but those confident in their [[kitbashing]] skills should be wary of attempting such fixes.

Arguably, such fixes mean the toy is no longer in its "original" state, so extreme semanticists might argue that this counts as a form of customizing. But really, do we care?

In cases where individual specimens erroneously come with the wrong parts assembled (such as two of the same hand), there's the additional problem of finding someone who either has the same problem in reverse (i.e. two of the ''other'' hand) or a broken toy with the missing part intact. More often than not, however, you're better off returning the faulty toy to the store and getting a new one.

==Unusual cases==
In some cases, there is an evident problem where something doesn't quite work properly, but the [[stock photography]] and even elements of the [[deco]] would suggest that everything is in order. Although it is difficult to prove without official confirmation, cases like this may be due to a misassembly happening quite early in the design process, after the [[prototype]] phase but before finalising the deco, and thereafter being assumed to be correct at each subsequent stage of production.

[[Image:TitaniumHero UltraMagnus.jpg|right|210px|thumb|Nature... or nurture?]]
An example of this is the [[Titanium Series]] series [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]], whose shoulder-mounted rocket launchers appear to have been been flipped horizontally, as their pegs cause them to attach top-down in robot mode. Although it is ''possible'' that some kind of mirror-flip occurred in the moulding of the launchers, an arguably more likely explanation notes that if the shoulders are simply swapped out they can attach correctly, suggesting instead a case of misassembly. However, the fact that the shoulders feature Autobot-sigil [[Tampograph|tampographs]] that would then be rendered visible only from the back would seem to argue against this, as does the packaging photography of the prototype. Conversely, the instructions depict the "correct" shoulder assembly as distinguished by showing frontwards the moulding detail that is backwards-facing on the toy as released.

Such a case ''could'' be an example of misassembly occurring very early in the process. The decision to "correct" the toy by swapping out the parts may make the accessories attach correctly, but at the cost of hiding some of the deco.

==Misassembly ''is not...''==
[[Image:Ultimate Bumblebee toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I am not an animal! I AM A MECHY BEING!!]]
* Misassembly is not the same thing as toys which are incorrectly transformed in their packaging and/or [[stock photography|promotion photography]], such as "Ultimate" [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Movie Bumblebee]] and his non-collapsed chest.

* Misassembly is not the same thing as a [[design change]], where the way parts were clearly intended to move, align or otherwise function has been altered in a manner which partly or fully compromises its optimal function, such as [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]'s wrists, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|''Animated'' Bumblebee]]'s stingers, or [[Ratchet (Movie)|''Movie'' Ratchet]]'s thumbs. These changes can sometimes appear to be oversights or mistakes, but are in fact often done [[for safety reasons]]. Occasionally these issues are corrected in later re-uses of the mould, such as with ''Animated'' Bumblebee.

* Misassembly is not the same thing as a [[manufacturing error]], where a toy has been produced with parts that do not function as they were clearly intended, but are not the result of a deliberate design change. Manufacturing errors can result from pieces being manufactured fractionally too small or large, or subtly not quite the right shape, resulting in parts that don't move as intended, such as ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. Sometimes large numbers of units from a production run will have these problems while others from the same run will not, such as with [[Grimlock (Animated)|''Animated'' Grimlock]]'s partially-retracting leg/forearms.

{{stub|pictures, more concrete examples}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Misassembly

2010-09-16T16:36:09Z

Gargunkle:

[[Image:MegatronUltimateBattle.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Doomed to walk backwards, but oddly has become a much better dancer as a result.]]
'''Misassembly''' is what happens when something goes wrong in the production process and parts of a toy are assembled in a way other than their design intended. It can happen for a variety of reasons, but the result is that many or even ''all'' units of a given production run on a toy will contain some form of incorrect assembly.

The most common form of misassembly is the swapping of two similar parts from left to right, such as feet, forearms, door kibble etc., and/or having parts attached backwards.

Misassembled toys will often appear normal at first glance, having made it through the manufacture and packaging process including [[quality control]], either without anyone noticing or, if they did, without thinking it was a significant enough problem to warrant the trouble of making a mid-run correction. Mistaken assemblies can create problems with posability or transformation, such as toys which can essentially transform but have parts that are difficult or impossible to click fully into place.

==Examples of widespread cases==
===Swapped parts===
[[Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|thumb|230px|right|WhY mY ELboWs huRt]]
* ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe ]]'' [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]'s forearms
* ''Universe'' [[Battle in a Box]] two-pack [[Ultra Magnus (Universe Two-Pack)|Ultra Magnus's]] forearms (error carried over onto the [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]] [[redeco]] released as a mass-retail Deluxe Class toy for the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' line, then fixed with a [[variant|running change]] version)
* ''Universe'' [[Repugnus (Universe)|Repugnus's]] beast mode foreclaws (the same error is repeated on the [[BotCon 2005]] reuses of the sculpt.)
* ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing's]] upper arms
* ''Cybertron'' [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack's]] rear wheel struts (the same error is repeated on every subsequent reuse of the mold except for [[BotCon 2006]]'s [[Rattrap]].)
[[Image:Human Alliance Bumblebee Prototype.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Don't try this at home, kids!]]
* ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Storm Jet (Energon)|Storm Jet]] has his inside legs swapped so that the knee joint faces the wrong way. Furthermore, his shoulders are also misassembled, since there is a molded chevron...in his armpit. The same error is repeated on every subsequent reuse of the sculpt, such as ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Silverbolt (G1)#Universe (2008)|Silverbolt]] and the [[rebranding|rebranded]] ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Silverbolt (ROTF)#toys|Silverbolt]].
* ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Human Alliance]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee's]] legs were supposedly swapped because the extra transformation step (rotating the legs and waist) would have been too difficult for kids to do. Although [[prototype]] photos seen via [[TakaraTomy]] show the legs with the wheels in a more [[show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] setup, the official [[Hasbro]] [[stock photography|stock photos]] and the [[instructions]] show the "missassembly" as the "correct" assembly.
{{-}}

===Backwards parts===
* [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] Ultimate Battle [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron's]] feet.

===Nonfunctioning/compromised gimmick===
* [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Cybertron Runamuck]]'s punching gimmick.

===Transformation-inhibiting errors===

==Isolated incidents==
[[Image:BTAltProwlMisassemblies.jpg|thumb|180px|left|Just give me a call and we can swap parts...]]

Aside from these widespread misassemblies, there are also countless instances of isolated incidents where a single specimen of a toy, or at least very ''very'' low quantities, feature assembly errors. Chances are that every toy collector has encountered at least one of these over the years, and trying to compile a list is pretty much pointless considering their sheer ''variety'', as well as their (usually) low quantities.

A toy with an unusually large amount of reported errors, many of them of the really ''odd'' variety, was ''[[Alternators|Alternators/Binaltech]]'' [[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]: One specimen of the ''Binaltech'' version sported the "Type S" rims of his ''Alternators'' counterpart on both his front wheels (but the correct "Type R" rims on his rear wheels); one specimen of the blue ''Binaltech'' version had the wrong set of fingers on one hand, resulting in an articulated ''pinky finger'' instead of the index finger. The most commonly reported error, however, was of the toy sporting two of the same hand. This error was apparently ''so'' common that it even showed up in ''two different sets of [[stock photography|stock photos]]'' (which also featured two of the same forearms, and one of them even two of the same ''shoulders'')!

Reportedly, some specimens of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] also came with a very unusual problem, where one of [[Silverbolt (ROTF)|Silverbolt's]] legs was assembled the wrong way (a widespread error, as noted above), but the other one was assembled ''correctly''.
{{-}}

==Solutions==
Many cases of misassembly can easily be fixed with the aid of a screwdriver and a modicum of judiciously applied pressure. Most Transformers include many parts that are held together with Phillips-head screws, which can generally be removed quite easily, allowing the misassembled pieces to be reversed, swapped out or otherwise re-aligned. Also, many toys from ''Beast Wars'' onwards feature [[Ball joint|ball joints]] or similar that can usually be popped free and easily reconfigured. Examples include ''Animated'' Blitzwing, whose left-right swapped upper arms can be easily popped out of his shoulders and unscrewed from his forearms and then reassembled.

However, sometimes the assembly process involves adhesives or metal rods, which makes certain parts virtually impossible to separate without serious risk of damaging the toy permanently. Also, toys involving electronic [[Gimmick|gimmicks]] can be particularly tricky to tinker with. All but those confident in their [[kitbashing]] skills should be wary of attempting such fixes.

Arguably, such fixes mean the toy is no longer in its "original" state, so extreme semanticists might argue that this counts as a form of customizing. But really, do we care?

In cases where individual specimens erroneously come with the wrong parts assembled (such as two of the same hand), there's the additional problem of finding someone who either has the same problem in reverse (i.e. two of the ''other'' hand) or a broken toy with the missing part intact. More often than not, however, you're better off returning the faulty toy to the store and getting a new one.

==Unusual cases==
In some cases, there is an evident problem where something doesn't quite work properly, but the [[stock photography]] and even elements of the [[deco]] would suggest that everything is in order. Although it is difficult to prove without official confirmation, cases like this may be due to a misassembly happening quite early in the design process, after the [[prototype]] phase but before finalising the deco, and thereafter being assumed to be correct at each subsequent stage of production.

[[Image:TitaniumHero UltraMagnus.jpg|right|210px|thumb|Nature... or nurture?]]
An example of this is the [[Titanium Series]] series [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]], whose shoulder-mounted rocket launchers appear to have been been flipped horizontally, as their pegs cause them to attach top-down in robot mode. Although it is ''possible'' that some kind of mirror-flip occurred in the moulding of the launchers, an arguably more likely explanation notes that if the shoulders are simply swapped out they can attach correctly, suggesting instead a case of misassembly. However, the fact that the shoulders feature Autobot-sigil [[Tampograph|tampographs]] that would then be rendered visible only from the back would seem to argue against this, as does the packaging photography of the prototype. Conv ersely, the instructions depict the "correct" shoulder assembly as distinguished by showing frontwards the moulding detail that is backwards-facing on the toy as released.

Such a case ''could'' be an example of misassembly occurring very early in the process. The decision to "correct" the toy by swapping out the parts may make the accessories attach correctly, but at the cost of hiding some of the deco.

==Misassembly ''is not...''==
[[Image:Ultimate Bumblebee toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I am not an animal! I AM A MECHY BEING!!]]
* Misassembly is not the same thing as toys which are incorrectly transformed in their packaging and/or [[stock photography|promotion photography]], such as "Ultimate" [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Movie Bumblebee]] and his non-collapsed chest.

* Misassembly is not the same thing as a [[design change]], where the way parts were clearly intended to move, align or otherwise function has been altered in a manner which partly or fully compromises its optimal function, such as [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]'s wrists, [[Bumblebee (Animated)|''Animated'' Bumblebee]]'s stingers, or [[Ratchet (Movie)|''Movie'' Ratchet]]'s thumbs. These changes can sometimes appear to be oversights or mistakes, but are in fact often done [[for safety reasons]]. Occasionally these issues are corrected in later re-uses of the mould, such as with ''Animated'' Bumblebee.

* Misassembly is not the same thing as a [[manufacturing error]], where a toy has been produced with parts that do not function as they were clearly intended, but are not the result of a deliberate design change. Manufacturing errors can result from pieces being manufactured fractionally too small or large, or subtly not quite the right shape, resulting in parts that don't move as intended, such as ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]. Sometimes large numbers of units from a production run will have these problems while others from the same run will not, such as with [[Grimlock (Animated)|''Animated'' Grimlock]]'s partially-retracting leg/forearms.

{{stub|pictures, more concrete examples}}

[[Category:Toys]]

Hot Rod (G1)/toys

2010-09-16T16:10:02Z

Gargunkle:

{{suite}}
'''[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]''' is a bot of many toys!

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1toy_hot_rod.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This is totally what cars will look like in the far-flung future of 2005.]]
* '''Hot Rod''' (Autobot Car, 1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-78'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Photon Lasers

: Hot Rod transforms into a red, orange and yellow futuristic race car. He is armed with two "Photon Laser" weapons, each with their own distinct sculpt, which fit in both his fists; only one gun can be equipped in vehicle mode, in the port in his engine block. Upon his original release, Hot Rod had unpainted [[die-cast]] metal feet, while later editions of the figure used black plastic.

: Hot Rod was one of the first toys designed specifically for the ''Transformers'' toyline, as opposed to being an imported pre-existing toy. In further contrast to the common design process for ''Transformers'' toys, he (like most of the cast of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'') was created for animation first, and had his toy created based on [[Floro Dery]]'s designs (though said animation designs would be further modified after the toy was completed). Before final production, Hot Rod was originally cast in a [[:Image:Pinkrod.jpg|pinker plastic]] to match the color of his animation model (as seen in catalogs at the time, and the [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] [[commercial]]), but oddly, he was changed to a less [[Show-accuracy|animation-accurate]] red before release. This change evidently came too late to modify the factory-applied [[sticker]]s the toy bears: the small decals on either side of Hot Rod's vehicle mode feature a pink background that would have matched the toy's original color scheme. In another, even more baffling change, an extra plastic tab was added to Hot Rod's legs before final production to keep them from fully extending and revealing his sculpted knee detail.

:Hot Rod has been retooled, reissued and redecoed several times down the years; this article strives to list each distinct edition of the figure under its own heading.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/HotRod/hotrod.htm More information on Hot Rod at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:G1 RodimusPrime toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|As you're enjoying your retirement in 2006, tour the country in ''this!'']]
* '''Rodimus Prime''' (Autobot Hero, 1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-77'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/[[Mobile Defense Bay]], Photon Eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

: Rodimus Prime was designed in much the same way as Hot Rod, albeit with much less articulation. Rodimus transforms from a robot and [[Mobile Defense Bay]] into a futuristicky Winnebago camper. The toy comes with a "Photon eliminator" rifle and two blast shields to attach to either side of his battle platform's cannon. (The yellow spoiler was also to be removed and replaced during transformation.) Like Hot Rod, there are materials variations; initial releases have metal toes and rubber tires, while latter shipments replaced both with black plastic.

: This mold was later redecoed as a lucky draw prize [[Primus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/RodimusPrime/rodimusprime.htm More information on Rodimus Prime at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|Targetmaster}}
[[Image:G1 TMHotRod toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In 2007, hood-cannons will become a standard feature.]]
* '''Hot Rod''' (Targetmaster, 1987)
**Accessories: Firebolt Targetmaster partner

: Hot Rod was re-released with his new [[Nebulos|Nebulan]] [[Targetmaster]] partner [[Firebolt]] a year after the original release. The toy was [[Retool|retooled]] to have larger pegholes in his fists and his engine block so the Targetmaster gun would fit. As the original large stickers applied to Hot Rod's thighs were frequently scraped away by the friction of moving his legs up and down during transformation, the Targetmaster version sported smaller decals that avoided this problem. Unlike the original figure, Targetmaster Hot Rod only ever featured black plastic feet.

: Not originally released in Japan, the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod was later reissued by Takara as part of their ''[[Transformers Collection]]'' series in 2004 (see below). 

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Autobot/HotRod/hotrod.htm More information on Targetmaster Hot Rod at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:G1toy_takara_2001_hotrod_reissue.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Hot Rodimus''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-78'''
**Accessories: 2 Photon Lasers

:The original Hot Rod toy was reissued by Takara in later December 2000, as part of a small line of reissues that celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of the ''Transformers'' toyline in Japan. The figure was retro-retooled from the Targetmaster version of the toy to fill the enlarged holes back in so that they could once again snugly accommodate his Photon Lasers. This version of the figure also reinstates the die-cast metal feet of its earliest release, and finally recolors the stickers on either side of the vehicle mode so that they now feature an accurate red background to match to the rest of the figure. The toy's packaging featured a metallic golden sticker advertising the anniversary.

:This version of the Hot Rod mold was also used to create the simulatenously-available exclusives "Crystal Rodimus" (see below) and the evil clone, [[Dark Hot Rod|Black Rodimus]].

::[http://www.mykooltoyz.com/hotrodimus.html More information on reissue Hot Rodimus at MyKoolToyz.com]
{{-}}
[[Image:G1toy crystal rodimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Crystal Rodimus''' (Autobot Car, 2001)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-78C'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Photon Lasers

: One of the earliest [[e-Hobby]] exclusives, "Crystal Rodimus" uses the reissue Hot Rod mold, but cast almost entirely in translucent plastics. Limited to 1500 pieces and packaged in a monochrome blue version of Hot Rod's normal packaging, Crystal Rodimus was only available at Tokyo Toy Festival, with the joint purchase of the evil clone [[Dark Hot Rod|Black Rodimus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/HotRodClear/botthumb.jpg More information on Crystal Rodimus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[Image:G1toy_takara_rodimus_prime_reissue.jpg|300px|right|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2000)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-77'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

:The original Rodimus Prime toy was reissued by Takara in mid-December 2000. It featured no notable changes from the original Generation 1 release of the figure, but it did reinstate the rubber tires and metal feet that were phased out of the original toy's production run.

::*''[http://www.mykooltoyz.com/rodimusconvoy.html More information on reissue Rodimus Convoy at MyKoolToyz.com]

{{-}}

*'''Sons of Cybertron''' (2010)
[[Image:2010 sons of cybertron rodimus.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
**''Accessories:'' Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

:Released as part of [[TakaraTomy]]'s Welcome to Transformers 2010 campaign, this redeco of ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Rodimus is cast in translucent plastic and features the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' release's paint applications. He is packed with a similarly translucent Deluxe class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Optimus Prime]] from the ''Classics'' "Ultimate Battle" pack and [[Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008)]] Special Edition.

:This ''Classics''/''Henkei''-based Sons of Cybertron set is a counterpart to TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' Sons of Cybertron set, which also features translucent versions of Deluxe (''Animated'') [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus]].

:The ''Classics''/''Henkei'' Sons of Cybertron set was intended for the Japanese Chara Hobby 2010 festival, but was also initially offered as a raffle prize at the Cybertron Philippines ,Toy Kingdom and SM Makati and [[Hasbro]]-partnered Autobot Alliance/Cybertron Con event that launched the ''[[Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'', [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2010)]] and [[Power Core Combiners]] toylines in the Philippines.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/classics-11/sons-of-cybertron-crystal-classics-optimus-prime-and-rodimus-set-images-169977/ TFW2005.com reports on the Philippines Autobot Alliance/Cybertron Con event. June 18, 2010]</ref>, and was available for purchase at the [[Cybertron Con 2010]] [[Shanghai]] convention as well as various online toy retailers.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Tfjr rodimus prime.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
* '''Rodimus Convoy''' (1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-77'''
**''Accessories:'' Photon eliminator, cardboard trailer

:''[[Transform Jr]]'' Rodimus Prime is a downsized version of the standard toy, far less simplified that most figures in the ''Jr'' line (on account of how simple the regular toy is in the first place). Made of only red and yellow plastic, he is armed with his Photon Eliminator, and comes with a cardboard, non-transforming (obviously) version of his trailer. He also came packaged with a small die-cast metal figurine of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]].

::*''[http://www.vega.or.jp/~butto/tftcollejr-03.htm More information on Transform Jr Rodimus Convoy at a Japanese fan site]
{{-}}

===Return of Convoy===
[[Image:Hotrodmicromaster.jpg|right|300px|thumb|2011: The year the Shriners will take over the automotive industry.]]
* '''Star Convoy w/ Hot Rodimus''' (Autobot, 1991/2005)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-372'''

: Available only with [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Star Convoy]], Hot Rod's [[Micromaster]] form is a simplified version of his original toy, transforming into the same futuristic race car. Like all Micromasters, he features a notch in the base of his feet that allows him to peg inside Star Convoy's chest and stand on his base mode's rotating turrent.

:In 2005, Star Convoy was re-released with several deco changes; in Hot Rod's case, his stickers were replaced with [[paint application]]s.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Cybertron/HotRodimus/hotrodimus.htm More information on Return of Convoy Hot Rodimus at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Choro-Q===
[[Image:Choro Q Rodimus.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The average car of 2022 will have expanded to fit the average American driver.]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy TV Version''' (2002)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''Q/05'''
**''Accessories:'' Photon Eliminator rifle

: Transforming super deformed version of Rodimus Convoy containing a pull back motor. He came with a small version of his Photon Eliminator rifle that can be held in his hand or attached to the top of the truck when in [[Choro-Q]] (vehicle) mode.

*'''Rodimus Convoy Metallic Version''' (2002)
**''Japanese ID number:''' '''Q/06'''
**''Accessories:'' Photon Eliminator rifle

: This metallic version featured metallic flake paint for the body and gold paint for the wings on Rodimus's back. Otherwise, the toy is the same.

{{-}}

===Commemorative Series===

[[Image:Commemorative_series_rodimus_toys.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

*'''Rodimus Major''' (2002)
**''Accessories:'' 2 Photon Lasers

:Hasbro's first and, to date, only reissue of the Hot Rod toy used the re-modified mold from Takara's 2001 edition, with smaller peg-holes for his Photon Lasers, and die-cast metal feet. As part of the first wave of "[[Commemorative Series]]" figures, Hot Rod had to undergo a name change due to Hasbro's inability to trademark his old name, but the "Major" suffix failed to stick and was only ever used on this edition of the toy.
:This version of the mold removes the pins in his arms and instead the arms stay in via very small pegs. This is likely due to the part being prone to breakage. Subsequent uses of this mold also shared this retool.

*'''Rodimus Prime''' (2004)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator, spoiler, 2 gun shields (left & right)

:Part of the seventh wave of the Commemorative Series, Hasbro's reissue of Rodimus Prime was identical to Takara's 2001 reissue of the figure, featuring metal feet and rubber tires, and no other notable changes from the original figure. The toy did, however, feature an [[misassembly|assembly error]] that saw a portion of the chest being assembled backwards.

{{-}}

===The Transformers Collection===

[[Image:Tfc_hot_rod.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

*'''Hot Rodimus''' (2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''13'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 Photon Lasers, Firebolt Targetmaster partner

:The most recent reissue of Hot Rod followed the trend begun by earlier reissues of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], and offered the most "complete" version of the toy available by including all the accessories that had come with the different releases of the figure through the years. His peg holes were modified for the third time, enlarged once again to accomodate Firebolt, and his Photon Lasers' pegs were similarly widened to fit comfortably in the newly-sized ports. Additionally, this version of Hot Rod replaced the factory-applied stickers on his chest and sides with [[tampograph]]s, completely redesigning the flame design on the latter decals. His chest decoration was modified to resemble the cartoon coloration more accurately.

:This set included a [[Tech Spec]] card that retroactively gave the Targetmaster version of Hot Rod the Japanese ID number "C-110", as the toy had never been released in Japan before this point.

::*''[http://www.tf-1.com/articles/reissue_frame.php?art=TMhotrod More information on Transformers Collection Targetmaster Hot Rod at TF-1.com]
{{-}}

===Smallest Transforming Transformers===
[[Image:Wstf_hot_rod.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (2004/2006)
**''Accessories:'' 2 Photon Lasers

:Initially intended for release in the cancelled third wave of Takara's ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' line of diminutive ''Transformers'' figures, Hot Rod eventually saw the light of day as the 1-in-24 [[shortpacking|shortpacked]] "chase" figure in wave "2.5" of the series, which was already of comparatively limited availability. He came with tiny versions of his original Photon Lasers (which were attached to a plastic sprue and had to be removed by the buyer), and was [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] like all ''Smallest Transforming'' figures.

:Hot Rod was later made available again as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive in 2006, in a unique monochrome red box, available only with purchase of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/toys/smallest-transformers/hot-rod/1704/ More information on Smallest Transforming Hot Rodimus at Seibertron.com]''

{{-}}

===Classics (2006)===
[[Image:Rodimusclassics.jpg|right|300px|thumb|And in 2026, the future predicted in 1978 will finally come to pass. Perfect for a road trip to Sanctuary!]]
*'''Rodimus''' (Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

: ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Rodimus is a sleeker, more streamlined version of the original, now transforming into a heavily-altered [http://www.supercarnet.jp/File/File-Japan/File-Dome.htm Dome Zero]. His rear-mounted thruster engine becomes a hand-held weapon in robot mode, launching a spring-loaded missile, or can remain attached to his back to become some kind of jet pack. His left arm also hides a flip-out "comm unit" that is clearly supposed to be the buzzsaw he used for a brief period in [[The Transformers: The Movie|the Movie]]. As with all ''Classics'' toys, Rodimus has a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

: In a twist of delicious buttery fandom irony, ''Classics'' Rodimus has elements that were introduced in [[Rodimus (Energon)|''Energon'' Rodimus]], making him a somewhat backwards-[[homage]]. His face also appears to take visual cues from how he was drawn by [[Derek Yaniger]] in the [[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|''Generation 2'' comic book]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsRodimus/rodimus.htm More information on Classic Rodimus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumHeroRodimus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Winnebago... ''of the '''future'''!!!'']]
*'''Rodimus Prime''' (6-inch Cybertron Heroes, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Photon Eliminator rifle

: ''Titanium Cybertron Heroes'' Rodimus Prime is a mostly die-cast metal transforming toy based loosely upon the original ''Generation 1'' Rodimus Prime toy. He features much greater articulation and bulkier body proportions.

: Unlike the original toy which separated into a robot and a battle station, the entire vehicle mode of the 6-inch ''Titanium'' version transforms into the robot mode. As with ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Rodimus, ''Titanium'' Rodimus Prime takes some visual cues from the ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' version of the character in addition to the original toy and the animation model... ''and'' the actual ''Classics'' Rodimus toy, such as the engine-block dickie.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''Titanium'' [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/TitRodimusPrime/rodimus.htm More information on Titanium Rodimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
===Kiss Players===
[[Image:KPHotRodimus.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The fishing rod turns into arm blasters. The girl eats dumplings.]]
*'''Hot Rodimus X SyaoSyao''' (2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons, fishing rod/Exhaust Eliminator, ShaoShao Li figurine with steamer

: ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' Hot Rodimus is a retool and redeco of the ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] toy, transforming into a red Ford GT. His engine becomes a pair of pistols that double as tonfa weapons, and his fishing rod can be taken apart and reassembled to create a triple-barreled arm-mounted blaster reminiscent of the original Hot Rod's exhaust pipe weapons. His new head sculpt includes a retractable visor patterned after the one used in the movie.

:The toy also included a PVC figurine of the character's "Kiss Player" partner [[Shaoshao Li]] and a bamboo dumpling steamer, as well as a CD including episodes 11-20 of the [[Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama]] and the exclusive 10-minute audio adventure, "A Big Catch Tonight?!".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/AltRodimus/rodimus.htm More information on Kiss Players Hot Rodimus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Alternators===
[[Image:Alternators Rodimus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He wants to go fishing too...]]
*'''Rodimus Prime''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

: ''[[Alternators]]'' Rodimus Prime is an exclusive figure, released at the San Diego Comic-Con and [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] in July 2007. It is a repaint of Kiss Players Hot Rodimus, which itself is a retool of Alternators [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]. The figure uses the same head mold introduced in the Kiss Players figure, retaining the original's visor gimmick. The deco has been altered by changing the side striping from white to yellow, while the stripes over the hood, roof and trunk have been eliminated altogether, replaced by a Hot Rod-style flame graphic on the hood and front guards. Most of the Kiss Player deco remains in robot mode, including the yellow hands and flame graphics on the forearms; however, the license plates (located at the knees in robot mode) have been changed to read "TOO HOT".

:Rodimus Prime's weapons are the dual pistols/tonfa seen with both Mirage and Hot Rodimus, however his Kiss Player counterpart's fishing rod/eliminator and dumpling steamer weapons were not included in the Alternators release. They left [[Shaoshao Li|the girl]] out too.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/AltRodimus/rodimus.htm More information on Alternators Rodimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei HotRodimus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"They dipped my headlights in chrome. Now I don't drive at night."]]
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-05'''
**''Accessories:'' Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile

: In 2008, ''Classics'' Rodimus was released in Japan as part of the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' line by [[TakaraTomy]]. Now called Hot Rodimus, he features several significant deco differences, such as a large orange and yellow flame tampograph on his hood to better resemble the ''Generation 1'' cartoon model's appearance. The other flame tampographs have also been redesigned, his forehead crest is a more subtle colour to distance itself from the ''Energon'' Rodimus homage Hasbro introduced. The only other addition in terms of deco is orange paint on the cuffs of his lower arms. Curiously eschewing the slavish accuracy to the original cartoon's animation models that shaped the colorations of most other ''Henkei'' figures, Hot Rodimus is ''not'' rendered in Hot Rod's classic magenta cartoon color scheme, featuring instead a shade of red that is even darker than that used by the ''Classics'' version, as well as a lighter shade of orange. The clear violet on the ''Classics'' version, is clear blue on the Hot Rodimus. All ''Henkei! Henkei!'' toys feature a somewhat randomly [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] part somewhere upon them, his headlights are painted chrome gold paint, while his entire spoiler is vacuum-metallized gold.

: This mold was used to make the evil "[[Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]] and "Gentei" [[Wildrider]].

{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Hotrodlegendsuniverse.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He's a Hot Rod without a hot rod.]]
*'''Rodimus''' (Legends Class, 2008)
: Legends Class Rodimus transforms into a generic sports car with a giant rice-tastic spoiler. This toy's design was the basis for Hot Rod's look in the [[Wings of Honor]] comic book.

: This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TFURodimus/rodimus.htm More information on Universe Rodimus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

[[Image:Universe2008toy-ChallengeatCybertronRodimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|HasTak: pretending Hot Rod was red and not magenta in the movie since 1986.]]
*'''Challenge at Cybertron''' (Deluxe Class figure 3-pack, 2010)
**''Accessories:'' Rocket engine/missile launcher, flame missile
: A redeco of ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Rodimus was released in the "[[Challenge at Cybertron]]" multi-pack along with redecoes of [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. This version of Rodimus, like the ''Henkei!'' figure, is intended to be accurate to the cartoon's colors, though it attempts the idea much differently.

: So far the set has only been released in Southeast Asian markets by Hasbro Malaysia, and there are currently no details about a release elsewhere.
{{-}}

===Masterpiece===
[[Image:Masterpiecetoy-RodimusConvoy.jpg|thumb|right|300px|You hated him when you were ten, and now you'll pay $200 to own him.]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2011)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MP-9'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/[[Mobile Defense Bay]], Photon Eliminator, possibly the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]

:[[Masterpiece]] Rodimus Convoy can transform between himself and his younger Hot Rod incarnation in both vehicle and robot mode. Whilst in Hot Rod configuration, he is shorter and has Hot Rod's younger face, and of course, transforms into Hot Rod's futuristic supercar mode. In his Rodimus Convoy configuration, he has extra height due to extensions in his thighs and has Rodimus Prime's older, lined face via a face-swapping gimmick. Rodimus Convoy's vehicle mode is not simply the Hot Rod car docked into the trailer section, but has an entirely new vehicle front end to represent Rodimus Prime's shorter hood, smaller windshield/canopy and lack of exposed engine block.

:Rodimus Convoy's trailer opens up into the Mobile Defense Bay.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Generation 1===
* '''Decipher the Decepticons Sweepstakes prize''' (1986)
:5 motorized Hot Rod go-carts were advertised as the grand prizes for the [[Decipher the Decepticon]] promotional contest. Sadly, no images of these rarities have surfaced on the Internet to date. If you know where we can find one ''we will give you a baby.'' A '''real''' baby.

===Transformers Choco===
[[Image:Tfchoco_rodimuses.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (1986)

:Released in the fourth ''[[Transformers 2010 (franchise)|Transformers 2010]]''-centric wave of [[Kabaya]]'s line of ''[[Transformers Choco]]'' [[candy toy]]s, this version of Hot Rod is a small, transformable model kit, cast in solid red plastic. As with all the ''Transformers Choco'' figures, he came with "Chocolate Dots", small candies similar to M&Ms.

*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1986)

:Also released in the fourth wave of ''Transformers Choco'', this Rodimus Prime was also a small, solid-red transforming model kit packaged with Chocolate Dots. Its trailer, however, was a solid removable piece, which did not open into a battle station like the larger figure.
{{-}}

===Transformers Gum===
[[Image:Tfgum rodimus convoy.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]

*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1986)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Mobile Defense Bay, Photon Eliminator, spoiler, left and right blast shields

:Rodimus Prime also had a presence in Kabaya's line of larger ''[[Transformers Gum]]'' model kits. Released as part of the line's fifth wave, Rodimus is molded in red, silver and black plastic, lacking in paint applications but featuring stickers for detail. Like many other ''Transformers Gum'' model kits, Rodimus is very much a downsized version of the regular toy, featuring all its accessories, features and articulation. As the name suggests, rather than chocolate, Rodimus came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}

===Decoy===
[[Image:Decoy rodimus.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1986)

:While no figure of Rodimus Prime was released by [[Hasbro]] as part of their 1987 [[Decoy]] promotion, the Autobot leader did have a soft rubber figure crafted in his image that was available exclusive in Japan, as part of a second wave of the figures released there by [[Kabaya]], along with other ''Transformers 2010'' characters. Like the other figures in this series, Rodimus was sold in a [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] box, and was available in multiple colors, including red, blue and yellow.

*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1987)

:Rodimus was also part of the small Japanese-exclusive collection of larger "Decoy" figures, with this version of the character standing at around twice the height of a regular Decoy. Like the other figures in this wave, Rodimus was packaged in an individual baggie and was available in red, blue, green and yellow.
{{-}}

===Transform Jr===
[[Image:Tfjr_rodimus_vinyl_figure.jpg|right|thumb]]

*'''Rodimus Convoy vs Galvatron''' (multi-pack, 1986)

:An unarticulated vinyl figurine of Rodimus Prime was sold in a two-pack with a similar figure of Galvatron.

*'''Cybertron Leader Set''' (multi-pack, 1987)

:The Rodimus Prime figurine was also later made available in a two-pack with the ''Transform Jr'' [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]] figure. The set also came with a small die-cast metal figurine of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]].
{{-}}

===Talkformers===
[[Image:Talkformers_rodimus.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1986)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''T-01'''
:This vinyl figurine of Rodimus Prime was one of two entries in the ''[[Talkformers]]'' line. Featuring only two points of articulation in the shoulders, it spoke four pullstring-activated Japanese phrases, spoken by Rodimus's Japanese voice actor, [[Hiroya Ishimaru]].
{{-}}

===MC Axis===
[[Image:Hybrid_model_rodimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (Super Hybrid Model, 1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''H-01'''

:Rodimus Prime was one of three non-transforming ''[[Super Hybrid Model]]'' vinyl figurines created in 1987 by Japanese collectables company [[MC Axis (company)|MC Axis]]. Standing at about eight inches tall and featuring articulation in the head and neck, Rodimus and his fellows ([[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]) were based on their [[Studio OX]] character models, featuring much more anime-styled proportions and detailing.

:For reasons unknown, the retail release of Rodimus and the other ''Super Hybrid Model'' figures was canceled. While Galvatron was eventually released as an exclusive at [[BotCon Japan 1997]], Rodimus and Arcee have never been officially released, though they do occasionally pop up on the secondary market, commanding prices in excess of $600.
 
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
[[Image:Mcaxis_hot_rod.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Hot Rod''' (model kit, 1996)
**''Accessories:'' Matrix of Leadership, buzzsaw, welding torch, alternate head, alternate hands-holding-Matrix

:This Japanese "garage kit", an unpainted resin model, was made by MC Axis and came with a [[MC Axis (pack-in comic)|comic strip]] starring Hot Rod. It included several interchangeable parts based on Hot Rod's antics in ''The Transformers: The Movie'', including an alternate head featuring the telescopic visor from the [[Lookout Mountain]] scene, the welding torch he used to repair [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and the buzzsaw from his battles on [[Quintessa]], and two versions of the Matrix of Leadership—one standard, fairly useless one, since his clenched fists are unable to hold it, and one sculpted with a pair of alternate hands holding its handles, allowing Roddy to hoist it aloft.

:The kit is not known for its exceptional quality control - numerous unsightly air bubbles in the plastic are not an uncommon thing to encounter.

:* ''[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/4512c7fd76f8e8ee Fan review of the Hot Rod and Elita One model kits]''
{{-}}

===Parody Deformed===
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1990)
**''Accessories:'' Photon Eliminator
[[Image:Pdtype_rodimus.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
:A small white and red, non-transforming super deformed model kit of Rodimus Prime was available as part of Kabaya's "[[Parody Deformed]]" line of candy toys. The first figure of the third wave (the eleventh figure overall), he came with a "[[Transformers PD Type]]" comic about himself, "Take A Stand!! Rodimus Convoy", and more gum.

*'''Rodimus Convoy's Photon Eliminator''' (1990)

: The first toy released in the fifth and final wave of the ''Parody Deformed'' line (and the twenty-first toy overall), this model kit replica of Rodimus's Photon Eliminator comes with a number of small plastic BBs, which it can shoot via a spring-loaded firing mechanism. It came with a "PD Type" comic centering on it, and yet more gum.
{{-}}
===Super Collection Figure===
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2002)
[[Image:HOC-figure Rodimus.JPG|right|300px|thumb|]]
: A three-inch tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Rodimus Prime was available in the second wave of Takara's ''[[Heroes of Cybertron|Super Collection Figure]]'' line. Like all the figures in the "act", it was available as both a standard full color figure and a colorless translucent version, one of each of which was available in a standard case of twelve [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] figures.

*'''Rodimus Convoy with Matrix''' (2002)

:A rare [[chase figure]] of Rodimus Prime was also available in the second ''SCF'' act, molded in translucent colored plastic and holding the Matrix of Leadership in both hands, in the process of opening it.

*'''Rodimus Convoy with Matrix''' (2003)

:The Matrix-bearing Rodimus chase figure was re-released as a standard figure for the fourth ''Super Collection Figure'' wave, this time as both a standard, solid-color figure and a metallic silver "pewter" version, both available at one each per standard case of twelve. In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter figure came with the right leg of the wave's collectable [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] "build-a-figure".

*'''Hot Rodimus''' (2003)

:Hot Rod made his ''Super Collection Figure'' debut in the sixth wave of the series, sporting the telescopic visor he employed during on [[Lookout Mountain]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. Hot Rod was available in both full-color and pewter versions, but the color figure sported the burgundy paint job of Rodimus Prime, rather than Hot Rod's lighter magenta. In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter Hot Rod came with the torso of the wave's [[Grand Maximus]] collectable figure.

===Heroes of Cybertron===

*'''Rodimus Prime''' (2003)

:When Hasbro released the ''Super Collection Figure'' line as ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'', the original Rodimus Prime figure was released as part of the fourth wave, now featuring a [[light-piping]] gimmick in the character's eyes, accomplished by casting the figure in translucent blue plastic and then painting over it. Rather than come blindpacked like the ''SCF'' figure, Rodimus came on a blister card with a profile card included.
{{-}}

===Mega Super Collection Figure===
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (2002) [[Image:MegaSCFRodimus.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''Mega SCF-04'''
** ''Accessories:'' Left and right open hands, left and right fists, head w/ visor, Matrix of Leadership, buzzsaw, welding torch
:A five-inch tall, non-transforming highly-articulated PVC figure of Hot Rod was the fourth entry in Takara's ''Mega Super Collection Figure''. Based closely on Hot Rod's cartoon character model (albeit sport the character's red and orange toy color scheme, rather than the cartoon's magenta), Hot Rod came with numerous interchangeable accessories. In addition to the Matrix of Leadership and two sets of hands—two clenched fists and two open palms—he includes several gadgets seen in ''The Transfomrers: The Movie'': the buzzsaw used in battle on [[Quintessa]], the welding torch he used to repair [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], and an alternate head featuring an open-mouthed expression and the telescopic visor he used on Lookout Mountain.

*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2002)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''Mega SCF-06'''
** ''Accessories:'' Left and right open hands, left and right fists, pointing left hand, right hand w/ Photon Eliminator, Matrix of Leadership

:Rodimus Prime also made an appearance in the ''Mega Super Collection Figure'' line, standing a little taller than Hot Rod. He too features his red and orange toy-based coloration, instead of the burgundy shade featured in the cartoon. He shares both the Matrix and two sets of hands with Hot Rod, but rather than Hot Rod's other tools, comes instead with a third set of hands, one pointing, and one clutching his Photon Eliminator rifle.

===MyClone===
[[Image:Myclone rodimus.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MTF007'''
**''Accessories:'' Orange display stand

:Released in the second wave of the ''[[MyClone]]'' line of Transformers PVC figures, this adorable widdle Wodimus Pwime comes with a hexagonal orange display stand, which can link up with the identical stands included with other MyClone figures. His modular design allows his parts to be mixed and matched with those of any other MyClone figure.
{{-}}
===Hard Hero===
[[Image:HardHero HotRod bust.JPG|right|thumb|]]
* '''Hotrod''' (2003)

:Number 7 in [[Hard Hero]]'s main ''Transformers'' series, "Hotrod" is a six inches tall cold-cast porcelain bust. The bust was limited to 4000 pieces, with an additional 100 being specially signed by sculptor [[Jason Ray]], and is a vanishingly rare example of a piece of Hot Rod merchandise that actually colors the character in his original magenta hue.

{{-}}
===Generation 1 Figure-Collection===

[[Image:Bottlecap_rodimus.JPG|right|thumb|]]

*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D-6'''
**''Accessories:'' Display base

:At only one inch in height, this Rodimus "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.infoseek.co.jp/misc_item/kabaya_bottle.htm More information on the Bottlecap Collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{--}}

===Titanium Series===
[[Image:TitaniumRM Rodimus.jpg|right|thumb|"Three-inch Rod" is its own joke.]]
*'''Rodimus''' (3-inch Robot Masters, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Firebolt gun, Autobot insignia display base

: ''Titanium'' Rodimus is a 3 inch tall, non-transforming, die-cast metal figurine. He has limited articulation, localized in his head, shoulders and waist. His gun (which looks an ''awful'' lot like Firebolt) is also removable. Excitement! Like all the figures in the line, he came packaged with a clear plastic display base, sculpted in the shape of, and decorated with, his faction's insignia.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitRodimus/rodimus.htm More information on Titanium Robot Heroes Rodimus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Metalverse Collection===
[[Image:Hot Rod mv.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I'm a little bit expensive.]]

*'''Hot Rodimus''' (Metalverse Collection MVC-01, 2007)

:Large, rather expensive PVC statue with a base sculpted "Hot Rod" on [http://www4.big.or.jp/~cyclone/DAIKI/index.html it] released by [http://www4.big.or.jp/~cyclone/DAIKI/index.html Daiki Industry]. Designed by [[Hirofumi Ichikawa]] and sculpted by Yuho Koike, it was originally conceived as a clock-statue (the clock would have gone in the nameplate/sigil section of the base) and proposed as a [[BotCon]] exclusive by Mr. Koike and [[Fumihiko Akiyama]].

::*''[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/2faa2eeb4000724f/48a6e4867e425257?lnk=st&q=#48a6e4867e425257 More details on Metalverse Collection Hot Rodimus at alt.toys.transformers]
{{-}}

===Art Asylum===
[[Image:AAUnicron statue.jpg|300px|thumb|]]
* '''Unicron Movie Statue''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

: This [[Diamond Select Toys|Diamond Select]] statue of Hot Rod and [[Unicron]] stands 8 ½” tall and was limited to 1,986 pieces (as in 1986, the year the original animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers]]'' movie was released). Hot Rod stands in the center of the piece, holding the [[Matrix of Leadership]] aloft, as Unicron looms behind him. Despite this scene being based on the movie, Hot Rod is colored red like his toy instead of magenta.
{{-}}
[[Image:Diamond_rodimus_bust.jpg|right|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Prime head bust''' (Diamond Select, 2008)

:After the Unicron diorama, Rodimus got a statue all to himself with this Art Asylum mini-bust. It was roughly five inches tall and limited to 1500 pieces.
{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:G1 RobotHeroes RodimusVsInsecticon.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Light our cutest hour.]]
*'''Rodimus Vs Insecticon''' (2007)

:''[[Robot Heroes]]'' Rodimus is a two inch tall figure sculpted in [[super deformed]] style with articulation at the shoulders. Sporting the color scheme of, and details based on the stickers of, the original Generation 1 Hot Rod toy, he came in a two-pack with "[[Shrapnel (G1)|Insecticon]]".

:Rodimus was also one of the ''Robot Heroes'' figures released in single-packed, blindpacked form in other countries such as Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Notably, for this release, the character card included with the figure actually used his original name, Hot Rod!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/RHRodimus/rodimus.htm More information on Robot Heroes Rodimus at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Revoltech===
[[Image:Revoltech Rodimus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Bang Bang... I shot you down, Bang Bang..."]]
* '''Hot Rodimus''' (2008)
** ''Yamaguchi Series number:'' '''047'''
** ''Accessories:'' Photon laser 1, Photon laser 2, 4 x hands (left & right gun holding hands, right pointing hand and thumbs-up right hand)

:A non-transforming but ''highly'' articulated Hot Rod action figure, ''[[Revoltech]]'' Hot Rodimus uses the ''Revoltech'' "revolver joints" for maximum poseability. It comes with his twin handguns, an extra head with deployed visor and a more neutral expression, a posing stand, and four extra hands (two hands for holding the guns, a pointing right hand, and a thumbs-up left hand).<ref>[http://bakaneko.way-nifty.com/revoltech/2008/01/post_909a.html Photos of the set contents at Revoltech's official blog site.]</ref><ref>[http://www.amiami.com/shop/?vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-RBT-0149&template=review.html Large images of the figure and its accessories at the online store Amiami.]</ref>

{{-}}

===3D Battle-Card Game===
[[Image:3dbattlecardgame_hotrod.jpg|right|thumb|300px]]
*'''Hot Rod''' (2007)

: A 28-point "uncommon" character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Hot Rod "transforms" into a red sports car that vaguely resembles a Ford GT 40. He uses the same parts layout as [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]] [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]] and [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]], along with fellow "Energon Wars" addition ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]].
{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:Pinkrod.jpg|right|thumb|200px|I was pink once.]]

* Miscommunication between Hasbro and Takara that neglected to mention the fact that Rodimus Prime was supposed to be the new Autobot leader and the upgrade of Hot Rod led to Takara creating the original [[prototype]] for the G1 Hot Rod toy in three times the final size, about as tall as ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]. When Hasbro corrected Takara about those details, Takara's designers were disappointed because they had to make Rodimus Prime's toy larger than Hot Rod's.<ref>[http://www.tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=522 Information provided by Fumihiko Akiyama, incorporated in essay about "Ten popular but incorrect rumors about Japanese Transformers" at TF Archive]</ref>

* Hot Rod, Kup, and Blurr mark an increase in the size of the Autobot Car grouping to what would eventually become today's Deluxe class price point.

* In an odd intra-Hasbro design move, Hot Rod's larger original handgun was remolded slightly and reused as the nosecone cannon on the [[Cobra]] [http://www.yojoe.com/vehicles/88/stellarstiletto/ Stellar Stiletto] in 1988. Hey, Hot Rod was occupied with [[Firebolt]] at the time anyway, right?

[[Image:TFGRodimus.jpg|right|200px|thumb|New Rodimus, not to be confused with New Coke.]]
* '''New Rodimus''' was the tentative name for an unused Rodimus Prime design revealed in the Japanese book ''[[Transformers Generations]]''. Unlike his predecessors, he would have transformed into a fire engine. According to the caption in the book, New Rodimus would have come out after [[Star Convoy]], and his transformation would involve splitting at the waist.

:The idea for New Rodimus's transformation was eventually used by the ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' toy '''Duke Fire''', which is also a fire engine that splits at the waist in order to transform. Unlike New Rodimus, however, Duke Fire is also composed of an ambulance that becomes his arms.

:Some have speculated that New Rodimus was intended to become power-up parts to Star Convoy similar to how [[Godbomber]] and [[Victory Leo]] upgrade [[Ginrai]] and [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]], respectively. This is supported by several pieces of evidence:
:: ''Generation 1'' Transformers made by Takara generally do not split apart as part of their transformation, and when they do, it is usually for the purpose of combining with another robot.
:: Duke Fire, who inherited New Rodimus's transformation, combines with '''J-Decker''', a robot similar in general shape to Star Convoy, to form a larger robot called '''Fire J-Decker'''.
:: Fire J-Decker's chest piece (formed from Duke Fire's chest) successfully clips onto Star Convoy's chest (albeit not as securely as on J-Decker's chest).

[[Image:HyperHobbyRodimusTestshot.jpg|thumb|200px|]]

* An image of a black Rodimus Prime toy appeared in [[Hyper Hobby]] magazine #38 in 2002. For years, it was thought that this was an unreleased [[Lucky Draw]] toy (which an [http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/content.php?/transformers-news/story/7581/Unreleased+Lucky+Draw+Black+Rodimus+Convoy.html unscrupulous Ebay seller] reinforced by repeatedly calling it that in his auctions). However, it was eventually found--[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?s=0f1c270a0acb3a279d03b91ac06faeeb&showtopic=62831&view=findpost&p=1347844 seven years later]--when a Japanese speaker read the text of the magazine, that it was nothing more than a test shot that was intended to tease the release of the normal-colored reissue.

* For a short time, Takara contemplated releasing a Hot Rodimus (Hot Rod) remold of the ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] toy as the next ''Binaltech'' release after [[Ginrai]], but that plan became obsolete when Takara decided to cancel the Binaltech line as a mass retail line altogether. Instead, Hot Rodimus also ended up as part of the [[Kiss Players (toyline)|''Kiss Players'' line]], after "Ginrai" had previously become Kiss Players [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]].

* One of the first concepts for ''Classics'' Rodimus was based around the [[wikipedia:Pagani_Zonda|Pagani Zonda]] super car, before the [http://www.supercarnet.jp/File/File-Japan/File-Dome.htm Dome Zero] design was decided upon.

* ''Alternators'' Rodimus's instructions name the toy ''Rodimus Prime''.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/HotRod/hotrod.htm Hot Rod at TFU.info]

==Reference==
<references />

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category: Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category:Kiss Players]]
[[Category:Micromasters]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Targetmasters]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

To sell toys

2010-09-09T20:06:19Z

Gargunkle:

[[Image:MarvelUS-19.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Hasbro wasn't quite sure whether to advertise 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|toys]] to children and adults. The cartoons, comic books, etc., mostly exist to make this happen. To be sure, they normally [[Transformers (2007)#Reception|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>, Hasbro and Takara constantly introduce new toys, and often require 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-Con]]s) 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 [[Targetmaster]]s 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 four-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===
[[Image:CosmicRust-BigGroup.jpg|right|300px|thumb|[[Pokeformers|Gotta catch 'em all!]]]]
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 ''twenty-eight'' different robots appeared and introduced themselves, even though only a handful are important to the plot.

* The 1987 ''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]'' Limited Series, which introduced over ''sixty'' characters in the course of four issues, including all the first waves of [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster]]s, all their [[Nebulos|Nebulan]] partners, the [[Technobot (G1)|Technobots]], [[Terrorcon (G1)|Terrorcons]], and [[Monsterbot]]s.

* The cartoon episode "[[The Rebirth]]" likewise abruptly introduced a deluge of the 1987 toyline 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.

* From #9 onwards, [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movie-based ''Transformers'']] has heavily bumped up the cast with new toys. In one example, #17 brought in nine new toys in eleven pages; only one of the five Decepticons got any real focus or dialogue.

===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:

* Season 2 of the cartoon introduced many new characters/buyable toys with no explanation; despite never having been seen before, the story treats them as though they have [[Beachcomber (G1)|been there]] [[Perceptor (G1)|the whole]] [[Tracks (G1)|time]].

[[Image:Decepticonpretenders-behold.jpg|right|200px|thumb|After seven issues, it's finally time for these six dudes to do something!]]
[[Image:Optimusprimeg1preearthmarvel2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Apparently, the Triggerbots didn't make much of an impression on Prime.]]

* 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!|#42]], [[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. <ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/9c79c4226fc6dd28/30c3cdf158ea6e52?lnk=st&q=bob+forward+beast+wars+tigatron+wolfang&rnum=1#30c3cdf158ea6e52 Ben Yee relays some info from Bob Forward in regards to Wolfang being replaced by Tigatron in the Beast Wars cartoon]</ref>

* Rather than revealing stuff about the [[Vok]] and [[Tarantulas]], a long-running subplot, "[[Other Victories]]" spends much of its time telling us how great [[Tigerhawk]] is and how we should buy his toy.

* The [[First (and Second) in Flight|sixth issue]] of ''[[The Arrival]]'' stops following the regular cast so it can flag the awesome cool out-now-in-shops [[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]] toy.

* Prominent generals in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan's movieverse]] Decepticon army change frequently and without any acknowledgment as new toys jostle for (and gain) space.

===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.

[[Image:Metamorphdeceps2.JPG|right|200px|thumb|The full might of the Decepticon army.]]

* 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)|Both the Dreamwave]] and [[Armada (Panini comic)|Panini comics]] suffered exactly the same problem, but it gets worse: [[First Encounter|the first ''Armada'' episode]] reused models of older Transformers as generic background guys to bump numbers up. The comics ''didn't''. So Megatron apparently conquers all of planet Cybertron with an army of three guys, whereas the city/planet defending Autobots are just five blokes.

* Dreamwave would also [[Dreamwave Armada issue 10|feature a scene on Cybertron]], where the ''only'' Autobot who seemed to exist was [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]].

* For the movie prequels, IDW got around this by deciding that [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] was going to be a [[Class Alpha drone unit|series of drones]] instead of one guy, allowing for really big battle scenes despite a then-limited number of toys. {{storylink|Movie Prequel (2007)}} (It would later turn out there was ''also'' Dreadwing who was one guy.) Titan Magazines would borrow this, and turn other Decepticons into drone series too.

{{-}}

==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.

[[Image:Introdump decepticons marvelus01.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There's probably three other Decepticons hidden among that lot...]]

* 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!")

* "[[The Rebirth]]" has ''three different sequences'' in which large new groups of characters form a lineup and introduce themselves to viewers one after another. Strangely enough, much of this screen- and dialogue-time is given over to Nebulan partners; the "main" Transformer characters get no such introductions, even though they are the items kids would have to purchase to acquire the Nebulan accessories. For instance, [[Spasma]], [[Monzo]], and [[Peacemaker]] (all speaking characters) are introduced by name as part of various lineups, but their in-store hosts [[Apeface]], [[Weirdwolf]], and [[Pointblank]] are never named (and Weirdwolf never even speaks).

* "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]" has the Maximals walk on one-by-one admiring their beast modes, loudly explaining their names and showing character traits. This also gives the impression they deliberately changed their names to fit these new beast modes for no apparent reason.

===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 [[Headmasters (comic)|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, uh, story of returning Optimus Prime's character to the comic book because he had [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#PMOP|a new toy]].)

* [[Rotor Force]] made their debut in "[[New Dawn]]", and both here and in subsequent ''Generation 2'' issues would primarily fight enemies not with guns like everyone else, but by firing their giant rotors at them. Page 3 of ''New Dawn'' actually shows them having to ''stop and reattach their rotors'' before they can carry on fighting.

[[Image:Mistaken Identity Galvatronscourge.jpg|right|250px|thumb|It's Morphin Time! MASTODON!]]

* ''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] had six alternate modes and the cartoon really wanted you to see them, which is why [[Battle Protocol|his first appearance]] is as ''a giant hand for no reason''. It gets sillier when he turns into Galvatron and gains four more modes. In "[[Mistaken Identity]]", he turns into his "Iron Mammoth" form when facing off against [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|a hostile Fortress Maximus]] even though he doesn't ''do'' anything in his form except stand there ''as he was already doing''.

* [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]] and [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] are the only Autobot jets in the ''Animated'' line. (Not counting the toyless [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]].) To fully big this up, their origin story has it that there have ''never been'' any flying Autobots before, despite them having been in (and won) a long and bitter war with enemies who ''often fly''.

The [[Unicron Trilogy]], noted for its gimmicks in all three toylines, was particularly notorious in this regard:

* The quest for power-enhancing [[Mini-Con]]s practically defined the plot of the ''[[Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' cartoon, with both factions out to recruit or capture all the Mini-Cons.

* [[Powerlinx|Powerlinxing]] 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 <strike>watched an advert</strike> 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, show up now and again, as their toys were 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.

[[Image:Samprowl.jpg|right|100px|thumb|<strike>Upgrades are bad.</strike> Upgrades are GOOD. We have always been at war with <strike>Eurasia</strike> Eastasia.]]

* "[[A Fistful of Energon]]" has [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] learn not to use upgrades, and gives up using powerful samurai armour. But whoops, Hasbro thought "hey, we could make a toy out of that armour"! And so in [[Five Servos of Doom|a later episode]], Prowl ''regains'' it and the show hurriedly claims that the upgrade is fine ''now'' cos Prowl realizes now that it's the Autobot, not the upgrade.

* The [[France|French]] decided to be good sports and start using propeller-driven nuclear bombers again, just so [[Octane|Tankor]] could be used ([[All Hail Megatron issue 11]]).

* [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]] has been on Earth for a while, in hiding from other Decepticons while he waits for orders from [[the Fallen]]. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.7|Turnabout}} Ransack is a member of a race that can scan any object and take its form as a disguise. Ransack moves around in the cunning disguise of ''a 100-year-old plane''. (At least, unlike the previous example, the oldness of the alt-mode was pointed out.)

* In Titan's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comic, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] go from being [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee's]] responsibility to bugging [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] to being [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe's]] responsibility in the space of three issues, all to allow each issue to focus on a specific toy-bearing movie star. Similarly, only one or two Decepticons per issue are sent on a mission, when presumably the Fallen might want to send loads of guys to silence the twins.

{{-}}

===Awkward continuity===
[[Image:Earthforce.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This happened... er.... look just buy the toys, ok?!]]

Sometimes the requirement to feature new toys can be so strong that continuity takes a major backseat and stories are produced that feature combinations of characters that make the story very difficult to slot into the main continuity. The Marvel UK comic was especially prone to this as it could not always foresee where, when and how characters would be introduced:

* The ''[[Transformers Annual 1986]]'' contains many stories featuring toys from the 1985 release long before they were formally introduced in the regular comic, often interacting with other characters who would be out of action by then. As a result few of the stories easily fit the continuity of the weekly comic.
* The demands of Hasbro UK for the [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]] and [[Targetmaster]]s to be featured heavily even before the US ''[[Headmasters (comic)|Headmasters]]'' mini-series was available meant that both the ''[[Transformers Annual 1988]]'' and the regular strip "[[Worlds Apart!]]" contain a slightly different set of events that are odds with the mini-series.
* The requirement to give prominence to the rereleased toys in the [[Classics (Europe)|Classics]] range resulted in one the biggest continuity trainwrecks of all, [[Earthforce]]. Nearly two decades later fans are still uncertain where it fits in continuity, and even [[Simon Furman]] admits to being unsure.<ref>"Looking back, as I try my hardest not to do, it's very hard to tie the Earthforce stories into a specific time frame (in terms of the US continuity), because (if I'm brutally honest) I didn't try too hard to make it work in the first place. By that point, I was just trying to tell a bunch of fun UK stories that didn't necessarily impact on the larger (US) storyline. How was I to know 15 or so years later people would be trying to reconcile it all?" [http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php TransFans.net - Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'].</ref>
* Trapped between the need to pimp toys and the problem of not knowing what the plot of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' would be, Titan just threw up their hands and unambiguously set their lead strip in [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Alternate universe|an alternate universe]].

{{-}}

===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 (G1)|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 (G1)|Menasor]], [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] and even [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]].

[[Image:Buzzsawyikes4.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Buzzsaw reminds Omega Supreme he's not a new toy any more.]]

* The Marvel comics feature [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] as nigh-invulnerable and ultimately powerful in [[Command Performances!|his début issue]], slaughtering 2/3rds of the Decepticon forces sent to attack him. Just [[Dark Star (issue)|two years later]], he's getting his butt handed to him by the likes of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], one of his original victims.

* 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.

* Similarly, [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] was presented as a huge threat when he first appeared, but just a few episodes later, he seems just slightly tougher than the average Predacon (save for a few notable occasions).

* [[Sky-Byte (RID)|Sky-Byte]] was actually a credible threat for his first couple of episodes.

* The [[Commandos]] were far more powerful and competent than the Predacons, who were made even ''less'' powerful and competent as episodes went on. Remarkably, this was actually used in the plot, with Megatron focusing on the new toys while the Predacons became underdogs trying to get their old status back and one-up the new guys.

[[Image:ArmTVTidalWave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Before he shrank in the wash.]]
* ''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, and his ability to combine with Megatron LITERALLY gave the battle advantage to the Decepticons until his equally powerful counterpart [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]] was introduced. By the time of the ''Energon'' cartoon, Tidal Wave is just this tall guy (but not as tall as he used to be) and is treated as just another Decepticon, even after he gets a body upgrade in the form of "Mirage".

* When the newly redecoed Jetfire and Optimus combine in Dreamwave's Armada comic, they are so powerful ''they can hurt Unicron himself''.

* [[Jungle Planet (Cybertron)|Jungle Planet]] ruler [[Scourge (Cybertron)|Scourge]] was incredibly powerful when he was first introduced, but later on, he's getting slaps on the wrist by [[Lori]] and [[Thunderblast (Decepticon)|Thunderblast]], and schooled by [[Bud Hansen|Bud]], ultimately becoming more of a sympathetic comedic bumbler than a credible threat.

* The Decepticons in ''Animated'' started off as being so horrifically powerful that the entire Autobot team had to take on a ''single'' one. By Season 3, this no longer happens. Uniquely, this was ''deliberate'' by the writers: they wanted to show the Decepticons as supreme threats, and have the Autobots gradually being better at dealing with them.

{{-}}

===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 writers are able to work these alterations in elegantly... sometimes not.

[[Image:Bumblebeeskindeep.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Ratchet pulls a Kitty Pryde on Bumblebee.]]

* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] was rebuilt and upgraded into Goldbug following his near-destruction... and is later rebuilt back into Bumblebee to sell the [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Pretender|new Classic Pretender toy]]. The reason given is that [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] deliberately downgraded Goldbug against his will because he liked his old form better, something Bumblebee is strangely fine with.

* Season 2 of ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|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 writers had originally planned to introduce these changes gradually, across the length of Season 2, but Hasbro ordered them to be brought in immediately. (The slow-and-gradual notion would eventually appear during Season 3.)

* The [[Unicron Trilogy]] cartoons feature [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] getting recolored and renamed "Galvatron" ''three times''; at the start of each subsequent series, he's given a different body but called Megatron ''again'', because the name "Megatron" just sells more toys. (This also means Hasbro gets to keep the [[trademark]] "Galvatron".)

* 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)/toys|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]] get shot up by Megatron, then transmogrify through the power of [[Burning Justice|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. Voila, suddenly he's got ''two'' toys on the shelf!

* When [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s ''Transformers'' comic originally came out, there were no Generation 1-themed toys to flog, and many characters were given altered designs for the series. Then along came ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'', featuring new toys of Generation 1 characters, and suddenly multiple characters get new, toy-accurate bodies in ''[[All Hail Megatron]]'', for no apparent in-story reason. Later, [[Bluestreak]] even gets a namechange to ''Silver''streak to fit his toy.

* [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] was originally grey, but when he was reunited with the ''Animated'' Decepticons, he changed his colours to purple while referring to it as his proper look. Why he changed colouration to go undercover was not explained, but it may have something to do with a purple-coloured Shockwave toy being out when that episode aired.

* In ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] start out as an old ice cream truck combiner but after a disastrous mission [[NEST]] decides to upgrade them to new individual [[General Motors]] vehicles. New toys ''and'' product placement!

===Abrupt conclusions===
[[Image:MarvelUSG2-12.jpg|right|150px|thumb|It's the end of the road for Transformers Generation 2! That can't bode well for the toyline.]]

Just as ''Transformers'' fiction lives at Hasbro's pleasure, so too does it die. Falling sales, a change of plans, and standard [[rebranding]] can all cause a storyline to come to a sudden end when Hasbro decides to pull the plug.

* The American Generation 1 cartoon got a somewhat rushed conclusion in the form of "[[The Rebirth]]", rather than a full fourth season.

* The Generation 1 comics were nearly canceled at [[On the Edge of Extinction!|issue #75]], but granted a reprieve. The stay of execution was only temporary, however; with the Generation 1 toyline ending, the comic was terminated a mere five issues later, resulting in a rather hasty concluding plotline.

* Hasbro was only willing to support the [[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|''Generation 2'' comic]] for twelve issues, unless it proved an unqualified (perhaps phenomenal) success. Aware of this from the start, writer Simon Furman was able to plot a story arc that reached its finale as the series ended (and poked fun at it with a character whose name is a pun on "[[Jhiaxus (G2)|Gee, axe us]]".)

* The writers of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon reportedly never had any idea if they'd be back for another season. When the axe fell with Season 3, they had only three episodes left to wrap up the whole series.

* Hasbro nearly killed off the just-begun comic series ''The Wreckers'' in 2001, wishing instead for [[3H Productions|3H]] to focus on a ''[[Universe (2003 comic)|Universe]]'' comic advertising its current toyline.

* Even though ''[[Cybertron (cartoon)|Cybertron]]'' wasn't abruptly canceled, Kids WB ended the series on the cliffhanger of the episode "[[Revelation (episode)|Revelation]]", leaving millions of kids tuning in next time only to get a re-run of ''Xiaolin Showdown''. The reason? The Cybertron Defense Team toys hadn't hit stores yet.

* With ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' coming out in June, Titan had to end their alternate universe storyline in May so they could tie in early—an issue earlier than planned. The main strip handled this, with the notable exception of [[Jazz (Movie)#Titan Magazines Transformers movie comics|the Jazz plot arc]] going completely unresolved, but it played havoc with working out the IDW reprints!

{{-}}

==Death==
===Killing off old product===
[[Image:Tftm1986a.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Guess who's no longer in the Mini Vehicles case assortment?]]
[[Image:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Publisher's clearing house.]]
[[Image:BW Scorponok Terrorsaur deaths.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Scorponok, Terrorsaur, we're condemning you to a fiery death 'cause Waspinator has a bigger fan club.]]
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 years, 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 [[death]]s.

* 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]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], for example.)

* 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]] ranks, those being the then-current toy lines. However, the explanation (Underbase power didn't affect those TFs with organic components) meant that even the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacons]], new toys at the time and introduced three issues before, met their end.

* 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.

* 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<ref>http://www.builtstlouis.net/tf/manic/m-botcon.html</ref> the demise of [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], 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.

* ''[[The Reign of Starscream]]'' would end up killing a large number of Autobots in one issue, after their toys had been around for a while; as they'd not made an appearance in the comics until this mini, this is both an example of Huge Cast ''and'' Product Clearing. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 5}} It would then go on to bump off some Decepticons, while its sequel ''Alliance'' slaughtered ''hordes'' of Decepticons with old toys. Mowry is the new Furman... {{storylink|Alliance (comic)}}

===Hi-and-die===
[[Image:Chuffer cof.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Likely dialog: "SHEEEAAGH!!"]]
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. The guy without a toy, who you've never heard of before? Toast. This is the Transformers version of ''Star Trek's'' infamous [[wikipedia:redshirt_syndrome|redshirt syndrome]].

* This approach was particularly common in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)#UK comics|UK comics]]. Characters created specifically so they could be killed off include Wrecker leader [[Impactor]], Autobot/zombie food [[Chuffer]], Tailgate's Autobot trainee buddies/mutant fodder [[Subsea]] and [[Flattop (Autobot)|Flattop]], and the sixth member of the "Magnificent Six", [[Stampede]].

* The US comics also used this approach on occasion, as with [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]'s poignantly adorable buddy [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]].

* The ''Energon'' cartoon introduced [[Padlock]], whose purpose was to die at [[Shockblast (Energon)|Shockblast]]'s hands, proving motivation for toy-character [[Wing Saber]].

* ''Animated'' chucked in [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] so Ratchet could have a tragic past where he failed to save someone. (And ''then'' she got a toy!)

* The [[Transformers Animated (Titan)|Animated comic]] wants to do a story arc about an Autobot who's really a spy and then have him killed. Quick, [[Afterburn|make someone up]]!

* ''[[Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron|Exodus]]'' invents hordes of characters solely to populate the story with casualties while preserving the classic characters: [[Chromatron]], [[Gauntlet]], [[Halogen]], [[Drixco]], [[Revo]], [[Catalycon]], and dozens of other unnamed Autobots, Decepticons and [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s.

{{-}}

===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 toy of that character.

[[Image:Inferno dies agenda2.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Only a flesh wound!]]

* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] has been resurrected [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|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 in ''Generation 2'' brought him into his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#G2Hero|Hero]] toy form.

* The Japanese killed off Optimus (or "Convoy" as they called him) in [[The Headmasters (cartoon)|''The Headmasters'']]. A few years later, they not only brought him back with a new toy {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)}}, the ''entire franchise'' for that year was called [[Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]].

* 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. Hasbro wanted him brought back in the first minutes of the season premiere, but the writers managed to convince them that it would be better to do so at the ''end'' of the two-episode story.

* 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.

* Pretty much ''nobody'' could successfully die in the [[Energon (cartoon)|''Energon'' cartoon]]. [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], [[Wing Saber|Wing Dagger]], and [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] all die and/or are resurrected from the dead during the course of the show.

* [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] still had toys out in 2008. The [[bio]] for All Spark-Enhanced Autobot Jazz states he was brought back from near-death by the All Spark and is "more powerful than ever". Voila, Jazz comes back from the dead thanks to the All Spark in Titan's tie-in comic! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}} Optimus even uses the ''term'' "Autobot Jazz" in a later issue... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}}

{{-}}

===Untouchables===

[[Image:Armorhide_drawhisfire.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Really, they could just stand there making rude noises at Starscream.]]

Obviously, if a character ''does'' have a current toy (or soon will), they're not going to die, even if the plot or common sense indicates they should.

* [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] had betrayed [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] to the Maximals, ruining his greatest shot at victory. As he declared, "There will be no more betrayals!", she would pay the price: being knocked into stasis lock so the Maximals could fix her and she could stay on their team. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}}

* Megatron himself was in a prime position to be terminated, as were the Maximals later on, in "[[The Weak Component]]". Since this was only episode 6 and everyone had toys out, the cast politely agreed not to take this opportunity to end a brutal war for the planet.

* Titan's Movie strip was moved to an alternate universe, where you'd [[Rhythms of Darkness!|expect nobody to be safe from death]]. However, most of the cast had toys out, so whether it was a desperate guerrilla fight against Decepticon occupation, the rise of [[Unicron]], a [[Decepticon Civil War]], or the final battle, very few characters bought it. The big exception was [[Divebomb (Movie)|Divebomb]], dying in his first story, but he didn't have a toy in the UK, so he was [[Furmanism|surplus to requirements]].

==Notable exceptions==
There are, however, a few notable exception to the To Sell Toys effect:

===Toys not released in the relevant market===

[[Image:Swoopg1marvelukfirst.jpg|right|200px|thumb|YOU CAN'T HAVE ME.]]

Occasionally the ''Transformers'' fiction released in a particular country features characters whose toys were not released in that country. The Marvel UK comic featured two variants of this phenomenon:

* Characters inherited from the US strips. Some, such as [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] and the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]], were given fairly prominent roles in the US stories reprinted in the UK comic and so it was hard to ignore them completely in the UK originated material despite their toys not being around to need advertising. However the decision to develop the Predacons (even before their US appearances were reprinted), to have entire storylines focusing on Swoop, and also to keep Shockwave in continuity even after he'd been (supposedly) killed off in the US comic goes beyond this.

* Characters not featured in the US strips. Bizarrely the UK comic also made use of some characters such as [[Roadbuster]], [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], [[Chop Shop]] and [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], despite their toys not being available on UK toy shelves. None of these characters were inherited from the US material.

Writer [[Simon Furman]] has since stated that when writing the stories he was generally unaware of which toys were unavailable in the UK: "We largely took our cue from what characters were being introduced into the US storyline. If there was a release schedule for the toys in the UK, we rarely saw it... But in the case of Swoop and the Predacons, I don't think I was consciously aware (at the time) that we were dealing with toys not generally available in the UK. They were just extant characters, and therefore fair game." <ref>[http://transfans.co.uk/interviews_furman.php TransFans.net - Interviews: Simon Furman - Part 1 'The Past'].</ref>

This would happen again with Titan, as foreign exclusives palled around with UK-available toys.

{{-}}

===Post-Marvel comics===
[[Image:Infiltration 1b.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Hey, Runamuck, it's our first appearance on a comic book cover in twenty years!" "Heh heh, now if only we could appear on toy store shelves..."]]

Both [[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., ''[[The War Within]]'' and ''[[Escalation (IDW)|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 only recently had a toy on shelves after twenty 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, had stated on IDW's forums that Hasbro does not dictate what comics IDW must make ("Nope, no dictates at all from Hasbro. We put the plan together, send to them for approval.").<ref>http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=69377</ref> By the time of ''All Hail Megatron'', however, the ''Universe'' line came out and Hasbro asked IDW to start using some of those designs. <ref>[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=102461&sid=2298445cdfba342643da80282a95cc7a#102461 Guido reveals the Hasbro request]</ref> This practice seems to have been thrown out for the new Ongoing title.

===''Timelines'' Firestar/Flareup===
During the development of the [[BotCon]] [[Descent into Evil]] set, it was found out that the name "[[Firestar]]" could not be used due to trademark reasons. As such, the toy that would've been her was assigned a new identity as [[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]]. [[Ben Yee]] at first wanted to mention in her [[bio]] that Firestar had died, but refrained from doing so because of "fear Hasbro would not appreciate [him] "killing" one of their characters in any way".<ref>[http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/timelines/descent/flareup Flareup toy notes at BWTF.com]</ref>

==Footnotes==
<references/>

[[Category:Toys]]

Obsidian (BM)

2010-09-09T18:54:00Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|vehicon|decepticon|unicron|autobot|predacon}}
{{disambig2|the Beast Machines Vehicon and the Universe Decepticon|the Robots in Disguise Decepticon|Obsidian (RID)}}
:''Obsidian is a [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] from the [[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ObsidianDJart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"I love the smell of napalm in the morning."]]
'''Obsidian''' and his consort [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] have fought for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in countless battles... and won them all. Though he is sophisticated and canny, able to concoct strategies with layers upon layers, his purpose is single-minded. He defends Cybertron.

There is some fine print. Whoever happens to be in charge, whether a benevolent or malevolent force, in his reasoning, ''is'' Cybertron. Once power changes hands, so does he. He is loyal only to the planet, and perhaps his consort Strika, not to any moral ideals. As his fellow [[Vehicon general]] [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] has remarked, "If you're loyal to everybody, can you really be loyal to anybody?"... a question that has given Obsidian pause.

While he was pretending to be dumber-even-than-[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], his [[activation code]] (and, indeed, his entire vocabulary) was "obliterate". He dropped the word when the ruse was over.

In an alternate universe, Obsidian was a former [[Autobot]] who rose to overthrow [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and take over Cybertron, only to be abducted by [[Unicron]] to serve as his [[Minion of Unicron|Minion]].

{{note|Obsidian has been variously credited as a former [[Autobot]] or as a former [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]].<ref>While most other sources hint at or outright declare him having once been an Autobot, ''[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]'' calls Obsidian "one of the most feared and deadly Predacon warrior-generals from Cybertron's past."</ref>}}

==Fiction==
===''Beast Wars'' cartoon continuity===
====Intimidation Game====
:''Voice Actor:'' [[Paul Dobson]] (English)

The Tripredacus agent [[Flamewar]] was held prisoner and interrogated by a group of [[Autobot|Autobots]] and [[Maximal|Maximals]] which included Obsidian. However, it transpired that the questioning was merely a test of suitability by the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insurrectionist [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], and the entity appearing to be Obsidian was in fact a disguised [[Buzz Saw]]. {{storylink|Intimidation Game}}

{{note|This story, if it is meant to be part of ''Beast Wars'' continuity, would be somewhere around the beginning of the [[Pax Cybertronia]]. However, it is tied directly to "[[Descent into Evil]]", which has been declared out-of-continuity by [[Pete Sinclair|one of its creators]]. Take that [[Authorial intent|as you will]].}}

====''Beast Machines'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Paul Dobson]] (English), [[Masaya Onosaka]] (Japanese), [[Dário de Castro]] (Brazil)

[[Image:Sparkwar1-itsatrap.jpg|left|thumb|250px|]]

Tired of the Maximals using his world as a playground and getting fed up with Thrust's inability to handle them, Megatron selected two Sparks to be his new generals. When Thrust first saw Obsidian and Strika, he remarked "Very nice, boss. Very very nice." However, the feeling wasn't mutual, as Thrust discovered when he started to inform the new guys of their enemies—and was batted away by Obsidian, bouncing off the wall and sliding to a halt at his "feet".

[[Image:Sparkwar1-thrustthinkshestheboss.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"They are mere Mini-cons in Maximal armor!"]]

Obsidian was quick to act against the Maximals, ambushing [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] and [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]] with Strika. Screaming "Obliterate!" repeatedly, he pursued Silverbolt but was tackled by [[Optimus Primal]], sending both crashing into the ground. When Optimus tried to reason with him, Obsidian merely fired at him and transformed, escaping into the city. He rendezvoused with Strika and let the Maximals into a trap, as hundred of drones modeled after the two generals surrounded them. Transforming to robot mode, Obsidian remarked "Although he took his name from a great leader, Optimus Primal never learned the first rule of warfare: NEVER underestimate your opponent." The Maximals were able to escape the trap, but found all of their escape routes blocked by drones, [[Rattrap]] surprised at the number of drones and Optimus realizing that it wasn't number but tactics; their new opponents were master strategists. Forced to barricade themselves inside the Counsel Citadel, Primal realized that they had been herded there, at which point Obsidian contacted him and offered the Maximals the chance to surrender themselves. Revealing who he and Strika were, Obsidian informed Optimus that "Megatron IS Cybertron. To defend one is to defend the other. And to betray Megatron is to invite death." Despite their advantage, Obsidian and Strika were unable to capture the Maximals due to [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]]'s timely arrival, disrupting the drones' targeting systems and allowing the Maximals to escape. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike}}

[[Image:Obsidianbm.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Obsidian, LA Nails spokes-bot.]]

Obsidian's next major move was against [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and Silverbolt. Sent to a shell yard by Megatron and told to wait for the Maximals (as Megatron had sent Optimus a flash about the Sparks and their possible locations, which of course was a trap), Obsidian attacked the trio, outgunning and outflanking them easily. However, a power core thrown by Cheetor was hit by a shot from one of Obsidian's drones even as he was desperately telling them to cease fire, causing a huge explosion that sent him and his drones flying away in a fiery shockwave. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search}}

When Megatron began to enact his plan for the Sparks, Obsidian and Strika were stationed to watch over the ground and air around the BFH. While he didn't get to do much personally, Obsidian attempted to engage Savage/Noble in single combat, only to have one of his own drones smacked into him and then Strika thrown into him. Ouch. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege}}

After Megatron's seeming destruction, the generals were at a loss. Without a leader they had no purpose, and when Cheetor and Nightscream approached them with an offer to join the Maximals they accepted, much to Thrust's annoyance. A possessed Jet Drone suddenly attacked both the generals and the Maximals, destroying the drones that were present. Obsidian and Strika did not join Cheetor and Nightscream in the fight against the Jet Drone (wusses). Later, Optimus welcomed the two to the group and sent them to patrol the inside of the [[Grand Mal]], where they unsuccessfully tried to stop Megatron's depolarized Spark from entering. After Megatron was re-polarized and bonded to a Diagnostic Drone, Obsidian and Strika seized him and made their escape, pledging their loyalty to evil once again. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}

[[Image:Endgame2-floaters.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hey, it's the sun! Holy crap.]]

The conflict came to a head when Megatron began an all-out attack on his former base, seeking to reclaim the Sparks. Obsidian fell victim to Rattrap's identity scrambler, destroying several of his own troops before realizing his mistake. He later returned to his main fleet that was attacking the BFH, but they were unable to penetrate the shields. That changed when Megatron found a device Rattrap used to send Botanica back to the surface—a shield harmonic device synchronized to the base's shields. Obsidian and Strika were then able to fire through the shields and destroy the base's drive units, sending it plummeting into the Citadel. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral}}

After repairing and placing his troops, Obsidian began a second attack on the Grand Mal with Strika and Thrust. Taking down the shields and defeating several Maximals, the trio were left with only Cheetor in their way. However, the Maximal led them into the engine room, where he brought the anti-gravity generators online and sent Obsidian and Strika into Cybertron's orbit. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall}}

===''Universe: Featuring the Wreckers''===
Though marooned in orbit, Strika and Obsidian were otherwise undamaged and were able to serve Cybertron once more. When the [[Quintesson]]s invaded technorganic Cybertron one week after the [[Great Reformatting]], Obsidian rewired an orbiting monitoring station for combat, while Strika used its artillery to take down an impressive target. The Quintesson ship ''[[Paradigm]]'' was destroyed in low orbit over [[Polyhex]]. Strika and Obsidian turned their attentions to the planetary defense grid. Though they had faith in the Maximals below, as they ''had'' bested even ''them'', the two still served the lofty goal of protecting Cybertron from invaders. {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}

===''Universe'' CD-ROM===
[[Image:UnivCDROM TractorBeam.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Whee.]]
On an alternate Cybertron, Obsidian fought alongside the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], [[Reptilion|Reptillion]] {{sic}}, and [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] against [[Optimus Primal]] and his Autobots. One of these battles—the most violent of that year—was interrupted by a mysterious ship that sucked those Decepticons up on beams of light and sped away. None of the combatants realized that it was taking its captives to Unicron for use in a massive army. {{storylink|Universe CD-ROM|Universe CD-ROM}}

{{note|This comic shows no signs of being intended to mesh with other ''Universe'' fiction. There are inconsistencies in many of its elements, but given that ''Universe'' is entirely ABOUT alternate dimensions, it could still be a side note to the [[Universe war|greater storyline]]. Obsidian is one of the [[Tankor (BM)|few]] [[Razorclaw (Universe)|characters]] who could conceivably be the same ones who show up in the main ''Universe'' comic, but it is up to the reader to decide if that's the case.}}

===''Universe'' comic===
[[Image:KnowthatIamRazorclaw.jpg|left|300px|thumb|A universe where I cannot spell "possibilities"!]]
In a parallel universe, the Predacon Megatron "decimated" Cybertron's population by capturing their [[Spark|sparks]], including the vaunted Autobot general Obsidian. (It is unknown whether this literally means he only got one-tenth of the Cybertronians.) When Megatron gave him a new, helicopter-based body, Obsidian hid his thirst for revenge behind a feigned loyalty. He conspired with the brute Tankor, eventually using the latter's raw strength to carry out Megatron's termination. The vain Obsidian, now an "ex-Autobot," supplanted the Predacon's rule with an iron-fisted tyranny of his own. With his enforcer Tankor at his side, he put down uprisings and held the planet in fear... until Unicron decided that such a mindset would serve his own purposes, and he pulled them out of their universe entirely.<ref>Obsidian's [[bio]] in [[Escape (issue)|''Transformers Universe'' #2]]</ref>

Unicron, his ruined form trapped between dimensions, sought to revitalize himself by pitting abducted [[Transformer|Transformers]] against each other within his own body, absorbing their [[energon radiation]] and, eventually, sparks. But Obsidian was spared this fate, instead overseeing the [[Cauldron|deathmatch arena]] along with Tankor, Razorclaw, Reptilion, and [[Striker]]. [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]], one of the intended victims, recognized Obsidian. Obsidian confirmed the familiarity, but noted that in his and Tankor's own timeline, Silverbolt had "[[Furmanism|died screaming]]." {{storylink|Abduction}} (Notably, by this time Obsidian's allegiance had fully switched to "Decepticon,"<ref>Tankor's bio, ibid.</ref> though it's unclear if this was before or after his coming under the thrall of Unicron.)

[[Image:Optimusprimaluniverseend.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Dunk tank!]]
Two others from Silverbolt's party, [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], were scheduled for an immediate duel within the Cauldron, and Obsidian tossed them their weapons. Sideswipe tried to turn on his captor, but his punch was repelled by Reptilion's machinery. As Sideswipe was punished, Obsidian reassured them that over time, all "remaining veneer of civilisation" would be stripped from them. For all his boasting and accomplishments, though, Obsidian still did a pretty crappy job of keeping [[Optimus Primal]] from freeing Silverbolt and dozens of other captives. He was no where to be seen as Optimus Primal battled Razorclaw, and showed up to pursue the fleeing captives, along with the other generals, only after they had left the Cauldron.

However, [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]] opted to stay behind with the generals, as [[Unicron virus|Unicron's influence]] had corrupted them. Obsidian and Tankor escorted Blackarachnia to Unicron's core, where she was reunited with [[Tarantulas]]. {{storylink|Escape (issue)|Escape}}

{{note|[[3H Productions]] lost the license, and so this story was never finished as intended. However, a look into the end of ''Universe'' was shown in a comic published by the next licensee, [[Fun Publications]].}}

Much later, Optimus Primal waged one last desperate assault against Unicron, and his [[Children of Primus]] were able to defeat the [[Minions of Unicron]]. As Unicron himself seemed to dissolve below them, Obsidian and [[Nemesis Strika]] were left to their doom. {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
While Obsidian and Strika were agreeing to side with the Maximals, after Megatron's apparent death, Megatron's spark animated an [[Sonic Attack Jet|Aero drone]] body. Unimpressed with their duplicity, Megatron cut off their access to their drone armies and opened fire on them. {{storylink|Singularity Ablyss}}

==Toys==
===Beast Machines===
[[Image:BM Obsidian-Hasbrotoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb| Your farewell will be forever, brother!]]
* '''Obsidian''' (Basic, 2000)
**''Accessories'': 2 rotors

:A Basic-price point toy in the ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' line, Obsidian transforms into a twin-rotor assault helicopter vaguely similar to an Osprey. His cockpit in helicopter mode is multi-jointed to allow it movement to look around, the Vehicons' toy aesthetic being "living vehicles". The cockpit's "eyes" further enhance the effect. The two rotor blades are pressure-launch projectiles. His nominal robot "flight" mode keeps his tail section together but curled up below him (as in the show), but the tail section can split up to form a pair of "normal" legs as well. His orange spark crystal is located on the robot mode's back.

:The same mold is used by ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Obsidian (RID)|Obsidian]]. A hand-painted mock-up of the mold was presented as a proposed [[Wrecker|Wreckers]] [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]] as a future [[BotCon]] exclusive, but was never produced.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Vehicon/Obsidian/obsidian.htm More information on Beast Machines Obsidian at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2pack}}
[[Image:BM-toy ObsidianQuickstrike2pack.jpg|right|thumb|200px| You lost the right to call me brother long ago!]]
*'''Obsidian''' / '''Quickstrike''' (2-pack, 2000)
**''Accessories'': 2 rotors

:Obsidian was also available in a two-pack with the [[Maximal]] [[Quickstrike (BM)|Quickstrike]]. Both toys are actually on their original individual cards, but packed within a thick cardboard backing with "Beast Machines 2 Pack" printed on it. It is currently unknown what venue this set came out at, though it is most likely a wholesale club release from [[Sam's Club]] or [[Costco]].

{{-}}

===Universe===
[[Image:Universe2003toy-TankorObsidian.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Oh, fine, everyone immediately recognize your old enemy Tankor, but does anyone think I'm the dashing Rotorbolt? No!]]
*'''Tankor & Obsidian''' (Ultra, 2003)
**''Accessories'': 2 rotors

: Part of the second wave of ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Ultras, this [[redeco]] of the ''Beast Machines'' Obsidian toy was only available with his larger partner [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. The toy features the "energon surge" paint deco most of the early ''Universe'' toys featured.

: This toy's coloration is not ''too'' far from the proposed colors for the unmade [[Wrecker]] [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]] (save the "energon surge" deco, of course). As such, many fans use him as a substitute for the haughty Predacon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Decepticon/Obsidian/obsidian.htm More information on Universe Obsidian at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Beast Wars Returns===
[[Image:BM Obsidian-BWRtoy.jpg|right|250px|" Before..."|thumb|]]
*'''Vehicon Obsidian''' (Basic, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-14'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 rotors

:In 2005 the toy was [[redeco]]ed and released as part of the Japanese Toys 'R' Us [[exclusive]] ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' series, the Japanese version of ''Beast Machines''. Having been produced several years after the cartoon was, this version had a deco considerably more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] than the original, but still not quite there, physical differences between the mold and show model regardless.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* At one point Obsidian was planned to have a deluxe toy that would be more [[Show accuracy|show-accurate]]. Sadly, this toy never made it past pre-production. (Rotorbolt was originally going to be a BotCon exclusive redeco of this mold, explaining why he was drawn to match Obsidian's show appearance in the Wreckers comics rather than the Basic toy.)

* Story editor [[Bob Skir]] wanted to depict Obsidian and Strika's return to Cybertron after the reformatting wave hit in the last episode, making them the only two purely mechanical beings remaining. They would refuse reformatting into techno-organic forms, seeing being in their normal bodies as punishment for their misguided actions. However, this never made it into the series.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Minions of Unicron]]
[[Category:Predacons]]
[[Category:Rulers of Cybertron]]
[[Category:Turncoats]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Vehicons]]

Variant

2010-08-31T15:25:40Z

Gargunkle:

[[Image:G1 Bumblebee Cliffjumper Red Yellow.jpg|thumb|right|310px|Wait till you see what crazy colors other countries got.]]
A '''variant''' is a product, usually a toy (in recent years, also often a comic), that is available in more than one version, but is technically considered the "same" product from a manufacturing standpoint. Each version differs from the other(s) in one or more ways. The exact definition of a variant is not cut-and-dry and varies from person to person. Though a variant is generally different from a [[redeco]] or re-release, even that line is blurry in some cases.

The distinction between an error and a variant is equally unclear: A variant is something that someone might want; an error is something people usually don't want. However, if the error becomes widespread, some people might start considering it a genuine variant. Generally, a variant does require some quantity of each version: Isolated one-of-a-kind freak incidents are not variants.

There are several possible causes for variants: In some instances, the manufacturer creates variants on purpose with the intention to sell more product to completists; in other cases, a variation is the result of an effort to improve the product by altering it in some way in the middle of its production run, with some quantities of the unaltered version having been produced (and possibly already distributed) before the alteration was implemented. This is also referred to as a "'''running change'''". In some drastic cases, errors have been found during [[quality control]] which then have to be corrected. Sometimes these changes aren't even a conscious decision, but the by-product of subtle changes in the manufacturing process, minor differences in the materials used for different batches of the production run, etc. In the case of toys, variants aren't just limited to the toys themselves, but can also occur with their packaging or the paperwork included.

Many collectors enjoy finding variants. It can be fun to discover some difference in two supposedly-identical toys, and some differences are quite major. Some collectors make a hobby of collecting all variants of a particular toy, which can lead to impecunious insanity if this toy is one like [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Ultra Magnus]].

==Collector-incentive variants==
[[Image:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Buy me twice!]]Companies want to sell their products. Sometimes they try to sell multiples of the same product to the same buyer. One way to achieve this is by offering variants:
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)#Generation 1 2|Cliffjumper]] were both available in yellow and red versions well into the 1985 assortments. According to former [[Hasbro]] R&D Vice President [[George Dunsay]], this was a conscious decision to "make the line look bigger".<ref name="dunsay">[http://www.tfarchive.com/fandom/interviews/george_dunsay/george_dunsay_interview.php Interview with George Dunsay at TFArchive.com]</ref> Less clear is the case of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]], an entirely different sculpt who was also sold in "Cliffjumper" packaging.
*[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] has offered quite a few simultaneously released variants of ''Transformers'' toys, usually marketed as such. Sometimes they are just color swaps using the same [[paint operation|paint mask]]s and [[tampograph]]s, while occasionaly, they are outright simultaneously released [[redeco]]s:
**''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Smokescreen]] and his retool "Smokescreen GT" were both available in two slightly different decos, with two different driver-specific sets of decals each, based on the real-life rally cars the toys were based on. Similarily, ''Binaltech'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators|Meister]] was available in both white and red versions, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] was even available with [[mold]] differences, as a black and white police car including a lightbar and as a blue civilian vehicle with a different rear spoiler. [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|Tracks]] was also available in yellow and blue versions, but the blue version was released months after the yellow one and shipped all by itself, unlike the other ''Binaltech'' variants, each of which shipped in mixed [[case]]s.
[[Image:G1 Vol.1 Issue1 all covers.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Buy me six times!]]
**Similarily, ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Ramble]] was simultaneously available in red, blue and yellow versions.
**Also, let's not forget the [[chase figure]]s from various [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] assortments like ''[[Micromaster Collection]]'' or the [[JUSCO]] [[exclusive]] [[Spy Changer]]s.
*Sometimes stores also get [[exclusive]] variants of toys that include bonus non-toy accessories, such as DVDs (e.g. ''Cybertron'' Deluxes at [[Walmart]]), posters (e.g. ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' Deluxe "preview figures" at Walmart) or comic books (e.g. ''Movie'' [[Unleashed]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Merchandise|Bumblebee]] at [[Kmart]]). Occasionally the exclusive version is released in redesigned packaging (arguably making it a different product, see below), but not always.
*While '''variant covers''' have been a common staple in the comic book industry since the early 1990s, usually reserved for the first issue of a new series or special occasions (issue numbers like 500, 333 etc., major story-based events), both the late [[Dreamwave Productions]] and current ''Transformers'' comic publisher [[IDW Publishing]] took the concept to the max, with nearly ''every single'' ''Transformers'' comic published to date having been released with more than one cover.

==Market-specific variants==
[[Image:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Buy my superior deco!]]
Sometimes a toy is available in different versions in different markets. This mostly affects the toys' packaging, but differences between the toys themselves can also happen:
*The most common difference is between [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] versions of a toy. These can range to minor differences in the plastic colors, to different plastic color layouts, different [[paint operation|paint masks]], different [[tampograph]]s and fully-blown different decos.
*Material differences can also occur, such as the [[die-cast]] metal parts used for Takara's ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toys versus Hasbro's mostly-plastic ''Alternators'' versions, ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]'s Japanese version sporting rubber tires instead of the Hasbro version's plastic wheels, or the soft, flexible plastic used for [[for safety reasons|pointy parts]] on Hasbro's toys in the place of the harder plastic used on Takara's versions. (See also [[unpaintable plastic]].)
*In some cases there are even [[mold]] differences, such as some ''Binaltech'' toys having their steering wheels on the right side of their dashboards, whereas Hasbro's ''Alternators'' usually had the steering wheel on the right side. In addition, Hasbro's [[Windcharger (G1)#Alternators|Windcharger]] lacked the long gun barrel his ''Binaltech'' counterpart [[Overdrive#Binaltech|Overdrive]] came with, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] sported several changes with his car shell reflecting the differences between the real-life Acura RSX (''Alternators'' Prowl) and the Honda Integra Type R (''Binaltech'' Prowl).
[[Image:UniRedAlertThreeVersions.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Buy me in different countries!]]
*Packaging differences can range from "Hasbro-derived packaging with additional stickers for the Japanese market" ([[USA Edition]]s, ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toys) to entirely different Japanese packaging for the Takara versions. Likewise, Japanese toys traditionally come with their own (oftentimes superior) [[instructions]].
*Hasbro themselves also have packaging differences between different markets: Whereas the United States market (as well as Australia, New Zealand and some other English-speaking countries) typically gets toys in English-only packaging, Canada and Central/South America are stuck with English/French/Spanish [[Multilingual packaging|trilingual packaging]] and instructions, and [[Europe]] has to deal with an increasing number of languages on their packaging (currently twelve), and even ''more'' in the accompanying instructions.
*The European versions also replaced the US versions' [[package art]] with [[stock photography|stock photos]] of the toys themselves for undisclosed reasons between the tail end of ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and the launch of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' and the second ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line.
[[Image:UltimateBattleUSEuro.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Buy me in another country without extras!]]
*Packaging shapes and sizes can also differ between markets, such as the smaller, DVD-less European version of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' "Ultimate Battle" two-pack or the smaller ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging Australia got.
*Toys may even be distributed in packaging attributed to different [[franchise]]s on different Hasbro markets: For example, the original ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line's [[Micromaster]] [[combiner]] waves (originally [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]]s in the USA) were released in ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' ([[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]) and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' ([[Railbot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]) packaging on European markets, but retained the same product code numbers. More complicated are the [[Superion (G1)#Universe (2008)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus (G1)#Universe (2008)|Bruticus Maximus]] combiner giftsets that were originally intended for the second ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line and were released on some markets (Australia, Singapore) in intended-for-the-US-market ''Universe'' packaging, but were released in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging in the USA. Since the ''Revenge'' versions sported different product codes than their ''Universe'' counterparts, this raises the question whether they are to be considered "packaging variants" or different products (see below).
*Name variants mostly exist between Hasbro and Takara versions of toys; however, in the 1980s and 1990s, [[Generation 1 (European toyline)|European]] releases could even have different names on the toys' packaging for different markets (such as the [[Turbomaster]]s aka "Cannonmasters" and the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]]s). This practice has been abandoned with the introduction of uniform multilingual European packaging.

==Running changes==
When companies come up with a way to slightly tweak and improve their product, they sometimes do so in the middle of the production run. This creates "running change" variants, but as far as the company is concerned, the later version is usually considered the "superior" product that is supposed to "replace" the earlier, "inferior" version. This can be an improved tooling of a toy, allowing for more stability of joints or pegs or higher plastic tolerances improving the toy's [[articulation]]; it can be minor changes to the coloration or deco, occasionally in an attempt to make the toy more [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]]; or it can be limited to the packaging and/or paperwork included with the toy.

Sometimes the changes of a toy's colors are very noticeable, suggesting other intentions than cosmetic improvements.
===Tooling===
*Many ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' toys were available both with and without [[rubsign]] indents.
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] had [[retool|retooled]] fist [[Peg|holes]] so that he could better hold his [[Weapon|gun]].
*[[Transmetal]] [[Rattrap]]'s neck-hinge was retooled to include a "catch" that keeps his head upright better in robot mode.
*The first [[wave]] containing ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Bluestreak#Alternators|Silverstreak]] had the toy sport its steering wheel on the right side of the dashboard, a carry-over from the Japanese ''Binaltech'' release of the toy. Subsequent shipments replaced the interior with the tooling from its (earlier released) [[retool]] [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators|Smokescreen]], with the steering wheel on the left side.
*''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s air scoop on the roof of his car mode was made a touch bigger after the first half of his run when it was found that the [[rubsign]] did not fit on top of the scoop itself. Classics [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] was made from the bigger air scoop [[mold]], as were [[BotCon]] 2007's [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] and Classics Bumblebee from the [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] ''[[Movie (toyline) |Movie]]'' "Legacy of Bumblebee" three-pack.
*''Movie'' [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class|Deluxe Class Classic Camaro Bumblebee]] saw two changes to his mold during its production run: The initial version had even tabs on its [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]] gimmick; the first modification saw that changed to an uneven tab, which frequently caused the gimmick to break, which in turn resulted in the toy refusing to stay in its [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]; and the second modification, which was only available with the UK [[exclusive]] "Towed to Safety" two-pack with [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and with the more widely available "Evolution of a Hero" two-pack with Concept Camaro Bumblebee, saw the addition of another small tab which fixed the gimmick's fragility.<ref name="moviebbtab">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38149 Comparison photos for all three tab variants of Movie Bumblebee's Automorph gimmick.]</ref> All three versions are, by definition, "variants", since they were intentional changes on behalf of the factory; but since the intermediate version worsened the toy, not all fans interested in collecting variants would want it.

===Materials===
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Ultra Magnus]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] were all originally available with rubber tires, while later shipments saw them replaced with plastic wheels. In addition, the first version of Rodimus Prime had toes made of [[die-cast]] metal, which were also replaced with plastic toes on the later version, and the second version of Metroplex replaced the [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] legs with flat white plastic legs.
*Some ''Generation 1'' [[Scramble City]]-style [[Combiner]] components were alternatively available with metal parts or in all-plastic versions.

===Colors and deco===
[[Image:Movie legends ratchet colorvariants.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Ignore the left one! Buy the right one!]]
*The ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Grimlock]], [[Snarl (G1)#Generation 2 2|Snarl]] and [[Slag (G1)#Generation 2 2|Slag]] were all available in three different color variants, each released in sequence.
*The ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] toys [[Dinobot II]] and [[Prowl II|Prowl]] were some of Hasbro's early attempts at same-character [[redeco]]s: The first few [[wave]]s featured Dinobot in a bone-tan and purple coloration, whereas Prowl was white, turquoise, and red; several waves in, Dinobot's colors were changed to bright white with blue, and Prowl was now black, blue, and red. Neither toy's packaging made mention of the change, and both toys' packaging retained the same individual SKU rather than having them as completely new releases, as later lines would do with redecos.
*Early shipments of ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Unicron]] also had the toy still sporting the same colors as the original ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' release, eventually being replaced by an all-new [[redeco]].
*''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Ratchet]] was originally released in a very saturated green color, but later shipments saw his color changed to a lime-ish tone closer to the character's larger Voyager Class toy.
*''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]], [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] and [[Scattorshot (ROTF)|Scattorshot]] all had their colors changed to slightly darker tones in later shipments. It's possibly that this change wasn't actually intentional, but just the result of slightly differently mixed colors for the batch.
*Similarily, some toys with [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts were available in slightly different shades, such as ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Seaspray (G1)#Generation 2|Seaspray]] or ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal]] [[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Wars|Optimus Primal]] (both with either "blue" or "purple" parts).

===Packaging and paperwork===
[[Image:EnergonPerceptorPackagingVariant.jpg|right|280px|thumb|''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' is dead! Long live ''[[The Powerlinx Battles]]''!]]
*The [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] ''[[Dinobots (toyline)|Dinobots]]'' mini-line had the name "Swoop" changed to "[[Terranotron (Dinobots)|Terranotron]]" on the toy's character card after initial shipments.
*Similarly, early versions of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] were also available with the "Cybertron Defense" prefix missing on the packaging.
*Lines that run longer than a year often see the introduction of a [[subline imprint]] such as the ''[[The Unicron Battles|Unicron Battles]]'' for ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', the ''[[The Powerlinx Battles|Powerlinx Battles]]'' for ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'', ''[[Primus Unleashed]]'' for ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' or ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' for the [[Movie (toyline)|Movie line]]. This often coincides with a slight change of the packaging design. Sometimes, toys originally released before the packaging design change will also be available in the new design.
*The packaging ''size'' can also change. For example, some ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Mini-Con]] two-packs were also available in slightly smaller packaging at [[Walmart]] stores. Likewise, ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging was severely shrunk down for the Australian market following [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Human Alliance|Bumblebee's]] initial release, with a running change for Bumblebee himself.
*Some toys were available alternatively packaged in robot or [[alternate mode]]. Examples include the 1984 ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]] for the 1985 lineup, or assorted ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Voyager Class toys. In the latter case, the packaging's orientation was also flipped sideways to keep the same dimensions. (However, most of those alternate versions have never actually been found in stores, so they may have simply been [[prototype#packaging|packaging samples]] to test out alternate in-package presentations.)
{{-}}

==Variants from gang-molding==
In some rare cases, toys that were [[gang-molding|gang-molded]] with other toys were available in unintentional variants when the toys they were gang-molded with were [[redeco]]ed for a subsequent [[wave]]:
*The ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]] [[Gearhead]] and [[Motormouth]] were both available with either clear or solid plastic parts. The clear plastic parts corresponded with the clear car shells of their wave-mates [[Firecracker]] and [[Blowout]], the solid plastic parts with the car shells of Go-Bot [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]] (redecos of Firecracker and Blowout, respectively).

==Borderline cases==
===Variant or different product?===
[[Image:CybertronPrimusPackagingComparison.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Buy two of us for exclusive accessories, and the third one for the toy itself!]]
Following ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II]] and [[Prowl II|Prowl]], [[Hasbro]] decided to become more straightforward about same-character [[redeco]]s, which have been treated as separate products since then:
*The "new style" redecos of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[X-Brawn]] sported different product code numbers, as did the red and yellow versions of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]].
*Likewise, the limited edition version of ''Cybertron'' [[Primus]] with the [[Unicron]] head accessory also had different product code and assortment numbers than the regular, bonus-free release, as did the re-releases of ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators|Meister]] and [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|Autobot Tracks]] in the new "bubble" style packaging.
*The same applies to store exclusive versions of toys containing "Bonus" figures such as [[Mini-Con]]s or [[Legends Class]] toys. Officially, they are separate products; but some collectors might consider them "variants".
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Buy me again for less money!]]
*Furthermore, various ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toys were re-released in [[rebranding|rebranded]] ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging as "Dollar store" exclusives, again sporting different product code numbers than their initial releases.
*The [[Target]]-exclusive ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]] [[combiner]] giftsets sported different product code numbers than their ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' counterparts released in Australia and Singapore, though the Target versions ''were'' originally intended to be released in ''Universe'' packaging as well. (One might argue that the different-franchise packaging makes them different [[character]]s, though chances are the marketing department didn't put nearly as much thought into this as fans do.)
*On the other hand, there's things like the re-release of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] in ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging ([[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]) five years after his ''Armada'' release, but sporting the same product code number (the fact that he sports minor color differences compared to the ''Armada'' version doesn't help either).
*Similarly, several ''[[Alternators]]'' toys ([[Bluestreak#Alternators|Silverstreak]], [[Swindle (G1)#Alternators|Swindle]]) were re-released in Europe in the new "bubble" style packaging or were ''only'' released in that packaging style ([[Shockwave (G1)#Alternators|Shockblast]], [[Decepticharge#Alternators|Decepticharge]], [[Dead End (G1)#Alternators|Dead End]]), even though they were only released in one of the earlier packaging styles in the USA. And whereas the bubble-style re-releases in the USA sported different product code and assortment numbers than their previous releases, the Europe-only bubble-style ''Alternators'' sported the same product codes as their original US (and European, in Silverstreak and Swindle's cases) releases. Needless to say, the line between "variant" and "different product" gets very blurry here.
*Probably the most bizarre case were redecos of ''Movie'' [[Legends Class]] [[Jazz (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Jazz]] and [[Barricade (Movie)#Legends Class|Barricade]] (a minor, yet distinct redeco in Jazz's case) that were released in "Allspark Battles" two-packs (possibly part of the ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' [[subline imprint]], based on the similar packaging design) with a new Legends Class sculpt of [[Bonecrusher (Movie)#Legends Class|Bonecrusher]] and Legends [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Bumblebee's]] redeco [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Legends Class|Cliffjumper]] in the USA, respectively. While the two-packs are clearly different products to most collectors, the Jazz and Barricade redecos were released as single packs in Europe, sporting the same product codes as their original releases... even though Barricade not only sported an entirely different deco, but also a modified name, "Recon Barricade".

===Errors===
[[Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|thumb|230px|right|Buy me and fix me!]]
Sometimes running changes do not simply tweak the toys slightly, but are actually intended to fix errors that were caught during [[quality control]], but not until some quantities of the flawed version had already shipped. In some cases the difference between outright "errors" and genuine "variants" is blurry (see the example for ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Ratchet]] above), but even in instances where something is objectively a defect, some collectors still consider the earlier, faulty versions as "variants":
*Considerable quantities of the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Jumpstarter]]s were available with each other's [[Package art|character artwork]] depicted in the [[Tech Spec]]/[[bio]] strips.
*Early shipments of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Deluxe Class Optimus Prime]] (a redeco of the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con Optimus Prime toy) had incorrectly assembled and less-poseable arms, just like the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Battle in a Box]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] release of the sculpt before it. In Prime's case, some people consider the incorrectly assembled version an "error" because it was done unintentionally; others, however, consider it a "variant", because it has been released in considerable quantities, and the later, corrected version was an intentional change.
*The European version of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Scout Class [[Dead End (ROTF)#Scout Class|Dead End]] was initially released with the name "Detour", an early working name of the toy, on the cardboard insert inside the packaging's blister bubble (though the back of the card and the instructions correctly identified him as "Dead End"). Later shipments replaced the cardboard insert with a corrected "Dead End" version.
*While less common, running changes can also occur in comics: The original printing run of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Movie Prequel (2007)|Movie Prequel]]'' [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1]] featured a printing error, with the text captions from page 2 repeated on page 5. The shipment was recalled by IDW, and a second printing run with the error corrected was shipped to retailers. Some fans kept the flawed version of the comic instead of exchanging it for the fixed version, considering it a "variant".

==Not variants==
===An isolated incident does not a variant make===
[[Image:BTAltProwlMisassemblies.jpg|thumb|180px|left|One variant? ''Hundreds''!]]While the errors listed above are considered genuine variants by some collectors, there are lots of other cases where the common consensus is that these are ''not'' variants: Every collector has probably encountered at least one one-of-a-kind freak error over the years ([[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Red Alert]] assembled without a head, a toy lacking some of its [[paint operation]]s etc.). Unless this error affected considerable quantities of the production run, and is found on all specimens of the same toy packed in multiple [[case]]s, this isn't considered a "variant" by the vast majority of the [[fandom]].

Likewise, if a single specimen contains an entirely different toy (or at least an entirely different deco of the toy) than depicted on the packaging, this was most likely done by somebody who didn't want to pay for the toy and thus returned the packaging to the store with another toy inside. This is a case of [[toy swapping]] (simply put, a variety of store theft), and no more a "variant" than a fan-made [[Customizing|custom]]. A genuine ''variant'' requires something to occur at the factory stage.
{{-}}
===Pre-release items===
[[Image:Universe2008 G1Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|200px|right|You can't get it in the market NOW! Woh!!!]]
Pre-release items such as [[prototype]]s, test shots and packaged samples that differ from the final products in sculpt, plastic color, paint, deco or packaging details do not count as "variants" either. True variants only exist between different specimen of officially released and distributed products. So unless the pre-release version has been officially released in some quantities before a running change replaced it with the more common version, it's not a variant. Stolen prototypes do not count.
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.reocities.com/futuristgroup/vquanda.html Fred's Complete American Variants Page] — Very thorough online variant resource.

[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Fandom]]

Variant

2010-08-31T15:04:32Z

Gargunkle: relesed -> released

[[Image:G1 Bumblebee Cliffjumper Red Yellow.jpg|thumb|right|310px|Wait till you see what crazy colors other countries got.]]
A '''variant''' is a product, usually a toy (in recent years, also often a comic), that is available in more than one version, but is technically considered the "same" product from a manufacturing standpoint. Each version differs from the other(s) in one or more ways. The exact definition of a variant is not cut-and-dry and varies from person to person. Though a variant is generally different from a [[redeco]] or re-release, even that line is blurry in some cases.

The distinction between an error and a variant is equally unclear: A variant is something that someone might want; an error is something people usually don't want. However, if the error becomes widespread, some people might start considering it a genuine variant. Generally, a variant does require some quantity of each version: Isolated one-of-a-kind freak incidents are not variants.

There are several possible causes for variants: In some instances, the manufacturer creates variants on purpose with the intention to sell more product to completists; in other cases, a variation is the result of an effort to improve the product by altering it in some way in the middle of its production run, with some quantities of the unaltered version having been produced (and possibly already distributed) before the alteration was implemented. This is also referred to as a "'''running change'''". In some drastic cases, errors have been found during [[quality control]] which then have to be corrected. Sometimes these changes aren't even a conscious decision, but the by-product of subtle changes in the manufacturing process, minor differences in the materials used for different batches of the production run, etc. In the case of toys, variants aren't just limited to the toys themselves, but can also occur with their packaging or the paperwork included.

Many collectors enjoy finding variants. It can be fun to discover some difference in two supposedly-identical toys, and some differences are quite major. Some collectors make a hobby of collecting all variants of a particular toy, which can lead to impecunious insanity if this toy is one like [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Ultra Magnus]].

==Collector-incentive variants==
[[Image:Binaltech Smokescreen Toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Buy me twice!]]Companies want to sell their products. Sometimes they try to sell multiples of the same product to the same buyer. One way to achieve this is by offering variants:
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Bumblebee]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)#Generation 1 2|Cliffjumper]] were both available in yellow and red versions well into the 1985 assortments. According to former [[Hasbro]] R&D Vice President [[George Dunsay]], this was a conscious decision to "make the line look bigger".<ref name="dunsay">[http://www.tfarchive.com/fandom/interviews/george_dunsay/george_dunsay_interview.php Interview with George Dunsay at TFArchive.com]</ref> Less clear is the case of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]], an entirely different sculpt who was also sold in "Cliffjumper" packaging.
*[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] has offered quite a few simultaneously released variants of ''Transformers'' toys, usually marketed as such. Sometimes they are just color swaps using the same [[paint operation|paint mask]]s and [[tampograph]]s, while occasionaly, they are outright simultaneously released [[redeco]]s:
**''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators/Binaltech|Smokescreen]] and his retool "Smokescreen GT" were both available in two slightly different decos, with two different driver-specific sets of decals each, based on the real-life rally cars the toys were based on. Similarily, ''Binaltech'' [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators|Meister]] was available in both white and red versions, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] was even available with [[mold]] differences, as a black and white police car including a lightbar and as a blue civilian vehicle with a different rear spoiler. [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|Tracks]] was also available in yellow and blue versions, but the blue version was released months after the yellow one and shipped all by itself, unlike the other ''Binaltech'' variants, each of which shipped in mixed [[case]]s.
[[Image:G1 Vol.1 Issue1 all covers.jpg|right|220px|thumb|Buy me six times!]]
**Similarily, ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Ramble]] was simultaneously available in red, blue and yellow versions.
**Also, let's not forget the [[chase figure]]s from various [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] assortments like ''[[Micromaster Collection]]'' or the [[JUSCO]] [[exclusive]] [[Spy Changer]]s.
*Sometimes stores also get [[exclusive]] variants of toys that include bonus non-toy accessories, such as DVDs (e.g. ''Cybertron'' Deluxes at [[Walmart]]), posters (e.g. ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' Deluxe "preview figures" at Walmart) or comic books (e.g. ''Movie'' [[Unleashed]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Merchandise|Bumblebee]] at [[Kmart]]). Occasionally the exclusive version is released in redesigned packaging (arguably making it a different product, see below), but not always.
*While '''variant covers''' have been a common staple in the comic book industry since the early 1990s, usually reserved for the first issue of a new series or special occasions (issue numbers like 500, 333 etc., major story-based events), both the late [[Dreamwave Productions]] and current ''Transformers'' comic publisher [[IDW Publishing]] took the concept to the max, with nearly ''every single'' ''Transformers'' comic published to date having been released with more than one cover.

==Market-specific variants==
[[Image:SunstreakerComparison.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Buy my superior deco!]]
Sometimes a toy is available in different versions in different markets. This mostly affects the toys' packaging, but differences between the toys themselves can also happen:
*The most common difference is between [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] versions of a toy. These can range to minor differences in the plastic colors, to different plastic color layouts, different [[paint operation|paint masks]], different [[tampograph]]s and fully-blown different decos.
*Material differences can also occur, such as the [[die-cast]] metal parts used for Takara's ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toys versus Hasbro's mostly-plastic ''Alternators'' versions, ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]'s Japanese version sporting rubber tires instead of the Hasbro version's plastic wheels, or the soft, flexible plastic used for [[for safety reasons|pointy parts]] on Hasbro's toys in the place of the harder plastic used on Takara's versions. (See also [[unpaintable plastic]].)
*In some cases there are even [[mold]] differences, such as some ''Binaltech'' toys having their steering wheels on the right side of their dashboards, whereas Hasbro's ''Alternators'' usually had the steering wheel on the right side. In addition, Hasbro's [[Windcharger (G1)#Alternators|Windcharger]] lacked the long gun barrel his ''Binaltech'' counterpart [[Overdrive#Binaltech|Overdrive]] came with, and [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]] sported several changes with his car shell reflecting the differences between the real-life Acura RSX (''Alternators'' Prowl) and the Honda Integra Type R (''Binaltech'' Prowl).
[[Image:UniRedAlertThreeVersions.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Buy me in different countries!]]
*Packaging differences can range from "Hasbro-derived packaging with additional stickers for the Japanese market" ([[USA Edition]]s, ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toys) to entirely different Japanese packaging for the Takara versions. Likewise, Japanese toys traditionally come with their own (oftentimes superior) [[instructions]].
*Hasbro themselves also have packaging differences between different markets: Whereas the United States market (as well as Australia, New Zealand and some other English-speaking countries) typically gets toys in English-only packaging, Canada and Central/South America are stuck with English/French/Spanish [[Multilingual packaging|trilingual packaging]] and instructions, and [[Europe]] has to deal with an increasing number of languages on their packaging (currently twelve), and even ''more'' in the accompanying instructions.
*The European versions also replaced the US versions' [[package art]] with [[stock photography|stock photos]] of the toys themselves for undisclosed reasons between the tail end of ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and the launch of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' and the second ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line.
[[Image:UltimateBattleUSEuro.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Buy me in another country without extras!]]
*Packaging shapes and sizes can also differ between markets, such as the smaller, DVD-less European version of the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' "Ultimate Battle" two-pack or the smaller ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging Australia got.
*Toys may even be distributed in packaging attributed to different [[franchise]]s on different Hasbro markets: For example, the original ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line's [[Micromaster]] [[combiner]] waves (originally [[KB Toys]] [[exclusive]]s in the USA) were released in ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' ([[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]], [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]) and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' ([[Railbot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]) packaging on European markets, but retained the same product code numbers. More complicated are the [[Superion (G1)#Universe (2008)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus (G1)#Universe (2008)|Bruticus Maximus]] combiner giftsets that were originally intended for the second ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line and were released on some markets (Australia, Singapore) in intended-for-the-US-market ''Universe'' packaging, but were released in ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging in the USA. Since the ''Revenge'' versions sported different product codes than their ''Universe'' counterparts, this raises the question whether they are to be considered "packaging variants" or different products (see below).
*Name variants mostly exist between Hasbro and Takara versions of toys; however, in the 1980s and 1990s, [[Generation 1 (European toyline)|European]] releases could even have different names on the toys' packaging for different markets (such as the [[Turbomaster]]s aka "Cannonmasters" and the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]]s). This practice has been abandoned with the introduction of uniform multilingual European packaging.

==Running changes==
When companies come up with a way to slightly tweak and improve their product, they sometimes do so in the middle of the production run. This creates "running change" variants, but as far as the company is concerned, the later version is usually considered the "superior" product that is supposed to "replace" the earlier, "inferior" version. This can be an improved tooling of a toy, allowing for more stability of joints or pegs or higher plastic tolerances improving the toy's [[articulation]]; it can be minor changes to the coloration or deco, occasionally in an attempt to make the toy more [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]]; or it can be limited to the packaging and/or paperwork included with the toy.

Sometimes the changes of a toy's colors are very noticeable, suggesting other intentions than cosmetic improvements.
===Tooling===
*Many ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' toys were available both with and without [[rubsign]] indents.
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] had [[retool|retooled]] fist [[Peg|holes]] so that he could better hold his [[Weapon|gun]].
*[[Transmetal]] [[Rattrap]]'s neck-hinge was retooled to include a "catch" that keeps his head upright better in robot mode.
*The first [[wave]] containing ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Bluestreak#Alternators|Silverstreak]] had the toy sport its steering wheel on the right side of the dashboard, a carry-over from the Japanese ''Binaltech'' release of the toy. Subsequent shipments replaced the interior with the tooling from its (earlier released) [[retool]] [[Smokescreen (G1)#Alternators|Smokescreen]], with the steering wheel on the left side.
*''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]'s air scoop on the roof of his car mode was made a touch bigger after the first half of his run when it was found that the [[rubsign]] did not fit on top of the scoop itself. Classics [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] was made from the bigger air scoop [[mold]], as were [[BotCon]] 2007's [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]] and Classics Bumblebee from the [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] ''[[Movie (toyline) |Movie]]'' "Legacy of Bumblebee" three-pack.
*''Movie'' [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class|Deluxe Class Classic Camaro Bumblebee]] saw two changes to his mold during its production run: The initial version had even tabs on its [[Automorph Technology|Automorph]] gimmick; the first modification saw that changed to an uneven tab, which frequently caused the gimmick to break, which in turn resulted in the toy refusing to stay in its [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]; and the second modification, which was only available with the UK [[exclusive]] "Towed to Safety" two-pack with [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] and with the more widely available "Evolution of a Hero" two-pack with Concept Camaro Bumblebee, saw the addition of another small tab which fixed the gimmick's fragility.<ref name="moviebbtab">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38149 Comparison photos for all three tab variants of Movie Bumblebee's Automorph gimmick.]</ref> All three versions are, by definition, "variants", since they were intentional changes on behalf of the factory; but since the intermediate version worsened the toy, not all fans interested in collecting variants would want it.

===Materials===
*''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Generation_1|Ultra Magnus]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Generation 1|Rodimus Prime]] and [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] were all originally available with rubber tires, while later shipments saw them replaced with plastic wheels. In addition, the first version of Rodimus Prime had toes made of [[die-cast]] metal, which were also replaced with plastic toes on the later version, and the second version of Metroplex replaced the [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] legs with flat white plastic legs.
*Some ''Generation 1'' [[Scramble City]]-style [[Combiner]] components were alternatively available with metal parts or in all-plastic versions.

===Colors and deco===
[[Image:Movie legends ratchet colorvariants.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Ignore the left one! Buy the right one!]]
*The ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Grimlock]], [[Snarl (G1)#Generation 2 2|Snarl]] and [[Slag (G1)#Generation 2 2|Slag]] were all available in three different color variants, each released in sequence.
*The ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] toys [[Dinobot II]] and [[Prowl II|Prowl]] were some of Hasbro's early attempts at same-character [[redeco]]s: The first few [[wave]]s featured Dinobot in a bone-tan and purple coloration, whereas Prowl was white, turquoise, and red; several waves in, Dinobot's colors were changed to bright white with blue, and Prowl was now black, blue, and red. Neither toy's packaging made mention of the change, and both toys' packaging retained the same individual SKU rather than having them as completely new releases, as later lines would do with redecos.
*Early shipments of ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Unicron]] also had the toy still sporting the same colors as the original ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' release, eventually being replaced by an all-new [[redeco]].
*''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Ratchet]] was originally released in a very saturated green color, but later shipments saw his color changed to a lime-ish tone closer to the character's larger Voyager Class toy.
*''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]], [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] and [[Scattorshot (ROTF)|Scattorshot]] all had their colors changed to slightly darker tones in later shipments. It's possibly that this change wasn't actually intentional, but just the result of slightly differently mixed colors for the batch.
*Similarily, some toys with [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts were available in slightly different shades, such as ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Seaspray (G1)#Generation 2|Seaspray]] or ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal]] [[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Wars|Optimus Primal]] (both with either "blue" or "purple" parts).

===Packaging and paperwork===
[[Image:EnergonPerceptorPackagingVariant.jpg|right|280px|thumb|''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' is dead! Long live ''[[The Powerlinx Battles]]''!]]
*The [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] ''[[Dinobots (toyline)|Dinobots]]'' mini-line had the name "Swoop" changed to "[[Terranotron (Dinobots)|Terranotron]]" on the toy's character card after initial shipments.
*Similarly, early versions of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] were also available with the "Cybertron Defense" prefix missing on the packaging.
*Lines that run longer than a year often see the introduction of a [[subline imprint]] such as the ''[[The Unicron Battles|Unicron Battles]]'' for ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'', the ''[[The Powerlinx Battles|Powerlinx Battles]]'' for ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'', ''[[Primus Unleashed]]'' for ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' or ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' for the [[Movie (toyline)|Movie line]]. This often coincides with a slight change of the packaging design. Sometimes, toys originally released before the packaging design change will also be available in the new design.
*The packaging ''size'' can also change. For example, some ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Mini-Con]] two-packs were also available in slightly smaller packaging at [[Walmart]] stores. Likewise, ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Human Alliance]] packaging was severely shrunk down for the Australian market following [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Human Alliance|Bumblebee's]] initial release, with a running change for Bumblebee himself.
*Some toys were available alternatively packaged in robot or [[alternate mode]]. Examples include the 1984 ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Mini Vehicle|Mini-Cars]] for the 1985 lineup, or assorted ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' and ''Revenge of the Fallen'' Voyager Class toys. In the latter case, the packaging's orientation was also flipped sideways to keep the same dimensions. (However, most of those alternate versions have never actually been found in stores, so they may have simply been [[prototype#packaging|packaging samples]] to test out alternate in-package presentations.)
{{-}}

==Variants from gang-molding==
In some rare cases, toys that were [[gang-molding|gang-molded]] with other toys were available in unintentional variants when the toys they were gang-molded with were [[redeco]]ed for a subsequent [[wave]]:
*The ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]] [[Gearhead]] and [[Motormouth]] were both available with either clear or solid plastic parts. The clear plastic parts corresponded with the clear car shells of their wave-mates [[Firecracker]] and [[Blowout]], the solid plastic parts with the car shells of Go-Bot [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]] (redecos of Firecracker and Blowout, respectively).

==Borderline cases==
===Variant or different product?===
[[Image:CybertronPrimusPackagingComparison.jpg|right|280px|thumb|Buy two of us for exclusive accessories, and the third one for the toy itself!]]
Following ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] [[Dinobot II]] and [[Prowl II|Prowl]], [[Hasbro]] decided to become more straightforward about same-character [[redeco]]s, which have been treated as separate products since then:
*The "new style" redecos of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]], [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]] and [[X-Brawn]] sported different product code numbers, as did the red and yellow versions of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Scrapmetal (race)|Scrapmetal]].
*Likewise, the limited edition version of ''Cybertron'' [[Primus]] with the [[Unicron]] head accessory also had different product code and assortment numbers than the regular, bonus-free release, as did the re-releases of ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Alternators|Prowl]], [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Alternators|Meister]] and [[Tracks (G1)#Alternators|Autobot Tracks]] in the new "bubble" style packaging.
*The same applies to store exclusive versions of toys containing "Bonus" figures such as [[Mini-Con]]s or [[Legends Class]] toys. Officially, they are separate products; but some collectors might consider them "variants".
[[Image:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|right|170px|thumb|Buy me again for less money!]]
*Furthermore, various ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toys were re-released in [[rebranding|rebranded]] ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging as "Dollar store" exclusives, again sporting different product code numbers than their initial releases.
*The [[Target]]-exclusive ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] and [[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]] [[combiner]] giftsets sported different product code numbers than their ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' counterparts released in Australia and Singapore, though the Target versions ''were'' originally intended to be released in ''Universe'' packaging as well. (One might argue that the different-franchise packaging makes them different [[character]]s, though chances are the marketing department didn't put nearly as much thought into this as fans do.)
*On the other hand, there's things like the re-release of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] in ''[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' packaging ([[exclusive]] to [[Toys"R"Us]]) five years after his ''Armada'' release, but sporting the same product code number (the fact that he sports minor color differences compared to the ''Armada'' version doesn't help either).
*Similarly, several ''[[Alternators]]'' toys ([[Bluestreak#Alternators|Silverstreak]], [[Swindle (G1)#Alternators|Swindle]]) were re-released in Europe in the new "bubble" style packaging or were ''only'' released in that packaging style ([[Shockwave (G1)#Alternators|Shockblast]], [[Decepticharge#Alternators|Decepticharge]], [[Dead End (G1)#Alternators|Dead End]]), even though they were only released in one of the earlier packaging styles in the USA. And whereas the bubble-style re-releases in the USA sported different product code and assortment numbers than their previous releases, the Europe-only bubble-style ''Alternators'' sported the same product codes as their original US (and European, in Silverstreak and Swindle's cases) releases. Needless to say, the line between "variant" and "different product" gets very blurry here.
*Probably the most bizarre case were redecos of ''Movie'' [[Legends Class]] [[Jazz (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Jazz]] and [[Barricade (Movie)#Legends Class|Barricade]] (a minor, yet distinct redeco in Jazz's case) that were released in "Allspark Battles" two-packs (possibly part of the ''[[AllSpark Power]]'' [[subline imprint]], based on the similar packaging design) with a new Legends Class sculpt of [[Bonecrusher (Movie)#Legends Class|Bonecrusher]] and Legends [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Legends Class|Bumblebee's]] redeco [[Cliffjumper (Movie)#Legends Class|Cliffjumper]] in the USA, respectively. While the two-packs are clearly different products to most collectors, the Jazz and Barricade redecos were released as single packs in Europe, sporting the same product codes as their original releases... even though Barricade not only sported an entirely different deco, but also a modified name, "Recon Barricade".

===Errors===
[[Image:Cybertron OptimusPrime deluxe toy.jpg|thumb|230px|right|Buy me and fix me!]]
Sometimes running changes not simply tweak the toys slightly, but are actually intended to fix errors that were caught during [[quality control]], but not until some quantities of the flawed version had already shipped. In some cases the difference between outright "errors" and genuine "variants" is blurry (see the example for ''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' [[Legends Class]] [[Ratchet (Movie)#Legends Class|Autobot Ratchet]] above), but even in instances where something is objectively a defect, some collectors still consider the earlier, faulty versions as "variants":
*Considerable quantities of the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Jumpstarter]]s were available with each other's [[Package art|character artwork]] depicted in the [[Tech Spec]]/[[bio]] strips.
*Early shipments of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Deluxe Class Optimus Prime]] (a redeco of the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con Optimus Prime toy) had incorrectly assembled and less-poseable arms, just like the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Battle in a Box]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] release of the sculpt before it. In Prime's case, some people consider the incorrectly assembled version an "error" because it was done unintentionally; others, however, consider it a "variant", because it has been released in considerable quantities, and the later, corrected version was an intentional change.
*The European version of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' Scout Class [[Dead End (ROTF)#Scout Class|Dead End]] was initially released with the name "Detour", an early working name of the toy, on the cardboard insert inside the packaging's blister bubble (though the back of the card and the instructions correctly identified him as "Dead End"). Later shipments replaced the cardboard insert with a corrected "Dead End" version.
*While less common, running changes can also occur in comics: The original printing run of [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Movie Prequel (2007)|Movie Prequel]]'' [[Movie Prequel issue 1|issue 1]] featured a printing error, with the text captions from page 2 repeated on page 5. The shipment was recalled by IDW, and a second printing run with the error corrected was shipped to retailers. Some fans kept the flawed version of the comic instead of exchanging it for the fixed version, considering it a "variant".

==Not variants==
===An isolated incident does not a variant make===
[[Image:BTAltProwlMisassemblies.jpg|thumb|180px|left|One variant? ''Hundreds''!]]While the errors listed above are considered genuine variants by some collectors, there are lots of other cases where the common consensus is that these are ''not'' variants: Every collector has probably encountered at least one one-of-a-kind freak error over the years ([[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Red Alert]] assembled without a head, a toy lacking some of its [[paint operation]]s etc.). Unless this error affected considerable quantities of the production run, and is found on all specimens of the same toy packed in multiple [[case]]s, this isn't considered a "variant" by the vast majority of the [[fandom]].

Likewise, if a single specimen contains an entirely different toy (or at least an entirely different deco of the toy) than depicted on the packaging, this was most likely done by somebody who didn't want to pay for the toy and thus returned the packaging to the store with another toy inside. This is a case of [[toy swapping]] (simply put, a variety of store theft), and no more a "variant" than a fan-made [[Customizing|custom]]. A genuine ''variant'' requires something to occur at the factory stage.
{{-}}
===Pre-release items===
[[Image:Universe2008 G1Cyclonus.jpg|thumb|200px|right|You can't get it in the market NOW! Woh!!!]]
Pre-release items such as [[prototype]]s, test shots and packaged samples that differ from the final products in sculpt, plastic color, paint, deco or packaging details do not count as "variants" either. True variants only exist between different specimen of officially released and distributed products. So unless the pre-release version has been officially released in some quantities before a running change replaced it with the more common version, it's not a variant. Stolen prototypes do not count.
{{-}}

==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
* [http://www.reocities.com/futuristgroup/vquanda.html Fred's Complete American Variants Page] — Very thorough online variant resource.

[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Fandom]]

Bumblebee (Animated)

2010-07-24T10:32:38Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{picsneeded|Cartoon screencaps}}
{{disambig3|Bumblebee}}
:''Bumblebee is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Bumblebeeanimated.jpg|thumb|300px|Little. Yellow. Different.]]
'''Bumblebee''' is the youngest, yellowest, and most energetic of the Autobots...[[Bumblebee (G1)|as]] [[Bumblebee (Movie)|usual]]. A hyperactive wisecracker, Bumblebee is quite convinced he's the fastest—and coolest—thing on four wheels. He has a tendency to bite off more than he can chew, so it's a good thing he pals around with the massive [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]]. He does ''not'' take well to being called short, and his over-eager ways can get on [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet's]] nerves all too easily. Still, Bumblebee is good people, as evidenced by his fast friendship with [[Sari Sumdac]].

{{bigquote|I may be small, but I'm scrappy! And I can ride circles around your big, old, rusty chassis!|Bumblebee to Bulkhead|"[[Total Meltdown]]"}}

:''Arabic dub name'': '''Bumbly''' (بامبلي ''Bāmblī'')
:''Arabic commercial name'': '''Bumble Bee''' (بامبل بي ''Bāmbil Bī'')

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{Idw-tfa}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bumper Robinson]] (English), [[Daisuke Kishio]] (Japanese), [[Santiago Ziesmer]] (German), [[Krzysztof Korzeniowski]] (Polish), [[Renato Novara]] (Italian), [[Márcio Araújo]] (Portuguese)

[[Image:Autobot_Cadets.jpg|thumb|left|250px|There's a [[Wasp|green me]] and a [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|red me]]!]]
Early in his career, Bumblebee dreamed of becoming a member of the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]]. He joined the [[Autobot boot camp]], but things didn't exactly go as planned—his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|drill sergeant]] was a jerk, [[Wasp|most]] of his [[Ironhide (Animated)|classmates]] bullied him and the only bot willing to befriend him was a complete [[Bulkhead (Animated)|mudflap]]. His luck seemed to change, however, when he accidentally overheard someone communicating with [[Lugnut|a Decepticon]]. He then saw fellow classmate [[Wasp]] walk out, which aroused his suspicions. After taking the advice of [[Shockwave (Animated)|Longarm]], Bumblebee attempted to weed out the spy, but Sentinel Minor got in the way twice. Needless to say, this resulted in many [[Transform-up|transform-ups]] for his squadron. After Wasp and Ironhide tore off his legs and put him in a closet, he was saved by Longarm, who encouraged him not to give up. Later that day, the group was put through their first training exercise—combat in a simulated battlezone. When somebody switched the turret settings to fire actual lasers, it was Bulkhead who saved Bumblebee. However, they accidentally knocked over a building in the process, flattening Sentinel.

When Sentinel was conducting a surprise locker inspection, Sentinel discovered a Decepticon communicator in Wasp's trunk, ousting him as a traitor. Sentinel was prepared to put Bumblebee on an Elite Guard fast track program. Sadly, his new friendship with Bulkhead forced him to throw it all away in order to prevent his new buddy being kicked out, and they both wound up working on [[space bridge]]s. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

[[Image:Bumblebeeanimatedpreearth.jpg|thumb|250px|Wait... who are [[Hot Shot (Animated)|you]]?]]

The two friends were assigned to [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s space bridge repair [[Teletran-1|vessel]]. During one mission, Bumblebee and Bulkhead stumbled across [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], a ninja-bot meditating near an isolated space bridge. Due to an [[energon cube]] accident on [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]]'s part, Prowl's spaceship was destroyed, and he was forced to join their crew. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} After this, Bumblebee's work continued as usual until the crew discovered the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] itself on another asteroid, which unfortunately attracted the attention of [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. Even though he expressed significant fear of the [[Decepticon]] leader, Bumblebee still managed to crack wise at his appearance once they were face-to-face. The humor vanished when Megs pulled out his sword. After Megatron was thrown off the ship, Bumblebee entered stasis with the rest of the crew just before the crew's ship crash-landed on [[Earth]].

Fifty years later, Teletran-1 awoke the crew to alert them to the intrusion of a nanite-powered bug-slug. Sending out a probe to find local disguises, the probe scanned [[Captain Fanzone]]'s [[Captain Fanzone's car|car]] amongst other things. Bumblebee was given the car for his new bodyform. Lucky him.

[[Image:TFA_TFandRollout_Sari_followedmehome.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"Can we keep it?"]]
Upon noticing [[Sari Sumdac|"a little creature"]] struggling with her [[Sparkplug (robot dog)|"owner"]], 'Bee and Mr. Bulk showed their unfamiliarity with organic life by assuming the owner/pet relationship was reversed. Their speculation was interrupted by the attacks of the giant, nanite-fueled bug monster, and Bumblebee intervened to get Sari out of the way. Later in the battle, Bumblebee was called on to deliver the override command to the beast's nanites, as he was the fastest and most nimble of the crew.

His defeat of the monster seriously impressed Sari, who decided to befriend him. Sari's definition of befriending included cajoling him into sneaking her aboard the Autobots' ship. Of course, Sari wouldn't stay still as Bumblebee asked, compelling him to jettison her into a ventilation shaft. After introducing her to the group, Sari and 'Bee became fast friends. When [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] attacked [[Detroit]], Bumblebee took a shot intended for Sari, allowing Screamer to capture 'Bee, [[Isaac Sumdac]], [[Captain Fanzone]], and the Mayor. Sari, with [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]]'s help, managed to rescue them. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

The Autobots quickly became famous for their heroic deeds in Detroit, much to Bumblebee's delight. Prowl, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic about all the attention, however, and he and Bumblebee quickly had a clash of opinions on the values of peace and quiet versus the values of fun. When the Autobots' factory base was turned against them, however, Bumblebee was forced to listen to Prowl's "stillness and strike" attitude to get past the motion sensors preventing him from shutting the factory down. In the aftermath, he had a newfound respect for Prowl as the two played a relaxed game of Twister™. {{storylink|Home Is Where the Spark Is}}

At one point, Bumblebee took part in a match against [[Colossus Rhodes|Cyrus "Colossus" Rhodes]], hosted by [[Meltdown (Animated)|Prometheus Black]] to show off the effectiveness of biotechnology. Unfortunately, Cyrus [[Hulk|hulked up]], then proceeded to beat the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of Bumblebee. The other Autobots were forced to rescue him, using it as a chance to riff on his small stature. However, only Bumblebee was able to get into [[Sumdac Tower]] when [[Meltdown (Animated)|Meltdown]] went to kill Isaac Sumdac. Bumblebee managed to get him to the ground floor, but Meltdown arrived. Bulkhead tried to stop him, but Meltdown threw a glob of acid at Bulkhead, which Bumblebee took instead (basically, 'Bee is a <s>human</s> robot shield). Bulkhead offered his apologies over his comments, saying he was only having a little fun—which sent Bumblebee into declaring his good moves and speed. He's going to be pretty impossible to live with for a while. {{storylink|Total Meltdown}}

The troubles in Detroit were far from over, as the Autobots soon found themselves facing three rampaging [[Dinobot (Animated)|robotic dinosaurs]]. During the battle, Bumblebee combined his stingers' electrical with Ratchet's magnets to create an [[electromagnetic pulse]] that would hopefully shut the prehistoric menaces down. Sari decided to pitch in by boosting Bumblebee's stingers with her [[AllSpark Key]], which proved enough to defeat the "Dinobots"... but also provided them with [[Spark|sparks]]. {{storylink|Blast from the Past}} He later bought a neat car horn and tried to chase down a mysterious muscle car with little success. The car turned out to be the bounty hunter [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], who kidnapped Optimus Prime and made short work of Bumblebee as well, threatening to take his stingers. In the end, Lockdown was defeated by Ratchet and Prime was saved. {{storylink|The Thrill of the Hunt}}

[[Image:TFA_Nanosec_Bumblebee_turbo_boosters.JPG|thumb|250px|BB got back!]]
After Bumblebee showed a lack of ability (or inclination) to be subtle on Earth, Prime had Prowl try to teach Bumblebee how to blend in. This ruined some plans with Sari, as she wanted to attach some turbo-boosters to him to make him go even faster. During the exercise, they encountered [[Nanosec]], a crook that had gained Professor Sumdac's new speed suit via [[Megatron (Animated)|unknown patrons]]. Unable to keep up with Nanosec, Bumblebee was convinced by Sari attach the turbo-boosters against Prime's orders. Unfortunately, he couldn't control them in vehicle mode, allowing Nanosec to escape from the Autobots twice. Worse, he was carrying enough [[Destronium]] to destroy all of Detroit. Overhearing Bulkhead and Prowl's comments on his change of appearance, Bumblebee realized that the suit was causing him to age the more he used it, so he purposefully ran him into old age (cold, Bee). With the Destronium about to go critical, Bumblebee, with help from Prowl and Bulkhead, managed to use his turbo-boosters to head into the outer atmosphere and get the Destronium away from the city before detonating. The whole experience seems have given Bumblebee a bit more respect for subtlety. {{storylink|Nanosec (episode)|Nanosec}}

October soon came around, and Sari decided to teach the Autobots about [[Halloween]]. Bumblebee dressed up as "Count Dracubot", but his trick-and-treating session went sour when he and Bulkhead were attacked by the spider-bot [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] and knocked unconscious. They recovered in time to save Sari from falling off a skyscraper, although Bumblebee blew out his tires in the process. {{storylink|Along Came a Spider}} After participating in Sari's eighth birthday party, Bumblebee decided that he also wanted one of those cool [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] toys. He was less enthusiastic after Soundwave took control of all [[automaton]]s in Detroit and faked Bumblebee's voice in order to confuse the Autobots. {{storylink|Sound and Fury}} While Soundwave was eventually defeated, the Decepticon attacks were far from over—[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut]] soon arrived on Earth in their search for Megatron. Bumblebee and the others were knocked unconscious by Lugnut's [[Punch of Kill Everything|mighty punch]] in their first battle, but the odds were in the Autobots' favour when they later fought in the muddy waters of [[Lake Erie]]. Bumblebee got to electrocute Blitzwing a bit before both Decepticons were blasted to pieces by Teletran-1's main cannon. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}}

When Sari was later kidnapped by a [[Swoop (Animated)|pterosaur]], Bumblebee participated in the police investigation. {{storylink|Survival of the Fittest}} Bulkhead later got into the fine arts, so Bumblebee helped out by modeling for him until his friend got his body hijacked by the human villain known as the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]]. As the other Autobots investigated, Bumblebee kept Bulkhead's head company and helped him create art pieces for his upcoming gallery (all while relentlessly cracking jokes about the situation, naturally). The Headmaster soon threatened to destroy Detroit using Bulkhead's body, so the Autobots approached him by pretending to be rescue vehicles, with Bumblebee being driven by Captain Fanzone. During the battle against the Headmaster, he got to play both bowling and football with Bulkhead's head before it was returned to its body. {{storylink|Headmaster (episode)|Headmaster}}

Some time during that winter, Bumblebee and Sari were playing video games and listening to music while ignoring Prowl's lectures on how spending so much time on "electronic devices" was unnecessary. All three of them were then sent out to investigate a Cybertronic energy signal in the woods; a prospect which filled Bumblebee with dread as nature was just so ''incredibly'' boring compared to his TV, games and music back home. He came along on what Sari described as a "camping trip" anyway, although he brought plenty of electronic devices with him. Prowl was not impressed, and even less so when Bumblebee decided to use his holographic projector as a TV screen. The lack of electricity proved to be the least of Bumblebee's problems, however, as the group was attacked by a [[Space barnacles|space barnacle monster]] shortly after nightfall. After a drawn-out fight with the creature, Bumblebee eventually knocked it off a cliff with his stingers, only to find that Prowl had been infected by the barnacles himself. While Sari had the bright idea of trapping the crazed Prowl in a mine, Bumblebee ended up trapping both of ''them'' in it as well, and got himself infected. Ultimately, Sari saved the day by using hot water to remove the barnacles, and in the aftermath Bumblebee voiced his opinion that nature should just be paved over as soon as possible. {{storylink|Nature Calls}}

[[Image:Megatron_rising_1_Starscream_freakout.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"YOU INTERRUPTED MY SPEECH!"]]
When Decepticon activity was detected in high levels, Bulkhead spilled the beans on what he and Prowl had done with the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]], and Optimus Prime pretty much lost it. Ranting that all he had was a group of insubordinate malfunctions, he told Ratchet to take Sari's [[AllSpark Key]] from her, saying it wasn't safe in her hands. As she ran off crying, Bumblebee defended her, and Prime pointed out that Bumblebee wasn't a good character witness. Bumblebee mouthed off that their situation meant that Prime wasn't fit to command, and then went looking for Sari. Heading to [[Sumdac Tower]], Bumblebee spotted Starscream, and disobeyed Prime's order to hold off. Heading up the elevator (which could not only fit him, but also carry his weight), Bumblebee charged, firing his stingers at Starscream. All it really did was interrupt his speech, which made Starscream ''seriously'' freak out. However, a crane pulled Starscream, who was holding Bumblebee, up to the roof, where the two fought it out...right until Megatron burst through the roof of the tower. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

After Megatron's restoration, Starscream absentmindedly beat on Bumblebee for a while, then threw him aside when Megatron called the Decepticons to him. Once he'd been repaired with remaining AllSpark Key energy in Professor Sumdac's lab, Bumblebee called Prime on his previous statements, and Optimus apologized, saying he'd been out of line. When Ratchet brought the Autobots' ship to them, the Autobots and Sumdacs boarded the vessel in an attempt to lead Megatron and the Decepticons off-planet, but were shot down and crashed on [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]]. As the Autobots rallied to defend the AllSpark, Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Prowl took on [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]]. Ratchet and Bumblebee teamed up again to create an [[electromagnetic pulse]], causing him to crash. After shelling them in tank mode, Blitzwing again took to the air for some strafing runs. Prowl noticed a connection between Blitzwing's alternate modes and personalities, so they had Bumblebee use his greatest strength, his obnoxious personality, to cause Angry Blitzwing to emerge. Taunting the triple changer, Bumblebee got him to transform accidentally into tank mode and crash into the lake. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

[[Image:Super_secretary.jpg|thumb|250px|"[[Aaron Archer]]'s office. Please hold."]] Following the defeat of Megatron and the disappearance of Professor Sumdac, Bumblebee helped Sari run [[Sumdac Systems]] until the arrival of the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]]. Among their numbers was [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]], Bumblebee and Bulkhead's old sergeant from boot camp, but thankfully he didn't seem to remember them. 'Bee and the rest of the crew were subsequently contained within the [[Steelhaven (Animated)|Elite Guard flagship]] while the Sentinel and [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] went with Optimus Prime to investigate the supposed defeat of Megatron and dispersion of the AllSpark, but soon had to leave to deal with an out-of-control [[police drone]] factory. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} Shortly afterwards, Bumblebee greeted Sari when she was thrown out of Sumdac Tower by [[Porter C. Powell]] and forced to live with the Autobots. He and Bulkhead tried to cheer her up by saying that living together would be like a non-stop party, making her food and teaching her about "stuff and how it works", but were met with limited success. {{storylink|The Return of the Headmaster}}

Bumblebee and Sari later helped stop a runaway train powered by an AllSpark fragment. When Starscream stopped by again, 'Bee and Ratchet again combined their powers to attack him with an electromagnetic pulse, but the AllSpark-powered Decepticon shrugged it off like it was nothing. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}} After noticing truly how bad Ratchet's people skills were, Optimus Prime assigned Bumblebee and Sari to help him improve on them, something neither party was very enthusiastic about. During their training, the three encountered the newly created Transformer [[Wreck-Gar (Animated)|Wreck-Gar]], who proceeded to throw beef and motorcycles at Bumblebee. The Autobots chased Wreck-Gar across the city to retrieve the experimental nanobots he had in his backpack, but Bumblebee was not present during Ratchet's final confrontation with the confused 'bot. {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}}

[[Image:TFA_Velocity_Bumblebee_Blurr_meet.JPG|thumb|left|250px|"If you're [[Auggie Cahnay]], your ass is grass!"]]
Bumblebee became involved in the illegal street races organised by the criminal [[Master Disaster]]. Believing himself to be the fastest things on wheels, Bumblebee was unsurprisingly shocked after getting thrashed in a race by a [[Blurr (Animated)| Mysterious Blue Race Car]]. Following this, AllSpark traces, and the appearance of Blitzwing at the race track, Bumblebee became determined to get to the bottom of the mystery (although deep down he just wanted another chance to beat the Unknown Racer.) He made a deal with Master Disaster to appear in his races. Enlisting the help of Sari, Bumblebee returned to the track, and, to cut a long story short, ending up being pursued by the maniacal Blitzwing. After nearly being frozen one minute and melted to slag the next, Bumblebee was eventually rescued by the Mysterious Racer driving into Blitzwing. The excitement wasn't over for Bumblebee yet, as when returning to Master Disaster's trailer for answers, he and his pal Bulkhead (who had angrily followed Bumblebee there for defying him) had to face off against Blitzwing (he was desperate for that AllSpark fragment...), and had to be rescued once again... although this time it was Sari using Master Disaster's controlling device. {{storylink|Velocity}}

Later, he went on a trip to the Five Banners Roller Coaster Kingdom theme park with Sari. Optimus, fool that he is, believed him when he called it "an important fact-finding mission". {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}}

[[Image:Watching_SUVs.jpg|thumb|250px|If they start to do it, let me see, ok?]]
On another occasion, Bumblebee was attempting to clear up the streets of Detroit by catching some of their [[Nanosec|small]] [[Angry Archer|time]] [[Professor Princess|criminals]]. However, in each case, whenever Bumblebee came close to the capture, he froze up completely, and allowed the baddies to escape. It later became apparent that this was due to the AllSpark-infused timepiece belonging to [[Slo-Mo]]. After revealing himself and snatching the timepiece, [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] froze all of the Autobots and looked set for victory. However, after being lifted to Sumdac Tower by Sari and the members of the [[Society of Ultimate Villainy|SUV]] and repaired, Bumblebee took on Swindle (even managing to floor him at one point with his stingers.) After getting the timepiece back from Swindle, Bumblebee was double-crossed by the SUV, but fortunately for the Autobot, the rest of his pals were back online by now, and managed to get the criminals arrested. {{storylink|SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy}}

After learning of Wasp's escape, Bumblebee felt a stirring of his old dreams, and dragged Bulkhead off to trace a signal leaked to them, containing a conversation between Megatron and his spy. As they tracked it down, Bumblebee fell into old habits, and started putting Bulkhead down, just like in the old days. It took a nasty fall to remind him that Bulkhead was the best friend he'd ever have, and he didn't need to spend his time chasing big dreams. Together, the two headed home, never realizing they were just outside of the carbon mines where the Decepticons were hiding.

Later, Bumblebee relayed the information they'd gathered to his old friend, Longarm, now Longarm ''Prime'', head of Cybertron Intel. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

[[Image:TFA_Black_Friday_Meltdown_Bee.jpg|thumb|left|250px|IDK, my BFF Jill?]]
Due to his inability to stay quiet, Prowl placed a bet on Bumblebee—that he couldn't go 10 [[Cycle|cycles]] without talking. Should he keep to this, a sweet can of axle grease would be his! However, the poor bot just couldn't do it. Prime took 'Bee and Prowl with him to Dinobot Island to investigate Meltdown's prison break, and the plucky yellow bot vowed he would win the axle grease. However, the bet was put on hold after both he and Prowl were off-lined by [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia's]] [[cyber venom]]. After the day was saved, Prime used the antidote on the bots, and 'Bee pointed out he'd been quiet for ages! Prowl dryly noted it took 'Bee being comatose to achieve this, but the yellow bot didn't care—he just wanted his grease! {{storylink|Black Friday (episode)| Black Friday}}

After insulting Bulkhead's latest painting of Sari, Bumblebee realized that he was wrong and actually apologized for his comments. It didn't go over very well, and that was before Megatron showed up with Professor Sumdac. Though Bumblebee suspected that Sumdac was a willing accomplice, Sari refused to hear it. At that moment, the mysterious blue racer appeared. Thinking he was a Decepticon, Bumblebee rolled after the racer, running him off the road. It was only at this point that the racer revealed that he was [[Blurr (Animated)|Blurr]], a member of the Elite Guard sent to keep tabs on Decepticons and Prime's crew. Worse, Bumblebee's actions allowed Bulkhead to be kidnapped by Megatron. Once Optimus Prime was informed that the Decepticons were building a [[space bridge]] to attack Cybertron, 'Bee went with the Autobots to rescue Bulkhead and destroy the bridge. During a brief skirmish with Lugnut and Blitzwing, Bumblebee admitted that he'd lost his title as "fastest thing on wheels" to Blurr. Unfortunately, when they confronted Megatron himself, the [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]] managed to incapacitate the pair...just in time for Starscream and his [[Starscream clone (Animated)|clones]] to attack. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Managing to escape the Decepticons, the Autobots went for the clones, apparently deciding that they were the greater evil. The battle went poorly for them, as Blurr was lost in the space bridge and Bumblebee was cemented to a wall. When Isaac Sumdac decapitated Starscream and took his body with the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster unit]], Bumblebee was convinced that he was working for the Decepticons, though Sumdac revealed that it was to destroy Megatron. That didn't work out too well. After Megatron explained his plan to the captive Autobots, the Decepticon [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] revealed that he was Longarm Prime and that Bumblebee had sent an innocent Wasp to the stockade. Fortunately, [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] arrived, reactivated thanks to Sari and Ratchet, and sacrificed himself to save the Autobots and Sumdacs. With the threat passed, Sumdac revealed that he had been forced to help the Decepticons, and Bumblebee's mistrust of the professor presumably faded away—only to return when Sari saw that the skin of her right arm had torn...revealing robotic circuitry underneath! {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

Despite the revelation that one of his best friends was a robot, Bumblebee actually remained focused on the larger picture: namely, Shockwave's presence on Cybertron. Optimus reasoned that since Bulkhead was a genius with regards to space bridges (something Bumblebee said he'd never get used to, revealing his high opinion of his other best friend), so the two headed out to the mine. Bumblebee managed to find a recall beacon generator, which was needed to locate the position in space, and the plasmadynamic thruster, which generated the transwarp field. Unfortunately, the thruster activated before Bumblebee could give it to Bulkhead, sending him across the galaxy. After catching another transwarp wave, he was again transported to another part of the galaxy—where he was swallowed by a [[Rock Lord]].

Fortunately, Bulkhead was able to capture Bumblebee's signal, and reel him in. Sadly, it also brought the alien to Detroit. As the Autobots struggled to figure out how to defeat the monster and save Bumblebee, Sari used the AllSpark Key on herself to upgrade with new weapons and a teenage appearance. Sari quickly trounced the monster, freeing Bumblebee. Unfortunately, Sari didn't remove the Key after the upgrade, causing her to overload and lose control of her abilities. Bumblebee made a mad dash to try to remove the Key, but Sari's defenses systems registered him as a threat, and Sari horrifically watched as she stabbed Bumblebee through the chest and blasted him across the street. Ratchet immediately went to work, saying that he could repair Bumblebee without the Key. However, the damage was severe, and Bumblebee's spark was fading fast. Even when they got the Key, Ratchet was still hard pressed, as the Key had been burned out upgrading Sari. Fortunately, Ratchet managed to stabilize Bumblebee with his magnets, but Ratchet was forced to deactivate Sari with his EMP generator.

[[Image:TransWarpedBumblebeeSari.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Ouch.]]
After Ratchet made what repairs he could, the Autobots allowed Professor Sumdac some time alone with Sari. Lamenting on how troubled their day had been, Bumblebee tempted fate by asking how much worse it could get. On cue, the plasmadynamic thruster began to power up, but Bulkhead manged to shut it down. Unfortunately, Omega Supreme soon arrived, under the control of Megatron. Bumblebee was given an illegal stinger upgrade to help against Omega Supreme, but it still did little good. Optimus and Prowl managed to sneak inside and remove Megatron's control while Bumblebee and Bulkhead served as <s>bait</s> a distraction. However, Starscream managed to gain control, and soon moved to conquer Cybertron. Bumblebee came up with the idea to throw the plasmadynamic thruster inside Omega to send the three randomly warping across the galaxy, managing to reach the altitude with his turbo boosters (why Optimus let him keep those is unknown). Later, Sari was awakened, and all was well with the Autobots...except for being out of contact with Cybertron, but still, it's the thought that counts. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

While Bulkhead and Professor Sumdac began constructing a space bridge, Bumblebee and the other Autobots focused on hunting down the remaining Decepticons on Earth. The first one they found was Lugnut, who was defeated and [[stasis cuffs|stasis cuffed]] after a drawn-out battle. Unfortunately, this left the Autobot force trying to pull the massive Decepticon out of the deep crater he had caused during the fight—a daunting task that they spent the rest of the night working on. Before any real progress could be made, Bumblebee and the others were called away to help Bulkhead, who had been dragged into an oil-stealing scheme by the Constructicons. Upon arriving at the [[Fossil Fuel]] oil refinery, Bumblebee fought against Scrapper, but was warned to watch his stingers so he wouldn't set fire to a nearby oil spill. Unfortunately, a collision between Scrapper and Mixmaster led to a spark setting fire to it anyway, so the Autobots were forced to transwarp an entire oil tank (with the Constructicons on it) out to Lake Erie, where it exploded. {{storylink|Three's a Crowd}}

[[Image:WhereIsThySting-hotdogbot.jpg|200px|left|thumb|Bumblebee attempts to kitbash himself.]]

Some time later, Bumblebee's old friend Wasp arrived on Earth, with a few screws loose and a vendetta against the 'bot who put him away. That night, Bumblebee was on monitor duty as the other Autobots were searching for Wasp, but spent his time playing ''[[Ninja Gladiator]]'' instead (after all, a TV is a monitor too!), which led to Wasp easily getting the drop on him. Bumblebee tried explaining how Longarm had set the whole thing up back in the day, but the deranged Wasp wouldn't listen, instead knocking Bumblebee out and saying it was ''his'' turn to lose everything he'd ever had. When Bumblebee woke up, he found himself equipped with Wasp's helmet, paintjob and voice synthesizer and all his friends staring down at him... including Wasp dressed up as himself. Unable to prove his own identity, Bumblebee was forced to escape from his own friends, only to be chased down by Elite Guard members [[Jetfire (Animated)|Jetfire]] and [[Jetstorm (Animated)|Jetstorm]]. Luckily for the small 'bot, Jetstorm's wind blasts were too powerful for him, and he was blown away from danger. A desperate Bumblebee tried painting himself yellow with mustard from a hot dog stand, only to be confronted by Bulkhead and Prowl. Thinking of ideas to prove his innocence, Bumblebee reminded Bulkhead of their misadventures in boot camp—misadventures Wasp could never have known about. While his friends were finally convinced, the newly arrived Jetstorm and Jetfire were not, and a fight broke out until Optimus and Sentinel arrived and sorted it out. Returning to the Autobot base, they confronted Wasp, who had unfortunately spent the meantime researching Bumblebee's past and could easily list many of 'Bee's past adventures like he was there in person. With no way to prove who was the real deal, Bulkhead suggested that they simply play ''Ninja Gladiator'' for the title of Bumblebee... after all, the real one would ''never'' lose at ''Ninja Gladiator''. The plan worked, as Wasp cracked under the pressure before the match could even begin, grabbing Bumblebee and holding him at stinger-point. With the Autobots unable to attack, Wasp cancelled his and Bumblebee's [[electronic paint job]]s and made a getaway, leaving Bumblebee to be pummelled by a confused Bulkhead. {{storylink|Where Is Thy Sting?}}

Chasing Wasp across Detroit, the Autobots eventually cornered him, and Bumblebee again tried explaining the "funny story" on how Longarm was the true Decepticon spy who caused Wasp's misfortune. However, Wasp didn't see the funny part of it, and Bumblebee nearly got himself blasted in the face for trying. Before the group could capture Wasp, he was suddenly abducted by [[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]], so Optimus Prime and Bumblebee had to follow him to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]]. Upon arrival, Prime suggested that Bumblebee stopped making excuses like blaming Longarm and tried ''apologizing'' to Wasp instead. Making their way into the tunnels of the island, the two soon found Wasp... mutated into a large, monstrous [[technorganic]] form by Blackarachnia. Face to face with the monster, Bumblebee followed Prime's advice and apologized for everything he did and didn't do to Wasp. His old nemesis responded that Wasp forgave him... but he was Wasp''inator'' now, and Waspinator would ''never'' forgive Bumblebee! However, before Waspinator could destroy Bumblebee once and for all, his new body started going out of control, and he went back to Blackarachnia. After being run down by both the spider and the wasp as the latter chased the former, Bumblebee helped carry the damaged Sentinel Prime out of the tunnels. {{storylink|Predacons Rising}}

[[Image:TFAni Human Error Part 1 Bumblebee vs Blitzwing.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Human Bumblebee is stronger than [[:Image:RollForIt FloppyDisk destruction.jpg|Chip Chase]].]]
Christmas eventually came around, and between shaking his presents and decorating the tree, Bumblebee didn't notice a [[Sound Wave]] toy poisoning the Autobots' [[oilnog]]. After having a taste, the 'bots all felt strangely tired and decided to take a stasis nap... only to wake up in human bodies. Bumblebee took it with a pinch of humour as he made fun of Bulkhead for being small, before the "Automen" headed out to see if Professor Sumdac could find out what was going on. However, during a brief break for food at [[Burger Bot]], the city came under attack from a large force of Decepticons. The Autobots chose to fight back despite their small fleshy bodies, but Bumblebee grabbing onto Starscream's leg had no real effect on the marauding Decepticon, and the heroes were quickly forced to run. Eventually arriving at Sumdac Tower, Bumblebee was shocked when Cybertron itself appeared in the sky and blasted part of the tower to smithereens, followed by the arrival of Megatron himself. However, by this stage, Optimus Prime and Prowl had figured out that none of this was actually happening—they were trapped in some kind of simulated reality. Realizing that they could break through the illusion with their imagination, the Autobots fought back and defeated the simulated Decepticons, with the tiny human Bumblebee easily punching out Blitzwing before transforming back into a robot. But before the Autobots could figure out how to escape from the virtual reality, they were subdued by a giant Soundwave—the one who had trapped them to begin with in order to brainwash them into becoming his mind slaves. {{storylink|Human Error, Part I}}

[[Image:EndgamePart1-BumblebeeArcee.jpg|left|thumb|200px|"I think I've seen this [[Spotlight: Arcee|somewhere]] before."]]

As Soundwave increased his control over the simulation, Bumblebee and the others were transformed back into humans. Deciding that they had to find Soundwave's interface to the world, they grabbed some vehicles matching their alternate modes, leading to Bumblebee pushing a virtual Captain Fanzone out of his own car. The Autobots took to chasing after a black Soundwave van, only to fall into a trap that let Soundwave brainwash them completely. As Sari and her "[[Substitute Autobot]]s" came to save the day, Soundwave used the Autobots' bodies to fight back, with Bumblebee and Prowl teaming up against Wreck-Gar. However, controlling five people at once proved too much for Soundwave, and as he lost focus, Bumblebee's mindless body found itself bound up in Christmas lights and defeated. Shortly afterward, Bumblebee's mind was returned to normal when Optimus Prime shattered Soundwave's body. {{storylink|Human Error, Part II}}

When the Autobots discovered Decepticon signals on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]], Bumblebee found himself an volunteering (read: ordered) to transwarp there and plant a transmitter. However, the transmitter was inadvertedly broken by [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] shortly after arrival, so Bumblebee changed his strategy into infiltrating Omega Supreme. Inside, he found [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] babbling on and on about school. Deeming it impossible to take her back to Earth, 'Bee chose to activate Arcee's transmitter before leaving, using her to spy on the Decepticons. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} When Megatron used the information inside Arcee to attack Detroit with a trio of "[[Lugnut Supreme]]s", Bumblebee went back to the moon alongside Bulkhead, Ratchet and Sari to attempt a retrieval of Omega Supreme. They quickly located Arcee again, only to be attacked by Shockwave. While Bumblebee's stingers had no effect on his old platoonmate, he was eventually defeated by Bulkhead's brawns. Shockwave transformed back to his Longarm mode in an attempt to trick his "old pals", but failed and was captured. Bumblebee was aboard Omega Supreme when he battled against the oversized Lugnuts-turned-oversized Starscreams, and following their victory, was told that Prowl had died during the battle. When the Autobots returned to Cybertron, he helped carry his friend's coffin. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}
{{charstubfiction|[[The Arrival]] appearances.}}
''{{storylink|The Arrival}}''

===Toy bios===
At some point, Bumblebee began taking stealth lessons from Prowl, presenting him with a new battle tactic: sneaking up from behind instead of racing fender-first into danger. To further that end, Bumblebee apparently painted himself as a police patrol car. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Animated)#ActivPatrol|Patrol Bumblebee}}

After "getting up close to members of the AUTOBOT Elite Guard", Bumblebee decided more than ever that he wanted to join their ranks. He had Sari borrow some of her dad's auto-painting robots so that he could truly look the part of an Elite Guard team member. He also began doing combat training with Prowl, and may have gotten his energy stingers enhanced. {{storylink|Bumblebee (Animated)#EliteGuard|Elite Guard Bumblebee}}

{{note|Presumably Bumblebee's "getting up close to members of the AUTOBOT Elite Guard" refers to the events of the episodes [[The Elite Guard]], [[The Return of the Headmaster]] and [[Mission Accomplished]]. However, at the time of those episodes, Isaac Sumdac was missing and Sari no longer had access to Sumdac Systems technology, so, uh... just go with it. OR, possibly, by "borrow" they mean "steal the robots out from under Powell's greasy nose"}}

===''Be the Hero'' books===
{{Note|As the following stories are [[multipath adventure]]s, details will vary depending on the path taken. See individual pages for information on alternate paths.}}
====''Prime Suspect''====
After [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Prime]] was framed for breaking and entering, Bumblebee and [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]] tried to warn him in advance that the Detroit police were after him. Bumblebee helped Sari and [[You|another kid]] check out the police station for leads. Unsuccessful in their search, they went to the scene of the crime, [[HomeTech]]'s laboratory where they rendezvoused with the other Autobots. As the Autobots were too big to fit inside, they sent the kids in, which resulted in Bumblebee and [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] having to rescue them dramatically. Evidence was found, leading the Autobots to HomeTech's main warehouse. Breaking in, Bumblebee clumsily knocked over a stack of crates, but somehow managed to avoid bringing security down on them. The Autobots split up and eventually found and defeated [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], who'd been behind the whole thing. {{storylink|Prime Suspect}}
====''Quest for the AllSpark''====
When [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] made an attempt to obtain the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] by taking control of [[Detroit]]'s robot workforce, the Autobots came up with a plan to hide useless copies of the AllSpark. Bumblebee concealed his at the [[Race Track]], however when the other Autobots failed to show up back at base, he found Sari and another kid, and the three of them went looking for [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]]. When they found him, he fought Bumblebee while labouring under a misconception, which was quickly straightened out. They collected Prowl and finally caught up with Prime and [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]], joining in a battle to defeat [[Crush-A]]. {{storylink|Quest for the AllSpark}}
====''Web of Deception''====
Bumblebee saved Sari and her friend from a fiery death on [[Lake Erie]] before finding the Autobot ship lifeless. After getting everything working again, Ratchet found that Optimus was missing, and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]]'s ship was parked on the lake bed nearby, sending Bumblebee, Bulkhead, Prowl and the two young humans on a mission to investigate. While fighting the bounty hunter, they discovered the involvement of [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]], who wanted revenge on Prime. They ended up tracking down and fighting Blackarachnia, only for her to absorb Bumblebee's stinger ability, and sprout a stinger on each of her spider legs. All three Autobots were incapacitated, but Sari and her friend were able to follow Blackarachnia, leading to her eventual defeat. {{storylink|Web of Deception}}
====''Time-Quake''====
When Detroit was plagued by a series of strange time disturbances, the Autobots used scanning devices to scour the city. Bulkhead and Bumblebee both tracked the source of the temporal anomalies to the [[Lions Tower]] building downtown and broke in to find a time machine on the empty top floor. While Bulkhead and a human were sent back in time, Bumblebee encountered those responsible — [[Natasha Pyraniac]] and [[Blast-X]]. Bulkhead returned to the present in time to aid Bumblebee's fight against the Decepticon. Blast-X was defeated shortly after Pyraniac departed in the time machine. {{storylink|Time-Quake}}

===Titan Magazines===
In battle with new villain [[Quake-Maker]], Bumblebee got to not only mock the villain but fight alongside the super-cool new Autobot [[Afterburn]]. {{storylink|Burnout}}

The two later went on a mission to Dinobot Island to stop a Rage virus infection, a mission that had Bumblebee nervous. During the mission, Bumblebee screwed up a landing that Afterburn aced, got thrown into a mud puddle by Swoop, was left with an incredibly dirty finish, and generally looked worse than Afterburn and on ''four separate occasions'' got put down by him. This made him sad. {{storylink|Ratchet & Grimlock Are DEAD?}}

When [[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]] was in a huff, it was Bumblebee who convinced him to help them against the [[Wraith-X]] by appealing to that greatest of emotions, the ego! He didn't have time to gloat though, as he then found Afterburn reporting back to ''Megatron'', who then stormed the base, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Divebomb}} killed Afterburn, and started a massive battle. Bumblebee was shocked to find Afterburn had only been a sparkless drone infiltrator, but still viewed him as a real Autobot, ''taking on Megatron himself'' out of anger for what had happened.

Optimus later consoled Bumblebee that he'd been a hero and that Afterburn hadn't been real anyway. But he'd been real to Bumblebee...{{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Megatron's Revenge}}

[[Image:Bumblebeepizza_Titan25.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Why said cheese pizza has several toppings on it is a mystery.]]

But then he got over that and started breaking traffic laws for fun to get pizzas to Sari quickly! This led to Prowl dissing him and claiming Bumblebee wouldn't be so fast if he had to obey some rules, which led to a race between the two at [[Crazy Coyote Canyon]] (plus Bulkhead joined in, which gave Bumblebee a good laugh). Autobots doing ''anything'', of course, leads to Decepticon plots, and Bumblebee (who had a Decepticon tracer stuck on his butt) found they'd ambushed Prowl halfway through the race. Locating the tracer, he stuck it on ''Lugnut's'' butt and helped Prowl escape to win.

All that excitement had allowed Bulkhead to win the race unopposed though, making him the official fastest thing in Detroit. Bumblebee accepted it amiably enough. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|The Race}}
{{-}}

===''The Cool'' comic===

Along with the rest of the Autobots, Bumblebee came to the [[Earth]] city of [[Detroit]] in order to protect the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]] from the Decepticons. During a battle in the streets with [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]], [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] and [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], Bumblebee came into contact with [[Sari Sumdac]] moments before nearly being blown to smitherines. He then squared off against, attempting to subdue the Decepticon with his stingers. {{storylink|The Cool issue 1}}

When [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] died stopping Starscream from abusing the power of the AllSpark, and was subsequently revived, Bumblebee introduced him to Sari, who had brought him back with the power of her [[AllSpark Key|key]]. {{storylink|The Cool issue 2}}

Bumblebee next participated in a battle against [[Lugnut]] and [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]] on [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]]. He performed poorly against Soundwave's sonic attacks and Lugnut's aerial bombardments, and was grateful when the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobot]]s arrived to save the day, remarking how powerful they were. {{storylink|The Cool issue 3}}

Back in Detroit, Bumblebee was present to dig Optimus Prime out of a pile of rubble dropped onto him by [[Blackout (Animated)|Blackout]]. Bumblebee did not recognize Blackout's Autobot opponent, [[Safeguard (Animated)|Safeguard]], leaving Prime to tell him that he was from the [[Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|The Cool issue 4}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
====Legends====
[[Image:Ani-toy_LegendsBumblebee.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Stealth Lockdown''' (Animated 3-pack, 2008)

:A redeco of the ''Universe'' [[Legends Class|Legends-class]] Bumblebee available around the same time (see below), this Bumblebee came packaged with a Target-[[exclusive]] clear version of [[Lockdown (Animated)#Stealth|Lockdown]], as well as a Legends [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]. This Bumblebee is ''almost'' identical to the individual ''Universe'' release, except this version has silver painted windows, a silver [[Autobot]] [[insignia|faction symbol]] and a darker gray face.

{{-}}
[[Image:AniLegendsBumblebeeClearYellow.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Bumblebee Clear Yellow Ver.''' (EZ Collection, 2010)

: A redeco of Legends Bumblebee in mostly translucent yellow (with some opaque yellow parts). He was only available at [[Ito Yokado]] stores in Japan, given away for free to customers who purchased ''Animated'' merchandise totaling least 3,000 yen.

{{-}}

====Deluxe====
[[Image:Bumblebee_anim_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|Awwww, it's so adorable...]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TA-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Left & right rocket boosters

: Bumblebee transforms from a small yellow hatchback with a single red flasher to a scrappy robot with a smirk on his face. He has a fake car roof on his chest in robot mode (but to be fair, so does his cartoon counterpart), and the two halves of his stinger weapon, stored in his forearms, can be flipped out and pegged together. In both robot and car mode, his two booster rockets can be attached on his back. Unlike the promotional image, the rockets of the actual toy do not have any red paint.

: Due to support struts added inside his forearms to ensure durability, his stingers do not recede all the way back into his arms. The latest releases of the toy fix this problem. There have also been some complaints that the socket in his left arm tends to crack easily, which makes the arm impossible to pose.

: Amusingly, flipping his bumper up in his alt-mode works like a tiny trunk.

: The Japanese release of this toy was given a shiny, metallic coat of gold paint as opposed to the flat yellow of the original Hasbro release.

: This mold was also used to make [[#EliteGuard|"Elite Guard" Bumblebee]] and will be used to make [[Wasp|Fugitive Waspinator]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Deluxe Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|EliteGuard}}
[[Image:Ani-toy BumblebeeEG.jpg|thumb|300px|Back from his internship with Donald Trump. Sentinel Prime, YOU'RE FIRED!]]
*'''Elite Guard Bumblebee''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right rocket boosters

: A [[redeco]] of [[#Deluxe|Deluxe Bumblebee]], this figure represents Bumblebee after getting Sari to help paint him up in [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] deco as part of his anticipated ascension into their ranks. Dare to dream! He retains all the play-gimmicks of the original, though his arms have been slightly [[retool]]ed to allow the stingers to recede fully. The color scheme of the toy bears a little resemblance to [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|Stealth Bumblebee]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] franchise.

: The [[Hasbro]] stock photography and [[package art]] for this toy [[:Image:Deluxeeliteguardbumblebee.jpg|depict "Elite Guard" Bumblebee with his normal yellow helmet]]. However, the actual toy has a black helmet due to the plastic color layouts.

: This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as a [[Wireless Automated Sales Person]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/EGBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Elite Guard Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Activators====
*'''Bumblebee''' (Activator, 2008)
[[Image:Activators_Bumblebee_toy.jpg|thumb|300px|He's a Bumblevator—or is it Actibee?]]
: Part of the first wave of [[Activators]], this small version of Bumblebee [[autotransformation|automatically transforms]] from vehicle to robot mode via spring-loaded releases when you press his top-mounted police light. Interestingly enough, this toy is probably the closest to "proper" scale in robot mode when compared to the Deluxe Prowl and Ratchet, the Voyager Optimus, and Leader Bulkhead. Like the Deluxe class toy, Bumblebee was intended to be molded with a benign sideways smirk on his face, but at this small of scale the effect does not come off as intended, leaving Bumblebee looking rather more like he's grimacing. Furthermore, his insignia is ''also'' grimacing; for some reason this toy was given the [[:Image:Live action Autobot insignia.png|movie Autobot "angry eyes" insignia]], rather than the standard "neutral expression" insignia found on most other ''Animated'' Autobots. Add him to the list of Transformers who just need a hug.

:This mold was later [[retool]]ed to make [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/ActBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
{{anchor|ActivPatrol}}
[[Image:Activators_PatrolBumblebee_toy.JPG|thumb|250px|[[Barricade (Movie)|Bumblecade]]]]
*'''Patrol Bumblebee''' (Activator, 2008)

: A police-themed redeco of Activators Bumblebee, instead of his current "undercover" markings, he gets full-on black-and-white deco with "PATROL" lettering across his doors.
:He has the normal yellow helmet, however.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/PatrolBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Patrol Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
*'''Shockwave VS Bumblebee''' (multipack, 2009)
[[Image:Shockwavepurplebumblebeetoys.jpg|thumb|250px|Hey, they said I was supposed to meet Longarm here. Who are you?]]
: An unchanged version of Activators Bumblebee came packaged with a purple redeco of Voyager [[Shockwave (Animated)|Shockwave]] in a Target-exclusive multipack.

{{-}}
[[Image:Animated-toy_BattlefieldBumblebee.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
*'''Battlefield Bumblebee''' (2010)

: A redeco of Activators Bumblebee with silver detailing similar to [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Classics|''Classics'' Bumblebee]]'s white stripes and an oddly large Autobot insignia.

{{-}}

====Bumper Battlers====
*'''Bumblebee''' (Bumper Battlers, 2008)
[[Image:BumperBattlers_Bumblebee_toy.jpg|thumb|250px|Does this make him [[Bumper (G1)|Animated Bumper]]?]]
: Part of the first wave of [[Bumper Battlers]], this very simple version of Bumblebee is meant for the much younger set. About the same size as the Deluxe Bumblebee in car mode, pressing the Autobot [[insignia|faction symbol]] on his hood activates the toy's sound feature, using a seemingly randomized assortment of sound effects and original voice samples from [[Bumper Robinson]]. Pressing the car mode's front bumper in activates the simple spring-loaded one-step transformation to robot mode... "properly" activated by using the toy's [[pull-back motor]] [[gimmick]] to propel it forward into an obstacle.

{{-}}
{{anchor|StingRacer}}
*'''Sting Racer Bumblebee''' (Bumper Battlers, 2008)
[[Image:Ani-toy_BumperBattlers_StingBumblebee.JPG|thumb|250px|]]
: This Bumper Battlers Bumblebee has a blue stripe in place of the black one, and blue electrical marks on his sides.

{{-}}
====Power Bots====
{{anchor|PowerBots}}
*'''Cyber Speed Bumblebee''' ([[Power Bots]], 2008)
[[Image:CyberSpeedBumblebee_toy.JPG|thumb|120px]]
: A large, non-transforming figure of Bumblebee in bulky, child-friendly form. He comes with lights and sounds, including a stinger sound on the right arm, which has the stinger deployed, and a "punching" sound and extending fist on the left. He also speaks a slew of phrases, including "Bring it on, Decepticons!" and "Hi, I'm Bumblebee!", again using Bumper Robinson voice clips. He is, of course, utterly adorable.

{{-}}
*'''Street Patrol Bumblebee''' (Power Bots, 2009)
[[Image:Ani-toy_StreetPatrolBumblebee.JPG|thumb|120px|Anyone seen my transformation cog?]]
: This Bumblebee has red stripes on his stinger arm and his stripe is dark blue.

{{-}}
===Transformers (2007 movie line)===
[[Image:WMTheLegacyOfBumblebee.jpg|thumb|250px|Upon seeing his more proportionate counterparts, Ani-Bee cried himself to sleep on his giant pillow.]]
*'''The Legacy of Bumblebee''' (Deluxe class multi-pack, 2008)

: A Walmart [[exclusive]] three pack, ''The Legacy of Bumblebee'' collector's set comes with [[Bumblebee (G1)|''Classics'']], [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Movie]] Deluxe Class Concept Camaro ([[Premium Series]]) and ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' Bumblebee figures. While the movie and ''Animated'' Bumblebees are identical to their original, single carded releases, the ''Classics'' Bumblebee has been redecoed to more closely resemble his movie and ''Animated'' counterparts, changing his white stripes to black, and his grey/silver plastic to yellow, similarly to ''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bumble.

{{-}}

===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Legends_bb_sized.jpg|thumb|250px|Is that size-accurate enough?]]
*'''Bumblebee''' (Legends, 2008)
: A smaller, simplified [[Legends Class|Legends]]-scale Bumblebee toy, released under the ''Universe'' toyline.

:This toy was redecoed with a silver Autobot insignia, silver windows and a much darker (nearly black) face as part of the ''Animated'' line in a multi-pack with Stealth Lockdown and a Legends Class Optimus Prime (see above).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/AniLegendsBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Bumblebee at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Animated (Japan)===
====Voyager====
[[Image:Ani-toy_HydrodiveBumblebee.jpg|thumb|300px|Oh slag. Where did my police light go?]]
*'''Jet Pack Bumblebee''' (Voyager, 2010)
** Japanese ID number:
:A new, smaller mold of Bumblebee that comes with a jet/submarine that can be configured into some sort of battle armour/jet-pack. He can be placed in it in both robot and alt mode. Rather atypically for an ''Animated'' Autobot, he appears to come with a pair of guns (in lieu of his usual [[stinger]]s). These pistols can be hand-held or mounted on his armour.
:On the wings he seems to have his turbo boosters except redecoed black and with little parts on the back.

:Jet Pack Bumblebee was only made available as part of TakaraTomy's Japanese toyline. He was originally intended to be released under Hasbro's toyline under the name '''Hydrodrive Bumblebee''', but whether he'll ever come out in North America is unknown.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
{{anchor|McD}}
*'''Bumblebee''' (McDonalds Happy Meal toy, 2008)
[[Image:Bumblebrick.png|thumb|180px|Bumblebrick.]]
: A simple version of Bumblebee with a very simple transformation sequence, one of six toys available as part of the McDonald's ''Transformers Animated'' promotion (held concurrently with the ''Littlest Pet Shop'' promo). You transform him by pulling out the arms from the sides, pulling down the legs and rotating them around and flipping up the head. The arms hold the legs in place, and need to be pulled out before his legs. His vehicle mode is accurate to the show, and his robot mode is reasonably accurate, although rather on the "bulky" side.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/McBumblebee/bumblebee.htm More information on Bumblebee at TFU.info]''

==Notes==
[[Image:Bumblebeeanimatedkibble.jpg|thumb|150px|My real windshield is on my heels!]]
* Bumblebee's arm-mounted shock stingers are very likely inspired by an early weapon concept from the 2007 movie [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]].

* The character who would become Bumblebee was originally conceived as [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], but changed to Bumblebee at the insistence of incoming supervising director [[Matt Youngberg]] and art director [[Derrick J. Wyatt]]<ref>[https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=21975298&postID=1516366009698858110&isPopup=true]</ref>. This explains why his character is more like Hot Shot and less like... well, Bumblebee. He also arguably shares personality traits with other, similarly brash "ADHD" characters such as [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] and [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]. Cut from the same cloth, at any rate.

* Bumblebee appears to have a fake car roof on his chest in both his toy and on his [[character model]]. Not only does Bumblebee transform like his toy in his drawn-out animated transformation sequences, with his legs forming the top of the vehicle and the rest forming the underside, but his "real" windshield is drawn on the back of his legs, just like the toy. Plus the headlights on Bumblebee's feet are upside-down, just like the toy's. However, Bumblebee's vehicle mode stripe doesn't change sides like on the toy. Cheatsy!

* In addition to the above, in "[[The Thrill of the Hunt]]," Bumblebee reaches under his '''fake''' car roof kibble to get out his air freshener and fuzzy dice. This would mean that he had kept them in his back seat or trunk. Interestingly enough, on the Deluxe toy, you can actually store small items in his chest thanks to his opening 'trunk'.

* He likes to swear a lot. [[Slag (slang)|Slag yeah!]]

[[Image:TFA_Bumblebee_Elite_Guard_promoimage.JPG|thumb|150px|[[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] was so horrified his scream blew out [[Jazz (Animated)|Jazz]]'s audio sensors...and Jazz was in another building at the time.]]
* He apparently got his name for being a bumbler in [[Autobot boot camp]]. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

* On the Transformers Animated Season One DVD set, the "Season Two Sneak Peek" special feature shows Bumblebee's character model colored in the Elite Guard Bumblebee toy's deco. Bumblebee did not actually ''use'' that color scheme in Season 2, so its inclusion in a Season Two gallery is puzzling at best...

* With the airing of the episodes "Human Error" Parts 1 and 2, an interesting and probably unintentional question has been brought up. Bumblebee's human form is obviously much younger than the others, even Prowl and Bulkhead, putting him somewhere around pre-teen to early teen years. Everything else about the humans reflect their bot conterparts spot on, down to a scar on Ratchet's face to represent his broken chevron. So, seeing as human Bee is obviously so young, does that make him a child soldier? Or is he just plain short?

* Bumblebee's original [[body-type]] is apparently quite common on Cybertron—he shares it with [[Cliffjumper (Animated)|Cliffjumper]], [[Wasp]], [[Tap-Out (Animated)|Tap-Out]], [[Freeway (Animated)|Freeway]], [[Searchlight (Animated)|Searchlight]], [[Hubcap (Animated)|Hubcap]], [[Sedan (Animated)|Sedan]], [[Carrera (Animated)|Carrera]], [[Furão]], [[Bumper (Animated)|Bumper]] and [[Glyph (Animated)|Glyph]].

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/Bumblebee/bumblebee.htm Bumblebee at TFU.info]
* [http://www.hasbro.com/common/images/news/transformers//Transformers_Draw_Bumblebee.pdf Hasbro.com - How to Draw: Animated Bumblebee]

[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

File:RotorboltCatalog.jpg

2010-07-19T17:25:54Z

Gargunkle: fixing a typo

Hand-painted Rotorbolt mock-up, from the 3H BotCon website.

Crankstart

2010-07-15T14:47:15Z

Gargunkle:

{{faction|decepticon}}

:''Crankstart is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline.]]''

[[Image:TF2010toy-Crankstart.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Not ''Armada'' [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]], we swear.]]

'''Crankstart''' found a remote beach in [[Africa]]<ref>[[Sea Spray]]'s bio</ref> to hide from the [[Autobot]]s. This turned out to be pretty boring, so he would sometimes fire off a missile at a passing [[human]] sea vessel to pass the time. Unbeknownst to him, [[Sea Spray]] and [[Breacher]] were hot on his tail.<ref>Crankstart's bio</ref>

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2010)===
*'''Crankstart''' (Scout Class, 2010)

:Crankstart is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Dune Runner (ROTF)|Dune Runner]], transforming into a vehicle based on the [[Sector Seven]] dune buggies seen in the [[Transformers (2007)|first film]], the same vehicle also used as the basis for the [[Movie (toyline)|''Movie'' toyline's]] [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]. The twin gatling guns mounted on his roof/shoulders have multi-jointed armatures for different firing positions.

:This mold was also used to make ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Beachcomber (ROTF)|Beachcomber]].

==References==
<references/>

[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Transformers 2010 toyline characters]]
[[Category: Toy-only characters]]

Trypticon (WFC)

2010-07-14T15:20:08Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Trypticon}}
{{disambig3|Nemesis}}
:''Trypticon is an orbital space station in [[Decepticon]] hands from the [[Transformers: Prime]] [[continuity family]].''
[[Image:WfC-IGN-Trypticon.jpg|thumb|300px|Yes, there was a grammatically incorrect caption involving firing my laser. Why do you ask?]]
Serving as a waypoint between the bases on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s moons, '''''Trypticon Station''''' was captured by the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s early in the war, and ultimately held by the Decepticons once [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] had fully recruited the aerial forces that occupied it. Subsequently [[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] performed extensive upgrades to the station, including granting it an array of [[spark]]s, and guided it to sentience as the Decepticon '''Trypticon'''. In pursuit of the escaping [[Autobot]]s, Shockwave's final upgrade to Trypticon was revealed, its ability to transform into the interstellar warship known as the '''''Nemesis'''''.

==Fiction==
===''Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron''===
Prior to the war, ''Trypticon Station'' was used for research that could not be conducted planetside, including the first forays into sequestering the [[Dark Energon]] that had resulted from [[Unicron]]'s attack on the planet. Its security was seen to by the Seeker caste, which allowed [[Air Commander]] [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] knowledge of its secrets. As a result, he ordered his forces to occupy it after the capture of [[Sentinel Zeta Prime]], as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Megatron and his growing Decepticon army.

During one of Starscream's absences, Megatron decided he tired of negotiations and took ''Trypticon Station'' by force. Upon Starscream's return to the station, Megatron pressed the Seeker and ultimately gained access to the facility's research on Dark Energon. However as the supplies of the substance from the initial harvest were slender, he required the means to transfer large quantities of [[energon (fuel)|energon]] to the station so that they could be converted into the rarer resource. As Trypticon Station was configured to receive fuel from the [[Geosynchronous Energon Bridge]] in [[Crystal City]], the Decepticons were able to transfer an initial supply, but not nearly enough for the ravenous rate at which they were consuming Dark Energon. This was eventually remedied by Megatron's capture of the [[Plasma energy|Plasma Energy Chamber]], which provided a nearly unlimited source of fuel directly from Cybertron's core.

After a team led by [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] ventured into the planet's core to cut off the transfer, Megatron decided to switch tactics. Allowing Shockwave to apply the experimental knowledge he had gleaned over the course of the war, Trypticon was granted life and sentience, including the ability to shape its corridors into a dizzying array of defense drones and [[Mini-Con|Minicon]]s.

Ultimately a team of Autobots aboard the ''[[Eight Track]]'' found a gap in the station's external defenses, and managed to venture within and knock the behemoth from orbit. Victory was brief however, as Trypticon revealed a robot form and crawled from the wreckage planetside. Though initially the [[Wrecker]]s and [[Omega Supreme (Prime)|Omega Supreme]] were tasked with keeping the gargantuan Decepticon away from the ''[[Ark (Prime)|Ark]]'' launch, this proved to be in vain as Megatron boarded Trypticon along with a hand-picked crew of the Decepticon elite. Transforming into a ''Nemesis''-class battleship, Trypticon pursued the ''Ark'' to, and subsequently through, the last remaining functional [[space bridge]] in Cybertronian orbit. As the ''Ark'' emerged in unknown space, the ''Nemesis'' was nowhere within sensor range. {{storylink|Exodus: The Official History of the War for Cybertron|Exodus}}

==Games==
===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Fred Tatasciore]] (English)
After Optimus Prime learned of the coming Great Shutdown, he ordered an evacuation of all Autobots. When Megatron started using his space station to blow up the ships, Optimus sent Jetfire, Air Raid, & Silverbolt to destroy the station. Flooding it with coolant while under heavy fire, the jets were about to blow it up... until they discovered that the station itself was alive. The fliers hoped that they could prevent Iacon's destruction by destroying Trypticon's conversion cog, reverting him to his robot mode. Unfortunately for the aerial Autobots, his robot mode was a gigantic metal dinosaur. Jetfire destroyed his jetpack, and Trypticon plummeted to the planet below. Optimus, Ironhide, and Bumblebee went to investigate the crash and battled the titan, destroying his weapon's systems. After suffering heavy damage, Trypticon lost his balance, and fell into an energon lake below. {{storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: War for Cybertron'' (DS)===
{{charstubfiction}}
{{Storylink|Transformers: War for Cybertron (DS)|Transformers: War for Cybertron}}
{{-}}

[[Category: Decepticons]]
[[Category: Starships]]
[[Category: Space stations]]
[[Category: Decepticon bases]]
[[Category: Prime characters]]

Snapper

2010-05-17T19:27:56Z

Gargunkle:

{{Factions|predacon}}
{{picsneeded|Volcano set, fiction}}
:''Snapper is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] from the [[Beast Era]] portion of the [[Generation 1]] [[Continuity family|continuity family]].''

[[Image:BWSnapperJapan.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Villain in a halfshell!]]
Everyone knows the tortoise beat the [[Stampy|hare]], but had that tortoise been '''Snapper''', he'd have beat the hare into a bloody pulp and hid the remains at the bottom of a swamp. A jet-propelled snapping turtle with a vicious attitude, Snapper is proof that not all turtles are slowpokes. But unlike [[wikipedia:Gamera|another jet-powered warrior turtle]], Snapper is anything ''but'' a friend to children everywhere.

:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Morsure''' ("Bite")
:''Italian name:'' '''Snap'''
:''Spanish name:'' '''Tortugon'''

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Beast Wars'' comics===
[[Magmatron]] came to prehistoric [[Earth]] to gather an army using the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'''s [[Protoforms|protoforms]]. Snapper was among the protoforms to be successfully turned into Predacons. Magmatron ordered his forces to seek out the double-agent [[Razorbeast]] and his crew of Maximals. Within a few days, the Predacons had located the Maximal headquarters, and battle ensued. During that battle, Snapper tangled with [[K-9]]. The Maximals won that fight, and Snapper and the surviving Predacons retreated into the wilderness. {{storylink|The Gathering|The Gathering}}

He was later seen with [[Manterror]] and [[Retrax]] spying on the Maximals. That is, until [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] decided he'd be better as a footrest. He was left behind on Earth to fight the [[Blendtrons]], and managed to survive that battle. {{storylink|The Ascending|The Ascending}}

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
[[Image:Snapper-toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
*'''Snapper''' (Basic, 1996)
**''Accessories'': Twin cannon

: Part of the first wave of "smooth bubble" ''Beast Wars'' Basics, Snapper transforms into a green organic snapping turtle. Like many ''Beast Wars'' Basic figures, his transformation is spring-loaded; pressing down his tail converts him most of the way from turtle to robot. A portion of his shell-back pops free, revealing a flip-out double-barreled blaster weapon that can peg onto his forearms.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Predacon/Snapper/snapper.htm More information on Snapper at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
*'''Volcano Showdown''' (Vs Playset, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-X1'''
**''Accessories'': Twin cannon

:Snapper was available in Japan exclusively in this large set containing not only him and his enemy [[Armordillo]], but also a large battery-operated volcano playset. The playset comes with a number of red plastic balls in some way representing lava, which can either roll down the mountainside in a perpetual cascade, or be fired from the accompanying cannon. It has been hypothesized that this playset was originally slated for an abandoned ''[[Microman]]'' line, which is made plausible by the scale of various sculpted details.
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
* '''Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game''' (1997)
:Snapper was one of the 24 beast warriors to receive a battle card representation for the Beast Wars [[Beast Wars Transformers Mutating Card Game|card game]].
{{-}}
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Predacons]]

File:SCcelMenSupBrut.jpg

2010-03-15T19:19:14Z

Gargunkle:

{{G1cap|[[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] holds on to [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] while [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] uses him for a punching bag.|Scramble City|6}}

Enter the Nightbird

2010-03-04T13:08:37Z

Gargunkle:

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=26
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=74
|image=EnterTheNightbird Nightbird starscream.jpg
|caption="All right, now hit Starscream in the groin-plate."
|title="Enter the Nightbird"
|production code=#700-25
|airdate=[[September 30]], 1985
|written by=[[Sylvia Wilson]] [[Richard Milton]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons capture Nightbird, a deadly ninja-bot, and turn her loose on the Autobots.'''

:''Japanese title:'' ナイトバードの影 (''Nightbird no Kage'', "The Shadow of Nightbird")

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Nightbirdandfujiyama.jpg|left|175px|thumb|"No threat... not a threat at all."]]
The [[Autobot]]s are busily constructing [[detection plate]]s, a new invention of [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s which will make the [[Ark (G1)|base]] more secure by detecting intruders. They're interrupted in their work by a call from [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]], requesting their help in guarding his latest invention during its unveiling to the world. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]] agrees when the doctor informs him that the invention is a sophisticated new robot. The Autobots attend the event, though Wheeljack and [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] are more interested in mocking the invention. Finally Dr. Fujiyama unveils [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]], a "female ninja robot". Predictably, the [[Decepticon]]s attack and immediately have the upper hand because the Autobots won’t fight in a hall crowded with humans. As soon as the humans are cleared out, Optimus orders a counter-attack, personally grappling with [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. The Autobots are soon fully occupied, allowing [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] to tear the roof off the building, so that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] can lasso Nightbird and carry the robot away. Their prize obtained, the rest of the Decepticons retreat.

They retire to Megatron's temporary base, a [[Giant Decepticon insignia|masterfully disguised fortress]], where [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] sets to work reprogramming Nightbird and tripling her power. Her first action on being reactivated is to immediately attack Starscream, which gains Megatron's approval. [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] gives her her new orders — infiltrate Autobot headquarters and steal the [[World Energy Chip]] from [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]].

Meanwhile, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus]] is apologetic for their abject failure to protect the robot, and promises to return it back to Dr. Fujiyama quickly and unharmed. The Autobots return to base, Ratchet carrying the injured [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]. Nightbird soon arrives at Autobot HQ as well, avoiding a security camera by accessing the base through the top of the [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]], eavesdropping on [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]'s puzzled conversation over the Decepticons' latest plan. She neatly avoids Wheeljack's detection plates by magnetizing her feet and walking along the roof. Reaching Teletraan I, she removes the World Energy Chip, plunging the base into darkness and alerting the Autobots to the intruder.

[[Image:Nightbirdspotlight.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Nightbird wants her own [[Spotlight (comics)|spotlight comic]].]]
In her attempt to escape, she first encounters [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] and bashes her way past the startled Autobot. A group of Autobots corners her, but are hampered by the promise they made not to harm her, and she is able to use her ninja abilities to blind them and effect a proper escape. The Autobots pursue her outside, where Optimus spots her on a clifftop and drops her with a stun ray. As [[Bluestreak]] approaches her, she suddenly jumps up and decks him before throwing more spinning blades at his comrades. Optimus stops [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] from firing on her, reminding him again of their promise to Dr. Fujiyama, then attempts to reason with Nightbird. The robot responds by attacking him with her energy sword and stealing his rifle, though she leaves her sword behind.

Watching remotely, Megatron and Bombshell are impressed with Nightbird's work. Starscream less so when Megatron suggests she would make a good replacement for the air commander.

Ratchet and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] discover the absence of the World Energy Chip and notify Prime. Using [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s sensors, the Autobots quickly relocate Nightbird, and Optimus attempts to lure her closer with her sword. She merely takes the weapon and knocks him down. The Autobots continue their attempts, unsuccessfully, to try to bring the ninja 'bot down.

[[Image:Nightbirdprime.jpg|left|175px|thumb|Prime, taking advantage of the fact [[Elita One|Elita]]'s on [[Cybertron (planet)|another planet]].]]
Meanwhile, Starscream has had enough of Megatron's insinuations about replacing him, and decks his leader. He's swiftly restrained by the other Decepticons and trapped in a cage. Megatron turns back to his spying and, seeing that Nightbird has finally been caught by the Autobots in an energy web, orders the Decepticons out on a mission to rescue her and the World Energy Chip. Optimus is able to retrieve the Chip from Nightbird, but it's dropped in the subsequent Decepticon ambush. After a brief spell in Bombshell's possession, Optimus regains the chip, but Megatron responds by freeing Nightbird from her cage and unleashing her on the Autobots.

[[Image:Nightbirdangry.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Hell hath no fury like a Nightbird scorned.]]
Starscream uses a small missile to free himself from the cage in the Decepticon base, and swiftly reaches the battle in time to watch Nightbird overwhelming Optimus with her combat skills. Seeking revenge, the Decepticon uses his [[null-ray]] on Nightbird, disabling her. Megatron is enraged and calls off the attack so everyone can pursue Starscream.

The Autobots make good on their promise by returning Nightbird unharmed to Fujiyama, who decides to put her in storage. Despite being neutralized, Nightbird casts a final, angered glare out at the cold, cold, world.

{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (1)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (2)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (3)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (4)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (5)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (6)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (7)
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] (10)
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]] (11)
* [[Bluestreak]] (15)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (16)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (21)

|c2=
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (8)
* [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (9)
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (12)
* [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (13)
* [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] (14)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (17)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (18)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (19)
* [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] (20)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]]
* [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist]]

|c4=
*[[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]
}}

==Quotes==
"Imagine, Autobots playing nursemaid to an earth robot. It's probably just a glorified wind-up toy."
:—Look who's talking, '''Wheeljack'''.

'''Ratchet''': Dr. Fujiyama's doohickey's under that drape! 
'''Wheeljack''': If it walks it probably needs a long extension cord. 
'''Ratchet''': Heh heh heh. I wonder if batteries are included? Heh, heh, heh. 
'''Wheeljack''': When they turn it on, it'll probably blow the lights! 
'''Optimus''': We're here to guard the robot, not make jokes at its expense.
:—Wheeljack and Ratchet, masters of diplomacy

"Ah, why build a robot ninja, doctor? Isn't that rather dangerous?"
:—The '''guy with the white mustache''' asks what we're all thinking.

"I bring you greetings, Optimus Prime...lethal greetings!"
:—'''Megatron'''. His writers don't get paid enough.

"I love warping minds for you, Megatron... love it!"
:—'''Bombshell''', the spokesman for ''Grand Theft Auto''.

"I'm open to suggestions... and you don't need to raise your hands before you speak."
:—Shouldn't '''Optimus Prime''' have said something like "raise your finger components" instead?

"She's not so hot!" 
"She's hot enough to replace you whenever I choose!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Megatron''' utter the words that launch a thousand [[fanfic]]s.

"Yes, you're definitely on my replacement list, Starscream... Hahaha, she's everything I've always wanted!"
:—'''Megatron'''. Aw, all he wanted was some love.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Throughout the entire episode, the volume of the background music is a notch or two lower than normal, making it sound rather unemphatic.
* The top of Ironhide's torso is colored red instead of gray as Wheeljack says his "nursemaid" line. In the same scene, the bottom of Wheeljack's "ears" aren't flashing along with the rest of them.
* The ''round'' auditorium building somehow contains a ''rectangular'' auditorium. Later shots show the auditorium as having a domed ceiling, which is consistent with the exterior shot but doesn't make a lick of sense spatially. As Optimus apologizes to Dr. Fujiyama later in the episode, the ruined auditorium is suddenly round. Also, the opening pan across the auditorium also shows it to be of ''incredibly '' huge scale.
* As he and Ratchet crack jokes about the robot, the top segment of the side of Wheeljack's chest is colored windshield blue instead of metal armor white.
* For the most part, the episode is ''amazingly'' consistent about where the Autobots are during the unveiling of Nightbird, but as the robot is revealed, Prowl and Mirage are shown right next to each other, when they were a hundred feet apart a second before.
* When Rumble and Frenzy break into the show room, Rumble's pile drivers are rectangular prisms instead of the usual cylinders.
* One gun, many lasers:
** Frenzy's lasers pass right through the fleeing humans without affecting them. He's also somehow firing like 5 or 6 lasers at once from his two guns.
* Rumble's crotch and thigh are bizarrely misdrawn during the low-angle shot of him earthquaking, as if they don't quite connect. Your wiki editors might not have noticed this, but his crotch panel is miscolored a rather attention-getting bright red during the same scene, calling the viewer's attention right to the drawing flub.
* When Optimus Prime gets shot in the back by Megatron, he grunts and oophs in Mirage's voice.
* The "triple power booster" that Bombshell places in Nightbird's torso couldn't possible fit in the space that's shown.
* Ratchet has no red detailing in ambulance mode as he offers a lift to Brawn.
* Ratchet has a side hatch instead of his usual rear hatch as Mirage loads Brawn into him. Brawn is loaded in sideways, meaning Ratchet is wider than Brawn is tall.
* Mirage shines a light on Nightbird from an area of his chest that clearly is not a light of any kind.
* The first commercial break totally cuts off the background music in mid-phrase.
* Cliffjumper's brow is missing its details and color as he aims at Nightbird.
* When Nightbird's lightsaber is shot and deactivated, the sound effects continue for about two more seconds before they stop.
* Jazz's mouth disappears for a second as he goes to help Prime to his feet.
* Missing Seeker emblems:
** Skywarp has no wing insignia as he watches the video screen in the [[Giant Decepticon insignia|Decepticon base]].
** Starscream has only one insignia as he punches Megatron. Skywarp has none a second later as he holds Starscream, and again as he backs away from the energy cage.
** Starscream has no insignia as he lands at the battle site.
** Thundercracker and Skywarp have no insignia as the Decepticons fly off after Starscream. In fact, Skywarp doesn't seem to have his insignia at any point during the episode. Seriously, is there a single episode where they didn't screw this up?
* Miscolored Seeker nosecones:
** Starscream's top and bottom cockpit segments are yellow instead of gray as Bombshell challenges him.
** Skywarp and Thundercracker both have all-yellow nosecones as they transform to leave the base.
** Skywarp's nosecone is gray as he and everybody else transforms and launches during the start of the battle.
** Starscream's nosecone goes from all-yellow to all-gray as he leaves the base and transforms.
** Starscream's bottom nosecone segment is yellow instead of gray as he laughs at Megatron. As he transforms and flies off, his nosecone is entirely yellow. Seriously, is there a single episode where they didn't screw ''this'' up?
* Why does Hound's infrared ''beep''? Is it a radar?
* As usual, Mirage only leaves footprints when he's invisible.
* "She jammed it!" Cliffjumper says, when Nightbird throws Bluestreak's missile into his glass gas nozzle. Couldn't he just... pull the missile out?
* The animators missed a note about what Starscream was supposed to do inside the energy cage. He's all like "You can't keep me in here, Megatron! AHHHHHHH!", as if he rushed the cage and got zapped by it or something, but the animation shows him just standing there, which makes it seem like he expects to shout the system down. Sure enough, the original script contains the following direction:
:ANGLE ON MEGATRON as he moves closer to the cage.
:MEGATRON: Well, I don't see why not...!
:Starscream tries to punch at Megatron, but when his fist hits the power grid, it creates ELECTRICAL SPARKS. Starscream draws his hand back, holding it in pain.
:STARSCREAM: (SCREAMS!)<ref>[http://www.theplumedserpent.com/SerpentsEye/ETN.html "Enter The Nightbird" episode review at The Serpent's Lair]</ref>
* Hound is missing all his chest details as Optimus reacts to Megatron's arrival. It suddenly appears as the Autobots attack.
* What on earth is that weird energy ripple sound effect as Starscream drops out of the sky? As Starscream lands, his eyes are blue instead of red.
* As Starscream knocks out Nightbird, the [[null ray]] gets a truncated Autobot laser sound effect instead of the Decepticon sound.
* A dialog or script editing flub results in Starscream bizarrely gloating "Say good night to your ''Megatron''!" after blasting Nightbird. Per the original script, the line was meant to go "Say good night to your <something>, Megatron!", but whatever the original noun was, it was crossed out in black and the word "Robotessa" was hand-written in its place. <ref>[http://www.theplumedserpent.com/SerpentsEye/ETN.html "Enter The Nightbird" episode review at The Serpent's Lair]</ref> The baffling question of what the heck a "Robotessa" is aside, this hand-written re-write was apparently overlooked when the dialogue script for the recording of the episode was written up, as the spoken line shows no signs of being edited or cut-and-pasted back together, indicating that Chris Latta genuinely spoke it aloud in recording as it appears in the show. It ''would'' make sense if Starscream was addressing it towards Nightbird, but he's not.
* The glow of Nightbird's eyes starts a second before the accompanying sound effect.

===Continuity errors===
* Wheeljack's detection panels don't make any sense. They're just glorified metal detectors, that react to metal, the very thing that the Autobots and Autobot Headquarters are made of. The Autobots put them all over the ''floor'', to detect their flight-capable enemies. So does that mean the Autobots can no longer use that particular corridor?
* The scientists' reactions to Nightbird seem a bit overwrought considering that the robot has yet to do anything besides stand there.
* Dr. Fujiyama assures us that Nightbird is "not meant for battles or assassinations" as we pan over the robot. So... just what ''are'' those short knives and nunchucks and throwing stars meant for? Is Nightbird supposed to ''stab'' her way into "the horizons of robotic research"?
* The Autobots didn't think to post anybody ''outside'' the building? Since that's, y'know, where the Decepticons would come from?
* Why do the Decepticons need a whole new base just for the Nightbird project? What possible advantage does it serve?
* When Prime apologizes for losing Nightbird to the Decepticons, Doctor Fujiyama's response is that no one could have predicted it happening. Except... that's why he called the Autobots in the first place! Being a rather stereotypical Japanese guy, maybe he's just too polite to tell Prime that he botched it.
* This is the only time that Autobot Headquarters is shown to have an elevator going up into the volcano's cone. [[The Ultimate Doom, Part 2|Earlier]] and [[Dinobot Island, Part 2|later]] episodes contradict this notion. And just what are Prowl and Spike doing up there, anyway?
* How come the detection panels don't go off when Nightbird waves her hand next to them?
* Why is Prime helping repair Brawn? Repairs aren't usually his gig.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Why/how does Ratchet get a third-person view of Optimus and the others when he calls them up via Teletraan I?
** How is Megatron watching the whole battle from his base? Is Laserbeak there keeping tabs or something? Or is this another instance of him putting [[The Master Builders|cameras inside every random rock]]?
* At the end of the second act, Nightbird gets the drop on Prime and raises her sword as if to slice him in half. At the opening of the third act, however, she's just standing there in front of him, idly spinning the sword around, then turns and runs away for no real reason.
* Nightbird's "magnetic feet" reappear later in the episode, when she's climbing... a rock face.
* "Watch how my anti-matter blaster eats up energy!" Megatron says. We feel this amazing breach of science needs no further elaboration. (The intended idea ''may'' have been that the blaster is highly energy-consumptive and could absorb the energy net as a power supply or something; however, what's shown instead is that ''firing'' the gun ''at'' the energy net somehow dissipates it.)
* "I'm so glad you have returned Nightbird... and not a scratch on her chassis!" What about that big hole in her back from just the previous scene?
* "Safely locked up... ''forever''!" Why not just take her to pieces, then?

===Continuity notes===
* Gadgets and powers:
** Nightbird's gadgets: [[Wikipedia:Nunchaku|nunchaku]] (unused), a pair of [[Wikipedia:Sai (weapon)|''sai'' daggers]] (also unused), a wrist-mounted grappling hook, magnetic feet (they also work on rocks!), fist-replacing sawblades, [[Wikipedia:Metsubushi|some kind of spin/make bright light/disappear gimmick]], an endless supply of hip-stored energized [[Wikipedia:Shuriken|shuriken]], a lightsaber, another unused weapon which hilt is visible on her "backpack", a glowing magnetic tractor beam, and stereo speaker-nullifying metal donuts. Additionally, she vanishes after jumping over a cliff edge, leading Mirage to wonder if she has the power of invisibility.
** Cliffjumper's [[glass gas]] is a fiery glue-like substance in this episode, which he fires from a retractable wrist nozzle.
** Starscream can fire a tiny little missile from an elevating launcher on his wrist.
* In [[3H Productions|3H]]'s [[Universe (2003 comic)|''Universe'' comics]], Nightbird returned as a savage horde, which forced [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] to kill himself and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] to destroy them...which goes to show that they ''are'' good for something.
* [[Attack of the Autobots|<<]] '''Brawn vs. Soundwave''' Round 3 goes to Soundwave. Score: Brawn 2, Soundwave 1 [[Child's Play (episode)|>>]]

===Real-world references===
* The title could be a reference to the film ''[[wikipedia:Enter_the_Dragon|Enter the Dragon]]''. This would not be the last time the film is referenced in a Transformers series.
* ''Star Wars'' sound effects:
** Nightbird's lightsaber ignites with the standard Star Wars lightsaber effect, and gets the usual lightsaber-waving sound effects repeatedly when it's used.
** The seeker ball that Luke trains with aboard the ''Millennium Falcon'' can be heard darting about as Nightbird waves her sword at the approaching Optimus Prime.

===Trivia===
* The first ''female'' ninja robot? So are there already a lot of ''male'' ninja robots running around out there?

* Dr. Fujiyama's assertion that "the technical components are irreplaceable, and are needed for research" is... curious. If he built the thing himself, why would it be so impossible to manufacture new parts?

* When the Autobots are chasing Nightbird up a cliff, Cliffjumper can't jump the cliff. This has been the source of much fandom snickering over the years. Congratulations, fandom; you get the joke. Good job.

* Back in the late 1990s, this episode was at the center of a huge and long-running [[fandom]] flap on [[alt.toys.transformers]], initiated by [[Raksha|certain Decepticon fans]] who interpreted Nightbird's scowl as a clear sign that she was a sapient life form, rather than a mindless automaton. In conjunction with certain lines of dialog from Megatron, some fans further concluded that Nightbird could be seen as a romantic foil for Megatron. These arguments and the opposing viewpoints led to much agony for everyone involved.

* The [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave comic]] "[[Infestation]]" featured Nightbird in her own movie, aptly named ''[[Aztec Theatres|Enter the Nightbird]]''.

* Doctor Fujiyama the ''Famous'' Scientist!

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/enter_the_nightbird.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Hoist (Movie)

2010-03-02T20:49:19Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|autobotfilm}}
{{disambig3|Hoist}}
:''Hoist is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] continuity family..''

[[Image:Hoist movie psp.jpg|right|170px|thumb|]]
'''Hoist''' may seem like just another nice and friendly guy, but any [[Decepticon]] who deems him an easy target will live to regret it. Hoist's been trained by some of the greatest warriors in the entire galaxy, and is considered a valuable asset to the Autobot cause.

==Games==
===Transformers: The Game (PSP)===
:''Voice actor'': [[Mark Ryan]]

Hoist arrived on Earth some time after [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and his team, apparently at the same time as [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Wheeljack]] and [[Sideswipe (Movie)|Sideswipe]]. He accompanied the other Autobots on their mission to [[Hoover Dam]], and was seen escaping the complex when the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] attacked. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
[[Image:ROTF-toy_Hoist.jpg|thumb|right|300px|]]
*'''Back Road Brawl''' (Figure multi-pack, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Missile

: A [[Toys"R"Us]]-[[exclusive]], [[Generation 1]]-themed [[redeco]] of the 2007 [[Movie (toyline)|Movie]] toyline's [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]], Hoist transforms into a Ford F-350 tow truck, capable of towing another toy thanks to his hook-arm. This arm becomes a hand-held spring-loaded missile launcher in robot mode that is affixed to his right hand via a screw. There is a single, nigh-insignificant [[automorph]] feature; the emergency lights on top of the gun/tow rig are geared to fold simultaneously.

:The gun is not meant to be removable, but is easily unscrewed. The loose gun won't fit on the right hand without the screw, but will peg into the left hand via the connection used to hold the gun/crane steady in vehicle mode. The figure is still capable of full transformation and the loose crane fits tightly in vehicle mode. It is however difficult to transform him while keeping the loose gun attached to his left hand.

:Hoist is only available in the Toys"R"Us "Back Road Brawl" figure two pack with a Generation 1-themed redeco of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]].

{{-}}
==Trivia==
* Hoist appears in the PSP game as a recolored version of the [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] drone, in the familiar green and orange of [[Hoist (G1)|Generation 1 Hoist]]. It's one of two connections Hoist has with the Longarm mold, the other being the newly-molded head of the Longarm toy, which was based on Generation 1 Hoist, rather than either of the two drone heads the robot has in the games. <s>We've really got to wonder why this redeco hasn't been made yet.</s> This redeco was eventually released in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|''Revenge of the Fallen'' toyline]].
* While Hoist himself does not appear in either version of the Nintendo DS game, a damn obvious nod to him is one of the many unlockable vehicle forms for [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-A-Bot]] in the ''[[Transformers: Autobots]]'' version. While the form (called "Maintenance") is not entirely like his vehicle mode, being a pallete-swapped version of [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]], it has a very similar paint job and the robot mode is almost dead on.

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen characters]]

Toys"R"Us

2010-03-02T20:43:03Z

Gargunkle:

[[Image:OnlyAtToysRUsLogo.jpg|right|350px]]

'''Toys"R"Us''', spelled "ToysЯUs" with a reversed "Я" in the official company logo (previously Toys"Я"Us), is one of the world's biggest toy retailer chains, based in the [[United States]] but with branches in many other countries.

Over the years, they have carried a lot of [[exclusive]] ''Transformers'' [[toy]]s, in addition to the regular mass retail releases. Many of those exclusives have been carried not only by US retailers, but also by international Toys"R"Us branches.

[[Japan]] also has its own Toys"R"Us branch, which has its own exclusive toys from [[Takara]], independent of the toys [[Hasbro]] provides Western Toys"R"Us stores with.

==List of Toys"R"Us exclusive toys (Western market)==
===[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]===
*[[Optimus Primal/toys|Air Attack Optimus Primal]]
*[[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]

===[[Commemorative Series]]===
{{Note|The entire ''Commemorative Series'' toyline was originally intended to be exclusively available from Toys"R"Us stores. However, two toys from the later series were ultimately made available through other venues, at least for the United States market.}}
'''Series I'''
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus Major]]
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]]
'''Series II'''
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Powermaster Optimus Prime]] with [[Apex Bomber|Apex Armor]]
*[[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]
'''Series III'''
*[[Jazz (G1)/toys|Autobot Jazz]]
*[[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]]
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]
'''Series IV'''
*[[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
*[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
'''Series V'''
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
*[[Tracks (G1)|Autobot Tracks]]
'''Series VI'''
*[[Grapple|Autobot Grapple]]
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
'''Series VII'''
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus Prime]]
'''Series VIII'''
*[[Skids (G1)|Autobot Skids]]
*[[Sideswipe (G1)|Side Swipe]]
{{note|Side Swipe was only available at Toys"R"Us stores in Canada and Australia. He was planned to be released together with Skids in the USA, but was never shipped to stores. Eventually, he was made available as a [[KB Toys]] exclusive instead.}}
'''Series IX'''
*[[Ricochet (Headmasters)|Ricochet]]

===[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]===
* [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]] & [[Sea Mini-Con Team]] six-pack, contains:
** [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]]
** [[Iceberg]]
** [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]]
** [[Oceanglide]]
** [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]]
** [[Waterlog]]
* [[Destruction Mini-Con Team|Road Wrecker Mini-Con Team]] & [[Night Attack Mini-Con Team]] six-pack, contains:
** [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]]
** [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]]
** [[Dualor]]
** [[Broadside (Armada)|Broadside]]
** [[Fetch]]
** [[Scattor (Armada)|Scattor]]
* [[Race Mini-Con Team]] & [[Space Mini-Con Team]] six-pack, contains:
** [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]]
** [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]]
** [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]]
** [[Astroscope]]
** [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]]
** [[Sky Blast]]
{{Note|Although the larger packaging for these three six-packs was new, the toys themselves were unchanged from their ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' releases. Desipte the name on the packaging, the "Road Wrecker Team" actually used the toys' original Destruction Team colors. The Road Wrecker/Night Attack Team and Race/Space Team packs were also available at [[Walmart]] stores.}}
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Powerlinx Optimus Prime]] & [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] two-pack
{{Note|These were the smaller molds for both characters that were available as mass retail releases in Japan.}}

===[[Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe (2003)]]===
* [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]] with [[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]
===[[Alternators]]===
There was a "Mega Alternators" assortment carried by Toys"R"Us... which ultimately turned out to be merely shrinkwrapped combos of single Alternators releases. The most common combination was [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]/[[Bluestreak|Silverstreak]], but Smokescreen/[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]], Smokescreen/[[Hound (G1)|Autobot Hound]] and even Smokescreen/Smokescreen combos have been found as well.

===[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]===
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] vs. [[Vector Prime]] two-pack
{{note|Starscream was a redeco of the Voyager Class Starscream mold that was otherwise only available in Japan. Vector Prime, on the other hand, was identical to his single [[Hasbro]] release.}}

===[[Titanium Series]]===
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|''G1'' Optimus Prime]] & [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|''G1'' Bumblebee]] two-pack (3" Robot Masters, metallic [[redeco]]s)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|''War Within'' Optimus Prime]] & [[Megatron (G1)/toys|''War Within'' Megatron]] two-pack (6" Cybertron Heroes)
* [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|''War Within'' Grimlock]] (6" Cybertron Heroes)
* [[Prowl (G1)/toys|''War Within'' Prowl]] (6" Cybertron Heroes)

===[[Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]===
* [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]] vs. [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] two-pack

===[[Classics (2006)]]===
*[[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] (Commemorative Edition)

===[[Movie (toyline)|Movie (2007)]]===
* [[Wingblade]]
* [[Jetstorm (Movie)|Jetstorm]]
* [[Inferno (Movie)|Inferno]]
* [[Mudflap (Movie)|Mudflap]]
* Decepticon Desert Attack two-pack, contains:
** [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] (Voyager Class)
** [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]] (Deluxe Class)
{{Note|These two toys are unchanged from their single releases.}}
* Battle for the Allspark six-pack, contains:
** [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]] (Legends Class)
** [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys|Bumblebee]] (Legends Class)
** [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]] (Legends Class)
** [[Megatron (Movie)/toys|Megatron]] (Legends Class)
** [[Starscream (Movie)/toys|Starscream]] (Legends Class)
** [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] (Legends Class)
{{Note|These six toys are unchanged from their single releases.}}

===[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]===
* [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (Leader Class) with "Super Value" [[Activators]] [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]
* [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (Leader Class) with "Super Value" [[Activators]] [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]
{{Note|These toys were unchanged from their single releases.}}
* [[Ratchet (Animated)|Autobot Ratchet]] & [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] two-pack (Deluxe Class)
{{Note|These two toys were unchanged from their single releases. This two-pack was not available at North American stores, but was available as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in the United Kingdom and Germany.}}
*[[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]]
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Cybertron Mode Ratchet]]
{{Note|The above two toys were originally scheduled for mass retail.}}

===[[Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe (2008)]]===
* [[Unicron]] (almost unchanged from the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' release)
* [[Darkwing|Darkwind]]
* [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]]
* [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]] three-pack (Commemorative Edition), contains:
** [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]
** [[Shrapnel (G1)|Sharpshot]]
** [[Bombshell (G1)|Hardshell]]
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (Commemorative Edition)

===[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]===
* Master of [[Metallikato]]: [[Whirl (ROTF)|Autobot Whirl]] vs. [[Bludgeon (ROTF)|Decepticon Bludgeon]]
* [[Ratchet (Movie)|Rescue Ratchet]] vs. [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] (Titanium Series)
* [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] vs. [[Dead End (ROTF)|Dead End]] (Titanium Series)
* [[Ironhide (Movie)|Offroad Ironhide]] vs. [[Brawl (Movie)|Deep Desert Brawl]] (Titanium Series)
* Back Road Brawl: [[Hoist (Movie)|Hoist]] vs. [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]]
* Gathering at the Nemesis: [[Megatron (Movie)/toys|Megatron]], [[The Fallen]] and [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Autobot Wheelie]] vs. [[Sideways (ROTF)|Decepticon Sideways]] two-pack
{{Note|These two toys were unchanged from their single releases. This two-pack was not available at North American stores, but was available as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in the United Kingdom and Germany.}}

*Shanghai Showdown: [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] versus [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] & [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] (ice cream truck)

{{comingsoontoy}}

==List of Toys"R"Us Japan exclusive toys==
===[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]===
*[[Optimus Primal/toys|Convoy]] (clear version)
===[[Beast Wars II (toyline)|Beast Wars II]]===
*[[Black Lio Convoy]]
===[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]===
*[[Primal Prime]] ([[USA Edition]])
===Reissues===
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Nucleon Quest Super Convoy]]

===[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Car Robots/Robots in Disguise]]===
* [[Omega Prime|God Fire Convoy]] (special clear version with [[Matrix Blade|Super God Sword]])
* [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] vs. [[Axer]] (USA Edition)
{{Note|This two-pack was available as a Wal-Mart exclusive in the United States.}}
* [[Storm Jet (RID)|Storm Jet]] (USA Edition)
* Cybertron 3-Guy Set: [[Nightcruz (RID)|Nightcruz]], [[Mirage GT]] & [[Scavenger (RID)|Scavenger]] (USA Edition)
* [[Optimus Primal/toys|Air Attack Optimus Primal]] (USA Edition)
* [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron Megabolt]] (USA Edition)
{{Note|This toy was available as a [[KB Toys]] exclusive in the United States.}}
* [[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] & [[Smokejumper]] (USA Edition)
{{Note|This toy was available as a [[Target]] exclusive in the United States.}}
* [[Scourge (RID)|Destructicon Scourge]] (USA Edition){{Note|This toy was available as a [[KB Toys]] exclusive in the United States.}}
* [[Bludgeon (RID)|Destructicon Bludgeon]] (USA Edition){{Note|This toy was available as a [[KB Toys]] exclusive in the United States.}}

===[[Armada (toyline)|Micron Densetsu/Armada]]===
* Magna Convoy DX Set, contains:
** [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Final Battle Convoy Super Mode]]
** [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Spark Prime]]
** [[Overload (Armada)|Crystal Ultra Magnus]]
** [[Rollout (Armada)|Magnus]]
** [[Grindor (Armada)|Bank]] (X-Dimensions Street Action Microns)
** [[High Wire (Armada)|Wheelie]] (X-Dimensions Street Action Microns)
** [[Sureshock (Armada)|Arcee]] (X-Dimensions Street Action Microns)
* [[Airazor (Armada)|Airazor]] (USA Edition)
* [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]] (USA Edition)
* [[Cheetor (Armada)|Cheetor]] (USA Editon)
* [[Predacon (Armada)|Predacon]] (USA Edition)
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Powerlinx Jetfire]] (USA Editon)
{{Note|Cheetor, Predacon and Powerlinx Jetfire were only available at the Toys"R"Us Japan website, not in stores.}}
* [[Wreckage (Armada)|Shot]] (Ultimate Edition) [promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]]]
* [[Knock Out (Armada)|Crack]] (Ultimate Edition) [promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]]]
* [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bomb]] (Ultimate Edition) [promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]]]
* [[Wreckage (Armada)|Shot]] (Night Attack Edition) [promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]]]
* [[Knock Out (Armada)|Crack]] (Night Attack Edition) [promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]]]
* [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bomb]] (Night Attack Edition) [promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]]]

===[[Energon (toyline)|Energon/Superlink]]===
* EX-01 [[Constructicon Maximus|Buildron]] giftset, contains:
** [[Bonecrusher (Energon)|Bonecrusher]]
** [[Wideload (Energon)|Glen]]
** [[Duststorm|Long Haul]]
** [[Steamhammer (Energon)|Scavenger]]
** [[Sledge (Energon)|Scrapper]]
* [[Megatron (Armada)/toys|Galvatron]] (USA Edition)
{{Note|This was the larger ''Energon'' Megatron/Galvatron mold otherwise only available in the USA.}}
* [[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]] (USA Edition)
* [[Slugslinger (Energon)|Stormjet/Slugslinger]] (USA Edition)
* [[Axle]] (promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]])
* [[Throttle (Energon)|Throttle]] (promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]])
* [[Screw]] (promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]])
* [[Energon weapon|Energy Axe Aquamarine Edition]] (promotional Energon weapon)
* [[Energon weapon|Energy Spear Lightning Yellow Edition]] (promotional Energon weapon)

===[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]===
* [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rodimus]] (promotional figure for ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|G1 Convoy]])
* [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumble]] (''[[Movie (toyline)|Movie]]'' promotional figure)

===[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron/Galaxy Force]]===
* EX-01 [[Nemesis Breaker|Dark Ligerjack]]
* EX-02 Sonic Convoy giftset, contains:
** [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Galaxy Convoy]] (clear version)
** [[Wing Saber|Sonic Bomber]] (fire version)
** [[Cobybot|Coby's exclusive Ramble]]
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Super Starscream]] (USA Edition)
* [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Gasket Police Type]] (promotional figure)
* [[Solar Flare|Platinum Factor]] (promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]])
* [[Hydroplane|Platinum Element]] (promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]])
* [[Rockslide|Platinum Material]] (promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]])
* Mystery Force Chip (promotional [[Cyber Key]])

===[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Wars Returns]]===
{{Note|The entire ''Beast Wars Returns'' toyline was exclusively available from Toys"R"Us Japan stores.}}
* BR-01 [[Optimus Primal/toys#Beast Machines|Convoy]]
* BR-02 [[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Cheetus]]
* BR-03 [[Rattrap|Rattle]]
* BR-04 [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackwidow]]
* BR-05 [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Megatron]]
* BR-06 [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]
* BR-07 [[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]]
* BR-08 Vehicon [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]]
* BR-09 Vehicon [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]
* BR-10 Vehicon [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]
* BR-11 [[Noble|Noble Savage]]
* BR-12 Megahead Megatron
* BR-13 Vehicon [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]
* BR-14 Vehicon [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]]

===[[Movie (toyline)|Movie (2007)]]===
* [[Brawl (Movie)|Electronic Brawl]] (Leader Class Decepticon Brawl)
===[[Henkei! Henkei! (franchise)|Henkei! Henkei!]]===
* [[Skyglide]] (promotional [[Mini-Con|Micron]])

===[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]===
* [[Guardian Sky]] (promotional Micron)
* [[Mighty Dozer]] (promotional Micron)
* [[Barricade (Movie)|Interrogator Barricade]] (Deluxe Class Interrogator Barricade)
* [[Scorponok (Movie)|Stalk Scorponok]] (Deluxe Class Stalker Scorponok)

==Trivia==
* Toys"R"Us was also supposed to carry a [[redeco]] of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] done up as a ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]] homage that would have been released as a ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' toy named [[Spacewarp]], together with redecos of the ''Armada'' [[Space Mini-Con Team]]. Ultimately, however, Toys"R"Us backed out of the deal, and Spacewarp was never released. While the Space Team redecos remain unreleased to this very day ([[Takara]] claims that the [[mold]]s have become unusable), the planned Spacewarp deco was later used as the basis for the [[Transformers Collectors' Club|Collectors' Club]] exclusive [[Astrotrain (Timelines)|Astrotrain]] redeco of ''Armada'' Jetfire, with a new head sculpt.

==External links==
*[http://www.toysrus.com/ Official Toys"R"Us USA website]
*[http://www.toysrus.co.jp/ Official Toys"R"Us Japan website]

[[category:Companies]]
[[category:Retailers]]

Rampage (ROTF)

2010-03-02T20:34:57Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticonfilm}}
{{disambig3|Rampage}}
:''Rampage is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Revenge of the Fallen (franchise)|Revenge of the Fallen]] portion of the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:ROTF Rampage model.jpg|thumb|350px|Try yellow, it's the new red.]]

'''Rampage''' is a pretty violent guy. A member of the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]], he can be followed by the trail of destruction as he wrecks his way through the battlefield, leaving the smell of diesel fumes and hot tar in his wake. His chassis is covered with scratches, dings and dents as a testament to his intense love of battle. Thoroughly whacked in the cranial unit, his idea of beauty is a pile of [[Autobot]] wreckage.

There are two of him: one of them is yellow and forms [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]'s left leg.

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

Rampage's body type was one of the early "construction drones" used to build [[solar harvester]]s. One of the Rampage's, who was neither red ''nor'' yellow, joined [[the Fallen]]'s original Decepticons. He tried to battle the turncoat [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] and was quickly taken out. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 3}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Kevin Michael Richardson]] (credited as "Skipjack")
[[Image:ROTF-RampageandUnknowndumptruck.jpg|thumb|left|250px|For those of you who thought [[FIRRIB]] was too retreaded, here's "RIRRIY"!]]
Two years after the events in [[Mission City]], Decepticons were once again active on [[Earth]]. When [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] intercepted the location of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] shard and the final resting place of [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], teams were dispatched to bring about their commander's resurrection. After [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] retrieved the shard from [[Diego Garcia]], he led Rampage, [[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]], [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]], [[Scalpel]] and a [[Ze little one|smaller Constructicon]] to the depths of the [[Laurentian Abyss]]. When Scalpel examined Megatron's corpse, he ordered the larger Constructicons to kill [[Ze little one|the smallest member]] of their group for donor parts, which they obliged.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_BumblebeevsRampage.jpg|thumb|250px|I can't feel my legs! ...Oh, right.]]

During [[Operation: Firestorm]] in [[Egypt]], Rampage's combiner limb counterpart became part of [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]], attacking former [[Sector Seven]] agent [[Seymour Simmons]], [[Leo Spitz]], [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Meanwhile, Rampage himself appeared during the battle in the Egyptian town to lure [[Sam Witwicky]] into a trap by releasing his captive parents, [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky|Judy]]. Sam was willing to trade the remains of the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]] for his parents, but when he realised Bumblebee had arrived, managed to position Rampage for an attack. After a long battle (which also resulted in the death of Ravage), Bumblebee killed Rampage.

[[Image:ROTF Rampage dead.jpg|thumb|left|250px|I told you not to go there!]]

Elsewhere, as Devastator smashed away at the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]] after shrugging off Skids and Mudflap, Simmons called upon the [[United States Navy]] to fire upon the giant Decepticon. The [[United States Navy#U.S.S. Kidd (DDG-100)|U.S.S. ''Kidd'']] fired her experimental [[Railgun|railgun]], smashing one of his arms to pieces and destroying Devastator. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{--}}

===Toy bios===
{{notemoviebio}}

Rampage and [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] burst from their cover when they found [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] and [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]] hunting them. While Sideways battled Longarm through the streets, Rampage's incredible strength made him more than a match for Breakaway. The final result of this battle is unknown. {{storylink|#StrikeMission|Autobot Strike Mission toy bio}}

He also hates that [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]. {{storylink|#LandmineVsRampage|Landmine VS Rampage}}

==Toys==
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF_Legends_Rampage.jpg|thumb|200px|Also known as Rampage three legs.]]
*'''Decepticon Rampage''' (Legends, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''D3'''

:Rampage and the six other Legends class Constructicons combine to form [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]]. In Japan, the Legends class Constructicons are sold individually. Unlike the deluxe toy, he does not feature a "standard" robot mode, but has the (in fiction) jackhammer mode. Also unlike the Deluxe toy, he can stand in this mode. He forms the left leg of Devastator.

{{anchor|LegendsHasbro}}
*'''Constructicon Devastator''' (Legends figure multi-pack, 2010)

:In [[Hasbro]]'s markets, the Legends Constructicons are sold together as a [[Wal-Mart]] store [[exclusive]].

{{-}}{{anchor|DesertAttackJTRU}}
*'''Desert Attack Rampage''' (Legends Class figure, 2009)

: A red [[redeco]] of Rampage was made available as an exclusive to Japanese [[Toys"R"Us|ToysЯUs]] stores on [[November 21]], 2009. Limited to 4000 pieces, he came as a free gift with the purchase of 3000 yen of TakaraTomy ''Transformers'' product.
{{-}}
*'''EZ Collection Devastator - G1 Colors Version''' (Legends, 2010)
:Takara will reissue the seven Legend class Constructicons in G1 inspired green and purple color schemes.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF deluxe Rampage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He can whip it.]]
*'''Rampage''' (Deluxe, 2009)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-06'''

:Rampage transforms from a yellow [[Wikipedia:Caterpillar D11|Caterpillar D11]] bulldozer into one of two robot mode configurations, the first of which (his actual in-fiction robot form) is distinctly [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]-esque. It lacks any functional legs, instead featuring a spring-loaded "jackhammer" assembly. When the figure is bounced along the ground in this mode, his [[Mech Alive]] feature is activated, and a pair of pistons that frame his head pump back and forth. The shovel can be removed in this mode and used as a stand. If legs are preferred, his jackhammer splits and his elaborate [[kibble]] backpack unfolds, together forming four leg-struts to create a free-standing robot form that is rather centaurian in design. Though not mentioned in the instructions or package, the aforementioned backpack can remain folded in robot mode for a more movie-accurate, two-legged 'play' mode of sorts. He features real rubber treads which become arm-mounted whip weapons in robot mode. Unfortunately, due to this design, the treads themselves do not function in vehicle mode.

:Like several toys in the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toyline, Rampage has had a mold change done somewhere between his instructions being drawn up and the final version of the toy. On the final toy, the rear flap behind the cabin of the bulldozer runs into a screw section used to hold the robot pelvis together. This change also affects where the rear flap and the bulldozer shovel connect in robot mode. On the instructions, this flap is shown as folding flat against the back of the vehicle and said flap is also folded down much farther in robot mode to connect to the shovel. The mold change seems to account for the shovel connection issue in robot mode, but not the problem in vehicle mode. Unlike some others, this change does not directly affect any of the toy's action features or articulation.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/Rampage/rampage.htm More information on Rampage at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|StrikeMission}}
[[Image:ROTFAutobotStrikeMission.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*'''Autobot Strike Mission''' (Deluxe class figure multipack, 2009)
:Available as a [[Sam's Club]]-[[exclusive]], Rampage was packed with ''Movie'' [[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]], [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] and a "battle damaged" version of [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]].
{{-}}

[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Red_Rampage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Has probably never fought [[Depth Charge]], sadly.]]
*'''Rampage''' (Deluxe, 2010)

:As a redeco of Rampage's first deluxe class toy in red, this release of Rampage represents a more [[show-accuracy|movie accurate]] version of the Rampage who fought Bumblebee in Egypt. Hasbro's version of red Rampage is a straight colour swap, with his yellow plastic replaced with red plastic.

{{-}}
[[Image:ROTF_Deluxe_Desert_Combat_Rampage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|All is darkness.]]
*'''Decepticon Rampage Desert Combat''' (Deluxe, 2010)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RD-21'''

:TakaraTomy has gone further than Hasbro with their version of red Rampage, here called Decepticon Rampage Desert Combat, redecoing his shovel blade to match the one used on the Rampage prop vehicle seen in the movie (including horizontal lines to match the slatted look of the prop), and having a more screen-accurate colour scheme overall.

{{-}}

====Combiner Class toys====
[[Image:ROTF Devastator combiner toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He joined the Constructicons since Bob the Builder didn't want him.]]
*'''Constructicon Devastator''' (2009)

:Rampage is the yellow Caterpillar D11 bulldozer that transforms into the left leg of Devastator. Like the other Constructicons in this set, he does not have an individual robot mode. He can only form Devastator's left leg, unless you want him to walk backwards. He has the code "AN-KA 111308" imprinted below his Decepticon symbol.
{{-}}

====Mega Power Bots====
[[Image:ROTF MegaPowerBots Devastator.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]
*'''Constructicon Devastator''' (2009)
: [[Mega Power Bots]] Devastator is a simple toy for younger children, featuring plenty of playing sounds and flashing lights. His limbs have limited swivel articulation and do not detach into separate vehicles. He has a distinctly more humanoid stature than normal.

: Unlike regular [[Power Bots]], and unlike other portrayals of the character in general, Devastator features a transformation! It consists of putting his arms up and laying him flat on his stomach, which lets him roll around using the wheels on his limbs.

: Pressing down the Decepticon shield on his crotch (!) spins the vortex in his chest, lights up his eyes and makes him utter one of many Welker-recorded phrases, including [[Transformers: The Movie|"Prepare for extermination!"]], "Crush Autobots!" and "I am Devastator!" Pressing on the crane of his excavator arm makes a cannon blast sound effect, while pressing the cab of his loader arm turns the scoop into claws.

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RobotHeroes_MudflapRampage.jpg|right|thumb|300px|He's ready to re-enact his favorite scenes from Castlevania on Mudflap.]]
*'''Mudflap and Rampage''' (2009)

: ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' Rampage is a cute little figure sculpted hitting the ground in his jackhammer mode. His stubby little whips are deployed, and he has swivel articulation in his shoulders. Rampage is only available in a two-pack with [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/RHRampage/rampage.htm More information on Rampage at TFU.info]''
{{-}}
[[Image:rotf_desertdevastation_rh.jpg|right|thumb|300px|I'm ''orange'' now? Come on!]]
*'''Desert Devastation''' (Multi-pack, 2009)

:Rampage is the sculpted left leg of "Desert Devastation" Devastator, a super-sized ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' figure. He is only available in a multi-pack with [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] in their vehicle modes and [[William Lennox]].

{{Comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}

===Burger King===
[[Image:ROTFMerchandise-BurgerKingRampage.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Carved entirely from delicious butter.]]
*'''Devastator''' (2009)
:An extremely-simplified version of Rampage's vehicle mode is included as part of [[Devastator (ROTF)#Burger_King|Burger King Devastator]]. Though his ball socket is compatible with any of Devastator's limb connections, it's marked with a D to indicate he forms Devastator's left leg.

{{-}}
===RPMs - Robot Powered Machines===
{{anchor|LandmineVsRampage}}
[[Image:ROTF-toy RampageRPM.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Just throw your whip-wielding claws up in the air!]]
*'''Landmine VS Rampage''' (RPM Mini-Vehicle "Battle Series" pack, 2009)
**''Number:'' '''06 of 08'''

: Number six in a series of eight [[Robot Powered Machines#Mini-Vehicles|Robot Powered Machines Mini-Vehicle]] versus packs, "Battle Series" Rampage is packaged with the [[Autobot]] [[Landmine (Movie)|Landmine]]. He's a non-transformable ''Hot Wheels''-like car, with his robot mode sculpted and painted onto his underside. He also features a slightly-articulated shovel, probably for better rolling on tracks. He has through-axle construction similar to the ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]]s, letting him zip along smooth surfaces (and compatible racetrack sets) at high speed.

{{--}}

==Notes==
*Although his correct, finalized name is used in the film (in on-screen subtitles, to be precise), Rampage is listed in the credits under his preliminary name of "'''Skipjack'''". Much confusion ensued, since nobody had actually heard this preliminary name before. As seen in [http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=137233#post137233 concept art], during production, Rampage was referred to as "'''Jumping Jack'''".

*Starscream calls the red Rampage by name in the film. Secondary sources such as the Devastator toys and the [[Revenge of the Fallen: The Movie Universe|The Movie Universe]] name the yellow Devastator components as Rampage. So, not only do the Decepticons have the same body-form, they have the same name. While other Constructicons have doubles, Rampage is the only one where all the versions of him are explicitly named.

*Due to his small size, the yellow Rampage combines with a [[Unknown Constructicon dump truck|yellow dump truck]] to form Devastator's leg in the film. Another [[Unknown Constructicon shovel|yellow bulldozer]] forms the hand on [[Hightower (ROTF)|Hightower]].

[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Constructicons]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Transformers 2010 toyline characters]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]

The Transformers (Chinese toyline)

2010-02-24T14:07:12Z

Gargunkle:

{{move|Generation 1 (PRC toyline)}}
Although the [[Generation 1]] Transformers toyline was hugely popular throughout much of the world during the mid-1980s, [[Hasbro]] held out for several years before introducing Transformers into the People's Republic of China.

In August 1989, [[Hasbro International]] resumed production of toys from the first three years of Generation 1 at Chinese factories for the local market. The Chinese G1 toyline would eventually include the many toys that had been available in the United States, from select Autobot cars and select minibots to Fortress Maximus and Megatron. In its final year (1995), it incorporated several otherwise Japanese-exclusive toys from the [[Victory (franchise)|Victory]] franchise. The total number of toys in the Chinese Generation 1 line is a little more than 100.

==Toys==
The toys were basically identical to the original US or Japanese releases with some small variations. For example, the [[Triggerbots]] and [[Triggercons]] had [[Rub Sign|rub signs]] and cassettes have painted cassette-side details instead of stickered cassette-side details.

Although the toys are largely identical to the original releases, they all share one key difference: an augmented copyright stamp. The early releases have no "Takara" or country stamp. The later releases still have no "Takara" stamp, but do have a "China stamp".

Note that there is evidence to suggest that these toys were made by the same factory that made the [[Classics (Europe)|European Classics]] reissues. Both of them share the same augmented copyright stamp on the toy, both were made in China, and both were made starting around the same time. Also, some [[Classics (Europe)|European Classics]] reissues have surfaced with a Chinese name sticker in the corner.

==Packaging==
Most Chinese Generation 1 toys came in the same boxes as their American (or sometimes European) counterparts, only with small stickers in the corner giving the characters' Chinese names. The copyright and manufacturing information on the back of the box was also shortened to remove the no-longer-true statements "Made in Japan", "Made in Taiwan", etc. and omit references to Takara. The manufacturing information was instead applied as a sticker in Chinese on the back of the box. By 1994, when the [[Power Master]]-era toys were released, "Made in China" was added to the box.

Other differences exist as well on the packaging, depending on the toy. For example, the Chinese Optimus Prime has black boxes around his toy images instead of white boxes, and a too-high window cut. Chinese Autobot cars and jets have thick tape instead of the normal thinner tape.

The Victory toys released in 1995, unlike the US toys released before them, basically used augmented Japanese packaging, with words like "Transformers" and the characters' names in Chinese printed on the box. These versions are easily recognizable if you don't know Chinese or Japanese, because the "Takara" logo is printed in English instead of Japanese on the boxes.

==Availability outside of mainland China==
Chinese Generation 1 toys were widely exported to Taiwan and South Korea, with additional stickers applied to the packaging for those markets.

In 1991, [[Takara]] sold a set of Chinese [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] as a mail-away offer, complete with the American-style packaging. It is suspected, but yet to be confirmed, that the set of [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] that was another Takara mail-away offer the following year was also of Chinese origin.

Many Western collectors who have come into possession of Chinese Generation 1 toys have mistaken them for [[Knockoff|knockoffs]], due to both the nature of their packaging and the recent trend of shady Chinese companies manufacturing counterfeit vintage Generation 1 toys.

==External links==
*[http://highendtfs.com/?q=node/15 Chinese G1 Reissue ID Guide]
*[http://www.allspark.com/hydras-tf-pulp/the-little-sticker-in-the-corner-the-truth-about-early-1990s-chinese-g1-transformers-toys-20070811.html The Little Sticker in the Corner: The Truth about Early-1990's Chinese G1 Transformers Toys]
* [http://www.danwei.org/tv/fighting_transformer_fever.php Fighting "Transformer Fever"]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Toys]]

Classics (Europe)

2010-02-24T13:46:51Z

Gargunkle:

{{disambig3|Classics}}
'''Classics''' is a Transformer toyline from the later days of [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]].

[[Image:EuroClassicsOnslaughtBattle.jpg|thumb|350px|Europe is a strange place.]]

In 1990 and 1991, the toy market in [[Australia]] and [[Europe]] saw many re-releases of earlier Transformers toys. The new packaging was gold-coloured and bore the subtitle 'Classics' for the UK, Scandinavian, Dutch and French markets (Spain and Italy omitted the title "Classic" from the packaging). Unlike the [[Classics (2006)|US-originated Classics line of 2006-2007]], the characters' toys bore little (if, indeed, any) change from their previous releases. The toys released in 1990 even still bore [[rubsign]]s, even though the 'standard' lines had ceased this practice by 1988. The 1991 toys featured rubsign indents, but no longer sported rubsigns. They were also retooled to block out details stating the original year of manufacture and the original country of manufacture.

It has been suggested that the toys produced for this line originate from the same production run and facilities of the [[Generation 1 China (toyline)|Chinese Generation 1 line]].

==Releases==
===1990===
====Autobots====
'''Classic Heroes'''

:[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]]
:[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
:[[Ironhide (G1)/toys|Ironhide]]
:[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
:[[Jazz (G1)/toys|Jazz]]
:[[Prowl (G1)/toys|Prowl]]

{{note|Oddly enough, "Classic" Prowl was available with stickers sporting the name "[[Diaclone]]", unlike all previous or subsequent versions of the toy available as part of a Transformers line.}}
'''Classic [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]'''

:[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
:[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]
:[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]
:[[Fireflight (G1)|Fireflight]]
:[[Slingshot]]

====Decepticons====
'''Classic [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]]'''

:[[Motormaster]]
:[[Drag Strip]]
:[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]
:[[Wildrider]]
:[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]

===1991===
====Autobots====
'''Original Autobot Leader'''

:[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]

{{note|Optimus Prime actually isn't called a "Classic" anywhere on the packaging. Instead, he's called "''Original'' Autobot Leader". However, since he's a reissue of an original toy from 1984 that's available in the same kind of packaging as the various "Classic" reissues from the same year, he's generally considered to be part of the "Classic" line, rather than being the single release from a one-of-a-kind sub-line named "Original".}}
'''Classic Heroes'''

:[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]
:[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]]

'''Classic [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]'''

:[[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]]
:[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]]
{{note|Streetwise was retooled to make the light bar an extension of the roof painted red, instead of being separately cast in red plastic as with the original.}}
:[[Groove (G1)|Groove]]
:[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]]
:[[Blades (G1)|Blades]]

'''Classic [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]]'''

:[[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]
:[[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]]
:[[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]]

'''Classic [[Triple Changer|Triple Changers]]'''

:[[Springer (G1)|Springer]]
:[[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]]
{{note|Unlike the initial 1986 release with metal toes painted orange, and the [[running change]] version with solid orange plastic toes, the Classic reissue sported black plastic toes painted orange.}}

'''Classic [[Throttlebot|Throttlebots]]'''

:[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Goldbug]]
:[[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]]
:[[Wide Load]]
:[[Chase (G1)|Chase]]
:[[Freeway (G1)|Freeway]]
:[[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]]
{{note|All of the Throttlebots were retooled to have their rubsign indents removed.}}

====Decepticons====
'''Classic [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]'''

:[[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]]
{{Note|For reasons unknown, the Spanish ''Classics'' release of Onslaught was renamed "Oslat" - the only Spanish ''Classics'' reissue to sport a different name than its UK or French/Dutch counterparts.}}
:[[Blast Off (G1)|Blast Off]]
:[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]
:[[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]
:[[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]

'''Classic Triple Changers'''

:[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]
:[[Octane]]

==Australian exclusives==
Additionally, Australia saw the limited release of several toys in their original G1 packaging, but they were also retooled to block out the original year of manufacture and the original country of manufacture. These releases included:

===Autobots===
:[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]

===Decepticons===
:[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]
:[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
:[[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]]
:[[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] (with [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]])
:[[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]]

==Fiction==
*While not officially branded or recognised as 'Classics' fiction, the [[Earthforce]] stories in the Marvel UK comic were inspired by, and responding to, the reissues.

==External links==
*[http://www.cliffbee.com/aussietf.htm Information about Australian and European G1 releases at Cliffbee.com]

[[Category:Toys]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]

Sky Garry (G1)

2010-02-22T20:36:27Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{picsneeded|Needs pictures of the toy.}}
{{disambig2|The Return of Convoy Autobot|the Animated cyber-ninja|Sky Garry (Animated)}}
:''Sky Garry is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Return of Convoy (franchise)|Return of Convoy]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:SkyGarryBoxArt1.jpg|right|250px|thumb|How very very Bravey.]]
'''Sky Garry''' (スカイギャリー ''Sukai Gyarī'') is [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Star Convoy]]'s right-hand man. He has a great respect for the legendary Autobot Supreme Commander and was the one who brought Star Convoy back from the dead. Kinda creepy.

His special attack is his "Mystery Circle Punch", which is really just a regular punch, but don't tell anybody that. He can combine with Star Convoy and [[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]] in vehicle mode to form the [[Triple Combination Battlestar Attack]].

His [[Micromaster]] partner is [[Shotbomber]].

==Fiction==
===''The Battlestars''===
Encountering an advance group of [[Dark Nova]]'s [[Galaman]] warriors sent from an asteroid, Sky Garry dispatched them with his "Mystery Circle Punch".

[[Image:GarryGalaman1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Bad touch!]]

To counter the threat of Dark Nova, the Autobots formed an elite sub-group known as the [[Battlestars]]. Their mission was to revive [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] so that he might thwart Dark Nova. Sky Garry received the [[Zodiac]] from [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] and was inaugurated as temporary Autobot Supreme Commander, at least until Prime was back on his feet again. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 1}}

Sky Garry then enlisted the youthful rookie, [[Sixliner]] into the Battlestars after watching an impressive battle between him and a horde of energy-plundering Galaman warriors. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 2}}

Aware of the mission of the Battlestars, Dark Nova stole Optimus Prime's body and cloned it as the evil [[False Convoy]]. Sky Garry and [[Grandus (ROC)|Grandus]] managed to defeat False Convoy before he could kill Sixliner. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 3}} After False Convoy's defeat, Sky Garry rescued the fallen Supreme Commander's corpse from the [[Novaroid]] forces on planet [[Lucifer]]. Using the power of the Zodiac, Sky Garry brought Optimus Prime back to life and upgraded him into Star Convoy. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 4}}

Later, Sky Garry was stuck out in space battling the remaining Novaroid and Galaman soldiers around planet Lucifer. He was concerned about Star Convoy and Sixliner facing [[Megatron (G1)|Super Megatron]] alone on [[Earth]], frustrated he couldn't be there to help. {{storylink|The Battlestars (manga)|The Battlestars special}}

[[Image:SkyGarry1.jpg|200px|thumb|Sky Garry, Star Convoy and Grandus inside Star Giant's tummy.]]

Sky Garry eventually joined the other Battlestars in a space battle against Super Megatron and his [[Galaman|Great Galaman]] warriors. Combining into the [[Triple Combination Battlestar Attack]], they shot Super Megatron to pieces. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 7}}

Dark Nova then revealed himself and upgraded Super Megatron into Ultra Megatron. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 8}} Then after that, the Decepticon Emperor merged with Ultra Megatron to become the [[Dark Nova|Star Giant]]. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 9}} Sky Garry and the other Battlestars traveled into Star Giant's stomach and took the behemoth apart from the inside-out, narrowly escaping just as their foe exploded and died. {{storylink|The Battlestars (story page)|The Battlestars Part 10}}

===3H Wreckers/Universe comics===
Sky Garry appeared in vehicle mode, serving as the shuttle that the Autobots (sans [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]), used to escape a horde of [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbirds]]. {{storylink|Departure}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Return of Convoy===
*'''Sky Garry''' (Autobot, 1991)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-360'''
**''Accessories:'' Two guns, ramp, Micro Trailer #0

: Sky Garry transforms into a Cybertronic starship with landing skids. His middle section is expandible, allowing him to carry up to three [[Micro Trailer|Micro Trailers]], though he only comes with one. His trailer is labeled #0. His third mode is a Micromaster base, unique in that it is a large tower. In this mode Sky Garry can also unite with up to three Micro Trailers, or with Sonic Bomber, or with any other Micromaster base using his ramp. The ramp was the same one used by [[Skyhopper]] and [[Groundshaker]] to connect to other bases.

:Sky Garry's sticker sheet contained a phenomenal 65 decals -- not including the 4 optional star decals that one could apply anywhere on the Battlestars. Only 5 of those decals were for Shotbomber, 5 more were for the Micro Trailer, the other 50 were applied to Sky Garry. This gave Sky Garry 53 labels (including the three factory-applied ones), providing him much of his colour and detail.

{{-}}

==Notes==
* According to ''[[Transformers Generations|Transformers Generations Deluxe]]'', "Star Garry" was a pre-production name for the character.

* Sky Garry's mold was [[redeco]]ed into the evil "Death Garrygun" mecha for [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''Brave of Gold Goldran'' series. This version came with three carriers, but all of the launching mechanisms were removed from them. This was just one of several late-series ''Transformers'' molds recycled for a [[Brave]] toyline. ("Death Garrygun" is sometimes translated as "Descaligan", which is a much more awesome name.)

*Both Sky Garry and Grandus have special attacks relating to things considered "mysterious". In Sky Garry's case, the "mystery circle" of his "Mystery Circle Punch" is the Japanese term for "crop circle". What this was actually supposed to connote is uncertain, but as far as it is known, the attack does not utilize wheat in any way.

* The word "Garry" isn't an English word, prompting fans to wonder what it's supposed to mean. Sadly, in the end, no one really knows...

:One theory is that Sky Garry's name is a misspelling of "Sky Carry". There is some support for this theory: First, the difference in Japanese between the Katakana for the "Ca" sound and for the "Ga" sound is just two tiny lines. Second, "Garry" is a commonly used suffix in Japanese names for transforming robots that transport ("carry") other robots or vehicles. The criticism of this theory is that while bad transliterations (i.e. the word is spelled right in Japanese, just converted to English wrong) are fairly common in Japanese names, Katakana misspellings of the Japanese words are much less common. Thus, it seems somewhat unlikely that decades of Japanese robots using the name "Garry" are simply misspelling it.

:Another theory is that Garry is short for "Garrison". The support for this theory is that Japanese versions of English words are often shortened versions, such as the Japanese word "Ice" used for "Ice Cream". However, "Garrison" seems like a poorer description than "Carry" for the transportation robots that are generally named "Garry" in Japan.

:The most obscure theory is that Garry is a mistransliteration of [[Wikipedia:Galley|Galley]], which is a type of ancient war ship. The advantage that this theory has over the "Carry" theory is that "Galley" and "Garry" have the same Japanese Katakana spelling. This means that it would be a bad transliteration, like "Minelba" vs. "Minerva", which is much more common than an incorrect Katakana spelling. However, like the "Garrison" theory, "Galley" is criticized for not being as good a descriptor of the transportation robots (both ground and air types) that are named "Garry".

* In the mid to late-1990s, Sky Garry was one of the most commonly [[Knockoff|bootlegged]] Transformers, appearing in several different sizes. Most of them were carded and of poor quality. The carded ones are notable for their extra chrome pieces and separating legs. There was also a bootleg Sky Garry in box packaging from another manufacturer, which saw release at Toys R Us in the mid-1990's. The boxed bootleg was of surprisingly high quality.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Cybertron/SkyGarry/skygarry.htm Sky Garry at TFU.info]

*[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Knockoffs/SkyGarry1.html Sky Garry bootlegs]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Japanese-original characters]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy characters]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]

Inferno (Energon)

2010-02-02T17:18:59Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Inferno}}
{{disambig3|Roadblock}}
:''Inferno is an [[Autobot]] and temporarily [[Decepticon]] from the [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. He is also known as '''Roadblock'''.''

[[Image:E29 infernowaits.jpg|right|400px|thumb|The most essential characteristic of a successful sniper is patience. I am endlessly patient.]]
'''Inferno''' is the epitome of a professional Autobot soldier. Calm and composed on the battlefield, he is careful to consider the consequences of his actions, and his patience makes him a superb sniper.

:''Japanese name'': '''Inferno Volt''' (''Roadblock body'')
:''Hungarian name'': '''Golyózápor'''/'''Úttorlasz''' (meaning "Bullet-rain" and Roadblock, respectively)

==Fiction==
===''Energon'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Daingerfield]] (English), [[Nobutoshi Kanna]] (Japanese), [[Johan Wilhelmsson]] (Swedish)

{{charstubfiction}}

Soon after the defeat of [[Unicron]] and the reunification of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Inferno was one of several Autobots who greeted the human delegation sent from [[Earth]], managing to scare the crap out of a young [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]].

Ten years later, Inferno was part of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime's]] detachment of Autobots sent to investigate the mysterious attack on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] and to help defend [[Earth]]. Landing on Mars, Inferno reported no signs of life in the aftermath of the attack. He then went on to Earth, where he helped take down several [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] attacking Kicker before powerlinking with [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] to destroy several more in quick succession. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}}

As Terrorcon attacks on the Autobot installations increased, Inferno was given command of the new [[Cybertron City (city)|Cybertron City]] in the mountains, where he coordinated the defense against the latest attack before joining [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] in the aftermath of [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok's]] unsuccessful raid on Jungle City. Later, he was part of the Autobot detachment sent to reinforce [[Plains City]], where upon arrival, he expressed surprise at the utter devastation that greeted them. {{storylink|Megatron Resurrected}}

After [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] made his return known, Inferno oversaw the severely damaged Hot Shot's recovery in the energon regeneration tank. He defended the repair bay from Terrorcon Ravage drones until he was nearly overwhelmed by their sheer numbers. Fortunately, Hot Shot recovered in time to help out his comrade, then together they confronted Megatron with the newly constructed copies of Megatron's sword. {{storylink|Megatron Raid}}

[[Image:Energon InfernoImprisoned torture.jpg|left|150px|thumb|THIS IS SO WELL-ANIMATED, IT HURTS!]]
After arriving on [[Iron Planet]], Inferno was separated from the other Autobots and captured by Megatron. Under the uneasy watch of Starscream, Megatron repeatedly tortured Inferno by [[branding]] the Autobot's faction sigil with his magic Decepticon energies (similarly to how he branded Scorponok). Although Inferno was eventually rescued by Optimus Prime, a virus had been introduced into his system, over time turning him into a Decepticon. {{storylink|Imprisoned Inferno|Improsoned Inferno}}

Inferno wrestled with this virus as he accompanied the Autobots to [[Jungle Planet (Energon)|Jungle Planet]], unwillingly assisting the Decepticons in finding energon.

[[Image:E32 infernovikingstyle.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Strangely fitting]]
During a confrontation with Scorponok, Inferno appeared to overcome the virus and assert his true allegiance when Kicker urged him to keep fighting, {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}} but to ensure he would not betray his friends again, he sacrificed himself by diving into [[Alpha Quintesson]]'s energon sun. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}}

Inferno's [[spark]] was recovered, and he was reborn in a new, tamper-proof body under the name Roadblock. In his first mission rebuilt, Roadblock oversaw a flotilla of energon tower missiles sent by [[Dr. Brian Jones]] to attack Unicron's headless body. {{storylink|Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme}}

While recovering on the [[Miranda II]] from damage taken while attacking Unicron, Roadblock took to referring to his male nurse as [[Nurse Flare]], causing Signal Flare to hotly insist that he was a ''medical assistant'', not a nurse. He checked himself out of the medical bay early, and took part in protecting Alpha Q's planets from Unicron under [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]]'s command. {{storylink|Unicron Perishes}}
{{-}}

===''Energon'' comic===
{{charstubfiction}}

==Toys==
===Energon===
[[Image:EnergonInferno toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not the good ol' boy, but every bit as red.]]
* '''Inferno''' (Deluxe, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SC-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Missile

: ''Energon'' Inferno transforms into a Cybertronic water-cannon firetruck. His spring-loaded water cannon fires a blue projectile, and can also be turned and pivoted in several directions.

: In robot mode, his large windowed chest is a small homage to ''Generation 1'' [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s appearance in [[The War Within]]. Inferno can Powerlinx with any compatible Deluxe-class or Mega-class Autobot, forming either the top or bottom of each combination.

: The main differences between the Hasbro and Takara releases is the Hasbro version uses a darker silver plastic and has several gold paint applications that the Japanese version lacks. This makes the Hasbro version marginally more [[Show accuracy|accurate]] to his appearance in the cartoon.

{{-}}
* '''Inferno''' (Built to Rule, 2005)

[[Image:BTR EnergonInferno.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Ready to save Legoland.]]
: ''[[Built to Rule]]'' Inferno was originally designed as a ''Built to Rule'' toy of ''Armada'' [[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]], who was developed with a much more solid Trans-Skeleton with larger, blockier limbs, a design that was carried on to the true ''Energon'' ''Built to Rule'' construction sets. A pressure-launched water cannon was added onto the Rollout design to justify the change of character.

: The ''Energon'' ''Built to Rule'' line only had a limited, test market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into some "Tuesday Morning" chain stores at drastically dropped prices.

{{-}}
===Superlink===
{{anchor|EnDxJ2pk}}

[[Image:SLtoy-PowerlinxHotShot.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This is probably pretty humiliating for him. Or for anybody.]]
* '''Hot Shot & Inferno''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SS-01'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, missile, "radar" panel attachment

: In Japan, Takara released Inferno both individually and in a box set with [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. Both toys are identical to their individual releases.

{{-}}

* '''Inferno V: Volt''' (Deluxe, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SC-21'''
**''Acessories:'' Missile

[[Image:SLInfernoVolt toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I had some pain; now I'm a crane.]]
: Like ''Generation 1'' [[Grapple]] being a crane retool of ''Generation 1'' [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], Inferno V is an extensive retool of ''Energon'' Inferno, replacing his front bumper, head, stabilizers and the entire water cannon structure with a new crane and cab. Like Grapple, Inferno V is colored mostly orange.

:The Hasbro version of this toy represents the toy-bio continuity character [[Roadblock (Energon)|Roadblock]], who ''isn't'' a powered-up version of Inferno.

{{-}}
==Trivia==
* According to [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus']] toy bio, he is Inferno's [[Relatives|brother]]. Um... Sure! We'll buy that.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Inferno/inferno.htm Inferno at TFU.info]

[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Built to Rule]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Energon characters]]
[[Category:Reassigned toys]]

The Immobilizer

2009-12-11T14:28:27Z

Gargunkle:

{{episode
|series=G1toon
|ep=22
|series2=SRLFtoon
|ep2=15
|image=Immobilizerep6.jpg
|caption="See? We can shoot him right in the nads!" "Television doesn't work that way, you doofus."
|title="The Immobilizer"
|production code=#700-21
|airdate=[[September 24]], 1985
|written by=[[Earl Kress]]
|production company=[[Sunbow Productions]]
|continuity=[[Generation 1 cartoon continuity]]
}}

'''The Decepticons steal Wheeljack's latest invention, which immobilizes stuff, and Ironhide attempts to retrieve it.'''

:''Japanese title:'' イモビライザー (''Immobilizer'')

==Synopsis==
At [[Autobot]] headquarters, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] gathers everyone around for a demonstration of his newest invention, the [[Immobilizer]]. Walking in late, [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] sees [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]’s hologram of [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and, thinking it’s real, fires wildly at it, scattering the Autobots and nearly bringing down the roof. As Ironhide apologizes, Wheeljack reveals that the Immobilizer was damaged and needs a replacement [[polarizer]]. [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] and [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] volunteer to go into town to retrieve it.

[[Image:Immbolizerep4.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Before ''Dance Dance Revolution'', there was...''Robot Resource''.]]

While on their mission, 'Bee and Spike stop for a few rounds of ''Robot Resource'' at the [[Robots Video Arcade|local arcade]]. A young woman named [[Carly Witwicky (G1)|Carly]] introduces herself to the pair and admits her fondness for the "cute Autobot". A somewhat jealous and awkward Spike reminds Bumblebee that they need to leave, and the pair take off, only to be stopped a few moments later by a sarcastic policeman. As they are being busted for speeding, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] attacks Bumblebee and secretly plants a miniature video camera on the Autobot. Spike electrocutes Ravage with jumper cables, and the [[Decepticon]] retreats. The officer lets the pair go with a warning.

With the Immobilizer repaired, Wheeljack starts the demonstration again, unaware his every word is being caught by the microbug camera on Bumblebee and relayed to [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. The Decepticons aren’t too keen on the idea of being permanently immobilized by the invention, and Megatron promises to steal it.

[[Image:Ladybreakeandfatjazzr.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Trailbreaker has a great ass. Who knew?]]

[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] decides to move the test outdoors for safety. As the Autobots approach the location, Prime directs Ironhide to guard the perimeter. The rest proceed toward a fast-moving river, which Wheeljack immobilizes with the device. In the commotion caused by the success of the test, Spike messes with the Immobilizer and is almost zapped, but Wheeljack throws him out of the way, takes the blast himself, and winds up stiff as a board.

Still patrolling the perimeter, Ironhide catches a glimpse of a shadowy figure and fires his weapon. He discovers that the figure was Carly, whom he scolds for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The distant sound of gunfire cuts their conversation short, and Ironhide rushes off. He reaches the clearing to find the Decepticons have the Autobots at gunpoint, and blames the ambush on himself.

Megatron demands that Prime hand over the Immobilizer, and a battle ensues. The device gets knocked about and winds up in Megatron's hands, but just as he starts issuing another threat, the river, on which he and the Decepticons are now standing, re-mobilizes and sweeps them downstream.

[[Image:Immobilizerep7.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Ratchet puts the finishing touches on his resin-cast Wheeljack model.]]

While undergoing repairs back at headquarters, Ironhide criticizes his performance in the field. Concluding that he’s too old to be of use, he resigns from active service, and nothing [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] or Prime says dissuades him. Carly blames herself for Ironhide's attitude and tries to convince him not to quit. Ironhide gives her a tour of the base, and she pockets a grenade when they visit the armory.

Some time later, Wheeljack unfreezes, and Spike notices that Carly is missing. Suspecting she’s emotional and going to do something rash ('cuz she ''is'' a girl), Spike and Bumblebee set out to look for her. Turns out he’s right. Carly has driven a boat out into the ocean and, using SCUBA gear, swims down to Decepticon headquarters to plant the stolen grenade on their outer wall. However, she’s detected by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]], kidnapped by Laserbeak, and brought into the base to face Megatron’s judgment.

Luckily for Carly, her abduction was caught by the [[Sky Spy]]. Ironhide rushes off to find Spike and Bumblebee and start a rescue mission.

Back under the ocean, the grenade Carly planted earlier goes off, and seawater starts rushing into Decepticon headquarters. They manage to fix the damage and contain the water, except in the cell where Carly is being held. With disturbing glee, Megatron and the others watch Carly struggle as water fills the cell to the ceiling. Assuming she’s dead, they leave the cell unguarded. This lets Ironhide swim through the hole in the wall, grab the girl and bring her back to the surface.

[[Image:Immobilizerep8.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You hit me! Kong never hit me!]]

After thanking Ironhide for the rescue, Carly rides off with Spike and Bumblebee, but when Ironhide doesn’t follow, they realize that he’s been immobilized. The Decepticons and Autobots square off, with [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] in control of the Immobilizer and freezing most of the Autobot forces. Following a plan of Carly’s design, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] tunnels under the ground with her and Spike so they come up near the Immobilizer's position. As [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] distracts the Decepticons with a [[sound and light show]], Carly crosses some wires in the device and the trio escapes. When Rumble tries to immobilize Optimus Prime, the device starts to re-mobilize the frozen Autobots instead. Ironhide grabs the Immobilizer from Laserbeak, and when all the Autobots are unfrozen, he smashes the device. With his toy in pieces, Megatron swears to return, and the Decepticons retreat.

[[Image:Immobilizerep1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This early version of ''Thelma and Louise'' never took off.]]

Back at headquarters, Ironhide asks to return to active duty, and Optimus heartily welcomes him back. Carly explains how she switched around the wires in the Immobilizer, since she does have a science scholarship at [[MIT]]. Confronted by both brains and beauty, Spike has no choice but to ask Carly on a date. Sparkplug watches them drive off and smiles in approval, despite the fact that his son is going out with a college student while he's too young to have a driver’s license.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (1)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] (2)
* [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] (3)
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (4)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (6)
* [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (8)
* [[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (9)
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (10)
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] (12)
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] (18)
* [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (19)
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] (20)
* [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (21)
* [[Jetfire (G1)|Skyfire]] (25)

|c2=
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (11)
* [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] (14)
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (15)
* [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] (16)
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (17)
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]] (22)
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (23)
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (24)

|c3=
* [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (5)
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] (7)
* [[Carly Witwicky (G1)|Carly]] (13)
}}

==Quotes==
"Give me the device now, Optimus Prime." 
"Try and take it, Mega-turkey!"
:—'''Megatron''' and the oh-so-witty '''Trailbreaker'''

'''Optimus Prime''': "You’re losing your warriors, Megatron." 
'''Megatron''': "Warriors are expendable! The most important thing is I get what I deserve! And I always do." 
''[The river unfreezes; the Decepticons fall in and are swept away]'' 
'''Trailbreaker''': "You deserved ''that'', all right, Mega-jerk. Rust in peace!"
:—Megatron makes the mistake of tempting fate.

"This is where we store our ammo. Course, uh, we'd rather not have any of this stuff around. But until the Decepticons change, or we pacify 'em once and for all..." 
"Someone ''should'' pacify those Decepticons...''and'' their underwater headquarters."
:—'''Ironhide''' finds that '''Carly''' is a girl after his own heart

"The show’s over. Back to work."
:—A leering '''Megatron''' takes glee in Carly’s apparent drowning.

==Notes==
===Animation or technical glitches===
* Gears's shoulders/torso is all blue as the Autobots gather around Wheeljack. Only his truck roof should be blue; the rest should be red.
* Wheeljack is missing the lines on his "ears" when they stop flashing during "a clever little creation I call..." The top/side of his chest is also colored light blue like his windshield, when it should be white.
* Cliffjumper has a completely wrong voice as he asks what the Immobilizer does. It sounds like a professorial type or something. Same thing happened to him in "[[Changing Gears]]", too.
* Brawn is suddenly with the gathered Autobots as they duck from Ironhide's random firing, despite not being in any of the establishing shots of the group.
* Ironhide's arm is layered in front of Spike as Spike dusts himself off, making them appear the same size.
* Ironhide's helmet rim is partly light gray instead of red as Wheeljack speaks to him. The same error will recur throughout the episode.
* Bumblebee's arm is layered behind one of the onlookers in [[Robots Video Arcade|the arcade]] as he bows. Said onlooker and his buddies continue their huge-mouthed gaping long after the cheering has stopped.
* The background behind Bumblebee changes between shots; when he bows, there's just the Robot Resource game, but in the next shot, two consoles have appeared, neither of them Robot Resource.
[[Image:Arcade Front.jpg|thumb|right|250px|So the car and the characters are drawn at one scale, and the hydrant and the buildings are drawn at a completely different scale.]]
* Carly's car is just sitting there half on the sidewalk. It's next to a fire hydrant that's almost as big as the car. And Robots Video Arcade apparently has a ''huge'' front door.
* Bumblebee has two random black rectangles on the back of his VW Bug mode as he transforms outside the arcade.
* Ravage's eye is randomly glowing white before he attacks Bumblebee. It could be an intentional effect to show emotion or recognition or something, but it's an odd choice.
* Some have claimed that Trailbreaker and Jazz are off-model as they help clean up the mess in Autobot Headquarters (too thin and too fat, respectively). Others find this claim to be rather dubious.
* When Wheeljack screws the polarizer on his new doohickey, his hand and lower arm pass through the polarizer. He also has random orange on his shoulders where there should only be white.
* Megatron appears to have an extra right forearm segment as he speaks his first line.
* Ravage's rear paws are light grey instead of black as he leaps to transform.
* Bits of Brawn's helmet are yellow instead of gray during the bizarre sequence of partial transformations.
* Jazz is off-model during his sequence a second later, with no fenders, no stripes, and an extra window.
* As Prime orders Ironhide to take the first watch, his headlights aren't colored in. In the background, a whole line of misshapen Autobot cars is driving past, including what looks like an off-model Cliffjumper colored entirely blue.
* Prime has a huge crotch as the camera pans down to Bumblebee.
* Missing Seeker insignias:
** In the first pan of the Decepticons surrounding the Autobots, Starscream's missing his wing insignia, and Soundwave's visor is white instead of red (and again when the shot is recycled after the first commercial break.)
** Starscream is missing his wing emblems as he falls over from Ironhide's goop.
** As he wanders into the trees, Starscream only has one of his wing insignia.
** Thundercracker only has one insignia as he climbs out of the river.
* Starscream has an all-yellow nosecone as he transforms to fly over the force field.
* As he dives at the Autobots, Starscream's air intakes are the same light gray as the rest of him, instead of red.
* Megatron has no transformation sound effect as he transforms to destroy the [[bouncer bomb]].
* Prime's left exhaust stack disappears into thin air as he turns toward the falling tree. He also has a random white segment above his grille.
* Prime's thighs are red instead of silver as Trailbreaker makes his "rust in peace" gag.
* Trailbreaker's force field projector is missing as the Autobots prepare to return to base.
* Ironhide clips through the corner of the wall as he walks off to "retire".
* Bumblebee leaves base to look for Carly... then is shown in the very next shot with the Autobots gathered around Prime in the base.
* Prowl is shown rolling out, even though he hasn't been in a single shot so far.
* Improbable viewpoints:
** Sparkplug shows Ironhide a visual that's supposedly from the [[Sky Spy]]. Somehow, the ''orbital satellite'' shows a tracking pan view of Laserbeak that's ''right beside him'' -- below him, in fact. If the entire sequence is taken as Sky Spy's footage, Laserbeak flies within ''inches'' of Sky Spy's camera, as Carly's face fills the screen at one point.
* Ironhide's observation that Laserbeak has taken Carly is muffled as if it were coming over a radio transmission.
* Skywarp's arm laser, and Soundwave's head vents, are both white after Starscream gives the order to attack.

===Continuity errors===
* For his initial Immobilizer demonstration, Wheeljack asked Hound to project a hologram. Was he actually going to immobilize the hologram? How's that even possible?
* Spike suddenly has a wristwatch when he needs to check the time in the arcade. The watch is never seen before or after.
* Would Ironhide really have prevented the Decepticon sneak attack if he hadn't moved the hundred feet or so from his station? Couldn't the 'cons have just come from the other direction?
* Carly's another pressure-proof super human, [[Atlantis, Arise!|just like Spike]]. She swims at least a few hundred feet underwater to Decepticon Headquarters with no pressurized diving equipment at all. At least the animators were kind enough to give her a wet suit!
* "It's a theory I've had ever since I accepted my science scholarship at MIT," says Carly about Wheeljack's immobilizer, which she just encountered for the first time like, earlier that same day. Did she accept the scholarship while imprisoned in Decepticon Headquarters?

===Continuity notes===
* This episode is Carly's introduction to the series.
* Starscream's latest claim to leadership comes because Megatron got shot once and falls down for a minute. Weak, but it's better than Megatron suffering destabilized equilibrium ("[[S.O.S. Dinobots]]") or blown vocal circuits ("[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1]]".)
* Gadgets and powers:
** Brawn uses the same tunneling drill he had in "[[The Ultimate Doom, Part 1]]".
** Ironhide has a jet pack that pretty much fills the back of his torso. That same space contained a missile launcher in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]".
** Ironhide fires one of his liquids out of his totally-retracted wrist. It's a brownish-red stuff which appears to act like glue -- very different than the whitish glue stuff he fired from tri-barreled wrist weapons back in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
* This episode marks the '''second time''' that Ratchet has threatened to shut Ironhide up by ''physically removing his ability to speak'' (the first was in [[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]). Yeesh, someone needs to work on their bedside manner.
*If this episode's dialogue is taken seriously, it would mean that Spike is at least 13-15 years old (depending on the particular state). This raises disturbing questions about why Sparkplug allows his son to date a woman who's old enough to at least be starting college. Then again, Sparkplug had Spike working on a remote oil platform in the middle of the ocean, so family dynamics within the Witwickys are certainly... unconventional.

===Real-world references===
* It was the 80s. [[Robots Video Arcade|Video arcades]] were ''the'' hot thing.
** ''[[Robot Resource]]'' uses sounds from ''Galaga''.
* Carly is or will be a student at M.I.T.
* Spike describes a chocolate soda as "an emulsified CO2 with lactic acid".

===Trivia===
* Stores on the street: Vincenzo's Pizza, Rose Beauty Saloon, Meat, and [[Robots Video Arcade]].
* Video games in the arcade: Pan!!, Oh!!, Chu, Ha Ha Ha, SFX, Hot, and [[Robot Resource]].
* No wonder the cops pull Bumblebee over. His entrance into traffic is ''terrible''; he swerves between lanes, and totally cuts off some poor driver.
*The Japanese dubbing of the episode had been edited to remove Skyfire (due to the fact that Takara were unsure about using Skyfire/Jetfire at the time because he was based off a Bandai toy), which is pretty obvious as there are jumps in the background music. Skyfire did eventually appear in the Japanese dub near the end of its run.

==External links==
* [http://cybertronchronicle.freewebspace.com/cartoon-dossier/synopses/the_immobilizer.html Dossier at the Cybertron Chronicle]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Immobilizer}}
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]

Mini-Con

2009-09-03T16:39:29Z

Gargunkle:

:''Mini-Cons are a faction/type of [[Transformer]] in multiple [[Continuity family|continuity families]], most prominently the [[Unicron Trilogy]].''

[[Image:Minicon symbol.png|right|250px|thumb|Intentionally designed to look like the letter "M", the Mini-Con symbol is also reflected in the design of Unicron's helmet]]
'''Mini-Cons''' are a race of small, roughly [[human]]-sized Transformers capable of [[Powerlinx|powerlinxing]] with a larger Transformer to impart extra abilities or greatly increase their strength.

Their origins (when explored) vary depending on the continuity in which they appear. In some timelines they are creations of [[Unicron]], while in others, they are creations of the [[Last Autobot]]. Others... they just are there.

:''Japanese term'': '''Micron''' 
:''French-Canadian/Spanish term'': '''Minimodus'''

==Fiction==
===''Universe: The Wreckers'' comics===
[[Ramulus]] uses "Mini-Con" as a term of derision, implying that [[CatSCAN]] is timid or insufficiently assertive.

===Unicron Trilogy===
====Animated continuity====
[[Unicron]] created the Mini-Cons to be mindless tools, sent to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] as an agitating element to the Transformers' civil war. The power-enhancing "smart tools" would be unleashed upon the populace, who would snap them up and bond with them, and the war would only get more destructive, as Unicron drank in the negative psychic energies from the death and destruction. Once he'd gathered the power he needed, the Mini-Cons would turn on their supposed masters, incapacitating them, and Unicron would fully awaken to devour the planet and all Transformers on it, eliminating his biggest obstacle to devouring all of existence.

But through a strange warp in space and time that no one really bothered to explain, three [[human]] children from the future -[[Rad White|Rad]], [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and [[Alexis]]- were sent to the Mini-Cons' birthing chamber on Cybertron just seconds before the small robots emerged from their pods. As the Mini-Cons had been designed to form mental bonds with other life forms, when Rad touched the Mini-Con who he knew from the future as [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], High Wire apparently formed his bond then, with Rad... and through the Mini-Cons' shared "soul dimension", the [[Linkage (dimension)|Linkage]], sentience and free will spread throughout the Mini-Cons, forming "souls", and crippling Unicron's plans drastically.

====Dreamwave comics continuity====
[[Image:Mini-cons.jpg|right|400px|thumb|Gotta catch 'em all!]]
Mini-Cons are a second race of Transformer, mostly living in designated sectors by themselves, which left them open to attack when [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] led his Decepticons on capture raids. Mini-Cons are capable of adding their power (disproportionate to their size) to a Transformer with whom they [[Powerlinx]]. Mini-Cons are also capable of tapping an extra-dimensional energy source of unknown origin, but are wary of doing this, and most have inhibitors installed to prevent this from happening.

[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]], a Mini-Con refugee from another dimension, led Cybertron's collected Mini-Cons in tapping that dimension's energies and channeling them into an attack on Unicron which left him stranded on the far fringes of space.

After Unicron's defeat, most Mini-Cons re-established their villages in the Mini-Con sector. When Unicron appeared again ten years later, no one went to fetch the Mini-Cons to battle Unicron again, so it seems likely the Mini-Cons' connection to their extra-dimensional power source was severed.

{{note|There is no indication that Mini-Cons are related to Unicron in Dreamwave continuity.}}

====Powerlinx and Evolution====
Mini-Cons have the special ability to actually evolve other machines, from transforming simple cars into jet-powered assault vehicles, to upgrading Transformers to have new weapons spring from their body. The nature of Powerlinxing is emphasized more in the Japanese ''[[Armada (franchise)|Micron Legend]]'' counterpart to Transformers ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]''. Once powerlinked, the Autobot would call out "EVOLUTION!" and a portion of their body would literally reconfigure to become a new weapon. Afterwards, they retained this new ability without the powerlinking of the Mini-Con which granted it. Linking to that Mini-Con again simply enhances their firepower. The Mini-Con is not required in order to use the evolved weaponry afterwards. This has caused some confusion in the Armada viewing audience due to dub issues and the downplaying of the "Evolution" theme. Despite this, the term is used twice in the American series by Megatron.

====Gigantion Mini-Cons====
The exact origin of the Gigantion Mini-Cons is questionable as presented within the context of the show itself. The show offers little to nothing on their genesis, merely their function as "little detail" workers whose brains developed similarly to human children because of this (uh, yeah). In ''Galaxy Force'', they are stated to have existed since ancient times and controlled the larger Transformers. There are even ancient ruins discovered with inscriptions using ''Armada'' Mini-Con model sheets.

The [[Fun Publications]] fiction has linked these Mini-Cons to those of ''Armada'', which simply has them migrating to Gigantion (as well as the other colony worlds) with the Transformers carrying the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]], offering the only definitive origin of those Mini-Cons. This would also make them creations of Unicron. However, this does not fully line up with the fiction, as the Mini-Cons in Armada are shown appearing in the time of Optimus Prime, years after the world colonization - so the matter is left more than a bit vague.

===Generation 1===
====Classics====
Mini-Cons were created by the [[Last Autobot]] to cleanse Cybertron of [[Demon|Demons]] and [[Mutant (G1)|Mutants]] before the Autobots returned.

===="Eternal Prisoner"====
The latest (as of this update) assortment of [[Micron Booster|Micron Boosters]] features Mini-Cons with [[Autobot]], [[Decepticon]], [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] insignia. There is little to no information about when this set "takes place".

Similarly, three store-[[exclusive]] Mini-Cons released at the time, [[Torque Gain]], [[Noise Effect]] and [[Wedge Shape]] seem to be in the same boat, especially as Wedge Shape's toy is branded as a Maximal (though his instructions claim him to be a Predacon).

====Beast Wars (Japan)====
[[Dragoyell]] is a combatant in the [[Beast Wars]], though his ninja-like powers mean he is rarely seen. His bio and instructions explicitly say he's a Maximal... but his toy is branded as an Autobot. Hmm.

===Live action film series===
Mini-Con [[Longarm (Movie Mini-Con)|Longarm]] exists. Beyond that fact, nothing is known about the nature of Mini-Cons in this continuity.

==Things that are not Mini-Cons==
There have been a number of character or toys that either have Powerlink 'catcher' ports but are not Mini-Cons, or are recolored from Mini-Con molds (often even having the molded-in faction symbol) but who are nonetheless, according to their associated bios or fiction, not actually Mini-Cons.

{{collist|4|
* [[Caliburn]]
* [[Lugnut]]
* [[Laserbeak (Cybertron)]]
* [[Search and Destroy Robot]]
* [[Beta Maxx]]}}

==Toys==
:Mini-Con toys debuted as the signature element of the ''Armada'' franchise, bringing the "micro [[play pattern]]" back to ''Transformers'' after many years' absence. Much like ''Armada'' itself, the Mini-Cons proved to be a smash hit with fans and kids, and Hasbro scrambled to include them in the subsequent franchises.

:Most Mini-Cons stand around 2" tall, making them considerably larger than their 1" [[Micromaster]] predecessors. Most Mini-Cons are considerably more complex, as well; unlike Micromasters, there's no single dominant transformation scheme. With dozens of molds, Mini-Cons cover a wide range of articulation, size, alternate modes, and complexity. Aesthetically, their facial designs tend toward the unorthodox.

:Each Mini-Con includes a [[Powerlinx]] port somewhere on their body, a round peg-slot that allows them to be attached to any "[[Bulk]]" figure with a corresponding Powerlinx peg. These pegs were standard-issue on the larger, original-mold ''Armada'' toys, where at least one such peg could be used to activate various gimmicks on each large figure. Toys from subsequent franchise have featured Powerlinx pegs only as a static feature.

{{note|Because of the overwhelming number of Mini-Con redecos — we're talking well into the hundreds — the following list is of unique first-use ''molds'' only.}}

===Armada===
====3-pack team molds====
[[Image:Armada airmilitaryteam toys.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Air Military Mini-Con Team]]

{{collist|3|
'''[[Adventure Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Dune Runner (Armada)|Dune Runner]] (dune buggy)
* [[Iceberg]] (snowcat)
* [[Ransack (Armada)|Ransack]] (jeep)

'''[[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] (Concorde jet)
* [[Runway]] (supersonic bomber)
* [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] (space shuttle)

'''[[Air Military Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Gunbarrel (Armada)|Gunbarrel]] (cargo jet)
* [[Terradive (Armada)|Terradive]] (recon jet)
* [[Thunderwing (Armada)|Thunderwing]] (stealth bomber)

'''[[Destruction Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Buzzsaw (Armada)|Buzzsaw]] (excavator)
* [[Drill Bit (Armada)|Drill Bit]] (mining vehicle)
* [[Dualor]] (tank)

'''[[Emergency Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Firebot (Armada)|Firebot]] (fire engine)
* [[Makeshift (Armada)|Makeshift]] (VTOL plane)
* [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] (police cruiser)

'''[[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Bonecrusher (Armada)|Bonecrusher]] (missile transport)
* [[Knock Out (Armada)|Knock Out]] (armored personnel carrier)
* [[Wreckage (Armada)|Wreckage]] (tracked missile platform)

'''[[Race Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]] (rally SUV)
* [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] (Formula racer)
* [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (Indy racer)

'''[[Sea Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Oceanglide]] (solar-powered boat)
* [[Stormcloud (Armada)|Stormcloud]] (speedboat)
* [[Waterlog]] (hovercraft)

'''[[Space Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Astroscope]] (space station)
* [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]] (rocket transporter)
* [[Sky Blast]] (rocket)

'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (skateboard)
* [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (dirtbike)
* [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (motor scooter)

'''[[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]]'''
* [[Backtrack (Armada)|Backtrack]] (sportscar)
* [[Oval]] (sportscar)
* [[Spiral]] (sportscar)
}}

====Partner Mini-Con molds====
[[Image:Armada Leader1 toy.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Leader-1]]

{{collist|3|
*[[Incinerator (Armada)|Incinerator]] (partner: [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]])
*[[Refute]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Hoist]])
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]])
*[[Over-Run (Armada)|Over-Run]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Supercon Optimus Prime]])
*[[Nightbeat (Armada)|Nightbeat]] (partner: [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]])
*[[Liftor]] (partner: [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]])
*[[Rollout (Armada)|Rollout]] (partner: [[Overload (Armada)|Overload]])
*[[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]] (partner: [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]])
*[[Rollbar (Armada)|Rollbar]] (partner: [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]])
*[[Comettor]] (partner: [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]])
*[[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] (partner: [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Super Optimus Prime]])
*[[Crumplezone (Armada)|Crumplezone]] (partner: [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]])
*[[Blackout (Armada)|Blackout]] (partner: [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]])
*[[Inferno (Armada)|Inferno]] (partner: [[Thrust (Armada)|Powerlinx Thrust]])
*[[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]] (partner: [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]])
*[[Thunderclash (Armada)|Thunderclash]] (partner: [[Skywarp (Armada)|Skywarp]])
*[[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]] (partner: [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]])
*[[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] (partner: [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]])
*[[Ramjet (Armada)|Ramjet]] (partner: [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]])
*[[Rook (Armada)|Rook]] and [[Crosswise (Armada)|Crosswise]] (partner: [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]])
*[[Dead End (Armada)|Dead End]] (partner: [[Unicron]])
}}

===Energon===
====3-packs====
'''[[Energon Saber]] Team'''
*[[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (Concorde)
*[[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (space shuttle)
*[[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (supersonic bomber)

'''[[Street Action Mini-Con Team]]'''
*[[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] (hoverboard)
*[[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] (motorbike)
*[[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]] (four-wheeler)

====Other====
* Kicker/Highwire 2-pack

===Cybertron===
*[[Recon Mini-Con Team]]
** [[Jolt (Cybertron)|Jolt]]
** [[Six-Speed]]
** [[Reverb (Cybertron)|Reverb]]

===Classics (2006)===
[[Image:TFC Clear Sky.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Clear Skies Team]]

{{collist|3|
*[[Demolition Team]]
**[[Broadside (Classics)|Broadside]]
**[[Sledge (Classics)|Sledge]]
**[[Wideload (Classics)|Wideload]]

*[[Dinobots (Mini-Cons)|Dinobots]]
**[[Knockdown (Classics)|Knockdown]]
**[[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]
**[[Terrorsaur (Classics)|Terrorsaur]]

*[[Night Rescue Team]]
**[[Divebomb (Classics)|Divebomb]]
**[[Firebot (Classics)|Firebot]]
**[[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]]

*[[Clear Skies Team]]
**[[Nightscream (Classics)|Nightscream]]
**[[Steel Wind]]
**[[Thunderwing (Classics)|Thunderwing]]

*[[Dirt Digger Team]]
**[[Dirt Rocket]]
**[[Grindor (Classics)|Grindor]]
**[[Oil Slick (Classics)|Oil Slick]]

*[[Predator Attack Team]]
**[[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]]
**[[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]]
**[[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]]
}}

===Universe (2008)===
*[[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]] (partner: [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]])

===Micron Densetsu===
*'''Hikari no Unicron''' (campaign prize item)
**''Accessories:'' Chest missile, 6 leg missiles

: The "[[Unicron of Light]]" toy is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Unicron]] in an emerald, light green, blue, and white color-scheme. This Unicron was the prize for a lucky-draw contest in Japan.

===Attacktix===
[[Image:AttacktixMiniConS1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Goooood.]]
*'''Mini-Con''' (Booster, 2006)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF01
|faction=Autobot
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback - 4/26 (15%) success ratio
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

: The first assortment of Transformers ''[[Attacktix]]'' figures included a "generic" Mini-Con, based on [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]]. Each Mini-Con figure has 3 points of articulation, including waist and shoulders; however, their shoulders move together due to their gun. One of the shortest, most squat ''Attacktix'' figures, the Mini-Con is very stable despite its small base.

:Its Special Power, "Attackback", allows a free move and attack for any of your in-play Autobot pieces. Mini-Con is an excellent support figure for [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], whose "Shootback" power allows up to three Mini-Cons to make a free attack.

{{-}}
[[Image:AttackitxMiniConS2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Eeeevil.]]
*'''Minicon''' (Booster, 2007)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF03
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Trooper
|special=Attackback
|cost=10
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (small missile)
}}
{{-}}

:An as-yet unreleased redeco of the ''Attacktix'' "Minicon" (''sic'') piece is set for the second series' Booster Packs, though this time as a Decepticon-aligned piece. It features a color scheme not on any incarnation of the actual [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]]/Skyboom toy, but wouldn't that be neat? The exact details of its Attackback special power are as yet unknown.

: This piece was later characterized as "[[Bunker-Buster]]" in the members-only portion of the [[Fun Publications]] [[Official Transformers Collectors' Club]] website.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
==Trivia==
* During the ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line, the term "Mini-Con" was also the name of a [[size class]] which consisted of three-packs of small toys (which were also individually referred to as "Mini-Cons"). Other size classes from the ''Armada'' line were named "Super-Con", "Max-Con" and "Giga-Con". However, the name "Mini-Con" was the only one actually used in the corresponding fiction. In the toyline, it was ''also'' used for other small figures of the same size that were available as companion figures with the larger toys. Due to its use in fiction, the name was also carried over into subsequent lines such as ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', and was used as (part of) the name of a price point again in the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toyline, the "Mini-Con Class", this time consisting of two-packs, and later in the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, now again available as three-packs.

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/faction/minicon.htm Mini-Cons at TFU.info]

*[http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/references/mini-cons_microns.php TFArchive's complete Mini-Con/Micron list]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Armada]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Classics]]
[[Category:Cybertron]]
[[Category:Energon]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Gimmicks]]
[[Category:Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Unicron]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]

Size class

2009-05-07T13:42:29Z

Gargunkle:

'''Size class''' is how [[Hasbro]] determines the size and price of a toy. It also determines the amount of budget spent on the production of a [[Toy|Transformers toy]], such as paint or electronics. 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 Deluxes in a line have identically-sized packaging and cost the same price. When you run out of Deluxes, you order a new case and put them right back where they belong. This is incredibly convenient, especially compared to [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]], where the sizes and prices of figures varied widely.

Up until [[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]], toys with a uniform gimmick were sold as their own distinct assortment, which often resulted in an assortment consisting of no more than four or six different toys. Since Autobots and Decepticons often had their own distinct gimmicks, this resulted in separate Autobot and Decepticon assortments. Starting with [[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]], however, [[HasKen]] introduced uniform price points which continued as ongoing size class assortments throughout the line (although, in the case of longer lines, an assortment could occasionally be reset while still retaining the same size class name).

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 Voyager [[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. Most Transformers are packaged in their [[altmode]]. 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 have not been consistent from line to line, with names often changing to affect marketability.

==Beast Wars==
''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' had five size classes. From smallest to largest:

* '''Basic,''' the cheapest at US$5.
* '''Deluxe,''' at US$10.
* '''Mega,''' at US$15. Toys of this size were often [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarmers]].
* '''Ultra,''' at US$20. Only eight toys were sold at this price point.
* '''Super,''' at US$30. This size class contained only one toy, [[Optimal Optimus]].

Basic and Deluxe are sold on cards to this day; size classes larger than Deluxe were, and are, sold in boxes.

==Beast Machines==
''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' continued ''Beast Wars''' size classes, but increased the price of Basic to US$7.

'''Supreme''' was introduced as a US$40 size class. [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] was the only Supreme in this line; a Supreme [[Optimus Primal]] toy was planned to be in this line, but was moved to ''Robots in Disguise''. Both of these supreme class designs featured electronic lights and sounds. Supreme Optimus Primal even featured speech by voice actor [[Garry Chalk]].

Two additional size classes, [[Deployer|Deployers]] (US$5) and [[Beast Rider|Beast Riders]] (US$10) would turn out to be short-lived. The size of Ultra toys was increased while maintaining the price.

==Robots in Disguise==
''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' used the ''Beast Machines'' size classes, though the Basic price point was once again lowered to US$5. However, most of the toys at this price point were either [[Spychanger]] two-packs or [[Redeco|redecoed]] ''Generation 1'' combiner limbs, making them somewhat smaller and less intricate than previous lines' Basics (a notable exception is [[Obsidian (RID)|the recolor]] of [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], which was sold for less than the original version).

''Robots in Disguise'' also had three Mega-priced multipacks of smaller figures (the three smaller Predacons, a trio of recolored ''Beast Machines'' Basics as Autobots, and the recolored [[Laser Cycle|Laser Cycles]]).

Several of the line's toys ran afoul of the differences between US and Japanese packaging policies. The [[Team Bullet Train]] toys were individually packaged as Megas, despite being smaller than the usual members of that size class. The near-Basic-sized [[Wedge]] was sold as a Deluxe.

==Armada==
The ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toyline renamed or repurposed all the existing price points:

* '''Mini-Con,''' at US$6.50 replaced the Basic price point, with 3-packs of [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].
* '''Super-Con,''' at US$10 replaced the Deluxe.
* '''Max-Con,''' at US$20 replaced the Ultra. All Max-Cons had electronic sound effects.
* '''Giga-Con,''' at US$25. All Giga-Cons (except for [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]) featured electronic lights and sounds.
* '''Super-Base,''' at US$40 replaced Super, but used the Supreme price point. The only figure of this class was [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], who featured an infrared-activated automatic transformation gimmick, as well as lights and sounds.
* "[[Unicron]]" was in his own class using the Supreme size, at US$50. He had lights, but no sounds.

The old US$15 price, previously used by the Mega size class, was effectively discontinued, taken up by role-play toys like the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Dark Saber]].

==Universe (2003)==
The original ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line used the ''Beast Wars'' size class designations, but only had '''Deluxe''' and '''Ultra''' (the latter at US$20).

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==
The ''[[Alternators (toyline)|Alternators]]'' line was unique insofar as it only consisted of one 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|shelfwarmers]] such as [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|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==
''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' took a somewhat random approach to size-class naming. The second [[Energon (mini-comic)|pack-in catalog]] introduced the size class range as

* '''Energon''' (Basic), with the price back to US$7
* '''Combat''' (Deluxe) - US$10.
* '''Mega Combat''' (the former "Max-Con") - US$20. All Mega Combat (and the subsequently renamed Mega Class) figures featured sound effects.
* '''Commanders''' (the former "Giga-Con") - US$25. Commanders had lights and sounds depending on the figure.
* '''Leaders''' (the former "Super Base") - US$40. Leaders featured both lights and sounds.
* [[Unicron]] was given no size class - US$50.

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

* '''Energon Class'''
* '''Combat Class'''
* '''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 listed no price points for the combiners), but finally listed Omega Supreme as '''Supreme Class'''.

==Cybertron==
''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' changed the naming of some size classes, but retained others:

* '''[[Legends of Cybertron]],''' at US$3, with tiny [[Market six]]-aimed figures.
* '''Mini-Con Class,''' at US$5 was added for the Mini-Con two-packs.
* '''Scout Class,''' at US$7, formerly Energon Class.
* '''Deluxe Class,''' at US$10, formerly Combat Class.
* '''Voyager Class,''' at US$20, formerly Mega Class. Sound effects were dropped from all but three figures in this size class. [[Vector Prime]], [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and his smarter remold Dark Crumplezone retained their sound effects gimmick.
* '''Ultra Class,''' at US$25, formerly Command Class. Ultra class toys had lights and sounds.
* '''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 Planet Key]] gimmicks.
* '''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==
''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' kept the Deluxe and Voyager classes, renamed as

* '''Legends,''' at US$4 - Legends of Cybertron repaints, raised $1 in price.
* '''Mini-Con,''' at US$7, in three-packs again, replacing the Scout Class price point.
* '''Classic Deluxe,''' at US$10.
* '''Classic Voyager,''' at US$20.

==Movie==
''Transformers'', the [[Movie (toyline)|toyline]] based on the 2007 [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]], retained many size classes from before:

* '''Legends Class,''' at US$4.
* '''Scout Class,''' at US$7.
* '''Deluxe Class,''' at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class,''' 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,''' at US$25. (Consisted of two Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] ''Cybertron'' redecoes.)
* '''Leader Class,''' at US$40. The Leaders featured electronic lights and sounds, usually attached to a spring-loaded [[Automorph|Automorphing]] gimmick.

The '''Supreme''' class was dropped. The Scout Class, which consisted entirely of [[Redeco|redecos]] of toys from the ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron'' toylines, was exclusively available at Target stores in the USA, but was sold at mass retail in Europe and Canada. Additionally, there was a gimmick-based sub-line named '''[[Fast Action Battlers]]''', which also sold at US$10 (like the Deluxe Class toys); a simplistic, cutesy sub-line aimed at young children named ''[[Cyber Slammers]]'', which also sold for US$8; and a new US$90 figure sold as '''Ultimate Bumblebee.'''

==Animated==
Thus far, the [[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 by the actors from the cartoon.
* '''Supreme Class''', at US$50. 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 are being released as part of the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toyline instead.

==Universe (2008)==
The 2008 [[Universe (2008 franchise)|''Transformers Universe'' toyline]] has the following confirmed size classes:

* '''Legends Class''', at US$4.
* '''Deluxe Class''', at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class''', at US$20. Vector Prime and [[Lio Convoy|Leo Prime]], being redecos and retools of ''Cybertron'' toys respectively, are the only toys in this size class to feature sound effects.
* '''Ultra Class''', at US$25. Ultra class have lights and sounds for all-new figures.
* '''Supreme Class''', at US$50. This size class consists solely of the Toys 'R' Us exclusive repackaged ''Armada'' [[Unicron]].

==Size class chart==
Class names, organized by toy line and approximate price point:

<table border="1" style="line-height:100%;border-collapse:collapse;">

<tr>
<td>Price
</td><th>BW</th><th>BM</th><th>RiD</th><th>Armada</th><th colspan="2">Energon</th><th>Universe</th><th>Cybertron</th><th>Classics</th><th>Movie</th><th>Animated</th><th>Universe
</th></tr>
<tr>
<td>$3
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Legends of Cybertron</td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$4
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Legends</td><td>Legends</td><td></td><td>Legends
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$5
</td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td>Mini-Cons</td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$7
</td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td>Mini-Con</td><td>Basic</td><td>Energon</td><td></td><td>Scout</td><td>Mini-Con</td><td>Scout</td><td>Activators
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$10
</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Super-Con</td><td>Combat</td><td>Combat</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Classic Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$15
</td><td>Mega</td><td>Mega</td><td>Mega</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$20
</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Max-Con</td><td>Mega Combat</td><td>Mega</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Classic Voyager</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Voyager
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$25
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Giga-Con</td><td>Commanders</td><td>Command</td><td></td><td>Ultra</td><td></td><td>Ultra</td><td></td><td>Ultra
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$30
</td><td>Super</td><td>Super</td><td>Super</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$40
</td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td>Supreme</td><td>Super-Base</td><td>Leaders</td><td>Leaders</td><td></td><td>Leader</td><td></td><td>Leader</td><td>Leader
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$50
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td></td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td>Supreme
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$90
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Ultimate</td><td>
</td></tr></table>

[[Category:Toys]]

Size class

2009-05-07T13:34:04Z

Gargunkle:

'''Size class''' is how [[Hasbro]] determines the size and price of a toy. It also determines the amount of budget spent on the production of a [[Toy|Transformers toy]], such as paint or electronics. 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 Deluxes in a line have identically-sized packaging and cost the same price. When you run out of Deluxes, you order a new case and put them right back where they belong. This is incredibly convenient, especially compared to [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]], where the sizes and prices of figures varied widely.

Up until [[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]], toys with a uniform gimmick were sold as their own distinct assortment, which often resulted in an assortment consisting of no more than four or six different toys. Since Autobots and Decepticons often had their own distinct gimmicks, this resulted in separate Autobot and Decepticon assortments. Starting with [[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]], however, [[HasKen]] introduced uniform price points which continued as ongoing size class assortments throughout the line (although, in the case of longer lines, an assortment could occasionally be reset while still retaining the same size class name).

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 Voyager [[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. Most Transformers are packaged in their [[altmode]]. 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 have not been consistent from line to line, with names often changing to affect marketability.

==Beast Wars==
''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' had five size classes. From smallest to largest:

* '''Basic,''' the cheapest at US$5.
* '''Deluxe,''' at US$10.
* '''Mega,''' at US$15. Toys of this size were often [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarmers]].
* '''Ultra,''' at US$20. Only eight toys were sold at this price point.
* '''Super,''' at US$30. This size class contained only one toy, [[Optimal Optimus]].

Basic and Deluxe are sold on cards to this day; size classes larger than Deluxe were, and are, sold in boxes.

==Beast Machines==
''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' continued ''Beast Wars''' size classes, but increased the price of Basic to US$7.

'''Supreme''' was introduced as a US$40 size class. [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] was the only Supreme in this line; a Supreme [[Optimus Primal]] toy was planned to be in this line, but was moved to ''Robots in Disguise''. Both of these supreme class designs featured electronic lights and sounds. Supreme Optimus Primal even featured speech by voice actor [[Garry Chalk]].

Two additional size classes, [[Deployer|Deployers]] (US$5) and [[Beast Rider|Beast Riders]] (US$10) would turn out to be short-lived. The size of Ultra toys was increased while maintaining the price.

==Robots in Disguise==
''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' used the ''Beast Machines'' size classes, though the Basic price point was once again lowered to US$5. However, most of the toys at this price point were either [[Spychanger]] two-packs or [[Redeco|redecoed]] ''Generation 1'' combiner limbs, making them somewhat smaller and less intricate than previous lines' Basics (a notable exception is [[Obsidian (RID)|the recolor]] of [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], which was sold for less than the original version).

''Robots in Disguise'' also had three Mega-priced multipacks of smaller figures (The three smaller Predacons, a trio of recolored ''Beast Machines'' Basics as Autobots, and the recolored [[Laser Cycle|Laser Cycles]].

Several of the line's toys ran afoul of the differences between US and Japanese packaging policies. The [[Team Bullet Train]] toys were individually packaged as Megas, despite being smaller than the usual members of that size class. The near-Basic-sized [[Wedge]] was sold as a Deluxe.

==Armada==
The ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toyline renamed or repurposed all the existing price points:

* '''Mini-Con,''' at US$6.50 replaced the Basic price point, with 3-packs of [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].
* '''Super-Con,''' at US$10 replaced the Deluxe.
* '''Max-Con,''' at US$20 replaced the Ultra. All Max-Cons had electronic sound effects.
* '''Giga-Con,''' at US$25. All Giga-Cons (except for [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]) featured electronic lights and sounds.
* '''Super-Base,''' at US$40 replaced Super, but used the Supreme price point. The only figure of this class was [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], who featured an infrared-activated automatic transformation gimmick, as well as lights and sounds.
* "[[Unicron]]" was in his own class using the Supreme size, at US$50. He had lights, but no sounds.

The old US$15 price, previously used by the Mega size class, was effectively discontinued, taken up by role-play toys like the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Dark Saber]].

==Universe (2003)==
The original ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line used the ''Beast Wars'' size class designations, but only had '''Deluxe''' and '''Ultra''' (the latter at US$20).

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==
The ''[[Alternators (toyline)|Alternators]]'' line was unique insofar as it only consisted of one 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|shelfwarmers]] such as [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|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==
''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' took a somewhat random approach to size-class naming. The second [[Energon (mini-comic)|pack-in catalog]] introduced the size class range as

* '''Energon''' (Basic), with the price back to US$7
* '''Combat''' (Deluxe) - US$10.
* '''Mega Combat''' (the former "Max-Con") - US$20. All Mega Combat (and the subsequently renamed Mega Class) figures featured sound effects.
* '''Commanders''' (the former "Giga-Con") - US$25. Commanders had lights and sounds depending on the figure.
* '''Leaders''' (the former "Super Base") - US$40. Leaders featured both lights and sounds.
* [[Unicron]] was given no size class - US$50.

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

* '''Energon Class'''
* '''Combat Class'''
* '''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 listed no price points for the combiners), but finally listed Omega Supreme as '''Supreme Class'''.

==Cybertron==
''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' changed the naming of some size classes, but retained others:

* '''[[Legends of Cybertron]],''' at US$3, with tiny [[Market six]]-aimed figures.
* '''Mini-Con Class,''' at US$5 was added for the Mini-Con two-packs.
* '''Scout Class,''' at US$7, formerly Energon Class.
* '''Deluxe Class,''' at US$10, formerly Combat Class.
* '''Voyager Class,''' at US$20, formerly Mega Class. Sound effects were dropped from all but three figures in this size class. [[Vector Prime]], [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and his smarter remold Dark Crumplezone retained their sound effects gimmick.
* '''Ultra Class,''' at US$25, formerly Command Class. Ultra class toys had lights and sounds.
* '''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 Planet Key]] gimmicks.
* '''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==
''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' kept the Deluxe and Voyager classes, renamed as

* '''Legends,''' at US$4 - Legends of Cybertron repaints, raised $1 in price.
* '''Mini-Con,''' at US$7, in three-packs again, replacing the Scout Class price point.
* '''Classic Deluxe,''' at US$10.
* '''Classic Voyager,''' at US$20.

==Movie==
''Transformers'', the [[Movie (toyline)|toyline]] based on the 2007 [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]], retained many size classes from before:

* '''Legends Class,''' at US$4.
* '''Scout Class,''' at US$7.
* '''Deluxe Class,''' at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class,''' 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,''' at US$25. (Consisted of two Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] ''Cybertron'' redecoes.)
* '''Leader Class,''' at US$40. The Leaders featured electronic lights and sounds, usually attached to a spring-loaded [[Automorph|Automorphing]] gimmick.

The '''Supreme''' class was dropped. The Scout Class, which consisted entirely of [[Redeco|redecos]] of toys from the ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron'' toylines, was exclusively available at Target stores in the USA, but was sold at mass retail in Europe and Canada. Additionally, there was a gimmick-based sub-line named '''[[Fast Action Battlers]]''', which also sold at US$10 (like the Deluxe Class toys); a simplistic, cutesy sub-line aimed at young children named ''[[Cyber Slammers]]'', which also sold for US$8; and a new US$90 figure sold as '''Ultimate Bumblebee.'''

==Animated==
Thus far, the [[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 by the actors from the cartoon.
* '''Supreme Class''', at US$50. 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 are being released as part of the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toyline instead.

==Universe (2008)==
The 2008 [[Universe (2008 franchise)|''Transformers Universe'' toyline]] has the following confirmed size classes:

* '''Legends Class''', at US$4.
* '''Deluxe Class''', at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class''', at US$20. Vector Prime and [[Lio Convoy|Leo Prime]], being redecos and retools of ''Cybertron'' toys respectively, are the only toys in this size class to feature sound effects.
* '''Ultra Class''', at US$25. Ultra class have lights and sounds for all-new figures.
* '''Supreme Class''', at US$50. This size class consists solely of the Toys 'R' Us exclusive repackaged ''Armada'' [[Unicron]].

==Size class chart==
Class names, organized by toy line and approximate price point:

<table border="1" style="line-height:100%;border-collapse:collapse;">

<tr>
<td>Price
</td><th>BW</th><th>BM</th><th>RiD</th><th>Armada</th><th colspan="2">Energon</th><th>Universe</th><th>Cybertron</th><th>Classics</th><th>Movie</th><th>Animated</th><th>Universe
</th></tr>
<tr>
<td>$3
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Legends of Cybertron</td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$4
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Legends</td><td>Legends</td><td></td><td>Legends
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$5
</td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td>Mini-Cons</td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$7
</td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td>Mini-Con</td><td>Basic</td><td>Energon</td><td></td><td>Scout</td><td>Mini-Con</td><td>Scout</td><td>Activators
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$10
</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Super-Con</td><td>Combat</td><td>Combat</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Classic Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$15
</td><td>Mega</td><td>Mega</td><td>Mega</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$20
</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Max-Con</td><td>Mega Combat</td><td>Mega</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Classic Voyager</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Voyager
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$25
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Giga-Con</td><td>Commanders</td><td>Command</td><td></td><td>Ultra</td><td></td><td>Ultra</td><td></td><td>Ultra
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$30
</td><td>Super</td><td>Super</td><td>Super</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$40
</td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td>Supreme</td><td>Super-Base</td><td>Leaders</td><td>Leaders</td><td></td><td>Leader</td><td></td><td>Leader</td><td>Leader
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$50
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td></td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td>Supreme
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$90
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Ultimate</td><td>
</td></tr></table>

[[Category:Toys]]

Size class

2009-05-07T13:26:42Z

Gargunkle:

'''Size class''' is how [[Hasbro]] determines the size and price of a toy. It also determines the amount of budget spent on the production of a [[Toy|Transformers toy]], such as paint or electronics. 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 Deluxes in a line have identically-sized packaging and cost the same price. When you run out of Deluxes, you order a new case and put them right back where they belong. This is incredibly convenient, especially compared to [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]], where the sizes and prices of figures varied widely.

Up until [[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]], toys with a uniform gimmick were sold as their own distinct assortment, which often resulted in an assortment consisting of no more than four or six different toys. Since Autobots and Decepticons often had their own distinct gimmicks, this resulted in separate Autobot and Decepticon assortments. Starting with [[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]], however, [[HasKen]] introduced uniform price points which continued as ongoing size class assortments throughout the line (although, in the case of longer lines, an assortment could occasionally be reset while still retaining the same size class name).

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 Voyager [[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. Most Transformers are packaged in their [[altmode]]. 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 have not been consistent from line to line, with names often changing to affect marketability.

==Beast Wars==
''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' had five size classes. From smallest to largest:

* '''Basic,''' the cheapest at US$5.
* '''Deluxe,''' at US$10.
* '''Mega,''' at US$15. Toys of this size were often [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarmers]].
* '''Ultra,''' at US$20. Only eight toys were sold at this price point.
* '''Super,''' at US$30. This size class contained only one toy, [[Optimal Optimus]].

Basic and Deluxe are sold on cards to this day; size classes larger than Deluxe were, and are, sold in boxes.

==Beast Machines==
''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' continued ''Beast Wars''' size classes, but increased the price of Basic to US$7.

'''Supreme''' was introduced as a US$40 size class. [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] was the only Supreme in this line; a Supreme [[Optimus Primal]] toy was planned to be in this line, but was moved to ''Robots in Disguise''. Both of these supreme class designs featured electronic lights and sounds. Supreme Optimus Primal even featured speech by voice actor [[Garry Chalk]].

Two additional size classes, [[Deployer|Deployers]] (US$5) and [[Beast Rider|Beast Riders]] (US$10) would turn out to be short-lived. The size of Ultra toys was increased while maintaining the price.

==Robots in Disguise==
''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' used the ''Beast Machines'' size classes, though the Basic price point was once again lowered to US$5. However, most of the toys at this price point were either [[Spychanger]] two-packs or [[Redeco|redecoed]] ''Generation 1'' combiner limbs, making them somewhat smaller and less intricate than previous lines' Basics (a notable exception is [[Obsidian (RID)|the recolor]] of [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], which was sold for less than the original version).

''Robots in Disguise'' also had three Mega-priced multipacks of smaller figures (The three smaller Predacons, a trio of recolored ''Beast Machines'' Basics as Autobots, and the recolored [[Laser Cycle|Laser Cycles]].

Several of the line's toys ran afoul of the differences between US and Japanese packaging policies. The [[Team Bullet Train]] toys were individually packaged as Megas, despite being smaller than the usual members of that size class. The near-Basic-sized [[Wedge]] was sold as a Deluxe.

==Armada==
The ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' toyline renamed or repurposed all the existing price points:

* '''Mini-Con,''' at US$6.50 replaced the Basic price point, with 3-packs of [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].
* '''Super-Con,''' at US$10 replaced the Deluxe.
* '''Max-Con,''' at US$20 replaced the Ultra. All Max-Cons had electronic sound effects.
* '''Giga-Con,''' at US$25. All Giga-Cons (except for [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]) featured electronic lights and sounds.
* '''Super-Base,''' at US$40 replaced Super, but used the Supreme price point. The only figure of this class was [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], who featured an infrared-activated automatic transformation gimmick, as well as lights and sounds.
* "[[Unicron]]" was in his own class using the Supreme size, at US$50. He had lights, but no sounds.

The old US$15 price, previously used by the Mega size class, was effectively discontinued, taken up by role-play toys like the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Dark Saber]].

==Universe (2003)==
The original ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line used the ''Beast Wars'' size class designations, but only had '''Deluxe''' and '''Ultra''' (the latter at US$20).

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==
The ''[[Alternators (toyline)|Alternators]]'' line was unique insofar as it only consisted of one 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|shelfwarmers]] such as [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|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==
''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' took a somewhat random approach to size-class naming. The second [[Energon (mini-comic)|pack-in catalog]] introduced the size class range as

* '''Energon''' (Basic), with the price back to US$7
* '''Combat''' (Deluxe) - US$10.
* '''Mega Combat''' (the former "Max-Con") - US$20. All Mega Combat (and the subsequently renamed Mega Class) figures featured sound effects.
* '''Commanders''' (the former "Giga-Con") - US$25. Commanders had lights and sounds depending on the figure.
* '''Leaders''' (the former "Super Base") - US$40. Leaders featured both lights and sounds.
* [[Unicron]] was given no size class - US$50.

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

* '''Energon Class'''
* '''Combat Class'''
* '''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 listed no price points for the combiners), but finally listed Omega Supreme as '''Supreme Class'''.

==Cybertron==
''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' changed the naming of some size classes, but retained others:

* '''[[Legends of Cybertron]],''' at US$3, with tiny [[Market six]]-aimed figures.
* '''Mini-Con Class,''' at US$5 was added for the Mini-Con two-packs.
* '''Scout Class,''' at US$7, formerly Energon Class.
* '''Deluxe Class,''' at US$10, formerly Combat Class.
* '''Voyager Class,''' at US$20, formerly Mega Class. Sound effects were dropped from all but three figures in this size class. [[Vector Prime]], [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] and his smarter remold Dark Crumplezone retained their sound effects gimmick.
* '''Ultra Class,''' at US$25, formerly Command Class. Ultra class toys had lights and sounds.
* '''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 Planet Key]] gimmicks.
* '''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==
''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' kept the Deluxe and Voyager classes, renamed as

* '''Legends,''' at US$4 - Legends of Cybertron repaints, raised $1 in price.
* '''Mini-Con,''' at US$7, in three-packs again, replacing the Scout Class price point.
* '''Classic Deluxe,''' at US$10.
* '''Classic Voyager,''' at US$20.

==Movie==
''Transformers'', the [[Movie (toyline)|toyline]] based on the 2007 [[Transformers (2007)|live-action movie]], retained many size classes from before:

* '''Legends Class,''' at US$4.
* '''Scout Class,''' at US$7.
* '''Deluxe Class,''' at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class,''' 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,''' at US$25. (Consisted of two Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] ''Cybertron'' redecoes.)
* '''Leader Class,''' at US$40. The Leaders featured electronic lights and sounds, usually attached to a spring-loaded [[Automorph|Automorphing]] gimmick.

The '''Supreme''' class was dropped. The Scout Class, which consisted entirely of [[Redeco|redecos]] of toys from the ''Energon'' and ''Cybertron'' toylines, was exclusively available at Target stores in the USA, but was sold at mass retail in Europe and Canada. Additionally, there was a gimmick-based sub-line named '''[[Fast Action Battlers]]''', which also sold at US$10 (like the Deluxe Class toys); a simplistic, cutesy sub-line aimed at young children named ''[[Cyber Slammers]]'', which also sold for US$8; and a new US$90 figure sold as '''Ultimate Bumblebee.'''

==Animated==
Thus far, the [[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 by the actors from the cartoon.
* '''Supreme Class''', at US$50. 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 are being released as part of the ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' toyline instead.

==Universe (2008)==
The 2008 [[Universe (2008 franchise)|''Transformers Universe'' toyline]] has the following confirmed size classes:

* '''Legends Class''', at US$4.
* '''Deluxe Class''', at US$10.
* '''Voyager Class''', at US$20. Vector Prime and [[Lio Convoy|Leo Prime]], being redecos and retools of ''Cybertron'' toys respectively, are the only toys in this size class to feature sound effects.
* '''Ultra Class''', at US$25. Ultra class have lights and sounds for all-new figures.
* '''Supreme Class''', at US$50. This size class consists solely of the Toys 'R' Us exclusive repackaged ''Armada'' [[Unicron]].

==Size class chart==
Class names, organized by toy line and approximate price point:

<table border="1" style="line-height:100%;border-collapse:collapse;">

<tr>
<td>Price
</td><th>BW</th><th>BM</th><th>RiD</th><th>Armada</th><th colspan="2">Energon</th><th>Universe</th><th>Cybertron</th><th>Classics</th><th>Movie</th><th>Animated</th><th>Universe
</th></tr>
<tr>
<td>$3
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Legends of Cybertron</td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$4
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Legends</td><td>Legends</td><td></td><td>Legends
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$5
</td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td>Mini-Cons</td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$7
</td><td></td><td>Basic</td><td></td><td>Mini-Con</td><td>Basic</td><td>Energon</td><td></td><td>Scout</td><td>Mini-Con</td><td>Scout</td><td>Activators
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$10
</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Super-Con</td><td>Combat</td><td>Combat</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Classic Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe</td><td>Deluxe
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$15
</td><td>Mega</td><td>Mega</td><td>Mega</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$20
</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Max-Con</td><td>Mega Combat</td><td>Mega</td><td>Ultra</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Classic Voyager</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Voyager</td><td>Voyager
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$25
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Giga-Con</td><td>Commanders</td><td>Command</td><td></td><td>Ultra</td><td></td><td>Ultra</td><td></td><td>Ultra
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$30
</td><td>Super</td><td>Super</td><td>Super</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$40
</td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td>Supreme</td><td>Super-Base</td><td>Leaders</td><td>Leaders</td><td></td><td>Leader</td><td></td><td>Leader</td><td>Leader
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$50
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td></td><td></td><td>Supreme</td><td>Supreme
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td>$90
</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>Ultimate</td><td>
</td></tr></table>

[[Category:Toys]]

Alignment

2009-05-05T18:07:06Z

Gargunkle:

[[Image:Alignment online cover.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Galvatron would sell his cannon for this to be canon.]]
"'''Alignment'''" is an unofficial Transformers novella written by [[Simon Furman|Simon Furman]], designed to tie up the loose threads left over from the ''[[Generation 2 (Marvel Comics)|Generation 2]]'' comic book, and to bridge the gap between the Generation 1 era and the [[Beast Era|Beast Era]]. The storyline was produced without [[Hasbro|Hasbro]]'s approval, and as such, is considered non-[[Canon|canon]], but is included here on TFWiki.net due to the insight it offers into the author's [[Authorial intent|thought processes]] regarding the earlier storylines that it follows. As such, those elements of the story that enlighten official stories (namely, the true nature of the [[Liege Maximo|Liege Maximo]] and the purpose of the [[Hub|Hub]]) could reasonably be considered [[Pseudocanon|pseudocanon]].

"Alignment" was published in two parts, both released exclusively at the UK convention, [[Unofficial conventions|Transforce]]. Book 1 was released at Transforce 2001 in a magazine-styled format; at Transformers 2002, Book 1 was reprinted alongside the newly-written Book 2 in book format. In 2005, the whole story was made available online.

The story features covers and interior illustrations by noted Marvel UK artists, [[Lee Sullivan|Lee Sullivan]], [[Andrew Wildman|Andrew Wildman]], [[Geoff Senior|Geoff Senior]], [[Kev Hopgood|Kev Hopgood]], [[Jeff Anderson|Jeff Anderson]] and [[Lew Stringer|Lew Stringer]].

==Plot==
The story takes place several hundred years after "[[A Rage in Heaven!|A Rage in Heaven!]]", by which time the [[Autobot|Autobot]]-[[Decepticon|Decepticon]] alliance established in that story has broken down, and hostilities have begun once more. In the intervening years, [[Galvatron II|Galvatron II]] destroys Megatron and assumes leadership of the Decepticons, arranging the construction of a fleet of [[Warworld|Warworlds]]. In a major battle at Pinea Omicron, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] succeeds in defeating Galvatron, but is knocked into [[Stasis lock|stasis lock]] himself in the process, leaving both sides leaderless and in grave need of [[Energon (G1)|energon]]. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] assumes the role of acting Autobot commander on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], while the Decepticons, led by a High Council, regroup on "New Cybertron," a world transformed into a metallic sphere through use of the [[Eco-structuring|eco-structuring]] process previously employed by the [[Cybertronian Empire|Cybertronian Empire]].

As the story begins, Ultra Magnus sends a crew under the command of [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to search for energon, only for their ship to inadvertently enter the cloaked region of space concealing the Hub, a massive structure of interlinked planets that is home to the menacing, mysterious Liege Maximo. Using this massive resonant web of worlds, the Liege Maximo plans to ascend to the realm of the gods, and with the time of the universal alignment that will allow to accomplish this goal about to begin, the Liege Maximo takes no chances and directs his forces to attack both the Autobots and Decepticons to keep them occupied. To fight back, a cabal of Decepticons led by [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] secretly restores Megatron to life, and the Decepticon leader is able to safely evacuate New Cybertron and blows the planet up to destroy the Liege Maximo's armies. Ultra Magnus is also able to get his fighting forces off Cybertron, and both sides then counter-attack the Hub.

Grimlock's crew attempts to sabotage the Hub from the ground, but they are systematically killed, leaving only [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] alive by the time the united Autobot-Decepticon counter-attack arrives comes and draws the Liege Maximo's attention. As the Liege Maximo focuses his attention on the armada, Megatron performs a solo strike on the monster's exposed flank, dying in the process, but causing it to feel pain for the first time in millennia. Panicked, the Liege Maximo begins the alignment, separating his lifeforce from his corporeal form. His body is destroyed by the armada, and Swoop commits a final act of sabotage, causing the portal created by the Hub to collapse. With nowhere to go, the Liege Maximo's lifeforce dissipates, and he is destroyed.

The resolution of this threat leads to the signing of the [[Pax Cybertronia|Pax Cybertronia]] and the end of the [[Great War|Great War]].

==Relation to other works==
"Alignment" served to answer several of the questions surrounding the mysterious entity, the Liege Maximo, that the ''Generation 2'' comics raised. The story explained, as the comics had hinted, that the Liege Maximo was one of the first Transformers created by Primus, who sought to reconnect with the divine origins of the Transformers by gaining access to the realm of the gods. This was the reason for the eco-structuring that [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and the Cybertronian Empire were subjecting planets throughout the galaxy to during the ''Generation 2'' series—this interconnected series of metallic worlds formed the "Hub", a resonant structure that would allow the Liege Maximo to accomplish his goal.

The story also served to form an explicit link between the (Marvel Comics version of the) Generation 1 time period and the recently-concluded Beast Era. It is noted that while the Decepticons are leaderless on New Cybertron, the [[Decepticon High Council|Decepticon High Council]] were unable to agree upon a course of action to further the Decepticon cause. Specifically, a splinter group referring to itself as the [[Predacons (BW)|Predacons]] advocates "unconditional surrender to the Autobots, a pooling of resources, an extended time of gathering and secret re-building"—this, of course, being the tactic of the [[Tripredacus Council|Tripredacus Council]]. At the conclusion of the story, this is ultimately the voice which wins out. Additionally, energon depletion forms a major part of the story, and to overcome it, the concept of [[Great Upgrade|downsizing]] the Transformers' physical forms is introduced.

The Furman-penned "[[Transformers: The Ultimate Guide|Transformers: The Ultimate Guide]]" made reference to "Alignment," explicitly noting that it was unofficial, but reiterating the Liege Maximo's status as one of the group fiction now referred to as the [[13 original Transformers|13 original Transformers]]. "Alignment" was also responsible for coining the name "[[Galvatron II|Galvatron II]]" to refer to the Galvatron introduced in "[[Rhythms of Darkness!|Rhythms of Darkness!]]", which was later [[Canonizing|officialized]] by [[E-Hobby|e-Hobby]] when they used it as the name of their exclusive version of the 2003 Galvatron reissue. Furthermore, the storyline which accompanied the e-Hobby [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Laser Ultra Magnus]] reissue described this Galvatron as possessing a Warworld, apparently taking its cue from the backstory briefly covered in "Alignment."

"Alignment" also featured the first mentions of [[Iacon|Iacon]]'s [[Stellar Galleries|Stellar Galleries]], and the Decepticons' fortress, [[Kolkular|Kolkular]], both of which later appeared in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave Productions]] comic books.

==External Links==
[http://www.transforce.org.uk/alignmentbook.swf Alignment online @ transforce.org]

[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Issues]]
[[Category:Text stories]]

Bonecrusher (Movie)

2009-05-05T17:27:30Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Bonecrusher}}
:''Bonecrusher is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:MovieBonecrusher.jpg|right|300px|thumb|He was a sk8ter boi, she said see ya later boy.]]
'''Bonecrusher''' is a Transformer that can be described with one word: Hate. While other Decepticons get by on greed, ambition, or just their fondness for dispensing chaos, Bonecrusher is fueled by sheer, unrelenting hate. He hates everyone and everything, be they Autobot, Decepticon, or anything in-between—he even hates ''himself'', revolted by his misshapen, hunchbacked robot mode, which he considers a reflection of all the ugliness and malice inside himself. The full force of this vicious cycle of hatred finds release in explosive frenzied bursts of psychotic brutality, as Bonecrusher takes out the full force of his bitterness and self-loathing on anyone who looks at him sideways. He hates that. He also hates Megatron, but would hate being terminated (literally) by the Decepticon leader more, so, he sticks around.

On [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Bonecrusher was actually quite a skilled tactician—dedicated to the art of war, a fast thinker who could plough into battle while others were still mapping out strategy, and, most importantly in [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]'s eyes, a masterfully ''dirty'' fighter. However, Bonecrusher's skills left him consigned to a supervisory position and kept him off the battlefield, which, of course, he hated. Naturally, this only helped to increase his already epic levels of frustration and misery at his lot in life, until he became what he is today. So intensely pent-up that he is willing to take on an opponent of any size (The bigger the better!), Bonecrusher wouldn't hesitate to confront [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] head on, if he could.

He transforms into a Buffalo mine-clearing vehicle used by the military. It's unclear as to exactly why he chose this form, but one can probably assume it was the vehicle he hated the least - and ''that's'' saying something.

{{quote|'''Let it die.''' And ''you'' with it.|Bonecrusher to [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] about [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s death|[[Planetfall]]}}

:''Hungarian name:'' '''Csonttörő'''
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Hǔei-mìeh Chě''' (毀滅者, "Annihilator" or "Devastator"... [[Brawl (Movie)|uh-oh...]])

== Fiction ==
===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
Bonecrusher was known and feared by Autobots for never giving up. He almost killed [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] once and pursued him and his comrade [[Clocker (Movie)|Clocker]] for ages, driven by his hatred of nice-looking shiny robots (or nice-looking ''anythings''). As he said, "I figure, why should they look so nice... when I look like ''this!''" Clocker covered the wounded Jazz's retreat and tried to fight Bonecrusher, who hated that and killed him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 6|Lost In Space 4: Jazz}}

{{note|The following events occur in an alternate timeline/continuity where Megatron won the battle of Mission City.}}
Bonecrusher was surprisingly still alive and was in charge of security at the Decepticon's [[All Spark]] holding facility. Although he was happy that he has his arm and head reattached, he hated his job, as he was just a glorified drone director, and not able to kill anything himself. Thus, when he learned that Ironhide and Ratchet were trying to get into the facility, he decided to let the two Autobot infiltrators in, just so he could personally confront and kill them. So he not only disliked his job, he also wasn't very good at it. {{storylink|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 3|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 3}} His fists hated on Ironhide's face before Ratchet stepped in, tearing the Decepticon up with offensive weaponry. [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee's]] team arrived to take out the Swindles, leaving Ironhide and Ratchet free to bash up Bonecrusher {{storylink|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 4}}; you'd think he would have hated this and wanted it to stop, but when the Autobots got pinned down by [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]] drone fire, Bonecrusher ''tore apart his own troops'' to reach and kill the Autobots. He fought Ironhide again and this time lost, and may have been blown up with the All Spark. {{storylink|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Movie BarricadeBonecrusher protoforms.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Bonecrusher's pre-Earth body. Bonecrusher hates retro-designs.]]
Bonecrusher was a member of Starscream's unit that was keeping [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s reinforcements out of [[Tyger Pax]]. When [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] arrived with news of Megatron and the All Spark, Bonecrusher insisted that they move on as they had already killed all the Autobots in the area. He then demanded that Brawl take them to Megatron or he would kill them all. Witnessing the launch of the All Spark, [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] commented that [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] would die, but Bonecrusher replied that they should let it die, and that Barricade should join it in death. After Starscream and Blackout settled their differences, the group headed after Megatron. {{storylink|Planetfall|Planetfall}}

They landed on [[Mars]], the fourth planet of the solar system where they had detected the All Spark's energy signature. The Decepticons destroyed a [[Beagle 2 Rover|primitive life form]] encountered on the surface. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream issue 1}}

The Decepticons made planetfall on [[Earth]] in Afghanistan, quickly attracting the attention of a nearby [[United States Military|US military]] base, which sent out an armoured personnel carrier to investigate. Bonecrusher declared his satisfaction in finally having something to kill, but this chance was snatched away when [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]] scanned the vehicle and destroyed it. He hated when that happened. Hitting the US airbase, Bonecrusher easily killed the humans before scanning a Buffalo mine-clearance vehicle. Bonecrusher hated the notion of "disguise", but hated standing out more. After scanning, he complained that there weren't enough lifeforms to kill. {{storylink|Planetfall|Planetfall}}
{{-}}
===''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel===
Bonecrusher was aboard the crew of the ''Nemesis'', led by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], who were searching for Megatron, who was lost thousands of years ago, along with the [[All Spark]]. He hated Starscream, but all the other Decepticons do as well, making it something he has in common with his fellow Decepticons.

When Starscream left to go destroy [[Ghost 1|an alien vessel]], Bonecrusher eagerly joined [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]]'s plan to attack the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]'' against Starscream's orders, as there was nothing else to attack. Bypassing [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], he headed straight for the ''Ark''. However, [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] and [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] were waiting, and unleashed hell upon him. He hated that. When Blackout ordered a withdrawal, Bonecrusher reluctantly complied.

Shortly afterwards, Barricade picked Bonecrusher to lead another assault on the ''Ark''. His only response to the command was a growl. After Blackout had his [[exhaust port]] handed to him for challenging Starscream, Bonecrusher had to drag him back to the ''Nemesis''. During the subsequent fight, Bonecrusher had to fight Ironhide, and managed to dent his armor. However, Bonecrusher demands answers from Starscream when Blackout demands information on why the Decepticon leader wanted to destroy the alien ship, cause damn it, even Bonecrusher needs reasons to kill (well, not really, he was just getting fed up with Starscream). Bonecrusher was forced to drag Starscream back to the ''Nemesis'' when he was injured by the alien ship. {{storylink|Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday}}

===''Transformers'' (2007) film===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Jimmie Wood]] (English)

[[Image:Movie Bonecrusher carflip.jpg|left|180px|thumb|He hates the sundown slowdown.]]
Bonecrusher was hiding out in the motor pool of a military base when he received a communique from Starscream ordering the Decepticons to mobilize and converge on the location of the All Spark. Leaving the base, he reported that he was "rolling" out. Sometime after this, he rendezvoused with [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]], and the three Decepticons headed off together to intercept the Autobots and their human allies who had the All Spark in their possession.

[[Image:Movie Bonecrusher face.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Bonecrusher, like most celebs, hates the paparazzi. He also hates closeups.]]
Devastator wandered off somewhere, so Bonecrusher and Barricade continued their pursuit on the freeway. Barricade activated his sirens to clear the traffic and allow them more maneuvering room. Unsatisfied with Barricade's less conspicuous method, Bonecrusher used his mine-scoop to flip cars out of his way. Surprisingly, the Autobots didn't find this out of the ordinary, and only reacted when [[Sam Witwicky|ladiesman217]] recognized Barricade and warned the Autobots. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] aligned to block the Decepticons from [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], who had the All Spark and the fleshlings.

[[Image:Big fight.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Bonecrusher loves (for once) to watch things burn. Just not himself.]]
After Barricade pulled over to the side of the road, Bonecrusher transformed while still moving and skated towards the Autobots. Optimus Prime transformed and slid into position to block his path. Seeing the Autobot he really hated, Bonecrusher smashed through a bus, and tackled Optimus Prime, pushing him off an overpass tumbling and falling off the edge, dragging the Autobot leader down with him.

[[Image:Movie Bonecrusher dies.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Thus began (and ended) Bonecrusher's hatred of Prime's sword.]]
When they landed, he sucker-punched Optimus Prime, who then hit Bonecrusher so hard one of the Decepticon's [[optics]] popped free from its socket, all the while being observed by a little kid in an SUV, who though the entire experience was ''totally'' cool. The two played a little cat-and-mouse along the overpasses. After Prime jumped down to ground level, Bonecrusher swung his tail wildly at the Autobot, all the while screaming incoherently. This gave Optimus the opportunity he needed to get his sword ready... which the Autobot leader used to cleave Bonecrusher's right arm and run through the Decepticon's neck, nearly severing it. Optimus then wrenched Bonecrusher's head from its neck and tossed it aside. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers (2007)}}

===Toy Bio===
{{note|Due to Bonecrusher's unambigious death, this section represents a [[micro-continuity]].}}
Despite all appearances, Bonecrusher managed to escape after his encounter with Optimus Prime (missing his head? beaten to a pulp?), and went to hide out in the South American jungle. And while he was in the jungle, his version of relieving stress was ripping apart trees and destroying South American military convoys.

He also, during the final battle of the AllSpark, faced of with Jazz in a final battle to the ultimate finish.

==Games==
===Transformers The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daniel Riordan]]

{{note|Bonecrusher only appears in the Decepticon campaign of the game, and as a non-playable character t'boot on the console. He would've hated being playable.}}
While hiding in a military base, Bonecrusher came under attack by the humans twice, and required assistance from Starscream to escape. He hates needing help from people. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===Transformers The Game (PSP)===
After the Autobots manage to secure the All Spark, they are attacked by Decepticon drones led by Bonecrusher. To give Bumblebee time to escape with the Cube, Optimus Prime takes on Bonecrusher personally, eventually besting him. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)|Transformers The Game (PSP)}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:Movie Legends JazzBonecrusher toys.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Sure Bonecrusher is smaller, that just means his hate is extra-concentrated.]]
*'''Autobot Jazz vs. Bonecrusher''' (Legends multi-pack, 2007)

: As part of the ''AllSpark Battles'' refresh of the Movie toyline, a Legends-class [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] with altered [[Paint application|paint applications]] is repacked in a Versus two-pack with an all-new Legends class figure of Bonecrusher. In Europe, he was packaged individually.

*'''Bonecrusher''' (Legends, 2008)

: An individually packaged release of the Legends class toy, released within Europe.
{{-}}
====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Moviebonecrushertoy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The name's doomed to be nothing but bulldozers or buffaloes. And he hates that.]]
*'''Bonecrusher''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''MD-09'''

: Bonecrusher transforms into a [[wikipedia:Buffalo_(mine_protected_vehicle)|Buffalo mine-protected vehicle]], with an articulated "mine-fork" for removing mines or cars or robots or unsuspecting buildings from his path. The fork can change from its packaged "Grabber claw" configuration into a more fork/shovel like configuration, a fact not stated on the instructions. He has six rolling wheels in this mode, and two sculpted, non-functional spare wheels.

: In robot mode he has elements resembling both his 2005 design and the final design used in the movie, though a major deviation to both designs is that the entire front shell halves of the vehicle mode are mounted upon his arms. His arms have limited articulation due to this [[kibble]], but can extend out into '''really''' long arms. His legs fare better, with ball jointed hips, swivel knees and ankles, but his hips can often detach from the codpiece holding them together. The mine-fork splits to form a grabber-claw, which can snap onto victims with a geared slider [[Automorph]] mechanism.

: He is named "Bonescrusher" on the Canadian [[cross-sell]]. Guess how Bonecrusher feels about ''that'' little mispelling.
{{-}}
*'''Deluxe three-pack''' (Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

:This Costco exclusive three-pack contains an unchanged Deluxe Class Bonecrusher together with equally unchanged Deluxe Class [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]] and [[Jazz (Movie)|Autobot Jazz]] toys. It also comes with a nifty poster depicting all three toys in a standoff scene. Not so nifty is that the box accidentally places Brawl and Bonecrusher's bios underneath each other.
{{-}}
[[Image:Movie JungleBonecrusher toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The living definition of a Mean Green Fighting Machine. Bonecrusher, oddly enough, likes cliches.]]
*'''Jungle Bonecrusher''' (Deluxe, 2008)

: Finally, the big guy gets a [[redeco]], in deep forest green and olive green, as part of the "All Spark Power" refresh line. It's not easy being green, and he hates that. He also hates redecos, slavish or not. He also hates quality control, and [[fans]] who complain that the claw arm now has a habit of popping off with little force, while the original did not. Reviewer [[Benson Yee]] pointed out that this interferes with the automorph trick, as the arm can now pop off while sliding that lever. It's obvious by now how he feels about Ben Yee, [[Swivel joint|swivel joints]], quality control, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|cars addicted to]] [[JaAm]], sore shoulders (& possibly his own shoulders as well), [[Ball joint|ball joints]], JaAm, etc...

*'''Freeway Brawl (Two-Pack)''' ("Screen Battles" Deluxe, 2008)

: An unchanged Deluxe Class Bonecrusher packed with a [[Repaint|repainted]] Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] to reference their battle under a freeway overpass that ended with Bonecrusher's decapitation and Prime standing heroically bathed in the light of a sunset.
{{-}}
===Attacktix===
[[Image:Attacktix MovieTransformers Tournament Set.jpg|right|250px|thumb|So many people to crush, so little time. (Bonecrusher hates having little time to crush).]]
*'''Transformers Tournament Set'''

: Available exclusively in this set, this Attacktix playing piece of Bonecrusher is funnily enough one of the most accurate pieces of merchandise he has. The set also includes unique playing pieces of Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee. Bonecrusher hates the fact that everybody else has [[Cannon|guns]], and he has to use a claw.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Transformers Movie Danglers====
[[Image:Movie Bonecrusher dangler.jpg|right|173px|thumb|]]
*'''Bonecrusher''' (2007)

:Released by [[Tomy Yujin]] in November 2007<ref name="TomyYujin">[http://www.gachausa.com/products/transformers.asp Tomy Yujin ''Transformers'' page]</ref> as part of the [[Danglers Collection]], this toy is a weird plastic [[super deformed]] version of Bonecrusher that pops out his vehicle mode when you squeeze him. This little figurine has a little strap on it so that it can be put on cell phones or portable gaming devices.
{{-}}
===Revenge of the Fallen===
====RPMs - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
*'''Optimus Prime vs Bonecrusher''' (2009)
**''Number:'' ???

{{comingsoontoy}}

===Robot Heroes===
*'''Ironhide vs Bonecrusher''' (2007)

[[Image:Rhboneiron.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Bonecrusher is actually pretty glad that he doesn't come with sword-wielding RH Prime.]]
:Bonecrusher comes packaged with the impressively-armed [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. He is depicted lunging forward on his roller-skate feet, presumably to deliver an extremely enthusiastic hug. This figurine is notorious for not actually being able to stand up on its feet very well, usually requiring one of its hands to be used for balance.
{{-}}
==Trivia==
[[Image:PhotoshopedBuffalo.PNG|right|250px|thumb|*Giant fork and Decepticon insignia not included with the real Buffalo.* Bonecrusher hates those disclaimers.]]
* The real Buffalo mine-sweeping vehicle hasn't in fact, such a huge fork. It is only 14 inches (35 cm) wide. The image that inspired Bonecrusher's design was actually a Photoshopped image put on the official Force Protection company's site to make it look more impressive[http://www.forceprotection.net/models/buffalo/]. A 10-foot-wide (3 m) appliance had to be fixed on Bonecrusher's arm for the movie.

* Force Protection really, really loves Bonecrusher and that he has picked their Buffalo as its alt mode. They are actually quite proud of it.[http://www.forceprotection.net/news/transformers.html]

* Bonecrusher's toy was used as a prop for a CNN Headline News report demonstrating the real Buffalo vehicle's mine-sweeping arm.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maAWP2uVd7M]

* According to a press kit sent out in conjunction with the movie, Bonecrusher is "another [[Constructicon (disambiguation)|Constructicon]]" who "forms [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl's]] left arm".[http://numberonestars.com/transformers/production/decepticons.htm] Thus far, there have been no reports of people using Bonecrusher as one of Brawl's arms, left or otherwise.

* At various points during his fight with Optimus Prime, Bonecrusher emits some garbled roars that ''might'' be English. However, there is little agreement among viewers as to what he might be saying, and indeed, whether he even said anything at all. The subtitles and closed captions for the film do not identify any dialogue, just labelling it as "roaring". Maybe he just be that he hates speaking? Someone should really ask Jimmie Wood.

* Bonecrusher is Michael Bay's favorite character from the film, despite his limited screentime—so much so that Bay named his new dog after him. Bonecrusher still hates Bay for the small screen time he gets, though.

* Bonecrusher is never discussed or mentioned in ''[[Transformers: The Movie Guide]]''.

* In one of [[Hasbro Q & A|Hasbro's bimonthly Q & As]], it was revealed that in retrospect, Hasbro thinks a Voyager-class figure would have been a better fit for the figure than the Deluxe.

* According to the DVD commentary, Bonecrusher's sequences were particularly difficult for [[ILM]] to do at first. The solution came from videotaping employees rollerblading at speed in the parking lot, and a pair of fighting experts going through the motions wanted for Bonecrusher and Prime, then using that footage as references.

* Bonecrusher's movements seem to be heavily inspired by several types of sports including hockey (his running movements) and American football (his tackling on Optimus Prime).

* Last but not least, Bonecrusher hates ''you''. Yeah, you. You know who you are. Don't try to pretend you don't know, either. Bonecrusher hates ignorance. And pie.
{{-}}
==Footnotes==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/Bonecrusher/bonecrusher.htm Bonecrusher at TFU.info]

[[Category:Upcoming toy releases]]
[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Barricade (Movie)

2009-05-05T16:34:15Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Barricade}}
:''Barricade is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Movie (franchise)|2007 movie franchise]] in the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]]. He is also known as '''N.B.E. 04'''.''

[[Image:MovieBarricade render1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"I'm always the Bad Cop. And don't bother asking for the Good Cop. I killed him."]]

'''Barricade''' is apparently a complicated robot. He's considered "fractious" even by Decepticon standards, yet is willing to give [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] the benefit of the doubt and follow where he leads, at least for the time being. Though not totally dedicated to the service of the Decepticons' current leader, he is much more cautious and reserved about expressing mutinous dissent than say [[Blackout (Movie)|''most'']]. He believes that Starscream is vital in their search for [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] and the [[All Spark]]. In many ways this makes him Starscream's closest ally in the naturally combative Decepticon ranks. Then again, it's been said that he likes to trick people into trusting him, just so he can see their reactions when they find out just how much of a bad idea it was.

If his attitude toward his fellow Decepticons is inconsistent, his attitude toward the [[Autobot|Autobots]] is the same thing: kill all Autobots. Barricade might not be as large as most of his peers, but he is every bit as deadly. He thoroughly relishes every chance in fighting the Autobots. He's smart enough to let one live if he thinks he or the Decepticons can use it to their advantage, but most of the time, they're dead before someone's even thought of a plan.

{{quote|Autobots, foul Autobots, here we come. Let our long war resume{{m-}}and let it end here.
|Barricade, ''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday]]''}}

:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Pàn Gūan''' (叛官, "Treacherous Official")

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Defiance3_BrawlCrankcaseBarricade.jpg|thumb|left|200px|]]

Many years in the past, Barricade was a member of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s defense forces, under the command of Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. After the discovery of a [[The Fallen|mysterious relic]] and an alien attack {{Storylink|Defiance issue 1}}, Megatron changed significantly, altering the military's mission from one of protection of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to making war upon the hostile aliens and anybody who would stand in their way. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 2}}

Barricade was sent on a mission to capture science division leader (and thorn in Megatron's side) [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]] and eliminate his fellow scientists and the unwitting security team sent to arrest him. He and [[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]] observed [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] nailing the "traitors" with an explosive round, and was eager to get into the fight. He was ordered back the glory-hound [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], but Barricade had the last laugh when the wily Optimus managed to bury the aerial forces under a mountain of rubble. After they were dug out, they all joined the rest of the in Megatron's new "Decepticon" faction. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 3}}

During the subsequent civil war, Barricade was one of the Decepticons under the command of Starscream at a battle outside of [[Tyger Pax]]. As they were mopping up the last remnants of Autobot resistance, Barricade amused himself by playing with the decapitated head of a fallen Autobot. When he saw the All Spark jettisoned into space, Barricade realized that Cybertron would soon die. Bonecrusher said to let it die, and he could join it. Barricade did not bring up the discussion again. {{storylink|Planetfall|Planetfall}}

Ordered by Megatron to follow 's Optimus Prime's ship, Starscream hastily assembled a crew to go after them. Barricade not-exactly-quietly questioned the need to hurry, as he thought Megatron would have captured the All Spark by now and would have take care of the Autobots in time. He also questioned Starscream's truthfulness. Unfortunately, he was overheard by Starscream and was chastised for his big mouth. While pursuing the ''Ark'', they were led into a trap and had to limp back to Cybertron for repairs. Once their ship was repaired, they continued on with their mission, landing on [[Mars|fourth planet]] of the solar system where they detected the All Spark's trace energy pulse. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1|The Reign of Starscream issue 1}}

The Decepticons landed in the [[Earth]] nation-state of Afghanistan. During their attack on a nearby [[United States Military|US Military]] installation, Barricade used a facade of friendliness to trick nearby human soldiers into lowering their guard, whereupon he slaughtered them at point-blank range. Later, he was almost hit by a localized EMP weapon from a human, but it instead hit his comrade [[Wreckage (Movie)|Wreckage]]. {{storylink|Planetfall|Planetfall}}

{{note|"Planetfall"'s depiction of Barricade's arrival on Earth in Afghanistan conflicts with IDW's own ''Prime Directive'' prequel comic, which implies he actually landed somewhere in North America, and it remains unexplained how the land-based Decepticons would later appear in America, given Blackout immediately leaves to attack [[SOCCENT Forward Operations Base|SOCCENT Qatar]] in this comic. However, this scene was later used in IDW's [[The Reign of Starscream]] movie sequel comic.}}

[[Image:Movie Barricade IDWprequel nowitnesses.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Christine... is that you?]]

The Decepticon infiltration unit under the command of Starscream arrived on Earth in the year 2003. Barricade scanned a Saleen S281 police car, then destroyed the original human vehicle to cover his tracks, as did his fellow Decepticons when choosing their new forms. It is uncertain how he managed to scan what appears to be a 2006 model in 2003. Maybe he's just that good. {{storylink|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 4|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 4}}

Barricade tailed [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] outside of [[Denver]], [[Colorado]] as the Autobot was eluding [[Sector Seven]] while working on a new lead on the [[Witwicky|Witwickys]]. {{storylink|Interlude|Interlude}} Unfortunately Bumblebee got wind of him and escaped. A new opportunity presented itself when Bumblebee was lured into a trap by Sector Seven, trouble was, the rest of Starscream's team had been lured as well. Barricade suggested that they let the Autobot go to see where he leads them, which Starscream agreed to, but told Barricade to make it look convincing. {{storylink|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 4|Prime Directive (IDW) issue 4}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
{{charstubfiction}}

{{note|"Transformers: Beginnings" is a condensed, Flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW]] [[Prime Directive (IDW)|Prime Directive]] Movie Prequel that is detailed above this section.}}

===''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel===
{{cleanup|May 2009|Needs expansion telling us of his adventures in the story, not a general description of what he's like in it.}}

Barricade acted as pilot and chief science officer for the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]''. Through this he apparently possessed an impressive "mastery of physics", being very intelligent. He claimed to have chafed under Starscream's leadership, but was willing to tolerate him for the moment. Barricade spent most of his time rubbing everyone the wrong way and loving every minute of it. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] once said that Barricade could be as dangerous as [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

===''Transformers'' (2007 film)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Jess Harnell]] (English), [[Katsuhiro Kitagawa]] (Japan), [[Oliver Siebeck]] (German)

[[Image:BarricadeVsSam.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Barricade negotiates an alternative to PayPal.]]

After being active on [[Earth]] for some time, Barricade arrived to pick up [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] after the smaller Decepticon's attempt to hack into and sabotage the United States military network on [[Air Force One]]. Using data Frenzy had acquired, the two learned of [[Sector Seven]], "Project Iceman", and [[Archibald Witwicky|Witwicky man]], the discoverer of the entombed [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. The duo were able to use the internet to learn of both Witwicky man's descendants, [[Sam Witwicky|ladiesman217]], and a pair of glasses that Megatron had accidentally marked with the location of the long-lost [[All Spark]]. Frenzy declared that they needed to find ladiesman217, and Barricade moved out in search of him.

[[Image:Movie Barricade defeat.jpg|left|200px|thumb|He got better.]]

Later, Barricade confronted ladiesman217 regarding his recent eBay auctions while the human was fleeing Bumblebee, whom the human mistakenly believed was out to harm him. Ladiesman217 fell for Barricade's ruse, and requested the "officer's" help, only for Barricade to transform before him. As ladiesman217 fled, Barricade knocked him onto the hood of an abandoned car, then violently demanded information on eBay item 21153. Ladiesman217 and his [[Mikaela Banes|female friend]], who had been drawn into the encounter, managed to escape him when Bumblebee convinced the boy to trust him, and Barricade pursued both the Autobot and two humans to a junkyard. After temporarily losing and then regaining their position, he charged into battle, activating his mace/rotating blade, and dispatched Frenzy to chase down the humans. However, his battle with Bumblebee ended with Barricade heavily damaged. Considering the fact that Frenzy was decapitated, he got off lucky.

[[Image:Decepticons highway.JPG|right|200px|thumb|Nope, nothing suspicious about this.]]

Evidently, though, he recovered, and was back to working order when Frenzy (who had survived and infiltrated Sector Seven) transmitted both Megatron and the All Spark's location to his fellow Decepticons. When the humans fled with the All Spark, Barricade joined in the pursuit along with [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]] and [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]]. Devastator soon broke off on an alternate route, while Barricade and Bonecrusher hit the freeway, making contact with the Autobot/human convoy. Barricade attempted to clear some room for the two Decepticons by activating his sirens; Bonecrusher simply rammed everything in his way. Ladiesman217 recognized Barricade, and warned that they were in danger. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] aligned to block their access to Bumblebee, who contained the humans and the All Spark. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)}}

{{-}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{note|The following event is unique to the Titan Magazines continuity, and occurs nowhere else.}}

Barricade was killed in the <strike>[[Mission City]]</strike> [[Los Angeles]] battle and then resurrected as a zombie for a few minutes by Starscream. {{storylink|Starscream's Militia}}

{{note|The following occurs in an alternate universe where Megatron won at Mission City.}}

Barricade was part of two punitive Decepticon attacks: a raid on a supply convoy at Shreveport, [[Louisiana]] {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}} and a solo strike on Cincinnati, [[Ohio]] as part of a "Stop supporting Autobots OR ELSE!" campaign. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}}

When Starscream started open warfare, Barricade was one of his generals, but soon found himself bogged down in fighting [[Stockade (Movie)|Stockade's]] "New Decepticons". {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part 2}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Barricade and Starscream ROS issue 1.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Elvis ain't dead!]]
During the motorway chase, Barricade attempted to close on Bumblebee, but was taken out by Ironhide, knocking him off the road and causing him to go offline. He was later reactivated by "Lord" Starscream, and suggested to his new leader that they should find [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]]. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 1}}

He remained on Earth, watching over a Sector Seven research base. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 3}}

Barricade spied on the Autobots as they prepared to help [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps|Sergeant Epps]] dispose of the Decepticon's bodies. He amplified the conversation and transmitted it to whoever was listening—and, as it turned out, Starscream, having returned from Cybertron to Mars, was ready and willing to answer. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}
{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

==Games==
==="Flight of the Bumblebee" online game===
Barricade was one of a group of Decepticons who trapped Bumblebee in a canyon. He stood around on a rocky butte, walking back and forth and waiting for Bumblebee to drive up to him. When the Autobot dropped in, Barricade immediately opened fire, blasting Bumblebee continuously. Unfortunately, Bumblebee had the idea to shoot back, blasting him right out of the picture with just one shot. {{storylink|Flight of the Bumblebee|Flight of the Bumblebee}}
{{-}}

===Transformers The Game (console)===
:''Voice actor'': [[Keith David]]

====Autobot campaign====
Barricade was sent to Tranquility to hunt down Sam Witwicky and the glasses that held the location of the All Spark. He attempted to capture Sam and Mikaela outside their high school, but Bumblebee stepped in. The humans fled for the nearby baseball field with Barricade in pursuit, but Bumblebee beat him to them, protecting them while they ran away again. He followed them to the power plant, but was once again foiled by Bumblebee and sent packing.

Later, in [[Mission City]], Barricade made one last grab for the AllSpark after [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] had each fallen to the Autobots. However, he was once again intercepted by Bumblebee, and finally defeated for good. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

====Decepticon campaign====
Upon reaching Tranquility and choosing his alternate mode, Barricade attempted some recon, but encountered a squad of Autobot drones, a battle which spilled out to the local baseball field. Shortly afterwards, he was informed by Starscream that [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] had information they needed, but the diminutive Decepticon had been captured by [[Sector Seven]] agents. Barricade tracked them to the power plant, then hounded the agents across town in their highly resistant van, wrecking every building in his path until Frenzy was recovered.

Finally on the trail of Sam, he was stopped cold by Sam's protector Bumblebee. Barricade got the upper hand, but the Autobot led him on a chase that ended in [[Bay Demolition|Bay's Demolition]] lot, and an ambush courtesy of a lot of Autobot drones. Barricade overcame the odds, and hunted down Bumblebee once more, finally besting the Autobot and taking the glasses from Sam. Having located Megatron, Barricade relayed his findings to Starscream, who directed him to specific coordinates while coming to the aid of Bonecrusher and Brawl.

When the Decepticons converged on Mission City, Barricade was tasked with taking out the Autobot [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]]. He later stood in Megatron's presence after the AllSpark had been recovered and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ordered the Earth to be destroyed before they left it on their way to conquering all of known space. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game (console)}}

===''Transformers Autobots/Decepticons'' (Nintendo DS)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Keith David]]

====''Transformers: Autobots''====
When Bumblebee went to investigate the source of an image found on the internet, he found Barricade waiting for him. Barricade blew up a nearby car and took off, sending out messages on the police radio that Bumblebee was responsible. After failing to lose Bumblebee in spite of all of Tranquility's police force being after him, he engaged him in combat. Unable to defeat Bumblebee, he hastily retreated. Later on, he encountered Bumblebee and Optimus Prime as the two were leaving Hoover Dam. With a large helicopter Decepticon at his side, he demanded the Allspark from Prime, not even caring of the consequences. He was defeated, but revealed to Prime he was merely a distraction while other Decepticons freed Megatron from his icy prison. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

====''Transformers: Decepticons''====
When the [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|Decepticon Create-A-Bot]] arrived on Earth, his mentor, Starscream, directed him to rendezvous with Barricade, already active on the planet. Barricade was not enamored with the idea of a partner, feeling that the Create-A-Bot would only slow him down, but after putting the rookie through his paces, he permitted him to join him on his mission in the town of [[Tranquility]]. Barricade revealed to the Create-A-Bot what Starscream had not - that the signal which had brought the Decepticons to Earth had come from Megatron himself. The rookie dismissed Megatron as a relic, and was struck by Barricade for the insult. With some help from the rookie, Barricade discovered that the Autobot Bumblebee was already on Megatron's trail; Barricade pursued Bumblebee, defeated him in battle on the outskirts of Tranquility, and acquired the data he had gathered.

Now aware that the human military organization [[Sector 7]] was holding Megatron, Barricade arranged for [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]] to the Create-A-Bot to a [[Qatar]] military base, where they and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]] hacked Sector 7's databanks. The file they obtained was brought back to Barricade in Tranquility for deciphering, and revealed that Megatron was being held by Sector 7 in the [[Hoover Dam]]. The Create-A-Bot suggesting relaying this to Starscream, but Barricade loudly refuted the idea, happy that the impending resurrection of Megatron would mean that he would no longer have to serve under a cowardly, back-stabbing bureaucrat like Starscream. Swayed by Barricade's words, the rookie revealed a fact that Starscream had told only him - that the All Spark was also present on Earth. Shocked by the revelation, Barricade realized that Starscream had been scheming to acquire the All Spark for himself, to ensure that not even Megatron could remove him from power. With the rookie now turned from Starscream and on his side, Barricade was able to liberate Megatron from Sector 7, and the Decepticons pursued the Autobots, now in possession of the All Spark, back to Tranquility. During the battle, Starscream finally claimed the All Spark from Bumblebee, and Barricade stood against him, intent on bringing him in for treason. Alas, the All Spark-powered Starscream destroyed Barricade, but with in death, Barricade proved to the Create-A-Bot what it truly meant to be a Decepticon. An interesting note: Barricade became one of the only Decepticons to transform while fighting in this game, and he was very effective at it. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}

==Toys==
===Transformers (2007)===
====Legends Class toys====
[[Image:LegendsBarricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Yes, he is movie-accurate.]]
* '''Barricade''' (Legends Class, 2007)
**''Japanese name:'' '''EZ Collection Barricade'''

: The smallest transforming version of the character, [[Legends of Cybertron|Legends]] Barricade features limited articulation and detail. In what could only be defined as an anomaly of physics, compared to the other Movie Legends, Barricade is quite close in appearance and transformation to the larger deluxe figure. Legends Barricade's instructions also overlook the fact that his grill can flip down to fill out his torso and raise his chest higher.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Allspark Legends pack.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Round up the usual suspects.]]
*'''Battle for the Allspark''' (Toys'R'Us exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

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

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Legends CliffjumperBarricade toys.jpg|right|250px|thumb|It's Redeco versus Redeco - I'm putting my money on Redeco.]]
*'''Cliffjumper vs. Recon Barricade''' (Legends Allspark Battles multi-pack, 2007)

: Released as part of the ''AllSpark Battles'' refresh of the ''Movie'' toyline, Legends class Recon Barricade is a redeco of the regular Legends class Barricade in a paint scheme based upon the Deluxe class Recon Barricade. Yes. He comes packed with Legends class [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]], itself a repaint of Legends class Bumblebee.

*'''Recon Barricade''' (Legends, 2008)

: An individually packaged release of the Legends class toy, released within Europe.

{{-}}

====Deluxe Class toys====
[[Image:Movie DeluxeBarricade toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The secret love child of Blackjack and Stakeout.]]
* '''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class, 2007)
**''Japanese ID Number:'' '''MD-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

:Barricade transforms into an accurate [[wikipedia:Saleen|Saleen S281 Police Cruiser]]. As with [[Bumblebee (Movie)|MOST]] deluxe-class cars in the ''Movie'' line, he features clear windows for his windshield and doors, but oddly his rear window is opaque black plastic. Stored inside the engine bay, behind the car's ram bar is a mini-figure [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] disguised as Barricade's grill. We say mini, but Frenzy would be about six feet tall, scale wise.

: In robot mode, Barricade quite faithfully reproduces the CGI design, though his chest cannot deform to the same extent. He features a reasonable amount of articulation with ball joints for his shoulders and upper legs, ratcheting and swivels for his elbows and double-jointed knees (although the knees make it difficult to properly align the upper and lower portions of his legs). Barricade has no neck joint as the two car hood halves slot into place between the bottom of the head and the plate on which it sits. Barricade does not have any [[Automorph|Automorphing]] [[gimmick]] to speak of; in its place is a spring-loaded extending "punching" attack on his left arm.

: As with almost all Transformers toys issued over the last few years, a few of his transformation quirks are undocumented; in robot mode front wheel panels on his shoulders are ball-jointed, allowing one to position them in a manner similar to what is seen in the movie renders. Additionally, the sections that become his claws (apart from the thumb hinge) can swing up slightly to make themselves more pronounced, and spikes on the top of his feet can be swung up.

{{-}}

[[Image:Bumblebee Barricade deluxeboxset.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Mullethead vs. Cop]]
*'''Bumblebee vs. Barricade: First Encounter''' (Wal*Mart exclusive multi-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: This Wal*Mart exclusive battle pack contains the deluxe-class Barricade and the 1974 Camaro deluxe-class [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] figures, based upon their confrontation as seen in the movie. The box features a diorama-style background from a movie scene, but toys themselves are unchanged from their original carded releases.

{{-}}

[[Image:ReconBarricade.jpg|right|255px|thumb|Barricade escaped by disguising himself as Energon Prowl.]]
*'''Recon Barricade''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: A [[redeco]] of the normal Deluxe Barricade toy, this time in a "local security" blue and gray pattern. All the [[Gimmick|gimmicks]] remain the same, including his little pal [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], who is now colored more [[FIBRIR|G1-accurate]].

: Recon Barricade's license plate reads "SAGE2764", a reference to the screenname of a member of a Chinese newsgroup used by [[Joe Kyde]] (who would later design the deco for Recon Barricade) to disseminate [http://tformers.com/Unknown-Megatron-Drawing-Possible-Movie-Design/6030/news.html hoax information] for a thesis project.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie ScreenBattles FirstEncounter.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Which one of these is different from the others? Go ahead, guess!]]
*'''First Encounter''' (Screen Battles, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''SB-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Sam Witwicky figure, Mikaela figure and Frenzy figure

: This Screen Battles pack features a largely unchanged Deluxe class Barricade figure. The only real difference is the Frenzy mini-figure, which is now cast entirely in black plastic, sports ''no'' paint applications and is supposed to be stuck permanently inside Barricade's chest thanks to a new, additional piece of plastic (as a matter of fact, the Frenzy figure is also neither advertised on the packaging nor depicted in the instructions).

:This only applies to the Hasbro version, however—TakaraTomy's Japanese release of the pack features a Barricade that is identical to the single pack version, including an easily removable Frenzy figurine cast in grey plastic with painted red eyes.

:The pack also comes with non-posable figurines of Sam Witwicky in a running pose, Frenzy menacing [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] holding the power saw she uses to attack Frenzy. The set is packaged in a special window box with a diorama depicting the battle between Barricade and Bumblebee.

:According to details listed in an official checklist on Hasbro's website<ref name="checklist">[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=Collectors/Checklist Hasbro Transformers Collectors Checklist]</ref>, this pack was originally supposed to feature Sam with a bike, and Mikaela with a Scooter.

{{-}}

*'''All Spark-Enhanced Barricade''' (Target Exclusive Deluxe, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: This Target exclusive features the Deluxe Class Barricade in unique cylindrical packaging, with the only difference from his standard release being that key robot mode parts are highlighted by the 'All Spark Blue' color for no other reason than [[to sell toys]]. Interestingly, in what can only be explained as an "''answer''" to Recon Barricade's blue [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]], ''this'' release's Frenzy is cast in red plastic with a minor black color application to the chest area, making him now resemble Rumble. Thanks to Hasbro, the debate [[FIBRIR|continues]]...

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie Deluxe PremiumBarricade.JPG|right|250px|thumb|I thought the Makeup Department would never get their butts in gear!]]
*'''Barricade''' (Deluxe Class "Premium Series", 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Frenzy mini-figure

: ''This'' version of Deluxe Barricade features a slightly more [[Show-accuracy|movie-accurate]] deco, with additional "911" markings that were missing on earlier releases. However, confusingly his windows have a frosted paint deco applied to them for no apparent reason, other than to make the toy look 'different'.

:Unlike some earlier "Premium Series" toys, Barricade will be available at general retail.

{{-}}

====Fast Action Battlers====
[[Image:FABBarricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Wait, how's this "yo-yo" thing work again?]]
* '''Blade Shield Barricade''' (Fast Action Battler, 2007)

: Fast Action Battlers Barricade is similar to the regular Deluxe class toy. However, the details are simplified, and the proportions in both vehicle mode and robot mode are less realistic, generally skewed towards are more stylised and exaggerated appearance. Instead of the punching hand gimmick seen on the Deluxe class toy, FAB Barricade's left arm features a flip out arm extension with a shield made out of blades based on his spinning blades from the Movie.

{{-}}

====Cyber Slammers====
[[Image:Barricade-CS.jpg|right|255px|thumb|Awwwwwww. Bawwicade's so cute, he'll kill us all!]]
* '''Barricade''' (Cyber Slammers, 2007)

:Cyber Slammers Barricade is an ''amazingly cute'' Saleen S281 police car that transforms into an amazingly cute treacherous Decepticon pretending to be a cop. 'Slam' his robot mode down into car mode and he rolls along for a while, then pops back up into robot mode. Like most Cyber Slammers, Barricade manages to cram most of his vehicle mode's major details into a compact, super-deformed version of that mode.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie CyberSlammers PatrolBarricade.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Cute evil, now in Blue!]]
*'''Patrol Barricade''' (Cyber Slammers, 2008)

: This adorable, pudgy version of Barricade's car mode zips forward with a little motor. The robot mode Patrol Barricade pops up after a little while, rolling along. So cute! The colors are similar to Recon Barricade, but oddly enough, the scheme is different, and the markings are for a sheriff's car.

{{-}}

====Robot Replicas====
[[Image:Movie RobotReplica Barricade.jpg|right|150px|thumb|SOMEone spent a little too much time in the bathtub...]]
* '''Barricade''' (Robot Replica, 2007)

: A non-transforming action figure, [[Robot Replicas]] Barricade hews much closer to the CGI model of the character (albeit wrong paint job). With joints similar to the [[Revoltech]] series, he is also more posable than his transforming counterpart, plus features replacement arms that feature his "blender-blade tires" alternate hands briefly seen in the movie.

:Barricade's shoulders/upper arms and shins (including the feet) are incorrectly assembled as compared to the CG design used for the [[Transformers (2007)|movie]]. This can easily be fixed due to the interchangability of the Robot Replica limbs. (Although the CG design raises the question how exactly his transformation in the movie is supposed to work. The markings on the arms are located on opposite sides of the body as compared to the vehicle mode.)

{{-}}

====Micro IR Transformers Cars====
[[Image:Movie Barricade MicroIR.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Weirdest police gun we've ever seen!]]
* '''Barricade''' (2007)

: Made under license by [[RadioShack]]. Three-function infrared remote, in Barricade's signature colors, gives you control of the car with forward and reverse turn movement. More than just a vehicle styled after the Movie character, the car also transforms to robot mode. The transformation is very reminiscent of the Generation 2 [[Gobots (G2)|Gobots]], but the toy is an entirely new mould.

:The top of the gun-shaped IR remote serves as a storage point for Barricade, but the remote can't stand freely so it's nearly useless for display. The tip of the gun's barrel can also be unscrewed to reveal a ballpoint pen, which... wait... what? It's actually just a pen cartridge which sorta hangs freely and is difficult to use for writing, because you have to hold it and support the entire gun's weight while you do.

:Each of the Micro IR toys comes with a generic instructions sheet printed in black and white and showing the transformation for all three toys.

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
====Deluxe Class Toys====
*'''Interrogator Barricade''' (2009)

:This retool of 2007's Barricade was first officially revealed on Walmart's website <ref>[http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10973094 Interrogator Barricade listing and image at Walmart.com]</ref>. He has the vehicle mode tool arms he used to threaten Sam Witwicky in the first movie.

{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===Transformers 3D Battle Card Game===
*'''Barricade''' (3D Battle Card, 2007)
{{charstubtoys}}

:His card art was done by [[Lucio Parrillo]].

===Transformers (2007)===
====XMODS® Evolution Transformers====
* '''Barricade''' (2007)
**''Model Number'': '''60-185'''

[[Image:Movie Barricade XMODS.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Don't you think about pissing me off, or I'll turn you into a pancake.]]
[[Image:Movie Barricade XMODS weapons.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Look into my pokey eyes and see the future...]]
:Barricade is one of the first Transformers characters to be licensed by [[RadioShack]] from [[Hasbro]] and [[Dreamworks]] for their XMODS Evolution line of radio control cars. "The maximum in modification", Barricade is a base kit that can be upgraded with '''XMODS® Evolution Weapons and Light Kit for Barricade™''' a weapons and light kit featuring the weapons/manipulators he uses in the film and rocket launchers that were cut from the film (''Model Number'': '''600-barricade3'''), as well as any of the optional motor upgrades, body kits, steering and suspension upgrades, and more available for the brand.

{{-}}

====ZipZaps® Micro RC====
* '''Barricade''' (2007)
**''Model Number'': '''6000181'''

[[Image:Movie Barricade ZipZap.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oooh...scary!]]
:Barricade is also one of the first Transformers characters licensed by RadioShack for their ZipZaps line of pocket-size radio control cars. As a ZipZap, Barricade can be customized, trimmed, and tuned with any other accessories available for the brand. He has working headlights and requires four "AAA" batteries for the charger.

{{-}}

====Unleashed====
*'''Blackout and Barricade''' (2008)

[[Image:Movie UnleashedTurnarounds BlackoutBarricade.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Invading Australasia NOW!]]
: The Blackout and Barricade turnaround is a 3D sculpture of the two characters in both robot mode emerging from rubble and explosions, with a movie-accurate sculpt (compared to the various transforming toys.) The 'turnaround' aspect of these sculptures simply means one can turn the piece around to display a raised-relief of the movie-style Decepticon sigil instead.

: This product's release was cancelled for the US market, but was released in Australia and in Asia.

{{-}}

====Basic Fun====
*'''Barricade''' (Figural keychain assortment, 2007)

: Produced by [[Basic Fun]], this keychain is a likeness of Barricade's robot mode with articulated arms, legs, head, waist, and a keyring sticking out of his ass.

{{-}}

====Transformers Movie Screen Cleaners====
[[Image:Movie Barricade screencleaner.jpg|right|97px|thumb|To polish and clean up.]]
*'''Barricade''' (2008)

:Released by Tomy Yujin on January 2008<ref name="TomyYujin">[http://www.gachausa.com/products/transformers.asp Tomy Yujin ''Transformers'' page]</ref>, this dangler is a faction logo-shaped screen cleaner for your cell phone, with a stock image of Barricade printed on the other side.

===Revenge of the Fallen===
====RPMs - Robot Powered Machines====
=====Battle Series=====
*'''Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) Vs. Barricade''' (2009)
*''Number:''

{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BumblebeevsBarricade.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Just about the only fiction-accurate RH pack. Ever.]]
* '''Bumblebee vs. Barricade''' (2007)

:The first Robot Heroes version of Barricade, he's sculpted in a bit of a hunched, thuggish crouch. He has the standard Robot Heroes articulation: Both shoulders swivel, and his head rotates.

{{-}}

[[Image:Movie RobotHeroes BarricadeVsOptimusPrime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Fast as fast can be, you can never catch me.]]
* '''Barricade vs. Optimus''' (2008)

:This ''Robot Heroes'' pack features Barricade in a running/attacking pose, and Optimus Prime posed as he was in the Movie as he awaited Bonecrusher's attack. This version of Barricade only has articulation at the shoulders, and oddly enough has his shoulder pylons attached to his torso, as opposed to his arms.

{{-}}

==Second Life avatars==
There is a full replica of the Sector Seven base which contains a giant discussion room where Michael Bay held a question board in Second Life. This room contains a giant frozen Megatron replica and free avatars of both Bumblebee and Barricade. Both freebees are non-transforming. However, some sellers have created a transforming version.

==Trivia==
*[[Image:Movie Barricade finalappearance.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Barricade pulls everyone over for driving on the wrong side of the road.]]

Barricade's disappearance from the film is puzzling. It appears he was originally meant to be destroyed, as both the novel and comic adaptations of the movie depict his destruction by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], who had both destroyed Bonecrusher and was delayed in joining the humans and fellow Autobots. (Alternatively the children's chapter book adaption of the film ''[[The Transformers Quest for the Allspark]]'' describes Barricade as being destroyed by the US military.) Regardless, in the movie proper, Barricade simply does not appear again after Bonecrusher transforms. The Revenge of the Fallen prequel comic state he survived, but at the time, his fate caused a great deal of speculation.

[[Image:Barricade-comicsadaptation-death.jpg|right|180px|thumb|F*** tha poh-leece!]]
Writer [[Roberto Orci]] has stated in a message board Q&A session that Barricade's disappearance from the remainder of the film is a "thread for Movie 2".<ref>[http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=384946&postcount=33 Roberto Orci on Barricade's fate in the movie, at the official movie boards]</ref>

* An early version of the script featured Barricade and [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] as one and the same character, named "[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]". He would have infiltrated the CIA headquarters (rather than Air Force One) in the form of a "portable stereo" and then transformed (and size-shifted) into a Humvee for his escape.<ref name="early">Details from an early script draft [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2213120&postcount=297 summed up here], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showpost.php?p=2214148&postcount=303 confirmed as authentic by Roberto Orci here].</ref>

*[[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] was originally part of the Autobot line up for the movie, but was removed, as the writers loved the perverse idea of Barricade becoming a police car. This represents quite a step within any/all Transformers continuities, as a Decepticon has never before taken on a form (most) humans could so easily "trust", in a sense. Sorry, Prowl, better luck [[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|next time]].

*An early working name for Barricade was "Brawl"<ref name="barribrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour]</ref>, which was later given to [[Brawl (Movie)|another movie character]] (but not in the movie itself).

* Early concept art for Barricade<ref name="barribrawl">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-images/events/Botcon-2007/Hasbro-Tour/PICT5108.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1 Early design for Barricade with working name "Brawl" shown during the BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour]</ref> also suggests that he was originally going to transform into a white and black Crown Victoria (somewhat akin to Prowl's original G1 color scheme). Hasbro, continuing to capitalize on unused concepts/ideas, had Recon Barricade's redeco vaguely mirror the Vic's deco.

* During the rather truncated chase scene between Barricade and Bumblebee in the 2007 movie, Barricade was to deploy some serrated drill-like missiles from his hood and fire them at the fleeing Autobot. Though these weapons were constructed and fitted to one of the Barricade prop vehicles, this scene was ultimately cut, explaining the abrupt shift to night time at the conclusion of the chase. As of writing, the only remaining official proof of the existence of these weapons is page 12 of IDW Publishing's [[Movie Adaptation Issue Number Two|Movie Adaptation issue 2]] and the RadioShack ''XMODS® Evolution'' Barricade radio control car's weapons and light uppgrade kit.

* The [http://www.saleen.com/transformers.htm promotional Saleen S281E cars] that appeared at events and premieres featured the slogan "Power in the hands of a few" rather than the "To punish and enslave" motto, as well as Saleen decals rather than the Decepticon decals seen in the movie. Hmmm...

* The [[IDW]] ''[[Prime Directive]]'' Prequel ''seems'' to contradict the very existence of his alternate mode, since the Decepticons were depicted as having come to Earth in 2003, yet his alternate mode is a 2006 model car. However, a little-known fact is that the Mustang design that would eventually be the 2006 model debuted sometime in 2003, with police car modifications showing up in car shows not long after. It could very well be that, similar to when/how Jazz scanned a Solstice in a dealership late at night, Barricade scanned a Police Mustang in one such car show display after-hours, explaining why there were "no witnesses" after he assumed this form ''and'' why his police deco has no state or city markings/I.D.

*In an act of both love for his child and extreme fanwank, Jessie Vigil from New Mexico  turned his own Ford Mustang into a homage of Barricade's alt-mode, right down to Decepticon symbol and the sinister twist on the LAPD motto. Though this has brought the ire of the New Mexico police upon him, let's just concentrate on the fact of how insanely cool this is. His kid is one lucky ''Transformers'' fan.

{{-}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/Barricade/barricade.htm Barricade at TFU.info]

==Footnotes==
<references />

{{-}}

[[Category:Character stubs missing fiction]]
[[Category:Character stubs missing toys]]
[[Category:Upcoming toy releases]]
[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Exclusives]]
[[Category:Movie characters]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]

Cheetor (BW)/toys

2009-04-22T18:13:19Z

Gargunkle:

Being the yellow kid-appeal character of the Beast Era, '''[[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]''' gets a lot of toys!

==Toys==
===Beast Wars===
{{anchor|Dx1}}

[[Image:BeastWars Cheetor Original.jpg|right|250px|thumb|From robot... to brick.]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Deluxe, 1996/1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-3'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail-gun, water-shooting gun

: Cheetor transforms into an organic, big cat-like creature somewhat resembling a cheetah. As such, he is yellow and covered in spots. In robot mode, he is armed with a rifle made out of his hindquarters and tail, along with a second "gut gun" formed out of his stomach. As with most early ''Beast Wars'' toys, he features a "[[mutant head]]" that replaces his face.

: There are several variations of this toy. The initial "rocky bubble" version of the toy features blue cheetah eyes and was incredibly hard to find [[Cheetor (BW)|due to delayed shipping]]. The "smooth bubble" release later in the year gave him red cheetah eyes. He was released again in 1997 (what with being a popular show character) in ''Beast Wars'''s second year, this time with bright green cheetah eyes, and the gold robot eyes of the previous two versions were changed to green.

:[[Takara]] released two different Cheetor toys; one that was the same as the original, red-eyed version, and a [[running change]] version that not only has various color tweaks to make him slightly more show-colored (including dark green cheetah eyes, a gold head crest instead of blue, and red robot eyes), but also has a slight [[Retool|mold tweak]] to keep the beast head pointed forward in robot mode, which has been retained on all versions thereafter, excepting [[Hasbro]]'s initial release of [[Tigatron]].

: This mold was later [[Redeco|redecoed]] for a "[[#DxFK|Fox Kids]]" version, as well as [[#Beast_Wars_10th_Anniversary|both the Hasbro and Takara 10th anniversary versions]] of the character.

: This mold was also used to make [[Shadow Panther]]/[[Ravage (G1) toys|Tripredacus Agent]] and [[Tigatron]]. It was slated to be used for ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Nightprowler]], but that toy set was canceled.

{{-}}{{anchor|DxJVs}}

[[Image:VS3-CheetorWaspinator.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Is it possible to win a battle of the losers?]]
*'''Showdown of the Quickest: Cheetus VS Waspeeter''' (VS pack, 1997)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-3'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail-gun, water-shooting gun

: In Japan, Cheetor was available both separately and in a VS pack with [[Waspinator]]. Both toys are identical to their original releases.

:Currently, it is unknown if the latter "show-like" version of the two toys were ever released in the VS set.

{{-}}{{anchor|Gold}}
*'''Cheetus''' golden version (Deluxe, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Tail-gun, water-shooting gun

: A one-of-a-kind, all-gold version of Cheetor was awarded in Japan for a ''[[TV Magazine]]'' contest.
{{-}}
{{anchor|TM1}}
[[Image:BeastWars TransmetalCheetor.jpg|right|250px|thumb|I taste things with my hands!]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Transmetal Deluxe, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-42'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail-whip

: [[Transmetal]] Cheetor is the first mostly robotic Cheetor toy. As with most first-wave Transmetal toys, his beast mode is entirely robotic, but his robot mode has organic elements in its design. In beast mode, two rocket boosters can be flipped out of the sides of the cat torso to create a "flight mode", plus his tail rotates 180 to provide a "stabilizer" fin. In robot mode, his removable tail becomes a spiked whip, but he has no ranged weaponry, though you can put his hideous hands together to simulate the "gun" he used on the show. The toy suffers from a design flaw in that the breast plate's hinges that holds both arms up in beast-mode gets a lot of stress on it, and over time, can't hold the cheetah head up properly anymore.

: The Takara ''[[Beast Wars Metals]]'' release of the Transmetal Cheetor toy features five changes from the Hasbro version. The more immediately noticeable is that the "CHEETOR" [[tampograph]] on his beast mode was changed to "CYBERTRON" and the Maximal [[faction symbol]]. The other changes make Takara's version closer to Cheetor's show appearance than the Hasbro version. The Takara Cheetor has green robot-mode eyes (Hasbro's version has light blue), the robot mode chest has a full coat of yellow paint (Hasbro's version fades to the gray plastic at the outer edges), the cheetah teeth are painted (Hasbro's are unpainted), and the gray plastic is less brown than Hasbro's.

: This mold was retooled into [[Ravage (G1) toys|Metals Jaguar]] and [[BotCon 2001]]'s [[Tigatron]], and slightly retooled to make ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' [[Cheetor (Armada)|Cheetor]]. It was also used as the model for the non-toy character [[Cataclysm]].

{{anchor|BWMVs}}
*'''Hurricane Showdown: Metals Cheetus VS Metals Waspeeter''' (VS pack, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''VS-42'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail-whip

: Once again Cheetor was packaged in a VS pack with [[Waspinator]], this time in their "Metals" forms. Again, both toys are identical to the individual releases.
{{-}}
{{anchor|TM2}}
[[Image:BeastWars Transmetal2 Cheetor.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A body only Primal could love.]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Transmetal 2 Deluxe, 1999)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-49'''
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, missile, tail-flail

: Transmetal 2 Cheetor is the first major departure from the usual Cheetor styling, but maintains the standard "stand up cat"-style transformation, for which the robot mode is essentially the beast mode standing on its hind legs. Transmetal 2 Cheetor transforms into a saber-toothed tiger-type big cat with a large rocket engine grafted into his back. In robot mode, this rocket engine becomes a spring-loaded missile launcher.

: As with all Transmetal 2 toys, he features a [[spark]] crystal, a small, clear-colored ball with a vacuum-metalized faction logo inside. Cheetor's spark is placed on his left hind leg.

: This mold was later redecoed into [[Ravage (G1) toys|Tripredacus Agent]]. (Notice the pattern yet?)
{{-}}
{{anchor|DxFK}}
*'''Cheetor''' (Fox Kids Deluxe, 1999)
**''Accessories:'' Tail-gun, water-shooting gun

: In 1999, a redeco of the [[#Dx1|original Cheetor toy]] was released, with "[[Fox Kids]]" branding on the packaging to advertise the show's move from syndication to a network. Aside from changing the black spots on his fur to a strange maroon color, at first glance, FK Cheetor seems identical to his original counterpart. However, a closer look shows that both the blue and the gold robot parts were all replaced with a metallic blue trim.

: Product listings gave this toy the name "Jungle Strike Cheetor", but that name never made it to packaging.
{{-}}
{{anchor|TMFK}}
*'''Cheetor''' (Fox Kids Transmetal Deluxe, 1999)
**''Accessories:'' Tail-whip

: Shortly afterwards, [[#TM1|Transmetal Cheetor]] received a "Fox Kids" redeco, released along with a redeco of [[Tarantulas|Transmetal Tarantulas]]. This red-and-dark-green version of Cheetor proved to be hard to come by, as this assortment did not ship for very long at all. Shipping lists listed the toy as "Mech-Tech Cheetor", but that name never made it to the packaging.

: In Japan, this toy was released as a [[JafCon]] convention [[exclusive]], along with the "Fox Kids" versions of [[Airazor (BW)|Transmetal Airazor]] and [[Rattrap|Transmetal Rattrap]].
{{-}}
===Beast Machines===
{{anchor|BMMega}}
[[Image:BM Mega Cheetor toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Once again, a body only Primal could love.]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Mega, 2000/2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BR-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail-whip

: Part of the first assortment of ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' Megas, Cheetor transforms into a super-lean [[technorganic]] cheetah. In keeping with the early ''Beast Machines'' design trend of "articulated features", turning the beast-mode head causes its jaw to open and close. His left foreleg has a gear-spring horizontal "swiping" action activated by pushing a section of the above shoulder-armor towards his body.

: In robot mode, his head has the same feature; turning it left or right opens and closes his Muppet-like jaw. The "swiping"-action arm—now on his right side—is still available in this mode and can be used to swing his tail-whip around. Because of cheetor's unusual body proportions and very small feet, he has issues standing up properly in this mode, especially with his legs positioned in the proper cat-like digitigrade style.

: In 2005, the Mega Cheetor toy was re-released as part of the Japanese Toys "R" Us [[exclusive]] ''[[Beast Machines (toyline)|Beast Wars Returns]]'' line. It does not appear that any significant changes were made to it. Reportedly, this item had a run of only 4000 pieces.
{{-}}{{anchor|BMMcD}}
*'''Cheetor''' (McDonald's Happy Meal, 2000)
**''McNumber:''

: This tiny, softer-plastic representation of Cheetor is great for the yung'uns. As one of ''ten'' toys in the [[List of Transformers restaurant promotions|McDonald's]] ''Beast Machines'' Happy Meal promotion, it features an incredibly simplistic transformation with no removable parts.

{{-}}{{anchor|BMSupreme}}
[[Image:BM Supreme Cheetor.jpg|right|250px|thumb|So near, yet so far!]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Supreme, 2000)
**''Accessories:'' Tail-sword, 2 missiles

: One of the largest ''Transformers'' toys, nearly as tall as [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] in robot mode, Supreme Cheetor was heavily hyped as an "ultimate" toy. Aside from having the most [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] sculpting of any ''Beast Machines'' Cheetor toy, he features electronic lights and sounds in both modes, articulated jaws on both his beast and robot-mode heads, and raising "hackles" on his beast mode back. Each arm contains a [[gimmick]] as well. His left arm has a geared up-and-down "slashing" movement, with extending fingers (yes, fingers) that can spring out of his hand. His right arm contains a spring-loaded twin missile launcher that fires two missiles out of his palm when the arm is pulled back at the elbow. Even with his wide and rubber-padded feet, like [[#BMMega|Mega Cheetor]] he has balance issues in robot mode thanks to his top-heavy construction and oddly jointed legs. His teeth-clenched grin in robot mode is also somewhat off-putting.

: This toy was an ultimately inauspicious start for the Supreme price point. It [[Shelfwarmer|shelfwarmed]] pretty badly and ended up in blowout sales at online retailers for upwards 75% off its original price tag.

{{-}}{{anchor|BMNSC}}
[[Image:BM NightSlashCheetor toy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This is totally backwards. The black repaint is supposed to come AFTER the yellow one.]]
*'''Night Slash Cheetor''' (Deluxe, 2001)

: Part of the first wave of the [[Subline imprint|rebranded]] "Battle for the Spark" ''Beast Machines'' Deluxes, "Night Slash" Cheetor is a much more angular and mechanical-looking version of the character, with a more show-like face sculpt. Each bicep holds a spring-loaded sword attached by a brace that flips into his waiting hands when released. He has a Spark Crystal mounted on his upper back between his shoulders, and just behind that, a pair of thrusters on his back as well. His interior chest has a red and silver column that spins within a reflective silver dish when his Spark Crystal is pressed, meant to show the power of his Spark. However, this does not work terribly well given the opacity of the transparent plastic that normally covers it.

: This mold was used to make [[CatSCAN]].

{{-}}{{anchor|BMJBlack}}

[[Image:PfCCheetas.jpg|right|200px|thumb|"Optimus, I don't wanna be mint in sealed box!"]]
*'''Perfect Choice Cheetus''' (Mega, 2005)

: The [[#BMMega|original Mega Cheetor toy]] was [[Redeco|redecoed]] in black and silver as a special ''Beast Wars Returns'' promotional contest prize. By ordering the cartoon series through the digital cable provider, you were automatically entered in a drawing for the toy, along with several other smaller merchandise prizes. All of the gimmicks from the first version are retained in this one.<ref>http://megatronofcybertron.homestead.com/japanesebeastwarsreturns.html</ref>

:It is currently unknown how many "Perfect Choice Cheetus" prizes were awarded.
{{-}}
*'''Cheetor''' (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Container in Disguise

: Cheetor was available as one of three figures in a Jollibee promotion. The toy is a greatly simplified version of his ''Beast Machines'' Mega toy.

===Transtech===
[[Image:TTCheetorToy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|It's an evolution revolution!]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Deluxe?)

:A new (seemingly Deluxe scale) version of Cheetor was designed for ''[[Transtech]]'', the proposed follow-up to ''Beast Machines'', which would have turned into a Cybertronic F-1 race car with a cheetah motif. It made it at least as far as a resin hardcopy, seemingly with near-final engineering. Aside from featuring a launching, spring-loaded front bumper, it is uncertain what gimmicks it may have had. The toy was ultimately scrapped alongside the rest of the ''Transtech'' line.

:An earlier version of the ''Transtech'' Cheetor design was the basis for the [[TransTech|Transcendent Technomorph]] version of [[Cheetor (TransTech)|Cheetor]].

{{canceledtoy}}
===Universe===
[[Image:Tscheetoruniverse.jpg|right|150px|thumb|My love for primal is like the sun and the moon, knowing they can never touch...]]
{{anchor|UNSC}}

*'''Night Slash Cheetor''' (Deluxe, 2005)

: A redeco of the [[#BMNSC|''Beast Machines'' Night Slash Cheetor toy]], the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Autobot]] version gives Cheets a predominantly orangey-yellow coloration again, but this time with a lot of red and some super-dark blue accents. All of his gimmicks from the previous version are retained.

: This toy was one of the last toys in the original ''Universe'' toyline sold at normal wide-release retail.
{{-}}
===Beast Wars 10th Anniversary===
[[Image:BW10Cheetor toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Not completely show-accurate.]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Beast Wars 10th Anniversary, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Tail-gun, water-shooting gun

: In 2006, Hasbro redecoed the [[#Dx1|original Cheetor toy]] for their ''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' reissue line. He was cast in a different shade of yellow, and unlike most of the other toys in the line, he was actually ''further'' off-model than his original toy, the biggest difference being that the newer toy lacks the gold paint on its forearms and feet found on the show model. His right beast mode shoulder was [[Tampograph|tampographed]] with a Maximal sigil. He came packed with build-a-figure [[Transmutate]]'s torso and a DVD disc containing the episode "[[Equal Measures]]".

:At this point the mold for the gut gun had degraded somewhat, and a new mold had to be made.
{{-}}
===Timelines===
{{anchor|BC06}}
*'''Dawn of Future's Past''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine-blaster, left & right side-pipes, Maximal "Golden Disk Key"

: "Axalon Cheetor" is a redeco of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]], transforming into a low-ridin' Cybertronian race car with a large Maximal sigil on his hood and a cheetah-pattern deco for his upholstery. Stylin'! Inserting a "[[Cyber Planet Key|Golden Disk Key]]" into the slot on his back pops up a pair of gun barrels, which can be held in robot mode as his pre-beast Quasar gun. His head is also [[Retool|retooled]] from the original body to represent his ''Beast Wars'' head more closely, making his face even more show-accurate then the original toy's.

: He was available only as part of the [[BotCon 2006]] "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]" box-set, with "Axalon" versions of [[Optimus Primal]], [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]], [[Rattrap]], and "[[Darksyde]]" [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]].

: This toy—with the retooled head—was used to make "[[Tigatron|Unit 2]]". The original version was also used to make ''Cybertron'' [[Swerve (Cybertron)|Swerve]] and [[Movie (toyline)|movie-verse]] [[Clocker (Movie)|Clocker]]. It was also the basis for many many non-toy [[Maximal Command Security Force]] members.
{{-}}
{{anchor|BW10J}}
===Beast Wars Telemocha Series===
[[Image:BWTelemocha Cheetor.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Now THAT'S gorgeous!]]
* '''Cheetus''' (Deluxe, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''TM-03'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail-gun, water-shooting gun

: In 2007, Takara did the 10th Anniversary thing for the ''[[Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]'' line, except much more show-accurate than Hasbro, with a high number of [[Paint application|paint applications]] in order to be show-accurate.

: This release came with a DVD of "Convoy Disappeared", the Japanese dub of "[[Chain of Command]]".
{{-}}
===Titanium Series===
*'''Cheetor''' (Cybertron Heroes, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' 2 scimitars

[[Image:Titanium Cheetor.jpg|right|150px|thumb|ooh...shiny]]
: ''[[Titanium Series]]'' Cheetor is based heavily on the [[#TSTrivia|design of Cheetor seen in the ''Beast Machines'' cartoon]], albeit with some differences, notably much thicker limbs, making him far more stable in robot mode. His twin scimitars can peg onto his hips for storage and are made of softer, rubbery plastic. His [[die-cast]] metal is limited to his shoulders, torso, and thighs.

: Care must be taken when transforming Cheetor into beast mode. His robot head ''must'' be pushed back into his beast mode's neck until it ''clicks''. Failure to do so will cause his robot mode head to get stuck inside the chest after the cheetah mode's neck is pushed into it, and may require disassembling the torso to get it out again.
{{-}}
===Universe (2008)===
[[Image:Cheetoruniverse.jpg|right|250px|thumb|He went through five bodies... and then back to this.]]
*'''Cheetor''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Tail-whip, throwing blades

: First available in the fourth wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' Deluxes, this version of Cheetor is based on the original ''Beast Wars'' Cheetor, transforming into an organic cheetah that's much closer in proportions to the real animal than any previous attempt, with a robot face sculpt based much more on the CGI show model. Alas, the compromise is that he has a far ''less'' [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] robot mode due to a markedly different [[Transformation (toys)|transformation scheme]] that sadly involves his entire beast-chest ending up as a huge hunchback in robot mode. His cheetah-mode eyes can change colors, a bizarre [[homage]] to the differing eye-colors the [[#Beast_Wars|original Cheetor toy]] went through in its many releases, as well as the show. His tail becomes a whip-weapon, plus he comes with a pair of triple-bladed throwing stars.
{{-}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Cheetorhenkeitoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Chromed, but not Transmetal.]]
*'''Cybertron Cheetus''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-12'''
**''Accessories:'' Tail-whip, throwing blades

: ''Henkei! Henkei!'' Cheetor replaces some of his yellow plastic including his arms, and stomach among other parts, for gold plastic. He has more elaborate and varied paint applications, including painting the insides of his beast mode kibble for a greater contrast. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he has vacuum-metalised plastic parts, specifically his entire head and the bodies of his throwing blades.
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
{{anchor|CandyToy1}}

*'''Cheetus''' (candy toy kit, 1997)

: Part of a set of four [[Kabaya]] [[Candy toy|candy toys]], this version of Cheetor, based on [[#Dx1|the original toy]], is an unpainted and unassembled plastic kit that transforms (and partially re-assembles) from cheetah to robot mode, though much smaller (and cheaper) than the original toy. It is cast entirely in pale yellow and grayish-tan plastics, as are the other three toys in the set: [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], [[Rattrap]], and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]].

{{anchor|SDmagnet}}

* '''Beast Wars magnet set''' (1997)

: The original cast of ten from the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon was rendered in adorable [[super-deformed]] style for a set of magnets. Awwwww.

{{anchor|3DBC}}

*'''Cheetor''' (3D Battle-Card, 2007)

: A 31-point character in the [[3D Battle-Card Game]]'s "Energon Wars" expansion, Cheetor "transforms" into a Transmetal 2 cheetah. He uses the same parts layout as [[Ravage (G1) toys|Ravage]] and [[Rampage (G1)|Rampage]].

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroescheetorblackarachnia.jpg|right|250px|thumb|...Nimbus?]]
* '''Cheetor''' / '''Blackarachnia''' (2-pack, 2008)

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]''-branded [[Robot Heroes]], Cheetor is a simple, yet well-detailed two-inch tall figurine with exaggerated, cartoony proportions. He is depicted in a running pose and is articulated at the shoulders and neck. He has a Maximal [[faction symbol]] on his butt.

: He was only available in a two-pack with [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]].
{{-}}
* '''Cheetor''' / '''Tankor'''

[[Image:RobotHeroes Cheetor VS Tankor.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Proudly wearing his faction symbol on his knee.]]
: Cheetor is part of the fourth wave of ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]] [[Robot Heroes]]'' and is designated as from the "Beast Machines Series," along with his packmate [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]]. His sculpt and color scheme is derived solely from his television show appearance. Cheetor has articulation at the neck and shoulders, though his left arm's large sword inhibits movement.
{{-}}
==Trivia==
{{anchor|GunTrivia}}
[[Image:Cheetor-preliminarytoy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|The original guns, featuring realistically painted cheetah guts. Hooray!]]
[[Image:BWRConcept01.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Cheetor's control art. Yes, that IS Cheetor, not Shadow Panther. Yes, it's not a cheetah.]]
* The first Cheetor toy was originally intended to be part of the first wave of ''Beast Wars'' Deluxes released, but experienced a delayed initial release, coming several weeks afterward. This was likely due to a change made to his "tail gun", which on the toy is much different from the version glimpsed in catalogues, commercials, and toy packaging cross-sells. The prototype gun is held via a handle on the top side of the tail rather than underneath the haunches and has a small blue gun barrel that flips out. Why this change was made and whether it was the actual cause of the delay are currently unknown.

* Cheetor's design art seems to indicate he wasn't originally designed to be a cheetah...or was at least designed to be generically big-cat-like enough to be other types of feline.

{{anchor|TSTrivia}}

* According to ''Titanium Series'' concept designer [[Don Figueroa]], making ''Titanium'' Cheetor use his ''Beast Machines'' body was his idea. It seems he was told simply to make "Cheetor", but his [[Hasbro]] supervisors never specified ''which'' Cheetor to make. [[Aaron Archer]] corroborated this, saying Hasbro had not meant to produce a Beast Machines figure: they had simply put Cheetor's name on a list, and the toy ended up being, as Archer put it, "the wrong one."

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/Cheetor/cheetor.htm Cheetor at TFU.info]

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Beast Machines characters]]
[[Category:Beast Wars characters]]
[[Category:Contest prizes]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Fast food exclusives]]
[[Category:Maximal leaders]]
[[Category:Maximals]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys "R" Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transmetals]]
[[Category:Transmetals 2]]
[[Category:Universe characters]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Toys with sound]]

Tow-Line (Energon)

2009-04-21T19:58:16Z

Gargunkle:

{{picsneeded}}{{disambig2|the Energon-series Autobot|the Robots In Disguise Autobot|Tow-Line (RID)}}

:''Tow-Line is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] continuity family.''

[[Image:Towline-energon-packageart.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Because you're mine, I <strike>walk</strike> tow the line.]]

'''Tow-Line''' isn't the strongest Autobot, but what he lacks in muscle he makes up in cleverness. He can out-think and generally out-last most opponents, preferring to use his brains to prevent conflicts, skills that have made him one of [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime's]] most trusted team members.

==Fiction==
===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{charstubfiction}}
===''Timelines''===
After the evacuation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] due to the [[Unicron Singularity]], Tow-Line served as a crew member on the ''[[Iron Hope]]''. He installed [[transwarp]] jump coordinates on the computers of the six scout ships searching for the lost Autobot colonies. {{storylink|Force of Habit}}

==Toys==
===Energon===
[[Image:Energon-toy_TowLine.JPG|thumb|right|250px|]]
*'''Tow-Line''' (Deluxe, 2004)

: Tow-Line transforms into a large utility van. In robot mode, his lower vehicle portion becomes a mobile battle/repair platform. He can fold his legs back and up over his shoulders (''hello''!) and re-attach to this platform for a "battle mode". In this... ahem, position, Tow-Line can also form the top half of a two-robot "Powerlinx combiner" with any ''Energon'' Deluxe Autobot, and any of them can also use his platform for their own combination.

: This mold was [[retool]]ed to make [[BotCon 2005]]'s versions of [[Generation 1]] [[Ironhide (G1) #Timelines|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1) #Timelines|Ratchet]].

{{-}}
==Trivia==
* Tow-Line seems to be a melange of [[homage]]s. The obvious one being to Generation 1 Ironhide/Ratchet (which the mold was used to make, as noted above), though his head also bears a passing resemblance to [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. His van mode even has the red stripe pattern.

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Tow-Line/tow-line.htm Tow-Line at TFU.info]

[[Category: Autobots]]
[[Category: Combiners]]
[[Category: Energon characters]]

Dirt Boss (Cybertron)

2009-04-21T19:51:24Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|velocitron|decepticon}}
{{picsneeded}}
{{disambig3|Dirt Boss}}
:''Dirt Boss is a [[Velocitron]]ian [[Decepticon]] from the [[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:CYB dirtboss boxart.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Can't...break...free...from...package...art...!]]

'''Dirt Boss''' hails from Velocitron's "baja" sector, and boy, is he angry. On the racetrack he's outright psychotic, using his oversized tires to eat up ground and crush down anyone who gets in his way. He especially seems to have a major hate-on for Velocitron's current ruler, [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], though why is unknown.

Whatever it was that started this obsession, it's got him so mad he can actually be manipulated by [[Ransack (Cybertron)|Ransack]] and [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]], of all beings. ''Yikes''.

:''Japanese name'': '''Inch-Up'''

==Fiction==
===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Michael Donovan]] (English), [[Takayasu Usui]] (Japanese)

He hates losing. Which he does.

He also ends up helping the Autobots anyway. Loser.

{{charstub}}

===''Cybertron'' exclusive toy bio===
When a space-time anomaly sent an alternate-universe incarnation of the [[Mini-Con]] [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] to Velocitron, Dirt Boss managed to capture him and used his added power to pillage cities along Velocitron's equator. This naturally drew the attention of Override, who brought along her new Mini-Con partner [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] (who hailed form the same alternate universe as Downshift) in order to free the captive Mini-Con and stop Dirt Boss's rampage.

==Toys==
===Cybertron===
*'''Dirt Boss''' (Deluxe, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''GD-06'''
**''Accessories'': Speed Planet Key

: Dirt Boss transforms into a Cybertronic (Velocitronian?) pickup truck with oversized clear-plastic tires. Plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into his tailgate causes his wheel assembly to push down, making him a little lower and wider in truck mode. ''Wow''. In robot mode, this swings a pair of non-firing pipe "blasters" over his shoulders.

: The [[Hasbro]] and [[Takara]] versions have slightly different [[paint application]]s, though the most noteworthy one is that the Hasbro version gives him a Decepticon sigil.

: He comes with a silver-bordered Velocitron-style Key; the Hasbro version has the [[Key Code]] "'''d3h7'''" stamped on its back.

*'''Value Pack''' (Multi-toy bundle, 2005)

: Two randomly paired, fully packaged Deluxes (Dirt Boss, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]], [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]], [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]], or [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Snarl]]) set in a cardboard "sleeve" were sold at Toys 'R' Us and Wal-Mart stores for somewhat less than the cost of two normal Deluxes.

*'''Dirt Boss with Downshift''' (Tiny Tins multi-pack, 2006)

: Part of a run of Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] sets, Dirt Boss was also sold in a larger box that came with a special [[redeco]] of the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] member [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], plus a special [[Tiny Tins]] carrying tin for the Mini-Con. Dirt Boss himself was unaltered from his normal release.

*'''Dirt Boss / Landmine / Snarl''' (Multi-pack, 2006)

: Late in the ''Cybertron'' line, Dirt Boss got packaged (again without alterations) as part of a special three-Deluxe set with [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and Snarl, sold for the price of two deluxes, available at Toys 'R' Us stores.

===Attacktix===
[[Image:AttacktixDirtBoss.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Uh, wait, this isn't my missile!]]
*'''Starter Set''' (Multi-pack, 2006)

{{attacktix
|ID=TF20
|faction=Decepticon
|class=Warrior
|special=Recruit -- 10/36 (38%) success ratio
|cost=30
|speed=4
|attacktype=Shooter (Energy Blast)
}}
{{-}}
:Dirt Boss was available only in the ''Transformers'' ''[[Attacktix]]'' Starter Set (along with [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]] and two different [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] pieces (robot and jet modes).

:Dirt Boss uses a back-mounted missile launcher that fires a special two-pronged projectile, which is styled after the cannons on his larger main-line toy. The missile's two prongs mean it needs to be positioned just right before firing (you'll want it turned so that both prongs will hit the target) for a knock-down.

:His Special Power, ''Recruit'', lets you put any Decepticon piece in play from your Back-Ups.

{{-}}

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/DirtBoss/dirtboss.htm Dirt Boss at TFU.info]

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Cybertron characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Velocitron]]

Rodimus (Energon)

2009-04-21T18:22:23Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|autobot}}
{{picsneeded|Black Rodimus toy, comics (once that's filled out more)}}{{disambig3|Rodimus}}
:''Rodimus is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:EnerRodimusCardArt.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I will find peace by traveling into the future and/or space!]]
Much like [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], '''Rodimus''' is a great military commander and a superior warrior, yet is a 'bot that strives for peace and freedom.

First at odds with Optimus Prime for his conduct of the war against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]], Rodimus eventually became Optimus' right-hand man and defacto commander of the Autobots when Optimus himself was unavailable.

:''Japanese name:'' '''Rodimus Convoy'''

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Energon''====
:''Voice actor'': [[Paul Dobson]] (US), [[Ryōtarō Okiayu]] (Japan), [[Anders Öjebo]] (Sweden)

[[Image:Rodimus superlink-tv.JPG|left|200px|thumb|He's so dreamy... and he sounds like Worf! *swoon*]]
Rodimus was a former commander on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and a captain of an exploration vessel. During the end of the first era, when the Transformers of Optimus Prime and [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s generation began to appear, Rodimus declared that war was destroying Cybertron. Rodimus vowed he would venture into space to find a new home, and all those who wanted the same could come along. Many Autobots and Decepticons would join him, among whom were [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] and [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]], as well as the Transformers who would eventually evolve into the [[Omnicon|Omnicons]]. During his journey through space, Rodimus became a legend, going world to world and liberating the innocent from the unjust.

[[Hot Shot (Armada)| Hot Shot]] practically idolizes him.

[[Image:Rodimus tv.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I have a sense of humor! On the Enterprise, I was considered quite amusing.]]
During his travels, he learned that the world known as [[Planet Q]] was under threat from [[Unicron]]. Rodimus promised the planet's ruler that he would come and help defend the planet, but by the time Rodimus and company arrived, it was too late. Planet Q was destroyed by its grand chamberlain in an attempt to destroy Unicron.

Years later, Rodimus encountered the grand chamberlain, now known as [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]], who was helping [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]], the ruler of Planet Q, to restore their world by reviving Unicron. Rodimus agreed to help Alpha Q in trying to stop the Autobots from destroying Unicron. However, Rodimus would only go so far to help Alpha Q, as shown when he used a squadron of Terrorcons to destroy a trio of artificial comets that Megatron created to destroy Earth, even though Alpha Q thought it was a good way to get energon.

===Dreamwave Comics continuity===
====''Energon''====
He drives around. {{storylink|This Evil Reborn|This Evil Reborn}}

Then he stands around. {{storylink|Aftershock (Energon comic)|Aftershock}}

No one tells legends about him.

===''Timelines''===
With the [[Unicron Singularity]] forcing the evacuation of [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Rodimus and a number of other Autobot leaders were summoned to the ''[[Iron Hope]]'', where [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]] dispatched them across the galaxy to locate the lost Autobot colony worlds. Rodimus was given command of the ''[[Longbow]]'' and sent to [[Beta Aquarii]]. {{storylink|Force of Habit|Force of Habit}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Energon===
[[Image:Energon Rodimus toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Prune juice - extra large.]]
*'''Rodimus''' (Deluxe, 2004)
*''Japanese ID number'': '''SC-10'''
*''Accessories'': Spring-loaded cannon, flame-missile

: Rodimus transforms into a rocket-powered Cybertronic long-nose truck cab. He can also form the top or bottom half of a larger robot mode, compatible with any ''Energon'' Combat- or Mega-class Autobot combiner robot. He comes with a large flame-cannon with spring-loaded "flame" missile. His design is an homage to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] from [[Generation 1]].

: The [[Takara]] version of Rodimus has a few notable differences, including a darker shade of red, and a flame deco on his truck-mode spoiler, which was removed from [[Hasbro]] version due to cost considerations.

: However, both the Hasbro and Takara versions are missing the gold paint decos on the sculpted pipe details next to his exhaust smokestacks, presumably because those parts also form the soles of his feet, making them susceptible to paint chipping. They were originally painted in most promotional and packaging photos from both companies.

: This mold was used to make ''Energon'' [[Checkpoint (Energon)|Checkpoint]] and ''[[Timelines]]'' [[Thunder Clash]].

*'''Black Rodimus Convoy''' (Deluxe, 2004)
*''Accessories'': Spring-loaded cannon, flame-missile

: An [[exclusive]] black and red version of Rodimus was made available as a mail-away from ''Tele-V Magazine'' in Japan, sent out in September of 2004. This was a companion piece to the "Fire SL [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Grand Convoy]]" exclusive offered by the same magazine that was released a month earlier.

===Attacktix===
[[Image:Attacktix ERodimus.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Assimilate THIS!!]]
*'''Rodimus''' (Boster, 2006)
{{attacktix
|ID=TF05
|faction=Autobot
|class=Captain
|special=Recruit - 12/26 (46%) success ratio
|cost=20
|speed=6
|attacktype=Shooter (Small Missile)
}}
{{-}}
:Unlike his larger counterpart, ''[[Attacktix]]'' Rodimus has molded flames on his chest. Fortunately, these gnarly flames don't get in the way of his massive four points of articulation, which let him move at the waist, shoulders and head. If the glue comes loose on his gun (and it will) you may even score another point of (useless) articulation.

:Rodimus is a large-based figure with pretty good defense, especially when hugging another Rodimus figure. His recruit special allows him to put any Trooper class figure into play from your back-ups. If you're feeling particularly silly you could have a swarm of Rodimi summon a swarm of [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]].

:This piece was going to be [[Redeco|redecoed]] into ''Attacktix'' [[Checkpoint (Energon)|Checkpoint]], but the line was canceled before it came out.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
* According to his toy bio, Rodimus is the brother of [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]]. Uh... okay!

==External links==
*[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/Rodimus/rodimus.htm Rodimus at TFU.info]

{{charstub}}

[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Autobot leaders]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Energon characters]]

Megatron (Animated)

2009-04-09T17:33:25Z

Gargunkle:

{{factions|decepticon}}{{disambig3|Megatron}}
:''Megatron is a [[Decepticon]] in the [[Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Megatronanimated.jpg|300px|thumb|An insult to G1, we swear!]] If you were to ask '''Megatron''' to describe himself in one word, he'd probably go with "heroic". He sees himself as a freedom fighter, [[Decepticon leader#Animated|leading]] the Decepticons out of the days of "[[Autobot]] tyranny". The fact he's hoping to replace that with Decepticon tyranny isn't really a concern. A fanatic at [[spark]], he revels in every Autobot who suffers at Decepticon hands and doesn't register humans as anything more than "collateral damage."

Megatron demands loyalty from the Decepticons, loyalty he gains by his awe-inspiring power. With the combined threat of a sharp mind, his [[fusion cannon]], a pair of deadly swords and simple brute strength, there aren't many who'd dare cross him. Still, he has no problem manhandling troops as a gentle reminder.

The loss of his body and former power was only a minor setback for him, as Megatron proved a master manipulator. He effortlessly duped [[Isaac Sumdac]] into helping him--and once Megatron was restored to full power, he turned the tables on his old captor.

He is extremely intolerant of treachery and deals with [[Starscream (Animated)|said treacherous bots]] with a vicious no-nonsense efficiency, [[Megatron (G1)|unlike other Decepticon leaders]]. He is a shrewd strategist and effortlessly [[Scrapper (Animated)|wraps]] [[Mixmaster (Animated)|others]] around his fingers.

{{bigquote|Decepticons... ''transform and rise up!''|Megatron puts a new twist on [[Roll out|an old saying]]|"[[Megatron Rising - Part II]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{ongoing}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[Corey Burton]] (English), [[Jan Spitzer]] (German)

[[Image:Megatron Cybertron.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Pointier than thou.]] Eons ago, Megatron led the Decepticons in their war against the Autobots for control of Cybertron and freedom from Autobot tyranny. However, the Autobots under [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] had two major advantages: They possessed the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]], giving them an infinite supply of energy, and they had exclusive [[space bridge]] technology, allowing them to move about the galaxy more easily. However, Megatron's forces continued to fight on until the Autobots sent the AllSpark through the space bridge to random coordinates. Realizing that the AllSpark was the key to defeating the Autobots, Megatron abandoned the Cybertron theater and began searching the galaxy aboard his massive flagship, the ''[[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]'' However, some Decepticons continued to fight on against the Autobots.

[[Image:TFA TARO Decepticons attention.JPG|175px|thumb|He's not planning on shaking Prime's hand...he's going to tear it off.]] Four million years later, Megatron's crew discovered a [[Autobot ship (Animated)|small Autobot repair vessel]] after detecting the [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]]. When [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] volunteered to attack, Megatron saw his ambitions all too clearly, and pointedly remarked that he wasn't about to let four million solar cycles of searching for the AllSpark end with Starscream getting his greasy wings on it. No, Megatron would strike the Autobot ship and take the AllSpark himself. Just prior to his departure, Starscream approached him again, ostensibly to wish him luck, but actually to place an overload device on his leader's back. This device went off just as Megatron's fusion cannon was about to breach the hull of the Autobots' ship. The Autobot crew managed to steer the now-failing ship through an asteroid field and into a nearby [[space bridge]].

With the ship now plummeting through the Earth's atmosphere, a wounded Megatron still managed to thrash the crew soundly and nearly claimed the AllSpark. Quick thinking on the part of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] sent the Decepticon leader out the cargo hatch and into free fall. Megatron [[Megatron (Movie)|fell from the sky]] and crashed in Paw Paw, Michigan, where his head (and later, a hand) was found by a young [[Isaac Sumdac]].

Over the next fifty years, Sumdac built a robotics empire by reverse-engineering Megatron's components, while, Megatron's inert head remained secretly in Sumdac's private lab, the source of the human's engineering genius and also a secret shame. Megatron's severed hand was there as well, used by Sumdac as a piece of furniture. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out!}}

[[Image:AniMegsHead-TransformAndRollout.jpg|left|150px|thumb|Hey Megatron, don't lose your... oh.]] After the Autobots re-awoke, [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]] used her AllSpark-powered [[Key]] to sneak into her father's lab. He stopped her from seeing anything it contained, but the AllSpark energy from the Key was absorbed by Megatron's head, reawakening his spark and bringing him back online. Confused and disoriented, he automatically brought up video footage of Starscream and the Autobots, footage in which Starscream admitted to his treachery. Furious both at Starscream's betrayal and the fact he didn't have the hands to reach out and take the AllSpark which was finally within his grasp, he released a burst of energy which activated a small drone Dr. Sumdac had been working on. Megatron thus realized he could control the extremely primitive (by his standards) technology around him. Learning Sari was going to spend the night at the Autobot base, he secreted his drone into her backpack. Once she arrived, Megatron sent the drone to look for the AllSpark, but his search was fruitless. He decided to try a simpler method: Kill the Autobots and extract the data from their lifeless corpses. Interfacing with the factory's assembly line, he attacked. As the Autobots fought back, he decided to cut out the middleman and knocked a hole in a fuel tank. [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] realized the factory was working via motion sensors and managed to get close to the control panel. To counter him, Megatron simply took over the factory arms and snatched up Prowl. However, he failed to stop [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], due to the primitive tools he was forced to use. With his plans foiled, Megatron was out of patience, refusing to work through these worthless proxy machines. He needed a body, which meant it was time to provide some more advanced technology to Sumdac... {{storylink|Home Is Where the Spark Is}}

Megatron soon revealed to Isaac that he still functioned and, when Isaac guessed he was a friend of the Autobots, Megatron played along. He persuaded Isaac to keep his existence secret until Isaac had built him a new body, as then the Autobots would be more forgiving of how Isaac had reverse-engineered their friend. Megatron then helped construct the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]], deliberately programming them to go on a rampage and building fire-breath into them as a prototype for a planned army of drones. When they were defeated, Megatron despaired he might never gain a new body, but upon discovering they'd been turned into sentient Transformers, he quickly convinced them that cars, trucks and "[[Autobot|car robots]]" were evil beings that ate the fossil fuels supposedly derived from dinosaurs.

During their second rampage, Isaac realized Megatron had deliberately built weapons into the Dinobots. The tyrant feigned shame, saying he'd added experimental features out of a desire to have a body again. Isaac promised not to tell the Autobots and that Megatron would have a body again one day... {{storylink|Blast from the Past}}

Soon, Dr. Sumdac began attempting to build him some new servos, but these proved inadequate. Megatron revealed that his body would need
[[Destronium]] to work, but Isaac responded there was only a small amount available and that it would have to be delivered across town in less than 10 minutes or it would become unstable. Taking notice of an experimental turbo suit Sumdac's labs were developing (with flaws that possibly precluded Isaac considering it as a solution), Megatron manipulated computer systems so the suit was delivered to small-time hood [[Nanosec|Nino Sexton]]. Once Sexton began using the suit to commit crimes too quickly to be stopped, Megatron contacted him with an offer of much money out of Dr. Sumdac's private account if Sexton used the suit to steal and deliver the Destronium. Between Autobot interference and the suit aging him prematurely, Sexton failed. Worse, the Destronium was energized to a critical level, risking an explosion that would destroy [[Detroit]]. The Autobots barely managed to send the Destronium sample into the upper atmosphere before it exploded, and they were left to wonder why a human had tried to steal it in the first place. {{storylink|Nanosec}}

After Megatron learned of the power of Sari's Key and the careless nature in which she used it, he attempted to trick her into assisting him. He designed [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]], a musical toy that was secretly meant to grow more powerful every time Sari used the Key upon it, until eventually it would be a suitable robotic body for Megatron himself. When the Key instead brought Soundwave to independent life, Megatron changed his plan and, with convincing logic, recruited Soundwave as a Decepticon warrior. {{storylink|Sound and Fury}}

When [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut]] arrived on Earth, Megatron, remembering Starscream's betrayal, was hesitant to act. After witnessing a battle between his soldiers and the Autobots, Megatron concluded that Blitzwing was too unstable, but Lugnut was genuinely loyal. He contacted Lugnut only, instructing him to locate the AllSpark, which would help restore him. Later, he also informed Lugnut about the Key. Unfortunately, Lugnut and Blitzwing were defeated and damaged by the Autobots, severing Lugnut's link with Megatron—and Megatron's only link to the outside world. {{storylink|Lost and Found (episode)|Lost and Found}}

[[Image:Sumdac megatron%27s body.jpg|200px|thumb|Yeah, it's a fixer-upper.]]
Although Megatron himself was not mentally involved, his headless body was infected with [[space barnacles]], causing the barnacles to mutate into a semi-sentient form. After absorbing two mining bots and attacking a [[Sparkplug (Animated human)|miner]], it was defeated by Bumblebee and Prowl. Later, the body was discovered (minus space barnacles) by Isaac Sumdac and most likely brought back to his laboratory. Sumdac remarked that Megatron would be ''very'' pleased with the find... {{storylink|Nature Calls}}

[[Image:MegRisingRebuilt.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Don't call it a comeback; I've been here for years.]] Sumdac attempted to rebuild Megatron, but progress was slowed by a power failure. Frustrated, Megatron again contacted Lugnut and ordered him to bring him the Key. This communication triggered Starscream's curiosity, and the treacherous jet located Megatron. Starscream didn't have time to <s>finish his speech</s> slay Megatron before he was distracted by the Autobots—and Megatron used that distraction to take Starscream by surprise and eject him from the lab. When Blitzwing and Lugnut arrived with the Key, Megatron revealed his true identity to his human "friend". Sumdac, seized by the mechanical hand he had so long used as a chair, could only watch and wail in horror as the Decepticon tyrant used the power of the AllSpark to reconstruct himself, more powerful than ever. Finally restored, he burst through the roof of [[Sumdac Tower]], to the horror of the Autobots and Starscream, ready to unleash his vengeance on all of them. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part I}}

[[Image:PayThePiper.JPG|200px|thumb|"Will anyone else attempt to fill his shoes?"]] Megatron's revenge was quick and brutal. Trashing the Autobots in short order, he called his Decepticons to him. As Starscream bootlicked, Megatron powered up his fusion cannon to destroy the one responsible for his defeat—then used the Key to send a painful power surge through Starscream, extinguishing the traitor's spark and reinforcing his authority over Blitzwing and Lugnut. He commanded them to "transform and rise up," and the three Decepticons took to the sky, using the Key to track the AllSpark.

[[Image:Megatron Rising 2 All Spark Megs boom.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This is not good...]] Finding it aboard the Autobots' ship, the Decepticons caused the ship to crash on [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]], where Megatron proceeded to beat the [[Slag (slang)|slag]] out of Optimus Prime. Getting into the ship, Megatron removed the AllSpark from its casing and placed it in his chest, preparing to devastate Earth before conquering Cybertron. However, Professor Sumdac used his knowledge of Megatron's circuitry to disrupt his equilibrium sensors, causing Megatron to drop the Key. Optimus Prime used the Key to force a surge of power through the AllSpark within Megatron, causing it to explode and disperse its energy.

And yet, it was not a total loss for Megatron; despite the damage, he escaped and managed to abduct Sumdac. Once again, their fates were intertwined, only this time Sumdac was Megatron's prisoner. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part II}}

Establishing a base deep underground in a mine, Megatron quickly adjusted his plans after the loss of the AllSpark. During his battle aboard the Autobot ship, he had managed to download a partial [[space bridge]] schematic from their computers. He planned to use the space bridge to teleport himself, Lugnut, and Blitzwing to Cybertron, then conquer the planet from within. To facilitate this plan, Megatron used the captive Professor Sumdac to reverse-engineer the space bridge and fill in the "gaps" within the schematics. However, when a service bot suddenly malfunctioned, it was revealed that a shard of the AllSpark was embedded within it. This gave Megatron hope that the AllSpark was not destroyed, but dispersed throughout the city of Detroit. {{storylink|The Elite Guard}}

[[Image:Swordscream.JPG|200px|thumb|Yes, Starscream, and we'll keep doing it until you get it right!]] Finding out about the AllSpark fragments, however, didn't seem to result in any changes in his plans. Megatron received word from a spy that the Decepticons had begun making random assaults on the Autobots. He realized that they needed to make a concentrated effort in order to secure his victory. He had Lugnut and Blitzwing steal a tachyon transmitter from the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]] so he could send his message, but was interrupted during his transmission by a revived Starscream. After quickly beating him to a pulp, Megatron relayed his commands to the spacefaring 'Cons, only to be repeatedly attacked by a seemingly invincible Starscream. The renegade even attempted to draw Megatron out with an AllSpark fragment. Megatron emerged victorious every time and was informed by his spy that all was going as planned: With his [[Decepticon Uprisings|forces now drawing the Autobots away from Cybertron]], Megatron could attack a weakened Cybertron from within as soon as his space bridge was completed. {{storylink|Mission Accomplished}}

Later, while at the Decepticon base, Lugnut detected an AllSpark energy signal emanating from Detroit. Megatron quickly dispatched Lugnut to retrieve the AllSpark shard before the Autobots could. Lugnut proceeded to praise his master's "grand and glorious plan", but Megatron, fed up with the adulation to the point of involuntary optic-twitching, curtly commanded his enforcer to get going. {{storylink|Garbage In, Garbage Out}}

[[Image:RiseoftheConstructicons-Megatron%27sprivateblend.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Gentlemen, to evil.]] When Lugnut and Blitzwing brought the [[Constructicons (Animated)|Constructobots]] back to base, Megatron saw the advantage of keeping them alive, and he invited them to have a look at his space bridge schematics. Impressed by their knowledge, he decided to put them to work stealing supplies. After an encounter with [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]], the Constructobots became convinced of "the funny guy's" less-than-noble intentions, and they returned to the mine to confront him. Megatron calmly slammed them both against a rock face and asked them to explain. He feigned shock and brought them in to discuss things over his own private oil blend. Megatron showed himself to be a bit of an oil connoisseur, possessing stylish little goblets for it made of twisted oil drums, as well as a secret stash of top-quality oil and a chamber to drink it in. Megatron spoke of the glories they could achieve as Constructicons: the adulation, the statues in their honor...the barrels of oil they could down. Ever the shrewd worker, it didn't take much for him to convince them to join up, and he promptly sent them to the Autobot base to retrieve the AllSpark fragments. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

[[Image:Rise Constructicons Megatron what.jpg|200px|thumb|Constructicons say WHAAAAAT?]] When Starscream escaped from the Elite Guard's ship, Megatron received [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]]'s alert to the Autobots thanks to the stolen tachyon transmitter. Megatron had placed a bounty on the traitor, and [[Lockdown]] (with the unknowing aid of Prowl) pretty much took the opportunity to bring him to the Decepticon leader. Lockdown contacted Megatron to confirm that he had captured a purple-ish "Starscream" (who was acting quite odd and cowardly) and agreed to meet at an abandoned warehouse for the exchange. As "Starscream" was brought to Megatron, Prowl, who was hiding on a rafter high above, accidentally scuffed a small bolt, which grabbed the Decepticons' attention. Not too long after, the Autobots appeared with another, different-colored Starscream. Megatron intercepted Lockdown's escape and announced confusedly that no one was to leave until they found out which was the true Starscream. However, it turned out that both Starscreams were clones with bombs in their [[spark]] chambers designed to destroy Megatron and the Autobots in one go. Quickly thinking up a plan, Megatron and the other Decepticons transformed and escaped forcibly through the ceiling. However, Prowl used the upgrades given to him by Lockdown to send the [[Starscream clone|clones]] into the air, not too far from the fleeing Decepticons, when the bombs exploded. It is unknown if they were wounded, but Megatron later raised the bounty on Starscream—insisting on the ''real'' one this time. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}}

He was later contacted by [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]], who attempted to sell him a new weapon. Nothing came of this, as Swindle was defeated before the deal could be closed. {{storylink|SUV: Society of Ultimate Villainy}} Megatron also made some ''"secret"'' transmissions to his [[Shockwave (Animated)|double agent]] on Cybertron in order to settle his new plans for the coming Autobot-Decepticon war. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

[[Image:TFA ABTC1 Megatron Sumdac Hostage.jpg|left|200px|thumb|"Did I tell you about the time I killed the cult leader?"]] Megatron's plans finally seemed on the verge of fruition when Sumdac and the Constructicons completed the space bridge. However, some vital technical aspects made it inoperable. In order to remedy this, Megatron contacted Shockwave to learn who was Cybertron's leading [[Space bridge technician]], which turned out to be the Autobot Bulkhead. Not wishing to leave Doctor Sumdac alone to sabotage the Constructicons' efforts, Megatron took him along as a hostage while he went to capture Bulkhead. Once he had the big Autobot in custody, Megatron threatened to use the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] unit on him if he didn't help make the space bridge operational. To Megatron's satisfaction, Bulkhead agreed and finished the project. Just as the machine was activated, both the Autobots and Starscream and his clone army attacked. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

The three-way free-for-all ironically forced Megatron and Optimus Prime to team up temporarily, but this quickly ended when Megatron used Prime's body as a shield against one of Starscream's clone's attacks. Despite putting up a decent resistance, Megatron was overwhelmed and held down by two of the Starscream clones. As the original Starscream gloated, he was head-jacked by Isaac Sumdac in the Headmaster unit. Sumdac prepared to fight Megatron himself, but Megatron simply used his strength to throw the two Starscream clones at him, knocking off the Headmaster unit and proving himself the victor. With Starscream incapacitated, the clones sided with Megatron. He then made his own victory speech to his soldiers, declaring he would send Optimus Prime through the bridge to test it. However, the Autobots got some [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|reinforcements]]. Megatron quickly ordered the majority of his forces to deal with this new menace while the Constructicons cleared the space bridge area of rubble. Grabbing Optimus, Megatron threw him into the portal, but was frustrated when Prowl freed his leader in the nick of time, at which point the bridge shut down. Bulkhead declared the power source wasn't strong enough to maintain the link for long, so Megatron grabbed Starscream's AllSpark-powered head to maintain the gateway. However, this provided too much power, sending the space bridge portal out of control. An enraged Megatron decided to terminate Optimus Prime, only for Optimus to slap [[stasis cuffs]] on him, causing him to lose his grip and fall into the portal.

[[Image:TFA ABTC2 Megatron Screamer End.jpg|200px|thumb|"Stop staring at me!"]] With the overload having deleted the space bridge's receiving coordinates, the defeated Megatron was transported to some unknown sector of space. Still immobilized by the stasis cuffs, Megatron's only companion was now Starscream's head, which a cruel twist of Fate had deposited right next to him. Forced to remain face to face with his traitorous ex-lieutenant, Megatron could only trade verbal blows. A most cruel fate, indeed. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

After their bickering subsided, Starscream began trying to free Megatron from the stasis cuffs, but having no body was a hinderance. Megatron was only freed when Starscream revealed a previously unseen weapon from his mouth. Before their could react, Omega Supreme appeared, offline. Getting aboard him, Megatron was captured by Omega, but was able to convince the simple processor possessing behemoth to take him to Cybertron to face a war crimes tribunal. However, Omega Supreme's attempt to transwarp to Cybertron left them somewhere else in space, but did drain Omega for the time being. Initially disgusted that he was trapped aboard the cause of the Decepticons defeat, as well without his weapons and only Starscream for company, Megatron soon realized that if he could reprogram Omega to serve him, he would be a great advantage.

Managing to hotwire the Autobot with the stasis cuffs and Starscream's AllSpark charged head, Megatron contacted Shockwave to give him a status report on the Earth space bridge. However, the situation was worse than Megatron realized: not only was the space bridge network shut down, but the Earth Autobots could expose Shockwave at any moment. Although Omega Supreme provided an advantage that could end both problems, Megatron decided that the space bridge invasion plan was a failure, and issued a fleet wide stand down order. Heading to Earth, Megatron attempted to use Omega to destroy the Autobots (even though he couldn't remember their names). However, Prowl and Optimus Prime managed to board Omega and sever Megatron's control over him. Unfortunately, Starscream managed to gain control over Omega Supreme, capturing Megatron again. Ever the manipulator, Megatron convinced Starscream that his time would be better spent conquering Cybertron. However, the Autobots managed to install the [[plasmadynamic thruster]] from Megatron's space bridge into Omega Supreme, sending Omega and the two Decepticons oboard warping through space randomly. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

===Titan Magazines===

[[Image:MegatronTitan23.jpg|left|180px|thumb|"NIXON'S BAAACK!"]]

Apart from showing interest in the activities of [[Quake-Maker]] {{storylink|Animated Comic issue 1|Burnout!}}, Megatron seemed idle...

...until it turned out new Autobot [[Afterburn]] was one of his agents, and had given him directions to the Autobot base! Megatron entered with explosive results... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Divebomb}}

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==Toys==
===Animated===
[[Image:TFAnimated Deluxe BattleBegins Megatron toy.jpg|250px|thumb|SPAAAACE ROOOAAACH!]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs. Megatron: The Battle Begins''' (Entertainment Pack, 2008)
*''Accessories'': Missile

: Transforms into a sleek spacecraft with, er, VTOL turbofans (presumably designed to show some lineage with his eventual helicopter mode. It's best if you don't think about it too hard). Megatron's signature fusion cannon forms the central chassis and cockpit section of the spacecraft (officially, a "Fusion Fighter"); his sword sections mount on the sides of the cannon for storage, though the blade is unremovable and effectively useless. Like the [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Prime]] figure he comes with, he features a punching gimmick, having a spring-loaded waist that snaps back when twisted. Unfortunately, Megatron's balljoint hips and the swivel joints between his thighs and knees are rather loose, making it difficult to pose the figure in such a way that he stands on his own. The figure features a silver color scheme and battle damage paint applications.

:The design makes it tricky to tell which end of his Fusion Fighter is the front and which is the back.

:This toy was also released in a 2-pack with Prowl as a Wal*Mart [[exclusive]] (see below).

:If you want to be pedantic about it, the battle implied by the battle-pack pairing is technically a timeline impossibility, insofar as it depicts Cybertron Mode Megatron versus Earth Mode Optimus. It is also [[Scale|scaled]] incorrectly, as Megatron was shown as being notably larger than Optimus in ''[[Transform and Roll Out!]]''

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/BattleBeginsMegatron/megatron.htm%7C More information on Megatron at TFU.info]''

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[[Image:Animated megatron voyager.jpg|250px|thumb|Curse you, Earth's atmosphere!]]
*'''CYBERTRON Mode Megatron''' (Voyager, 2008)
*''Accessories'': Missile

: A larger, bulkier, more detailed, and more gimmick-laden iteration of the same character design used in the deluxe-scaled versus pack toy. Note that while both modes of both toys look very similar, they have different transformation mechanisms and are not a simple upscaling/downscaling of each other. Where the deluxe version is straight silver, this version has a pearl-gray paint scheme. The figure features an [[automorph]] gimmick in the chest, which closes like a clamshell in transforming to robot mode. A second automorph gimmick is built into the energon blades on the cannon, swinging them into place to form a polearm. Red translucent plastic is heavily used throughout the figure, including in the light piping for the head and the missile for the spring-loaded cannon. Even his ''fingers'' are made of energon, it seems.

:This toy apparently had a safety modification done late on in the design process (late enough that it doesn't show up on the instructions), possibly as a result of drop test failure. The strut that holds his fusion cannon has been reinforced, and as a result, his cannon cannot be mounted flush against his arm.

:As with the smaller figure above, it's not obvious exactly what end is the front of his spaceship mode. Neither orientation really matches up to the version seen in the show, which had the fusion cannon mounted in a way that's impossible with both toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/VoyagerMegatron/megatron.htm%7C More information on Cybertron Mode Megatron at TFU.info]'' {{-}}

[[Image:Animated megatron leader.jpg|250px|thumb|He will kill you until you are dead.]]
*'''Megatron''' (Leader, 2008)
*''Accessories'' Missile, 2 rotor-swords

: Megatron's "Earth" robot mode bears a significant resemblance to Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)#The Battlestars|Super Megatron]] from the ''Battlestars'' storyline, and thus, in turn, to his original G1 body. His alt-mode is a dual-rotored helicopter design, somewhat like an [[Incinerator (Movie)|Osprey]] [[Obsidian|helicopter]] or the [[Cobra]] Mamba. Its rotors form double-bladed swords. The fusion cannon is attached to the left arm out of the box, but it can be detached and put on either arm. It has wheels for use in vehicle mode, and if it is removed, then (undocumented) landing gear can be deployed to make up for the loss. Interestingly, it seems the alt-mode was originally intended to allow for the removal of the cannon without removal of the bottom half of the fuselage. With a fair amount of force the cannon can be popped off (and will reattach), but the cannon mount/fuselage lower half does not provide the front landing gear with sufficient clearance to fully extend. The toy has a [[Gimmick|voice chip]], activated by pressing the Decepticon symbol on his chest. If used in robot mode it says one of three quotes: "Crush the Autobots!", "Where is the AllSpark?", and (glorious) evil laughter. In helicopter mode it makes the sound of the rotors warming up, spinning, and powering down. When the cockpit is moved during transformation the classic G1/Animated [[Transformation#The noise|transformation noise]] is heard. It is compatible with the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] toy, but it does not change his quotes.

: The instructions leave a couple of things out. First, the shoulders should be pushed backwards/upwards for vehicle mode. This lowers the wings down and aligns the front of the engines with the back. Second, the barrel of the cannon can be rotated 180 degrees (at a separate pivot from the one at its base) for robot mode, to better match how it looks in the cartoon, with the red stripes facing his arm. Considering how padded the instructions are to mask the relatively simple transformation (two whole steps just to move the rear landing gear), leaving all this out is quite a feat. Bad Hasbro.

:There is no doubt whatsoever as to which end is the front and which is the back of his vehicle mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/Megatron/megatron.htm%7C More information on Megatron at TFU.info]''

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*'''Megatron''' (McDonald's Happy Meal Toys, 2008)

:This is a very simple representation of Megatron in his Earth form. It transforms by rotating the head, lying face down and flipping the arms onto the back. The robot mode seems to have taken priority in the design process, since the vehicle mode looks like his robot mode lying down. Megatron does not come with his signature arm cannon.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/McMegatron/megatron.htm%7C More information on Megatron at TFU.info]''

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[[Image:Megatronanimatedactivator.jpg|150px|thumb|"Transform and shrink down!"]]
*'''Megatron''' (Activators, 2008)

:Part of the fourth wave of [[Activators]], this version of Megatron is a very simplified, roughly-Basic-sized version of his Earth mode. His spring-loaded transformation from vehicle to robot mode is activated by a single switch on the back of his copter mode.

:Despite having a cannon on the bottom of his vehicle mode, he does not possess one on either arm in robot mode.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Decepticon/ActMegatron/megatron.htm%7C More information on Activators Megatron at TFU.info]''

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[[Image:SBAniMegs..jpg|150px|thumb|I defy the Unicron Trilogy. Defy it, I say!]]
*'''Shadow Blade Megatron''' (Leader, 2008?)

: A [[Black repaint|black]], grey and purple redeco of Megatron's leader class mold with a slight remolding to the tail... that's ''not'' called [[Megatron (Armada) toys|Galvatron]]. YeabuhWHA?

:Surprisingly for a Hasbro produced redeco, Shadow Blade Megatron is cast entirely in black plastic with the exception of his translucent parts.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/SBMegatron/megatron.htm%7C More information on Shadow Blade Megatron at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[Image:AnimatedMegatronMovieHat.jpg|150px|thumb|They moonlight as lawn darts.]]
* Megatron's pre-Earth head has a rather pointed resemblance to the somewhat early head of 2007 movie's [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], which went unused in the actual movie but appeared on loads of promotional materials and merchandise. Also in common with Movie Megatron, ''Animated'' Megatron lay inert for many years while his technology was [[Sector Seven|reverse-engineered by humans]].

* He is, additionally, [[Megatron (BW)|not the only Megatron]] to spend time as [[Grand Mal|a giant, disembodied head]].

* Megatron's cannon makes the same sound as his [[Megatron (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart]]'s weapon, except with additional effects mixed in to make it actually sound like a laser cannon.

[[Image:AnimatedMegatronAltmode.jpg|150px|thumb|Show-accuracy be damned!]]
* Megatron's outer space altmode, shown for all of 20 seconds, has ''two'' toy molds devoted to it. Though these "Cybertron mode" toys resemble each other, neither looks anything like the altmode of the pre-Earth Megatron seen on the show.

* Early images of Megatron's Earth body were slightly different from the finished product, most notably the lack of a fusion cannon, and a katana instead of his twin swords.

* Megatron is the only one of the original 5 Decepticons in Animated to actually have a Cybertronian vehicle mode design. Although the others have different robot mode kibble before they scanned their Earth-modes, none of them had an alt-mode created. Having a toy helps. (This is in contrast to the Autobots, who all had Cybertronian-modes designed for them from the start, even if we didn't see them in the first episode).

* Both [[Lockdown]] and [[Swindle (Animated)|Swindle]] are technically on neither side, but work almost entirely for the Decepticons because Megatron pays better than the Autobots do. Considering how long he was out of contact with the Decepticon army, it really makes you wonder where he's getting all that money ([[Energon (G1)|or whatever currency they use]])...

* Throughout the entire series, Megatron has actually only twice mentioned any of the Autobots by their actual names. This occurred when Megs called Bulkhead by his name in "[[Sound and Fury]]" and "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I]]".

* Sumdac found Megatron's head intact and in Cybertronian mode. The head housed in his lab is essentially a damaged version of his Earth mode head. However, it is possible this is merely the result of Sumdac's work, as it could be seen as a stripped down version of the original head.

[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Engineers]]

Bulkhead (Animated)

2009-04-09T16:51:21Z

Gargunkle:

{{disambig3|Bulkhead}}
:''Bulkhead is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:AniBulkheadPromoModel.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] called; he wants his head back.]]
The biggest and strongest of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s crew, '''Bulkhead''' appears to be little more than a big, dumb lummox at first glance. The second and third glances don't do much to improve that impression. Raised on a backwater [[Energon (G1)|energon]] farm, he joined the Autobot academy to achieve the lofty goal of becoming a lowly [[space bridge]] technician rather than a warrior. He also has an unfortunate tendency to break stuff by accident due to his sheer strength and natural clumsiness. He's wrecked major thoroughfares and toppled skyscrapers in his zeal to be ''helpful''; when he gets angry, he's capable of berserker charges that even the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]] have learned to respect and fear. His penchant for being a little too eager to please others and getting a little too emotional at times further leads him to act without thinking. Add in a seeming lack of skills beyond "destruction", and it does not paint a pretty picture.

But despite all these shortcomings, one is hard-pressed to find a bot with a bigger heart, and he has astounding (if sometimes well-hidden) depths. He hates being thought of as the clumsy brute of the team, which has bred a certain amount of careful forethought and cautiousness. He's endlessly loyal to and protective of his friends, especially his best buddy [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] and the [[human]] girl [[Sari Sumdac|Sari]], even if their impulsive behavior is sometimes annoying. Since coming to [[Earth]], he has discovered a love of art and the urge to express his true feelings through it. He's not very good at it, but he keeps trying anyways. Perhaps most surprising of all is that he is [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]'s foremost expert in space bridge technology, even though he may not be able to build one himself without accidentally breaking at least half the components.

{{quote|You guys got it easy. All people want me to do is break stuff. I've got a sensitive side too, you know... but breaking stuff '''is''' kinda fun.|Bulkhead meditates on his lot in life|"[[Home Is Where the Spark Is]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Animated'' cartoon===
{{ongoing}}
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bill Fagerbakke]] (English), [[Tilo Schmitz]] (German), [[Ireneusz Załóg]] (Polish)

[[Image:Autobot Cadets.jpg|thumb|left|250px-Autobot Cadets.jpg|Auditions for the new Transformers series are now closed...]]
Bulkhead was originally an energon farmer and attended [[Autobot boot camp]] in order to qualify as a space bridge engineer. It was there that he first met Bumblebee and their trainer, [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Minor]]. To begin with, Bumblebee had no interest in being friends with the gentle giant, insulting him with the nickname "mudflap". A friendship blossomed after Bulkhead saved Bumblebee from some "malfunctioning" turrets, dropping a building on Sentinel in the process. In order to prevent Bulkhead from being expelled, 'Bee took the blame, and they both ended up on space bridge detail. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

[[Image:Ani crew.JPG|250px|thumb|right|ROAD TRIP!!!]]
Eventually, they were placed under [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s command. While repairing a space bridge, the team discovered the long-lost [[AllSpark (Animated)|AllSpark]]. However, the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] soon arrived, prompting Bulkhead to mention that he had never seen a Decepticon ship up close. (No one had and lived, as [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] pointed out.) Bulkhead did his best to hang on while the Autobots drove their ship through the space bridge. Coming out of warp, they went headlong toward [[Earth]], and he joined his fellow 'bots in heading into stasis to avoid the impact shock of an unpleasant landing.

After emerging from stasis and his [[reformatting]] into a terrestrial six-wheeled APC, Bulkhead accompanied the other Autobots to investigate a large, cybernetic creature that was menacing the local lifeforms (which they assumed were robots like themselves). Bulkhead requested help from a group of local drones, then noticed [[Sari Sumdac]] trying to take her keycard away from her robot dog, [[Sparkplug (Animated)|Sparkplug]]. Assuming Sari was the pet, Bulkhead greeted her—which promptly sent her running and screaming. Way to make first contact there, big guy.

[[Image:Bulkh alt.JPG|200px|thumb|left|Let's see [[wikipedia:Grave Digger (truck)|Grave Digger]] beat this!]]
After [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] arrived to take the AllSpark, the Autobots engaged him in a fierce game of "Keep-away". At one point, Bulkhead tried to catch the AllSpark, shouting "I got it." Starscream snagged the AllSpark instead, but Bulkhead knocked the [[Seeker|Decepticon flier]] out of the air with his wrecking ball, causing him to drop the AllSpark. It's not nice to contradict Bulkhead. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

Later, in Autobot HQ, he said he had some problems, because all humans want from him is to break stuff. After all, he had his sensitive side as well (even if breaking stuff was fun). When [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] attacked the Autobots' base, Bulkhead got in touch with his inner breaker, confirming that smashing stuff IS fun! Megatron had different plans for him, though, and Bulkhead discovered it's not as much fun to BE smashed. After Bulkhead was saved, he tried to catch a [[Pocketbot|tiny machine]] that looked like it might be the culprit. Prime hoped to study it and find out where it came from, but Bulkhead smashed the little critter to pieces when he grabbed it. {{storylink|Home Is Where the Spark Is}}

[[Image:TFA Blast Past Bulkhead Tutor Bot.JPG|250px|thumb|right|The Pizza's ready!]]
After that [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] tried to train Bulkhead to be more subtle in his actions, to assess a situation, choose the right move, then execute it with grace and precision. This didn't meet with any real success, as Bulkhead's antics damaged the base and caused him to fall on Prowl. Moving to an island in Lake Erie, Bulkhead tried again. He knocked down some trees which fell on Prowl. Things actually got worse when Bulkhead tried to use Prowl's methods against the [[Dinobot (Animated)|Dinobots]], a trio of animatronics run amok. Prowl wisely advised Bulkhead to stop doing what Prowl would do and instead do what Bulkhead himself would do. Bulkhead quickly discovered that his blunt, powerhouse approach had its place and time for proper use, charging and knocking down [[Snarl (Animated)|Snarl]], hitting [[Swoop (Animated)|Swoop]] out of the air, and throwing [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] into a pit of molten tar. Afterward, the Dinobots were due to be melted down. However, Prowl suspected the Dinobots were actually alive, not mere machines, so he enlisted Bulkhead's help in secretly transporting them from their prison to the deserted island on Lake Erie. There they could live undisturbed and perhaps get themselves under control. Prowl had realized that just because something was big and lumbering and destructive was no reason to give up on it, and Bulkhead knew just what he meant. {{storylink|Blast from the Past}}

When Bumblebee had his bout with [[Colossus Rhodes]] that escalated into a parking lot brawl, Bulkhead arrived with the others to stop the mad giant and tease Bumblebee about his size. Bulkhead's size proved a liability when he got caught in an opening in [[Sumdac Tower]]'s defense shield, making him a sitting (but not defenseless) duck for an upgraded Rhodes, using his wrecking ball to send the brute flying. When the shield was deactivated he was the first into the tower, scooping up [[Meltdown (Animated)|Meltdown]] in his fist... a very bad mistake, since the villain was made of acid. His action gave the other Autobots time to defeat Meltdown, so it turned out okay. {{storylink|Total Meltdown}}

On a shopping trip for Sari's birthday present, Bulkhead worked with Sari to rein in the pesky [[Professor Princess]]. The next day, Sari's birthday party began poorly, as the guests were all children of Sumdac Industries employees, who found Sari too weird for their tastes. The Autobots' arrival made things a little more interesting, but klutzy Bulkhead soon found himself ignored, alongside Sari, as the kids went for rides with the other Autobots (even Ratchet). Bulkhead wanted to give Sari her gift, a xylophone, but was too embarrassed to do so when he saw Dr. Sumdac's gift, a musical robot named [[Soundwave (Animated)|Soundwave]]. For the next several days, Sari's attention was drawn away from her friend as she spent her free time plugging her key into the toy to upgrade it. Bulkhead realized that there was something off about Soundwave, but his attempts to prove it just forced a wedge between Sari and himself. Megatron's machinations to increase the split between them didn't help. It turned out the big guy was right on the money, however, as Soundwave was a creation of Megatron's that gained sentience through the key. Soundwave took control of the machines of Detroit and captured Sari. When Bulkhead came to her rescue, Soundwave attempted to convince Bulkhead of the inferiority of humans. For a few minutes, it seemed Bulkhead was on his side, but with a wink to Sari, he punched Soundwave so hard that the Decepticon shattered into his component parts. Sari apologized, and the pair played with Bulkhead's gift, albeit after Sari nearly broke her hand punching Bulkhead's fist. {{storylink|Sound and Fury}}

Soon afterwards, trouble arrived in the form of [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut]]. Answering their challenge, the Autobots confronted the pair in a construction yard. Bulkhead charged Lugnut and the two engaged in a grapple, but even Bulkhead's power wasn't enough against the massive Decepticon, who threw him aside. The second round didn't go too well either, as Lugnut never had a chance to fight before the Decepticons were defeated by the Autobot ship's main cannon. {{storylink|Lost and Found}}

After Sari was abducted by the Dinobots, Prowl and Bulkhead went to [[Dinobot Island (Animated)|Dinobot Island]] to investigate. What they found was Meltdown, who damaged Bulkhead to the point of unconsciousness and trapped Prowl and Fanzone (who had been tailing them) underground. Bulkhead spent the rest of the episode out cold until Sari was able to restore him. On the boat ride home, Sari showed she could take care of herself by kicking Bulkhead, who pretended to be hurt and accidentally fell into the ship's hold. {{storylink|Survival of the Fittest}}

[[Image:Caged bulkhead.jpg|200px|thumb|left|And now we know how the caged Bulkhead sings...]]
After destroying a good portion of a city block trying to stop a missile impact, Sari suggested to Bulkhead that he explore his more creative talents to show the citizens of Detroit that he wasn't [[Sixshot|an engine of destruction]]. Bulkhead had difficulty making his creations (his paint brushes kept snapping between his fingers) and panicked when he learned that Sari had arranged an art show for him. (Girl has connections.) While lamenting his lot in life, he was knocked out cold by a sudden electrical surge. When he came back online, he found that his body had been stolen. As Bumblebee attempted to help him finish his art pieces in time for the show, the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] used Bulkhead's body to take control of a solar fusion plant, intending to detonate it unless he was paid a hefty ransom. Optimus used the ransom delivery to sneak the Autobots into the plant, where they defeated the Headmaster and reattached Bulkhead to his body...backwards. As the reactor reached critical, Bulkhead came up with a drone that would set the rods back, but the drone melted in the process. Not to be daunted, Bulkhead added it to his art collection, showing the citizens of Detroit his [[Slog|warzone art]] without them even knowing it. {{storylink|Headmaster}}

When Decepticon energy signals were detected, the Autobots quickly realized that they were outnumbered. Bulkhead mentioned that the Dinobots might be able to help, not aware that Prowl hadn't told Optimus they had moved them to Dinobot Island. Prime was furious and ordered the two to take him there at once. After searching the island, the Autobots found the Dinobots. They were unwilling to help, so the Autobots left, unsure of their next move. When Bumblebee contacted Prime, saying that Starscream was at Sumdac Tower, he ordered him to stand down. When they arrived at the tower, they saw Bumblebee fighting Starscream. Prime dryly noted that disobeying orders was becoming a habit, but Bulkhead wasn't too insulted.
He was too busy being shocked by [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] bursting through Sumdac Tower. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 1}}

Quickly regain their composure, Bulkhead charged Megatron, only to have his wrecking ball severed and be thrown into a building. After the short battle, Sumdac told them how he had rebuilt Megatron. Bulkhead sounded as if he was about to crush the professor, but Prime told him that it was unimportant. Using excess key energy in Sumdac's equipment, the Autobots repaired themselves, and Prime apologized for his harsh words. Ratchet and Sari came by in the ship, picking up the Autobots, but they were shot down over Dinobot Island. During the subsequent battle, Bulkhead brought down [[Lugnut]]. The zealous Decepticon was stronger than Bulkhead, but as he activated [[Punch of Kill Everything|his punch]], Bulkhead used his wrecking ball to detonate it, sending Lugnut flying. {{storylink|Megatron Rising - Part 2}}

While repairing a damaged overpass, Bulkhead became stuck in some cement, but hid it to avoid being embarrassed. He was nearly destroyed when he used outdated, unstable fixative, but was saved by two newly sentient machines named [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] and [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]]. Once they helped him finish the repair work he'd been doing, Bulkhead reluctantly went with them for an oil break, though he wasn't sure it was okay to take it straight from a tanker ship. He WAS sure the rest of the Autobots would like his new friends. The crass construction workers did not impress the other Autobots, however, and things only got worse when a game of flattened-oil-can frisbee severed Sari's pigtails, leading Prime to evict the two. The next day, Bulkhead went looking for his friends, discovering that they had stolen parts for something Megatron was building. When Bulkhead told them that the Decepticons were [[wikipedia:Men in Black (film)|the scum of the universe]], the two went to challenge the Decepticons, without telling Bulkhead where to find them. The other Autobots were concerned that Scrapper and Mixmaster would sell them out, but Bulkhead still defended them. Unfortunately, the newly dubbed [[Constructicon (Animated)|Constructicons]] ''did'' side with the Decepticons, taking Bumblebee hostage and demanding the AllSpark fragments the Autobots had. Bulkhead gave them the fragments and a cup of oil for the road, but he had spiked the oil with the outdated fixative from the other day. The subsequent explosion scrambled their memory circuits, and Bulkhead drove the amnesiac Transformers away, admitting that he had been wrong to trust them. {{storylink|Rise of the Constructicons}}

After [[Wasp]] escaped, Bulkhead tagged along with Bumblebee in an attempt to track a leaked signal, but 'Bee's attitude became unbearable, and Bulkhead stormed off. The kindhearted bot couldn't stay away, however, and helped Bumblebee out of a minor scrape. Bumblebee apologised, but Bulkhead shook it off; their friendship had rock-solid foundations. Reconciled, the two headed back to base, having missed a rather conspicuous mine shaft entrance. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}}

Bulkhead later made an abstract painting of Sari in the style of Picasso, but the other Autobots' suggestions ended up ruining the painting. He and Sari took a walk to clear his head, and Bumblebee came and genuinely tried to apologize. This went rather poorly, and got even worse when Megatron arrived. He kidnapped Bulkhead and took him to his base. Megatron revealed that [[Shockwave (Animated)|his double agent]] had learned that Bulkhead was Cybertron's top space bridge technician, and forced Bulkhead to help the Decepticons repair a space bridge they had reverse engineered. If Bulkhead refused, Megatron would use a Headmaster unit to steal his body and kill all of Bulkhead's friends, starting with Professor Sumdac. Bulkhead agreed to help, but Professor Sumdac believed that Bulkhead was trying to sabotage the device, and told Bulkhead to let him give the instructions to avoid sounding preposterous. Furious at everyone doubting his skill, Bulkhead actually ''fixed'' the space bridge, allowing Megatron to teleport the Decepticons to an underdefended Cybertron. See Bulkhead, this is why people don't take you seriously. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

During a three-way battle between the Autobots, the Decepticons, and Starscream's [[Starscream clone|clones]], Bulkhead tried to shut down the space bridge, but was locked with [[stasis cuffs]] by a [[Female Starscream|female clone]]. After Megatron explained his plans and how Bulkhead had helped. the other Autobots expressed confusion at his skills, and Bulkhead explained that he had read all the space bridge schematics on the energon farm. Unfortunately, power problems arose, which Megatron tried to fix with by adding Starscream's AllSpark powered head into the power core. Unfortunately, this caused an overload which Bulkhead theorized would suck up all of Michigan. Fortunately, [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] arrived and allowed himself to be sucked into the portal. When the Autobots escaped, Bulkhead theorized that Omega was merely transported to another section of space, and had hope that he was still alive.
Unfortunately, any effort to locate Omega was put on hold when Sari noticed that the skin of her arm had been torn...revealing robotic circuitry underneath! {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

===Titan Magazines===
The Dinobots saved him and the others from [[Starscream Clones]], which was good. They then didn't leave and Bulkhead's sleeping space was taken up by Grimlock, which was not good. {{storylink|Dino-MIGHT!}}

Later, the Autobots were buried by the villain [[Quake-Maker]]. Bulkhead's great strength freed them from the ground, and then he ''vanished completely'' from the battle. {{storylink|Burnout}}

On his day off, Bulkhead was dragged to a basketball game by Sari, Prowl and [[Afterburn]]. Bulkhead didn't see the point of the game and was being mistaken for a litter bin by the humans. Luckily a demented supervillain attacked Detroit and they had to leave the game - but as a diversionary tactic, the evil [[Crossroads]] blackmailed Detroit into trying to destroy the Autobots! The Autobots saw through this and intercepted the villain at [[Sumdac Tower]], with Bulkhead taking down reprogrammed security drones. After beating the villain, Bulkhead now enjoyed basketball and happily watched the game ''for no reason''.
[[Hasbro|Toy companies]] have made an action figure of him! {{storylink|Crossroads!}}

==Toys==
===Animated===
[[Image:TFAnimated Voyager Bulkhead toy.jpg|300px|thumb|right|And the world wants his kibble to turn into a chair.]]
* '''Bulkhead''' (Voyager, 2008)

:Bulkhead transforms from an armored, six-wheeled military-type van into a robot mode that is a bit on the short side for a Voyager, due to the stout, stocky nature of the character. The toy features two "[[automorph]]"-style gimmicks in its transformation: after flipping down the back doors, pulling down on them retracts a pair of black tabs holding his arms into pace, allowing them to spring forward into position; and moving his chest into place automatically causes a panel to flip over, exposing his head.

:The figure's left arm contains the character's signature gimmick, his wrecking ball. A concealed lever activates a pressure-launch system that fires the ball, which is attached to Bulkhead's arm by a sturdy string. Bulkhead's right arm, meanwhile, features a rather strange gimmick: after straightening the arm at the elbow, pressing the black lever on the upper arm causes Bulkhead's forearm to flip upwards. It ''might'' be an uppercut or some other sort of punch attack, but whatever this feature is supposed to be, it is not mentioned in either the toy's instructions, or on its packaging.

:No, his kibble can't transform into a chair. ''Aww''.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/Bulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Voyager Bulkhead at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|Activator}}
[[Image:TFAnimated Activators Bulkhead.jpg|300px|thumb|right|"Whoa, I thought I was super-deformed ''before''..."]]
* '''Bulkhead''' (Activator, 2008)

: [[Activators]] Bulkhead can autotransform from a compressed version of a SWAT military van into his robot form when the middle siren bar is pressed. The vehicle mode lacks the back section's doors and bumper to better accommodate the gimmick, which leaves his robot mode's hands sticking out.

: His kibble is unable to become a chair as well. '''''Awww'''''. Unless you take the back-piece and switch it round and have him sit on it in a kind of... warped way.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/ActBulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Activators Bulkhead at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|Leader}}
[[Image:TFAnimated Leader Bulkhead toy.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Tired of being known as "the big guy with a gentle heart", Bulkhead became more trigger happy than [[Triggerhappy]].]]
* '''Bulkhead''' (Leader, 2008)
**''Accessories'': 4 "air torpedoes"

: This version of Bulkhead is decidedly more heavily armed than others, with the most distinctive additions to his arsenal coming in the form of a double-barreled turret for his vehicle mode, two missile racks (one per arm, each holding two removable "air torpedoes"), and a buzzsaw in his right hand, which spins when a black tab on his forearm is pressed. He ''doesn't'' have a wrecking ball, but his other hand does feature a "grabby" action, allowing you to clench and open his fingers by sliding a tab in his arm.

:Bulkhead is outfitted with a significant array of electronic light and sound gimmicks. Pressing the Autobot insignia on his chest in robot mode causes his head to turn, his mouth to open , as he speaks one of three sound clips—"Sorry, my bad," "You can do it, buddy!", and "Time for the big guns!"—accompanied by flashing yellow lights in his chest, shoulders and eyes. During transformation, when the vehicle mode turret is snapped into or out of place, the classic transformation sound effect plays as his lights flash. In vehicle mode, pressing the Autobot insignia activates a siren noise, which lasts as long as the button is held down and is accompanied by flashing red LEDs that illuminate his vehicle's light bar. Bulkhead also comes packaged with the [[Headmaster (Animated)|Headmaster]] unit, which can fit over the figure's head, altering his sound and changing his yellow lights to red. Once in place, the Headmaster will scream "Ownage! Total ownage!", and all of Bulkhead's lights flash, illuminating the villain's translucent horns. This is the Headmaster's only phrase; pressing Bulkhead's insignia repeats the effects. The Headmaster accessory fits over all other Leader class figures.

: The packaging photography and lineart indicate that Bulkhead's electronic lights shine a more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] blue (well, accurate for his eyes, anyway). The final produced toy has yellow lights instead, because blue LEDs are apparently really expensive.

: ''This'' version of Bulkhead ''can'' [http://kyq.kuiki.net/randompics/tfa/chairhead.jpg transform his kibble into a chair]! Hooray!

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/LeaderBulkhead/bulkhead.htm More information on Leader Bulkhead at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BumperBattler}}
[[Image:BumperBattlers Bulkhead toy.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Bulkhead now knows how [[Han Solo]] feels.]]

* '''Bulkhead''' (Bumper Battler, 2008)

: Bulkhead is part of the second wave of [[Bumper Battlers]]. Pressing on the vehicle mode's front bumper activates electronic noises and pops up the roof, revealing a relief of Bulkhead's robot form. Pressing on the Autobot [[faction symbol]] on the hood activates a randomly-assembled collection of sound effects and voice samples.

==Notes==
* Out of the five main Autobot characters, Bulkhead is the only one who doesn't have a Generation 1 counterpart. However, his color and star symbols make him visually somewhat reminiscent of [[Hound (G1)|Hound]].
[[Image:RedBulkhead.jpg|thumb|right|Bulkred. Redhead? [[Big Red]]! Wyatt totally got paid for this.]]
* Bulkhead's design and demeanor likely owe themselves to Crunch from ''[[wikipedia:Mighty Orbots|Mighty Orbots]]'', a series [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] has admitted as being an inspiration.
* [[wikipedia:Patrick Star|another]] big lug with a [[Bill Fagerbakke|similar]] voice, Bulkhead is best friends with a [[wikipedia:SpongeBob SquarePants (character)|little]] [[Bumblebee (Animated)|yellow guy]]. Obviously this analogy [[Tom Kenny|only goes]] [[Starscream (Animated)|so far]].
* Upon seeing a red [[Prototype|test shot]] of Bulkhead's ''Voyager''-class toy, Derrick J. Wyatt recolored a Bulkhead character model in the test shot's colors—on company time! [http://derrickjwyatt.blogspot.com/2007/09/bulkhead-toy.html]
* According to Wyatt, the additional weaponry the Leader-class toy possesses is supposed to represent the alterations the Headmaster would have made if he had possessed the body longer.
* While Bulkhead's Earth form features no continuous tracks, he still has them on his feet, like in his Cybertron form. This is probably an animation error that stayed in the show. The toy's legs are more developed, as the front wheels form the backs of the feet. The leader class toy, though, is show accurate in the sense that flipping out his feet will reveal the tracks.
* After his reformatting into his APC mode, Bulkhead's robot mode [[kibble]] changes from the ''front'' of his vehicle mode (where it forms the scoop of the bulldozer) to the ''back'', where it forms the doors of the truck.
[[Image:Bulkheadchair.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The next step in Transformers evolution is here!]]
* Bulkhead can form his [[kibble]] into a chair. This is awesome.
* Bulkhead has a storage place in his chest which opens in at least two ways, like a drawer and/or like a door.
* Bulkhead's eyes can extend from his face and act as a microscope, as shown in "[[Rise of the Constructicons]]". This is slightly strange, but also awesome.
* For a clumsy "repair bot" with little or no fighting experience, Bulkhead is surprisingly effective on the battlefield. He was almost singlehandedly responsible for defeating the Dinobots in "[[Blast from the Past]]", he proved highly effective against them once again in a rematch in "[[Survival of the Fittest]]", and he defeated the more powerful Lugnut in a one-on-one confrontation in "[[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]". He was also the only character to suspect Soundwave of being evil until it was too late, at which point Bulkhead once again saved the day by defeating him in "[[Sound and Fury]]".
* In spite of the visual differences, it would appear that rather than simply swapping out his hands for his signature wrecking balls, Bulkhead's hands actually transform to ''become'' the wrecking balls. Although most episodes show his hand simply retract and then be replaced by the ball, a few instances show it actually stay in place, blur and change into the ball. Furthermore, in cases where Bulkhead has had the tether-line of his wrecking ball severed, he remains conspicuously handless until the ball is re-attached, such as in "[[Transform and Roll Out]]" and "[[Megatron Rising - Part 2]]".
* Bulkhead's vehicle mode design was used as the basis for [[Blurr (G1)|Generation 1 Blurr]]'s personal transport in [[Spotlight: Blurr]].
* Bulkhead comes from an [[Energon (franchise)|Energon]] farm? [[Bulkhead (Energon)|Hmmm...]]

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[[Category:Animated characters]]
[[Category:Engineers]]

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The Transformers (toyline)

Clocker (Cybertron)

Misassembly

Misassembly

Hot Rod (G1)/toys

To sell toys

Obsidian (BM)

Variant

Variant

Bumblebee (Animated)

File:RotorboltCatalog.jpg

Crankstart

Trypticon (WFC)

Snapper

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Enter the Nightbird

Hoist (Movie)

Toys"R"Us

Rampage (ROTF)

The Transformers (Chinese toyline)

Classics (Europe)

Sky Garry (G1)

Inferno (Energon)

The Immobilizer

Mini-Con

Size class

Size class

Size class

Alignment

Bonecrusher (Movie)

Barricade (Movie)

Cheetor (BW)/toys

Tow-Line (Energon)

Dirt Boss (Cybertron)

Rodimus (Energon)

Megatron (Animated)

Bulkhead (Animated)

ShÅ«ta GÅ