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Mochibots Transformers Plush

2025-03-25T05:14:02Z

Gladiatrix: spag

[[File:MochibottsuPrime.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|I shall take the burden hardest to bear- being soft ''AND'' marketable!]]
Mochibots (もちぼっつ ''Mochibottsu'') are a line of small collectible plush toys made in the popular "Fumo" style, with simplistic, round features. This style is typically used with plushies based off of anime and manga, with [[amiami]] producing similar plushies for other licensed properties.

First introduced in the Summer of [[2023]], new product has come out in small waves ever since, typically based off of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Sunbow cartoon's'']] designs and models, with only a few products breaking out of the Generation One aesthetic, with the Shattered Glass incarnations of [[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (SG)| Megatron]] being the first non-G1 characters to be introduced in the line.

Produced by popular Japanese collectible store [[amiami]], these plush toys are distributed exclusively in Asian markets, though they have seen limited release in other territories.

Cyber-sleeve

2024-05-26T03:23:30Z

Gladiatrix: grammar

[[File:EarthSpark-Traditions-RobbyCyber-Sleeve.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Less useful than an [[Ben 10|Omnitrix]] or Pipboy but only half as life-threatening!]]
'''Cyber-sleeves''' are mysterious devices bestowed on [[human]]s by the [[Emberstone]]. A cyber-sleeve forms a tele-emotional connection between the human wearing it and the [[Terran]]s, the [[Transformer]] species also created by the Emberstone. They take the form of a flexible metallic sleeve covering the human's arm and hand, with a light on the back of the hand which glows when an exceptionally powerful emotion is passed on.

{{quote|Those come off, right?|[[Dot Malto]]|"[[Secret Legacy, Part 2]]"}}

==Fiction==
===''Earthspark'' cartoon===
[[File:EarthSpark-SecretLegacy1-MoCyberSleeveForm.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Let those who worship evil's might,'' ''Beware my power...'']]
When [[Robby Malto|Robby]] and [[Mo Malto]] grabbed the Emberstone, it restrained their hands with green energy which coalesced to form their cyber-sleeves. Once [[Twitch]] and [[Thrash (ES)|Thrash]] were created, the two kids quickly realized that the cyber-sleeves were letting them feel the [[Terran]]s' emotional states. When Robby and Twitch touched their hands together, the interaction caused a blinding light. {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 1}} Robby was later able to sense through the link when Mo and Thrash were menaced by [[Arachnamech]]s. After Twitch and Thrash were abducted by [[Mandroid]], Mo and Robby were able to sense which direction their emotions were coming from, leading the rescue team to Mandroid's base. {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 2}}

Learning that the Terrans had to feel safe and calm to transform, [[Bumblebee (ES)|Bumblebee]] had Robby and Mo help Thrash regain his alternate mode. {{storylink|Moo-ving In}} While Robby was out looking for his father, Arachnamechs started chasing him with the aim of obtaining his cyber-sleeve. {{storylink|Traditions}} As Twitch and Thrash's energy began to deplete, their increasing mechanical malfunctions began leaking through the link to Robby and Mo, causing the two kids to physically flail about. The emotions transferring over the link cut off once the two Terrans entered the later stages of energy depletion, until they were able to recharge. {{storylink|Friends and Family}} After the Emberstone created [[Hashtag (ES)|Hashtag]], [[Jawbreaker (ES)|Jawbreaker]] and [[Nightshade (ES)|Nightshade]], the kids' cyber-sleeve link also extended to the three new Terrans. {{storylink|Age of Evolution, Part 2}}

When Hashtag found herself under the control of Mandroid, Robby and Mo were empowered, via their sleeves, by the same mysterious energy as the remaining Terrans that allowed them overcome Mandroid's control of her. While the Terrans liked the surge of power that went through them, Mo was worried by it. {{storylink|Home, Part 2}}

[[Robby Malto]] discovered the ability to emit an energy shield from the sleeve and later the ability to generate an energy body that surrounds him to fight a holographic [[Megatron (ES)|Megatron]]. The cyber-sleeves became deactivated and with the tele-emotional connection no longer functioning left the Terrans feeling alone for the first time. {{storylink|Disarmed}}

[[Mo Malto]] discovered the ability to emit a crystalline short sword from her sleeve. She also discovered the ability to possibly stop time. {{storylink|Prime Time (episode)|Prime Time}}

==Toys==
===''EarthSpark''===
[[File:TF-ES-Spin-Changer-OP-Mo-Malto-figurine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.56|]]
* '''Bumblebee & Mo Malto''' (Spin Changer, 2023)
: The figurine of Mo Malto included with Spin Changer Bumblebee features a sculpted Cyber-sleeve on her left arm.

{{-}}

[[File:TF-ES-Spin-Changer-OP-Robby-Malto-figurine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.56|]]
* '''Optimus Prime & Robby Malto''' (Spin Changer, 2023)
: The figurine of Robby Malto included with Spin Changer Optimus Prime has a Cyber-sleeve on his right arm. The included shield accessory can be attached to Robby's Cyber-sleeve arm.
{{-}}
==Merchandise==
===''EarthSpark''===
[[File:Earthspark Cyber-Sleeve Battle Blaster .jpg|thumb|upright=1.56|]]
* '''Earthspark Cyber-Sleeve Battle Blaster''' (2023)
:*''Accessories'': 3 foam darts
:A [[roleplay toy]] version of Mo's cyber-sleeve, it features two different play options. The first is a retractable transparent green Cyber-Sword mode. The second is a blaster mode, able to fire one of the three included [[Nerf]] darts. The remaining two darts can be stored in the front of the cyber-sleeve.
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
* ''Japanese:'' '''Cyber-sleeve''' (サイバー・スリーブ ''saibā surību'')
* ''French:'' '''Cyber-manchette''' ("Cyber-sleeve"), '''Manchette cybernétique''' (''Expedition'', "Cybernetic sleeve")

[[Category:EarthSpark technology]]

Rad White

2023-06-12T23:44:55Z

Gladiatrix: adding page link

{{disambig2|the human from Armada|the human from Shattered Glass|Brad White}}
:''Rad is an [[Autobot]]-allied [[human]] from the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''

[[File:Armada Rad character model.jpg|thumb|200px|...and I want to tell you about the Traaaaaaaaaaansformers!]]

'''Bradley "Rad" White''' is your typical kid who's the son of [[Rad White's parents|brilliant scientists]]. He likes to [[High Wire (Armada)|ride his bike]], he likes to explore caves, he likes to grab excitedly at radioactive things—wait, what?

Basically, Rad has a natural, insatiable curiosity about all things. Unfortunately, this curiosity goes unchecked when he's hanging out with his best friend [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], so it takes the watchful eye of the intelligent-but-much-more-reserved [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] to keep them both out of trouble. His parents hope that some day Rad can channel this curiosity more productively.

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====''Armada'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Kirby Morrow]] (English), [[Masataka Nakai]], [[Akiko Toda]] (young) (Japanese)|[[Jiang Guangtao]] (Chinese), [[Christian Jernbro]] (Swedish), [[Yoann Sover]] (French), [[Samuel Harjanne]] (Finnish), [[Stefan Günther]] (German), [[Stefano Crescentini]] (Italian), [[Blanca Rada]] (Castilian Spanish), [[Juan Carlos Vázquez]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[João Cappelli]] (Brazilian Portuguese)}}

When Rad was a young boy, his parents moved to a new home near the [[Cosmoscope Research Center]]. Due to a bending of time, he had a vision of the [[Transformer]]s and [[Mini-Con]]s, but his parents just dismissed this as a wild imagination.

[[File:Firstenclight.JPG|left|thumb|upright=1.66|"It's radioactive? Sweet!" *grab*]]

Years later, he and [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] went exploring into the caverns deep beneath the local observatory. Inside, they found the curious remains of a clearly artificial construction, seemingly far in advance of human technology. Against the advice of Carlos, Rad was drawn towards a [[Mini-Con storage panel|glowing, green, pentagonal artifact]] half-buried in the rubble. When he touched it, the entire structure began to shake, suddenly springing to life as thousands of computers lit up the walls.

At home, [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] felt the tremors and used her computer to pinpoint the epicenter of the apparent earthquake as the mountain caverns that Rad and Carlos were exploring. Similarly, the scientists and researchers at the observatory were baffled by the sudden movement of the Earth. As Rad and Carlos made their escape with the artifact, a bright light engulfed the chamber they were in, simultaneously shutting down all electronic equipment in Lincoln, as well as emitting three distinctly coloured distress signal beams into the sky.

One beam, green, reached an [[Exodus (Armada)|ancient starship wreck]] on the dark side of the Moon, causing it to fire hundreds of smaller beams of green light at the [[Earth]]. The two remaining signal beams, coloured red and purple, continued deep into space until they reached [[Cybertron (planet)|a cold, distant, metal world]].

Little did Rad know that he had unwittingly set in motion the next destructive phase in the great Transformers war, an endless battle of rage and hatred between the heroic [[Autobot]]s and the evil [[Decepticon]]s. Thanks a lot, kid. {{storylink|First Encounter}}

After being joined by Alexis, the kids attempted to flee on [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]], but were stopped by the arrival of [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. Demolishor tried to grab the boys, but they were saved by the arrival of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Hot Shot]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]. Rad fled back into the cave, calling Carlos and Alexis after him. Rad was sure they'd be safe there, but Alexis was concerned that the bigger robots might still follow them. High Wire led the three into a smaller room, to Alexis' further distress; Rad and Carlos, however, assured her that they'd be safer there. While in there, he accessed the ship's computer and the kids learned about the Transformer conflict.

At this point, High Wire activated a hidden storage panel, revealing [[Grindor (Armada)|Grindor]] and [[Sureshock (Armada)|Sureshock]], who bonded to Carlos and Alexis. The [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] took their new friends out to play in the woods, but ran into Megatron. The timely arrival of Optimus Prime initially seemed to Rad and Carlos to make things worse, but when Alexis said she trusted the big Autobot, the boys admitted they felt they could do so as well.

Optimus Prime took them into his cab and sped off to a distant location, where he set them down. Unfortunately, Megatron had followed close behind, and so Optimus had to combine with his [[trailer]] to fight him off. {{storylink|Metamorphosis (Armada)|Metamorphosis}} The commanders' battle caused a landslide to fall on the kids, but they were shielded by Hot Shot. They then dug up some more Mini-Cons, but two of those were stolen by Cyclonus. The Decepticons retreated, and so the kids and robots made proper introductions. Rad was particularly upset by the idea that he had started a massive war by reactivating High Wire.

The next day at school, [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] grilled them over recent earthquakes; Rad and Carlos played dumb, while Alexis pointed out that if there was an earthquake, it would have been mentioned on the news. When Billy asked where Rad got his new bike, Rad claimed it was a birthday present from his grandmother. He and Carlos headed on up to the mountain; on the way, Alexis chewed them out for almost blowing their cover.

At the Autobots' base, Optimus Prime presented them with [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] to aid them with their reconnaissance work; right then, another Mini-Con was detected {{storylink|Base}} in the [[Grand Canyon|Big Canyon]]. The kids ran out with the Autobots, Rad falling slightly behind, and got spiffy new adventure suits on the way.

When they got to the canyon, Rad was initially left alone once again when Alexis and Hot Shot sped off, forgetting him. They came back, though. Hot Shot then sped off as fast as he could over the rough terrain, severely shaking up the two humans. Rad sent Laserbeak off to find the Mini-Con, and was himself chided by Alexis for being a coward.

[[File:Comrade drivingHotShot.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|They're going to be exactly like this when they're thirty.]]

When the Mini-Con was finally found, Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Starscream simultaneously tried to claim it. Rad gave a yell of concern, which inspired High Wire, Grindor, and Sureshock to combine into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]], who in turn managed to hold off both Megatron and Starscream. Optimus Prime claimed the Mini-Con—who turned out to be his old partner, [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]—and the kids helped dig up Hot Shot form where he'd gotten himself buried {{storylink|Comrade}}.

Later, they played tag with Hot Shot, which got him in trouble with Optimus Prime as he was supposed to be helping Red Alert install some equipment. They then went to find a new Mini-Con in [[Antarctica]], where Rad and Alexis rode in Red Alert while Carlos went with Hot Shot. Red Alert ended up having to save Carlos and Hot Shot from Starscream {{storylink|Soldier (episode)|Soldier}}.

[[File:Jungle-Butterfingers.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.66|When your girlfriend sees your Transformers collection, she sees this.]]

Rad later came up with the sensible notion of bringing some camping supplies to the Autobot base in case they ever had to stay the night. Soon after he got them to the base, another Mini-Con was detected, and so the good guys all warped over to a forest. Carlos found a path that had been cut down by illegal loggers, prompting Rad to make a speech about how important it is to protect the environment.

During this mission, Rad used Laserbeak to find the Mini-Con, [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]]. However, the Decepticons also found him, and started a forest fire. At Rad's insistence, the Autobots temporarily broke off their search to protect the animals, allowing Starscream to make off with Swindle. Rad felt guilty about this, but Optimus Prime assured him that his heart was in the right place. {{Storylink|Jungle}}

Back at the base, the kids tried to wake up the dormant Mini-Con they'd found in Antarctica, but to no avail. Rad and Carlos fell for the old "pass me that spanner that's clearly too big for your species to lift" joke and, seeing there was nothing they could do to help, decided to take High Wire and Grindor to a local carnival, followed by [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], [[Longarm (Armada)|Longarm]], and [[Jolt (Armada)|Jolt]].

At the carnival, the boys were initially concerned that bringing five alien robots to a crowded area might blow their cover, but quickly came up with the idea of telling everyone they were super-advanced [[human]]-developed robots that would be available for purchase in the future. After a while, the boys tried to take the robots home, but it turned out that Billy and Fred were also at the carnival, and got suspicious. They tried to capture one of the Mini-Con, causing the entire situation to descend into slapstick farce.

[[File:Palace-Exploring.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|]]

They were saved by the timely arrival of Hot Shot, Sureshock, and Alexis, who managed to get things under control, swore Billy and Fred to secrecy, and gave the lads a good scolding. As punishment, Rad and Carlos had to clean up their quarters back at the base. {{storylink|Carnival}} The kids later accompanied the Autobots to the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]], and fell into a sand pit after an altercation with Demolishor. They found themselves in an ancient temple, where they were attacked by ancient guardian robots, but fortunately Demolishor was there to blow them up. Further into the temple, they found a Mini-Con storage panel; Carlos accidentally activated a trap, and Rad knocked him out of the way. After that, the floor collapsed, but Perceptor was able to rescue them. Demolishor got the Mini-Con. {{storylink|Palace}}

The next day, back in America, Billy and Fred pursued the three to the Autobot base. Rad, Carlos, and Alexis all tried to outrun them, but soon had to split up when Cyclonus attempted to capture them. Cyclonus chased after Rad, but was thrown off the trail by Laserbeak and so captured Billy and Fred instead, intending to hold them for ransom. They tracked Laserbeak to a ghost town, where the kids tried to rescue the bullies, but all ended up being captured by Megatron, who demanded Optimus Prime hand over all their Autobots' Mini-Cons in exchange for the humans' lives. Optimus Prime went through with it, but Megatron, naturally, refused to hand them over. However, Rad was able to use Laserbeak to free all the other humans, and Hot Shot was able to rescue Rad with Fred's surprising help. {{storylink|Confrontation (episode)|Confrontation}}

The day after that, when Hot Shot whined about having to do work on the ship, Rad facetiously offered to take his place. Before anything could come of this, however, a new Mini-Con was detected in a disused subway system. The kids accompanied the Autobots in their search and actually managed to find the storage panel; as soon as they did, however, [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], who had been discreetly following them, stumbled onto the scene. Mistaking him for a Decepticon, the kids took off, and encountered the real Decepticons in their flight. Smokescreen revealed himself to be their ally just in time for him to rescue Rad and the others from being crushed by a pile of rubble. {{storylink|Underground (episode)|Underground}}

[[File:Ruin-Hologram.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.4|]]

A while after that, the Autobots received a transmission from [[Atlantis]] and took the kids with them to search for yet another Mini-Con. At the ruins, while the Autobots fought the Decepticons, the kids went inside to look around. A [[Hologram|holographic]] display activated, and Carlos chased after the hologram of [[Amphitrite]]; Rad and Alexis followed. 'Amphitrite' gave them a canned history of Atlantis, focusing on how its inhabitants used the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] to dominate the world, and were eventually defeated by another civilisation who wielded the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]]. Despite this warning of the danger of the Mini-Cons' power, the kids decided to find the Mini-Con in Atlantis anyway, but it was claimed by [[Leader-1 (Armada)|Leader-1]] for the Decepticons. Dejected, the kids left with Optimus Prime. Rad tried to comfort Carlos, {{storylink|Ruin}} and when they got back, mused that at last he knew what happened to Atlantis.

He asked Optimus Prime if there was any way to end the war with the Decepticons, to which Optimus gave him the origin of the war and what he knew of the Mini-Cons. Rad changed his line of questioning, asking if there was a way to fight without involving the Mini-Cons; Optimus responded that the Decepticons would use Mini-Cons to fight anyway, and so the Autobots had to do the same to prevent them from capturing any more than they already had.

While searching for the Mini-Con of the week, this time on a volcanic island, Rad sent Laserbeak to look for it at Alexis' prompting. They found it, but it was carried off in a lava floe, and eventually claimed by Red Alert. During this adventure, Rad was moved by the Autobot-aligned Mini-Cons leaping into the fray to protect one of their own from falling into Decepticon hands. Seeing this put his mind at ease over the smaller robots being part of the war. {{storylink|Prehistory}}

After that adventure, the trio decided to give Billy and Fred a tour of the Autobot base, but were separated when the Decepticons attacked. Since the bullies were in danger of the automatic defenses, said defenses were shut off, allowing the Decepticons to penetrate deeper into the base that anyone would have liked. The Autobots had to turn to trickier tactics to get rid of the intruders, and Rad helped out by leading Cyclonus to the warp gate and teleporting him out of the base. After a battle, the Star Saber was reassembled and put in the hands of Hot Shot, so the day ultimately turned out all right. {{storylink|Swoop (episode)|Swoop}}

The next day, Rad and Carlos tried to sort out the human quarters on the base while Alexis and Sureshock were out shopping. For some reason, the fridge was full of tools. {{storylink|Overmatch}}

When Alexis tracked down the next Mini-Con, the trio, plus Billy and Fred, rushed off with the Autobots to cheer them on; Rad and Carlos rode in Hot Shot. They were let out so Hot Shot could focus on fighting Cyclonus. At that point, [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] arrived and dropped off Billy, who clung onto Rad often his wild ride. After the Autobots managed to acquire [[Spiral]], Alexis and Rad discussed Sideways. Both were deeply suspicious of him, but they decided not to raise their misgivings with Optimus Prime in case it turned out their first impressions were false. {{storylink|Gale}}

When Hot Shot and Sideways were warped to the Decepticons' base, Rad worried over whether or not they would return safely. Some of the other kids were certain that while the Star Saber was in his possession, Hot Shot could handle anything the evil robots could throw at him. This didn't turn out to be true; Rad witnessed Hot Shot return to Autobot headquarters barely alive, minus his sword and his partner; Sideways had betrayed the Autobots! {{storylink|Credulous}}

With Hot Shot feeling naturally depressed about this disaster, all five kids tried to cheer him up by making silly faces. Though it worked, it still wasn't enough for the Autobots to win their next confrontation with the Decepticons. Soon after, however, Scavenger came over to the Autobots, and revealed he had been a double agent all along. {{storylink|Conspiracy}}

In the aftermath of Sideways' betrayal, the trio weren't exactly eager to trust Scavenger. He seemed to be more interested in sleeping than mentoring Hot Shot, but when the kids tried to raise this with Optimus Prime, his explanation was cut short by the detection of still another Mini-Con. The Autobots warped off to somewhere with a lot of snow, while the kids observed from back at base. Scavenger heroically saved Optimus Prime's life, very nearly plunging to his own [[death]], and so the kids (and Smokescreen) apologised to him for their earlier suspicions when he got back, Scavenger accepted with characteristic stoicism. {{storylink|Trust (Armada)|Trust}}

At some point after that incident, the boys went on a camping trip with Hot Shot and Red Alert, forgetting to tell Alexis. Carlos, Fred, and Billy played in the water and invited a little boy named Shaun to play with them, while Rad tried his hand at fishing.

That evening, a storm blew in, resulting in a landslide which trapped Red Alert, Carlos, and Shaun beneath a massive pile of mud. Optimus Prime ordered Red Alert to transform in order to escape, but Rad explained that there was a human news crew present, and so Red Alert transforming would completely blow the Autobots' cover. Hence, he deployed Laserbeak to distract the reporters while the rest of the Autobots rolled in and saved the day in their [[Alternate mode|altmodes]]. Everybody returned to base post haste, where they found Alexis waiting with baited breath. Fond reunions were had be all. {{storylink|Vacation}}

All five kids observed the battle in which [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] made his first appearance. They tried to make friends with the new arrival, but he turned out to belong to the monosyllabic loner school of heroism. When Blurr and Hot Shot's attitudes led to the Decepticons getting their servos on [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]], Alexis and Rad gave Hot Shot a talking down for letting his competitiveness get the better of him. The loss did also cause Blurr to mellow out however, and the kids were glad to see that Hot Shot and Blurr formed a friendship later that evening. {{storylink|Reinforcement}}

The next day, Blurr and Hot Shot trained together while the kids watched. They also congratulated Smokescreen for succeeding in a test where Hot Shot failed, even though Hot Shot only failed because he was competing with Blurr in addition to trying to dodge the obstacles.

This session was interrupted when Megatron challenged all the Autobots to a final, decisive battle. Due to the danger, the kids were left at the base to watch the proceedings from afar. Megatron would have won if Optimus Prime hadn't managed to get his hands on the Skyboom shield, and when the Star Saber was used against the shield, a mighty light was released which Rad and Alexis recognised as the same one that they had seen when High Wire was awoken. This light streaked off into space, to awaken [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Decisive Battle}}

Despite this victory, Optimus Prime decided the situation was too dangerous for the kids and barred them from the base. Frustrated, they wandered off, but were soon joined by the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]], who had received a transmission from the Decepticon-allied Mini-Cons. Fred figured that the Decepticon Mini-Cons were lonely and wanted to join up with their friends on Earth, so he and Rad went to deliver the message to Optimus Prime. The rest of the kids headed to the coordinates where the Decepticon-allied Mini-Cons were supposed to warp in. Unable to enter the base, Rad used Laserbeak to deliver the message, prompting Optimus Prime and Hot Shot to emerge and take matters into their own hands; Blurr and Smokescreen followed.

However, the transmission turned out to be a trap orchestrated by Megatron, who was seeking to divide and conquer. Rad, Fred, and the bulk of the Autobot forces found themselves scattered around the globe via a series of Warp Gates. Along the way, Optimus explained that the Mini-Cons viewed Megatron as something akin to a father-figure, and thus his control would not be easy to break. After bringing them to a desert, Megatron and his Mini-Cons fought Optimus Prime while Rad and Fred stood on the sidelines. Optimus Prime's refusal to harm the Mini-Cons led to them defecting to the Autobots, just as Alexis managed to re-establish contact with the group. The rest of the Autobots teleported in and drove off Megatron, leaving the Autobots victorious once again. {{storylink|Vow}}

After that adventure, the kids were allowed back into the Autobots' base, but were still not taken on missions. Rad found himself in the unenviable position to trying to keep the bored Carlos and cranky Alexis from murdering each other. Despite not being at the front of the action, the war would still impinge on their lives when Sideways hacked the Autobots' computer system. Despite Rad and Alexis' best efforts, Sideways's virus quickly took control of the base and projected himself into it. Faced with no other options, the trio resorted to physically smashing the terminals, which granted them a brief reprieve.

However, this relief proved to be short-lived when Sideways sucked the minds of the kids as well as their partner Mini-Cons into a cyberspace landscape of his own devising. Rad and Carlos actually enjoyed the lack of gravity in this new realm for a while before Sideways's digital avatar appeared to them and tried to claim their Mini-Cons.

Back at the base, Billy and Fred tried to wake the trio up. Meanwhile, in cyberspace, the kids and Mini-Cons fled Sideways, and discovered that all they saw was just an elaborate illusion. Sideways managed to capture Sureshock, but then Alexis realized that since he had gone to so much effort, he clearly wasn't in control of this illusion - and also that he couldn't really harm them.

At this, Sideways panicked and made a desperate bid to take the Mini-Cons, but the kids' lack of belief in the world they saw put paid to that plan. At that point, a massive force of evil manifested in cyberspace - Unicron, the one entity Sideways feared! The kids fled back to the meatspace through a portal opened by Red Alert, leaving Sideways to his master's mercies. {{storylink|Chase (episode)|Chase}}

When Fred tried to tell the others about strange lights seen recently in space, Rad just thought he was being silly. All the kids expressed relief when Sideways appeared on the battlefield during the next Mini-Con related skirmish, as this meant he couldn't hack their system again. The Autobots won this battle, bringing [[Prowl (Armada)|Prowl]] into the fold, and the kids were all there to welcome him when they took him back to base. When Fred's story about strange lights turned out to be the arrival of [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], Rad was especially pleased to welcome the newest Autobot. {{Storylink|Tactician}}

In a subsequent battle, Optimus Prime was seriously injured, forcing Jetfire to take command. None of the kids were impressed by the new guy's constant boasting. They also got a brief history lesson on battles the Autobots had lost due to Thrust's tactical genius; while Carlos was confident that Jetfire could easily counter Thrust, the others weren't so sure.

As it turned out, the kids were right about Jetfire, as his overconfidence nearly led to the Autobots being taken out after he got himself caught in another of Thrust's ambushes. To his credit, Jetfire was contrite, saying he had learned his lesson and would be more cautious in the future. {{storylink|Linkup}}

The next day, the kids watched Jetfire and Smokescreen have an arm-wrestling competition. They also filled in Jetfire on who Sideways was and what he had previously gotten up to. Jetfire then displayed his cunning side by showing the kids a still of Sideways shooting down Cyclonus after Sideways had defected, which cast doubt on the turncoat's allegiance to the Decepticons. The kids tried to figure out what Sideways's deal was, while the Autobots went to obtain yet another Mini-Con. {{storylink|Detection}}

While the Autobots were dealing with [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]], two Mini-Cons were detected in addition to the one the Transformers were at the time specifically fighting over - one on the Moon, and the other right in the Autobot base! The kids and Street Action Mini-Cons rushed off to look for the one on Earth, locating it when Fred fell through a rotten floor. This Mini-Con revealed itself as [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] before shooting High Wire and running off. {{storylink|Awakening (Armada)|Awakening}} The kids gave chase, and Rad managed to persuade Sky Blast that he wasn't in any danger. After Rad promised his protection to Sky Blast, Red Alert took the Mini-Con, Rad, and Carlos to the beach where the factions' main forces were duking it out; while Alexis alerted the other Autobots to the situation, Rad and Carlos sought out [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]].

The situation was growing grimmer for the Autobots until Sky Blast walked off and played a melody which awoke both Payload on the beach and [[Astroscope]] on the moon; the three Mini-Cons came together and did indeed form the Requiem Blaster, which Optimus Prime obtained and used, forcing the Decepticons to retreat. Rad realized that the Mini-Cons weren't afraid of fighting ''per se'', but rather of their power falling into the wrong hands. {{storylink|Desperate}}

Out of concern for the rights of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]], Rad and the other kids disguised the Mini-Cons in baggy clothes and took them to a farm outside the city, pursued by the Autobots. At an abandoned farmhouse, they set up a complex system of home-made traps and alarms which worked surprisingly well when Thrust inevitably arrived; while they didn't manage to actually stop the Decepticon, they did delay him long enough for Optimus Prime to arrive and drive him off.

When the other Autobots arrived, Rad took a stand and urged the Autobots to see the Mini-Cons as individuals, not as weapons of war to be exploited and then tossed aside. Surprisingly, Optimus Prime had much the same view, and explained that they were fighting so the Mini-Cons would be free to live in peace, and if any of them wanted to join the struggle, that was their decision. Satisfied, the kids and Mini-Cons returned to base. {{storylink|Runaway}}

All three kids were present when [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] made his rather eager appearance at the base, but they weren't terribly impressed and went off to play a video game {{storylink|Past}} at which Alexis beat all comers. {{storylink|Past II}}

Later, the kids stayed at the base with Red Alert when the Autobots went out to counter a Decepticon attack. However, this attack proved to be nothing more than a distraction posed by Starscream, while the rest of the 'Cons attacked the Autobot base in search of the Requiem Blaster. The kids ran for hiding before the Autobots warped back, and bore witness to Megatron obtaining the Blaster and using it on Smokescreen, apparently killing him. {{storylink|Sacrifice}} Smokescreen clung to life, if only barely, and Red Alert went to task fixing him. As they watched, the children were given a brief lesson in Cybertronian anatomy, specifically on what a [[Spark]] was. Afterwards, Starscream joined the ranks of the Autobots. Though the kids were initially suspicious, they eventually welcomed him when they saw his attendant Mini-Cons genuinely looked up to him. {{storylink|Regeneration (Armada)|Regeneration}} Despite this display of camaraderie, Starscream dismissed them, as he was only concerned with defeating Megatron. The kids' favorable opinion on Starscream was further cemented when they watched him aid the Autobots rescue the Decepticon-held Mini-Cons from the enemy's moonbase. {{storylink|Rescue}} Later, the kids asked Starscream to bring them back a souvenir when he and Jetfire travelled to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] in search of a Mini-Con panel. In spite of his rude, lone-wolf demeanor, Starscream brought back a mysterious green rock for the kids, thus earning him a place in their hearts. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

In return for his kindness, the kids threw Starscream a surprise party, sewing a large [[Chamois of Friendship]] out of several smaller rags. Starscream was touched by this, but unfortunately still had trouble adjusting to life with the Autobots. Rad, Alexis, and Carlos later took the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] out for a walk, inadvertently leading to Starscream being accused of stealing the Skyboom Shield for the Decepticons. Though the kids explained themselves to Hot Shot, the damaged had been done, and Starscream abandoned both his gift and the Autobots when he was duped into returning to the Decepticons by [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], ostensibly so as to destroy Megatron. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}} In the aftermath, Carlos and Billy were enraged, and so Rad and Alexis had to try and calm them down. They all went home to blow off some steam; Rad watched TV without paying any attention or interest.

[[File:Rad-armada.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|''Santa Claus Conquers the Martians?'' ...well, it's this or going outside, I guess.]]
The next day, all the kids returned to the base to discover the Autobots and their allied Mini-Cons working quickly to complete the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]'' in order to retrieve the Decepticons' Mini-cons. The kids discussed Starscream a bit and decided never to speak of him again; Rad tried to comfort Alexis, but she said she was fine. At Fred's suggestion, they all went to see a comet. Afterwards, Alexis, still upset over Starscream, begun to walk away, though Rad followed to convince her to stay with her friends. Then, the comet was destroyed by the Decepticons' newly fisnished [[Hydra Cannon]]. {{storylink|Threaten}} Rad and Alexis raced back to their friends, though all the kids could only stand around wondering what to do when confronted with the awesome might the Decepticons had acquired. {{storylink|Crisis (Armada)|Crisis}}

As it turned out, the Decepticons were thwarted through the [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|noble sacrifice of Optimus Prime]]. The kids all suffered a heartfelt grief, and Rad mused that Prime knew he would die and how unfair it was that nobody on Earth knew he had saved their lives.

Over the next week, the Autobots busied themselves with completing the ''Axalon'', but Hot Shot and Scavenger soon came to blows. The kids were confused by this and watched from afar as the two fought on an abandoned highway. When the rest of the Autobots joined in abusing Hot Shot, the kids tried to persuade them that bullying their youngest member wouldn't help anything, but were overruled by Red Alert, who insisted that they had to get this out of their system. It turned out Scavenger was trying to snap Hot Shot out of his own depression. In due course, Hot Shot did come to terms with Optimus Prime's death, and everybody's morale was raised; it was raised so much so, in fact, that Hot Shot was chosen as the Autobots' new commander. {{storylink|Remorse}}

Under Hot Shot's understandably unsteady command, the ''Axalon'' was soon completed and preparations made to depart for Cybertron. The kids were looking forward to seeing another planet, and so were naturally miffed when Hot Shot told them that he was leaving them on Earth where it was safe. High Wire, too, told Rad to remain on Earth - in English, surprisingly. All the kids glumly returned home.

When he got home, Rad had breakfast with his parents and tried to subtly raise the subject of his not being allowed to leave the planet by asking them if they ever wanted to go into space. The adults brushed him off, just telling him to concentrate on his schoolwork.

That night, he woke up his parents and spilled the beans on the Transformers, Mini-Cons, and the [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|war]]. For some reason, they found his story about alien robots that turn into cars implausible, and told him to go back to bed. However, his father seemed to sense he was trying to tell the truth, and came into his room a few hours later. The two had a heart to heart talk, and father told son that he could go to Cybertron provided he promised to return.

Rad was thrilled at this, and ran over to Carlos' house at the crack of dawn. To his delight, Carlos had also packed his bags, as had Alexis, who they met after leaving. The three skipped over to the Autobot base, but when they arrived, Hot Shot once again insisted that it was too dangerous for them to come along. Upon hearing this, the Mini-Cons collectively rebelled and blocked all the ship's systems, refusing to budge until the kids were allowed on. Hot Shot relented, and the kids and Autobots blasted off into space. {{storylink|Depart}}

During the journey, the kids bore witness to the arrival of thousands of new Mini-Cons and the rebirth of Optimus Prime, {{storylink|Miracle (episode)|Miracle}} the conflict with [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], and the Mini-Con powered [[spontaneous recoloration|recoloration]] of several Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Puppet}}

Following a confrontation with the Decepticons, the Autobots arrived at Cybertron, to discover it had already been conquered by Galvatron. When the Street Action Mini-Cons tried to sneak down to the surface, Rad and Alexis supported their desire to set foot on their home planet, in opposition to Carlos' fears for the little ones' safety. {{storylink|Uprising (Armada)|Uprising}} With the Mini-Cons gone, the kids were left with nothing much to do but watch the lights of battle on the surface. They did try to stop Hot Shot making a one-robot mission to the heart of the Decepticon stronghold to warn Galvatron about the impending threat of Unicron, but then Rad persuaded everyone to let him go ahead with it. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}}

At some point, Rad found a human-sized shower on the ship and, when he was in the middle of using it, Carlos walked in. Rad expressed an odd feeling that he'd met High Wire before, but Carlos just thought he was being ''loco''.

Shortly thereafter, they got a transmission from High Wire that Hot Shot, [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]], and Starscream were independently chasing Thrust (who had in the meantime allied with Sideways and Unicron) beneath Cybertron's surface. The lads went to see Alexis, and the trio then joined up with their partner Mini-Cons to plunge deep into the heart of Cybertron.

They came across Starscream standing off against Thrust. Thrust seized the opportunity and threatened the kids with the Requiem Blaster, and so Starscream, remembering their earlier kindness, bravely threw himself into the path of the blast, saving them. At that point, time warped and the Rad found himself on Earth several years in the past, arriving at his new home. He asked where the Transformers were, but his parents just assumed he was confusing a dream with reality.

Time warped again, and he found himself with Alexis and Carlos millions of years in the past, in an [[Splinter timeline|alternate timeline]]. They encountered Hot Shot, being entangled in a semi-organic growth; Hot Shot revealed that the Mini-Cons had been created by Unicron, and the Transformers' use of them had led to the downfall of the entire race.

With that happy thought, the kids were sent back even further in time, where they witnessed the first Mini-Cons being spawned. Among these were High Wire, Sureshock, and Grindor. Rad grabbed High Wire, and the little robot imprinted in some way on the human. High Wire gained free will from this encounter, which then spread telepathically among all the other Mini-Cons. Rad urged the Mini-Cons to leave Cybertron and go to Earth, thus creating a temporal loop.

Finally, the kids were warped back to a few seconds back before Thrust killed Starscream, allowing the Mini-Cons to combine into Perceptor and knock Thrust's aim off. Thrust's blast was redirected, saving Starscream. The ceiling then collapsed, but Starscream used his own body to shield the kids while Thrust flew off. At that point, Hot Shot and Wheeljack arrived. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}}

The team continued to explore the tunnels, and the various organic... things soon separated Alexis and Starscream from the others. Rad, Carlos, the Mini-Cons, and carbots made it to the surface, where they met up with Alexis and Starscream again. Then, the group made two shocking discoveries in quick succession. First, the organic tunnels they had been exploring were actually the interior of one of Cybertron's moon. Second, that moon wasn't actually a moon, but the dormant body of Unicron. Unicron began to awaken, and Jetfire arrived just in time to take the kids to safety. {{storylink|Portent}}

When the kids learned of Starscream's demise, Alexis ran off in tears. Rad tried his best to comfort her, though he admitted to not knowing all the answers Alexis posed him in her grief. {{storylink|Cramp}} Later, he attended the cease-fire meeting between the Autobots and Decepticons. {{storylink|Alliance}}

When Optimus Prime and Galvatron managed to sneak inside Unicron, the Street Action Mini-Cons decided to infiltrate the titan's body as well. The children and Red Alert tagged along, barely avoiding getting crushed getting through the warp gate that led to Unicron's interiors. {{storylink|Union}} Red Alert was left behind, but the rest of the group soldiered forth. They found the two leaders restrained by Unicron's tentacles, with Unicron trying to verbally break Optimus Prime through Sideways' vocal synthesizer. Unicron destroyed the Mini-Cons' human-derived personalities, restoring them to blank drones, and then dragged the kids into a bizarre mindscape. However, the kids' mental fortitude was strong enough not only to break Unicron's thrall over them, but also to restore the individual personalities of the Mini-Cons. The kids and Mini-Cons then managed to release the weapons, allowing Optimus Prime to blow up Sideways with the Requiem Blaster.

However, on the way out, Galvatron challenged Optimus Prime to a final battle, {{storylink|Origin}} on the grounds that as long as both of them still existed, the hatred and enmity would last forever and thus Unicron would never be permanently defeated. The kids fled, and were picked up by Jetfire and Cyclonus on Unicron's surface. Optimus Prime won the battle, and Unicron and Galvatron were both (apparently) destroyed.

Hot Shot and Jetfire returned the kids to Earth, where they said tearful (but temporary) goodbyes. Rad thought he'd particularly miss the mini-Cons, and was also concerned for the fate of Optimus Prime. He mused that Optimus would always be a part of them. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

====''Transformers Legends'' anthology====
Rad and Alexis stared up in horror as the Decepticons unleashed the might of the Hydra Cannon towards the Earth. Though there was little they could do to stop the incoming desolation, Optimus thankfully sacrificed himself to prevent Earth's destruction.{{storylink|Prime Spark (story)|Prime Spark}}

====''Legends'' comic====
Rad was at the beach with his friends when Alexis was pulled into the [[Legends World]] to help save [[Starscream (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Starscream]] from sacrificing himself. {{storylink|LG-18 Armada Starscream Super Mode Prologue}}

====''Energon'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Kirby Morrow]] (English), [[Masataka Nakai]] (Japanese)|[[Christian Jernbro]] (Swedish), [[Vincent Barazzoni]] (French), [[Markus Blom]] (Finnish), [[Stefano Crescentini]] (Italian), [[Blanca Rada]] (Castilian Spanish)}}

[[File:Cybertron City Rad.jpg|left|thumb]]
When Dr. [[Brian Jones]] traveled to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] with his son, Kicker, he also brought along Rad, Alexis, and Carlos to the alien planet. {{storylink|Team Optimus Prime}}

By [[2020]], Rad had been shipped off to Cybertron and was working as an assistant to Dr. Jones, presumably because he wouldn't shut up about the [[Transformer]]s. Much to Dr. Jones's chagrin, [[Sally Jones|his daughter]] appeared to have a thing for Rad.

During their collaboration, Rad told Dr. Jones about a new vein of [[energon]] that had been discovered on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], right where Dr.Jones had predicted. As it happened, [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] was listening in, and sent a force of [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] to steal it. Rad and Dr. Jones received word from [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]] and alerted [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]], then activated the [[space bridge]] so the [[Autobot]]s could deal with the problem. {{storylink|Cybertron City (episode)|Cybertron City}} After the Terrorcons' first attack, Rad and Dr. Jones informed Optimus that a cache of Energon was discovered left behind on Mars City, and warned that the Terrorcons might launch another strike in light of the station's weakened defenses. Their assessment turned out to be correct. {{storylink|Megatron's Sword}}

Optimus Prime was injured in the following battle, and so Rad and Dr. Jones worked to repair the [[Prime Force]] drones. They also gave them a few tweaks and upgrades, making the overall combination and operation run smoother. {{storylink|The New Cybertron City}} He continued to act as assistant to Dr. Jones, aiding him in sending an [[Energon tower (technology)|energon tower]] to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] to repel a [[Decepticon]] attack. {{storylink|Kicker Beware!}}

[[File:Battle Stations Rad.jpg|thumb|DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DELETE DDDDEEEEELLLLEEEEETTTTEEEEE!!!]]

At some point, he travelled to Cybertron and was given command of that planet's new [[Energon grid (technology)|energon grid]]. Some time later, the ''[[Miranda II]]'' encountered the Decepticon-controlled [[Unicron]] and fled to Cybertron, where Rad activated the grid to keep the villains at bay. {{storylink|Battle Stations}} However, [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s arrival inspired the Decepticons across Cybertron to rise up and start causing chaos; worst of all, [[Shockblast]] escaped from prison, and so Rad directed [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] and Hot Shot to the manaic's location. Shockblast escaped, and so Rad tried to destroy him by manipulating the energon grid. Shockblast didn't die, but this did force the Decepticons to retreat. {{storylink|Shockblast: Rampage}} Rad then worked with [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] in an attempt to use the grid to shoot down the Decepticons' mobile fortress, but they failed due to Shockblast's next attack. {{storylink|Each One Fights...}} Wing Dagger was also injured in this fight, and so Rad rebuilt him into [[Wing Saber (Energon)|Wing Saber]], {{storylink|Unicron Unleashed}} which he accomplished with the aid of [[Primus]]. {{storylink|Open Fire!}}

Following some more battles, the other Autobots plunged into [[Alpha Q's universe|a new universe created by Alpha Q]]. Rad reported back to Dr. Jones that he had completely lost contact with all those who had traversed into this new realm. {{storylink|Team Optimus Prime}} Eventually, [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] and [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]] returned to Cybertron, where Rad greeted them. The two Autobots asked for an energon tower, which Rad seemed to think was a reasonable request, but Dr. Jones was less than thrilled. {{storylink|Bulkhead (episode)|Bulkhead}} However, the doctor evidently relented, as the Autobots were next seen with the tower they needed. {{storylink|Farewell Inferno}} Rad remained on Cybertron, overseeing the day-to-day operations while Dr. Jones sought out [[Omega Supreme (Energon)|Omega Supreme]]. When he succeeded, the two contacted Optimus Prime about this new discovery. They also rebuilt the destroyed Inferno as Roadblock, and sent him with a whole bunch of energon towers as well as Omega Supreme to aid the Autobots against Unicron. {{storylink|Omega Supreme (episode)|Omega Supreme}} Rad later heard that Optimus Prime's team was engaged in fighting Unicron, and in order to win, they would need all the energon from Cybertron. He and Dr. Jones weren't thrilled about that, but could do little to stop Primus from doing so. {{storylink|Optimus Supreme}}

[[File:Ironhide Team Rad.jpg|left|thumb|Kicker did not want to be told about the Transformers.]]

Fortunately, Unicron was apparently killed, and so Rad and Dr. Jones drank a non-alcoholic (honestly!) toast. While Dr. Jones was thrilled with recent events, Rad was concerned as to the state of Primus.

A little later, during a conversation with Sally and Miranda, he detected the arrival of Megatron, Starscream, and [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] through a warp gate and alerted Wing Saber. {{storylink|Ambition}} Rad and the Joneses hid in the control room; [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] gave a cursory search of the room and gave up to go look elsewhere, at which point they fled. {{storylink|Wishes}} Miranda cooked everybody a nice dinner, and while Brian and Sally tucked in, Rad didn't have much appetite. Sally tried to feed him a few spoonfuls, but was interrupted by an earthquake, which was caused by Galvatron trying to move Cybertron to [[Planet Q|Alpha Q's planet]]. {{storylink|Galvatron!}} Fearing the worst, the men tried to find a route down to Primus's chamber. The main elevator shaft was in ruins, but they had to jump down anyway when a [[Cruellock]] drone found them. {{storylink|Break Through}}

They eventually fell down the hole through which [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] had fallen about ten years ago, and were saved from a fatal fall by Primus, despite the entity still being in sleep mode. However, before they could do anything, [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Mirage]], Demolishor, and [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] burst into the chamber. Demolishor and Snow Cat ordered Dr. Jones to show them where the location of the [[Super Energon]], while Mirage stayed behind to guard Rad. {{storylink|The Omega Train}} Rad was rescued by Kicker and [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]], and told them where Dr. Jones had gone. {{storylink|Ironhide Team}}

[[File:Sally hugs Rad.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb]]

Rad stayed in the core to oversee to revival of Primus, {{storylink|Formidable}} and when Dr. Jones returned from trying to deal with Decepticons, Rad told him that Primus was still weak and would need a lot more energon, above and beyond what the [[Omnicon]]s had been able to provide. Meanwhile, Sally managed to infiltrate the control room and turn the base defenses against the Decepticons, which also allowed the humans and Autobots to escape the core chamber. Rad and Dr. Jones went to rendezvous with Sally, who greeted Rad with a great big hug. {{storylink|Galvatron Terror}}

Rad then returned to the core to once again oversee Primus's transfusion of energon, where he argued against Dr. Jones's haste when the Omnicons started to suffer fatigue from excess energon transfer. {{storylink|Spark (episode)|Spark}} However, they ultimately succeeded, and Primus bubbled out of Cybertron to power up Optimus Prime enough to destroy Galvatron and Unicron once and for all. Rad, along with the other humans, celebrated with a big smile. {{storylink|The Sun}}

====''Cybertron'' cartoon====
[[File:CybertronArmadaKids.jpg|left|thumb|Every girl's crazy about a sharp-dressed Rad.]]
In 2030, Rad, Carlos, and Alexis were present at the launching of the four ancient colony ships as they began the second attempt at a galaxy-spanning [[space bridge]] network. {{storylink|Beginning}}
{{note|The images of Rad, Carlos, Alexis and [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] with spectral characters from prior series did not appear in the ''Galaxy Force'' version of the show, as at the time [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] had taken the position of the show being a [[continuity|continuity reboot]]... a position they later [[retcon]]ned, placing it as the direct sequel to ''Super Link'' as was originally planned. Confused yet?}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' continuity===
====Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic====
When Rad and Carlos were in the third grade, Rad accidentally broke a window in Carlos's house with a baseball bat. Carlos's parents didn't want their son hanging out with Rad afterwards, but Carlos convinced them to change their minds, vouching for the good nature of his friend. {{storylink|Armada Free Comic Book Day}}

<s>Rad</s> <s>Agent Awesome</s> ''Agent Secret Agent'' built a wicked sweet [[Project Supernova]] aircraft alongside [[Carlos Lopez|Agent Sidekick]] and [[Alexis Thi Dang|Agent Bubblegum]], only to watch it get shot down by bullies [[Sid (Armada)|Sid]] and [[Seth]] shortly after his dramatic launch speech. With all his enthusiasm about the project gone, Rad went to fetch his bike helmet from the wreckage, only to fall into a cave full of [[Exodus (Armada)|mechanical equipment]]. Inside, he accidentally activated the three [[Street Action Mini-Con Team|Street Action Mini-Cons]] and [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], who he thought were awesome and hid in his garage, much to Alexis's chagrin. He and Carlos managed to convince her that the robots were (probably) good guys, which proved to be right when the Mini-Cons repaid their trust by building a new Supernova. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} During its maiden flight, however, the kids and their new friends were attacked by [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], having arrived on Earth in search of the Mini-Cons. After escaping from him, Rad and Alexis began arguing again about being pulled into an alien war, but eventually agreed that they couldn't back out now. Together with the Mini-Cons, they fled to a nearby canyon, where they met [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 4|Armada #4}} Prime and his Autobots confronted and defeated Megatron's Decepticons, while in the meantime Rad and his friends were attacked by [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] and had to be saved by another group of Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 5|Armada #5}}

While Rad was excited about hanging out with these alien robots, Optimus Prime did not agree. While messing around in the [[Black Hills]], the kids were approached by Prime, who refused to let them get involved in the Transformers' war. Rad, Carlos and Alexis wouldn't let themselves be separated from their new Mini-Con friends so easily, however, and later helped Sparkplug when he broke Prime's orders to bust the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Team]] out of the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6|Armada #6}} The kids were left with an order to call for help if their friends weren't back within thirty minutes, which they weren't. After using their [[Mini-Con panic-pager]], they were approached by the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]], but the new arrivals refused to get involved with the Transformer war. Their attitude got Rad proper angry, and he yelled at them for trying to play irresponsible after themselves bringing the war to Earth, before heading off to save Sparkplug and the others by himself. Faced with his words and courage, the Land Military Team realized that they were at fault, and agreed to help. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7|Armada #7}}

Seeking extra class credit for science class, Rad and Carlos went on a nature hike on their bikes. During their venture, they came across [[Swindle (Armada)|Swindle]], apparently on the run from [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]]. Rad was suspicious of the little 'bot, (his name literally being "Swindle" and all) but Carlos convinced him to give the Mini-Con a chance to be their friend. Before they could make headway, both [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] and [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] flew down to apprehend the group. [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]], and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]] turned up to rescue them, but the Autobots were defeated when Megatron joined the fight as well. Rad and Carlos tried to sneak off in the confusion, but Swindle turned on them; Swindle revealed that he had been put up to lure them into a trap, so Megatron would have some human subjects to experiment on. He hadn't done so out of malice however; Swindle was motivated only by earning his freedom, which Starscream had promised to give him if he participated in this scheme. Predictably enough, the Decepticons laughed in the Mini-Con's face when he asked to be let go. Optimus then turned up, and knocked Rad and Carlos free from Megatron's grip, allowing them to get to a hiding place while he faced off against the Decepticons. But Optimus was quickly defeated as well. A repentant Swindle thanked both of the boys for offering him friendship when he needed it, and freed all four of the captive Autobots, allowing them to force the Decepticons into a retreat. As he pulled back, Starscream retook Swindle, which saddened both of the boys. {{storylink|Armada Free Comic Book Day}}

Some time later, Rad and his friends were hanging out with Street Action Team after they saved them from [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]]. Suddenly, the Mini-Cons went out of control in their [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s and began heading straight for [[Kansas]], with the kids coming along for the ride. After ending up at a [[Mini-Con Ark|strange structure]] under attack from the Decepticons, Rad called the Autobots using Sparkplug's communicator, leading to a battle that distracted everyone from the fact that the Mini-Cons were entering the structure. Again, Rad decided to take matters into his own hands and followed them, only for the structure to slam shut and blast off into space with him on it. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 8|Armada #8}} He ended up on a [[Mini-Con Moonbase|base]] on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], where the unscrupulous [[Dualor (Armada)|Dualor]] and his [[Destruction Mini-Con Team|team]] strapped him inside a space-mine to keep the Autobots at bay. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}} As such, Rad quickly learned that not all Mini-Cons were good guys, as Dualor explained that he was more than ready to sacrifice a human to protect his people from ''both'' the Autobots and Decepticons. Rad was sent into space as part of a large minefield, but Dualor was then knocked out before he could actually warn the Autobots about the human shield. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 10|Armada #10}} While the Autobots were ready to blow the entire minefield apart with [[sonic warhead]]s, [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]] learned about Rad's fate and recruited Sparkplug and the [[Space Mini-Con Team]] to save him. When they failed to either recall the mine or eject its explosives, [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] went out in person and towed the entire mine onto an Autobot ship. Finally freed, Rad was reunited with Carlos and Alexis (or at least their [[Simulcrum]] holograms). {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 11|Armada #11}}

After staying away from the Autobots' next major conflict, Rad and his friends learned that the Autobots, Decepticons and Mini-Cons had to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to fight off the threat known as [[Unicron]]. Rad thought it sounded "intense". The kids then said their goodbyes to Optimus Prime and the Mini-Cons before returning home, not to see the Transformers again for a long while. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}

====''Energon'' comic====
[[File:KickerRadAlexis Comic.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb| Basically, kind of a big deal!]]
In the ten years following the departure of the Transformers, Rad grew up and, along with Carlos, found work at [[Alterenergy]]. The company was searching for the new energy source "[[Energon|01 Source]]" in [[Australia]] when the [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]] attacked their drilling operation to steal the fuel. Rad was present at Alterenergy Mobile Command when Carlos informed them of the attack, and the two agreed that it was the return of the Transformers. Rad then headed out to the drill site alone to find and save [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]], the son of Alternergy scientist [[Brian Jones]]. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath}} Upon arrival, he found that the Terrorcons had kidnapped the boy because he had the ability to detect 01 Source, or "Energon". Coincidentally, they had also captured Alexis as a hostage, and Rad went in to heroically save her and Kicker... only to be immediately attacked by the guard, [[Battle Ravage]]. With help from Carlos, he managed to blow up a nearby Energon sapper, knocking the Terrorcon out. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} While it turned out the Terrorcons had taken Kicker with them, Rad and Alexis ran into a team of Autobots a short while later, and had a quick reunion with Optimus Prime and Hot Shot. After Kicker was saved with help from the [[Omnicon]]s, Rad asked Optimus if the Autobots were leaving again, but he replied that they were staying on Earth this time. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Four}}

Having a bunch of armed alien robots on their world sparked protests amongst humanity, which bothered Rad. It bothered him even more that Alexis, who had become a peace activist when she grew up, claimed to understand where the protesters were coming from instead of agreeing with him. Rad initially brushed her off and left, upsetting her, but realized he was being immature and apologized just as she got in a cab to leave. Then [[Los Angeles]] was attacked by [[Insecticon (Energon)|Insecticons]] and the taxi was destroyed in front of Rad's eyes. {{storylink|Multiplicity}} He was left in despair, regretting never having told Alexis about his true feelings for her, only for her to show up alive and well. Rad embraced her and told her to never leave him again, causing an awkward moment between the two semi-estranged friends. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}} Getting into Rad's heavy off-roading car, the two plowed through Insecticons as they left for Alterenergy's west coast headquarters. Realizing that the Autobots needed extra energy to successfully battle the hordes of Terrorcons, Rad contacted Carlos and had him prepare the [[Energon Volant Accumulator]] plane for him. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 3}} After shooting down some Insecticons and reuniting with his old Mini-Con pals on the Street Action Team, he turned the atmospheric Energon radiation captured by the EVA into gas and spread it onto [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s team of Autobots. Together with some unexpected help from Megatron, they were then able to exterminate the Insecticons. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 4}}

{{Unreleased energon comic}}
Together with Brian Jones, Rad oversaw Kicker's training to help him develop his powers and avoid future abduction attempts. {{storylink|Doomsday Redux!}} When Kicker became rebellious and ran off, the Alterenergy base was attacked by a returning Demolishor, and Rad called Jetfire for help. However his troops, [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]] and [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]], failed to stop Demolishor from kidnapping Kicker. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 1}} Rad blamed himself and was determined to find the boy. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 2}} He had to retrieve Kicker before [[Unicron's Four Horsemen]] forced the Autobots to lower the planetary defense shield that would have allowed Demolishor leave the planet via [[space bridge]], and managed to close in on his location thanks to Alexis, who had connections to the [[United Nations]]. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 3}} Together with some Autobot backup, Rad's team located Demolishor in [[Mexico]], and while the others held the Decepticon at bay, he personally rescued Kicker. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 4}} After Kicker killed Demolishor using his powers, he travelled to Cybertron, and Rad, Carlos and Alexis said their goodbyes to him. {{storylink|Armageddon Part 5}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[File:PaniniRadWhite.jpg|left|thumb|... this just takes all the fun out of irony.]]

After accidentally dropping down a hole one day, Rad found the remains of a [[Exodus (Armada)|spaceship]] hidden underground. He brought Carlos with him to explore it, but ended up bumping into some machinery and reawakening the [[Mini-Con]] [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]]. After leaving the caves and meeting with Alexis, the kids tried to communicate with High Wire, only to come under attack from [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. They were saved by [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], and High Wire grabbed Rad and his friends and took them to the other Mini-Cons. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} When he heard that the Mini-Cons weren't getting involved with the [[Autobot]]-[[Decepticon]] war again, Rad became angry—Optimus Prime was getting his aft handed to him by Megatron, and they were just going to abandon him? Rad decided to take matters into his own hands and confronted Megatron, offering to take him to the Mini-Con ship in exchange for sparing Optimus Prime. However, Megatron wasn't big on deals, and merely threatened to kill Rad if he didn't show him the ship right away. He ended up being saved by High Wire and the other Mini-Cons, who had changed their minds upon witnessing his feat of bravery. After Megatron had been chased off, Optimus Prime also complimented Rad on his courage, even if it hadn't been the smartest move. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}}

Rad and his friends quickly befriended the [[Street Action Mini-Con Team]] and had a great time racing in the desert on them. Their fun and games ended when Optimus Prime ordered both humans and Mini-Cons to go get the [[locator log]] from the wrecked Mini-Con ship. When they found the log, they were attacked [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]], who incapacitated the Street Action Team. Quickly improvising a plan, Rad grabbed the locator log and hid it in an unstable part of the caves. When Demolishor followed, he accidentally caused it to explode, and was buried in the ensuing rockfall. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Deep Trouble!}} Some time later, Rad was learning chemistry at school when the troublesome twosome [[Billy (Armada)|Billy]] and [[Fred (Armada)|Fred]] messed up his experiment behind his back. Not only did this get him into trouble with the teacher, but he also noticed that High Wire was sneaking around on the school grounds. Rad decided to bolt, and found that Carlos and Alexis had had similar problems with their Mini-Con friends trying to adapt to life on Earth. He didn't really mind the Mini-Cons' little mistakes, and promised to guide them personally. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 3|Just a Memory!}}

When the Autobots decided to send the Mini-Cons back to their home planet, Rad said he refused to let it "end like this", but didn't actually do anything about it. When Megatron arrived to put a stop to it, Rad tried to trick him that the Mini-Cons were already gone, so he might as well leave too. When Megatron made it clear he wouldn't leave Earth just because some five or six Mini-Cons went home, the plan was canceled and the Mini-Cons remained on Earth. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}} Some time later, Rad caught wind of [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]]'s plan to save the Mini-Cons held in the Decepticon headquarters. He thought it was a stupid plan, and convinced the Autobots to send a shuttle to stop him. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|Into the Lions' Den!}}

During another race around the desert, Rad and his friends were interrupted by [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], who attempted to capture the Street Action Team. High Wire threw Rad off and told him to get help. When Rad expressed doubt that the Street Action Team could stand up to Starscream, the three Mini-Cons proved him wrong by combining into [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]]. In the aftermath of the battle, an impressed Rad was high-fiving with High Wire when they were suddenly approached by a man named [[Amos Hume]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|The Two-Edged Blade}} Amos explained that he had been given a message by a Mini-Con long ago, which Rad didn't find too hard to believe. After introducing Amos to the other Mini-Cons, the kids and Autobots used the message he had received to locate and rescue the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team]]. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|Sale of the Century!}}

===Reader's Digest ''Armada'' novels===
12-year old Brad was one of the many self-titled "Cosmo Kids" that lived in the community around the [[Cosmoscope Research Center|Cosmo Scope Research Center and Interstellar Observatory]]. He preferred to go by the nickname "Rad" however, after the radical moves he had on his bike. During an early autumn afternoon, he and his friends Carlos and Alexis headed out into the nearby mountains for some trail exploring. While riding his BMX bike, Rad noticed a trail he had never seen before, and prompted his friends to join him in scoping it out. Carlos and Alexis were hesitant to continue down the trail when they spotted some signs indicating it was dangerous, but they were goaded on by Rad into pushing forwards. The path eventually led to a cave, which the kids decided to explore. Within, they found cave paintings depicting giant robots battling one-another. One of the paintings depicted three smaller, peaceful-looking robots. As if prompted by an unknown instinct, Rad reached out to touch one of the three robots. This action triggered a mechanism hidden within the cave, which after some rumbling, revealed real-life versions of the three robots the children had touched in the drawing. Rad met High Wire, a Mini-Con who could only be understood by Rad himself. The children learned about Cybertron and its civil war from their new robot friends. The moment was cut short when Autobots and Decepticons were teleported on-site by a mechanism within the Mini-Cons' ship. Finding themselves in the middle of a vicious battle between mechanical titans, Rad and his friends thankfully escaped from harm thanks to the efforts of the Mini-Cons, and the newcomer, Optimus Prime. Learning that Optimus had the best of intentions for both Earth and the Mini-Cons, Rad promised to keep the Transformers' existence a secret, and rode back to town on High Wire, now reformatted into a high-tech BMX bike. Meeting with Carlos and Alexis the next day at school, the trio dismissed insinuations from Billy and Fred that anything exciting had happened to them the day before before heading off to class.{{storylink|Transformers Armada: The Battle Begins|The Battle Begins}}

To explain to his parents how he had gotten a totally sweet new BMX bike, Rad made up a story that he had won it in an extreme riding competition. They bought the story, and Rad took to riding High Wire to school. The next afternoon, he, Alexis and Carlos readied themselves to visit the Autobots when they encountered Billy and Fred. Their schoolmates were inquisitive as to where they had gotten the new vehicles, and Rad knew they wouldn't be fooled by the story he had told his parents. Rad instead claimed that his dad got them the vehicles through some "connections," and that his BMX was next year's model. Having narrowly avoided exposure, the trio then took off for the Autobots' base. Strangely, they found the cave leading to the headquarters now sealed by a stone door. The Mini-Cons maintained a wireless connection to their vessel however, and were able to grant themselves access to the base. But once inside, the group found the base deserted. They found Optimus and his fellow Autobots, Hot Shot and Red Alert, at a nearby highway, adopting new alternate modes. After brief introductions were made, explosions were heard off in the distance. The Decepticons were attacking the Autobots' base! Rad, Alexis and Carlos raced ahead of the Autobots on their Mini-Cons, coming face to face with Megatron. The Decepticon leader halted his assault in order to demand the children surrender their companions. The Autobots arrived on the scene before Megatron was able to act on his threat, and Rad and the others hid in some nearby brush to watch the battle unfold.

During the battle, a stray shot from Megatron caused a rock slide to tumble down towards the kids and their Mini-Cons. Hot Shot zipped in and rescued them, though the ride within the two-seat sports car was a cramped one for all three kids. As they drove back to Optimus, Alexis noticed four Mini-Con panels sticking out of the rubble. Carlos and Rad helped her dig them out. Two of the panels activated in the Autobots' presence, one of them becoming Red Alert's partner, "Longarm" and the other Hot Shot's partner "Jolt." Red Alert instructed Alexis and Rad to keep the remaining two panels safe, and the children hid themselves once again. The Decepticons were soon forced to retreat, but one of them, Cyclonus, lingered long enough to snatch the panels from Alexis and Rad before warping away. The children were torn up about allowing the Mini-Cons to fall into enemy hands, but Optimus assured them they had done everything they could. {{storylink|Transformers Armada: Race for the Mini-Con Robots|Race for the Mini-Con Robots}}

===''Transformers Legends'' anthology===
One [[Halloween]], the kids attempted to explain the holiday to their three Mini-Cons, and ended up taking them Trick-or-Treating. Rad explained they could t.p. the houses of people who didn't give them candy. {{storylink|Something Robotic This Way Comes}}

===Bendon ''Armada'' books===
[[File:RTD-CarlosRadride.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1]]
Rad, Carlos, and Alexis talked Optimus Prime into letting them explore some nearby caves in the hopes of finding other Mini-Cons, claiming that he and Carlos had already explored a few of them in the past. The trio succeeded in finding a crystal, but had to be saved by Hot Shot after a surprise Decepticon attack caused a landslide. {{storylink|Cave Catastrophe}}

In another adventure, Carlos talked Rad into joining him for a Mini-Con race, to which Alexis invited herself. They foolishly left themselves out in the open, allowing Megatron to attack. Fortunately for them (your mileage may vary), Optimus and Hot Shot were there to save them yet again. {{storylink|Race to Disaster}}
{{-}}

==Notes==
*According to the now-defunct TV Tokyo ''Legends of the Microns'' website, Rad was 12 years old at the start of ''Armada''. The page also stated that he enjoyed outdoor sports, and implied that [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] gave him [[Laserbeak (Armada)|Laserbeak]] as a personal possession.
*''[[Transformers: Armada Official Guidebook]]'' backs up that Rad was 12 years old at the start of ''Armada'', and that he enjoyed outdoor sports, specifically on his BMX bike.
*Rad's catchphrase "I'm here to tell you about the Transformers!" (sometimes varies as "I ''want'' to tell you about...) is from his introductory narration during the main titles sequence of the earlier episodes of ''Armada''. Needless to say, this became rather repetitive after twenty or so episodes.
*Rad has the unfortunate penchant of saying '"Wicked Sweet!", usually when something impresses him greatly. Perhaps Dreamwave hoped that by 2010 this would be an acceptable form of slang. Alternately, perhaps Rad was from Boston originally.
*Rad makes an [[Easter egg]] cameo appearance in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s [[Earthfall Part 2: Detonation Boulevard|''Robots in Disguise'' #29]] as a resident of [[Poverty Flat]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Brad "Rad"''' (ブラッド ''Buraddo'', ラッド ''Raddo'')
*''Korean:'' '''Richie Blatt''' (리치 브랏트 ''Richi Beurasteu'')

{{DEFAULTSORT:White, Rad}}
[[Category:Armada humans]]
[[Category:Cybertron humans]]
[[Category:Energon humans]]
[[Category:Fiction-only characters]]
[[Category:Legends humans]]

The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes

2023-05-26T03:02:55Z

Gladiatrix: correcting pronouns

{{Comicstory
|series=op|issueno=15
|prev=Starscream: The Movie (comic)
|next=The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine
|caption=
|image=OP15 cvrA.jpg
|title="The Falling Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 17]], 2018
|coverdate=January 2018
|written by=[[John Barber]]
|art by=[[Kei Zama]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[David Mariotte]]
|editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era]]
}}

'''Shadows of the past rise to haunt Cybertron as Onyx Prime returns at last.'''

==Synopsis==
The [[Mistress of Flame]] is troubled by a dream, and visits [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] to share a story from her past with him that she has long kept secret. Long ago, when [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] was still a healthy world, and she was merely "Matriarch of Incaendium" (next in line to become Mistress), she accompanied the pilot [[Praesidia Magna|Praesidia]] and linguist [[Magrada]] to the world of [[Antilla]], to investigate a [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] signal they had detected emanating from there. Upon the planet, they discovered an unnatural, mechanical mountain, the surface of which split open to reveal [[Nemesis (BW)|a colossal eyeball]], emitting blazing light that illuminated a figure the Mistress could never have expected to see: [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]], master of beasts; one of the original [[Thirteen|Thirteen Primes]]! Onyx slew Magrada, but the Mistress and Praesidia fled back to Caminus... only for Onyx to follow them there years later, and kill Praesidia as well. The Mistress marvels that she has encountered so many long-thought-legendary [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] in person, especially since coming to Cybertron—Onyx, Trion, [[Liege Maximo]], and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]], who she still believes is the nameless thirteenth Prime, "[[The Arisen]]." Also present for the Mistress's story is [[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]], invited along by Trion, who scoffs her reverence of the Primes, his own lapsed faith have caused him to long since lose his belief that they are any more special than ordinary Cybertronians. The Mistress is offended, but as she leaves to meet with the other delegates to await a visit from Optimus Prime, she is given pause to reflect on how the myths and legends she grew up worshiping have let her down. Trion reminds Scoop that, for all his bitterness, it wasn't the Primes who let ''him'' down, and suggests he pay a visit to the one who actually did.

On [[Earth]], Optimus Prime, [[Marissa Faireborn]], and the [[President of the United States|President]] cut the metaphorical ribbon at the opening of a new [[Ore-13]] mine in [[Kentucky]], which will be worked by humans and Cybertronians together. Spirits aren't particularly high, however: there are protesters objecting, human workers worrying about the grief they're going to get, concerns about a Cybertronian-human pay gap, and general laments from [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]] matriarch [[Rum-Maj]], even as [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] tries to keep her spirits up. Off to the side, always listening, [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] hears it all...

Overhead, aboard [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], [[Aileron]] and [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] chat about the recent goings-on with the [[protoform]]s on Cybertron. But it seems a pleasant conversation can't last long these days; Aileron hears the discontented [[Slide]] once again ranting about how much she disagrees with Optimus's actions, and tries to break up the argument she is having with her fellow colonists—though Arcee's curiosity is piqued by a reference Slide makes to Aileron recently "burying the truth." Before Arcee can press the issue, Optimus Prime returns with the first load of Ore-13 from the mine, to be sent over the [[space bridge]] to Cybertron, and Aileron practically grabs Slide by the ear and drags her out in front of Optimus, daring her to repeat her insults to his face. Prime is already in a downcast mood, disappointed by the problems at the mine, but tries to offer Slide some comforting words. [[Pyra Magna]] intercedes; she tells him he has been removed from goings-on on Earth for too long, and proposes that while he is delivering the Ore-13 to Cybertron, Slide and the other colonists should visit the mine themselves so they can see with their own eyes what Optimus is trying to accomplish.

Optimus takes the Ore-13 through the space bridge, handing it over to the collected delegates of the [[Council of Worlds]], now led by [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] after her victory in the [[The Chosen One|recent election]]. Windblade's own ability to trust Optimus has [[First Strike issue 5|also recently suffered a blow]], but he reassures her that the shipment is the first of many, to be given freely without expectation. With the official matters dealt with, the Mistress attempts to take Optimus Prime aside and ask him about the prophetic dream he had [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|soon after annexing Earth]], in light of the dream she had herself, but before their conversation can even begin, it is cut off by a shadow falling across the city...

In [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s prison, the recently incarcerated [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] is enjoying life behind bars. Nobody is relying on him for anything, he tells the spectral form of [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]], and though it is now over, his time as ruler of the planet will ultimately be viewed by history as a comparatively positive one. A visitor soon arrives in the form of Scoop, but before the pair can sit down for a conversation to hash out their old quarrels, Bumblebee draws their attention to what is going on outside...

The mountain-sized eyeball seen by the Mistress of Flame on Antilla all those years ago now hovers in the sky over Iacon, blocking out the sun. Windblade believes that the recently escaped [[Liege Maximo]] has returned to wreak his vengeance, but the Mistress is quick to correct her—Maximo ''is'' one of the figures on the hull of the massive craft, but he is in chains, kneeling at the feet of Onyx Prime. Onyx announces to the people of Cybertron that he has returned to pass judgement on the captive Maximo, and all who transgress against his homeworld. He is met with a reply from Optimus, cautioning him that Cybertron is under his protection, and inviting Onyx down to the surface to talk. Onyx agrees, warning that "Cybertron's reckoning is at hand"... and declaring that such matters are without a doubt Optimus's responsibility, for he is The Arisen!

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] (11)
*[[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] (13)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] (15)
*[[Aileron]] (23)
*[[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] (24)
*[[Gimlet]] (25)
*[[Slide]] (26)
*[[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] (27)
*[[Bump]] (28)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Midnight Express (RID)|Midnight Express]] (29)
*[[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] (30)
*[[Skyburst (G1)|Skyburst]] (31)
*[[Stormclash]] (32)
*[[Pyra Magna]] (33)
*[[Rust Dust]] (34)
*[[Dust Up]] (35)
*[[Jumpstream]] (36)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Bumblebee]]'s "ghost" (45)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] (22)

|c3=
'''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'''
*[[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]] (18)
*[[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] (19)
'''Others'''
*[[Marissa Faireborn]] (16)
*[[President of the United States]] (17)

|h4=[[Maximal]]s|c4=
*''[[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]]'' (5)
*''[[Megatron (BW)|Beast Megatron]]'' (6)
*''[[Stampy (BW)|Stampy]]'' (7, see "Errors")
*''[[Ramulus]]'' (8)
*''Beast Wars [[Prowl II|Prowl]]'' (9, see "Errors")

|h5=Others|c5=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
'''Other Cybertronians'''
*[[Mistress of Flame]] (1)
*''[[Magrada]]'' (2)
*''[[Praesidia Magna|Praesidia]]'' (3)
*[[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]] (4)
*[[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Onyx Prime]] (10)
*[[Scoop (G1)|Scoop]] (12)
*[[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] (37)
*[[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] (38)
*[[Vanquish]] (39)
*[[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] (40)

{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Fireshot]] (41)
*[[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]] (42)
*[[Strika (BM)|Strika]] (43)
*[[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] (44)
*[[Liege Maximo]] (47)

'''[[Junkion (species)|Junkion]]s'''
*[[Rum-Maj]] (20)
*[[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] (21)

'''Others'''
*Various [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]] (14)
{{!}}}
}}

==Quotes==
"[The protoforms] were... '''interesting.''' Seeing these little metal things make '''synaptic connections''' and learn how to walk—to fight... well, I hope that's not '''all''' they do when they grow up. I named one of them '''Sideswipe.''' Which was probably not a good start to avoiding fights, now that I think about it."
:—'''Arcee'''

"Was your speech successful, Optimus?" 
"You'd have liked it, Pyra. Getting the humans to do my '''bidding''', and all."
:—'''Pyra Magna''' gets some unexpected sass from '''Optimus Prime'''

"Any new '''surprises''' today? More '''protoforms?''' Or invasions? Maybe you've annexed the '''[[Solstar Order]].'''"
:—'''Windblade''' offers Optimus some sass of her own

"I killed '''Metalhawk''' and took control of Cybertron under '''false pretenses.''' I '''lied''' and '''deceived''' and did it all for '''glory''' and you know '''what?''' I'm '''still''' the best leader in the history of Cybertron. I didn't '''subjugate''' the populace for eons, I never plunged us into '''four million years''' of '''war'''—I didn't even come back from the grave to try and destroy the world '''multiple times.''' History will see me, at '''worst''', as a step in the right direction."
:—It's true, but '''Starscream''' shouldn't say it!

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*The planet Antilla and its connection to Onyx Prime were introduced in the [[Ghost Stories|2017 ''Transformers'' annual]]. The Mistress of Flame told Pyra Magna of her and Praesidia's visit to the planet, but not of their encounter with Onyx. Here, she also recalls Praesidia's death years later at the hands of Onyx, as seen in the annual.
*A mountain-sized ''eyeball'', you say? Now, [[Unicron/Generation 1|who do we know]] who's hanging around on the fringes of IDW continuity who's ''that'' sort of size...?
*Hey, it's Scoop! Ain't seen him in a while! His green coloration might make you momentarily go "huh--?"; he's only appeared on-panel looking like this once before, in [[All That Remains|''Windblade'' vol. 2 #3]], having been changed from his traditional orange colors when he was merged with the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] to become part of [[Devastator (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Devastator]] in [[You, Me, and the Universe|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #41]].
*Scoop's former religiosity formed the basis of his character since his appearance in [[Three Monologues|''Robots in Disguise'' #20]]. Alpha Trion mentions how he uncovered the [[Dark Cybertron (prophecy)|"Dark Cybertron" prophecy]], as seen in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|''More than Meets the Eye'' #23]]. Bringing this prophecy up again is not likely just an offhand comment; the dream Optimus Prime had in [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|''The Transformers'' vol. 2 #50]] (which the Mistress of Flame tries to ask him about in this issue) implied the possibility that the prophecy may have actually referred to Prime and the course his actions have set Cybertron on, rather than the events of the "[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]" crossover itself. The dream also added additional lines to the prophecy beyond what was originally spoken by Scoop, all of which allude to the "black star" associated with the Onyx Prime plot thread.
*The events of the [[The Chosen One|2017 ''Till All Are One'' annual]] have taken place between last issue and this one, with Starscream having been locked up, and Windblade elected the new ruler of Cybertron. Windblade no longer has the trust in Optimus Prime she once did, after they found themselves on opposite sides in [[First Strike issue 5|''First Strike'' #5]].
*Protestors at the Ore-13 mine hold up signs reading "Colton Was Right!" and "Free G.I. Joe!", referring to [[Joe Colton]]'s attempt to destroy the Transformers in ''[[First Strike]]'' and his subsequent incarceration after his plan failed.
*Slide's remarks about "burying the truth" that Arcee zeroes in on refer to the events of [[Primeless, Part 2|issue #12]], in which Aileron and co. caught [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] running guns, but were forced to hush up the matter in the name of the greater good.
*Starscream recalls [[Metalhawk (G1)|Metalhawk]]'s death at his hands, from [[Heavy Is the Head|''Robots in Disguise'' #16]].
*While defending his reign of Cybertron, Starscream lists off the sins of the planet's previous rulers namely: Subjugating the populace for eons (the [[Senate]] and/or the [[Functionist Council]]), starting the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] ([[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]]) and rising from the grave to try and destroy the world multiple times. This last one may seem a callback to [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]], given his [[Titans Return (comic)|recent history]], but Starscream is actually referring to [[Nova Prime]] who seemingly died twice and twice came back with dire consequences for everyone involved.
*The hologram Starscream is looking at was given to him by Windblade in the ''Till All Are One'' annual; it shows the image of his "true self," the way he might have looked if he had been forged rather than cold constructed, which first appeared in [[Your First Mistake|''Till All Are One'' #12]].
*Liege Maximo escaped captivity in [[Rubicon|''Till All Are One'' #8]].
*On introducing himself, Onyx refers to Cybertron as "a tarnished jewel embedded in a ring of light", the exact same words used by the narration at the beginning of [[Primus: All Good Things|the 2012 ''Robots in Disguise'' annual]]. Given the connection between Onyx and story-telling in the title, this might not be just a little nod, but rather a hint as to who was narrating that story...

===Transformers references===
*Prominent among the shadowy ranks of Onyx's beast army as the unmistakable figures of [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)|''Beast Wars'' Megatron]]. 'Bots resembling either them or their alternate modes have shown up among Onyx's army too many times at this point for it to just be an [[Easter egg]]; these really must be those characters. One would think this ties in with Primal's impending new toy in the [[Power of the Primes (toyline)|''Power of the Primes'' toyline]], but surprise, it's just a coincidence on Barber's part.<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheJohnBarber/status/969601204211732480 Tweet by @TheJohnBarber, 2018/03/02]</ref>
*Also among the shadows are a bot with a clawed hand and robot mode "horns" ([[Ramulus]], who will appear in full color in [[The Falling, Chapter 2: Another Mine|the next issue]]), an owl with only a right eye visible ([[Prowl II|''Beast Wars'' Prowl II]], but see "Errors", below), and a rabbit whose robot mode head and kibble peg him as a slightly redesigned [[Stampy (BW)|''Beast Wars Neo'' Stampy]] (but see "Errors", below).
*In addition to its obvious potential link to Unicron, Onyx's eye-ship — as a giant, black-colored eyeball that blots out the sky, associated with a character who commands a legion of beasts — is [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]] from ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'', as would be confirmed in [[The Falling, Chapter 3: The Ground|issue #17]].
*The prominent Autobot standing near Optimus on page 8 is coloured blue, pink, and orange like [[Skram (G2)|Skram]], but beyond having a hood for a chest and wheels on his shoulders, it doesn't look much else like him. Plus, Skram was killed by [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] not long ago in ''[[The Transformers: Punishment|Punishment]]''. No, it doesn't look like [[Getout]] either.
*With their tan-grey shirts, blue pants, and bright yellow hard hats and boots, the human miners' outfits are modeled by those worn by [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] and his fellow oil-rig workers in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]. None of them can ''be'' Sparkplug, though; [[Sparkplug Witwicky#2005 IDW continuity|the IDW version]] was an Army general who got [[Earthfall Part 5: I Dream of Wires|vaporized]] by [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]] years ago!

===Real-world references===
*The Mistress thinks that "The Sword of Liege Maximo dangles above us all, ready to fall at any moment.", referring to the popular modern interpretation of the {{w|Damocles|Sword of Damocles}}.

===Errors===
[[File:OnyxPrime cop idw infographic.jpg|right|thumb]]
*Okay gang, we talked about this back in the notes for [[Origin Myths|issue #10]], but let's clear this one up again—per the original Aligned material, Onyx Prime is meant to be a ''centaur''. Four leggies! We've seen this in the 2017 ''Transformers'' annual, and in [[The Iron Klaw|''Revolutionaries'' #4]]. The problem is, the solitary full-body piece of reference art that existed for Onyx before he started showing up in IDW comics—published in ''[[Transformers: The Covenant of Primus|The Covenant of Primus]]''—is hard to read. It depicts the four-legged Onyx rearing up on his hind legs and kicking out his front ones, but the monochrome art means the forelegs get lost against his body, and it's very easy to interpret him as just having the two legs. That's the mistake [[Livio Ramondelli]] made in issue #10 when he drew Onyx as a biped. The way [[Kei Zama]] draws him, meanwhile—both in this issue, and on the cover of issue #10—seems to mistakenly treat "reared up" as Onyx's normal at-rest position, rendering him as standing on two legs at all times with two smaller legs sticking out of his waist, positioned and proportioned in such a way that it doesn't look like it's ''possible'' for him to stand on all four of them. However it appears, Zama would later state on [https://twitter.com/Golby_mkII/status/953724243102986240 their Twitter] that the way they see it, Onyx's "normal" position is as a centaur but that he's prone to standing on his hind legs for the sake of appearing imposing.
**And given what we've learned since about "Onyx Prime"...
*Meanwhile, [[Casey Coller]]'s rendition of the character on Cover B of this issue uses Zama's cover for #10 as reference, but misinterprets how she drew Onyx's forelegs; only one was visible on the cover, and Coller consequently renders Onyx with two legs and a ''tail-foot'' sticking out of his butt! See the infographic on the right for a visual explanation of all this.
*Two of Onyx's beasts include Stampy and "Prowl", but both of them already appeared in ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' as regular Cybertronians.
*Moonracer is looking rather off-color on page 14, appearing in a pear-green instead of her usual mint. She's in her correct hues on page 15.
*In front of Moonracer on page 14, Vanquish is miscolored in two-tone purple-and-white. He and his twin Fireshot are looking a bit more like themselves on page 15, but Fireshot's got blue-black arms (like his toy) instead of the grey-and-blue he normally has in the comics, is missing his distinctive yellow visor and red [[mouthplate]], and the pair both have orange thighs instead of magenta.
*Windblade claims Optimus was absent the last time Liege Maximo attacked. And while Optimus was off-world when Maximo was freed, it was Sentinel Prime's undead [[Titan (group)|Titan]] army that was attacking.

===Soundtrack===
In a fashion not dissimilar to [[James Roberts]] for ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''/''[[The Transformers: Lost Light|Lost Light]]'', Kei Zama tweeted a designated song just prior to this issue's release.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Golby_mkII/status/952214844337307648 Tweet by @Golby_mkII (Kei Zama), 2018/01/13]</ref> Naturally, of course, Zama made use of an extreme metal band.

*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylQdpv8Ua1M Ascendant]" by {{w|Keep of Kalessin}}

Barber later posted a couple of selections of his own.

*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0871DYyHSE The Supermen]" by David Bowie
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJt7gNi3Nr4 No Church In The Wild]" by Jay-Z and Kanye West<ref>[https://twitter.com/TheJohnBarber/status/968932790883373057 John Barber on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Optimus, the Mistress, and Windblade stare up as Onyx's eye-ball ship stares back, by [[Kei Zama]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Cover B:''' Our cast, within the silhouette of the Mistress of Flame, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Optimus Prime versus [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], by [[Aaron Conley]] and [[Jean-Francois Beaulieu]]
<gallery>
File:OP15 cvrA.jpg|Pee-a-boo!
File:OP15 cvrB.jpg|Hmm, Onyx doesn't look so tough when he's tiny.
File:OP15 cvrRI.jpg|Buy Evergreen toys!
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''Optimus Prime'' #16
*[[Kill All 'Cons|''Lost Light'' #15]]
*''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade: The Last City]]'' hardback collection
*''[[First Strike]]'' TPB
*IDW ''Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters'' comic
*''{{i|Jem: Infinite}}'' TPB
*CGC comics
*IDW ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]: Forces of Destiny'' comic

===Reprints===
*'''''Optimus Prime''''' Vol. 4 TPB ([[November 21]], [[2018]]) ISBN 1684053633 / ISBN 978-1684053636
:*Contains ''Optimus Prime'' issues #15 to #21.
:*Bonus material includes art from most covers.

*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]] Volume 84: The Falling Part 1''''' ([[January 22]], [[2020]])
:*Contains ''Optimus Prime'' issues #13 to #17, along with ''[[Starscream: The Movie (comic)|''Optimus Prime'' 2018 Annual]].
:*Bonus material includes a page about the [[Thirteen|Primes]], a cover gallery and an intro by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:OP_V4_TPB.jpg|'''''Optimus Prime'' Volume Four''' cover by [[Marcelo Matere]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v84.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection Volume 84: The Falling Part 1''''' cover by [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] and [[Kei Zama]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.newsarama.com/38174-onyx-prime-returns-in-optimus-prime-15-preview.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Falling Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes, The}}
[[Category:Optimus Prime issues]]

The Reluctant Specialist

2022-12-30T16:47:41Z

Gladiatrix: punctuation

{{comicstory|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|The Transformers Spotlight]]: Trailcutter''
|prev=The Question
|next=The Waiting Game
|seriesissue2=''[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Prelude]]''
|title="The Reluctant Specialist"
|image=Spotlight Trailcutter cvrA.jpg
|caption=Oh my god, space aliens! Don't eat me, I have a wife and kids! Eat them!
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[April 3]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=April 2013
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Matt Frank]]
|colors by=[[Thomas Deer]]
|letters by=[[Shawn Lee]]
|assistant editor=[[Thomas Boeing]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|2012]], between "[[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back]]" and "[[Interiors]]"
}}
'''Feeling underappreciated, Trailbreaker must face down a group of invading Decepticons alone after the rest of the ship's crew are felled by one of Brainstorm's cock-ups.'''

==Synopsis==
The ''[[Lost Light]]'' suffers a hull breach when it scrapes against debris floating in space, but [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]], [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]], [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] and [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] are able to fix the damage before it tears the ship apart. While working, Trailbreaker praises the others for their skills, but Chromedome responds that none of it would be possible without Trailbreaker's forcefield to seal the breach until they can finish their parts.

36 hours later, [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] is holding a ceremony to honor the ship's saviors: Brainstorm, Chromedome, and Highbrow. He awards each with the [[Rodimus Star]], a medal in the likeness of his own visage. Trailbreaker, bitter at being passed over, drowns his misery in drink at [[Swerve's]]. He confesses the source of his unhappiness to [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]], who then, against Trailbreaker's protests, asks Rodimus the reason for the omission. Rodimus explains to Trailbreaker that generating forcefields is just what he does, like [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] carrying swords, and thus doesn't warrant special recognition.

Hearing all this, Whirl takes it upon himself to help Trailbreaker re-make his image. Among his suggestions is a name change, since "break" makes him sound like a screw-up, and Trailbreaker decides on "Trail''cutter''." Trailbreaker/Trailcutter contends his real problem is that everybody only thinks of him as "forcefield guy," not as an individual, so Whirl suggests he get a new weapon. Towards that end, they find Brainstorm, currently in Shuttle Bay 3 examining the stowed space debris, but the weapons engineer's creations are all back in his workshop. Besides, Brainstorm asks, why would Trailbreaker want some handheld weapon when he has his built-in... "[[magnawheels]]"?

A tired Trailcutter heads back to his habitation suite to recharge. With his roommate [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] away on a mission, he savours the solitude... only to be interrupted by a video call from [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]. The ship's resident chatterbox has been promised a Rodimus Star if he can get through a sponsored silence, and he'd like the aid of a forcefield to cover his vocal synthesizer. Trailcutter angrily hangs up and goes to sleep, truly unhappy to be "forcefield guy."

Twelve hours later, he wakes up to find that things are amiss. Everyone else on the ship is frozen in place, in some kind of mysterious stasis. Worse, Decepticons have boarded the ''Lost Light''! He encounters the bloodthirsty pair of [[Chop Shop (G1)|Chop Shop]] and [[Venom (G1)|Venom]], only to discover that his forcefield's inexplicably not working. Instead, he escapes the duo by means of his magnawheels—magnetic wheels that let him drive on walls—and leads the hunters to the medibay, where he's able to take them out with the equipment on hand.

He then heads off to confront the remaining Decepticons, who number practically a small army and are gathered in Shuttle Bay 3. Their leader, [[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]], explains their M.O.: They're [[Titan (group)|Titan]] hunters. They hunt space for Titans, kill them, and then scavenge the mythic giants' technology for their employer, who goes unidentified. They're here because the space debris is actually part of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s body, shed in transit.

Trailcutter bluffs that he's an incredibly powerful Autobot with amazing forcefield capabilities, so they had better retreat. To lend credence to his lie, he secretly hits a remote he grabbed from Brainstorm's lab, deactivating the [[artificial gravity]] for a few moments. With his magnawheels to keep him grounded, this gives off the illusion that he levitated the Decepticons with forcefields. He tells Lockdown that he's also generated a tiny forcefield in his spark, which he can expand to kill him. Psyched into believing he can feel the forcefield's pressure, Lockdown agrees to retreat.

Later, after everything's gone back to normal, a battered Hoist returns from his away mission. Trailcutter explains what happened: The ship-wide stasis was the result of one of Brainstorm's inventions acting up. Trailcutter had fallen asleep while angrily making forcefields, so there was one protecting him when the effect occurred. His forcefield generator shorted out in the process, but it's been fixed now. He proudly shows off the Rodimus Star he's earned for his little adventure... only for Hoist to one-up him: He pulls out a giant ''crest'' emblazoned with Rodimus's full figure. Hoist explains that everyone who was frozen received one for "exceptional endurance in the face of adversity." He's about to explain why he himself received one as well, but Trailcutter stomps off. He's going to Swerve's to get drunk... but first he intends to give Rodimus a piece of his mind.

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (1)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker/Trailcutter]] (2)
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (3)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (4)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (5)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] (6)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (9)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (10)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (12)
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (13)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (15)
*[[Bob (IDW)|Bob]] (16)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (17)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (19)
*[[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]] (20)
*[[Rad (G1)|Rad]] (21)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (22)
*[[Dipstick]] (23)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (24)
*[[Ambulon]] (25)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (26)
*[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (27)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*''[[Killmaster]]'' (18)
*[[Venom (G1)|Venom]] (28)
*[[Chop Shop (G1)|Chop Shop]] (29)
*[[Barrage (Insecticon)|Barrage]] (30)
*"[[Titan Hunter|V3]]" (31)
*[[Lockdown (G1)|Lockdown]] (32)
*"[[Titan Hunter|Blitzving]]" (33)
*"[[Titan Hunter|Lugnut]]" (34)
*Unnamed Decepticons (35-38)
|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (11)
*''Unnamed [[Titan (group)|Titan]]s (39-41)''
}}

==Quotes==

"Fantastic job, '''Chromedome!''' You too, '''Brainstorm!''' No wonder everyone calls you '''The Genius Twins!'''" 
"'''No one''' calls us the Genius Twins."
:—'''Trailbreaker''' and '''Chromedome'''

"I had this friend called '''[[Scalp]]'''..." 
""Scalp"? Ha! Did he turn into like a '''massive head''' or something?" 
"Hey, that was his '''real name.'''" 
"Why was he called that, then?" 
"'Cos he turned into a massive head."
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Brainstorm'''

"I'm not in the mood, Whirl." 
"I can '''tell.''' You people with '''mouths''' - you're so transparent."
:—'''Trailbreaker''' and '''Whirl'''

"'''Whirl's Life Lesson Number 1:''' The ruder you are, the more people will respect you. Why d'you think everyone listens to '''Ultra Magnus'''?" 
"Because he's second-in-command?" 
"'''Wrong!''' Because he doesn't care. I hate him. But I kinda think he's amazing too. I get confused feelings."
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Trailbreaker'''

"Never mind that. Trailcutter's looking for a new weapon - Preferably something so '''powerful''' you'll need to take a week off after firing it." 
"All my newest inventions are in the '''workshop''' - Magma frag launchers, scatter blasters, static rays, laser lancers..." 
"Don't stop. I could listen to you all day."
:—'''Whirl''' would be so empty without '''Brainstorm''' in his life.

"What do people without forcefields do? Oh yeah! They use '''guns!'''"
:—'''Trailbreaker'''

"I'm the Autobot who lands the '''final punch.''' I'm the Autobot who gets to decide if you live. I'm a force of nature. An apocalypse on legs. The furious sound of '''symphonic brutality.'''"
:—And with that, '''Trailcutter''' is born.

==Notes==
[[File:ReluctantSpecialist-HeroesOfTheHour.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Big Bots Gonna Frown.]]
===Continuity notes===
*As noted on the inside front cover of the issue, this story takes place between [[How Ratchet Got His Hands Back|issue #5]] and [[Interiors|issue #6]] of ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]''. Even if the comic hadn't outright stated it, there are more than enough chronological signposts in the story itself to help us figure this out, including:
**[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] isn't in the brig, but [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] is still around, making between #5 and #6 literally the only place the story can fit in continuity up to this point.
**[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] is seen taking stock of boxed medical equipment on page 6, which he has presumably brought back from his trip to [[Delphi]] in issue #5.
**When frozen, Rodimus is in the middle of chewing Rewind out over a pair of golden disks, obviously the "snuff movies" he got from [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]] in #1 for which he was being punished in issue #6. He also stated in that issue that it was [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] who tattled on him, and sure enough Red's frozen self can be seen watching in the background.
**Whirl is frozen in the same room, listening and presumably about to talk to Rodimus about compulsory therapy with Rung, which happens in issue #6.
**Trailcutter refers to [[Nightmare Fuel]], which he'll be shown to have in his "private stash" in ''More than Meets the Eye'' #11.
**The issue ends with Trailcutter heading off to get plastered at Swerve's, leading directly into his appearance in issue #6.
*Issue #14 revealed that Chromedome received his name at the New [[Institute]], where he worked alongside Brainstorm. As such, this issue's revelation that the two and Highbrow all received their current names while working together would seem to indicate that Highbrow also worked there.
[[File:SpotlightTrailcutterNameChange.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Name change? What name change?]]
*Transformers fiction is not usually beholden to the character name changes that Hasbro has been forced to use on various toys in the past for reasons of [[trademark]]. However, since this issue was produced with the specific intent of being packed with the 2013 ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Trailcutter toy, it obviously needed to use the name that was going to be printed on the package, and so the change is explained in-story. This change was previously alluded to in the (chronologically later-occurring) ''More than Meets the Eye'' [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 Annual]], in which "Trailcutter" was noted to be an alternate name for Trailbreaker; but other characters' use of it is erratic, for instance, while Swerve was seen using it in ''More than Meets the Eye'' [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|#11]], he slipped back to "Trailbreaker" in [[Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|#17]].
*While Trailguy would eventually do as Whirl suggested and "get some new bang-bang sticks", he would also follow Brainstorm's advice not to "weigh [him]self down with a handheld" - the new guns, seen in ''More than Meets the Eye'' [[Before & After|#12]], were strapped to his legs in imitation of Fortress Maximus.
*Hoist and Trailcutter, revealed to be roommates here, can also be seen chumming it up in that issue.
*Barrage, Chop Shop, and Venom's roles in Lockdown's group can be seen as a continuation of their positions in [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s Titan-hunting party from millions of years back, seen in "[[The Hunting Party (IDW)|Spotlight: Thundercracker]]".
*It's probably not a coincidence that in his sole previous IDW appearance in the ''[[The Transformers: Drift|Drift]]'' mini-series, Lockdown visited the planet [[Theophany]]—the only known resting place of a Titan other than Metroplex.
*Hoist's away mission and injured state on return from it was elaborated on in his own Spotlight, out one month from this issue.
{{-}}

===Transformers references===
*As the issue begins, Trailbreaker is delivering some rather over-the-top words of encouragement to Chromedome, Brainstorm and Highbrow as they go about their task. This would appear to be perhaps the first instance in fiction of him actually playing the role that his original Generation 1 character profile credited him with: that of a cheerleader for the other Autobots.
[[File:Spotlight Trailcutter Killmaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Evil Harry Pottertron.]]
*We get a single flashback panel of Whirl versus one truly hulking, scary-looking Decepticon. The monstrosity goes unnamed, but if we look carefully, we can see that he's holding a wand, marking him as the much-touted [[Killmaster]], previously mentioned in ''More than Meets the Eye'' #5, ''[[Omega's Conundrum|Spotlight: Orion Pax]]'' and, explaining this particular recollection, noted by Whirl to be his arch-enemy in ''More than Meets the Eye'' #13.
*The weapons listed off by Brainstorm include [[magma frag launcher]]s from ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (games)|War for Cybertron]]'' and [[scatter blaster]]s from [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]]'s original toy bio.
*In addition to preexisting ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' immigrant Lockdown, the invading Decepticons include 'Cons directly based on [[Blitzwing (Animated)|''Animated'' Blitzwing]] and [[Lugnut (Animated)|''Animated'' Lugnut]] (later stories seem to portray the "Lugnut" Titan Hunter as a separate guy from the [[Lugnut (TF 2010)|2010 toyline guy]]).
*The image of Rodimus on Hoist's huge crest is based directly on the [[package art]] of the original Rodimus Prime toy.
*The silhouette of the unnamed Titan shown as Lockdown elaborates to Trailcutter bears a ''massive'' resemblance to ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Metroplex (FOC)|Metroplex]]. (Oh, the puns!)

===Real-world references===
*Another of Lockdown's group of 'Cons is based directly on Japanese ''tokusatsu'' superhero {{w|Kamen Rider V3 (character)|Kamen Rider V3}}.
*The Spotlight's title could very well be based on the novel, ''{{w|The Reluctant Fundamentalist}}'', by {{w|Mohsin Hamid}}.

===Trivia===
*Trailcutter name-checks several of Brainstorm's weapons... and gets each name slightly wrong. His ignorance is understandable when we consider two factors:
**As established earlier in the issue, he's never much needed guns because his forcefields have always sufficed.
**In the prose story "[[Bullets]]", he is shown to be a member of the Autobots' [[Ethics Committee]] and depicted with a particular distaste for inhumane weapons technology, a.k.a. Brainstorm's specialty.

===Edits===
[[File:SpotlightTrailcutterNoDeadNoKill.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|Never say die.]]
In the version of the issue [[pack-in material|packed in]] with Trailcutter's ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' toy, several edits to the speech bubbles are made:
*Any reference to the name "Trailbreaker" is removed. The dialogue on page 6 regarding his name change is cut, and any prior uses of his original name are changed to "Trailcutter".
*Cussing is toned down, such as replacing "damn" with "insufferably" on page 5, panel 8.
*Mentions of guns and killing are replaced with blasters and destroying/hurting/etc... most of the time. Some instances of "die" and "dead" are left unaltered, though, as is Swerve's figurative mention of his sponsored silence "killing" him on page 8, while an already very technical "I'm the only one who's fully... active" gets changed to "I'm the only one who's fully functional", so there's no real consistency to it.
*Overt references to Energon consumption as a metaphor for alcohol consumption are removed, such as Trailcutter's offer to share a bottle of Nightmare Fuel, and his resolution to "get fendered" at the end of the issue.
*Some less explicable changes to the narration, such as moving the narration from page 8, panel 5 one panel earlier, and omitting the entirely harmless first narration box on page 9, panel 4.
{{-}}

===Errors===
*Sunstreaker sports his ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|toy body]] rather than his (admittedly rarely seen) newer Cybertronian form.
*Page 7, panel 3: "Preferably" is spelled "prefferably." This was fixed neither for the TPB nor for the Hasbro exclusive cover variant.
*Page 8, panel 1: "Mission" is spelled "misison." This was fixed neither for the TPB nor for the Hasbro exclusive cover variant.
*A scripted appearance for [[Landmine (G1)|Landmine]], helping with Metroplex's debris, is instead drawn as [[Landmine (Energon)|''Energon'' Landmine]] in his Brute Mode, although without the missile launcher on his left shoulder, thanks to Matt Frank being unaware of the G1 character's existence. Landmine had previously appeared in issue [[Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|#10]] of ''More than Meets the Eye'', where regular series artist [[Alex Milne]] drew him based on his original inner robot body. The error is telegraphed by his working on space debris, something in line with G1 Landmine's tech specs, which identify him as an asteroid miner.<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-comics-discussion/953484-fun-note-about-spotlight-trailcutter.html Thread on TFW2005]</ref>

===Soundtrack===
As with ''More than Meets the Eye'', writer James Roberts offered up a "soundtrack" for this issue on the [http://boards.idwpublishing.com/3/index.php IDW Publishing forum].

*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQyhNfmjcOg Nobody Said This Would Be Easy]'' by {{w|Cloud Cult}}
*''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYNPNDALj_Q Only Living Boy in New Cross]'' by {{w|Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine}}

===Foreign Localizations===
'''Swedish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Den Ofrivillige Specialisten'''" ("The Involuntary Specialist")
* In this story and all other MTMTE reprints to date, Trailbreaker is not renamed Trailcutter, likely due to the sticky trademark situation no longer being relevant. This is noted here due to the sheer irony of this story originally facilitating the name change.

===Covers (5)===
*'''Cover A:''' Trailcutter behind his forcefield as the Decepticons bear down on him, by Matt Frank and [[Josh Perez]].
*'''Cover B:''' Trailcutter with his new arm gun, by [[Livio Ramondelli]].
*'''Cover RI:''' Trailcutter by [[Clayton Crain]].
*'''Cover RE:''' [[Dynamic Forces]] exclusive, cropped-in version of cover RI with DF logo.
*'''Hasbro exclusive cover:''' Cropped-in version of cover RI, exclusively available with ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Deluxe Class [[Trailbreaker (G1)#Generations|Trailcutter]]. While the other pack-in comics in the line feature covers with background insignia appropriate to the characters, notice that Trailcutter has a ''Decepticon'' insignia behind him.
<gallery>
Image:Spotlight Trailcutter cvrA.jpg|Force-field face!
Image:Spotlight Trailcutter cvrB.jpg|Get ready for a surprise!
Image:Spotlight Trailcutter cvrRI.jpg|New toy, different name.
Image:Spotlight Trailcutter cvrRE.jpg|I'm undersized, but the best Trailbreaker you will get for a long time.
Image:Spotlight Trailcutter cvrHAS.jpg|Error, or foreshadowing?
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[The Gloaming|#16]]
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Heavy Is the Head|#16]]
*''The Colonized'' #1
*[[Free Comic Book Day]]
*''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight]]: [[The Question|Bumblebee]]''
*''Danger Girl: Trinity'' (back cover)

==Reprints==
* '''''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|The Transformers: Dark Prelude]]''''' ([[August 14]], [[2013]]) ISBN 1613777167 / ISBN 978-1613777169
* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 2]]''''' ([[August 12]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631403648 / ISBN 978-1631403644
* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]] Volume 53: Liars, A to D''''' ([[December 26]], [[2018]])

<gallery>
File:TFDarkPrelude tpb.jpg|'''''Dark Prelude'''''; cover art by [[Nick Roche]] & [[Josh Perez]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V2.jpg|'''''IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 2'''''; cover art by [[Saren Stone]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v53.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection Volume 53: Liars, A to D'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] & [[Alex Milne]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reluctant Specialist}}
[[Category:Dark Cybertron issues]]
[[Category:Pack-in material]]
[[Category:Spotlight issues]]

Roboid

2022-12-15T01:40:23Z

Gladiatrix: spag

:''Roboids are toy robots from the [[2005 IDW continuity|2005 IDW portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:FortMaxCuddles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Ignore the guy in the middle.]]
Manufactured and sold by the former [[Decepticon]] entrepreneur [[Demus]] on [[Tebris VII]], '''Roboids''' are adorable mechanical pets that are popular with organic races throughout the galaxy. Roboids with forms resembling Earth horses are called [[Equinoid]]s.

Named Roboids include:
{{collist|3|
*[[Beak]]
*[[Bolt (G1)|Bolt]]
*[[Brace]]
*[[Buck]]
*[[Clutch (IDW)|Clutch]]
*[[Sprint]]
}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
Demus captured and [[domestication|lobotomized]] [[Transformer]]s with [[beast mode]]s and sold them to mechanoid-hating organics as Roboid torture dolls upon which they could vent their frustrations. {{storylink|Animals}} As a cover story, Demus claimed he branched out into making Roboids when he noticed that his domestic appliances sold better when they looked like they had faces. He said that the toy pets—with a limited battery life, a few limited phrases on a sound chip and some glow-in-the-dark panels—were extremely successful. {{storylink|Some Of My Best Friends Are Autobots}}

After a series of escapades involving [[Equinoid]]s and [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]], the Scavengers tricked Fortress Maximus into believing the Roboids' lives were in danger and fled the planet in the ''[[Weak Anthropic Principle]]''—but not before [[Spinister (G1)|Spinister]] left instructions on how to undo the damage Demus had wrought on the Roboids. They were subsequently brought aboard Maximus's ship, to be taken to a place with better equipment and repaired. {{storylink|Animals}}

The Roboids were brought to [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], where [[Cerebros (G1)|Cerebros]] was able to use his expertise to slowly cure the Roboids one by one of their domestication. {{storylink|Ten to Midnight}} After it had proved its worth in stopping [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]'s army of [[Titan (group)|Titans]], Fortress Maximus sanctioned the use of Cerebros's experimental brain implant to repair the Roboids, which greatly sped up the process; once restored to their original condition, the former Roboids returned to Cybertron. {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}}

==Notes==
*The Roboids seen in "Animals" include a squirrel-former based on [[Nook]] (an ''Animated'' [[dexi-squirrel]]) and a [http://adelightfultedium.tumblr.com/post/130214882372/cavisetticon-djw-transformersanimated-cassette Cavisetticon] (i.e. guinea pig) created by [[Derrick J. Wyatt]].

[[Category:IDW (2005) subgroups]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) technology]]

Hot Rod (G1)/merchandise

2022-11-08T22:52:38Z

Gladiatrix: name correction

{{suite}}

'''Hot Rod''' has a lot of merchandise!

==''The Transformers''==
* '''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==
[[File:Tfchoco rodimuses.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (1986)

:Released as part 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)

:''Transformers Choco'' 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==
[[File:Tfgum rodimus convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|His attempt to fight Medusa failed spectacularly.]]

*'''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 (lack of) articulation. As the name suggests, rather than chocolate, Rodimus came with a stick of gum.
{{-}}
[[File:TFGum2011 hotrod.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (2011)
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
:Released in the fourth wave of the revived ''Transformers Gum'' series in 2011, this transforming model kit of Hot Rod is made from red, orange and black plastic, and decorated with quite a few stickers to add his familiar details. Taking its cues from [[#masterpiece|''Masterpiece'' Rodimus Convoy]], the figure features an alternate Rodimus Prime head (well, a head with an alternate ''sticker''), and can combine with his fully-transformable Mobile Defense Bay to form Rodimus's vehicle mode. The Defense Bay is assembled by collecting several additional parts available with the three different kits in the wave; its base comes with [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]], its sides and Rodimus's Photon Eliminator come with Hot Rod himself, and its central turret comes with [[Victory Leo]]. The vehicle mode replicates the approach used by the ''Masterpiece'' figure, with Hot Rod slotting into the trailer backwards, and an alternate piece featuring Rodimus's shorter hood flips up from underneath the trailer and clips over the car's rear end.
[[File:Kabaya-Rodimus-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2011)
:This is the pieced together Rodimus Prime from the ''Transformers Gum'' series in 2011, with its parts from across the wave.
{{-}}

==Transformers Milk Caramel==
[[File:Caramel rodimus.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1986)

:A small glow-in-the-dark rubber figurine of Rodimus—known in Japan as a ''keshigomu''—was released as part of Kabaya's ''Transformers 2010''-themed assortment of ''[[Transformers Milk Caramel]]'' candy toys. Rodimus came with chocolate-covered caramel candies, and was available in red, yellow, blue and green.
{{-}}

==Transformers Ramune==
[[File:Rodimus keshigomu.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1986)

:Another ''keshigomu'' of Rodimums Rodimus Prime was available in the ''[[Transformers Ramune]]'' line by [[Kabaya]], scaled to be reminiscent of the earlier line of figures that had been imported by [[Hasbro]] as [[Decoy]]s. Like the other figures in this series, Rodimus came with fizzy "Ramune" candy, and was available in red, blue and yellow.
{{-}}

==Forms Robo==
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1987)

:Rodimus was also part of the small Japanese-exclusive ''[[Forms Robo]]'' collection of larger "Decoy"-style 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.
{{-}}

==Seven==
[[File:Tfjr rodimus vinyl figure.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]

*'''Rodimus Convoy vs Galvatron''' (multi-pack, 1986)

:One of several vinyl action figures produced by the Takara subsidiary [[Seven]], Rodimus Prime was sold in a two-pack with a similar figure of [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]] on a blister card. He featured articulation in his shoulders.

::*''[http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/yagyujaguar10/29049366.html More information on Rodimus Convoy vs Galvatron at a Japanese fan-blog]''

*'''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 [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]].

::*''[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/featured-ebay-auctions-32/featured-ebay-auction---tf-junior-rodimus-convoy-and-chromedome-170935/ More information on the Cybertron Leader Set at TFW2005]''
{{-}}

==Talkformers==
[[File:Talkformers rodimus.jpg|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]].
{{-}}

==Super High-Breed Model==
[[File:Hybrid model rodimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1987)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''H-01'''

:Rodimus Convoy was one of three non-transforming ''[[Super High-Breed Model]]'' vinyl figurines created in 1987 by Takara. Standing at about eight inches tall and featuring articulation in the shoulders and neck, Rodimus and his fellows ([[Galvatron (G1)/toys|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 High-Breed 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}}
{{-}}

==Parody Deformed==
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (1990)
**''Accessories:'' Photon Eliminator
[[File:Pdtype rodimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
: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 "[[PDTF Comic]]" 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.
{{-}}

==MC Axis==
[[File:Mcaxis hot rod.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''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 [[The Transformers (MC Axis manga)|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 (planet)|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.

:The resin parts needs to be washed '''first''' to prevent the paint from smearing off.

:* ''[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/4512c7fd76f8e8ee Fan review of the Hot Rod and Elita One model kits]''
:*''[http://heroicdecepticon.blogspot.com/2012/02/takara-mc-axis-hot-rod-resin-model-kit.html Photos and review of unpainted and unused complete Hot Rod kit at HeroicDecepticon.com]
{{-}}

==Super Collection Figure==
[[File:SCF Rodimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2002)
**''Act'': '''2'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

: A three-inch tall [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of Rodimus Prime was available in the second "Act" 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.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFMatrixchase}}
[[File:SCF Rodimus chase.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Matrix & Rodimus''' (2002)
**''Act'': '''2'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:A rare "[[chase figure|Secret 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.

: He was ''presumably'' released at a ratio of one in every ten cases (this has not been officially confirmed, but later Acts would give those odds of finding Secret Figures). It is unknown which -if any specific- toy he replaced in the lucky case, though it's a safe guess it replaced the normal Rodimus figure.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFMatrix}}
[[File:SCF Rodimus B.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy (B)''' (2003)
**''Act'': '''4'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

: 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 version of the figure came with the right leg of the wave's collectible [[Metroplex (G1)#Super Collection Figure|Metroplex]] "build-a-figure"; this part could be either full-color or clear, at an equal ratio of 4:4.

: The pewter version of the figure has a potential problem with connector peg breakage, due to said pegs often getting a layer of pewter paint before being forced into a socket, leading to sticking and tearing. Care should be used when moving or removing the arms; shaving down the socket interior with a thin hobby knife is usually sufficient to fix the issue.

{{-}}{{anchor|SCFHotRodimus}}
[[File:SCF HotRod.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Surprisingly extensively retooled.]]
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (2003)
**''Act'': '''6'''
**''Accessories'': Stand

:Regular old Hot Rod made his ''Super Collection Figure'' debut in the sixth wave of the series. This version has a new torso piece sporting a non-removable head with the telescopic visor he employed on [[Lookout Mountain]] in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', and clenched-fist hands to replicate his "gun down the shuttle" pose. Hot Rod was available in both full-color and pewter versions at one each per case. The color version sports a number of minor deco differences from his Rodimus iterations, most notably a more peach-colored orange base plastic and gloss-black boots rather than matte. Sadly, they did not change the burgundy to a more screen-accurate magenta.

: In eight out of every ten cases, the pewter Hot Rod came with the torso of the wave's [[Grand Maximus#Super Collection figure|Grand Maximus]] collectible figure. This part could be in either full color or pewter, at a ''severely'' unequal ratio of six color parts to every two pewters.

: The pewter version of the figure has a potential problem with connector peg breakage, due to said pegs often getting a layer of pewter paint before being forced into a socket, leading to sticking and tearing. Care should be used when moving or removing the arms; shaving down the socket interior with a thin hobby knife is usually sufficient to fix the issue.
{{-}}

==Heroes of Cybertron==

*'''Rodimus Prime''' (2003/2006)

: 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.

: Rodimus was re-released in 2006 as part of a short-lived ''Heroes of Cybertron'' revival, celebrating the 2006 DVD release of the original ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', this time cast in solid rather than translucent plastic. Rodimus has a number of minor paint differences between this and his prior ''Heroes'' release as well: he only has a single shade of bright red, most of his light gray paint has been replaced with white, and his arm-pipes are now metallic silver.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Autobot/HoCRodimusPrime/rodimusprime.htm More information on ''Heroes of Cybertron'' Rodimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

==Mega Super Collection Figure==
*'''Hot Rodimus''' (2002) [[File:MegaSCFRodimus.jpg|upright=1.66|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 sporting 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 Transformers: The Movie'': the buzzsaw used in battle on [[Quintessa (planet)|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.

{{anchor|MSCFRodimusConvoy}}
*'''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.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/MegaSCFRodimusConvoy/rodimusconvoy.htm More information on ''Mega Super Collection Figure'' Rodimus Convoy at TFU.info]''

==MyClone==
[[File:Myclone rodimus.jpg|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==
[[File:HardHero HotRod bust.JPG|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==

[[File:Bottlecap rodimus.JPG|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.fc2.com/misc_item/kabaya_bottle.htm More information on the Bottlecap Collection at Autobase Aichi]''
{{--}}

==Titanium Series==
[[File:TitaniumRM Rodimus.jpg|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==
[[File:Hot Rod mv.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm a little bit expensive.]]

*'''Hot Rodimus''' (Metalverse Collection MVC-01, 2007)

:Large, rather expensive PVC statue with a sculpted base 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==
[[File:AAUnicron statue.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
* '''Unicron Movie Statue''' (Diamond Select, 2007)

: This [[Diamond Select Toys|Diamond Select]] statue of Hot Rod and [[Unicron/toys|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.
{{-}}
[[File:Diamond rodimus bust.jpg|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''==
[[File:G1 RobotHeroes RodimusVsInsecticon.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Light our cutest hour.]]
*'''Rodimus & Insecticon''' (Two-pack, 2007)
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

:''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|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)#Robot Heroes|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]''

{{anchor|RHBlindpack}}
*'''Hot Rod''' (Single-pack, 2008)

: In some countries outside of North America, Rodimus (renamed to Hot Rod) was released individually in a blindpack with no notable changes.
{{-}}

==3D Battle-Card Game==
[[File:3dbattlecardgame hotrod.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''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 [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Movie]] [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]] and [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]], along with fellow "Energon Wars" addition ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]].
{{-}}

==Sota Toys==
*'''Transformers Chess Set''' (<s>2007</s>)
:A Rodimus piece opening the Matrix of Leadership was to be the Autobot-side Queen on a [[Chess#Sota Toys|chess set]] based on Generation 1, but the set apparently never saw release.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==Revoltech==
[[File:Revoltech Rodimus toy.jpg|upright=1.66|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>
{{-}}

==''Thrilling 30''==
*'''Rodimus''' (Collectible Figurine, 2014)
**''Series / Number:'' '''2 / #20'''
**''Accessories:'' Collector's base
:A super-deformed Rodimus was released among the blindpacked [[Thrilling 30#Collectible Figurines|''Thrilling 30'' Collectible Figurines]] by [[Goldie Marketing]]. He comes with a base to help him stand, a collector's card that doubles as a puzzle piece, and a checklist.

*'''Collectible Figurines''' (5-pack, 2014)
**''Series:'' '''2'''
**''Accessories:'' 5 collector's bases
:The same Rodimus figurine was also available in a 5-pack alongside [[Bumblebee (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Bumblebee]], [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Thrilling 30|Shockwave]], [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Thrilling 30|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Thrilling 30|Grimlock]].
{{-}}

==ES Gōkin==
*'''Rodimus Convoy''' (2015)
**''Accessories:'' Photon eliminator, display stand

:[[Art Storm]] produced a posable super-deformed Rodimus Prime figure as part of their ''ES Gōkin'' series. He comes with his photon eliminator weapon and can hold the Matrix accessory that comes with ''ES Gōkin'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#ES Gōkin|Optimus Prime]].

::*''[http://artstorm.co.jp/esgokin_rodimusconvoy.html More information on ''ES Gōkin'' Rodimus Convoy at Art Storm's official site]''
{{-}}

==''Transformers Collectors' Club''==
[[File:GIJ-TF-Club-Crossover-Only-Human-Rodimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Autobot Leader Code Name: Rodimus Prime''' (2017)
**''Accessories'': 2 Photon blasters, fishing pole, fishing pole strike, fish, display base

:This figure represents Rodimus Prime's [[synthoid]] human body seen in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] season 3 episode "[[Only Human]]". It consists of a combination of redecoed parts from existing ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]'' figures; namely, the head of the 2008 version of [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]], the torso and waist of the 2009 ''Resolute'' version of [[Duke (G.I. Joe)|Duke]], the arms and hands of the 2010 ''Pursuit of Cobra'' version of [[Dusty]], the upper legs of the 2009 ''Rise of Cobra'' version of [[Shipwreck]], and the lower legs and feet of the 2010 ''Pursuit of Cobra'' version of [[Recondo]]. With the exception of the upper legs, this combination of parts was previously already used for the 2011 ''Pursuit of Cobra'' version of Hawk, which was also the first figure to include the vest accessory that is recolored for this figure, meant to recreate the look of the synthoid Rodimus Prime's jumpsuit in ''Only Human''.

:The remaining accessories are redecos of the 2013 ''Retaliation'' [[Blind Master]]'s sword cane/staff and flying saw, which are combined and reinterpreted as a fishing pole, the barracuda that came with the original 1990 ''Iron Grenadiers'' version of [https://www.yojoe.com/action/90/undertow.shtml Undertow], and the guns that originally came with the 2013 ''Retaliation'' [https://www.yojoe.com/action/13/dataviper.shtml Data-Viper] figure. A recolor of the UAV drone that usually goes with those guns was included with the concurrently released [[Arcee (G1)/toys#Transformers Collectors' Club|Autobot Warrior Code Name: Arcee]] figure, and can be worn by Rodimus Prime on his back, mimicking the look of the Rodimus Prime robot's spoiler. The included display base/stand is the generic 2013 ''Retaliation'' version, with a tampographed Autobot insignia.

:Despite being branded only as a ''Transformers'' product, this figure was exclusively available through both Fun Publications' ''G.I. Joe'' and [[Transformers Collectors' Club|''Transformers'' Collectors' Club]] online stores.

::*''[https://www.yojoe.com/action/17/rodimus.shtml More information on Autobot Leader Code Name: Rodimus Prime at YoJoe.com]''
{{-}}

==My Busy Books==
[[File:TF-My-Busy-Books-Transformers-Hot-Rod-figurine.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Transformers: My Busy Book''' (2017)

:This Hot Rod is a pair of small, PVC non-transforming figurines consists of his robot mode (in his [[evergreen]] design) and his race car alternate mode. Like most of the land-based vehicle figurines from this line, his wheels do not roll. These figures were available with a [[Transformers: My Busy Book|10-page board book]], a box of 12 figurines, and a playmat with depictions of a destroyed city and Cybertron.

:In terms of quality control, the figurines' paint applications can be...well, ''almost not entirely'' shoddy (especially the flame decal/insignia combination on his vehicle hood).

:For whatever reason, Hot Rod's alt mode figurine is not included with the Brazilian edition of the book.

{{-}}

==Soldier Story==
[[File:Soldier-Story-Unicron-lamp.jpeg|upright=1.1|thumb|Hot Rod Not God.]]
*'''Unicron''' (2017)
**''Accessories:'' Unicron with base, Hot Rod with clear stand, remote control, USB power cable

:[[Soldier Story Toys]] released a table lamp of Unicron and Hot Rod. Equipped with the Matrix of Leadership, Hot Rod stands approximately 6" tall, positively dwarfed by the 26" Unicron standing right behind him. The set is bedecked with over 70 LEDs of various colors and also projects the Decepticon [[insignia]] above it.

::*''[http://www.soldierstory-toys.com/products_show.asp?id=193 More information on the Unicron table lamp at Soldier Story's website]''
{{--}}

==Imaginarium Art==
[[File:ImaginariumRodimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|This is getting ''expensive''!]]
*'''Rodimus Prime''' (2018)

:[[Imaginarium Art]]'s statue of Rodimus Prime stands 31 inches tall, featuring 2 different heads for alternate facial expressions, as well as two different sets of arms - one pointing while holding his rifle, the other grasping the Matrix of Leadership. Only 400 were produced.

:The design seems to have been based off [[IP infringement|the unlicensed "Carry" figure]]... oops.
{{-}}

==Transformers Trading Card Game==
[[File:W2HotRod.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Autobot Hot Rod, Impulsive Fighter''' (2019)
**'''Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners'''
**''Rarity: '''''UT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T04/T46'''
**''Stars: ''7

:Autobot Hot Rod, Impulsive Fighter was released as part of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]] Wave 2: Rise of the Combiners. Like all other members of [[combiner]] teams released in the set, this Hot Rod is a folding card, with the Bot and Alt modes being depicted when the card is folded in half, and a holofoil portion of the the combined mode depicted when unfolded. The reverse of Autobot Hot Rod, Impulsive Fighter depicts the upper left portion of [[Optimus Maximus (G1)|Optimus Maximus']], of whom Hot Rod forms the chest piece.

:The artwork for Bot Mode is reused from the ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' mobile game.

:Autobot Hot Rod, Impulsive Fighter can be used to form Optimus Maximus, Ultimate Defender with the use of the Action card [[Enigma of Combination|Sentinel Enigma]] while he and the other Wave 2 Sentinels are in Bot mode on the battlefield and/or KO area.
{{-}}
[[File:W4PrivateHotRod.jpg|thumb]]
*'''Private Hot Rod, Infantry-Soldier''' (2019)
**'''Wave 4: War for Cybertron: Siege II'''
**''Rarity: '''''RT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T20/T52'''
**''Stars: ''9

:Private Hot Rod, Infantry-Soldier is one of 52 character cards released in Wave 4 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], War for Cybertron: Siege II.

:The card features original artwork for both modes, with line-art by [[Andrew Griffith]] and colors by [[Alex Tarca]].
{{-}}

==Flame Toys==
===Kuro Kara Kuri===
[[File:Kuro-Kara-Kuri-Rodimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Rodimus''' (202?)

:''Kuro Kara Kuri'' Rodimus is a high-end collectible action figure that is based on a ''very'' stylized appearance based on his IDW (2005) look.

:First revealed at ACGHK 2021 before having an official stock photo days later, ''Kuro Kara Kuri'' Rodimus has yet to see release as of February 2022.

{{uncertaintoy}}
{{-}}
===Furai Model===
[[File:Furai-Model-Rodimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Rodimus (IDW ver.)''' (July 2021)
**''Number'': '''17'''
**''Additional accessories'': 2 pairs of hands (gun-holding, open-palm), 2 "Photon Lasers", 1 pair of exhaust pipes

:Released as part of the ''Furai Model'' line by [[Flame Toys]], This Rodimus (in his IDW look) is an articulated, non-transforming, Voyager Class-sized {{w|Gunpla}}-style model kit that uses hard ABS plastic and some polycaps.

:For straight-assembly builders, Rodimus features a sheet of foil stickers for detail (notably the chest insignia), though the kit can be panel-lined and touched-up with several panel-lining and paint markers (GSI Creos' Gundam Marker is recommended). If one desires; the kit's pieces, aside from the translucent parts, can be fully coated with spray paints to recreate the finished sample seen in the stock photos.
{{-}}

==''ReAction''==
*'''Hot Rod''' (2021)
**''Accessories'': 2 rifles

: Released in the fourth wave of [[Super7]]'s line of multi-property 3.75-inch "retro" action figures, ''[[ReAction]]'' Hot Rod is a non-converting 3 3/4-inch action figure based on his appearance in the original cartoon, with 5 points of articulation (swivel neck, shoulders, hips) and holes in his feet for use with some variety of stand. He comes with two weapons, based on the ones from his original 1986 toy.

: As with all releases in the ''ReAction'' toyline, Hot Rod comes packaged on a small cardback that emulates the nostalgic packaging style of [[Kenner]]'s ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' action figures from the late 1970s to early '80s.

{{-}}

==Icon Heroes==
*'''Hot Rod x Ultra Magnus Retro Pin Set''' (2021)
: A hard enamel pin based on Hot Rod's original G1 package art made by Icon Heroes. It comes carded with an [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/merchandise#Icon Heroes|Ultra Magnus]] pin.

: This set was originally a [[San Diego Comic-Con]] exclusive in celebration of the 35th anniversary of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', but was also made available later through Icon Heroes' online store.
{{-}}

==Eaglemoss==
[[File:EaglemossChess HotRod RodimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.11|thumb|"[[Grimlock (G1)|Him Rodimus not King, him bozo!]]"]]
* '''Transformers Gen-1 Chess Set''' (<s>2021</s>)
:In the planned [[Chess#Eaglemoss|Transformers Chess Set]] by [[Eaglemoss]], a relatively large and very well detailed statue of Hot Rod was slated to be one of the standard Knight pieces on the Autobot side.

:A separate piece, this time portraying Rodimus Prime opening the Matrix of Leadership, was also going to be included as a replacement King piece for higher-paying backers.

:A Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project was launched, but failed to meet its goal by September 24, 2021 and the whole thing was canceled.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

==e-HOBBY==

===Transformers Character Card===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Rodimus and Galvatron.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Rodimus Convoy & Galvatron Set''' ([[March 14]], [[2022]])
**''ID number:'' '''05 & 06'''

:Released as part of the second wave of an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of "Rodimus Convoy" and [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#05 |Translation of Rodimus Prime's Transformers Character Card]]''
{{-}}

===Acrylic keychain series===
[[File:E-Hobby Hot Rod and Ultra Magnus keychains.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Hot Rodimus & Ultra Magnus''' ([[October]], [[2022]])

:Released as part of the first wave of an [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive series, this pair of keychains depicts character art and assets re-used from Hot Rod and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus's]] [[The Transformers: Masterpiece|''Masterpiece'']] releases, namely [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#MP28|MP-28 Hot Rodimus]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#MP22|MP-22 Ultra Magnus]] respectively.

{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==''Pop!''==
{{anchor|Digital Pop!}}
*'''Hot Rod''' ([[Funko Pop!#Digital Pop! NFTs|Digital ''Pop!'']], 2022)
**''Rarity:''
***''Monochrome:'' '''Common'''
***''Static:'' '''Common'''
***''Glowing:'' '''Uncommon'''
***''Chrome:'' '''Uncommon'''
***''Original:'' '''Legendary'''

:{{W|Non-fungible token|NFT}}s depicting Hot Rod in the Funko style. The legendary variant could be redeemed for a chance to get a physical version of the depicted figure. Said variant was limited to 1,550 pieces.

<center><gallery heights=200>
File:TRANSFORMERS_COMMON_HOT-ROD_MONOCHROME.gif
File:TRANSFORMERS_COMMON_HOT-ROD_STATIC.gif
File:TRANSFORMERS_UNCOMMON_HOT-ROD_GLOW.gif
File:TRANSFORMERS_UNCOMMON_HOT-ROD_REDCHROME.gif
File:TRANSFORMERS_LEGENDARY_HOT-ROD_ORIGINAL.gif|Right-clicking won't get you the physical figure; But then, buying this probably won't either.
</gallery></center>

{{-}}{{anchor|PopDigital}}
[[File:Funko Pop Digital Hot Rod.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
*'''Hot Rod''' (2022)
**''ID number:'' '''48'''

:Part of the ''Pop! Digital'' segment, Hot Rod is a super deformed vinyl figure based on his original Generation 1 toy. It could only be acquired by redeeming the Legendary variant of the NFT above.
{{-}}

==Jada Toys==
===''Nano Metalfigs''===
[[File:JadaNanoMetalfigsG1-18pack.jpg|upright=1.44|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Series 1 18-pack''' (4cm Die Cast Figure Multipack, 2022)
:Released by [[Jada Toys]], ''Nano Metalfigs'' Hot Rod is an incredibly small die-cast figurine molded doing an action pose. He has a little base attached to his feet for balancing reasons.

:He comes in an impressive multipack with [[Jada Toys#Nano Metalfigs|seventeen other figurines]].
{{-}}

===''Nano Hollywood Rides''===
*'''Sideswipe / Hot Rod / Jetfire''' (1.65" Die Cast Vehicle 3-pack, 2022)
:''Nano Hollywood Rides'' Hot Rod is a small non-transforming die-cast car measuring approximately 1.65 inches long.

:[[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Jada Toys|Sideswipe]] and [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Jada Toys|Jetfire]] were originally announced in 2020 as part of a 3-pack alongside [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Nano Hollywood Rides|Jazz]], but Jazz eventually got replaced by Hot Rod for the pack's official release.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}

==''Ultimetal''==
[[File:UltimetalRodimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|With exciting not-get-carded-anymore action!]]
*'''Rodimus Prime''' (2022)
**ID Number: '''S-01'''
**''Accessories'': Alternate head, alternate spoiler, alternate shoulders (2), guns (2), Matrix of Leadership (2), stand

:First revealed at the [[Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong 2021]] expo, ''[[Art Storm|Ultimetal]]'' Rodimus Prime is a highly articulated 12" figure made largely from [[die-cast]] metal. It is sculpted to resemble his anime-styled [[Studio OX]] character model. The figure can be modified to depict both Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime: it includes two heads, two quite different spoiler designs, different shoulder builds, two Hot Rod handguns that can merge into Rodimus' photon eliminator, and extending legs that change its overall height by about 1 centimeter. It also has two Matrix-es of Leadership: a large one meant for the robot to hold, with an opening gem housing lit by an internal [[LED]], and a small one that when inserted into Hot Rod's chest causes his shoulders to broaden for the Rodimus form.
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:MyClone]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]

Optimus Prime (G1)/toys

2022-11-03T00:25:34Z

Gladiatrix: spag

{{suite}}
[[File:G1 OptimusPrime boxart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.95|Awwwwww yeah......]]
Since 1984, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Generation 1 '''Optimus Prime''']] has received the largest number of toys for any single ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' character, a testament to the character's enduring popularity and status as a hero to many fans.

Due to the popularity of the character and the evergrowing [[Generation 1 continuity family]], this article had become far too large, causing internet browsers to struggle loading all of its contents—and in the most extreme cases—crashing entirely. For the sake of a nice clean split, we have opted to move all of Optimus Prime's ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toys into a separate article which can be found '''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys|here]]'''.

==''The Transformers''==
{{anchor|G1v1}}
[[File:G1 OptimusPrime toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|From the ''Diaclone'' Battle Convoy came Optimus Prime and all his subsequent incarnations.]][[File:G1toy optimus prime variants and running changes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Most people would be happy with just ''one'' Optimus Prime, but noooooo...]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (1984, 1985, 1986)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), [[Trailer]]/[[Combat Deck (G1)#Toys|Combat Deck]], [[Roller (G1)#Toys|Roller]], 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
{{toydesigner|[[Shōji Kawamori]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: The original Optimus Prime toy started life as the ''[[Diaclone]]'' toy, "Battle Convoy", created by a team of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] designers who came on board when the original designer fell behind. This team included [[Hiroyuki Obara]] (listed as the sole creator on the toy's patent) and famed mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]]. The toy transforms into two major components; the first component being a red and blue White Freightliner WFT-8664T cabover semi-trailer truck partially composed of [[die-cast]] metal, and the second component being a large silver trailer of currently-undetermined model.

:The cab transforms into the [[robot mode]] of Optimus Prime himself, with the addition of a pair of removable blue fists that plug into his headlights. The fists themselves do not store anywhere in vehicle mode, but can fit easily in Prime's opening chest compartment (originally designed to accommodate two ''Diaclone'' driver figures). Prime is armed with a black laser rifle that, due to design, he cannot hold straight. Due to his transformation, his articulation is relatively high for the era, mainly in the arms, which feature rotation at the shoulders, biceps, and wrists, along with elbow bends and a backward shoulder joint. He's also one of the few toys of the 1984 era to have knees (which serve to facilitate the "Powered Convoy" upgrade), though their use is restricted by his lack of forward hip movement. His smokestacks can rotate, but don't serve much purpose whatsoever.

:Prime's trailer opens up into his [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]], containing the scout drone, [[Roller (G1)|Roller]]. The interior of the Combat Deck features three pegs that can accommodate Prime's laser rifle, fuel pump and nozzle accessories, and seating for two ''Diaclone'' drivers. As its central feature, the Combat Deck features a missile-armed repair drone pod mounted upon a boom lift arm (featuring another cockpit for a ''Diaclone'' driver), which can also be extended through holes in the trailer's roof and front-end when it is closed. Situated in the base of the boom arm is a spring-loaded launcher that can launch Roller out of the Combat Deck and into action. Roller himself has seating for four ''Diaclone'' passengers, and features a port that can accommodate either Prime's rifle or the fuel pump. The interior space of the trailer allows storage room for one standard Autobot car, which can also be shot forward by the launcher.

:Optimus Prime was subject to several molding and color variations in his early days. The earliest release of the figure featured larger fists, a gun with a thick, round barrel, a slightly-differently shaped gas pump, grey rockets, a grey Roller, a grey launcher in his Combat Deck, and metal plates in the floor of the Combat Deck (a holdover from the ''Diaclone'' version of the toy, to which the magnetic feet of the pilots could cling). In short order, his fists were slimmed down, the gun's barrel was pared down to a more slender form, the gas pump's shape was altered, the rockets and launcher were recast in black plastic, the metal plates were removed from the Combat Deck, and Roller's color was changed to a light blue. Along with Roller's color change, however, the Combat Deck's drone pod also became light blue, and a third running change soon followed that saw it restored to its original darker blue, and Roller changed along with it. These modified components would become the default accessories used by subsequent reissues of the Prime toy, though Roller stills fluctuates back and forth between grey and dark blue, depending on how [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] each reissue wants to be.

:The Japanese release of the figure also underwent the changes in weapon shapes, but never featured a silver Roller; instead, their original release of Prime featured a ''Diaclone''-style Roller without the two rear pegs, and the differently-shaped launcher that accommodated him, before a running change switched over to the Hasbro version of the mold. Finally, in some European countries, Prime sported red feet, as opposed to his traditional blue; this version of the figure is also known in some cases to feature a differently-painted forehead crest which leaves the three central indentations unpainted blue.

:For the mainland Europe [[Milton Bradley]] release, there were two [[variant]]s of Optimus Prime available: the first version, manufactured by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], sported blue feet like most other versions; the second version, manufactured by [[Joustra]]'s parent company [[Ceji]], sported red feet instead.<ref name="3mb" /> On top of that, the Italian release of "Commander" by [[GiG]] eventually featured a [http://www.fredsworkshop.com/vprime6.html later variant] that replaced the rubber tires and [[die-cast]] feet with plastic parts, similar to the US [[KB Toys]] variant of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Toys|Ultra Magnus]].

:Having been removed from toy store shelves after 1985, Optimus Prime was made available as a mail-away toy in the "[[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction (G1)|Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]]" offer in the US in 1986 to coincide with the [[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers movie]] premiering that year. He cost $21.50 and 5 [[Robot Point]]s. He was also offered in 'The Autobots Have A Special Mission For...' mail-away pamphlet and came with a special "Movie Edition Certificate" and a round sticker that read " Movie . Edition . Transformer" with the Autobot symbol in the middle. (This item is considered ''rare''.)

:Over twenty-plus years, there have been a ''bajillion'' releases of this mold, some identical to the original toy, and some featuring significant variants with notably different paint jobs, color schemes, accessories and other pack-ins. We have striven to list all these variants on this page under their respective series; for a quick-reference list of all variants and releases [[#Notes|check here]]. The cab robot has also been used sparingly to represent different characters; outfitted with different trailers, it has become Generation 1 [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Pepsi Convoy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Generation 1 Optimus Prime at TFU.info]
{{G1OptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|PepsiPrime}}
[[File:G1-toy OptimusPepsi.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Pepsibots, roll out!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Limited edition promotional variant, 1985)
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:A limited edition of the Optimus Prime toy sold as a mail-away exclusive by [[Pepsi|PepsiCo]] was made available in North America in 1985. This version of the figure came with a small fold-out leaflet glued to the top-right of the packaging, which contained two Pepsi logo stickers for the buyer to attach to Prime, mid-way through the traditional silver-and-blue stripe on his trailer. [[Canada]] also got a version of this promotional figure, but with much larger stickers that were the full length and height of the trailer. This promotion would go on to serve as the inspiration for the Japanese character of [[Pepsi Convoy]], who would in turn be released by Hasbro as a new "[[#PepsiPrime2007|Pepsi Optimus Prime]]" in 2007.

{{-}}{{anchor|VSX}}
[[File:Convoy megatron vsx.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Megatron, what are we doing in the same box?!]]
*'''Convoy vs. Megatron''' (Versus set, 1985)
**''ID number:'' '''VSX'''
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:This Japanese-[[exclusive]] release of Optimus Prime came with the Japanese release of [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]. There are no differences between this release of Convoy and the individually released toy.

{{-}}{{anchor|goodbye}}
[[File:Goodbye convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|He's not leaving! He's right behind you!]]
*'''Good Bye Convoy''' (Multipack, 1986)
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:Commemorating the death of Optimus Prime in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', this set contains a special version of the original Optimus Prime figure with show-inspired translucent blue windows. It was packaged with [[Mirage (G1)/toys|Ligier]] and [[Red Alert (G1)/toys|Alert]], in an apparent homage to the similar ''Diaclone'' "Powered Convoy DX" giftset that packaged the "Powered Convoy" version of the Optimus mold with figures using the molds of Ligier and Alert.

{{-}}{{anchor|G1UltraMagnus}}
[[File:Ultramagnusg1toy.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Honkimus Prime.]]
*'''Ultra Magnus''' (1986)
**''ID number:'' '''C-69'''
**''Accessories:'' large robot head, rifle, chest plate, 2 trailer connectors/waist plates, 2 small robot fists (left & right), 2 large robot fists (left & right), 2 missile launchers, 4 missiles
{{note|Ultra Magnus' inner white Optimus Prime redeco was [[repurposing|repurposed]] as Optimus Prime in the ''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' issue "[[The War Never Ends]]".}}
:Ultra Magnus is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Diaclone]]'' "Powered Convoy" figure, itself a redeco and slight retool of "Battle Convoy", the toy that became the original Optimus Prime figure, sporting a new trailer. One of the last few ''Diaclone'' toys to be released in the ''Transformers'' toyline, Magnus was recolored from the original toy's dark blue, red and black color scheme into a more patriotic red, white and blue, though his chestplate, which was rendered white in his package art followed a more the blue color scheme of his shoulders. He transforms into a Freightliner COE, towing a car-carrier trailer capable of transporting up to four normal-sized Autobot cars. As with Optimus Prime, his cab transforms into a small robot, which can then combine with the trailer to form a "super robot", although all original Generation 1 fiction prior to the 21st century ignored this and simply rendered the super robot as Magnus's default robot form. To facilitate this combination, Magnus sports a slightly longer front axle than Prime, thereby creating tabs on either side of the cab that slide into grooves in the trailer to help lock the small robot into place. He is armed with a rifle sporting two handles that allow either of his [[robot mode]]s to hold it, and two shoulder-mounted missile launchers, whose spring-loaded firing mechanism was removed for the Hasbro release of the figure.

:The ''Diaclone'' Powered Convoy figure had several additional features and modes which were mostly excised or left unmentioned for the ''Transformers'' release of Ultra Magnus. Principally, Powered Convoy came packaged with "Powered Buggy", who was left out of Magnus's release (see [[#Notes|notes below]] for further details). Omitted from Magnus's instructions is the ability of his chestplate and super robot head to combine to form a small vehicle; the Powered Convoy version of the figure included small rolling wheels on the underside of the chestplate which were removed for Ultra Magnus. Additionally, three additional modes were included in the ''Diaclone'' instructions that Hasbro left out: a "preparation base" mode and an "Autobot base" mode were excluded entirely, while the third, a "catapult launcher" mode originally intended and proportioned to accommodate the ''Diaclone'' Jet Robo figure that became [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]], was shown only on the front of his packaging, interacting with [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]. The Japanese release of Ultra Magnus—released as part of the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Toys 2|Scramble City]]'' sub-line—''did'' include instructions for the preparation base and catapult launcher modes, but replaced the original Autobot base mode with a new configuration.

:The original Ultra Magnus figure has been reissued and redecoed several times down the years, and this article strives to list each edition of the figure under its own heading. The first alteration to Magnus, however, was a [[variant|running change]] made while he was still on shelves: Originally, his tires were made of [[rubber tires|rubber]] and he sported paint on both his small and large robot heads, but this version was soon replaced with one featuring plastic tires and no paint on either head. In addition, the clear yellow plastic that formed his windows was removed from the cab, leaving just holes instead; and his thighs and fuel tanks were left white, as opposed to the vacuum metalized chrome ones of the original release.

:The small robot component, as well as being part of Optimus Prime, was also released with a different trailer as [[Pepsi Convoy]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/UltraMagnus/ultramagnus.htm More information on Ultra Magnus at TFU.info]''
{{G1OptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|PMOP}}
[[File:PowermasterOptimusPrime toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|My Japanese release has a lot more bling. And shorter stacks.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Powermaster, 1988)
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 [[laser rifle]]s, 2 twin [[particle beam cannon]]s, super robot head
:Powermaster Optimus Prime was the first new toy of the Autobot leader since the original toy's release in 1984. He is an all-new design, featuring the [[Powermaster]] gimmick: His partner figure, Hi-Q, must be transformed into an engine and attached to Prime's vehicle mode in order to enable the transformation into robot mode.

:Like the original figure, Powermaster Prime is composed of two major components: his truck cab, which transforms into Prime himself, and his trailer, which is essentially a heavily-armed version of the original. The trailer has a fold-down ramp to allow the storage of a smaller Transformer, or perhaps spare accessories. The trailer transforms into a battle station armed with two long black rifles and two grey double-barreled cannons (featuring seating for Powermaster engine figures), all of which Optimus Prime can also wield in his fists.

:Aside from the Powermaster feature itself, the main [[gimmick]] of the toy is the ability of the truck cab to combine with the trailer to form the larger "Super Optimus Prime" figure. This is essentially accomplished by standing the trailer up, folding the cab in half and inserting it into the empty cavity in the trailer's torso, forming an imposing—if almost entirely unposeable—robot form armed with all four weapons. The head of this super robot form is a separate piece which can be stored in the rear of Prime's trailer when not in use. While Hi-Q was always shown plugged into Prime's chest in artwork of this mode (as seen in the picture here), this was actually entirely unnecessary as transforming into Super Optimus Prime didn't require the standard Prime toy's legs to be unlocked.

:The Japanese release of Powermaster Optimus Prime actually represented a new character named [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]], and featured several retools: the cab featured die-cast metal, shortened smokestacks, vacuum-metalized plastic and clear blue windows, while the trailer was given retractable super robot fists. This Japanese version was eventually issued by Hasbro in 2003 as part of the [[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] collection ([[#Commemorative Series|see below]]).

:This toy was later redecoed into the Japanese-exclusive Nucleon Quest Super Convoy.

:There were several different prototypes made for this toy. [[#Powermaster Optimus Prime design history|See a list here]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1988/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optmiusprime.htm More information on Powermaster Optimus Prime on TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AM}}
[[File:ActionMasterPrime toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Eastbound and Down.]]
*'''Armored Convoy with Optimus Prime''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' trailer, 2 laser guns, 4 blaster cannons, 2 Energon exhaust stacks, [[photon bazooka]]
:The largest [[Action Master]] set, this incarnation of Optimus Prime is a non-transforming action figure which comes with the "[[Armored Convoy#Toys|Armored Convoy]]", a large, heavily armed tractor trailer. The cab of the truck transforms into a small jet that can seat one Action Master figure, while the trailer itself converts into a larger battle station with turrets that several Action Masters can man. The sculpt of the Prime figure itself is closely based on his [[character model]], albeit with a coloration that seems to have been based at least partially on the small robot form of his Powermaster body. Unlike the one seen in the commercial, the final product loses paint operations of Prime's upper legs.

:The Action Master Optimus Prime figure was later redecoed with a more [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] color scheme and included in the Japanese-exclusive "New Year" reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in 2002. The Armored Convoy was later redecoed as the ''[[Microman]]: [[Microman#Micro Millennium (1998-2000)|LED Powers]]'' toy [[Microman#MicroTrailer|Micro Trailer]] – sans Optimus Prime, natch – which also received two separate [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] toys as the [[Microman#DarkTrailer|Dark Trailer]] and [[Microman#FlameTrailer|Flame Trailer]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Action Master Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|EuroClassics}}
[[File:Euro classics optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Original Optimus Prime''' (Original Autobot Leader, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:This straight reissue of the original Optimus Prime figure was released in Hasbro's European markets in the early 1990s, at the same time as many other Generation 1 figures were being re-released as "[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]". Oddly, although he shares their golden packaging, Prime is not actually ''identified'' as a "Classics" figure anywhere on his box, but is generally considered to be part of the sub-line for simplicity's sake.

{{-}}{{anchor|2000rerelease}}
*'''Convoy''' (reissue, 2000)[[File:2000 japanese prime reissue.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:The first in what would be a deluge of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure in the 21st century, this Japanese release sported a golden sticker on his packaging announcing the celebration of the Transformers' 15th anniversary in the country. It featured slightly modified fists to help hold the gun better.

:Simultaneously, this figure was available as a black convention-exclusive redeco, and a golden-chromed "[[Lucky Draw figure]]" (see below).

{{-}}{{anchor|JAFCON}}
[[File:Jafcon convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Not the first [[Black Lio Convoy|black Convoy]], but the first that wasn't a clone.]]
*'''Convoy Black Version''' (2000)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (black), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pum
:Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this [[black repaint|black redeco]] of the original Prime was available exclusively at the Japanese convention JAFCON. ''Everything'' about it is black, including all of the Combat Deck and Roller.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2000/Cybertron/JAFConvoy/jafconvoy.htm More information on JAFCON Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LuckyDrawPrime}}
[[File:G1toy convoy gold version.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Prime's a gold digger/way over Cybertron.]]
*'''Convoy Gold Version''' (2000)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (gold), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this "[[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]]" redeco of the original Prime replaced all of the figure's silver chromed parts and stickers with golden ones, and even included a blinged-out Roller. The figure is extremely rare; apparently only 25 are known to exist.

{{-}}{{anchor|NucleonQuest}}
[[File:Nucleon quest convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Epic Black repaints are the right of all toy collecting beings.]]
*'''Nucleon Quest Superconvoy''' {{sic}} (2001)
**''ID number:'' '''C-307X'''
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 laser rifles, 2 twin particle beam cannons, super robot head
:This redeco of the Ginrai tooling of the Powermaster Optimus Prime figure (released concurrently with the 2001 reissue of the Ginrai figure) was a Toys ''R'' Us Japan [[exclusive]] black repaint, made to represent the original Optimus Prime equipped for a special mission. All of his red and blue plastics were changed to black, his clear blue windows were now tinted red, making his overall colour scheme very reminiscent of the now-familiar '[[Black Convoy (disambiguation)|Black Convoy]]' color schemes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Autobot/NucleonQuestConvoy/nqconvoy.htm More information on Nucleon Quest Super Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|NewYearConvoy}}
*'''Convoy (Tokubetsu Shiyō)''' (2002)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''[[File:New year convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
**''Accessories:'' 2 laser blasters, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, Action Master Optimus Prime figure, [[Matrix of Leadership/toys|Matrix of Leadership]], chain, Autobot sticker sheet, mouse pad
:Labeled "2002 New Year Special", this Japanese-exclusive "Special Specification" (特別仕様 ''Tokubetsu Shiyō'') of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure featured tinted blue windows, like those sported by the "Goodbye Convoy" edition of the toy, as well as show-accurate blue eyes. Prime came with all his original accessories, including ''both'' versions of his rifle, as well as a new die-cast metal Matrix of Leadership accessory, which can be tabbed into his chest. Additionally, the set included a show-accurate redeco of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure, a sheet of Autobot [[insignia]] stickers of varying sizes, and a mouse pad decorated with the Autobot symbol.

:The Matrix accessory was later recolored in gold chrome for inclusion with the 2005 [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron reissue toy]], and in green chrome as the [[Matrix of Leadership/toys|Creation Matrix]] for the [[e-HOBBY]]-exclusive [[Galvatron II#Toys|Galvatron II]] toy. It returned to its original silver coloration when it was included, sans chain, in the 2010 ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers: Reveal the Shield]]'' "Battle in Space" 2-pack.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/NewYearsConvoy/nyconvoy.htm More information on New Year Special Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|bape}}
[[File:G1toy BAPE convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Trukk not munky|TRUKK...''AND'' MUNKY?]]]]
*'''Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver.''' (A Bathing Ape exclusive, 2011)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:Available exclusively from Japanese clothing company [[A Bathing Ape]] in July 2011, concurrently with a range of exclusive Transformers t-shirts, "Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver." (コンボイ復刻版 BAPE® Ver.) is a redeco of the original Optimus Prime toy sporting a unique new green color scheme, along with a tan trailer decorated with a camouflage pattern. Both trailer and Prime himself feature the A Bathing Ape logo in place of an Autobot symbol, while the floor of the trailer's Combat Deck mode features new Bathing Ape-themed labels. The figure comes in a recolored version of the original Japanese Optimus Prime packaging.
::*''[http://bape.com/transformer Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. on BAPE.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|bapeblack}}
[[File:G1toy BAPE ConvoyBlack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Prime at his audition for ''The Artist''.]]
*'''Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. BLACK'''<ref>Or "Ver. Black Camo," in ''[[Transformers Generations 2012]]''.</ref> (A Bathing Ape exclusive, 2012)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:Available exclusively from Japanese clothing company [[A Bathing Ape]] in April 2012, "Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. BLACK" (コンボイ復刻版 BAPE® Ver. BLACK) is a redeco of the original Optimus Prime toy sporting a unique new grey color scheme, along with a grey trailer decorated with a camouflage pattern. Both trailer and Prime himself feature the A Bathing Ape logo in place of an Autobot symbol, while the floor of the trailer's Combat Deck mode features new Bathing Ape-themed labels. The figure comes in a recolored version of the original Japanese packaging.

{{-}}{{anchor|bapered}}
[[File:G1toy BAPE ConvoyRed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Three times faster than the original BAPE version.]]
*'''Convoy Reissue BAPE VERSION RED CAMO'''<ref>Japanese listing on the BAPE website. The accompanying English text reads "01 CONVOY BAPE VERSION RED CAMO".</ref> (A Bathing Ape exclusive, 2013)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
:Available exclusively from Japanese clothing company [[A Bathing Ape]] in March 2013, "Convoy Reissue BAPE VERSION RED CAMO" (コンボイ復刻版 BAPE® VERSION RED CAMO) is a redeco of the original Optimus Prime toy sporting a unique new red color scheme, along with a red trailer decorated with a camouflage pattern. Both trailer and Prime himself feature the A Bathing Ape logo in place of an Autobot symbol, while the floor of the trailer's Combat Deck mode features new Bathing Ape-themed labels. The figure comes in a recolored version of the original Japanese packaging.

::*''[http://www.bape.com/transformers_3 Convoy Reissue BAPE VERSION RED CAMO on BAPE.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TVKunCommanderConvoyBoxFigure}}
[[File:TF-Commander-Convoy-Box-Gold-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|For the people who wanted this for the S.T.A.R.S. kit, I have bad news for you.]]
*'''Transformers 35th Anniversary Commander Convoy''' (canceled)
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right)
:Released as part of the "Transformers 35th Anniversary Commander Convoy Box Crowdfunding Project" kickstarted by TakaraTomy and ''[[TV-Kun]]'', this Convoy is a gold-chrome-and-redeco of the ''Generation 1'' Optimus Prime figure, featuring a more balanced deco compared to the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/merchandise#Gold Convoy Trophy|Gold Convoy Trophy]] (at least until [https://twitter.com/Televi_Kun/status/1152244044598132742 the second prototype reveals that the entire body is chromed]). Despite being etched on a trophy stand, Convoy is able to transform into truck mode, albeit facing upwards.

:In addition, the set also comes with a replica of the [[S.T.A.R.S.]] supply kit, a S.T.A.R.S. badge, a Transformers Fan Club card, a poster, and a Transformers Mook.

:Crowdfunding began on July 1st until August 31st, with a total of 2000 backers needed. Unfortunately, it only reached 840 backers with a total of 16,650,000 yen out of 33,600,000 yen needed.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

===''Transform Jr''===
{{anchor|1985Jnr}}
[[File:Convoy Junior toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Prime's kid brother.]]
*'''Convoy''' (1985)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 fists (left and right), head, laser blaster, cardboard trailer
:As one of the first ''[[Transform Jr]]'' toys, this version of Optimus Prime was released under the early name for the series, ''Transform Gōkin''. As a smaller, simplified version of the original Generation 1 Prime figure intended as a low-cost alternative for younger children, Prime features a similar transformation, with a removable head in addition to fists, but lacks rubber tires and translucent windows. As with most other ''Transform Jr'' figures, he lacked any of his major accessories, coming only with his rifle and a cardboard replacement for his trailer that had to be assembled by the buyer.

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroSet}}
[[File:Transformjr hero set.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The true Heroes of Cybertron]]
*'''3 Heroes Set''' (multipack, 1987)
**''Accessories:'' 2 fists (left and right), head, laser blaster, cardboard trailer
:The ''Transform Jr'' version of Prime was re-released a few years later in a "Hero" set alongside the ''Jr'' versions of [[Chromedome (G1)|Chromedome]], and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys|Fortress Maximus]].

*'''5 Years of Leaders Set''' (multipack, 1989)
**''Accessories:'' 2 fists (left and right), head, Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer

:Prime was again re-released several years later in a lucky Draw "5 Years of Leaders" set alongside the ''Jr'' versions of Rodimus Convoy, [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys|Fortress Maximus]], God Ginrai, and Star Saber.
{{--}}

===''Return of Convoy''===
{{anchor|StarConvoy}}
[[File:StarConvoy toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Star Convoy''' (Powered Master, 1991)
**''ID number:'' '''C-372'''
**''Accessories:'' laser rifle, [[Micro Trailer]], Microcarrier, small cannon, cannon turret stand, radar, connector, 2 ramps
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Kunihiro]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:As the final new-design Optimus Prime toy from the original Generation 1 era, the Japanese-exclusive Star Convoy was a significant departure from previous versions. This incarnation of Prime transforms into an extended-hood cab truck of made-up model pulling an implausibly large trailer, incorporating the motorized "Microcarrier". [[Motorized movement|Powered by four AA batteries]], the Microcarrier drives Star Convoy either forward or backward, spinning a radar dish mounted on the rear of his trailer as he rolls along. Prime's teammate in the [[Battlestars]], [[Grandus (G1)|Grandus]], can link up to the rear of Star Convoy's vehicle mode and be pulled along behind him; [[Sky Garry (G1)|Sky Garry]] can then land atop Grandus, forming a giant vehicle.

:Unlike previous Optimus Prime toys, the cab section does not separate from the trailer for transformation, instead forming the arms of his imposing 12-inch tall robot mode. He lacks any sort of leg articulation in this mode, but the Microcarrier comes into play again, allowing Prime to roll either forward or backward into action.

:Additionally, Star Convoy transforms into a large battle station that interacts with the [[Micromaster]]s that made up the vast majority of the ''Transformer'' toyline at the time. His chest contains a peg that allows Micromaster figures to stand inside it in either robot or base modes, and he comes with a unique Micromaster version of [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Return of Convoy|Hot Rod]] not available on its own. He features storage space in his legs for two spring-loaded figure-launching [[Micro Trailer]]s, and comes with one of his own, decorated in a unique black and orange color scheme. In this mode, two ramps are connected to the Microcarrier; when the carrier's treads are set rolling, they do not move the base, but instead act as conveyor belts that carry Micromaster figures down the ramps. The Microcarrier also spins a gun turret mounted between the conveyors, on which Micromaster figures can stand. Finally, a special connector packaged with Star Convoy allows the Microcarrier to be connected up to Grandus's base mode, powering his moving elevator.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1991/Cybertron/StarConvoy/starconvoy.htm More information on Star Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|StarConvoyReissue}}
[[File:StarConvoy reissue.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Star Convoy''' (reissue, 2005)
**''ID number:'' '''C-372'''
**''Accessories:'' laser rifle, [[Micro Trailer]], Microcarrier, small cannon, cannon turret stand, radar, connector, 2 ramps
:Star Convoy was reissued by Takara in 2005, with some notable alterations to his deco: his white plastic was replaced with metallic silver, and the yellow star on his chest was chromed golden. Star Convoy himself retained some of his original decals but most notably his "simulated head lights" and "wind shield panels" were stamp graphed on him, similarly, Hot Rod's were replaced with the same stamp graphing applications. Additionally, where the original toy had been packaged in robot mode in a tall box decorated with the standard Japanese package art of the time, the reissue was packaged in vehicle mode, in a long, wide box more reminiscent of the original Generation 1 toys.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/StarConvoy/starconvoy.htm More information on reissue Star Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Generation 2''==
[[File:G2Prime toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (1993, 1994)
**''Accessories:'' laser blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (light blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, sound and lights module
:The first ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy is a [[redeco]] of the original Generation 1 figure release with some notable new additions to catch him up to the radical 1990s. While his cab robot retained his original red and blue color scheme, his trailer was recast in black, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one displaying Optimus's name. On the first release of the trailer, the internal components and Roller matched the blue of the cab robot. Later, the internal components and Roller were changed to a lighter blue. Another running change followed, making the dark blue of the cab robot match this lighter shade. A bright yellow "Autobot" [[tampograph]] was also added to the back of his right leg.

:''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime comes with all his original accessories, as well as two major new play features. To increase his arsenal, Optimus is now armed with a pair of large, black handheld missile launchers that fire red missiles. These launchers were retooled from the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' figure [http://www.yojoe.com/action/92/barricade.shtml Barricade]. Second, he comes with an electronic "sound and lights module" that can either plug into the front of the trailer (where it resembles a trailer refrigeration unit), or hook onto Optimus's back in [[robot mode]] via a new slot retooled into the cab robot. Unfortunately, the soundbox is heavy enough that doing so can often overpower Prime's hip joints, causing him to topple backward. The soundbox features a large, [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum metalized]] Autobot symbol on its front, and three grey buttons which trigger two flashing red LEDs on either side of the module, and [https://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/c/c6/G2OptimusNoises.ogg a trio of sound effects]: a truck engine noise, a laser gun sound effect, and a very loud "I am Optimus Prime!". The module also features ports on either side into which the missile launchers can peg.

:How the sound module handles batteries is an oddity among Transformers before or since. As G2 Optimus came out during a transitional period where button cell batteries were still fairly expensive, the module uses AA batteries by default, but was originally packed with a small bracket for included LR44 batteries that overrides the AA compartment completely to support the "Try Me!" feature in the box. The original intent is to discard the bracket once the LR44s run out and switch to several AA batteries, but if one were to keep it, the electronics can work equally well solely off far fewer button cell batteries.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1993/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Generation 2 Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroOptimusPrime}}
[[File:CombatheroPrime toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|BE A HEEEERO]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Hero, 1994)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''TRF-1'''
**''Accessories:'' gun, 2 rockets
:[[Hero (G2)|Hero]] Optimus Prime was the first new-mold Optimus Prime toy created for the ''Generation 2'' line. He transforms into a Kenworth truck of unknown model which defies Optimus convention by being one continuous unit, rather than the traditional cab-and-trailer combo. Decals form the windows of a faux truck face to represent his chest, featuring both his name and what appears to be a [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|life support readout coming alive towards the end]]. In addition to a small gun, he is armed with a large missile launcher, which can fire a rubber-tipped rocket by means of a bellows which you slam your fist down on to produce a puff of air. The launcher is accessible in both modes, ending up mounted on his right forearm in robot mode; the bellows is attached via a rubber hose and cannot be disconnected, but stores on the figures's back when not in use, as do the rockets. A similar air-launching system with identical missiles was used by the simultaneously-released [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Hero Megatron]], and by Laser Optimus Prime the following year (see below).

:This mold was also used to create [[Sureshot (G2)|Sureshot]] and the [[KB Toys]]-exclusive [[Destructicon (RID)|Destructicon]] [[Scourge (RID)#Destructicon|Scourge]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1994/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Hero Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LaserOptimusPrime}}
[[File:G2toy laser optimus prime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|What was that about shoulder-speakers, Jazz?]]
*'''Laser Optimus Prime''' (1995)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''TRF-13'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser cannon", "[[Laser Rod (weapon)|saber weapon]]", missile launcher, 10 missiles, 5 discs, 2 rockets
:Laser Optimus Prime (released in Europe under the name "Laser Rod Optimus Prime") transforms into a mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX, pulling a grey and black fuel tank trailer. The sides of the trailer are decorated with a sticker depicting Prime using a flamethrower to burn down a banner with the words "Optimus Prime Octane" on it. The truck is armed with a disc launcher on the roof of its trailer, which launches five blue discs bearing the ''Generation 2'' Autobot insignia as a knob is turned. Like the other "[[Laser Rod|Laser]]" toys released this year, Prime features electronics powered by two button-cell batteries; in truck mode, pressing the button on the cab's roof causes his headlight to light up with yellow LEDs.

:In the grand Optimus tradition, the cab of Laser Optimus Prime disconnects to become the highly poseable robot mode of Prime himself. Like Powermaster Prime and Hero Prime, the toy features the iconic windshield pecs and grill abs, despite not actually being formed from the actual truck components they emulate. In robot mode, pressing the button on Prime's cab (now on his back) activates a red LED in his right fist which illuminates his clear-plastic sword (which stores beneath his legs in truck mode).

:Prime's trailer unfolds via a spring-loaded transformation mechanism in a battle station that is positively ''bristling'' with varied weaponry. In addition to the disc launcher, it is armed with a "ripple-fire" missile launcher that fires five missiles, an air-powered rocket launcher like the one previously seen on Hero Optimus Prime, and a small laser cannon that mounts on the base's main tower. Both the missile launcher and laser cannon can disconnect and be held by Prime; his LED-fist will illuminate the laser cannon like it does his sword. Additional missiles and a second rocket are stored in grooves inside the sides of the trailer.

:This mold was redecoed by Takara in 2000 as ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Car Robots]]'' [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]], sans electronics. The following year, it was released by Hasbro as Black Convoy's [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' franchise]] counterpart, Scourge, with retooled discs that lacked the Autobot insignia and a blunted sword, again sans electronics. Following this, the next use of the mold was planned to be ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Toxitron (Universe)|Toxitron]], which ended up being canceled. The modified Scourge tooling was also used when Laser Prime was reissued by Takara in 2006 with a modified deco ([[#G2reissue|see below]]), and for the e-Hobby exclusive [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#G-2|Laser Ultra Magnus]] that accompanied the reissue's release, with electronics restored. In 2015, ''[[Transformers: Platinum Edition|Platinum Edition Year of the Goat]]'' Optimus Prime, another repaint version, comes with partially transparent plastic torso.

:In addition to being the most popular Generation 2 figure, Laser Optimus Prime was, prior to 2003, a regular contender for most popular Transformers toy ''ever'', back in the days of the annual [[alt.toys.transformers]] fan awards; the toy won twice, and actually lost once to his redeco, Scourge.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Laser Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{G2LaserOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|GobotOptimusPrime}}
[[File:G2toy gobot prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Sweet ride, Prime]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' gun
:A redeco of the ''Generation 2'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Firecracker]], Optimus Prime transforms into a red Hot Wheels-sized Lamborghini Diablo. Like most Go-Bots, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. He is armed with a small red laser rifle. The plastic colors are a "solid" version of Firecracker's color layout, substituting opaque red for transparent red plastic.

:The Japanese release of this toy swapped out the orange plastic for neon yellow, and had a large tampograph on the car's hood that was shaped like a stylized letter 'T', with the Transformers logo in it. Going against the grain, this toy was released in Japan with the name "Optimus Prime" instead of "Convoy".

:In Europe, this deco was sold as Firecracker himself rather than Optimus Prime (at least in the French/Dutch/German packaging variant). The sculpt was later redecoed again for the third wave of Go-Bots to become [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Go-Bot|Sideswipe]] (who Prime ''really'' looks a lot like), and later still into the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Spy Changer]] [[R.E.V.]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1995/Autobot/OptimusPrimeGobot/optimusprime.htm More information on Go-Bot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{G2FirecrackerMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|HeroRecolorOptimusPrime}}{{anchor|g2combatheroprime}}
[[File:CombatHeroPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Hero, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun, 2 rockets

: This Optimus Prime was to be a redeco of Hero Optimus Prime in dark blue and red. Packaged samples of this toy were produced, but it was ultimately never released.

:The packaged samples feature a "traditional" color scheme for the head, with a silver [[mouthplate]]; the prototype depicted in the official catalog image seen on the right sports an unusual ''red'' mouthplate, which inspired several later toys.

:Since much of the advertising for the ultimately unreleased redeco used an older, outdated name for the "Heroes" assortment, "Combat Heroes", Optimus and an equally unreleased redeco of "Hero" Megatron are commonly referred to by fans as "Combat Heroes" compared to the original "Heroes" releases, although all evidence suggests that Hasbro had never actually intended such a distinction, instead treating them as mere color [[variant]]s. Though the packaging is mostly unchanged (including a reuse of the existing packaging art depicting the original release's color scheme), one of the few minor alterations sees the addition of the name "Hero" (rather than "Combat Hero") to Optimus Prime's name above the (otherwise unchanged) UPC barcode.

:A finished sample of the Hero Optimus Prime redeco was among the rare toys auctioned off for charity at [[BotCon 1996]], along with several other unreleased ''Generation 2'' items.

::*''[http://www.toyarchive.com/Transformers/Prototypes/Generation2/HeroOptimusPrimeProtoMOSC.html "Combat Hero" Optimus Prime in packaging at Super Toy Archive]''
::*''[http://www.transformertoys.co.uk/resources/review/generation+2/blue+optimus+prime/3654 "Combat Hero" Optimus Prime in packaging at Transformers @ The Moon]''
::*''[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/g2/combat-hero-optimus-prime/3429/1/ "Combat Hero" Optimus Prime in and out of packaging at Seibertron]
{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2General}}
*'''General Optimus Prime''' (Auto Roller, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Four missiles
[[File:Un autorollers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]

: "General" Optimus Prime would have been a redeco of the Decepticon [[Auto Roller (G2)|Auto Roller]] [[Dirtbag#Toys|Dirtbag]] in green, ironically bearing a closer resemblance to [[Hound (G1)/toys|Hound]]'s color scheme than the also-unreleased [[Hound (G1)/toys#Generation 2|"Sgt. Hound"]] Auto Roller. General Optimus Prime would have transformed into a dump truck, and would've had an [[autotransformation]] gimmick.

: This mold was also used to make [[Autostinger#Toys|Autostinger]].
{{canceledtoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|G2reissue}}
[[File:LaserPrime reissue.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Battle Convoy''' (reissue, 2006)
**''ID number:'' '''TRF-13'''
**''Accessories:'' "Laser cannon", "saber weapon", missile launcher, 10 missiles, 5 discs, 2 rockets

:This reissue of the original ''Generation 2'' Laser Optimus Prime figure was made using the modified version of the mold created for ''Robots in Disguise'' Scourge, lacking the sculpted ''Generation 2'' Autobot insignias on the disks featured on the original. It sported a modified deco, with the flat grey plastic on both the trailer and Prime's chest now replaced with silver chrome; additionally, new Autobot symbol tampographs were added to the doors of Prime's cab mode and the front end of his trailer, and a pair of new chest-window stickers featuring an illustration of the Matrix of Leadership replaced the original decals.

:This version of the mold was used to create the e-Hobby exclusive Laser Ultra Magnus, and somewhat more perplexingly, was briefly [[repurposing|repurposed]] by the [[Master of the Game|second]] ''[[Beast Wars Reborn]]'' text story as a temporary body for [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity#Beast Wars Reborn|Optimus Primal]]!
{{G2LaserOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Beast Wars''==
{{Note|Very early in the life of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toyline (before the debut of the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon), Hasbro treated the series as an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and so Optimus Primal was presented as being the same character as Optimus Prime.}}

*'''Optimus Primal vs Megatron!''' (Basic versus two-pack, 1996)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''C-6'''[[File:BWtoy-Primalbat.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I'm Batman, and I can breathe in space.]]
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
:The first ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys|Optimus Primal]] is a Basic size class blue bat which could autotransform into a robot by pulling the tail. Two swords were removable from under its wings for use as weaponry in [[robot mode]]. It was packaged along with an alligator version of Megatron and a ''Beast Wars'' mini-comic.

:This figure was released during the short-lived period when Hasbro was treating the Beast Wars as an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was presented as being the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of [[micro-continuity]] when the ''Beast Wars'' animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.

:This mold was also used to make the less ambiguous [[#AmazonConvobat|Optimus Prime-recolored Convobat]], the separate individual [[Convobat#Toys|Convobat]], [[Onyx Primal#Toys|Onyx Primal]] as well as inspire the comic character [[Nyx]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimalBat/optimusprimal.htm More information on Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ultra}}
[[File:Optimusprimaltoyultraape.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Well, that's just Prime.]]
*'''Optimus Primal''' (Ultra, 1996/1997/1998)
**''Takara ID number:'' '''C-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords, four missiles, flail
: The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. This gimmick was shown to be an effort to simulate a gorilla beating its chest while Optimus was in [[beast mode]], but could also be used in robot mode, making him swing his weapons wildly before himself. And finally, like many first-year ''Beast Wars'' toys, a battle mask/"[[mutant head]]" could be deployed over his robot head.

:Takara released the toy as part of their ''Beast Wars'' line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. The missiles for the Takara version are thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the mold.

:Just like Optimus Primal's basic bat toy, this figure was released during the short-lived period when the Beast Wars was still considered to be an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of [[micro-continuity]] when the ''Beast Wars'' animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.

:This mold was [[redeco]]ed into ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' Optimus Primal and [[Transformers: Beast Wars Telemocha Series|Beast Wars Telemocha Series]] DX Convoy, and [[retool]]ed into ''Beast Wars Reborn''/''Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary'' versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from ''[[TV Magazine]]'', only ten awarded), red and gray (''TV Magazine'' again, but only ''one'' awarded), and blue-fur (a ''[[Comic Bom Bom]]'' design-contest prize, only five awarded).

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1996/Maximal/OptimusPrimal/optimusprimal.htm More information on ape Optimus Primal at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|VSS1}}{{anchor|AmazonConvobat}}
[[File:BW-toy OptimusPrimalCDROM.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Freedom is the right of all superstitious, cowardly lots. Wait, no, that's not right...]]
*'''Amazon Showdown Special Version''' (1997)
**''ID number:'' '''VS-S1'''
**''Accessories:'' Two swords
: Available only in a special CD-ROM two-pack with a [[Megatron (G1)/toys#VSS1|purple redeco of "Megaligator"]], this redeco of "Convobat" takes his colors from [[#HeroOptimusPrime|the first ''G-2'' Convoy toy released in Japan]] and retains his previous gimmickry. His back features a silver Maximal [[Insignia|faction symbol]] plus "C-ROM", as in "Cybertron", get it? Huh? And Megatron has the "D-ROM"? See what they did there?

:The toy's [[bio]] clarifies that this Convobat is Optimus Prime, having had a trailer truck alternate mode and later scanning a bat to fight Megatron.

:The included CD-ROM includes the bios from wave 1 of the ''Beast Wars'' toyline, the [[Commercial/Beast Wars#Wave 1 Deluxe|first ''Beast Wars'' commercial]], and a coloring game.

: This mold was also used to make [[Onyx Primal]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Cybertron/ConvoyBat/convoybat.htm More information on CD-ROM Convobat at TFU.info]''
::*''[https://ameblo.jp/aburachoujin/entry-12545863577.html Review including CD-ROM images at aburachoujin's blog]''
{{--}}

==''Machine Wars''==
[[File:MW-toy OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Most Autobots [[Primus apotheosis|aspire]] to be Optimus Prime, Optimus Prime aspires to be [[Thunder Clash]].]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Ultra, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle, 2 missiles

: Available only at [[KB Toys]], ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] and slight [[retool]] of the European Generation 1 exclusive [[Turbomaster]] leader [[Thunder Clash#Toys|Thunder Clash]]. It's easy to see why Thunder Clash was chosen to become the new Optimus Prime, given his adherence to Prime tradition: the truck cab disconnects to become the robot, while the trailer unfolds to become an assault tower with twin missile racks. On the original Thunder Clash version of the mold, the racks operated on a gravity-feed system where a new missile drops into the launcher from above each time one was fired, allowing for twelve to be fired in rapid succession using a pinball launcher style mechanism.
:For ''Machine Wars'' Prime, this feature had to be retooled [[for safety reasons]], sealing the gravity feed slot and cutting the original launcher plungers down to just the handles, which do not move. The small missiles were replaced with much larger new molds to prevent choking hazards and triggers were added to the sides of the launchers, becoming regular spring loaded (and unusually powerful) single-firing weapons. There seems to have been some disconnect between the deco artist and whoever handled the redone Thunder Clash [[sticker]]s, as some stickers replicate details already handled by paint on the figure. Like the other four large Machine Wars figures, no guide exists in the instructions to show how said stickers should be applied. Also not noted in the instructions is that the handgun is meant to serve as the drive shaft for the cab, storing between the legs on the backside.

: The [[package art]] for this toy is a retouched version of the art for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' Laser Optimus Prime (see above), but now positioned so one robot arm is always "off the edge" of the box and unseen - conveniently hiding the sword this toy has never had, yet leaving the Laser Prime faceplate intact.

: This version of the mold was planned to be [[redeco]]ed into [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]] for the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, but the release was canceled.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1997/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Machine Wars'' Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Choro-Q Robo''==
[[File:ChoroQOptimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy TV Version''' (2001)
**''ID Number:'' '''Q/01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:''[[Choro-Q|Choro-Q Robo]]'' Convoy is a small, cutesified transforming figure of Optimus Prime that changes from trailer-pulling truck directly to [[robot mode]]. The toy features a working pull-back motor, and is decorated in a color scheme based on Prime's appearance in the original Generation 1 cartoon, with blue eyes and windows and a grey stripe on the trailer.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2001/Cybertron/ChoroQConvoyTV/convoy.htm Move information on Convoy TV Version at TFU.info]''

{{anchor|metallic}}
*'''Convoy Metallic Version''' (2001)
**''ID Number:'' '''Q/02'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:This version of ''Choro-Q Robo'' Convoy is a redeco of the first, featuring glittering metallic plastic, and a deco based upon the original toy, with yellow eyes, black windows, and a silver-and-blue stripe on the trailer.
{{--}}

==''Commemorative Series''==
[[File:Commemorative series optimus prime modifications.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The snip that launched a thousand snits.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2002/2012)
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:The first reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in North America since the Generation 1 toyline reached its end, this "[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]" edition of the figure was a Toys"R"Us exclusive. It was ''mostly'' identical to the original figure, save for some necessary modifications made [[for safety reasons]]: In the first instance of what would become a recognizable alteration to the mold, the toy's smokestacks were shortened, while the Combat Deck's firing missiles were elongated to prevent potential choking, as was the case with all other Commemorative Series figures' firing missiles. This release also had the trailer's launching feature removed.

:In 2012, a reissue of the Commemorative Series toy was released. Though the "Commemorative Series" label was not printed anywhere on the packaging, the included instructions retained the name. The toy itself is a mix of different versions. The cab has the safety modifications of the original ''Commemorative Series'' release, including the shortened smokestacks and longer missiles (and thicker rifle), but also has the modified hitch of the 2011 ''Chronicle'' two-pack (see below). Meanwhile, the trailer features the lighter gray plastic colors used for the 2008 ''Universe'' release, and the Autobot insignias on the robot's shoulders are tampographed (like on Takara's ''Encore'' version and Hasbro's ''Universe'' 25th Anniversary release). This version also seems to suffer from [[Mold#Deterioration|mold deterioration]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Commemorative Series Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ApexArmorPrime}}
[[File:GodGinrai toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The real one has a longer missile]]
*'''Powermaster Optimus Prime with Apex Armor''' (2003, 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head, missile launcher, 2 missiles, [[Apex Bomber]] chest/trailer top, 2 legs (left & right), 2 arms (left and right), Armor chest/trailer front, 2 wings (left & right)
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Ban Magami]] (concept artist)}}

:Marketed as a reissue of Powermaster Optimus Prime, this Toys"R"Us-exclusive Commemorative Series figure is in truth based on the Ginrai tooling on the toy that had previously been exclusive to Japan. It features a die-cast metal cab with translucent blue windows, and shortened, chrome smokestacks, and comes packaged with the drone [[Apex Bomber]] (formerly Ginrai's partner [[Godbomber]]), who splits into several components and combines with Prime to form "Apex Armor". As with all other Commemorative Series figures, Prime's new spring-loaded missile launcher featured an elongated missile.

:The figure was re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets in 2012, with no known changes to the figure itself but several modifications to the packaging that makes it easy to tell the two releases apart: The flap containing the [[package art]] is omitted entirely, the "Commemorative Series II" label is missing, the age recommendation and safety warning labels, the "Changes from double tractor trailer to battle station to super robot!" call-out and the name of the toy have all been shuffled around (with the words "battle" and "super" being omitted in the process), and most notably, the toy is no longer named "Powermaster Optimus Prime with Apex Armor", but simply "Optimus Prime", with Apex Bomber's existence no longer acknowledged anywhere on the packaging.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Autobot/ApexPrime/apexprime.htm More information on Powermaster Prime with Apex Armor at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''The Transformers Collection''==
[[File:Tf collection 0 convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' (2002)
**''ID Number:'' '''0'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, [[energon-axe]]

:As yet another in an increasingly large number of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this entry in the Japanese-exclusive ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues added a few extra goodies to spice things up. Chiefly, the figure was armed with a new [[energon-axe]], based on the weapon used by Prime in the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 2]]", which plugs into either of the headlight-holes that normally accommodate Prime's fists. Additionally, Prime came packaged with a ring binder folder designed to hold the pull-out character file sheets that were included with all the other ''Transformers Collection'' reissues. Notably, this figure reinstated the original, thick version of Prime's rifle as the standard for all future Japanese reissues.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Transformers Collection Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[File:Tfcollection prime fist.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Starscream''' (2003)
**''ID Number:'' '''9'''

:This redeco of the original Generation 1 [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]] [[Starscream (G1)/toys|toy]] came packaged with a remolded right fist for Optimus Prime. This fist featured additional pegs that allowed it to hold [[Megatron (G1)/toys#TFCStarscream|the pistol mode Megatron accessory]] which was also included with Starscream.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Destron/AnimeStarscream/starscream.htm More information on Transformers Collection Starscream at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Smallest Transforming Transformers''==
[[File:WSTF Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|You didn't find my trailer, did you? Haw haw.]]
*'''Convoy''' (2003)
**''ID Number:'' '''GTF 01A'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster

:Standing only two-and-a-quarter inches tall, ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Optimus Prime was the smallest fully transforming G1 Optimus toy. He features an accurate transformation sequence based on the original full-sized toy, replacing the detachable hands with actual sculpted fists, and even including a tiny version of his laser rifle. Unsurprisingly, he also has little articulation and is only capable of moving his arms and legs.

:His trailer and Roller were also available as a separate set in the same wave, as a rare [[shortpacking|shortpacked]] figure with the ID number "GTF-01B". It is a simplified version of the original Combat Deck, lacking features like the interior deco and the lift arm of the artillery robot, but still nonetheless looking fairly accurate to the original toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Cybertron/SmallestPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|STTAnime}}
[[File:Wstf anime convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy (Anime Version)''' (2004)
**''ID Number:'' '''GTF 06'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster
:''Smallest Transforming'' Prime was redecoed the following year for the second wave of the line, into a color scheme based on his Generation 1 cartoon appearance featuring brighter reds and blues, white thighs, yellow details on his bumper, and blue eyes and windows. This version of the figure was made available for a second time in the next wave ("Wave 2.5"), with a new anime-decorated version of the Combat Deck now available as a rare "chase" figure.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestAnimePrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Convoy (Anime Version) at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|STTWhite}}
[[File:Wstf white convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy (White)''' (2004)
**''ID Number:'' '''GTF X-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster
:Another version of Prime was also available in the second wave of the ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' series as a chase figure. This almost entirely white version of the figure is clearly based on the version of the original Prime cab robot used in the Generation 1 Ultra Magnus figure, but was nonetheless sold as Optimus Prime for the ''Smallest'' line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/SmallestConvoyWhiteMode/convoy.htm More information on Convoy (White) at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|smallestvsx}}
[[File:Wstf vsx.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Can't you guys ever get along?]]
*'''Convoy vs Megatron''' (multipack, 2004)
**''ID Number:'' '''VSX'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster
:Available exclusively as a freebie through the September 2004 issue of [[Dengeki Hobby]] magazine, this ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' two-pack contains both Optimus Prime and Megatron, in homage to the original 1984 "VSX" giftset containing the original versions of the two leaders.
{{--}}

==''Mini Toy Shop Collection''==
[[File:G1toy mini toy shop convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|'Cause we got a li'l ol' convoy, rockin' through the night...]]
*'''Convoy''' (2004)
**''ID Number:'' '''01'''

:At about 2/3 the size of the ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'', this diminutive version of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy is the smallest figure of the Autobot leader made to date. It was sold as part of Takara's blindpacked ''[[Mini Toy Shop Collection]]'' line, a series of miniaturized figures from numerous classic Takara toylines, including ''Transformers'', ''[[Microman]]'', ''[[Licca Kayama|Licca-chan]]'', ''[[Choro-Q]]'' and others. Both of Prime's modes are represented by non-transforming individual figures, which come together in a two-pack. In-box, his truck form is even packed in a miniature recreation of his original Japanese packaging, which also includes a shrunken version of his sticker sheet. A tiny version of the original Takara Transformers catalog completes the set.
::*''[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=3541&mode=flat More information on Mini Collection Convoy at tformers.com]''
{{--}}

==''Masterpiece''==
{{anchor|20th Anniversary}}
[[File:TF-Masterpiece-MP-1-Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|And the fandom rejoiced. ''(Takara Masterpiece Version Pictured)'']]
[[File:TF-MP-20th-Anniversary-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|''(20th Anniversary Version Pictured)'']]
*'''Optimus Prime'''/'''Convoy''' ([[December 11]], [[2003]]/2004)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer (Japanese release only)
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Archer]] (Hasbro), [[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime was produced for the stated milestone of the ''Transformers'' brand. So successful was the figure that ''ToyFare'' magazine ultimately ranked it #1 in their quest for "Best Toy Ever".<ref>[http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/toyfare/000054376.cfm ToyFare Magazine Best Toys Ever]</ref>

:Created with the specific purpose of producing an Optimus Prime as accurate to the original animated series as possible, the toy is exceptionally poseable compared to toys prior, partially constructed from die-cast metal, features rubber tires and vacuum-metalized plastic and is heavily detailed, with sliding pistons in its joints and working spring-loaded suspension in vehicle mode. The figure also contains multiple non-intrusive gimmicks, such as a moving [[mouthplate]] to emulate Prime's traditional method of speech, flip-up communications panels on the forearms depicting images of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys|Starscream]], and an opening, light-up Matrix chamber in the chest, which contains a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open. The Matrix is housed within a removable gray battery box which can light up the matrix core when activated.

:Optimus Prime comes with many accessories in addition to the aforementioned Matrix, including the character's traditional laser rifle, now termed (and henceforth known as) an [[ion blaster]]. The initial release of the figure cast the ion blaster in grey plastic, but later assortments recast it in its more familiar black coloration. Other accessories include a transparent orange energon-axe that plugs into either wrist when Prime's fist is retracted, and even a non-transforming gun mode Megatron weapon, with removable stock, silencer, and scope accessories, in homage to [[Countdown to Extinction (episode)|several]] [[The Insecticon Syndrome|instances]] in the Generation 1 cartoon when Prime was forced to wield his enemy. Pack-in bonuses that came with the figure included an inner cardboard tray illustrated to resemble the interior of Prime's Combat Deck, and in later releases, a small poster drawn by [[Pat Lee]].

:Optimus has a hidden sculpted mouth underneath his face mask, though attempts at removing the mask from the head may entirely damage the action feature.

:Takara's version of the figure was released in their markets slightly earlier, as the first of their long-running ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' line. In addition to coming with a cardboard trailer that the buyer could assemble to "complete" Prime's truck mode, Takara's release differed from Hasbro's by featuring longer smokestacks (kept short on the Hasbro version [[for safety reasons]]), and lacking the black scorch-marked "battle damage" paint applications Hasbro included on the figure's shoulders, wrists, and abdomen. In Western markets, the figure was intended to complement the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' line.<ref>[http://www.camphortree.net/tf/tidbits/otfcc2004.txt Steve-o's OTFCC 2004 notes]</ref>

:This sculpt was redecoed by Takara into a golden Lucky Draw figure and later released in its original coloration with a trailer as a "Perfect Edition" (see below for both), while Hasbro would later redeco it into their ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]''-branded "[[#Classics|DVD Edition]]". The mold was also used to make ''Masterpiece'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] and "[[Eldedroid|Convoy Black Version]]", representing one of many drones built in Prime's image, rather than Prime himself.

:In ''[[Transformers History Collection]]'', a [[Blindpacking|blind-packed]] Transformers trading figure line, Takara released an add-on hand for ''Masterpiece'' Convoy as a [[Chase figure]]. The hand holds a [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] figure and clips on to the end of Optimus Prime's arm, making the arm slightly longer than normal.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Autobot/20thPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{MP1Mold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|goldmp}}
[[File:Gold masterpiece prime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|We salute the brave soul who transformed this thing in order to photograph it.]]
*'''Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, [[2004]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-1'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer

:Offered as part of a Lucky Draw campaign in August 2004, this extremely rare version of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy is almost entirely vacuum-metalized gold, lacking any other painted detail or stickers. The parts which are not viable are molded in a flat golden plastic; the only exceptions are its rubber tires, the core of the Matrix and the energon-axe, which remain black, blue and orange, respectively. Whether or not the figure was intended to evoke Optimus Prime's [[:File:Goldenlagoon prime perceptor.jpg|entirely-golden appearance]] in the cartoon episode "[[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon]]", when he was coated with [[electrum]], is unknown; given that entirely chroming a figure gold is a fairly standard deco for Lucky Draw figures, it may just be happy coincidence more than anything else.

:The figure comes packaged in the standard ''Masterpiece'' Convoy box, with the only telltale sign of its fabled contents being the replacement of the traditionally silver foil lettering on the box with gold. It's not clear how many were made, but it is thought to be no more than 10 or 20.

::*''[https://web.archive.org/web/20080501195324/http://www.goldoptimusprime.com/?show=Gold-Optimus-Prime More information on gold ''Masterpiece'' Convoy at GoldOptimusPrime.com (via Internet Wayback Machine)]''

{{-}}{{anchor|mp4}}{{anchor|MP4}}
[[File:MP04Convoy2.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.]]
*'''Convoy Perfect Edition''' ([[September 28]], 2006/2009)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-4'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer
{{toydesigner|[[Hisashi Yuki]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:For this re-release of ''Masterpiece'' Convoy, Takara submitted to the biggest desire fans had for the figure and produced a full-size, fully transforming plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer opens up into Convoy's Combat Deck, with storage for its accessories and a functional repair drone, though Roller is conspicuous by its absence. Like the original Combat Deck, the drone can extend through holes in the roof and front of the closed trailer, and the interior has enough room to accommodate one ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' figure in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]. Some reports suggest that the paint on this figure's chest chips more easily than past editions.

:This version of Convoy, and Hasbro's 20th Anniversary DVD version of the toy depicts [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] on its communicators rather than Bumblebee and Starscream.

:Continuating the trend begun by their previous release of ''Masterpiece'' Ultra Magnus in 2005, Hasbro [[Australia]] released Convoy Perfect Edition as a Target Australia [[exclusive]] in 2008. Takara themselves then made the figure available for a second time in October 2009.

{{-}}{{anchor|sleepmode}}{{anchor|MP4S}}
[[File:MP4Sconvoysleepmode.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Remember that scene from the movie that made you cry and traumatised you as a kid? Well now you can display me doing just that!]]
*'''Convoy Sleep Mode''' (2010)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-4S'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe

:Released by TakaraTomy as part of a 2010 promotion honoring the "future era" of the original cartoon (which was set in 2010 in Japanese continuity, you see!), this exceptionally morbid re-release of the ''Masterpiece'' Convoy figure recolors the Autobot leader in blacks and greys, representing ''his dead body'' from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''—but don't worry, kids, it's actually a "sleep mode", according to the figure's name! Limited to 2010 pieces in Japan (see what they did there?), it comes with all its customary accessories, including the Perfect Edition trailer, redecoed where appropriate: the trailer itself has become translucent, its energon-axe is now transparent grey, and Megatron, in another movie homage, is rendered in translucent purple, evoking the scene depicting his transformation into [[Galvatron (G1)/toys|Galvatron]]. The figure was also released in other parts of Asia as a limited edition of 2010 as well, combined with the Japanese edition for 4020 total. The Japanese version denotes "Serial Number in Japan: ####/2010" on its bio card with the number out of 2010, while the Asian version denotes "C1 - ####/2010" with the number out of 2010 on its bio card.

:This version of Convoy depicts [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]] on its communicators.

{{-}}{{anchor|lastshot}}{{anchor|MP1L}}
[[File:MPtoy last shot convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Well, it had to end ''some'' day...]]
*'''Convoy Last Production''' ([[March 26]], [[2011]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-1L'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, sound stage

:"Convoy Last Production" was the final re-use of the ''Masterpiece'' toy mold before it was at last retired after numerous re-releases and redecos. The figure is essentially identical to the original Japanese MP-1 release, aside from a slightly brighter red, and the addition of the words "LAST SHOT" in Transformers typeface molded into the small of Convoy's back, hidden beneath its headlight-flaps in [[robot mode]]. Lacking the trailer of MP-4, the figure instead comes with a redecoed version of the electronic base included with Hasbro's "[[#20thDVD|DVD Edition]]" of the figure from five years prior, which now features a collection of sixteen soundbytes of Convoy delivering famous lines from the Japanese version of the Generation 1 cartoon, recited by the character's original Japanese voice actor [[Tesshō Genda]]. The base was promoted as containing a hint as to the identity of the next ''Masterpiece'' toy; as it would turn out, this was a new version of Convoy himself (see below), foreshadowed by a sound clip on the base which played only intermittently, and which had Convoy announce that he would "soon be reborn".

:For its release in Korea, Hasbro Asia provided a [[collector coin]] featuring truck-mode Optimus Prime on one side and "MP-01L" on the other. The coin came mounted on a card featuring lineart of the Autobot leader's head, the stark black design of which could be mistaken for promoting the earlier "Sleep Mode" release. The limited release (and general lack of enthusiasm for the collector coins in Korea) makes this one of the more difficult Masterpiece coins to find.

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[[File:MP-10 toy photo.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Here we go again...]]
*'''Convoy''' ([[September 24]], 2011, 2016)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster#mp10|Ion blaster]], [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#mp10|Matrix of Leadership]], [[Energon-axe#mp10|energon-axe]], [[Combat Deck (G1)#mp10|trailer/Combat Deck]], [[Roller (G1)#Masterpiece|Roller]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Masterpiece|Spike Witwicky figurine]]
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Junichi Akutsu]] (concept artist)}}

:MP-10 Convoy, advertised as a "perfect new model" on its packaging, is an entirely new tooling of Generation 1 Optimus Prime. Convoy is now smaller, making him more in-scale with other recent ''Masterpiece'' toys, such as [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Rodimus]], and comes with a trailer and various accessories. While the front of the vehicle mode's cab is an accurate depiction of a mid-to-late-1980s Freightliner FLT cabover, the back half, (which is, as usual, made out of Convoy's legs) is much larger and robot-leggier in proportion. (So much that they sculpt a ladder on each side.)

:Many of the small features and electronics of the original ''Masterpiece'' mold are left out. Instead, this Convoy features better overall cartoon accuracy (chest interior, head, etc.), an extensive red paint job that covers much of his red plastic, corrected robot mode proportions, improved articulation, and its gun can now collapse and store inside a compartment on its back in either mode. In addition to Convoy's trailer, which can transform into Combat Deck, it also comes with Roller, a small Spike Witwicky figurine, a die-cast metal Matrix of Leadership (with a clear blue plastic center), and an energy axe that slips over Convoy's right hand. Spike can fit inside the cab in vehicle mode, ride in Roller's seat, or fit into any of the seating compartments inside Convoy's trailer. Roller has options to plug in Convoy's gun or pull Convoy's trailer, and the trailer itself can store Convoy's weapons in any mode. Although not easily breakable, care must be taken for posing the index fingers; extending the finger even far would cause it to pop off.

:MP-10 immediately became the gold standard in terms of scale for the Masterpiece line, with all subsequent releases being sized to best match him for nearly a decade.

:This mold similarly became a staple source for various [[knockoff]]s, ranging from recolored to upscaled/downsized figures.

:This figure was re-released in 2016, with the packaging now advertising the "Long Life Design" award which the ''Masterpiece'' line won that same year.<ref name="lldaward">[https://www.g-mark.org/award/describe/44648 Good Design Long Life Award: Transformers Masterpiece]</ref> This mold was also used to make [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Masterpiece|MP-10B Black Convoy]].

:''See also: [[#mp10hasbro|MP-10 Hasbro]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Masterpiece|Hasbro Masterpiece]].''
{{MP10Mold}}

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[[File:Bape-mp-optimus.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|In the jungle / the mighty jungle / the Convoy sleeps tonight]]
*'''MP Convoy (BAPE ver.)''' ([[2014]]-[[August 19|07-19]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10A'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster#mpbape|Ion Blaster]], [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#mpbape|Matrix of Leadership]], [[Energon-axe#mpbape|Energon axe]]

:Available exclusively from Japanese clothing company [[A Bathing Ape]] in 2014, MP Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. is a trailer-less redeco of the MP-10 mold sporting a green color scheme matching the [[#bape|Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. of the original G1 toy]], with "BAPE's famous camouflage pattern" and an ape head print on the shoulder replacing the usual faction symbol.

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[[File:Eva-optimus.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Unlike Shinji, this guy won't go strangling his girlfriend or dating his mother's clone, if he even has a mother...]]
*'''Convoy Mode "Eva"''' (2014-[[November 28|11-28]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster#eva|Ion Blaster]], [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#eva|Matrix of Leadership]], [[Energon-axe#eva|Energon axe]], [[Combat Deck (G1)#eva|trailer/Battle Station]], [[Roller (G1)#eva|Roller]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#eva|Spike Witwicky figurine]]

:Exclusive to the [[TakaraTomy Mall]] and limited to 1,000 pieces, this figure was released as part of the ''[[Transformers × Evangelion]]'' crossover. It uses the MP-10 mold with all the same accessories, decoed in the green and purple color scheme of [[Evangelion Unit-01|Eva-01]]. The trailer, Roller, and Spike figure are done up in [[Nerv]]-themed colors.

{{-}}{{anchor|mpbape2}}{{anchor|MP10R}}
[[File:Bape2-mp-optimus.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|Because one overpriced clothing store exclusive MP10 repaint wasn't enough. Anyone like to give the odds for a BAPE Ver. BLACK in 2017 then?]]
*'''Convoy (BAPE REDCAMO ver.)''' (2015-11)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10R'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Matrix of Leadership, Energon axe

:Available exclusively from Japanese clothing company [[A Bathing Ape]] in 2015, MP Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. is a trailer-less redeco of the MP-10 mold sporting a unique deep red color scheme matching the [[#bapered|Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. RED of the original G1 toy]], with "BAPE's famous camouflage pattern" and an ape head print on the shoulder replacing the usual faction symbol.

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* '''Optimus Prime''' Mini Die-Cast figure (2016-[[November 26|11-26]])
**''ID number:'' '''1'''
**Included with '''[[Inferno (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|MP-33 Inferno]]'''

:Replacing the collector coins in previous releases, the Asia release of ''Masterpiece'' Inferno comes with a mini Optimus Prime figure, the first in a range of non transformable collectables made from <s>lost art</s> Die-Cast metal and based on the corresponding Masterpiece figure (MP10).

{{-}}{{anchor|mpbape3}}{{anchor|MP10K}}
[[File:Bapeblack-mp-optimus.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|As predicted. What's the chances of a new BAPE color scheme? Teal Blue or Burnt Gold would be nice if you're reading this, BAPE.]]
*'''Convoy (BAPE BLACKCAMO ver.)''' (2017)
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10K'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Matrix of Leadership, Energon axe

:Available exclusively from Japanese clothing company [[A Bathing Ape]] in 2017, MP Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. is a trailer-less redeco of the MP-10 mold sporting a unique black color scheme matching the [[#bapeblack|Convoy Reissue BAPE Ver. BLACK of the original G1 toy]], with "BAPE's famous camouflage pattern" and an ape head print on the shoulder replacing the usual faction symbol.
{{MP10Mold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MP711}}
[[File:MP711-Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|At your 7-Eleven, freedom's waiting for you.]]
*'''Convoy (7-Eleven ver.)''' ([[February 28]], [[2018]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-711'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Matrix of Leadership, energon-axe, trailer, Roller, Spike Witwicky figurine

:Available exclusively from Japanese 7-11 stores, MP-711 is an [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]]-decoed Convoy—white with green and blue highlighting—themed with [[7-Eleven]] logos. Unlike most MP-10 redecos, he comes with a trailer, Roller, and Spike figure, who is sporting a 7-Eleven uniform. Roller and the combat deck come with 7-Eleven logos, however Convoy's shoulder logos are stickers with the option of a green 7-Eleven logo or the standard Autobot logo on either shoulder.

{{-}}{{anchor|atmossafari}}{{anchor|MP10ASL}}
[[File:MP-10ASL.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Anyone up for a game of [[basketrek]]?]]
*'''Convoy (atmos safari LeBron Ver.)''' ([[March 15]], [[2019]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10ASL'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Matrix of Leadership, Energon axe

:Exclusive to Japanese Atmos stores, this deco of Optimus matches Atmos Safari LeBron James sneakers, in a fetching scheme of vibrant orange plus black and gray with extra details and logos. Unfortunately he does not come with a [[ballobot]] accessory.

{{-}}{{anchor|35th}}{{anchor|MP44}}
[[File:Masterpiece-MP44-Convoy-V3.jpg|upright=3|thumb|All this for the low, low price of an arm, a leg, and your firstborn son! (Note: [[The Master Builders (episode)|Basketball accessory]] not included.)]]
*'''Convoy''' ([[August 31]], [[2019]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-44'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, 2 beam effect parts, Matrix of Leadership, Energon axe, damaged head, alternate head, Starscream head, Starscream shoulder intakes, damaged chestpiece, jetpack, trailer, Roller, [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Masterpiece|Spike Witwicky figurine]], [[Sparkplug Witwicky#Masterpiece|Sparkplug Witwicky figurine]], [[Carly#Masterpiece|Carly figurine]]

:An entirely new mold released to commemorate the brand's 35th anniversary, the third ''Masterpiece'' Convoy is a much more complex and cartoon-accurate figure than previous releases. At 50,000 yen (approximately $450 USD), this Convoy had the highest MSRP of any mass-market ''Transformers'' toy until ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron]]'' [[Unicron/toys#War for Cybertron|Unicron]]'s $575 price tag was announced.

:Alongside the Trailer (which retains the same function and can hold 4 standard-sized Autobot cars at a time when open), Roller, the Ion Blaster, Matrix of Leadership, and Energon Axe, the Combat Deck's base can be removed and with the new flip-out wheels, Roller (now cast in stark grey with silver rims) can tow it around. The cannon and arm section can also be removed so it can function as a flight stand, while an adapter for [[Dinobot (BW)#Masterpiece|MP-41 Dinobot]]'s display stand is also included, and the Ion Blaster now has 2 effect parts, which can simulate blaster fire and when used with the Sideswipe rocket pack included, can be used as booster flames. He also comes with a fuel hose like that on the original figure, as well as a soundbox feature that can be switched between recorded lines by the character's original Japanese ([[Tesshō Genda]]) and English ([[Peter Cullen]]) voice actors, with transformation effects (though the ascending and descending transformation sounds are spliced together in his English voice) and Douglas Walsh music to boot! As to note, Cullen's clips are closer to the recent [[Aligned]] portrayals.

:Like [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP36|MP-36 Megatron]], Convoy includes a battle-damaged head and an abdomen cover to replicate the war wounds in the climatic battle in the movie, and alongside a newly designed figure of Spike, he comes with two of Sparkplug and Carly, any of them capable of riding inside via 2 small doors on the side of the cab. A second alternate head is based on his head's rounder design seen in the first season of the cartoon and the Marvel Comics. His accessories can be stored in the trailer's removable undercarriage.

:This figure, with the included intakes and alternate head in place, also doubles as [[Starscream (G1)/toys#MP44|Starscream]] from "[[Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1]]".

:Unfortunately, Convoy has been known to suffer from differing quality control issues. Because of a design flaw, certain plastic parts in his lower ratcheted knee joints tend to build stress during movement and eventually break. Furthermore, grey and yellow paint in parts that tend to get scratched and bumped during transformation have been prone to paint chipping. Some units have come with their [[For safety reasons|soft plastic]] ear antennas on different heads warped in-package. The human minifigures can have their ball jointed limbs rather easily popping out of their sockets and misassembled ( in this case, Carly with her groin part in reverse from the front).

:Unlike MP-01 and MP-10, this version of Convoy did not get a fully localized Hasbro release for English-speaking markets. However, it is being imported by Hasbro through numerous retail outlets with additional branding using the localized Optimus Prime name and presumably with the same Hasbro-branded slipcover and English safety sheet given to other contemporary ''Masterpiece'' releases. In Canada, the figure is being released as an EB Games exclusive, where he'll cost even more than the game consoles sold there! Hasbro's online product description neglects to mention the voice box gimmick, possibly due to English-speaking audiences' unfamiliarity with Japanese ''Transformers'' media and the fairly late reveal of his English-language voice clips.

:This mold was redecoed as [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Black Convoy]], with the sound gimmick removed, and without the trailer, battle damaged, and Starscream parts.
{{MP44Mold}}

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*'''Convoy (atmos duckcamo Ver.)''' ([[March 26]], [[2020]])
**''ID number:'' '''MP-10DC'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion Blaster, Matrix of Leadership, Energon axe
:Exclusive to Japanese Atmos stores, this deco of Optimus matches Atmos Safari Duck sneakers, in a fetching scheme of greens plus vibrant orange.
{{MP10Mold}}
{{picsneeded}}

{{note|These other Atmos variants were revealed in 2019, but to date have not been released. All have the same accessories.}}

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*'''Convoy (atmos ELEPHANT CAMO Ver.)''' (black plus vibrant teal)
{{-}}{{anchor|atmosviotech}}{{anchor|MP10ASV}}
*'''Convoy (atmos VIOTECH CAMO Ver.)'''(light grey plus light gold)
{{-}}{{anchor|atmostigerblack}}
*'''Convoy (atmos TIGER CAMO BLACK Ver.)''' (black plus shocking green and gold)
{{-}}{{anchor|atmostigeryellow}}
*'''Convoy (atmos TIGER CAMO YELLOW Ver.)''' (yellow and black tiger stripes plus white)

{{-}}{{anchor|MP57}}
[[File:Transformers-Masterpiece-MP-57-Skyfire.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Optimus Prall, Masterpiece flavored!]]
*'''Skyfire''' ([[2023]])
**''ID number'': '''MP-57'''

:Included with the massive [[Jetfire (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|''Masterpiece'' Skyfire]] is an articulated, [[show-accuracy|cartoon-accurate]] figurine of "Convoy", made to scale with Skyfire's jet mode.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==''Robotmasters''==
[[File:RMConvoy toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|My vehicle mode is dangerous and unroadworthy!]]
*'''G1 Convoy''' (2004)
**''ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

: ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' "G1 Convoy" (as he is amusingly referred to even in fiction) visibly takes its cue from ''20th Anniversary'' Optimus Prime, featuring a similar sculpt, but sharing few to none of the larger toy's other attributes, least of all anything that could be described as a successful transformation.

:G1 Convoy comes with two sets of fists, each pair featuring differently-shaped fist holes: one pair with square holes to hold the figure's "Convoy Gun" (as his ion blaster is called), and the other with round 3mm-compatible holes to hold the spring-loaded translucent blue missile launcher (a generic accessory also available with ''Robotmasters'' [[Megatron (BW)/toys|Beast Megatron]] and [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys|Beast Convoy]]). The fists are swapped out by simply popping them out of the wrist-hinge that holds them in place; the figure also includes an energon-axe that can be inserted into the wrist instead of a fist.

:Due to being molded in translucent plastic, the waist section is prone to breakage, so exercise some caution.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/Convoy/convoy.htm More information on G1 Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|RobotmastersDVD}}
[[File:RM DVDConvoy toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm shiny!]]
*'''G1 Convoy + DVD''' (2004)
**''ID number:'' '''RM-10'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

: This special edition release of G1 Convoy is decked out in metallic paint and a tint of yellow for his eyes, with an extra Autobot insignia tampographed onto his right shoulder, and a black Convoy Gun. The figure comes packed with a DVD containing the first episode of the ''Robotmasters'' cartoon, "[[Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!]]".

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/DVDConvoy/convoy.htm More information on G1 Convoy + DVD at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|RobotmastersBlack}}
[[File:Rmblackconvoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm blacky!]]
*'''G1 Convoy Limited Black Version''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right), Calamity Defenser

: Available only via mail-order through ''Dengeki Hobby'' magazine, the "Limited Black Version" of G1 Convoy is just that: a straight [[black repaint]] of the G1 Convoy toy. He comes with all his original accessories, appropriately redecoed (including a silver version of his axe), as well as a gold-chromed version of the "Calamity Defenser" [[solitarium]] weapon that came with [[Psycho-Orb]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/HHG1Convoy/convoy.htm More information on G1 Convoy Limited Black Version at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|RobotmastersLuckyDraw}}
[[File:Crayola convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The third one is totally ''Shattered Glass'' Prime!]]
*'''G1 Convoy''' (Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
**''ID number:'' '''RM-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)

:When ''Robotmasters'' G1 Convoy was turned into a Lucky Draw figure, the color scheme into which he was redecoed was chosen through a children's coloring contest held in the pages of the December 2004 issue of ''[[TV Magazine]]''. The winning entry was a... ''startling'' mixture of blue, orange and two shades of green, earning the toy the [[fandom|fan]]-appointed nickname of "Crayola Convoy". As with all Lucky Draws, it is extremely rare, with only ten units produced.

::*''[http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/toy/gallery/review/transformers+robot+masters+-+lucky+draw+custom+colour+g1+convoy/1594/transformers+robot+masters+-+lucky+draw+custom+colour+g1+convoy.html More information on "Crayola Convoy" at LuckyDrawTransformers.com]''
{{--}}

==''Universe'' (2003)==
[[File:SpychangerG1Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Why won't they repaint my full-size toy in these colours?!?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Spy Changer, 2004)

: ''Universe'' Optimus Prime is a [[redeco]] of the ''Robots in Disguise'' [[Scourge (RID)#Spychanger|Scourge]] [[Spy Changer]] toy. He replaces most of the black plastic with predominantly red and blue, with silver for detailing, with an overall deco making him resemble the original Optimus Prime. Like most Spychangers, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly.

: Originally a KB Toys exclusive, the first release of this toy (and the others in the assortment) did not have any sub-line designation at all, but later releases for other chains, most notably "budget" chains like Family Dollar, marked them as ''Universe'' product.

:This mold would later be redecoed into [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Optimus Prime Figure|a Spy Changer version of]] the live-action movie [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]].

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

==''Collector's Edition''==
{{anchor|OrionPax}}
[[File:G1-toy OrionPax.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Welcome to The Past!"]]
*'''Orion Pax''' (2005)
**''ID number:'' '''67'''
**''Accessories:'' "Barrelroller" robot/"electromagnetic lift handle", "laser rifle"

: This ''[[The Transformers: Collector's Edition|Collector's Edition]]'' Japanese [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive is a [[redeco]] of [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]] [[Kup (G1)/toys#Targetmaster|Kup]], released in conjunction with [[Kup (G1)/toys#The Transformers Collection|Kup's 2005 reissue]] in ''[[The Transformers Collection]]''. He transforms into a Cybertronian pickup truck, and is colored to represent [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Orion Pax]] as he appeared in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 television series]] episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]".

: Like the Kup reissue, he comes with both the original release's gun and a [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmaster]], in this case [[Roller (G1)#Collector's Edition|Barrelroller]], a redeco of [[Recoil (G1)#Toys|Recoil]]. The original-release rifle has been slightly retooled to fit in the wider fist-holes of the Targetmaster vesion of the mold.

: Just as the reissued Kup came with a reissue of [[Wheelie (G1)#The Transformers Collection|Wheelie]], this set also included a redeco of Wheelie as Orion's best friend, [[Dion (G1)#Toys|Dion]].

: In later years, other Kup toys would be repainted into Orion Pax [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Tribute2Pack|under the]] ''[[Transformers Tribute|Tribute]]'' line, and also the ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' "A Hero Is Born" double pack.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/OrionPax/orionpax.htm More information on Orion Pax at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Hybrid Style''==
*'''Convoy''' (2006)
**''ID number:'' '''T.H.S.-02'''[[File:THS02Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Expensive and tiny.]]
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, [[jet pack|rocket pack]], 8 hands (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand
{{toydesigner|[[Shōji Kawamori]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime is an ''insanely'' detailed and complex transforming toy, created under the supervision of famed mecha designer [[Shōji Kawamori]]. Standing only three and three-quarter inches tall in robot mode, the figure is partially constructed from die-cast metal and features one of the most complex transformation sequences ever seen on a ''Transformers'' figure of its size. Alas, the small size of the figure also works against it, as it required several design concessions that resulted in (if we're being nice about it) an unimpressive cab mode.

:Prime is loaded with a ridiculous number of features and accessories. The robot itself is highly poseable, and both the smokestacks on Prime's shoulders and the fuel tanks on his legs can be rotated forward to act as guns, even featuring sculpted detail to this effect. As ever, he comes with a trailer that opens up into his crazy-detailed Combat Deck, featuring more action features than ever before. In trailer mode alone, it features a flip-down support stand so it can stand alone, a spring-loaded pop-out ramp instead of a fold-down one, and when the trailer is split for transformation, the traditional support legs underneath automatically swing out into place. The trailer houses most of Prime's accessories, including his ion blaster (with a moveable ammo clip to allow for multiple poses) and energon-axe, as well as his classic gas pump accessory, now with a poseable wire instead of a rubber hose. Two fold-out compartments provide storage space for six of Prime's interchangeable fists, while the other two remain attached the robot: two clenched, two open, a pointing right fist, a tilted left fist (for holding the ion blaster's ammo clip), and two fists with slots to grip the miniscule Matrix of Leadership that fits in a tiny chamber in Prime's chest. The Combat Deck's artillery robot features two flip-out handles that Prime can grip as if aiming the drone's guns, and Roller is also included, with three different 3mm ports to hold Prime's gun and gas pump. Lastly, Prime comes with a rocket pack like those used by the Autobots in such Generation 1 cartoon episodes as "[[Dinobot Island, Part 1|Dinobot Island]]", and a stand shaped like the Autobot insignia that allows him to be displayed in mid-air, as if in flight. The rocket pack also has 3mm ports for Prime's weapons, and stores on the front of the trailer in vehicle mode.

:Purchase of a ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime at a Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] store allowed the buyer the option of also purchasing the exclusive ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Smallest Transforming Transformers|Hot Rod]] toy.

:The toy also received a Hasbro release 11 years later under the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#YOTR2017|''Platinum Edition'']] line.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Cybertron/HybridConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Hybrid Style Convoy on TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|THS02B}}
[[File:THS-02B G2Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Yanigerlicious!]]
*'''Convoy Black Version''' (2006)
**''ID number:'' '''T.H.S.-02B'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand, 2 missile launchers, 2 heads

:Available exclusively through e-Hobby, this black and teal repaint of ''Hybrid Style'' Convoy features the traditional "[[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]]" color scheme, but represents a version of Optimus Prime himself. In addition to all the original accessories, the toys also includes several more deliciously metatextual goodies, themed around the ''Generation 2'' toy and comics: two new large guns patterned after the new weapons wielded by the ''Generation 2'' Optimus Prime toy, and two additional (blue) Prime heads that can be swapped with the figure's regular noggin, sculpted explicitly in the style of [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|''Generation 2'' comic]] artist [[Derek Yaniger]]. One head is pristine, the other decorated to match the battle damage seen on the cover of the [[War Without End!|first ''Generation 2'' issue]].

:As the more franchise-savvy TransFans may realise, these extra parts, plus the black trailer of Convoy Black Version, can all be used to modify the original, red ''Hybrid Style'' Optimus Prime into a comic-accurate ''Generation 2'' version, complete with a black trailer, trailer-mounted guns and your choice of Yaniger-style heads.

:This figure came in a unique box, packaged with a [[Hybrid Style Convoy Black Version|mini-comic]], both illustrated by [[Hidetsugu Yoshioka]].

{{-}}{{anchor|THSBlackGold}}
[[File:TF-Hybrid-Style-THS-02-Convoy-Black-Gold-Ver.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Texas tea.]]
*'''Convoy Black Gold Version''' (November 25, 2013)
**''ID number:'' '''T.H.S.-02'''
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand, 2 missile launchers

:Available ''only'' in China markets, Convoy Black Gold Version is yet another black repaint of the first ''Hybrid Style'' Convoy figure, with some gold detailing. Convoy Black Gold Version does not include any extra accessories unlike the Black Version release above.
{{--}}

==''Alternators''/''Binaltech''==
{{anchor|Alternators}}
[[File:Alternators OptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I don't come with a creepy girl...]]
[[File:Convoy BT.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|...and neither do I...]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''21'''
**''Binaltech ID number:'' '''BT-22'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun
{{toydesigner|[[Steve Bono]] (Hasbro)}}

: ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' Optimus Prime transforms into an accurate 1:24 scale Dodge Ram SRT-10. The vehicle mode features rubber tires, functional steering, opening hood, tail gate and doors with a detailed cabin interior. Several of the details of his [[robot mode]] body are based on the sculpt of the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime figure, but the head itself shares more similarities with the Powermaster mold. He is armed with a small pistol which transforms into his vehicle mode engine.

:This figure was originally conceived by Hasbro to be another character (exactly who is unknown), rather than Optimus Prime, but Takara insisted that the toy be made into Optimus to help it sell well in their markets, as the vehicle mode was no particular draw, given its scarcity in Japan. Reportedly, the figure cost twice as much as other Alternators to construct, so Hasbro had to bow to this demand so Takara would help fund it. Ironically, Takara eventually wound up soliciting the figure ''not'' as Prime, but as his ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' lookalike, [[Ginrai (human)|Ginrai]] (perhaps connected to the Powermasteresque headsculpt), before its Japanese release was cancelled and moved over into the ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' toyline (see below).

: It took two further years, but this figure was eventually released as part of the Japanese counterpart to the ''Alternators'' line (''Binaltech'') in 2008. ''Binaltech'' Convoy features some additional paint details, like his silver pelvis, additional patterns on his shoulders, and red paint on his engine-gun, and like all ''Binaltech'' figures, he also includes die-cast metal pieces. Unlike previous Binaltech releases, a bio-card was not included.

:This sculpt was also used to create ''Alternators'' [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]].

::*[[Source:Transformers Binaltech bios#22|Archive of ''Binaltech'' Convoy's bio and tech specs]]
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/AltOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Alternators/Binaltech Convoy at TFU.info]''
{{AlternatorsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Kiss Players''==
[[File:Kiss Convoy toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|...And yet, I do!]]
*'''Convoy X Melissa''' (2006)
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, "[[Surfblade]]" surfboard/sword weapon, [[Marissa Faireborn]] figurine with stand and 2 pairs of arms and legs
{{toydesigner|[[Yuki Ohshima]] (concept artist)}}

: ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' Convoy is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Optimus Prime. While the figures may appear similar at first glance, given that ''Kiss Players'' Prime is still red, blue and black, there are many subtle differences, not least of all the replacement of the ''Alternators'' figure's bare, flat red plastic with a deep metallic red paint. Several of his body parts are cast in different colors of plastic (for example, his shins, formerly black, are now blue, while his formerly-blue hands are now black), and he features more intricate paint applications on his shoulders, and especially his pelvis, which is decorated to look like Prime's traditional bumper.

:In addition to the small engine-pistol of his ''Alternators'' figure, Prime comes with the "Surfblade", a pink surfboard that can be reconfigured into either two small knives or a large double-bladed sword. As with all the ''Kiss Players'' figures, Prime also comes with a [[plastic|PVC]] figurine of a cute girl: in this case, Marissa Faireborn, who can perch upon his shoulder or sit in his driver's seat, and comes with two pairs of interchangeable arms and legs. Additionally, the set includes a CD featuring the first five episodes of the [[Transformers: Kiss Players (radio drama)|''Kiss Players'' radio drama]], as well as the exclusive bonus audio adventure, "[[Someday, Beneath the Sun]]."

:This set was originally intended to be released under the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech Asterisk]]'' line, as "Black Convoy meets Marissa", but this release was cancelled before it was officially even announced.
{{AlternatorsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Titanium Series''==
[[File:TitaniumHeroes WWPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Well he ''is'' a car... in a car ''crash''.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster]], display stand

:Released in the first wave of ''Titanium Series'' 6-inch Cybertron Heroes figures, this figure is based on Optimus Prime's [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] form as seen in the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic book "[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]". Prime transforms into a comic-accurate Cybertronian truck in a few steps, and his ion blaster can be slotted in the back of the truck mode cab for storage.

:The figure was personally designed by comic artist [[Don Figueroa]], who created the original comic design in the first place, and his signature is left on the figure in the most literal way: the word "DON" can be seen sculpted into the barrel of his silver ion blaster. The paint on the handle of his ion blaster scuffs rather easily when placed into his hands.

:As a ''Titanium'' figure, Prime is made in large part from die-cast metal, but like so many of the other toys in the ''Titanium'' line, his plastic joints have trouble supporting his heavy metal weight. For that reason, the tiny insufficient clips that hold his shoulders in place are highly prone to breaking off, leaving his shoulders floppy and unable to be secured in robot mode. He comes with the generic display stand shared by all of the 6" "Cybertron Heroes", with a unique removable nameplate.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/TitTWW6OptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Titanium Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|WarWithin2pack}}
[[File:Titanium war within 2pack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Now we just need a [[Sherman Dam|dam]]....]]
*'''War Within Optimus Prime vs. War Within Megatron''' (two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster

:This [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] ''Titanium'' two-pack includes the previously-released ''War Within'' Optimus Prime figure along with the ''War Within'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Megatron]] Megatron figure and an exclusive [[variant]] cover of ''[[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within]]'' [[The War Within issue 5|#5]].

:As the mass retail release of the last waves of the ''Titanium'' "Cybertron Heroes" figures was delayed for several months, the two-pack version of Megatron was at least initially more widely available than the individually packaged one.

:Despite being mentioned in the joint [[instructions]] leaflet for the set, neither figure includes their display base.

:There appears to be a variant of this two-pack: One version has the Optimus Prime figure more or less identical to its individual release, whereas the other one drops the additional black paint weathering, making him much cleaner-looking.
{{--}}

==''Classics''==
{{anchor|classicsprime}}
[[File:ClassicsPrime Voyager.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The definitive Generation 1 Optimus Prime mold of 2006. [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Henkei.21_Henkei.21|And 2008.]] [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#UnitedBlack|And 2012.]] [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/Generations_toys#Age_of_Extinction|And 2014.]] [[Optimus_Prime_(G1)/Generations_toys#StandFall|And 2016.]]]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager Class, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/laser cannon, wind vane/ion blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Takio Ejima]] and [[Alex Kubalsky]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Don Figueroa]] (concept artist)}}

: ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Optimus Prime is an all-new modern Optimus Prime design based upon the original Optimus Prime, as is the intention for the ''Classics'' toyline. He transforms into a modern cab-over style truck of made up model, dominated by a large wind vane on his roof. As with most ''Classics'' toys, he features a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]].

:In [[robot mode]], his wind vane transforms into a large ion blaster, and his smokestacks transform into a smaller laser cannon. Additionally, both weapons can combine together to form a double-barrelled over-shoulder weapon. Undocumented in the instructions, Optimus can also use the wind vane as a shield, If one of his fists is folded down. The unusually high amount of yellow paint used throughout the body is supposed to emulate the yellow stickers from the original G1 toy. The toy has a trailer hitch, but does not come with a trailer.

:Unfortunately, the yellow paint on his forearms tends to flake off.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/ClassicsOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Classics Voyager Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{ClassicsOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|UltimateBattle}}
[[File:ClassicsPrime Vs.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|They did me right, [[#20th_Anniversary.2FMasterpiece|once]].]]
*'''The Ultimate Battle''' (Multi-pack, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)|[[Joe Kyde]] (deco artist)}}

: This ''Classics'' Optimus Prime is a smaller, Deluxe Class figure with a noticeable physical resemblance to Takara's ''[[#Robotmasters|Robotmasters]]'' Prime figure, and a transformation that is about as successful. The figure is armed with a tommy gun-shaped laser rifle that transforms into a turret-like configuration and mounts on the rear of his truck mode, and features a spinning "power punch" action that sees the whole upper half of his torso spin when a button on his back is pressed. Pressing the button "unlocks" the spinning mechanism; pull ''hard'' on the button, and you can lock the torso back into place.

:In the United States, Prime was only available in a special two-pack with a similarly unique ''Classics'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Megatron toy]], and the specially-produced "[[Optimus Prime vs Megatron: The Ultimate Battle|The Ultimate Battle]]" DVD (which is, inappropriately enough, entirely about the [[Unicron Trilogy]]). The two-pack (including the DVD) was also available as a [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] "Bonus Value" version with two randomly selected members of the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]], in the combinations [[Overcast (Cybertron)|Overcast]]/[[Longarm (Cybertron)|Longarm]], Overcast/[[Deepdive (Cybertron)|Deepdive]] and Deepdive/Longarm. International markets, including European countries, saw the two-pack in a considerably smaller, differently-shaped box that was lacking the DVD case (the DVD was instead made available separately). In addition, Mexico, Singapore and some European countries such as the Netherlands and Hungary also received the two figures on individual cardbacks. For the United States market, the two-pack was [[rebranding|rebranded]] and re-released in [[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|2003 ''Universe'']]-branded packaging later in 2007, available from Dollar General, Big Lots and [[KB Toys]], and ''again'' in [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']]-branded packaging in 2011, this time available from Dollar General and Big Bad Toy Store.

:This figure was later ''also'' made available without redeco as part of the "Leader for the Ages" two-pack released under the [[#Transformers (2007)|live-action movie line]] (see below) and saw several redecos for [[#Universe (2008)|''Universe'']] ("Special Edition", below), ''[[Welcome to Transformers 2010]]'' ("Sons of Cybertron", below) and [[#United|United]] (below).

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

{{-}}{{anchor|20thDVD}}
[[File:DVD 20thPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Discounted at a Walmart near you.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leader, gun mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, display stand

: Produced to coincide with the 20th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' and its release on DVD by [[Sony]], this edition of Prime is a redeco of his ''[[#Masterpiece|20th Anniversary]]'' figure. It replaces the original's metallic paint with flatter colors and does away with any and all vacuum-metalized plastic, as well as altering several other small details across the body, like the color of the lights on his feet and chest.

:Prime comes with all the accessories of his previous release, although his ever-changing ion blaster is now somewhat confusingly cast in blue plastic. He features one major additional accessory: an electronic display base sculpted with the image of the Matrix and the Autobot insignia. Pressing the insignia's crest triggers a series of electronic soundbytes, mostly quotes from the movie recited not by original actor [[Peter Cullen]], but by Hasbro's in-house actor, [[Ron Hayden]]: "Autobots, transform and roll out!", "I want you to make a special run to Autobot City," "Megatron must be stopped!", "All we need is a little energon, and a lot of luck," and two samples of the classic [[Transformation#The noise|transformation sound effect]], one ascending, one descending.

:The display stand itself was later redecoed as a mail-in prize for TakaraTomy's ''[[Welcome to Transformers 2010]]'' promotion, intended to be used with ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Rodimus Convoy]], and again when it was packaged with the "Last Production" run of the Masterpiece Optimus Prime toy.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2006/Autobot/20thDVDOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on DVD Edition Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{MP1Mold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|PepsiPrime2007}}
[[File:PepsiOptimusPrime.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|Subservience to Corporate America is the duty of all servile beings.]]
*'''Pepsi Optimus Prime''' (Autobot, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Left & right fists, ion blaster, trailer

:Inspired by the [[#The Transformers|1985 promotional version]] of Optimus Prime that featured Pepsi stickers on his trailer, this outlandish incarnation of Prime is a slightly altered version of Takara's 2005 [[Pepsi Convoy]] figure (which represented a different character to Prime). The figure was only sold by [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] at various conventions, and given away as a promotional prize by Pepsi, via their [[Mountain Dew]] brand.

:A redeco of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime cab robot sporting an egregious number of Pepsi-themed paint masks and details, Pepsi Prime's differences from Pepsi Convoy are minimal: he features the shortened smokestacks previously seen on the [[#Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] release of the mold, the blue pattern on his decals are different (matching the American Pepsi can/bottle look at the time rather than the one used in Japan), and also has a different layout for the Pepsi logo on his left shoulder. Like Pepsi Convoy, he comes with an entirely new trailer unit, specially designed to carry either a single 500ml (16.9 oz) size [[soft drink]] bottle, three 350ml cans, or 12 bottle caps (bottle cap figurines being a common and popular collectible item in Japan). In a first for the Prime mold, the figure's fists store in holes on the underside of the trailer while he is in vehicle mode. His ion blaster (which also stores under the trailer) is the first Hasbro reissue to feature the original, thick-barrel sculpt, which was reinstated to the mold by the ''[[#Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' release of Prime a few years prior.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Autobot/PepsiPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Pepsi Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Sports Label''==
[[File:NikemusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Comfortable ''yet stylish'' jogging is the right of all fashionable beings.]]
*'''Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
:Surely one of the strangest examples of licensed ''Transformers'' products, ''[[Transformers Sports Label|Sports Label]]'' Convoy transforms into a ''shoe''. Something of a [[shellformer]], this baffling incarnation of Prime is colored primarily white and red in his alt mode of a realistic-looking (if notably undersized) Nike Free 7.0 sneaker, complete with gratuitously long real fabric shoelaces. In [[robot mode]], he is made instantly recognizable by his incorporation of some additional blue and silver in predictable areas, and a traditionally Prime-styled head. Less traditionally, and somewhat perversely, Prime's feet are sculpted in the likeness of his own sneaker mode, making it seem like he's wearing himself!

:His gun splits into two halves and stores inside his [[kibble]] in shoe mode; in an undocumented feature, it has two handle pegs on opposite sides, so that it can be held either at its far end or halfway along its length. The gun halves can also be plugged together in two different ways.

:This figure was, in fact, the ''only'' mold in the ''Sports Label'' line. It was redecoed into the "Marine Free" version of Prime himself (see below), and given a new head to create ''Sports Label'' [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Sports Label|Megatron]]''

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Cybertron/SLConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Sport Label Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|marine}}
[[File:Sportslabel convoy marine version.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Prime's secret Magnus cosplay.]]
*'''Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0 Marine Version'''
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
:A redeco of the first ''Sports Label'' Convoy, this figure transforms into a white, navy, and grey sneaker. Promotional images for the figure depicted its robot mode as white and aqua-blue, but the finished product was visibly darker, produced in shades of off-white and dark teal. In either coloration, it sure as heck ''looks'' like it should be [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys|Ultra Magnus]], but for whatever reason... it ain't.
{{--}}

==''Encore''==
[[File:Encore convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump

:A new series of reissues means a new release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure, and Takara's ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' series proved no different. This edition of the figure featured no extra accessories, but it did include the original, thick-barrelled version of Prime's rifle, as reinstated to the mold by the ''[[#The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' version of the toy a few years prior. Both his blue and red plastics are lighter than normal, though not to the extent of Hasbro's subsequent 25th Anniversary release.

:Notably, this edition addresses the small but persistent issue of the Autobot insignias on Prime's shoulders: Ever since 1984, applying the stickers evenly had been a challenge due to small bumps the figure's shoulders are textured with. Like the [[Pepsi Convoy]] figure released two years prior, ''Encore'' Convoy replaces the stickers with [[tampograph]]s.
{{--}}

==''Music Label''==
{{anchor|MusicLabelConvoy}}
[[File:MusicLabel-toy iPodConvoy.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66|You just paid 140 bucks for a new headsculpt, didn't you? I bet you don't even ''own'' an iPod...]]
*'''Convoy —playing iPod speaker—''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster

: Hot on the heels of their licensing deals with Pepsi and Nike, TakaraTomy got themselves a slice of Apple™ pie and released Convoy —playing [[iPod]] speaker— as part of their small, musically-themed ''[[Transformers Music Label|Music Label]]'' line. This version of Prime is an all-white redeco of the original Generation 1 cab robot, which (much like the "Marine Version" of Prime from the ''[[#Sports Label|Sports Label]]'' line) makes it seem like he ought to be Ultra Magnus. The figure is actually even derived from the retool of the mold created for the original Ultra Magnus figure, as distinguished by the elongated hubcap pegs on the front wheels. Like Pepsi Prime before it, the figure's fists now store in peg holes on the under side of its trailer. The toy lacks any of the original Prime's stickers (even the silver stripe on his chest is now a [[paint operation]]) and includes the original thick-barrelled version of Prime's blaster. The toy features a brand new headsculpt based on the [[#20th Anniversary|20th Anniversary]] Prime figure, given additional poseability not previously seen on the figure by being mounted on a [[ball joint]].

:This, of course, is all secondary to the main draw of the figure: it pulls an all-white trailer, which transforms into a working iPod speaker dock by rotating a substantial wedge of its full length 90 degrees . The dock features three working buttons; power, volume up and volume down, as well as an Autobot sigil indicator light. Included is a wall-plugging (Japanese) A/C adaptor with a long lead that plugs into the reverse of the trailer. Although American importers shouldn't have too much trouble, those living in parts of the world using higher strength A/C current outlets should be warned NOT to simply plug the A/C adaptor in with only a socket adapter, as this will overload the device and fry it completely. Buying the appropriate kind of universal A/C adaptor with advice from an electronics specialty shop is recommended.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2007/Cybertron/MLConvoy/convoy.htm More information on Music Label Convoy at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|MusicLabelOP}}
[[File:Musiclabelprimewithdock.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm gonna call you Peanut.]]
*'''Optimus Prime —speakers for iPod—''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster

:Designated "Optimus Prime" rather than the traditional Japanese "Convoy", this figure is a redeco of the previous ''Music Label'' Convoy figure into the character's traditional red, blue and silver color scheme. Unlike previous re-issues of the mold, iPod Optimus Prime's sports a paint application similar to KissPlayers Convoy, having its ABS/PVC parts painted over with a thin layer of his iconic red, white (silver if you will) and blue motif paint applications (with the exception of his iPod docking trailer). This includes his trailer, though the effect is somewhat marred by the large, visible gap on one side. When reconfigured into dock mode, the interior surfaces surrounding the speakers are decorated with black-on-silver techno-patterns as well as three "Optimus Prime" logos. The recessed space also features a stylised, almost [[Frank Miller]]esque, high-contrast portrait of Prime's face, although this is largely covered when an iPod is inserted. The figure comes in identical packaging to the original ''Music Label'' Convoy, save for the addition of a sticker illustrating the different color of its contents.

{{-}}{{anchor|MusicLabelExile}}
[[File:ExileTransformersSpeakers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The right of all sentient beings is... um... what am I promoting now? Wait, a Japanese pop band? Are you kidding me? I need a new agent.]]
*'''{{anchor|EXILE}}EXILE x TRANSFORMERS —speakers for iPod—''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster

:Exclusive to [http://www.ldhshop.jp/ LDH Shop], this redeco of the ''Music Label'' Convoy toy is utterly ridiculous and was created as a promotion for the Japanese pop band {{w|Exile (Japanese band)|EXILE}}. While Convoy himself has EXILE written on his right forearm, his trailer sports the "Love Dream Happiness" tagline of LDH Inc.[http://www.ldh.co.jp/shopping/index.html], as well as the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008" logo of the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008 Ultimate Best Box" boxset, which was released some months after he was.
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2007)==
[[File:Movie LeaderfortheAges 2pack.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The more things change, the more they, uh, get bigger guns.]]
*'''Leader for the Ages''' (Wal*Mart exclusive two-pack, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

: This Wal*Mart-[[exclusive]] two-pack pairs the deluxe-size ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' Optimus Prime figure with [[Movie (franchise)|live-action movie]] line's ''[[Fast Action Battlers]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Power Hook Optimus Prime]] toy. Both toys are identical to their original releases, and together represent the Optimus Primes of the oldest and newest generations (at the time) of ''Transformers'', respectively. The movie Prime is designated "2007 Optimus Prime", while the ''Classics'' figure is dubbed "1984 Optimus Prime" (referring not, of course, to the toy, which was produced in 2006, but to the character).
{{--}}

==''Diablock''==
*'''Diablock Convoy''' (2007)
**''ID number:'' '''01''' ('''Mecha Builder Vol.03''')[[File:DiablockPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66| We have the technology. We can ''rebuild him''. Except, uh.. for his [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Kre-O|face]].]]
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster

:Rounding out a bumper year of Japanese-[[exclusive]] Generation 1 Optimus Primes, the Takara-licensed Kawada brand ''Diablock'' Convoy is a fully transformable Lego-style block building figure similar in premise to the earlier American ''[[Built to Rule!]]'' sets. The ''Diablock'' figure, however, easily outstrips the ''Built to Rule!'' sets by both being an accurate representation of the toy on which it is based, and being able to transform between modes ''without'' having to be partially disassembled and put back together first.

:Forming a roughly 11-inch figure when fully assembled, ''Diablock'' Convoy is highly articulated, save for his head, which is only able to move up and down. Said head is also by far the most stylised aspect of the figure, with no real attempt to approximate Prime's face or mouthplate, instead featuring only a reversed block that gives the odd impression of a cycloptic eye. It is possibly intended to actually represent his forehead grill, as a yellow block inside his head construction remains barely-visible through a slit in his face, possibly intended to represent the classic toy's yellow eyes.

:The figure's [[transformation scheme]] is based on the original G1 figure, the only differences being that the fists are not removed but become the headlights, and instead of flipping backwards inside the chest, ''Diablock'' Convoy's noggin flips forwards with the aid of opening chest windows. A "laser rifle" in the shape of his ion cannon can be built from black bricks, and stickers bearing the Autobot [[Insignia|faction symbol]] can be placed on his shoulders, although this is not recommended as it is designed to permanently stick to multiple tiles which dislodge easily and may damage the sticker.
{{--}}

==''Henkei! Henkei!''==
[[File:Henkei convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' ([[March 13]], 2008)
**''ID number:'' '''C-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei! Transformers]]'' Convoy is a redeco of ''[[#Classics|Classics]]'' Voyager Class Optimus Prime. He features a significantly altered colour scheme, generally to make the toy more closely resemble his appearance in the Generation 1 cartoon and the original toyline. His truck mode features less silver paint striping, but compensates with a [[vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metalized]] grill/fender area. In [[robot mode]] all of his previously grey plastic is replaced with red plastic, with a majority of it being painted silver, chromed, or painted gunmetal gray. He features a different shade of red, blue, and clear blue plastic than the Classics version. Since ''Henkei!'' toys do not feature a heat-sensitive rubsign, ''Henkei'' Convoy has two Autobot sigils tampographed onto his shoulders.

{{-}}{{anchor|HenkeiClear}}
[[File:Henkei clear convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy Clear Version''' ([[June 19]], 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:This redeco of ''Henkei'' Convoy is cast almost entirely in translucent colored plastic. Also known by the nickname "Crystal Convoy" among fans, it was first released as an exclusive for the Japanese convention Tokyo Toy Fair 2008, limited to 1000 pieces at the event, but was later made available through [[e-HOBBY]]. It was sold in a monochrome-blue version of ''Henkei'' Convoy's regular packaging.

::*''[http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act491/index.php More information on Convoy Clear Version at TFkenkon.com]
{{-}}{{anchor|HenkeiGold}}
*'''Convoy''' (2008)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:[[vacuum metallizing|Chromed]] entirely in gold like many other [[Lucky Draw figure]]s before it, this version of Prime was available only through a ''[[TV Magazine]]'' mail-in promotion held in December 2008, and was limited to only five units, making it one of the rarest officially available Transformers toys in the world.

:Unfortunately, this toy has become the target of several [[knockoff]]s aimed at gullible collectors. Most of the fake ones can be told apart from the real deal by various details not matching up. The real one is cast in gold plastic, painted over in gold chrome and sports small red Autobot [[insignia|logos]] on both shoulders.

::*''[http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=album&album=12878&dispsize=600&start=0 Gallery of (hopefully) a genuine Gold Convoy at TFormers.com]''

{{-}}{{anchor|GenteiBlack}}
*'''Convoy''' (<s>2008</s>)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster

:A (technically) [[unreleased toy|unreleased]] [[black repaint|"black" redeco]] of ''Henkei'' Voyager-sized Convoy using the same plastic layout and paint mask but replacing red and blue with black, silver with gray, leaving the previously vacuum-metalized grill/fender area unpainted, changing the blue tint for the windows to red and changing all silver and yellow paint operations to blue. The red Autobot insignias would have remained unchanged.<ref name="blackgentei1">[http://tformers.com/ig.php?mode=album&album=9553&dispsize=800&start=0 Gallery of the unreleased ''Gentei! Gentei'' black Convoy at TFormers.com.]</ref>

:The figure would have come in a monochrome version of the standard ''Henkei! Henkei!'' Convoy's packaging, still named "Convoy" but now labeled as part of the ''Gentei! Gentei'' range of exclusives.<ref name="blackgentei2">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/universe-classics-20-29/transformers-henkei-wonderfest-exclusive-black-convoy-in-box-167615/ The unreleased ''Gentei! Gentei!'' black Convoy in packaging] at TFW2005.</ref> Reportedly, this figure was intended as a Wonderfest exclusive, but was canceled because, according too [[TakaraTomy]] designer [[Shogo Hasui]], it was too similar to ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Universe (2008)|Nemesis Prime]]. [[Knockoff]]s were later made available, so buyers beware!

:A minor redeco (replacing the Autobot insignias with Decepticon insignias, adding silver paint to the grill/fender area and changing the blue paint operations to teal) [[#UnitedBlack|was eventually released]] as a [[Tokyo Toy Show|Tokyo Toy Show 2012]] exclusive, now marketed as part of the ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' line.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''Universe'' (2008)==
[[File:Universetoy 25th anniversary optimus prime.jpg|thumb|upright=2|And the block has returned!!!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2008)
**''Series'': G1
**''Accessories:'' Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, sound effects module, comic, DVD

:Sold at the rather exorbitant price of $75, this re-release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy is actually one of the most visually different from the other "straight" reissues of the mold, despite Hasbro's assurance that this is the toy you had as a kid. Positively ''anemic'' in comparison with the original toy, this Prime's red parts are visibly paler than usual, while his blue parts are much lighter (although the version released at Canadian retail reportedly sports a deeper shade of red again). This shade of blue extends to both Roller (a lighter blue than his traditional dark shade, yet darker than the lightest the figure has been in its history) and the internal workings of his Combat Deck, which is itself a much flatter shade of light grey, compared to its normal dark, swirled metallic silver color. In addition, the toy features the now-customary shortened smokestacks, and the elongated missiles seen on the [[#Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]] release, while the Autobot insignias on his shoulders are no longer stickers, but rather tampographs, like on Takara's ''Encore'' release. While all reissues of the Prime mold since 2003 have used the original thick-barreled mold for his ion blaster, this version includes the slender sculpt instead.

:As a 25th anniversary set, Prime includes several new pack-in bonuses: a reprint of the [[The Transformers (issue)|first issue]] of the original [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|comic book]], a DVD containing all three parts of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|animated series]] pilot [[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|"More than Meets the Eye"]], and three desktop wallpapers, and a battery-powered Autobot symbol that plays transforming sound effects, part of the first version of the ''Transformers'' [[theme song]], and three voice clips performed by Peter Cullen: "I am Optimus Prime!", "Autobot, transform and roll out!" and "Megatron must be stopped, no matter the cost." There are some reports that the Autobot symbol could be worn out or damaged during the time of purchase.

:Outside the United States, this set was available in a thinner rectangular box. It contained all the original accessories from the American release, but not the DVD. An English-only version of this packaging format was available in Asia and Australia (initially only available at Myer stores, but later also at Toys"R"Us, Kmart and Target, eventually at drastically reduced prices), while a bilingual English/French packaging variant was available in Canada, still including—though not advertised on the packaging—the (English only) comic book.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/25thOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on 25th Anniversary Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===Deluxe Class===
{{anchor|UniSpecEd}}
[[File:Uni2008-toy SEOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe Class: Special Edition, 2008)
**''ID Number:'' '''SE-01'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:"Special Edition" Optimus Prime is a redeco of the ''Classics'' multi-pack toy, featuring some minor paint detail changes, bluer translucent plastic, darker and cooler gray plastic, and darker metallic flake red and blue plastic, with his (previously black-only) rifle body most notably now being cast in both blue ''and'' black plastic. He came in special "book box" style packaging with black-and-white boxart, and was only available at retail in Australian and Asian markets. North American customers could later buy him via [[Hasbro Toy Shop]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/HTSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Special Edition Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

===''Titanium Series''===
[[File:Titanium-toy Target OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Yawn... Hey, wait! Am I [[Delta Magnus]] now?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2009)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster, display stand

: A [[Target]]-exclusive [[redeco]] of War Within Optimus Prime in [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action film]]-inspired colors. The bio on the back of the packaging only fills up half of the allotted space, as if the [[Forest Lee|writer]] was tired of describing Optimus Primes.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Autobot/TitOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Target-exclusive Titanium Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Alternity''==
[[File:AlternityConvoy VibrantRed.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It's like G2 Go-bots all over again...but cooler!]]
*'''Convoy Ultimate Silver''' ([[February 26]], 2009)
**''ID number:'' '''A-01'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' Convoy transforms into a 1:32 scale Nissan GT-R, featuring die-cast metal parts, an opening hood, trunk and doors, as well as an interior, complete with his feet and thighs being sculpted to form the back seats. This complex figure stands at 6.5" tall, and is armed with a pair of blasters on each arm. In the hyper-dimensional world of the oft-confusing ''Alternity'' fiction, this figure specifically represents the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Story of Binaltech|Optimus Prime]] of [[universal stream]] [[Primax 903.0 Beta]].

:The mold suffers from a [[Design flaw|minor design oversight]], wherein the rear Nissan badge collides with his left leg strut when the left foot is hinged over and pegged into a clear plastic socket during transformation, with the results being that the connection is slightly crooked, isn't very secure, and sometimes pops off, and that the crooked pegging often causes the socket to crack.

:''Alternity'' Convoy was simultaneously available in both this silver coloration, and a deco based on his traditional appearance termed "Vibrant Red" (see below). The figure was later redecoed to create "[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Alternity 2|Convoy Super Black]]" (representing not Optimus Prime, but ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Nemesis Prime (Universe)|Nemesis Prime]]), ''Alternity'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Alternity|Ultra Magnus]], and ''Alternity'' [[Dai Atlas (G1)#Alternity|Dai Atlas]]. It was retooled into ''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT]]'' [[#GT|GT-R Prime]], [[Star Saber (G1)/toys#GT|GT-R Saber]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#GT|GT-R Megatron]] and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#GT|GT-R Maximus]].

*'''Convoy Vibrant Red''' (February 26, 2009)
**''ID number:'' '''A-01'''

:"Vibrant Red" ''Alternity'' Convoy is a redeco of the "Ultimate Silver" figure in the much more traditional red and blue Prime color scheme, representing the Optimus Prime of universal stream [[Primax 109.0 Beta]]. The figure was available simultaneously with the Ultimate Silver version, sharing the same packaging and pack-in materials, save for the color of the illustration on the front of the box, and a sticker that identified the figure within.
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2010)==
===Legends Class===
{{anchor|RTSLegends}}{{anchor|2010Legend}}
[[File:TF2010-toy Legends Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|YOU'LL NEVER GUESS HIS TRUE ALLEGIANCE!]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends Class, 2011)
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] (Hasbro)}}

:[[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] Optimus Prime is based on his original Generation 1 appearance. He features a [[Kibble#"Faux-parts"|fake grill]] for his robot mode, and his large legs result in a fairly thick and compact truck bed. He is part of "[[Reveal the Shield]]", a subline that outfits all its toys with [[rubsign]]s, and in this case, it's located on the left side of the truck/his left elbow.

:This figure was redecoed and retooled into ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Motormaster (G1)#Generations|Motorbreath]] and [[Transformers (2014 toyline)|''Transformers'' (2014)]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/RTSLegOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Reveal the Shield" Legends Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|DollarLegends}}
[[File:TF-2012-Legends-Class-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends Class, 2012)
:*''Accessories:'' Sword (running change variant only)
:The [[Transformers (2010 toyline)|2010 ''Transformers'']] "[[Reveal the Shield]]" [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] Optimus Prime sculpt in the deco from the first ''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' EZ Collection wave (see below) was released as a "Dollar Store" exclusive (available at stores such as Dollar General and Big Lots) in generic 2010 ''Transformers'' packaging packaging alongside [[Starscream (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Starscream]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Bumblebee]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#DollarLegends|Megatron]]. The initial release saw the copyright year removed, while a later [[variant#running changes|running change variant]] featured the new tooling originally used for ''Generations'' Legends Class [[Motormaster (G1)#Generations|Motorbreath]], with not only the retooled hands and a hole on the back of his head/top of his [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] compatible with [[C joint|3mm posts]], but also Motorbreath's sword accessory.

:If one chooses, the Ion Blaster from the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' Core Class figure]] can be used on this toy.
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===Deluxe Class===
{{anchor|Sons of Cybertron}}
[[File:G1toy sons of cybertron optimus prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Sons of Cybertron''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' Machine gun turret/rifle

:Released as part of [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Welcome to Transformers 2010]]'' campaign, the "Sons of Cybertron" set includes a redeco of the 2006 ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' "Ultimate Battle" pack Deluxe class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Optimus Prime]], cast mostly in translucent plastic (his shoulders remain opaque [[Unpaintable plastic|Polyoxymethylene (POM)]]). He comes packaged with a similarly translucent redeco of ''Classics'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Classics (2006)|Rodimus]].

:The set is a counterpart to TakaraTomy's simultaneously-available ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'' Sons of Cybertron set, which also features translucent versions of that line's Deluxe [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus]] figures. It was intended as an exclusive for the Japanese Chara Hobby 2010 festival, but was also initially offered as a raffle prize at the 2010 "Autobot Alliance" event 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 later available for purchase at [[Cybertron Con 2010]] in [[Shanghai]].

{{-}}{{anchor|RTSDeluxe}}
[[File:TF2010 Deluxe G2OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Fandom|We]] see a red truck, and we want it [[Black repaint|painted]] [[Scourge (RID)|black]].]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe Class, 2011)
**''Accessories:'' [[Laser Rod (weapon)|Sword]]
{{toydesigner|[[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Part of the sixth wave of the [[Transformers (2010 toyline)#RTS|2010 ''Transformers'' toyline]], this Optimus Prime is an all-new Deluxe Class mold based on the original ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' Laser Optimus Prime toy ([[#LaserOptimusPrime|see above]]). Transforming into an International 8200 truck, he has some influences from the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action movie Optimus Prime]], including the more defined flames on his hood, athletic [[robot mode]] proportions and a more aggressive-looking translucent orange sword that can be held with both hands for maximum extreme chopitude. Optimus Prime features extensive use of translucent plastic in his arms, head and upper torso for a [[light-piping]] effect. Optimus also has a (non-detachable) matrix gimmick in robot mode that is formed by a relief pattern on the inside of the cab's side windows and is visible through the windshield/chest in robot mode. Like the Legends toy, he's part of ''Reveal the Shield'' and features a [[rubsign]], this time on the roof. He is also ''very'' articulated and poseable, even featuring ankles and wrists that are both [[Ball joint|ball-joint]]ed ''and'' [[Swivel joint|hinged]].

: The original Hasbro [[Stock photography|stock photos]] depict him as having red [[paint operation]]s on his kneecaps and the sunken ridges around his blue abs that the final product lacks. The photos on the cardback show him with a red Autobot symbol on his truck door and blue plastic instead of grey for the piece just in front of his rear tires. The back photo also depicts his side windows as being the same translucent orange as the front ones, when they are, in reality, a garish solid orange.

: Multiple reports suggest that the toy suffers from a [[design flaw]], inferior plastic quality, or both: Due to his hands having peg-holes that are a bit too small to accommodate 5 mm posts, they have a tendency to show stress marks on the inside after pegging his sword handle (or most other pegs) inside. Stress marks also tend to appear near his tiny hinged wrists. Fortunately, there have been no reports of the hands actually ''breaking'' on either location thus far.

: This toy was redecoed into ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]/[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Optimus Prime (SG)#BotCon2012|Optimus Prime]] and ''Timelines'' [[Scourge (RID)#Timelines|Scourge]], and was retooled into ''Timelines/Shattered Glass'' [[Ultra Magnus (SG)#Timelines|Ultra Magnus]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/RTSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Reveal the Shield" Deluxe Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{2010DeluxeOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===''Masterpiece''===
{{anchor|mp10hasbro}}
[[File:Transformers2010toy-HasbroMP10OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|Standing tall and proud with his smokestacks erect.]]
*'''Masterpiece Optimus Prime''' (2012/2014)
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster#Transformers (2010)|Ion cannon]], [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#mp10hasbro|Matrix of Leadership]], [[Energon-axe#Tranformers (2010)|Energon axe]], [[Combat Deck (G1)#Transformers (2010)|trailer/Battle Station/Maintenance Dock]], [[Roller (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Autobot Roller]], [[Spike Witwicky (G1)#Transformers (2010)|Spike Witwicky figurine]]
:The Hasbro [[Toys"R"Us]]-exclusive release of [[#MP10|MP-10 Convoy]] features brighter blue plastic and paint, brighter unpainted non-metallic red plastic, painted yellow lights above the front truck windshields, painted light blue eyes, and lacks silver paint for the trailer's interior. Roller is now blue.

:In the Philippines, this was only available as a Toys"R"Us "Limited Edition" figure in the Trinoma mall from August 23–26, with customers having to sign up to reserve their figure. It was limited to 48 units total, and was limited to one per customer.

:Hasbro Asia re-released this in 2014. It came with an exclusive addition—the [[Key to Vector Sigma#Masterpiece|Key to Vector Sigma]]. In 2017 it was [[#Masterpiece 3|basically reissued]] under ''Generations'' co-branding.

:Stock photos show his vehicle mode mistranformed.
{{MP10Mold}}
{{--}}

==''United''==
[[File:Unitedtoy cybertron mode prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|See?! War for Cybertron ''is'' G1!]]
*'''Optimus Prime Cybertron Mode''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''ID number'': '''UN-01'''
**''Accessories'': "Assault rifle"

: The first toy in TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers United|United]]'' toyline is a [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' Deluxe Class [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Generations|Optimus Prime]], transforming into a Cybertronic "armored truck". As has been TakaraTomy's won't of late, he now sports a metallic red paint job, with brighter pink paint applications and cooler grey parts, and features several additional paint details to those present on the Hasbro figure in the form of black chest windows and pink lines on his face mask. His rifle transforms as well, folding and plugging into the roof of the vehicle mode. The rifle can also peg into his forearms, and, in its compact configuration, can attach to his shoulders via peg holes on the backs of his front tires or stored behind his back in [[robot mode]].

: This mold was also used to make ''United'' [[Darkside Optimus Prime (United)#Toys|Darkside Optimus Prime]].

{{-}}{{anchor|UnitedEarth}}
[[File:Unitedtoy g1prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|No, my legs won't retract. Now buy me.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (December 25, 2010)
**''ID number:'' '''UN-06'''
**''Accessories:'' Laser rifle

:The second Optimus Prime toy in TakaraTomy's ''United'' toyline is another redeco of the ''Classics'' multi-pack Deluxe-sized toy (the first release in Japan), this time featuring an extensive metallic red paint job on the majority of the red plastic, and he features metallic sheen on the unpaintable red plastic and his blue plastic is now brighter. While the paint masks are identical to the Special Edition release, ''United'' Optimus Prime features additional paint operations on the hip, the stomach grille, the fold-up waist panels, the lower chest piece (at least in the front), and the forehead.

:Although the stock photo (pictured from the right) shows both of his biceps painted silver with his Autobot insignia tampographed on the left shoulder, the final product omits the paint operation (due to being molded with unpaintable plastic) and the insignia is placed on his left forearm, just like his ''Classics'' figure.

{{-}}{{anchor|UnitedG2}}
[[File:Unitedtoy laser prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Laser Optimus Prime''' ([[March 26]], 2011)
**''ID number:'' '''UN-22'''
**''Accessories:'' "[[Laser Rod (weapon)|Laser Rod]]" sword

:The third ''United'' Optimus Prime toy is a redeco and slight retool of the [[#Transformers (2010)|Deluxe Class figure]] from Hasbro's 2010 ''Transformers'' toyline, itself an homage to Prime's ''Generation 2'' [[#LaserOptimusPrime|"Laser" form]]. The toy features translucent blue plastic as opposed to Hasbro's orange, red paint is used on the biceps instead of blue paint, extra red paint applications on the knees like the original's sticker detail, and more broken-up red apps on the shoulders. Silver detailing was added to the cab mode on the grill, the bumper, and near the doors. The blue plastic in cab mode is now black plastic to make the figure more accurate to the ''Generation 2'' original. The gray plastic is changed from the Hasbro version to more closely match the [[#G2reissue|2006 reissue of Laser Optimus Prime]]. Black paint was applied to the cab mode to mimic the fade from red to black on the original Laser Optimus, but still includes a flame deco like the Hasbro version, only in a different design. It lacks the roof-mounted rubsign of the Hasbro version, instead including Autobot insignias on the cab doors. (Disappointingly, they are Generation 1 insignias, rather than ''Generation 2'' ones!) Additionally, a retool was made to the peg on the inside of his right shoulder, to make it shorter and wider than the Hasbro version, allowing it to move freely without hitting the torso, unlike the Hasbro release.
{{2010DeluxeOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|UnitedBlack}}
[[File:Unitedtoy-BlackOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Shouldn't be hard for him to fit in with the Decepticons... There's like, [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|two]] [[Darkside Optimus Prime (United)|other]] "evil Optimus Prime" guys in their ranks.]]
*'''Black Optimus Prime''' ([[June 16]], 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Smokestacks/blaster, wind vane/cannon

:Available [[exclusive]]ly at the [[Tokyo Toy Show]] 2012 (along with [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#Shining|''Prime'' Shining Optimus Prime]]), Black Optimus Prime is a very minor redeco of the previously unreleased [[#GenteiBlack|''Gentei! Gentei!'']] black version of [[#Henkei! Henkei!|''Henkei! Henkei!'' Convoy]], itself a redeco of the [[#Classics (2006)|''Classics'' Voyager Class toy]]. As such, Black Optimus Prime is mostly cast in black plastic, with some gray parts, translucent red windows and teal paint operations.

:The only differences with the unreleased version, aside from the packaging, are that silver paint has been added to the previously unpainted grill/fender area, the blue paint operations have been changed to teal, and the red Autobot insignias have been replaced by purple Decepticon ones. Prime's [[bio]] apparently explains that he took on this new color scheme in order to infiltrate the Decepticon ranks, in response to recent attacks by some new Decepticon forces pretending to be Autobots.

::*''[http://higekumatoytoy.blog60.fc2.com/blog-entry-1579.html Black Optimus Prime at Alfes's Toy Blog (part 1)]''
::*''[http://higekumatoytoy.blog60.fc2.com/blog-entry-1580.html Black Optimus Prime at Alfes's Toy Blog (part 2)]''
{{ClassicsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Chronicle''==
{{anchor|G1MoviePrime}}
[[File:TF-Chronicle-CH01-G1-Optimus-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''G1 & Movie Sōshireikan Set''' (multi-pack, 2011)
**''ID number:'' '''CH01'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Ion blaster|Laser rifle]], trailer

:This reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure comes in a two-pack with the Deluxe-Class ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Chronicle|Optimus Prime figure]]. Prime himself is almost identical to the ''Encore'' release, save for his trailer hitch which was retooled to allow a peg to be inserted within it while still being able to be inserted into the trailer itself (making it compatible with his G1 trailer and the new trailer included). Like the Encore release, he features lighter colors and tampographed shoulder symbols (which vary slightly from the Encore release).

:His original trailer is not included with the set; instead, he comes with [[Armored Weapons Platform#Chronicle|a new deluxe-scaled trailer]], not available with any other figure, based on the one towed by Prime in ''Dark of the Moon''. The trailer is compatible with both figures, and sports [[5 mm post|5mm post]]-holes that will hold (among many other things) G1 Prime's laser rifle and the [[MechTech]] weapon Movie Prime is armed with.

:Oddly, for their official [[stock photography|promotional photography]], Takara took an existing photo of Optimus Prime's robot mode that was at least a decade old, having previously been used as a very early (and inaccurate) illustration for Hasbro's then upcoming ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' reissue of the figure.
{{--}}

===''EZ Collection''===
[[File:EZCollectionChronicleConvoyToy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' (EZ Collection, 2011)
:A ''veeery'' slight [[repaint]] of the [[#2010legend|2010 Reveal the Shield]] Legends figure, the first ''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' Prime replaces that figure's rubsign with a tiny tampographed Autobot symbol on his left bicep. He was one of eight figures available in the first wave of "EZ Collection" blindpacked figures.
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|ChronicleEZG2}}
[[File:Chronicletoy ez g2 prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' (EZ Collection, 2011)
:The '''Reveal the Shield''' Legends Prime mold was redecoed again for the inclusion in the second EZ Collection wave. This version of the figure replaces his blue on the head with black, and the blue paint on the legs is stripped off, revealing the black plastic underneath. and like the Megatron redeco in the same wave, features a ''Generation 2'' Autobot symbol instead of a Generation 1 insignia.
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Kre-O''==
{{Note|This section only lists Generation 1-inspired Optimus Prime ''Kre-O'' toys.}}
{{anchor|Matrix}}
[[File:KreO-Toy OptimusMatrixKreon.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|If you even ''thought'' about Transformers in 2011, you probably have two of me.]]
*'''Matrix Optimus Prime''' (2011)
**''Pieces'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Optimus rifle

: Intended to be [[exclusive]] to [[BotCon 2011]], this redeco of the regular Optimus Prime Kreon has an open chest showing the [[Matrix of Leadership]] within. He comes with a G1 inspired gun and a black brick display stand.

: We say "intended", because in actuality, the thing appears to have been produced in such huge quantities that it's wound up being made available in ''loads'' of other places—it was handed out at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2011, offered as a free giveaway with any order that included Transformers toys on [[Hasbro Toy Shop]]), as a free gift on the cover of the ''[[Awesome Autobots Activity Book]]'', and came as a free gift attached to, of all things, issue #240 of the [[United Kingdom|UK]] children's comic, ''[[Doctor Who]] Adventures'' (but not the UK's [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Transformers comic]], you'll note!).

:A supposed factory error even caused this version (minus display stand) to be included in the larger Optimus Prime kit (see below). This problem has (presumably) been fixed, but it was awesome while it lasted.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Kre-OMatrixOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Matrix Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|542pc}}
[[File:KreO-Toy Optimus542pc.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Nigh-infinite configuration possibilities, and somehow a WORSE base mode than pretty much every other Optimus's trailer-bases. Wow.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2011)
**''Set number'': '''30689'''
**''Pieces'': '''542'''
**''Kreons'': Optimus Prime, Bluestreak, Skywarp, two Stunt Drivers
**''Accessories'': Optimus rifle, weapons sprue (sniper rifle, pistol, submachinegun, handcuffs, radio, ammo box), large tool sprue (shovel, hammer, electric drill, clamp), small tool sprue (socket wrench, screwdriver, wrench, hatchet), 2 traffic cones

: Naturally, Optimus Prime got the biggest of the sets in the first year of ''Kre-O''. The set can be built into a large long-nose tractor-trailer rig with a removable "sleeper" cab that hides a computer station, and a trailer that can carry the set's two motorcycles or open up to carry larger car builds. The robot mode build includes a huge Optimus, based largely on the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action movie Optimus]], though with a head based almost directly on the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Classics|''Classics'' Voyager Optimus]]. He is armed with a distressingly plain brick that fires pressure-launched missiles (aka his smokestacks). Most of the leftover parts in robot mode become a "headquarters" which is mostly just a random assemblage of mismatched-color panels and a pair of barricades. Both main builds leave numerous parts unused if you go expressly by the instructions, but hey, it's a building kit, surely you can find ''someplace'' to apply most of them.

: The set comes with a bevy of [[Kreon]]s, including Optimus Prime (this one based heavily on Generation 1 Optimus), [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Bluestreak]], [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Skywarp]], and a pair of human [[Stunt Driver]]s. A packaging error resulted in some releases of this set to come with the promotional "Matrix chest" Optimus (see above) rather than the normal version pictured here.

:Speaking of errors, the instruction manuals (he has two) both have errors in their parts listings, showing numerous pieces in the wrong colors or not making it clear that some parts are, well, clear. Making things more confusing, not all of these miscolors are reflected in the step-by-step instructions, while a couple new ones are added there.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Kre-OOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|90pc}}
[[File:KreO-Toy Optimus-90pc.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|Kneedom is the right of all sentient beings.]]
* '''Optimus Prime''' (2011)
**''Set number'': '''31143'''
**''Pieces'': '''90'''

: The smaller of the two Optimus Prime kits in year one, this version is based more on the [[Optimus Prime (G1)|original Optimus Prime]]. The small cabover-style tractor-trailer truck build is solid, unable to seat any Kreons inside. The robot mode is heavily restricted in its articulation, with no knees, and only single-direction-swivel elbows and shoulders.

:This is one of the few ''Kre-O Transformers'' sets to not come with any Kreons whatsoever, the other being the similarly-sized [[Bumblebee (Kre-O)#74pc|Bumblebee]] kit.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Autobot/Kre-OSmallOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "small" Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Custom}}
[[File:KreO-Toy OptimusCustomKreon.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Custom Kreon, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A6085'''
**''Pieces'': '''41'''
**''Accessories'': Rack, large rifle, ray pistol, robot sword, wing-backpack, rocket-backpack

: Part of the first assortment of "Custom Kreons", this version of Optimus Prime comes with a buildable parts rack on which to hang/store his many many extra pieces. His [[tampograph]]s are much more heavily-detailed than the original Kreons, based on the [[#The Transformers|original Optimus Prime toy]]. His "normal" helmet (and small sword) are [[chrome]]d, plus he comes with an extra clear-plastic helmet, torso and legs. He also has a pair of extra arms (originally from the ''Kre-O Battleship'' aliens), plus a buildable large rifle, a buildable wing-pack, and a ray pistol (originally an [[Andorian]] blaster from ''Kre-O Star Trek'').

{{-}}{{anchor|OrionPax}}
[[File:KreO-Toy OrionPax.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Orion Pax''' (2014)
**''Pieces'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': Optimus rifle, transparent block, brick display stand

:Available only with the ''[[Transformers: Kre-O Character Encyclopedia]]'', Orion Pax is a Kreon version of Orion Pax from "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". He uses the [[Ironhide (Kre-O)|Ironhide]] helmet and the original Optimus Prime Kreon's gun. The transparent block which he can hold has "KREO" written on it in [[Cybertronian language#Notes|Autobot text]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/Kre-OOrionPax/orionpax.htm More information on Orion Pax at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Elite}}
[[File:Kre-o-Elite-Optimus-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Give [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Diablock|me]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Kre-O|your]] face?]]
*'''Elite Optimus Prime''' (2014)
**''Pieces'': '''43'''
**''Acessories'': Optimus rifle

:A polybag with buildable Optimus Prime with larger hands and legs on a Kreon sized torso, much like the Galvatron in the Factory Battle set. His helmet is completely unpainted.

:This figure was a freebie given away at Canadian Toys"R"Us stores during a build-a-figure event, and also available at the "Transformers Exhibition" event in Taipei, Taiwan from [[June 27]] to [[July 6]].

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2014}}
[[File:KreO-toy OptimusClass84.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Voted Most Likely to <s>[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Diablock|GIVE ME]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Kre-O|YOUR FACE]]</s> Succeed]]
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''B0090'''
**''Voted'': Most Likely To Succeed
**''Accessories'': Optimus rifle

: This version of Optimus, part of the the [[Kreon Class of 1984]], lays heavy on the toy-based tampographs (though they are completely different from the other iterations), and like the others in the set, has a more animation-model-inspired face deco, what with having a nose and all.

:He was only available in a pack of 30 Kreons dubbed "Class of 1984". This set was made for sale at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014. Remaining stock was to be sold at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online after the convention, but as the set sold out at the show, that never happened.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/SDCCKre-OOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Class of 1984 Optimue Prime at TFU.info]

{{-}}{{anchor|KreOGashapon}}
*'''Total Commander Optimus Prime (Convoy)''' (Gacha capsule Kreon, 2014)
**''Accessories'': Ray pistol

:In late 2014, twelve Kreons were sold through [[TakaraTomy]]'s "TakaraTomy A.R.T.S" [[Gacha]] capsule-toy machines in Japan. Thankfully for the rest of the world, these Kreons are all basically identical to previously-released ones in the Hasbro lines. The Gacha release of Optimus Prime is basically the base [[#Custom|Custom Kreon Optimus]] using his clear-plastic helmet and carrying the small ray pistol, lacking his leg-wheels, smokestacks and backpack (and of course all those other parts and accessories).

{{-}}{{anchor|BrickBox}}
[[File:KreO-toy Optimus-G1 BrickBox.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|]]
*'''Brick Box''' (2016)
**''Set Number'': '''B2963'''
**''Pieces'': '''82'''
**''Accessories'': Optimus Rifle

: Released in the third wave of "Brick Box" sets, and found only at Dollar General stores, this version of Optimus Prime uses the new 2015 style of Kreon hips and torso, with a hollow hip-peg and a central post inside the torso for increased grip... which also makes the torso incompatible with about four years' worth of Kreons. Nice. His face and torso tampographs are new.

: The set comes with two bags of Kre-O parts, one coming from the first-year Sideswipe set (mostly all the small bits and the now-useless neck joint), the other "new" with some basic bricks and plates. The set has no instructions, as it's just a box of bricks to make whatever with.

{{-}}
===Battle Changers===
{{anchor|BattleChangers}}
[[File:KreO-toy Optimus-G1 BattleChanger.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It remains to be seen if Optimus' pieces can be rebuilt [[Alligaticon|into an alligator]].]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Battle Changers, 2015)
**''Set Number'': '''B0715'''
**''Pieces'': ''89''
**''Accessories'': Optimus rifle

: Part of the first wave of "Battle Changers", this version of Optimus Prime is a ''severely'' built-up Kreon that transforms from truck into a robot and back without removing any parts! However, the sheer chunkiness of his limbs hanging off a Kreon torso make for awkward positioning and questionable balljoint grip strength.

: Like the rest of the Battle Changers, he was available in selected Asian countries in December 2014. These sets only appeared in the US through closeout chains like Ross and TJ Maxx in 2015.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChangersOptimusVSMegatron}}
[[File:KreO-toy Optimus-G1 BattleChangerVs.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|]]
*'''Optimus Prime VS Megatron''' (Battle Changers 2-pack, 2015)
**''Set Number'': '''B1506'''
**''Pieces'': ''198''
**''Accessories'': Optimus rifle, trailer
:This version of Battle Changers Optimus was only available in a two pack set with [[Megatron (Kre-O)#Battle Changers|Battle Changer Megatron]]. He is ''largely'' the same construction as as the single release, but has numerous small differences. He uses a new "double harness" piece on his torso instead of using two harnesses, leaving more space for his head to grip the neck-post, and his chest/windshield parts are each a single clipped "flag" part rather than the multi-part assembly of the single-pack. And of course there's the additional trailer, which doesn't have any official robot mode rebuild, and only loosely "connects" to the truck-mode Optimus by being lightly hooked to a single short bar on the back of Optimus's right leg.

:This set, like the one above, was only available in the US through closeout chains like Ross and TJ Maxx in 2015.
{{-}}

===Mini-Con Combiners===
{{anchor|MiniConCombiner}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Mini-Con Combiners, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Bazooka, [[Phaser (weapon)|phaser]], Uzi, scoped pistol, [[Klingon]] blaster
:"Mini-Con Combiner"' Optimus comes with one standard Kreon and four ''Cityville''-syle mini-Kreons of the same character, each one a different incarnation from various franchises. With some extra parts, the mini-Kreons become limbs to make a larger combiner-bot.

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

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

{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}

==''EZ Collection Gum''==
[[File:EZ-Collection-Gum-Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Convoy''' (EZ Collection, [[July 30]], [[2012]])
**''ID number'': '''1'''
:[[EZ Collection#Transformers: EZ Collection Gum|''EZ Collection Gum'']] Convoy is another redeco of ''Generations'' Legends Class [[Motormaster (G1)#Generations|Motorbreath]], featuring the retooled parts, but this time omitting the sword. He is decoed once again in his ''Generation 2'' colors (see above), with the black legs, but uses metallic red plastic, and is coated in metallic red, blue (replacing his head's black), and black paint. As per the toyline's name, he comes with a yellow candy-shelled piece of lemony-flavored gum.
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Generations''==
{{main|Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys}}

==''Bot Shots''==
[[File:BotShotstoy-OptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Before time began, I was... a cube.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''B003'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hisao Nishimoto]] (TakaraTomy)}}
::*''Fist strength'': '''410'''
::*''Blaster strength'': '''850'''
::*''Sword strength'': '''370'''
:Part of the first wave of ''[[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots]]'' Series 1 single-packs, Optimus Prime is a teeny little long-nosed semi truck with "trailer", with a spring-loaded [[Autotransformation|automatic transformation]] to robot mode triggered when his front bumper is pressed. He has a "spinner" in his chest that shows his three attack types and power levels. His truck mode and robot body are influenced by the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action Optimus Prime]], while his head is taken from the [[Optimus Prime (G1)|original]]. His blue paint is light and sparkly-metallic, his red paint is dull matte, and his optics are yellow.

:This toy was given away free to attendees of Hasbro's "[[Toy Fair 2012|Collector-Fan Media Day" 2012]], slightly altered by a "Toy Fair 2012" sticker applied to the cardback.

:This mold was also [[redeco]]ed to make [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]]. He shares parts with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#BotShotSuperBot|Super Bot Megatron]] and [[Motormaster (G1)|Motorbreath]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/BSOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Bot Shots'' Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotLauncher}}
[[File:BStoy-OptimusPrimeLauncher.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime Launcher''' (Launcher, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''BL001'''
***''Fist strength'': '''920'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''450'''
***''Sword strength'': '''280'''
:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 1 launchers, this [[repaint]] of Optimus Prime comes with a large trailer that pops open to form a battle station with a spring-loaded launching platform. He appears to have the same plastic colors as the single release, and the same set of [[paint operation]]s, but his paint is done in different shades, having glossy dark blue paint and glossy bright red paint. The black part of his launcher is sculpted to look vaguely like the repair done that is part of Generation 1 Optimus Prime's repair bay.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/BSLOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Launcher Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotBattleForMatrix}}
[[File:BStoy-BattlefortheMatrix-LauncherOptimusPrime.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Battle for the Matrix''' (Multi-pack, 2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''UB001'''
***''Fist strength'': '''835'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''505'''
***''Sword strength'': '''275'''
:This minor [[redeco]] of the Optimus Prime Launcher features grey wheels, blue optics, and added red paint on its upper arms, while the launcher has grey plastic in place of black, smaller Autobot symbols on its sides, and gold paint on its interior instead of silver. The [[stock photography]] on the [[packaging]] depicts Optimus with a blue stripe on his built-in "trailer", which was omitted in the final product.

:The set also comes with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#BotShotBattleForMatrix|Megatron with his launcher]], [[Brawl (Movie)#BotShotBattleForMatrix|Decepticon Brawl]], [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BotShotBattleForMatrix|Bumblebee]], and a cardboard token representing the [[Matrix of Leadership/toys#Bot Shots|Matrix]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/BSBFTMOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Battle for the Matrix" Launcher Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotSuperBot}}
[[File:BotShots_SuperBotOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2012)
**''Series'': '''1'''
**''Number'': '''Super Bot 004'''
***''Fist strength'': '''330'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''315'''
***''Sword strength'': '''995'''
:Part of the fourth wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 1 single-packs, Super Bot Optimus Prime is a redeco of his toy in translucent blue plastic. As a Super Bot, he was [[Shortpacking|packed one per case]], and has higher, more lopsided stats than normal Bot Shots. He has a really, ''really'' good Sword stat.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2012/Autobot/BSSBOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Super Bot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotLauncherS2}}
[[File:BStoy-SpinShotOptimusPrimeLauncher.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime Launcher''' (Launcher, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''BL001'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher, 4 [[Energon cube|Energon Cube]] targets
***''Fist strength'': '''820'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''405'''
***''Sword strength'': '''390'''
:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 launchers, this Optimus Prime transforms into a very boxy ''Generation 1''-styled truck with trailer. As a Spin Shot, one manually winds up his upper body beforehand when transforming him into vehicle mode, where striking the front of the vehicle will cause him to burst open and spin while auto-transforming. He comes with a launcher used to propel him to great speeds, as well as four cube targets for him to knock over.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|BotShotPolarAssaultTeam}}
[[File:BotShots PolarAssault Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Polar Assault Team''' (Multi-pack, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''T001'''
***''Fist strength'': '''370'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''945'''
***''Sword strength'': '''310'''
:Part of the first wave of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2 five-packs, this redeco of the original Optimus Prime toy is cast in translucent blue plastic, with his cab painted white. Despite possessing translucent plastic and more lopsided stats than a regular Bot Shot, he is apparently not labeled as a Super Bot. This version of Optimus comes with similarly-themed with new redecos of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#BotShotPolarAssaultTeam|Bumblebee]], [[Mirage (G1)#BotShotPolarAssaultTeam|Mirage]], [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#BotShotPolarAssaultTeam|Ironhide]], and [[Jetfire (G1)#BotShotPolarAssaultTeam|Jetfire]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSPAOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Polar Assault Team" Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|DragonTrack}}
[[File:BotShots Dragon Optimus Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Dragon Track''' (Playset, 2013)
**''Series'': '''2'''
**''Number'': '''UB001'''
**''Accessories'': Launcher
***''Fist strength'': '''565'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''325'''
***''Sword strength'': '''725'''
:Available only with the ''Bot Shots'' Dragon Track set, this version of Optimus Prime changes from a robot form resembling ''Generation 1'' Optimus Prime, into a truck with a rocket exhaust molded into the back of its trailer. As a Flip Shot, he, er, flips up when auto-transforming. He comes with a launcher that can be connected to the track, as well as [[Megatron (G1)/toys#DragonTrack|Flip Shot Megatron and his launcher]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/BSDTOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "Dragon Track" Flip Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''BeCool''==
[[File:BeCool-B03-Trailer.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Trailer (Optimus Prime)''' (2012)
**''ID number'': '''B03'''
:''[[Bot Shots (toyline)#BeCool|BeCool]]'' "Trailer" is practically identical to the ''Bot Shots'' "Battle for the Matrix" Optimus Prime toy with the blue eyes and red arms, the only difference being that the game stats stickers in his chest spinner have been replaced with pictures of his vehicle mode, two people holding hands and the letters "Zzz..."

:[[TakaraTomy]]'s [[stock photography]] of Trailer, including the pictures used on the box, uses the original ''Bot Shots'' Optimus toy with the yellow eyes as a base.

{{-}}{{anchor|GarbageTruck}}
[[File:BeCool-B12-Garbage-Truck.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Garbage Truck (Clean Optimus)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''B12'''
:"Garbage Truck" is a redeco of the same Optimus Prime toy in blue and white, a common coloration for Japanese garbage trucks, that ends up bearing a coincidental resemblance to the ''Bot Shots'' Polar Assault Team Optimus. His stickers now picture his truck mode being loaded with garbage, his truck mode driving around, and the word "cleaning" in both English and Japanese.

:The B12 ID number was previously used for [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Special Sports Car]], a limited toy which was only on shelves for three months before being replaced by Garbage Truck.
{{-}}
{{anchor|TrailerBase}}
[[File:BS02-BeCool-Trailer-and-Trailer-Base.jpg|upright=1.33|thumb|I just passed a "jimmy" and a White, I've been passing everything in sight]]
*'''Trailer and Trailer Base (Optimus Prime)''' (2013)
**''ID number'': '''BS02'''
:This Trailer is identical to the original ''BeCool'' Trailer other than the stickers, and now comes with the trailer/launcher accessory from ''Bot Shots'' redecoed in blue with red stripes. While the vehicle mode sticker in his chest remains, the hand-holding and sleeping ones have been replaced by pictures of the launcher: one in base mode and one in trailer mode. He also comes with a sticker sheet for decorating the Trailer Base.
{{--}}

==''GT''==
{{anchor|GTR}}
[[File:GT-R-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|From Nissan to nii-san.]]
*'''GT-R Prime''' ([[May 25]], 2013)
**''ID number:'' '''GT-01'''
**''Accessories:'' "Impact Wrench Gun", [[Misaki]] race queen figure
:''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT]]'' "GT-R Prime" is a heavy retool of ''Alternity'' [[#Alternity|Convoy]], transforming into a 1:32 replica of the Motul Autech GT-R race car used by the {{w|Nismo}} team in the {{w|Super GT}} racing championship series. He retains the flip-out blasters of the ''Alternity'' toy and can also wield his new Impact Wrench Gun accessory (also called the "Optimus Rifle" on the ''Transformers GT'' website), a weapon based on the impact wrenches used in car repairs. Like all ''GT'' toys, Prime also comes with a [[GT Sister]], poseable human figures themed after {{w|race queens}}, his partner being a lady named Misaki.

:GT-R Prime's packaging points out that he can be fitted into ''Masterpiece'' Optimus Prime's trailer to replicate the way actual race cars are transported.

:This mold was also used, with different heads and accessories, to make the other ''Transformers GT'' toys: [[Star Saber (G1)#GT|GT-R Saber]], [[Megatron (G1)/toys#GT|GT-R Megatron]], and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#GT|GT-R Maximus]].
{{--}}

==''FJ Cruiser × Transformers''==
[[File:TF-FJ-Cruiser-Transformers-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=3|thumb]]
*'''FJ Optimus Prime''' (2013)
**''Accessories:'' spare tire/axe
:Part of a cross-promotion between {{w|Toyota}} and TakaraTomy, the deluxe-sized FJ Optimus Prime transforms into an {{w|Toyota FJ Cruiser|FJ Cruiser}}, with his axe weapon becoming the vehicle's spare tire. The vehicle mode's body panels come packaged on the sprue, and can then be clipped onto the core figure. The mass retail release of FJ Optimus includes yellow and white panels, while the red variant was available when purchasing an FJ Cruiser at Japanese Toyota dealerships. As is typical of TakaraTomy exclusives, these variants came in grayscale packaging.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2013/Autobot/FJOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on FJ Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Construct-Bots''==
[[File:Construct-Bots-Elite-Class-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Elite Class, 2013)
:Optimus Prime transforms into a truck-like vehicle. This version is a retool to the Ultimate Class two-pack listed below, as his head design is slightly different. Additionally this version features transparent plastic for his body armor amongst other plastic changes. He includes a blue version of one of the Ultimate Class version's gun.

:As with all Construct-Bots, Optimus Prime's rubber ball joints on the shoulder and feet can harden over time, which makes it difficult to pose smoothly.
{{-}}

[[File:Construct-Bots-Elite-Class-OPvsM-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime vs Megatron''' (Ultimate Class, 2013)
{{toydesigner|[[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist)}}
:Optimus Prime transforms into a truck-like vehicle, packed alongside his eternal nemesis [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Construct-Bots|Megatron]]. This version has opaque colors and a more traditional Optimus color scheme. He includes a projectile weapon along with a variety of melee weapons, as well as a swathe of extra parts for additional configurations.

:Optimus' sword was later redecoed/reused for [[Silverbolt (G1)#Construct-Bots|Silverbolt]] and one of ''Timelines'' [[Oilmaster#Timelines|Oilmaster]]'s weapons.
{{--}}

==''Hero Mashers''==
[[File:HM-toy Optimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Modular building is the right of all sentient beings.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Battle Upgrade, 2014)
**''Pieces'': '''18'''
**''Accessories'': Missile-launching rifle, missile, energy axe, cannon, left & right rocket pods, "Ultra Magnus" right forearm & fist
:Part of the first wave of "Battle Upgrade" ''[[Hero Mashers]]'' toys, Optimus is a non-transforming action figure with ratchet-joints, about six inches tall. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount any ''Hero Mashers'' accessory. As a first-wave figure, he has extra ankle articulation that is not present in later waves (a cut that was made to all ''Hero Mashers'' lines, not just the ''Transformers''-branded ones).

:He is designed with a removable head, forearms, thighs, and lower legs, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any other ''Hero Mashers'' figure... which includes figures from [[Marvel Comics]], ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'', and ''[[Jurassic Park|Jurassic World]]'', meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.

:While he is the same size as a standard Hero Masher, his larger [[size class|price point]] is made up for with a lot more parts and gimmicks. Both of his hands are removable, which allows for accessories to be placed in his wrist sockets, notably his iconic "energy axe". His rifle is a spring-loaded missile launcher. He also comes with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Hero Mashers|Ultra Magnus]]'s right arm, which is a [[redeco]] of ''Hero Mashers'' [[Bulkhead (Prime)#Hero Mashers|Bulkhead]]'s, only molded to remove that toy's missile-launching gimmick.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/HMOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Hero Mashers'' Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ElectronicHeroMasher}}
[[File:HM-toy Optimus Electronic.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Mom said it's ''my'' turn on the [[Xbox 360|Xbox]]."]]
*'''Electronic Optimus Prime''' (Electronic Action, 2014)
**''Pieces'': '''22'''
**''Accessories'': Missile launching cannon, missile, sword, shield, bladed shield, electronic left forearm, bladed left fist, torso armor, left & right winged "launchers", left & right armor boots
:Part of the first (and only) wave of larger electronic ''Hero Mashers Transformers'' toys, the base Optimus Prime figure in this set is ''almost'' identical to the above "Battle Upgrade" toy; this version has a closed right fist that can hold accessories rather than the Battle Upgrade version's finger-pointy one.

:However, this set comes with a completely different (and much larger) pile of accessories to turn Optimus (or any other ''Hero Mashers'' figure) into a hulking armored warrior. He comes with an extra left forearm with an electronic light, used to light up clear-plastic accessories when they're plugged into his wrist socket. Several of these accessories take inspiration from the [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|live-action Optimus]]'s gear, notably a very ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]''-esque shield.

:Oddly, the big stompy boots accessories are designed in a way that Optimus is really far back in them, leaving a huge gap between his shins and the boots' "knee" guards. Presumably this is to accommodate other ''Hero Mashers'' toys with much larger footprints.
{{--}}

==''EZ Collection'' (2013)==
{{anchor|EG07}}
[[File:TF-EZ-Collection-2014-EG01-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=0.99|thumb|I'm the one you actually want. Except that you're gonna import it.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (EZ Collection, [[April 27]], 2013)
**''ID number'': '''EG01'''
:This ''EZ Collection'' Optimus Prime is ''yet'' another release of the ''Reveal the Shield'' redeco with the Motorbreath retooling, but this time he features light blue paint applications in place of the original dark blue. Like the rest of his brethren on the same line, Optimus features a movie version of the Autobot insignia.
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Bearbrick''==
[[File:Bearbrick OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Honey is the right of all sentient beings.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' ([[July 17]], 2014)
:A special edition [[Bearbrick]] released in celebration of the ''Transformers'' 30th anniversary, Optimus Prime transforms from a Bearbrick painted up like himself to a bear-eared robot. He has no accessories, but holes in his [[robot mode]] hands can accommodate other toys' weapons.

:This mold, with a different head sculpt, was also used for the simultaneously released Bearbrick [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Megatron]], and also redecoed into [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] and ''Age of Extinction'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Bearbrick|Optimus Prime]]. It was further retooled into Bearbrick [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Bearbrick|Starscream]].
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (campaign item)==
[[File:AOE-toy Convoy AnniversaryClear.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy [Anniversary Clear Ver.]''' (EZ Collection, 2014)
:A [[redeco]] of the ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#Hasbro Reveal the Shield subline|Reveal the Shield]]'' Legends Class [[#Legends_Class|Optimus Prime]] toy with the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Motormaster (G1)#GDO|Motorbreath]] [[retool]]ing (for accessories he does not come with), Convoy is cast in red and black clear plastic. He has been retooled to include a magnet in his right foot, allowing him to interact with ''Lost Age'' [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Lost Age|Battle Command Optimus Prime]] and ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)|Age of Extinction]]'' [[Grimlock (AOE)#Stomp&Chomp|Stomp & Chomp Grimlock]].

:Convoy was available at a variety of 2014 events, including on [[May 3]] at a "Kids Walk" event at {{w|Fuji Speedway}}, in special packaging on [[May 16]] at the "Transformers Celebration 2014" midnight event at the Sunshine City [[Toys"R"Us]] store in {{w|Ikebukuro}}, on [[June 15]] at Tokyo Toy Show 2014, at the Aeon Mall in {{w|Kasukabe}} on [[July 19]], and at the "Transformers Expo" event in {{w|Yokohama}} on [[August 9]]; at the Expo's preview night, attendees could also acquire a sticker sheet designed to turn the toy into Nemesis Prime. Convoy was also available as one of three preorder bonuses for ''[[Transformers Cloud|Cloud]]'' [[Roadbuster (G1)#Cloud|Roadbuster]].

:This toy was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Yokohama Convoy|Nemesis Prime/Yokohama Convoy]].
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Legend Commander Collection''==
[[File:Legend-Commander-Collection-LC-01-Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Convoy (Jodai)''' (2014)
**''ID number:'' '''LC-01'''
**''Accessories'': Ion Blaster, Energon Axe
:Part of the ''[[Legend Commander Collection]]'' sold at [[Transformers Expo]], "Convoy (Jodai)"—''jodai'' (初代) meaning "first generation"—is a redeco of ''Robotmasters'' G1 Convoy. While most of the paint masks are identical to the original mold, other changes include replacing the translucent parts into clear blue plastic, and the panel-lining on the grill is stripped off. Unlike the first toy, he does not include a pair of swappable 3mm fists, his missile launcher, or his Calamity Defenser weapon.

:Remaining stock was sold through [[TakaraTomy Mall]].
{{--}}

==Optimus Prime Pen==
[[File:OptimusPrimePen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Hand cramps are the right of all sentient writers and artists.]]
*'''Transformers Optimus Prime Pen''' (2014)
**''Accessories:'' Ion blaster
:Released in Japan by [[Sentinel (company)|Sentinel]] as part of the 30th anniversary, Optimus Prime Pen is a well-articulated robot that folds into the shape of a rather chunky, but functional ballpoint pen. The tip of the pen is formed from his ion blaster, with the barrel acting as a cap.

:This mold was also used to make [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Black Convoy Pen|Black Convoy Pen]] and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Ultra Magnus Pen|Ultra Magnus Pen]].
{{--}}

==''Transformers'' (2014)==
[[File:Transformers-2014-Legion-Optimus-Prime-(black-insignia).jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Black insignia version pictured.]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Legion Class, 2014/2015/2017)
**<s>''Accessories'': Sword</s>
:Another release of the ''Reveal the Shield'' Legends Class sculpt, the deco for its initial release is ''almost'' identical to the ''Transformers'' release from 2012, having silver chest-windows instead of light-metallic-blue, plus a large "CE" mark and number on the backs of its legs, declaring the toy meets European product safety requirements. The tooling is identical to the 2012 release's running change variant, with the retooled hands and a hole on the back of his head/top compatible with [[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]] [[C joint|3mm]] pegs.

:Bizarrely, the [[package art]] is lifted directly from the ''Generations'' Legends Class Optimus Prime/Autobot Roller two-pack's packaging, whereas the [[stock photography|stock photos]] depicted on the back of the packaging are taken from ''Reveal the Shield'' Optimus Prime's packaging and only slightly altered, advertising a "[[Reveal the Shield]]" [[rubsign]] [[gimmick]] the toy doesn't actually have. Meanwhile, Hasbro's official stock photos provided to online retailers (including an in-packaging photo) depict the toy with the sword that came with the running change variant of the sculpt's 2012 release, even though the actual toy doesn't include the sword.

:Legion Class Optimus Prime has been found at Family Dollar and Dollar General stores in the United States. A later [[variant]] repleaced the red Autobot insignia with a black version. This later version was also released at general retail in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Russia. In Singapore it was released together with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Starscream]] as part of the promotion for ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction]]'' in selected cinemas.
:This figure was made available again, without any changes, in 2015, this time in new packaging resembling the then-concurrent packaging design for the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' line, but replacing the name "Generations" with "Authentic Transformers". It was also given a new Hasbro product code number and UPC barcode, thereby technically making it a separate product. In 2017, it was re-released ''again'', this time in a minor variant of the 2014 version's packaging (including the original product code number and barcode) that now lacked the reference to the non-existing "Reveal the Shield" gimmick.

:Like [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Bumblebee]] and [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Transformers (2014)|Starscream]], the Black Insignia variant of the toy ended up being dumped to some hobby shop dealers in Asia., and even returned to discount stores like Five Below and 99 Cents Only in the US in 2020.
{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Nanoblock Motion Choro-Q''==
[[File:NanoblockChoroQConvoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Not Minecraft.]]
*'''Convoy''' ([[December 11]], 2014)
:Produced as a collaboration between toylines ''[[Diablock|Nanoblock]]'' and ''[[Choro-Q]]'', this Optimus Prime is a building block toy providing pieces to build both Optimus Prime's super deformed robot mode and, separately, his truck mode (or something else, if you want). His truck mode is built on a generic ''Choro-Q'' chassis outfitted with an electric motor and can be remote-controlled using a smartphone app. While the chassis is physically generic, its firmware identifies it as belonging to the Convoy kit, and the smartphone app's controls adopt a blue and red theme to match, complete with Autobot logo on the steering wheel hub.
{{--}}

==''Q-Transformers''==
{{anchor|QT09}}
[[File:QTransformers Optimus Prime GT.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Ohhh! Boo hoo! Let me play a sad song for you on the world's smallest Optimus Prime!"]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' ([[January 24]], [[2015]])
**''ID number:'' '''QT-09'''
:''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Optimus Prime is a tiny [[super deformed]] toy based on the [[#Alternity|''Alternity'' Convoy]] design, transforming into a Nissan GT-R R35, though his legs retain the traditional blue truck bed motif. The English name on the packaging refers to him as just "Optimus". He comes with a code for unlocking "GTR Optimus Prime" as a playable character in the ''[[Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns (mobile game)|Q-Transformers: Mystery of Convoy Returns]]'' game.

:Optimus Prime was retooled into ''Q-Transformers'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Soundwave]].
{{-}}
{{anchor|QT19}}
[[File:QTransformers Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Convoy''' ([[April 25]], 2015 / [[January 30]], 2016)
**''ID numbers:'' '''QT-19''', '''QTF-04'''
:''Q-Transformers'' Convoy is based on his traditional design, transforming into a flat-nose truck with an integrated, non-removable trailer. He comes with a code for unlocking Generation 1 Optimus Prime, under the name "Convoy", in ''Mystery of Convoy Returns''. This toy was re-released with a new ID number as part of the second ''Q-Transformers'' series.

:Convoy was redecoed into ''Q-Transformers'' [[Nemesis Prime (G1)#Q-Transformers|Black Convoy]] and retooled into [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Ultra Magnus]].
{{-}}
{{anchor|QTM}}
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2015)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-M'''
:QT-M Optimus Prime is a redeco of the GT-R Optimus Prime mold in the colors of the Transformers-sponsored [http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tf30th/teammach/ Nissan GT-R] used by the Team Mach racing team (a vehicle previously used as the base for the non-toy character [[Mach Five Racing Prime]]). Like ''[[Transformers GT: Mission GT-R (franchise)|Transformers GT]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Safety Prime]], this toy was a collaboration with the [[w:Super GT|Super GT]] racing series and was given away free to young children who attended TakaraTomy-sponsored "Kids' Walk" events held by Super GT in the fall season of 2015.
{{--}}

==Optimus Prime featuring Original PlayStation==
[[File:OptimusPrimeOriginalPlaystation.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|U R NOT E]]
*'''Optimus Prime featuring Original PlayStation''' (02/2015)
**''Accessories:'' Controller, memory card
:Released alongside a [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Mega Drive Megatron|Sega Mega Drive version of Megatron]] and outside of any other toyline, "Optimus Prime featuring Original PlayStation" transforms from robot to a scaled-down non-functional [[Sony]] [[PlayStation]] video game console. He features an opening disc compartment and comes with two accessories, a memory card and a controller that splits in two and attaches to his lower arms to act as blasters.
{{--}}

==''Timelines''==
[[File:BotCon-2015-General-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''General Optimus Prime''' (BotCon 2015 two-pack)
**''Accessories:'' Launcher, missile, missile pod, pistol, rifle, cannon/rifle stock, cannon/rifle scope
:Available in the ''[[Transformers Timelines (toyline)|Timelines]]'' "Generation 2" 2-pack alongside [[Hound (G1)/toys#Timelines|Sgt. Hound]] at [[BotCon 2015]], General Optimus Prime is a redeco of ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' Voyager Class [[Roadbuster (G1)#Generations|Roadbuster]] based on the cancelled ''Generation 2'' [[#G2General|General Optimus Prime toy]]. He transforms into an off-road vehicle and comes with numerous weapons, all of which peg via 5mm post onto his vehicle rear/legs, shoulders, upper & lower arms, and hands: a spring-loaded, missile-firing launcher, a pistol, a rifle, and two small cannons that respectively form the scope and stock of the rifle. All of his weapons can combine to form an unwieldy superweapon. The flaws from the original mold are likely to be retained from this release.

:This mold also served as the basis of the non-toy ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnations of [[Guiledart#Beast Wars: Uprising|Guiledart]] and [[Killer Punch#Beast Wars: Uprising|Killer Punch]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Autobot/BCGeneralOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on ''Timelines'' General Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{--}}

==''Unite Warriors''==
[[File:TF-UW05-Convoy.jpg|upright=2.66|thumb]]
*'''Convoy Grand Prime''' (giftset, [[February 27]], [[2016]])
**''ID number:'' '''UW-05'''
**''Accessories'': Weapons, 4 Gun/Fist/Foots
:Takara's iteration of ''Combiner Wars'' Optimus Maximus is sold in a gift set including all five Autobots (minus the Rodimus mold). This version of Convoy has numerous changes in deco to better match his look in the Generation 1 cartoon. Like ''Unite Warriors'' [[Menasor (G1)#Unite Warriors|Menasor]], the set also features some minor improvements to the original sculpts, such as improved hip-ratchets for Convoy for increased stability. He also had the slightly modified pegs that Legends Class Rodimus (or Blackjack, Runabout, and Runamuck) can securely attach to, which was previously used for Battle Core Optimus Prime. The tampographed Autobot insignia on the roof/flip out head joint are now re-positioned to his side truck panels.

:Compared to the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#Combiner Wars|''Combiner Wars'' release]] of the mold, Convoy features additional paint operations on the thighs, truck bumpers, the details on the inner legs, the gestalt chest halves (which are now painted over due to being molded in grey plastic), and the gestalt torso's lower section. The stomach's deco is also minimized, and the silver paint operations on the lower legs are now replaced with gunmetal while the mute metallic blue is now shiny metallic. When it comes to unpaintable plastic; his knee joints and feet are blue while the majority of the shoulder joints are now red. In addition, his gestalt skirt flap is now molded in the same grey color, and the the leg panels and thighs are now molded in black, with the latter being painted in silver with some yellow details. As the thighs are painted, care must be taken while transforming him in both modes, as they're somewhat prone to paint scraping. To minimize the damage, the two rear halves must be opened first to transform the legs.
{{CWOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==''Xiaomi / Transformers''==
[[File:Optimus Prime Power Bank.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Transforms from robot to the Monolith from 2001 and back!]]
*'''Optimus Prime Power Bank''' (2017)
**''Accessories'' Shield/Power Bank Shell, wings, sword, USB cord
:Available as a [[HasCon 2017]] exclusive, this Optimus Prime transforms from robot into a ''working'' power bank that supports 6500 mAh of battery power, thanks to a team-up between [[Hasbro]] and Chinese consumer electronics company {{w|Xiaomi}}. As a throwback to the ''Generation 2''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> [[Laser Rod]] gimmick, the USB cord can also plug on his sword to light-up.
{{--}}

==''au x Transformers''==
[[File:INFOBAR-OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|right=1.66|Cell service is the right of all sentient beings.]]
*'''INFOBAR Optimus Prime (NISHIKIGOI)''' (2017)
**''Accessories:'' Mini flip-phone, display stand, swappable display cards
{{toydesigner|[[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:Released in conjunction with Japanese cellphone maker au,<ref>[http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/product_release/pdf/p170201.pdf TakaraTomy au x Transformers Project press release]</ref> ''au x Transformers'' INFOBAR Optimus Prime celebrates 15 years since the 2002 au Design Project that resulted in the INFOBAR cellphone, as well as the 10th anniversary of the [[Live-action film series|live-action films]]. He transforms into a (non-functional) scaled-down replica of the 2002 au INFOBAR, and in lieu of cellphone functions, the figure can be paired via Bluetooth with a smartphone, such as an iPhone, to act as a notification alarm in either robot or INFOBAR mode. The screen is also non-functional, but pre-printed cards are included which can be slid into the screen to show an Autobot logo, Decepticon logo, a mockup of a cellphone home screen, or a technical "Transformers INFOBAR" design. He features articulated hands for grasping the included tiny flip-phone accessory (which can flip open) that is stored in the bottom of the cell phone mode. The figure also includes a display stand.

:The project was crowd-funded through Japanese crowd-funding site Makuake.<ref>[http://news.tfw2005.com/2017/01/31/transformers-x-au-transforming-phones-launch-crowdfunding-campaign-332289 Transformers x au Transforming Phones Launch Crowdfunding Campaign at TFW2005.com]</ref> For 5,400 yen, contributors received an INFOBAR Optimus Prime, or for 16,200 yen, received INFOBAR Optimus Prime, INFOBAR Megatron and INFOBAR Bumblebee, the only way to obtain the last two items. The project received one million yen in the first 24 hours, ultimately topping out at over 32 million yen.

:This figure was redecoed into INFOBAR Optimus Prime (ANNIN) (below) and slightly retooled with new heads and redecoed into [[Megatron (G1)/toys#au x Transformers|INFOBAR Megatron (BUILDING)]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#au x Transformers|INFOBAR Bumblebee (ICHIMATSU)]].

::*''[https://time-space.kddi.com/au-transformers/ More information on au x Transformers website (Japanese)]''
::*''[https://www.makuake.com/project/au-transformers/ More information on INFOBAR Optimus Prime at Makuake crowd-funding site (Japanese)]''
::*''[http://chohenken.com/2017/10/08/INFOBARtf_optimusprime-nishikigoi/ Pictorial review of INFOBAR Optimus Prime at Chohenken (Japanese)]''
{{-}}
{{anchor|InfobarANNIN}}
[[File:INFOBAR-OptimusPrime-ANNIN.jpg|thumb|right=1.66|White knight vs [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Music Label|white noise]].]]
*'''INFOBAR Optimus Prime (ANNIN)''' (2017)
**''Accessories:'' Mini flip-phone, display stand, swappable display cards
{{toydesigner|[[Yūya Ōnishi]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:INFOBAR Optimus Prime (ANNIN) is a redeco of INFOBAR Optimus Prime (NISHIKIGOI), transforming into a recreation of the ANNIN edition of the INFOBAR cellphone. All-white in cellphone mode, he sports additional blue and red detailing in robot mode. Surprisingly, this white repaint of Optimus is not based on Ultra Magnus, but rather his [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|movie incarnation]]. Like the other figures in this line, he is not a working cellphone but can be paired via Bluetooth with a smartphone, such as an iPhone, to act as a notification alarm in either robot or INFOBAR mode. The screen is non-functional, but pre-printed cards are included which can be slid into the screen to show an Autobot logo, Decepticon logo, a mockup of a cellphone home screen, or a technical "Transformers INFOBAR" design. The figure also includes a display stand.

:This figure was also retooled into [[Megatron (G1)/toys#au x Transformers|INFOBAR Megatron (BUILDING)]] and [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#au x Transformers|INFOBAR Bumblebee (ICHIMATSU)]].

::*''[https://time-space.kddi.com/feature/news-sp/20170713/2041 More information on INFOBAR Optimus Prime (ANNIN) (Japanese)]''
{{--}}

==''Authentics''==
[[File:Authentics 5inch Optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|You know it's bad when they have to tell you it's authentic.]]
*'''Autobot Optimus Prime''' (Bravo, 2017)
{{toydesigner|[[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist)}}
:Released in the first wave of the [[Transformers Authentics|''Authentics'']] toyline, "Autobot Optimus Prime" is roughly the size of a 2015 [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)#Mini-Con Battle Packs|''Robots in Disguise'' Battle Pack]] toy. He changes from an [[evergreen]]-inspired robot into a more G1-based truck in just four steps. His instructions are incorrect; for truck mode, his legs must be folded in before the arms, otherwise the locking tabs on the arms will get in the way. Due to his transformation, he ends up with no elbows and a fake chest. He also has problems standing up due to hollow legs.

:Although more of a lucky coincidence than an undocumented feature, Optimus's truck mode can store a sitting [[Titan Master]] (and by extension, a [[Prime Master]]).
{{-}}
{{anchor|7 inch}}
[[File:Authentics 7inch Optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|In case you wanted a bigger turd.]]
*'''Autobot Optimus Prime''' (Alpha, 2017)
:Standing at the height of a Voyager figure, "Autobot Optimus Prime" is nearly identical to his smaller counterpart. He retains the four-step transformation while gaining the (sideways) elbows that the little guy lacks. Like his wavemate [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Authentics|Grimlock]], Optimus comes with kibble detached in-package.
{{-}}
{{anchor|TitanChanger}}
[[File:TF-Authentics-Titan-Changer-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (Titan Changer, 2019)
:This Optimus Prime scales with the rest of the Titan Hero/Guardian/Changer figures, utilizing a different transformation scheme compared to his previous ''Authentics'' figures. Due to the said transformation scheme, and unusual for an Optimus Prime toy; his shoulders end up sticking out from the cab's rear.
{{--}}

==''Street Fighter II × Transformers''==
[[File:Collab-toy SF2 Ryu.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The pipes are broken!]]
*'''Convoy [Ryu] vs Megatron [Vega]''' ([[May 26]], [[2018]])
**''Accessories'': sword, double-barreled rifle, Headmaster
:Available as part of the exclusive ''[[Street Fighter II × Transformers]]'' toyline, "Convoy" is a redeco of ''Titans Return'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#TRVoyager|Optimus Prime]] in [[Ryu]]'s traditional colors, fleshtones and all. His vehicle modes are both adorned with the "''fūrinkazan''" kanji from Ryu's belt: 風林火山 ("as fast as the wind, as quiet as the forest, as daring as fire, and immovable as the mountain"). He transforms from robot to tanker truck to plane and back. Both vehicle modes have "cockpit" areas to seat any [[Titan Master]] (or compatible) figure. Like all ''Titans Return'' Voyager class figures, he has built in mechanisms to "bulk up" his noggin. In his case these are spring-loaded pylons. The smaller Headmaster's robot mode is also painted to resemble Ryu.

:Convoy was only available in a two-pack with [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Street Fighter II × Transformers|Megatron]] <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[M. Bison#Toys|Vega]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>. This set was available for pre-order on [[TakaraTomy Mall]] from [[November 22]] to [[November 27|27]], 2017, with orders fulfilled in late May 2018. A pre-order goal was set as well: if at least 3000 units were pre-ordered, the set would also come with clear display stands for both toys.

:This two-pack was later brought to the west in 2022 as part of the ''[[Transformers Collaborative]]'' line, released as a [[Target]] and [[Hasbro Pulse]] exclusive in the United States. It is currently unknown what differences there are between the two releases; the Hasbro versions likely have new manufacturing tampographs, at least.
{{TRDiacMold}}
{{--}}

==''Golden Lagoon''==
[[File:TF 35th Golden Lagoon Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|No luck required... until you transform him.]]
*'''Convoy''' ([[July 29]], 2018)
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''GL-01'''
**''Accessories'': Ion blaster, energon axe, Matrix of Leadership
:''[[The Transformers Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon]]'' Convoy is a gold and gold chrome redeco of MP-10 in homage of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] [[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|episode of the same name]]. He does not include the trailer, Roller or Spike, but retains his energon axe, ion blaster, and Matrix of Leadership.

:Part of TakaraTomy's 35th anniversary celebration, he was initially released at Summer [[Wonder Festival]] 2018, then later through [[Cybertron Satellite]] stores across Japan and [[TakaraTomy Mall]] on [[September 9]], 2018. Along with the rest of the ''Golden Lagoon'' toys, he was later rereleased through [[Hasbro Pulse]] in January 2021.

:This toy was used to represent '''[[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Generations Selects comic .281.29|Gold Primus Convoy]]''' in the ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic|Generations Selects]]'' comic.
{{MP10Mold}}
{{--}}

==''G-Shock × Transformers''==
[[File:G-Shock X Transformers Master Optimus Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|<big>'''''STAR PLATINUM!'''''</big>]]
*'''Master Optimus Prime''' ([[December 8]], [[2018]])
**''Accessories'': 2 [[Star Drive Cannon]], [[Chrono Matrix]]
{{toydesigner|[[Kōjin Ōno]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:Released to celebrate the 35th anniversary of ''Transformers'' and G-Shock, Master Optimus Prime transforms into a "Pedestal Prime Mode" that can hold the included Chrono Matrix accessory or a G-Shock watch. In particular, it is able to hold G-Shock DW-5600 series and DW-6900 series watches. The included Star Drive Cannons can be held in the hands in robot mode, or attached to its Pedestal Prime Mode.

:This mold was retooled to make [[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Master Nemesis Prime]].

*'''Master Optimus Prime Resonant Mode [With G-Shock]''' (December 8, 2018)
**''Accessories'': 2 Star Drive Cannon, Chrono Matrix

:Essentially the same release as above, but includes a compatible DW-6900TF-4 watch.
{{--}}

==''Vintage G1''==
[[File:VintageG1-OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Aren't you over [[Bumblebee (film)|trailers]] by now?]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (2019)
**''Accessories'': 2 laser blasters, 2 fists (left & right)
:Sold at a ''Generations'' Leader-price point, ''[[Vintage G1]]'' Optimus Prime is a [[Walmart]]-exclusive reissue of the [[#The Transformers|Generation 1 toy]] without the trailer. It includes the two versions of his blaster rifle that had not been packaged together since the [[#NewYearConvoy|New Year Special release]], and his smokestacks are now restored to their long, untrimmed glory not seen in the U.S. since the [[#Generation 2|''Generation 2'' toy]]. The silver stripes on his chest and arms are now painted, replacing the factory-applied stickers. In addition, this release comes with a new sticker sheet that features more symmetrical designs.

:Like all ''Vintage G1'' figures, Optimus Prime was [[exclusive]] to [[Walmart]] in the United States and Canada and general release in Asia, notably Toys"R"Us.
{{--}}

==35th Anniversary==
[[File:TF-35th-Anniversary-OP-set-Convoy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Convoy & Optimus Prime Set''' (2-pack, 2019)
**''Release Date'': [[December]] [[2019]]
**''Accessories'': 2 laser blasters, 2 fists (left & right)
:Released as a TakaraTomy Mall exclusive, Convoy is basically a TakaraTomy release of the ''Vintage G1'' toy above, complete with an additional laser blaster. It does not however come with the modified sticker sheet from the ''Vintage G1'' release.

:Convoy was only sold as a set with (but packaged separately from) [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#35th Anniversary|Optimus Prime]].
{{-}}
==''Crossover Collection''==
[[File:MyLittlePrime.jpg|200px|thumb|right]]
* '''My Little Prime''' ([[2020]])
:Part of a series featuring crossovers between MLP and other properties including ''[[Ghostbusters]]'', ''Power Rangers'', and ''Dungeons & Dragons'', My Little Prime is a pony representation of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] using a mold inspired by Generation 1 of the equine property. He has an Autobot [[insignia]] as his cutie mark. The figure has no articulation aside from a ball-jointed tail.

::*''[https://hasbropulse.com/products/my-little-pony-crossover-collection-transformers-my-little-prime My Little Prime at Hasbro Pulse]''
{{-}}

==Transformers Fan Book==
[[File:Kodansha-TF-Fanbook-2021-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''[[Transformers Fan Book 2021]]''' (TV-Magazine Mook, 2021)
**''Release Date'': July 2021
:Released as one of the freebies (along with the Stealth-colored Bumblebee) for the 2021 issue of the ''Transformers Fan Book'', this Optimus Prime is yet another redeco of the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Legends Class|''Reveal the Shield'' Legends Class mold]]. Deco changes include the silver paint being stripped from the smokestacks, while the rest of the body parts, such as the lower waist and the upper thighs/tanks, are painted in black instead. This release uses the Motorbreath retooling.

{{2010LegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

==Robosen Collector's Edition==
[[File:Robosen_Optimus_Prime_stock.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|This isn't your slightly older brother's [[Automorph Technology|automorph.]]]]
*'''Optimus Prime Auto-Converting Robot''' (2021)
**''Accessories'': carrying case, laser rifle, energy axe, non-removable exhaust pipes, wall charger, micro USB to USB 2.0 cable
:Robosen's Optimus Prime is a highly interactive, programmable transforming robot. With over 5,000 pieces, 60 microchips, 27 servo motors, 6 high-intensity [[light-emitting diode|LED]]s, 80 different sound effects including voice clips from Peter Cullen, a dedicated iOS/Android bluetooth app interface, and a pricetag of $750 USD, it blurs the line between "toy" and "high-end showroom electronics." Users can choose between multiple ways to control its robotic movements: including pre-programmed voice commands, pre-programmed app controls, or user-created movement scripts. In truck mode, it can drive as directed or honk its horn. In its [[#MP10|MP-10 Convoy]]-influenced 19"-tall robot mode, it can execute a long list of included scripted actions featuring voice and sound effects, plus an infinite variety of user-programmed poses and user-scripted movement sequences. It has distinct attack movements and sounds to be used with its weapons, and has flip-out wrist communicators featuring sticker images of Megatron and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]].

:The main power source is an internal rechargeable lithium ion battery. The truck's front bumper flips down to expose the charging port and the separate micro USB interface port. A replaceable CR 1220 3V battery powers the "laser rifle's" LED; it's not really a laser, but it's bright. The instructions say don't look straight at it.

:In voice command mode, the spoken user command for conversion between truck and robot modes is officially supposed to be "[[Trademark#Genericized trademarks|convert]]," but secretly the toy will respond the same if you say "transform." It also responds to more than 30 other simple words and phrases which trigger other animations and basic functions: such as: "turn left" to turn left, "move right" to step to the right, or "hero" to strike a superheroic ground-punching pose. 6 months after launch, the Robosen software developers were still releasing new movement animations and firmware updates via channels that can be found in the official app, with no announced end date for their continuing improvements.

:27 servo motors might sound like a lot, but compared to contemporary 1st-party figures costing hundreds and hundreds (''and hundreds!'') of dollars less, this item does lack some some pretty standard joints: such as neck rotation, wrist rotation, and the type of leg rotation that would have allowed the feet to point in different directions.

:Although this Optimus Prime does mostly transform on its own, there are some additional manual adjustments required to make each mode look the way it's advertised. In robot mode, one red panel can be removed from the back of the head, and the gas tanks can be moved into a lower position on the legs. If the gas tanks are not lowered, they can protrude enough to obstruct animation. For vehicle mode, the removable red panel should be reattached, gas tanks moved back so they don't cover the wheels, and the side-view mirrors can be flipped out.

:In truck mode, especially via app control, Optimus is a fully functional remote control vehicle that can move forward, backward, and turn. Its steering does not happen the way real trucks do when they tilt the axles of the front wheels within their wheel wells; Instead, Optimus turns by throwing both legs simultaneously to one side or the other, which gives the appearance that the entire cab is pivoting around a central axis.

:In robot mode, Optimus' default idle behavior is not to stand perfectly still. Instead, he will slowly "breathe" with a subtle inhaling/exhaling motion like a human would have after aerobic exercise. From there, he will occasionally shift into other statuesque poses.

:When asked to turn right or left in robot mode, Optimus is not able to perform that action in two or three normal steps with ankle and hip rotation like a human would. He lacks any leg joints that rotate around a vertical axis, so for him to rotate his body to the right, he must perform a startling stutter shuffle move. He pushes one foot out slightly forward, the other foot slightly backward, and maintains that orientation while rapidly sliding his legs together and apart more than once per second until the asymmetrical rapid sliding friction of his feet against the floor eventually scoots him into facing a different direction. This movement can wear out the paint on his inner soles pretty fast, even on smoother surfaces.

:None of the toy's motorized joints are capable of supporting substantial weight without electricity. This means that when powered off, the robot cannot stand upright without external support. Luckily, gravity does allow truck mode to hold together without drooping, but even that will go skewgee if you lift it carelessly. If the toy is in robot mode and senses its batteries are getting low, then to prevent a damaging fall, it will automatically shift into a droopy squatting pose that it can safely sustain while powered off. The average operating time from a full battery charge is approximately 40 minutes. The charging port is not accessible while the robot is standing up. Plugging in the charger while the toy is powered on might endanger fragile components.

:Yes, the above means that this toy in effect cannot be displayed in robot mode when not in active use.

:Aside from the laser rifle, none of the LED lights in the eyes, headlights, or tail lights can be deactivated while the toy is powered on. In robot mode, the brake lights shine brightly from the backs of the feet, and the headlights shine from within the forearms. Some of the pre-programmed actions exploit this deliberately, by having Optimus brandish his bright headlights as flip-out weapons. The laser rifle's LED turns on and off with its own physical switch.

:Many of the pre-loaded animations assume Optimus is holding his gun in his right hand and/or that he is holding his axe in his left hand. The toy has no sensors to detect whether those accessories are in place, and the app does not consistently label which animations use accessories. It also does not label the many animations that might damage the toy if attempted while accessories are attached, but <s>transforming</s> converting him or punching the ground would be a bad idea. So don't activate any animations while the accessories are attached unless you're sure you know what will happen.

:In addition to action/fighting/greetings animations, there are also many silly animations available from the official download page, including: Air Guitar with the G1 cartoon theme song, air drumming, a gyrating silent "Christmas" dance, doing push-ups then getting exhausted and passing out, and the {{w|Dab_(dance)|Dab}}.

:The app-controlled motion programming interface is extremely complex. The position of each joint at each step in an animation can be dictated either with numerical parameters, or by sensing the positions of the joints on the toy during programming. Many poses can be strung together to form long action sequences. The app uses long gamified sequences of tutorials to teach programming techniques and unlock more sound clips for use in more animations. Despite that available complexity though, there are some actions used by official animations that cannot be performed in customized sequences: such as a head nod, a full mode conversion, or vehicle driving commands.

:Given this piece's fragility, complexity, and high cost, it is appropriate that it is packaged in a heavy duty foam-padded carrying case, complete with clasps and a handle. But the case can't protect from paint wear issues that arise quickly via actual use. Prime's knuckles and feet will instantly get severe scrape marks if he transforms on a rough surface like concrete, but even smooth unvarnished wood can wear the gloss off the paint before long. Even soft carpeting might not be safe, as some users report toppling issues due to a ''lack'' of traction.

:The sound effect for Prime's gun is of a distinctly "realistic" machine gun, and Hasbro has stated this effect may be changed.<ref>[https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/22623017/optimus-prime-transformer-auto-converting-programmable-robot-hasbro-robosen Review of Robosen Optimus Prime] mentioning the sound effect choice</ref>

:Accurate 3-D images of this Robosen toy appear throughout its app interface, but the app also decorates prominent buttons with drawings of ''[[Evergreen]]'' Optimus. The app and manual also contain many mistakes in spelling, grammar, typography, labeling transposition, etc.

:This item was revealed on [[Hasbro Pulse]] in April 2021, and began shipping to purchasers in October 2021. The TakaraTomy release of the figure is unchanged, though the dialogue will be swapped from English to Japanese with [[Tessho Genda]] reprising his role.
{{--}}

==''Classic Heroes Team''==
[[File:Classic Heroes Team Rescan Optimus Prime toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' (All Star Rescan, [[2022]])
:A redeco of the ''[[Transformers: Rescue Bots (toyline)|Rescue Bots]]'' [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#RacingTrailer|Optimus Prime Racing Trailer set]] minus the trailer, ''[[Transformers: Classic Heroes Team|Classic Heroes Team]]'' Optimus Prime converts from robot mode to truck mode in a single step and features a slightly different deco from the original release, including blue windows instead of black, yellow highlights in place of the light blue and greens, new silver and black paint applications on the legs, and a new Autobot insignia over the chest area.

:This toy was also released in a ''Rescue Bots Academy'' packaging with the ''Classic Heroes Team'' branding as a subline, arguably making it into [[Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys#CHT|another incarnation of the character]].
{{--}}

==''LEGO''==
[[File:Lego-toy OptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"[[Avengers|Autobots, assemble]]… my body."]]
*'''Optimus Prime''' ([[June 1]], [[2022]])
**''Set Number'': '''10302'''
**''Pieces'': '''1,508'''
**''Accessories'': "[[Ion blaster]]", "[[Energon-axe|Energon axe]]", "[[Energon cube]]", "[[Matrix of Leadership|Autobot Matrix of Leadership]]", [[Jet pack|jetpack]], display plaque, optional waist panel, brick separator
{{toydesigner|[[Joe Kyde]] ([[LEGO]])}}
:The first ever collaboration between [[Hasbro]] and one of its main competitors, [[LEGO]], 10302 Optimus Prime is a fully brick-built model of the Autobot leader standing 13.5 inches tall, released under LEGO's ''[[fandom:Brickipedia:Creator|Creator Expert]]'' subtheme. Unlike (most of) Hasbro's ''[[Kre-O]]'' sets that preceded it, this ''LEGO'' Optimus Prime set is fully transformable from robot to truck mode without having to disassemble any parts. He also includes an optional waist piece for fans to either display him with the Generation 1 toy-accurate truck bumper or the cartoon-accurate yellow block-shaped detail. A tall, top-heavy model, stability concerns mean he is not as articulated as a normal action figure, notably lacking a bend at the knee.

:Prime comes with a plethora of brick-built accessories. He includes his ion blaster, his "Energon axe" (which can plug into either wrist once you remove the fist), a pink "Energon cube", the "Autobot Matrix of Leadership" (which can be stored inside his chest), and a jetpack based on the one he borrowed from [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 3]]" (which can be attached to his back). Aside from the Matrix, only the ion blaster has dedicated storage when Prime is in truck mode, fitting between his legs to form the truck's trailer hitch; according to a small trivia blurb in the instructions, this is because the ion blaster was the only accessory in the set that was also included with the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy. Of course, this is LEGO we're talkin' about, so if you want, you can store the rest of the stuff on him anywhere you see some exposed studs!

:To round things out, an ''[[fandom:Brickipedia:Ultimate Collector's Series|Ultimate Collector's Series]]''-styled display plaque featuring Optimus Prime's name (in both English and Ancient Autobot), function, motto, and [[Tech Spec]]s is included.

:Optimus Prime's [[Instructions|instruction booklet]] contains a short segment written by none other than LEGO Senior Designer [[Joe Kyde]], which showcases the history of the ''Transformers'' brand and the character of Optimus Prime. Unfortunately, said instructions also contain an assembly error: the stickered details on Prime's thighs are applied upside down compared to the Generation 1 [[character model]]. This error is also present on the [[stock photography]] on the packaging. Fortunately, the panels can be removed easily and reinstalled in the correct orientation for a more accurate robot mode. The aforementioned blurb also contains an amusing compromise—giving up on any attempt to reconcile Optimus' famous catchphrase and the need to protect Hasbro's Transformers [[trademark]], it renders the iconic command as [[:File:Convert and roll out.jpg|"Autobots, ''convert'' and roll out!"]]

::*''[https://brickset.com/sets/10302-1/Optimus-Prime More information on 10302 Optimus Prime at Brickset]''
{{--}}

==''Anti-Gravity Pedestal Tenseg Base''==
[[File:Anti-Gravity-Pedestal-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime Set'''
**''Release Date'': June 30, 2022
**''Accessories'': Blaster, "[[Flight stand#Flight stands|Tenseg Base]]"
:This uniquely branded ''Anti-Gravity Pedestal Tenseg Base'' release of Optimus Prime is a redeco of ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Ultra Magnus]]'s inner robot. Optimus Prime comes with a silver "Tenseg Base" which he can attach to, simulating a "floating" pose. Optimus Prime retains ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]''/''Kingdom'' Ultra Magnus's blaster accessory, colored in a darker metallic gray in a possible attempt to emulate Prime's usual [[ion blaster]].

:Unusually for TakaraTomy, the vehicle mode stock photos are slightly mistransformed - the upper body isn't slid all the way forward, which makes the truck grille appear misaligned. Also, the Hasbro Pulse listing of the figure labels it as a "[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|''Masterpiece'']]" figure, likely because the figure's box comes sheathed in a ''Masterpiece'' branded sleeve.

:Sold separately are two alternately colored bases; one in heroic Autobot red and the other in '''EVIL''' Decepticon purple. Initially due for release in March 2022, Prime and the bases were eventually released on June 30.

:In a happy accident of cross-compatibility, Tenseg Base Optimus Prime can be equipped with the armor and alternate head included with ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Shattered Glass Collection|Shattered Glass Collection]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (SG)#Shattered Glass Collection|Ultra Magnus]] to replicate the [[:File:RedCabPoweredConvoy.jpeg|red cab variant]] of ''[[Diaclone]]'' Powered Convoy released in [[GiG]]'s short-lived ''[[Trasformer]]'' {{sic}} toyline, minus Super Buggy.
{{WFCSiegeUltraMagnusMold}}
{{--}}

==''Canon/Transformer''s==
[[File:TF-Canon-Transformers-Optimus-Prime-R5.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Canon is the right to all of the delightful photographing beings.]]
*'''Optimus Prime R5''' ([[2023]])
**Accessories: Camera Cap/Shield, small camera accessory, Matrix of Leadership
:''[[Canon/Transformers]]'' Optimus Prime is a roughly Voyager-sized figure that transforms into a fully licensed Canon [[EOS R5]] digital camera. The toy is 80% the size of the genuine article and features a removable lens attachment, though it must be reattached to him before he can transform to robot mode since it forms his arms. The lens cap is removable and is used as a shield in robot mode. His included [[Matrix of Leadership]] can be pegged onto his lens, just behind the front element. He also comes with a small version of his own camera mode.

:Both his Matrix and small camera accessory can be pegged into his palms. His hands feature a range of movement, with the thumb and index finger being articulated and the remaining fingers joined together.

:This mold was also used to make the concurrently released [[TakaraTomy Mall]] exclusive [[Reflector (G1)#Canon/Transformers 2|Decepticon Refraktor R5]].
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
===Before he became Optimus Prime===
[[File:PrototypeTHB.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Not so Optimus Prime.]]
*The first prototype for Battle Convoy, the ''[[Diaclone]]'' originator of Optimus Prime, was vastly different from the final version, complete with an entirely different transformation and a car carrying trailer. The head lacked the faceplate.
*A later prototype/mock-up was much closer to the final product but still has some noticeable differences, such as a head with much larger antennae, longer smokestacks and a front grille section that includes the rectangular section that would sport the "Freightliner" logo on the real-life truck (on the final toy, the rectangular section is part of the hinged upper section that includes the windows). It would have also been possible to attach the [[ion blaster]] to either of his shoulders.<ref name="diaclonecatalogs">[https://web.archive.org/web/20151017201739/http://1501bc.com/pretf/pictures/tfdiac6b.jpg Diaclone catalog scans] at 1501bc.com.</ref>
*The toy that would ultimately end up as the original Optimus Prime toy was originally released in August [[1983]] as No.17 Battle Convoy from Takara's Diaclone Car Robo toyline in Japan. In [[1984]], [[Joustra]] released their own version (still with ''Diaclone'' sticker on the trailer) as part of their Diaclone line in Europe, either simply called ''Truck'' (according to the pack-in catalog) or ''Diaclone'' (in the pack-in comic). It's possible that [[GiG]] also released a version called ''Camion Convoy'' as part of their ''[[Trasformer]]'' line in Italy, but to this day no packaged sample has surfaced.
{{--}}

===The many releases of Optimus Prime===
[[File:SeveralG1Convoy.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Too much Prime on my hands.]]
Over the years, the [[#The_Transformers|original Optimus Prime]] has been repackaged and reissued multiple times:
*In the US and Canada, limited edition promotional versions were available sporting Pepsi stickers; the Canadian version has large Pepsi stickers that cover the entire trailer, while the US version only has small Pepsi stickers that partially obscure the lines running across the trailer;
*In addition to the standard Japanese 01 Convoy release, Takara also released the toy as part of the [[#VSX|VSX Convoy vs. Megatron]] two-pack in [[1985]];
*Takara released a variant sporting clear blue windows and as part of the "[[#goodbye|Good Bye Convoy]]" set (packaged with [[Red Alert (G1)#Toys|Alert/Red Alert]] and [[Mirage (G1)#Toys|Ligier/Mirage]]) in [[1986]];
*Hasbro's subsidiary [[Milton Bradley]] (MB) released the toy in Europe in late 1985, following a slight delay due to licensing issues;<ref name="mbtfs">[http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/mb-transformers-part-5/ "The Jetfire vs Optimus Prime mixup"] at 20th Century Toy Collector</ref> there are no less than ''three'' variants of MB-packaged Optimus Prime, one of them manufactured by Takara and sporting blue feet, the other two manufactured by [[Joustra]] as part of a deal with Hasbro/MB, one of them with blue and the other one with red feet;<ref name="3mb">[http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/the-three-mb-optimus-primes/ "The Three MB Optimus Primes"] at 20th Century Toy Collector</ref>
*After Hasbro's European division had changed the packaging from "MB" to "Hasbro", the toy continued to be available in 1986, including more of the Joustra-manufactured red and blue feeted versions, which were apparently also available in the UK in English-only packaging;<ref name="3mb"/>
*[[GiG]] released the toy as ''Commander'' as part of their ''Transformers'' line in Italy in 1985, including an all-plastic variant in 1986;
*[[IGA]] released their version in Mexico in 1985; unsold stock was later imported to a plethora of European countries, including the UK, with Optimus Prime having the yellow paint scraped off his eyes and then having them painted over in red;
*Hasbro reissued the "Original Autobot Leader" toy as part of their European ''[[Classics (Europe)|Classics]]'' line of reissues in [[1991]];
*Hasbro released a [[#Generation_2|redecoed version with additional accessories]] as part of their [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|''Generation 2'' line]] in [[1993]];
*Takara reissued the original toy in its original 1985 Japanese packaging in [[2000]], with an all-black recolor being available from assorted Japanese conventions and another variant with gold instead of silver parts, stickers, and paint as a [[Lucky Draw figure|lucky draw]] prize;
*Takara reissued the toy again as ''New Year Special'' version in January 2002, sporting clear blue windows (similar to Good Bye Convoy) and featuring additional accessories such as a Matrix necklace and a [[Show-accuracy|show accurate]] recolor of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure;
*Hasbro reissued the toy in the US and the UK as part of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Generation One Commemorative Series]]'' line of reissues in [[2002]], sporting shortened down smokestacks [[for safety reasons]];
*Takara reissued the toy once again in [[2003]], as part of their ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' line of reissues, numbered 00 and featuring additional accessories such as an energon axe;
*Takara released a recolored version featuring a new trailer in December [[2005]], called ''[[Pepsi Convoy]]''.
*Hasbro released their own version of Pepsi Convoy, named "[[#PepsiPrime|Pepsi Optimus Prime]]", as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive in [[2007]], featuring the familiar [[For safety reasons|safety]]-shortened smokestacks of the Commemorative Series reissue.
*In August 2007 TakaraTomy yet again did a rerelease similar to the 2000 Convoy rerelease, this time as part of the "[[Transformers Encore]]" line. This version has a new rifle with a longer handle so Optimus can finally hold it straight.
*TakaraTomy released [http://seibertron.com/advertisement.php?id=8 "Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers"] in September 2007. It is an iPod speaker/dock in the shape of a truck, featuring an all-white version of Convoy with a new head sculpt reminiscent of Masterpiece Convoy as the cab, and a trailer housing a pair of speakers and a docking point for an iPod.
*In March [[2008]], TakaraTomy released a G1-colored version of the iPod Convoy set.
*Hasbro released the ''25th Anniversary'' gift set edition detailed above in 2008, as part of the 2008 ''Universe'' line, once again with [[For safety reasons|shortened smokestacks]].
*TakaraTomy released another reissue based on the ''Encore'' version as part of their ''[[Transformers Chronicle|Chronicle]]'' line in 2011, lacking the original Generation 1 trailer. Instead, the ''Chronicle'' version was available in a two-pack with ''[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)|Dark of the Moon]]'' Deluxe Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Chronicle|Optimus Prime]] and a new trailer that could be used by both Optimuses, thanks to a retooled trailer hitch on the Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure.
*In 2012, Hasbro reissued Optimus Prime again for their Asian markets, this time mixing the 25th Anniversary version of the toy itself with the older ''Commemorative Series'' packaging.<ref name="25thcomm">[http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=44388 "Bad news RE: new Commemorative Prime"] at Cybertron.ca.</ref>
*In 2019, Optimus was rereleased once again, this time without his trailer and with his original long smokestacks (something he hasn't had in America since Generation 2), in Hasbro's Vintage G1 line of reissues exclusive to Walmart stores in US and Canada.
{{--}}

===Powermaster Optimus Prime design history===
[[File:EarlyPMPrime1.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Overcompensating.]]
[[Powermaster]] Optimus Prime, being the grand toy rebirth of Optimus Prime post-movie, apparently received a lot of thought during the design process. Prime went through an inordinate number of design changes from concept to final with at least three very major revisions:

*The earliest version, as shown in the first patent application for the toy, was to have the Prime cab be a triplechanger, turning from truck cab to jet or robot.<ref>[http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?DB=EPODOC&II=0&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=19880604&CC=JP&NR=S63132686A&KC=A Patent #JP63-132686]</ref> The nosecone of the jet and robot legs were released by the Powermaster lock in the same fashion as the legs in the final version. Optimus would have had winged arms in non-super [[robot mode]]. The super robot mode's head was also integrated into the trailer's hitch... and lacked a faceplate.

[[File:EarlyPMPrime2.jpg|thumb|upright=0.55|Blockhead.]]
*The second known version <ref>''[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|Transformers Generations]]'', p22, p106</ref> ditched the triplechanging gimmick on the cab and simplified things a good bit. This Powermaster Prime has several distinct characteristics only seen in the second design, such as the wider "block head" and two faux smokestacks on top of either shoulder as opposed to one. Also, in a rather odd twist, this design features a black head and fists for both super and regular modes rather than the traditional blue. It also had yellow eyes in either mode a la the original Optimus Prime.

[[File:EarlyPMPrime3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.55|''Triple-Power-Headmaster Optimus Prime'' was just too damn long to put on the box.]]
*The third version <ref>''[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|Transformers Generations]]'', p106</ref> would quite possibly have been the most gimmick loaded Transformer in the history of the line, simultaneously being a Powermaster, [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], and [[Triple Changer]]. The Headmaster also would have been a Triple Changer, turning into a sort of armored four-wheeled rover (Roller II?) and robot as well as a rather silly looking Optimus Prime head with four vertically aligned wheels jutting off the sides. It seems that when the extra Headmaster gimmick was scrapped, the super mode head remained separate rather than being reintegrated into the trailer hitch such as on the earliest design. Notably, the body of this design is extremely close to the final design.
*A fourth version is shown in the 1987-88 Transformers product catalog that has several minor differences from both Powermaster Prime and [[Ginrai (human)|God Ginrai]], such as having God Ginrai's sliding fists but in red, a completely different trailer hitch assembly partially based on the third design, an offset Autobot symbol in base mode, extended feet also based on third design, far more detailed super mode outer leg panels, completely different front bumper, and the first instance of single faux shoulder smokestacks rather than two. It is still unknown as to why Powermaster Prime has completely different arms from God Ginrai or all earlier concept versions.

Powermaster Prime's animation model as used in the commercials and as a character guide for the Marvel comics is a composite of the second and third designs. The body of the model is actually a straight tracing of the concept lineart for the third version (including its different rifles and twin faux shoulder stacks), with a slightly simplified drawing of the second version's head drawn on top.
{{--}}

===Miscellaneous Primes===
[[File:Early Star Convoy Planning Stage.jpg‎|thumb|upright=1.1|I am the prototype of the toy of the future!]]
*''Return of Convoy'' catalogues reveal the planning process behind Star Convoy's evolution from gimmick-rich illustration to prototype before reaching final production.
[[File:PMHeroTrace.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Stealing purses across the ages.]]
*The pose used for ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[#HeroOptimusPrime|Hero Optimus Prime]]'s [[package art]] is rather blatantly swiped from [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] [[Powermaster]] [[#PMOP|Optimus Prime]]'s package art.
*On a similar note, ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' [[#Machine Wars|Optimus Prime]]'s package art is merely edited from ''Generation 2'' [[#LaserOptimusPrime|Laser Optimus Prime]]'s card art, keeping it mostly intact save for the removal of shoulder kibble and the addition of a non-windowed chestplate.
[[File:Optimus prime nokia 6820.JPG|left|thumb|125px|Wait...I'm sure this is from Finland. But why did [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] say...]]
*The Masterpiece Optimus Prime toy was featured in a print ad for [[Nokia]] {{w|Nokia 68xx series#Nokia 6820|6820}} phones in December 2004.<ref name="nokia">[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/20th-anniversary-optimus-prime-featured-in-nokia-a/4374/ "20th Anniversary Optimus Prime Featured in Nokia Ad"]</ref> He is posed bent over to look at the phone and scratching his head. Pleasantly, ''most'' of the pose pictured is perfectly possible with an un-[[Customizing|kitbash]]ed, un-Photoshopped version of the toy. (The real toy can't bend forward at the waist like that, alas.)
*''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' [[#Classics (2006)|Optimus Prime]] was initially intended to be Deluxe-sized. An alleged list of the tentative ''Classics'' line-up<ref name="classicslineup">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/classics-11/possible-transformers-classic-line-up-4336/ Rumor] about the ''Classics'' lineup that turned out to be spot on aside from Voyager [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] and Deluxe Optimus Prime.</ref> included a Deluxe-sized Optimus Prime without a trailer and a version ''with'' a trailer at the Voyager [[size class|price point]]; however, it appears the decision was eventually made to upscale Optimus to Voyager size instead.<ref name="sage">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/classics-11/cybertron-crosswise-redeco-and-transformers-classics-info-4683/ "Cybertron Crosswise Redeco and Transformers Classics Info"] (via [[Joe Kyde]]'s proxy "SAGE2764")</ref> Don Figueroa's [[control drawing]]s for the Deluxe version were leaked before the ''Classics'' line was even released at retail.<ref name="primecontrol">Leaked ''Classics'' Deluxe Optimus Prime control drawings: [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/classics-11/transformers-classics-optimus-prime-design-sketch-4691/ Vehicle mode], [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/classics-11/transformers-classics-optimus-prime-robot-mode-design-sketches-4692/ robot mode]</ref> A gray model [[prototype]] was later shown as part of an interview with [[TakaraTomy]]'s staff in ''[[Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1|Transformers Generations 2009 vol. 1]]''.<ref name="ttinterview">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/general-articles-25/translated-version-of-the-takara-tomy-transformers-henkei--classics-staff-interview-167073/ Translated TakaraTomy Henkei/Classics staff interview]</ref> It's unclear whether the trailer ever made it past the early planning stage before the size of the figure was changed.
{{--}}

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

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Alternators Autobots]]
[[Category:Alternity Autobots]]
[[Category:Authentics]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Construct-Bots Autobots]]
[[Category:Contest prizes]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Go-Bots]]
[[Category:GT characters]]
[[Category:Henkei! Henkei! Autobots]]
[[Category:Kiss Players Autobots]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Mail order exclusives]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Music Label]]
[[Category:Powermasters]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Return of Convoy Autobots]]
[[Category:Robotmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:SDCC exclusives]]
[[Category:Timelines characters]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:Transformers with three modes]]
[[Category:Unite Warriors Autobots]]
[[Category:United Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Soundwave (G1)/toys

2022-10-26T22:47:48Z

Gladiatrix: spag

{{suite}}
[[File:G1 boxart Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The truck guy's cool, but he will never be cool as this tape guy.]]
'''[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]''': popular. Amount of merchandise: sufficient for its own page.

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1Soundwave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Soundwave superior. Nuff said.]]
*'''Soundwave and Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw''' (Decepticon, [[1984]]-[[1986]], [[1990]])
**''Takara ID number:'' '''17'''
**''Accessories (Hasbro release):'' [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys|Buzzsaw]], rocket launcher, 3 rockets, [[concussion weapon|concussion blaster]]
**''Accessories (Takara release):'' [[Rumble (G1)/toys|Rumble]], tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, headphones, microphone, concussion blaster
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Shinji Aramaki]] (concept artist)}}
:Soundwave began life as the ''[[Micro Change]]'' toy "Cassette Man", and went mostly unchanged when he was imported by [[Hasbro]] to become part of the ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toyline, save for exclusion of some accessories, and the removal of a molded "Cassette Man" logo and "MC-10" on his cassette door. He transforms into a realistically-sized blue and silver microcassette recorder, complete with an opening cassette door that can accommodate any of the numerous [[Mini-Cassette]] figures, and came packaged with [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys|Buzzsaw]] to fully exploit and advertise this interactive gimmick. Soundwave is armed with a shoulder-mounted cannon and a hand-held concussion blaster, which both transform into imitation batteries that store in a compartment on his back while he is in his alternate mode. The Hasbro instructions mistakenly state that a pair of trapezoid-shaped stickers intended to decorate these batteries should be attached to Soundwave's legs.

:Takara's release of Soundwave reinstated the extra Cassette Man accessories that Hasbro had excluded from their release: a set of headphones and a microphone, both non-functioning. To further emulate Cassette Man, Takara's Soundwave came with [[Rumble (G1)/toys|Rumble]], rather than Buzzsaw, and a clear plastic case that he could fit into in tape mode. Originally in the Cassette Man release, the figure came with either Rumble, Frenzy or Laserbeak, as different releases and copies varied. Soundwave's rocket launcher featured a spring-loaded firing mechanism that Hasbro had removed, as they did with all such features at the time. Takara also made a [[variant|running change]] to the [[mold]], re-sculpting the recessed buttons on Soundwave's pelvis into one solid, protruding piece, and moving the cassette door's hinge from inside the figure's chest to a lower, external position on either side of this new button assembly. This modification became the standard for all subsequent re-uses of the Soundwave mold.

:Aside from the aforementioned button remold, Soundwave's first notable modification was the addition of a heat-sensitive [[rubsign]] to his chest in 1985. The popularity of Soundwave and his interactive tape gimmick was evident from an early stage: his toy continued to be sold throughout 1986, after the vast majority of his 1984 brethren had been removed from toy shelves; Mini-Cassette partners continued to be produced for him even after this, through 1988; and Soundwave and Buzzsaw were shipped to Australian retail again in 1990. Over the years there have been multiple reissues of Soundwave, and this article lists each distinct edition of the figure under its own heading.

:In Europe, Soundwave was released in three different subsequent versions that are most notable due to packaging variations: The first version, released in 1985, was manufactured by Takara and featured a [[Milton Bradley]] logo on its packaging; the second version, released in 1986, was also manufactured by Takara, but now featured a Hasbro logo on its packaging; and the third version, also released in 1986, was now manufactured by Ceji (the parent company of [[Joustra]]) and still featured a Hasbro logo on its packaging.<ref name="eurosw">"European Soundwaves" at 20th Century Toy Collector: [http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/posts/2011/11/13/european-soundwaves-g1-part1/ Part 1], [http://20thcenturytoycollector.com/posts/2011/11/22/european-soundwaves-g1-–-part-2-of-2/ part 2].</ref>

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-communicators-soundwave/361/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Soundwave at Transformerland.com]''

::*''[http://tfu.info/1984/Decepticon/Soundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|VSY}}
[[File:G1toy VSY.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Grimlock vs Soundwave''' ([[1985]])
**''ID number:'' '''VSY'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Frenzy (G1)/toys|Frenzy]], rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster
:Takara also released Soundwave in a "versus" set along with [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]], lacking the additional headphone and microphone accessories and partnered with [[Frenzy (G1)/toys|Frenzy]] instead of Rumble. The set also included an audio cassette, and has become the rarest of the three "VS" sets Takara produced. The version of Soundwave included in this set was (supposedly) the earlier, pre-running change version with individual buttons on his chest.

{{-}}{{anchor|SoundblasterG1}}
[[File:G1Soundblaster toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|I see a blue 'Con and I want him painted black.]]
*'''Soundblaster''' (Decepticon, [[1987]])
**''ID number:'' '''D-101'''
**''Accessories:'' Buzzsaw, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster
:As part of the Japanese ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' toy line, Soundwave was [[redeco]]ed in a new black and red color scheme, and his chest door was [[retool]]ed so that he could now hold two cassettes at once. Soundblaster came packaged with Buzzsaw, who now sported a new [[sticker]] which would reveal the weak spot of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/toys|Fortress Maximus]] when placed behind Soundblaster's translucent red chest door, in the same manner that [[Tech Spec]]s decoders worked. The figure's stickers, however, retain Soundwave's blue coloration instead of being changed to work with Soundblaster's black.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1987/Destron/Soundblaster/soundblaster.htm More information on Soundblaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|ActionMaster}}
[[File:G1 ActionMaster Soundwave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Soundwave with Wingthing''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' [[photon negator]]
:Part of the first wave of [[Action Master]]s, Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure which combines elements of his cartoon model and original toy. He is compatible with any other Action Master weapon or vehicle. He came packaged with his new [[Action Master partner|partner]], [[Wingthing (G1)#Toys|Wingthing]].

:Soundwave's [[instructions]] depict a different [[weapon]] than the one the toy actually comes with. The weapon depicted in Soundwave's instructions was available with [[Treadshot (G1)|Treadshot]] instead. As a consequence, several toy information websites and identification guides (including ''[[Transformers Generations|Generations]]'') depict Soundwave with Treadshot's weapon, using the instructions as a reference.

::*''[http://tfu.info/1990/Decepticon/Soundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Soundwave (Action Master) at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====''Transform Jr''====
[[File:G1toy junior soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Gōkin, 1986)
**''ID number:'' '''17'''
**''Accessories:'' cassette, launcher, 2 missiles
:Released during the early portion of the ''[[Transform Jr]]'' toyline when it was still going by the short lived "''Transform Gōkin''" name, ''Jr'' Soundwave is a smaller, simplified version of the original Generation 1 toy, lacking many stickers and paint applications, as well as the larger figure's retractable fists and the spring-activated release for his chest door. The chest door can still be manually opened, though, and Soundwave comes with a cassette partner to fit inside, albeit a non-transforming one (it's basically just a rectangle of clear plastic with a sticker on it; from the pattern on the sticker, it might be Rumble). He comes with only one gun, which can be placed either on his shoulder or in his fist, with two static 'missile' pieces that can be inserted into the front of the gun. He also features [[die-cast]] metal parts in his legs.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Destron/SoundwaveJr/soundwave.htm More information on Transform Gōkin Soundwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[File:G1toy junior soundblaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundblaster''' (Jr, 1987)
**''ID number:'' '''D-101'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 cassettes, launcher, 2 missiles
:Just as his larger toy was, ''Jr'' Soundwave was redecoed and retooled to become Soundblaster the following year, sporting a black coloration and an enlarged chest door (though the door itself remains colorless, lacking the distinctive red tint of the large Soundblaster figure). Soundblaster retains all of Soundwave's accessories and features, and comes with an extra tape to match his new expanded tape door. The sticker for one of his non-transformable cassette partners remains the same, looking a lot like Rumble. He also comes with a blue tape that might be Frenzy, even though Soundblaster's [[package art]] now shows Buzzsaw.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Destron/SoundblasterJr/soundblaster.htm More information on Transform Jr Soundblaster at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Generation 2''===
[[File:G2 Gobot Soundwave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The goggles, they do nothing.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Go-Bot, [[1995]])
**''Accessories:'' gun
:A [[redeco]] of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Gearhead]], Soundwave transforms into a [[NASCAR]]-style Ford Thunderbird stock car with precision wheels and wire axles, compatible with "Hot Wheels" and "Matchbox" playsets and tracks (which he was properly sized to fit). His ''exceptionally'' loud color scheme, being composed of bright shades of fluorescent yellow, pink and blue, is one of the few times fans can actually get away with describing a toy as "[[neon]]".

:Soundwave was one of only three Go-Bots released in Japan by Takara, on a normal [[Hasbro]] card with stickers over key parts to add Japanese text to the mix. The other two releases, [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]], were not too heavily altered, aside from the addition of Soundwave's distinctive large "T" hood deco to their own bonnets, but Soundwave himself was significantly altered: while his car shell remains fluorescent yellow, his internal parts are the same as the opaque version of his predecessor, Gearhead.

:This mold was also used to make various versions of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[W.A.R.S.]] and the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' incarnation of [[Camshaft (G1)|Camshaft]]. It was planned to be used to make ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]], but that toy was canceled.

:This toy was later [[repurposing|repurposed]] to be a [[Soundwave (G2)|"next-generation" clone of Soundwave]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1995/Decepticon/Soundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Soundwave (Go-Bot) at TFU.info]''{{G2GearheadMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LaserCycle}}
[[File:LaserCycleSoundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|His bio actually says this isn't his favorite form. No foolin'.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Laser Cycle, unreleased)
:This planned [[redeco]] of the [[Laser Cycle]] [[Road Pig (G2)|Road Pig]] would have seen Soundwave transform to a blue and silver Harley-Davidson Electra Glide touring motorcycle, with an LED-lit tailpipe that became an arm-mounted weapon in robot mode. Ultimately, however, it ended up as one of several planned late-1995 ''Generation 2'' redecoes that never made it to release. The cancellation was presumably a comparatively last-minute decision, since several of these toys, including Soundwave and fellow Laser Cycle redeco [[Jazz (G1)/toys#LaserCycle|Jazz]], ''were'' solicited in various store catalogues, such as the Sears Wish Book. Some packaged samples of this toy do exist, but there are estimated to be less than a dozen in existence.

:This mold was later [[retool]]ed to make the ''[[Microman]]: [[Microman#Micro Millennium (1998-2000)|LED Powers]]'' toys [[Microman#RoadBison|Road Bison]] and [[Microman#HiperSpeeder|Tornado Bison]]; the retooled mold was then used to make [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] [[Axer (G1)#Robots in Disguise (2001)|Axer]] and ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' [[Sideways (RM)#Robotmasters|Double Face]].
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Machine Wars''===
[[File:MW-toy Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Not my scene, baby!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Mega, [[1997]])
**''Accessories:'' [[electron rocket]], radar dish
:Originally a [[KB Toys]] exclusive, ''[[Machine Wars: Transformers|Machine Wars]]'' Soundwave is a [[redeco]] of the [[Predator (subgroup)|Predator]] [[Stalker (G1)#Toys|Stalker]], transforming into a grey and burgundy tracked electron rocket carrier. His rocket can mount on either shoulder or his back in robot mode, and retains Stalker's [[Megavisor]] gimmick; a panel on the top slides open to reveal a port for the smaller Predator jets to attach to, allowing their Megavisor slides to be viewed through the "scope" of the missile. Stalker's own unique built-in slide, however, was removed for the Soundwave version of the figure. Also missing from this version of the toy are Stalker's hand-held missile launcher and accompanying ammunition, due to [[for safety reasons|safety concerns]] over their small, not-passing-choke-gate-tests size.

:This mold was also used to make the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[#Universe (2003)|incarnation of Soundwave]], and repurposed as a [[Soundwave (MW)|clone of Soundwave]].

::*''[http://tfu.info/1997/Decepticon/Soundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Machine Wars Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''The Transformers Collection''===
[[File:G1toy tfc soundwave and soundblaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|No! We're not friends, we're enemies!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2003)
**''ID number'': '''10'''
**''Accessories'': [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys|Laserbeak]], tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster
:The first reissue of Soundwave's original toy was released as part of Takara's ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'', and this time came with [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#The Transformers Collection|Laserbeak]]. The toy reinstates Soundwave's chest-mounted Decepticon symbol, relocating the rubsign to the cover of his battery compartment, but otherwise features no notable differences from the original, post-button-remold version of the figure. This was, however, many international fans' first exposure to Soundwave's modified button mold, and it was erroneously assumed by many that the change had been first made for this release as an artefact of modifying the Soundblaster mold back into Soundwave.
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}

{{anchor|CollectionSoundblaster}}
*'''Soundblaster''' (2005)
**''ID number'': '''18'''
**''Accessories'': [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]], Buzzsaw, 2 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

:Not ones to waste the opportunity now that they had the mold back in action, Takara also reissued Soundblaster as part of the ''Transformers Collection'', sweetening the deal by including not just his original partner Buzzsaw, but also the first reissue of [[Ravage (G1)/toys#The Transformers Collection|Ravage]]. Despite the opportunity, they still didn't change the color of Soundblaster's stickers from Soundwave-blue to black.
{{-}}

===''Smallest Transforming Transformers''===
[[File:SmallestTF Soundwave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Size: small. Taste: big.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2003-2004)
**''ID number:'' '''GTF 05'''
**''Accessories:'' Rocket launcher, concussion blaster, battery cover

: Standing at only two inches tall, ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'' Soundwave is an extremely small-scale replica of his original Generation 1 toy. Although his retracting fists, rotating head and missile accessories are left out, the figure otherwise retains a surprising amount of the original toy's functions and features, including the ability to store his weapons as batteries and an opening chest door. This opening chest accommodates Soundwave's in-package partner, [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Smallest Transforming Transformers|''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' Ravage]], who is probably ''the'' smallest Transformer ever.

:Soundwave was originally released as part of the first ''Smallest Transforming Transformers'' wave, and was then made available again in the limited-availability "Wave 2.5" the following year, without changes. In both instances, as with the rest of the figures in the line, he was sold in [[blindpacking|blindpacked]] packaging.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2003/Destron/SmallestSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Smallest Transforming Transformers Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2003)===
[[File:Universe Soundwave&Space-Case toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now, let's see Space Case jump out of Soundwave's chest!]]
*'''Soundwave & Space Case''' (Ultra Class, 2004)
**''Accessories:'' Giant missile, radar

: The [[#Machine Wars|''Machine Wars'' version of Soundwave]] was redecoed in blue and yellow for release in the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line. Sold in an Ultra-level two-pack with [[Space Case (G2)#Universe (2003)|Space Case]], it retains basically all the same neutered gimmicks from the previous release of the mold.

: Due to the lack of fiction for either toy in the set, it is ''possible'' that this incarnation is in fact an alternate-universe version of Soundwave, some incarnation of [[Soundwave (BW)|that OTHER Soundwave]], or possibly even a new character altogether.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2004/Decepticon/TFUSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on ''Universe'' Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Titanium Series''===
{{anchor|TiCR}}
[[File:Titanium CybHeroes Soundwave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|He's the "manliest" Soundwave ever!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Laserbeak, rocket launcher, concussion blaster, display base

: ''[[Titanium Series]]'' Soundwave is a new toy cast in the image of his original Generation 1 figure, still transforming through a virtually identical process into a microcassette player mode. He retains his transforming weapons, which still store as batteries in a compartment on his back, and his opening chest door, which accommodates the diminutive transforming Laserbeak figure packaged with him. Laserbeak can perch onto tabs molded on the top of his shoulders. Soundwave comes with the standard display base that all other 6" ''Titanium Series'' figures come with, and a unique nameplate.

: ''Titanium'' Soundwave has been the subject of much criticism among fans, simply because the toy is patently inferior to the original Generation 1 figure that it seeks to emulate, despite being made with modern toy technology. In particular, its disproportionate, oddly-shaped crotch area makes it look like Soundwave is wearing a diaper, and its poor leg engineering makes it virtually impossible for them to stay extended, and as a result, the toy is barely able to stand up. The cumulative effect is a Soundwave who is not unlike [http://news.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/1969/12/39471474f18fcac9b2_0.jpg a baby]. Note, however, that the stock photo depicts his waist slightly mistransformed, as the leg joints compress up towards the torso.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/TitSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Titanium Series Soundwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|TiSoundblaster}}
[[File:Titanium soundblaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundblaster''' (6" Cybertron Heroes, unreleased)
**''Accessories:'' Ravage, rocket launcher, concussion blaster, display base

: A planned redeco of ''Titanium'' Soundwave in his black and red Soundblaster colors, this toy would have come with a new ''Titanium'' version of [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Ravage]] instead of Laserbeak. Although displayed at [[BotCon 2007]], Soundblaster was ultimately canceled along with many other solicited 6" Cybertron Heroes, but this did not stop him from appearing as a cross-sell on the packaging for ''Titanium'' [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Prowl]] in late 2008 (which claimed he would have been "also available" as of November 2008), as Hasbro was unwilling to spend the resources on altering the packaging for these already-complete products.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Classics''===
[[File:Classics Commemorative Soundwave toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Ravage, Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Reissue.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Commemorative Edition, 2007, 2012)
**''Accessories:'' Laserbeak, Battle Ravage, 2 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

: Hasbro's first reissue of the original Soundwave toy was originally intended to be part of their ''[[The Transformers: Generation One Commemorative Series|Commemorative Series]]'' of Generation 1 reissues, but when that line was cancelled, it was instead released as part of the ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' toyline. The phrase "Commemorative Edition" is prominently displayed on the front and sides of the box, though, and it remains exclusive to [[Toys"R"Us]], as all Commemorative Edition toys were.

:Despite both the packaging's claim that it is "identical to the original toy," and the image on the packaging showing Soundwave with his traditional chest-door, the figure actually sports the double-wide door of Sound''blaster'' (complete with extra tech-detailing), which allows him to carry both of his pack-in partners, Laserbeak and "Battle" Ravage. In an unusual move for a Hasbro release, the set also includes two clear-plastic cassette cases for the two tapes, previously only included with Takara versions of the figures. Per stringent child safety laws, his spring-loaded weapons were neutered.

:Sadly, in the Canadian markets, this version of Soundwave was pushed back over a year from the original release date, and very few Toys"R"Us stores had them. Dang.

:Soundwave was later re-released in Hasbro's Asian markets in slightly altered packaging that omitted the Toys"R"Us sticker (for obvious reasons) and changed the age recommendation from "Ages 8+" to "Ages 5+".

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/ClassicsSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on ''Classics'' Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}
{{-}}

===''Music Label''===
[[File:Music label soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Soundwave finally enters the digital age after only what, twenty-three years?]]
*'''Soundwave Playing Audio Player''' (2007)
**''Accessories:'' Electric launcher, "Wave Bluster", 2 clenched fists (left & right), 2 gun-holding fists (left & right), 2 eject-button pose fists (left & right), headphones

: Released as part of TakaraTomy's small ''[[Transformers Music Label|Music Label]]'' toyline, this incarnation of Soundwave drags the character kicking and screaming into the digital age as a working MP3 player. Despite his new electronic abilities, Soundwave still transforms, in a manner virtually identical to his original Generation 1 figure, no less. He still comes with his trademark pair of weapons (although they no longer double as batteries, since he's got a real one in there now!) plus three sets of hands: two clenched, two for holding his guns, and two posed as if he is pressing his "eject" button.

:Soundwave runs on a single AAA battery, lasting for about six hours of continuous play, and operates using a miniSD card; the packaging claims it can only support up to 1GB, but reports indicate it can actually take up to 2GB. The distinctive buttons on Soundwave's pelvis are now working buttons that control the player: play/pause/power, next, previous, volume up and volume down. Naturally, the player also comes with a set of headphones, but an optional accessory, sold separately, can take their place: a set of ''transforming'' headphones in the image of Rumble and Frenzy.

:Soundwave was initially released in two color schemes: "Spark Blue", his normal blue and silver colors; and "Sonic White", a mostly white color scheme with some blue detailing, echoing the traditional [[iPod]] color scheme. When the toy received a second production run later in the year, the "Sonic White" version was replaced with a new Soundblaster-inspired "Blaster Black" deco.

: The "Sonic White" version was later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as the mirror-universe ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (toyline)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Soundwave (SG)|Soundwave]].

: During one of Hasbro's designer panels at [[BotCon 2008]], an audience member questioned the feasibility of releasing this figure in the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|2008 ''Universe'' toy line]], but '''''without''''' the expensive MP3 player electronics. Bizarrely, Hasbro design director [[Aaron Archer]] gave a seemingly prepared statement that did not answer the question at all, and instead stated that Hasbro were unlikely to release ''Music Label'' Soundwave in their markets due to the obscurity of the MiniSD memory card format. (For what it's worth, Hasbro's [[Greg Lombardo]] had given an actual answer to the same question at [[BotCon 2007]], when he stated that ML Soundwave's innards are so devoted to electronics that removing them might adversely impact the leftover toy's appearance and stability.)

::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Destron/MLSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Music Label Soundwave (Sonic White) at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Destron/MLBlueSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Music Label Soundwave (Spark Blue) at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://tfu.info/2007/Destron/MLBlackSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Music Label Soundwave (Blaster Black) at TFU.info]''

===''Encore''===
[[File:G1toy encore soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Laserbeak: Prepare for flight. Operation: Nostalgia.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2007)
**''ID number'': '''03'''
**''Accessories:'' Laserbeak, tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

:The original Soundwave toy was made available once again as part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' series of reissues. Aside from a slightly lighter shade to his blue plastic and similar changes to his accompanying stickers, the figure remained unchanged from its previous reissues.
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|EncoreSoundblaster}}
[[File:Encore Soundblaster Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundblaster''' (2012)
**''ID number'': '''21'''
**''Accessories:'' "Enemy", "Wingthing", tape case, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

: Soundblaster was available again as part of TakaraTomy's ''[[Transformers Encore]]'' series of reissues. This release includes two new cassette partners: [[Enemy (G1)|Enemy]] and [[Wingthing (G1)|Wingthing]].

: For this release Soundblaster features additional silver paint on his face plate and the sides of his head, metallic red eyes instead of yellow, and the removal of the silver paint on his crest in an effort for animation accuracy. In addition, he has a large Decepticon insignia tampographed on his chest. All the label stickers from the previous releases of Soundblaster have been reproduced via tampographs as well, with the exception of the stickers for his weapons which come preapplied.

: The tampographs on the knees and stickers on the weapons are misapplied, being placed in the wrong orientation. The coloration of the blue labels has also been altered to replace some of the blue (but not all) with black. Stock photos depicted Soundblaster with a screen-accurate purple cassette door, although this has never been seen in any actual retail release.
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:Universe2008toy soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Exclusive, 2009)
**''Series'': '''G1 Series'''
**''Accessories:'' Laserbeak, Ravage, Buzzsaw, [[Ratbat (G1)/toys|Ratbat]], rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

: In 2009, Hasbro released yet another reissue of Soundwave as part of the ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, this time as a [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] exclusive that was prominently offered at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2009. After Hasbro's last reissue of the figure had used the double-sized Soundblaster chest door, this version of Soundwave reinstated his original door, and came packaged with no fewer than ''four'' tapes: Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, and [[Ratbat (G1)/toys|Ratbat]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2009/Decepticon/TFUSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Universe 2008 Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}
{{--}}

===''United''===
[[File:Unitedtoy soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Let his metallic paint chip off, and he changes continuity families.]]
*'''Soundwave Cybertron Mode''' ([[December 25]], 2010)
**''ID number'': '''UN05'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle, missile launcher

: Part of the first wave of the ''United'' series, Soundwave is a repaint of ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)#Toys|War for Cybertron]]'' Deluxe Class [[Soundwave (WFC)/toys#Generations|Soundwave]].

: Retaining ''exactly the same'' plastic colors as his WFC toy, Soundwave instead features an extensive metallic blue/violet [[Paint operation|paint]] scheme that covers a majority of his vehicle mode (as well as some robot parts, like his head, for example). The purple highlights on the Hasbro version are replaced with a bright pink, the metallic details on his chest are a milder shade of gold, and his chest insignia is in full color.

: [[Stock photography#Takara stock photos|Comically]], the action-oriented stock photo on the back of his packaging has him mis-transformed. His hinged crotch has not been pegged to his main body, with the result looking like Soundwave wearing a diaper... again.
{{--}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy SoundwaveKreon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Easiest Microchanger ever: just remove everything from his torso.]]
*'''Sentinel Prime''' (2011)
**''Set number'': '''30687'''
**''Pieces'': '''386'''
**''Kreons'': Sentinel Prime, Soundwave, Thundercracker, Fire Chief
**''Accessories'': Scoped pistol

: The ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)#Kre-O|Sentinel Prime construction set]] comes with a Soundwave [[Kreon]]. He has an adorably creepy speaker-mouth under the helmet's faceplate.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2011/Decepticon/Kre-OSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Soundwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Custom}}
[[File:KreO-Toy SoundwaveCustomKreon.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Custom Kreon, 2013)
**''Set number'': '''A6090'''
**''Pieces'': '''36'''
**''Accessories'': Rack, large cannon, Seeker arm rifle, scoped pistol, double-barreled pistol, rocket backpack, small wing-pack, curved blade

: Part of the first assortment of "Custom Kreons", this version of Soundwave comes with a buildable parts rack on which to hang/store his many many extra pieces. His [[tampograph]]s are much more heavily-detailed than the original Kreon, based on the [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#Generation 1|original Soundwave toy]]. His "normal" helmet and grenade launcher are [[chrome]]d, plus he comes with an extra clear-plastic helmet, torso and legs. He also has a pair of extra arms (originally from the ''Kre-O Battleship'' aliens), plus a buildable cannon based around the aforementioned chrome gun, a small scoped pistol, a double-barreled blaster, and a two-piece curved-blade sword.

: He still has the adorably creepy speaker-mouth.

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2014}}
[[File:KreO-toy SoundwaveClass84.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''B0090'''
**''Voted'': Class Gossip
**''Accessories'': Blaster

: This version of Soundwave, part of the [[Kreon Class of 1984]], has much more elaborately toy-based [[tampograph]]s than his prior versions. He comes with a blue version of the new blaster from the ''[[Transformers: Age of Extinction (franchise)|Age of Extinction]] Kre-O'' sets, and a back-brace piece that we guess is there for gun-mounting purposes. There's also a bunch of "cassettes" based on the various [[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Recordicon]]s packed in the box that ostensibly go with him, but are part of the big block of extra accessories and we're just filling space here.

:The head under the helmet has no mouth whatsoever, which is somehow creepier than the speaker-mouths of the prior Kreons.

: He was only available in the [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014 [[exclusive]] "Kreon Class of 1984" set of thirty Kreons, commemorating the franchise's thirty years. Remaining stock was to be sold online at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]], but there ''was'' no remaining stock by the end of the convention.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/SDCCKre-OSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Class of 1984 Soundwave at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|Knight}}
[[File:KreO-toy SoundwaveKW Knight.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Knight Soundwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B0955'''
**''Collection'': '''2'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, clip-on bird, double-bladed pike, orc shield

:Part of the second wave of Kreon Warriors, "Knight Soundwave" is a fantasy-medieval version of the Decepticon. He has a clip-on wooden "Laserbeak"-y bird, but it's not specifically labeled as "Laserbeak". His shield also bears a coat of arms featuring two bird heads and a feline head. What could ''that'' mean? Hmmmmm....

:His helmet and accessories all hail from the ''Kre-O Dungeons & Dragons'' sets.

: Like all the Kreons released that year (at normal retail at least), he uses the new 2015-tooling Kreon body, which basically involves small construction changes on every part below the head, making them largely incompatible with the prior Kreon parts (heads still work fine), but the new tooling adds some extra functionality and structural support.

: The Kreon Warriors were only released in Canada, Australia, and various Asian markets. The individual bags had also abandoned any kind of coding that identified the contents. This means getting the one you want from an unopened bag involves either trying to feel out the unique parts, or just buying the whole dang case.

{{-}}{{anchor|Wiseguy}}
[[File:KreO-toy SoundwaveWiseguy.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.67|And be a juke. Box. Vil-lain.]]
*'''Wiseguy Soundwave''' (Kreon Warrior, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B0955'''
**''Collection'': '''2'''
**''Accessories'': Stand-plate, clip-on bird, 2 pistols

: Soundwave's second Kreon Warrior, also part of the second collection, is part of the "Wiseguy" theme, 1920s gangster-styled Kreons. He sports a slicked-back gray wig, dual pistols, and a clip-on bird that's painted like [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Wiseguy|Laserbeak]] and probably ''is'' meant to be Laserbeak but is not actually labeled "Laserbeak". His body [[tampograph]]s suggest that he would turn into an old-timey jukebox. Awesome!

: The lack of US distribution and lack of bag codes holds up here too.

{{-}}{{anchor|BattleChangers}}
[[File:Kre-O-Battle-Changers-2-pack-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]]
*'''Autobot Ratchet Vs. Soundwave''' (Battle Changer 2-pack, 2015)
**''Set number'': '''B1507'''
**''Accessories'': Blaster rifle

:Available in a two-pack set with [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#BattleChangers|Ratchet]], Battle Changers Soundwave is a built-up Kreon that transforms from robot to spaceship (somewhat resembling the [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' incarnation of Soundwave]]) and back ''without'' needing to be disassembled.

: Soundwave is loaded out with four different partners. [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#BattleChangers|Frenzy]] and [[Rumble (G1)/toys#BattleChangers|Rumble]] become twin-blaster pods that can be mounted on his wings or legs. [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#BattleChangers|Laserbeak]] becomes chest armor for Soundwave's robot mode, or a set of tailfins for spaceship mode. And [[Ravage (G1)/toys#BattleChangers|Ravage]] just kinda hangs on Soundwave's jet-mode underside, but becomes a backpack with over-the-shoulder blasters for Soundwave's robot mode.

:This set, like all the Battle Changers, originally only saw release in Canada, Australia, and Asian markets. It eventually saw release in the U.S. in late 2015 through discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.
{{-}}

===''Masterpiece''===
[[File:Masterpiece Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Laserbeak, eject. Operation: let the fandom rejoice.]]
*'''Soundwave''' ([[January 26]], [[2013]]/[[September 28]], 2013/[[2019]])
**''ID number'': '''MP-13'''
**''Accessories'': [[Laserbeak (G1)#Masterpiece|Condor]], Condor "case", energon cube & lid (three in total in the Amazon.co.jp version), display panel, concussion blaster, [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP13|Megatron gun]] (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' Soundwave is a more intricately engineered version of his Generation 1 design, transforming into his classic tape deck alternate mode, but substantially thicker. His chest compartment still opens, of course, and remains scaled to accommodate the original ''Generation 1'' mini-cassette figures, as well as the new ''Masterpiece'' mini-cassette figures, such as his pack-in partner, Condor. A spring-loaded panel inside his chest can be pushed back in increments to allow Soundwave to hold up to three cassettes at once; after one is removed, pressing a button on his back slides the panel forward, pushing the remaining cassettes up and putting the next into position, ready to be removed when his chest door is opened again. However, this feature is so ''finnicky'' that his [[instructions]] actually have to include a little segment telling owners what ''not'' to do with the toy to make sure it works.

:Soundwave comes with his traditional concussion blaster weapon, and his non-firing rocket launcher is now an integrated, non-removable piece. Unlike the Generation 1 toy, both cannon and launcher do not become batteries for his alternate mode, instead storing on his back. He also comes with the wrist-mounted sensor from "[[Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain]]", and his forearm panel opens up to reveal sculpted speakers. He also comes with a [[retool]] of the Megatron gun [[Megatron (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|originally released]] with ''Masterpiece'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|MP-01 Convoy]].

:Additionally, Soundwave comes with an empty energon cube which can plug into his chest panel, and a grid-patterned display panel that also fits over his chest door. His instruction booklet includes two images that can be cut out and slipped between Soundwave's chest and the display panel to simulate readouts displayed in "[[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|More than Meets the Eye]]": the [[Victory (G1)|Decepticon space cruiser]]'s blue prints and intel reports hacked from [[Teletraan I]].

:Soundwave and his accessories can also interact with the other ''Masterpiece'' mini-cassette figures in many other ways. Laserbeak or [[Buzzsaw (G1)#Masterpiece|Buzzsaw]] can perch onto the tabs on Soundwave's shoulders and forearms. Soundwave can also wear ''Masterpiece'' [[Rumble (G1)#Masterpiece|Rumble]] and/or [[Frenzy (G1)#Masterpiece|Frenzy]]'s piledrivers on his forearms as cannons, and can store one set of Rumble or Frenzy's guns in compartments on Soundwave's feet/at the back of his tapedeck mode. Additionally, Soundwave's sensor can combine with Rumble and Frenzy's piledrivers to form the link cable used by Soundwave to hook up to a larger monitor in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

:The edition purchased via [[Amazon (website)|Amazon.com]] in Japan came with two additional energon cubes. The Asian version includes a commemorative coin contained in a package looking like Soundwave's tapedeck mode.

:For this release, some Soundwaves suffer from a [[Quality control|paint error]], leaving the small upside-down triangle on his forehead crest unpainted, though it is animation accurate.

:Soundwave was re-released on September 28th, 2013 and again in 2019. The minor quality control issues with the re-release were lessened or not as widespread as the initial release. The 2019 re-release features slightly darker blue plastic, and painted red eyes.
{{MPSoundwaveMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|HasbroMasterpiece}}
[[File:TRU Masterpiece Soundwave with Cassettes.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|... And Megatron makes seven Decepticons in one box.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2013/2016)
**''ID number'': '''MP-02'''
**'''09 OF 30'''
**''Accessories'': [[Laserbeak (G1)#HasbroMasterpiece|Laserbeak]], [[Buzzsaw (G1)#HasbroMasterpiece|Buzzsaw]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpiece|Ravage]], [[Rumble (G1)#HasbroMasterpiece|Decepticon Rumble]], [[Frenzy (G1)#HasbroMasterpiece|Decepticon Frenzy]], five microcassette cases, two Frenzy piledrivers, Frenzy piledriver mount, left & right Frenzy "Thruster Guns", two Rumble piledrivers, Rumble piledriver mount, left & right Rumble "Thruster Guns", energon cube & lid, display panel, concussion blaster, [[Megatron (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpieceSoundwave|Megatron gun]] (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor

: The Hasbro release of Masterpiece Soundwave features a slightly different deco than the Takara version, such as a yellow visor instead of a red one, and leaving the Rumble/Frenzy gun storage panels on his feet unpainted. All of the accessories included with the Takara release are ported over to the Hasbro set (with the exception of the cut-out images for use with his display panel), plus all five of the ''Masterpiece'' microcassettes. The cassettes also feature different decoes than their Takara counterparts (see their own articles for details), and their cases are cast in clear plastic instead of the translucent hot pink the Japanese versions came with. His highly truncated instructions omit any explanation of virtually all of his accessories, action features, and interactions with his minions. Finally, he has a designated number as part of the ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' line.

:Soundwave is exclusive to [[Toys"R"Us]] stores. He was released earlier (with fellow ''Masterpiece'' [[Acid Storm (G1)#Masterpiece|Acid Storm]]) in limited numbers at San Diego Comic Con 2013.

:Soundwave was also reissued in 2016 by Hasbro Asia under ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' co-branding, packaged with a mini die cast cassette player based on his alt mode. Some of the images in this picture were plagiarized for the promotion. As it was originally issues under ''Masterpiece'', it would be easier to list this down here instead of reproducing it under the ''Generations'' section.

{{-}}{{anchor|MP13B}}
[[File:MP-Soundblasterwithratbat.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Ratbat eject, Operation: black paint job.]]
*'''Soundblaster''' ([[March 23]], 2014)
**''ID number'': '''MP-13B'''
**''Accessories'': [[Ratbat (G1)#Masterpiece|Ratbat]], Ratbat "case", red energon cube & lid, purple display panel, concussion blaster, translucent red [[Megatron (G1)/toys#MP13B|Megatron gun]] (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor
{{toydesigner|[[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Following tradition, ''Masterpiece'' Soundblaster is a black redeco of the first MP Soundwave figure. While the chest door is cast in toy accurate red, the additional display panel is cast in translucent purple allowing for optional cartoon accuracy. Soundblaster includes all of the other accessories included with Soundwave as well, with the energon cube and Megatron gun now being cast entirely in translucent red plastic, as well as Ratbat.
{{-}}

===''Construct-Bots''===
[[File:Soundwave Construct-Bots.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Elite, 2013)
**''Pieces'': '''48'''

:Part of ''Construct-Bots'' Wave 1 Elites, Soundwave can transform into a jet vaguely resembling his Unicron Trilogy incarnation. He is armed with two guns (depicted as gold in stock photography, but blue on the actual toy) and two weapons, resembling his Generation 1 shoulder cannon, that become engines in jet mode.

:He also comes with a translucent purple storage tray complete with lid and Decepticon insignia.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2013/Decepticon/CBSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on ''Construct-Bots'' Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

[[File:ConstructBots_ArsenalPackSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Laserbeak: Eject. Operation: Hammer Time!"]]
*'''Arsenal Pack Soundwave''' (<s>2014</s>)
**''Pieces: '''58'''
:Arsenal Pack Soundwave is a slight redeco of the previous release, changing the light blue pieces to purple. He also includes new acessories, such as an orange hammer and four black guns.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Bot Shots''===
[[File:BotShots_CancelledSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Looks like ''"Operation: Bot Shots"'' failed.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (<s>2013</s>)
**''Number'': '''B015'''
***''Fist strength'': '''???'''
***''Blaster strength'': '''???'''
***''Sword strength'': '''368'''
: Presumably part of Wave 4 of ''Bot Shots'' Series 2, Soundwave is a Flip Shot. His robot mode is directly based in his ''Generation 1'' counterpart, while his vehicle mode is kind of a garbage truck with giant boomboxes in the sides.
{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===''Linkin Park × Transformers''===
{{anchor|Linkin}}{{anchor|LinkinPark}}
[[File:LPSoundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|''[[New Divide|Give me reason To fill this hole]]'']]
*'''Transformers Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition''' ([[September 23]], 2013)
**''Accessories:'' Buzzsaw, Laserbeak, Ravage, Ratbat, 4 tape cases, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, concussion blaster

:[[Linkin Park]] Soundwave is a gold and black [[redeco]] of Soundwave. He's packaged with Linkin Park gold redecoes of [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Linkin|Ravage]], [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Linkin|Ratbat]], [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Linkin|Laserbeak]], and [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Linkin|Buzzsaw]] (the last two of which are completely identical) on a flocked-purple plastic tray inside a special commemorative box. He has no stickers, factory-applied or otherwise, but has a tampographed Linkin Park logo and Decepticon symbol. Linkin Park Soundwave: Special Edition was exclusive to "SURU", a music store owned by Linkin Park DJ Joseph Hahn. The figure was limited to 2000 pieces.
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}
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===''Hero Mashers''===
[[File:HM-toy Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Soundwave Beefier.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Battle Upgrade, 2014)
**''Pieces'': '''14'''
**''Accessories'': Missile launcher, missile, shoulder-cannon, blaster/blade, left & right gun pods, "Sideswipe" left forearm

: Part of the second wave of "Battle Upgrade" ''[[Hero Mashers]]'' toys, Soundwave is a non-transforming action figure with ratchet-joints, about six inches tall. He has multiple peg-holes all over that can be used to mount any ''Hero Mashers'' accessory.

: He is designed with a removable head, forearms, thighs, and lower legs, all of which use the same clip-peg/hole joint. This means his pieces can be swapped around in any order, as well as swapped with any other ''Hero Mashers'' figure... which includes figures from [[Marvel Comics]], ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'', and ''[[Jurassic Park|Jurassic World]]'', meaning you can make some pretty freaky combinations.

: While he is (roughly) the same size as a standard Hero Masher, his larger [[size class|price point]] is made up for with more parts and gimmicks. He comes with both of his classic "battery" weapons, with the handgun being a spring-loaded missile launcher. He also comes with [[Sideswipe (WFC)#Hero Mashers|Sideswipe]]'s left arm, based on the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (franchise)|War for Cybertron]]'' version of the character, with a smaller version of the "[[Path Blaster]]" cannon as part of the design.

::*''[http://tfu.info/2014/Decepticon/HMSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on ''Hero Mashers'' Soundwave at TFU.info]''
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===''Platinum Edition''===
{{anchor|SoundwaveMasterpieceYOTG}}
[[File:MP-YOTGSoundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Laserbeak, eject. Operation: Hideous lack of taste]]
*'''Soundwave Year Of The Goat Edition''' (2015)
**''Accessories'': Five microcassette cases, two Frenzy piledrivers, Frenzy piledriver mount, left & right Frenzy "Thruster Guns", two Rumble piledrivers, Rumble piledriver mount, left & right Rumble "Thruster Guns", energon cube & lid, display panel, concussion blaster, [[Megatron (G1)/toys#HasbroMasterpieceSoundwave|Megatron gun]] (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), sensor

: This [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]] set packs in a redeco of the ''Masterpiece'' Soundwave mold (see below), with all of that release's Hasbro accessories, but is molded in a mix of orange and translucent plastic.

: He also comes with similarly-decoed versions of ''Masterpiece'' [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Platinum Edition|Laserbeak]], [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Platinum Edition|Buzzsaw]], [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Platinum Edition|Ravage]], [[Rumble (G1)/toys#Platinum Edition|Decepticon Rumble]], and [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#Platinum Edition|Decepticon Frenzy]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2015/Decepticon/PlatinumSoundwave/soundwave.htm More information on Year of the Goat Soundwave at TFU.info]''
{{MPSoundwaveMold}}
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===''Q-Transformers''===
[[File:QTransformers Soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67]]
*'''Soundwave''' ([[August 29]], 2015)
**''ID number:'' '''QT-27'''

:A retool of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|QT-09 Optimus Prime]], ''[[Q-Transformers]]'' Soundwave transforms from a [[super deformed]] Nissan GT-R R35 to a cute little robot. Unlike most ''Q-Transformers'' retools which only have new heads, Soundwave also sports newly molded legs in place of Prime's iconic truck-bed-legs.

{{-}}
*'''Decepticons 3-Figure Set''' (2016)
**''ID number:'' '''QTFS-02'''

:During the second ''Q-Transformers'' series, the Soundwave toy was available in a three-pack alongside [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Megatron]] and [[Shockwave (G1)/toys#Q-Transformers|Shockwave]]. He is identical to the original ''Q-Transformers'' toy.
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===''Titans Return''===
{{anchor|TitansReturn}}
[[File:Titans_Return_Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|right|Broadcasting live from Iacon Square Gardens]]
*'''Soundblaster & Soundwave''' (Leader Class, 2016)
**''Accessories:'' [[Soundblaster (TR)#Toys|Soundblaster]] Titan Master partner, rifle, shoulder cannon, spotlight/rocket-sled
{{toydesigner|[[John Warden]] (Hasbro)|[[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist)}}

: A [[redeco]] and [[retool]] of [[Blaster (G1)/toys#Titans Return|Autobot Blaster]] (you may have expected this), Soundwave is part of the second wave of Leader Class ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' figures, transforming from robot to soundbar<ref>https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/titans-return-soundwave-concept-sketches-from-emiliano-santalucia/40130/</ref> to stage mode and back (or even his Cybertronian lamppost mode in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon if you're feeling fiddly). In addition to Blaster's rifle and recolored rocket-sled, Soundwave also comes with his signature cannon "battery", which can plug into his shoulder, or store on his back while he in alt mode. He includes a [[Titan Master]] partner, [[Soundblaster (TR)#Toys|Soundblaster]], who can turn into his head or man Soundwave's 'stage' mode. Soundwave is also capable of holding Legends Class 'spy-tablet' figures in his chest compartment. Unlike most Titans Return toys, Soundwave doesn't have an obvious place to store Soundblaster when he's in stereo mode, although he can be inserted into the underside of the rocket sled, which in turn can be stored inside Soundwave's body, at the cost of available space for any of the Legends figures. Soundwave also features many (nonfunctional but realistic-size) device ports on his back and legs, such as dual-prong power ports, headphone jacks and USB ports.

:Soundwave's instruction sheet contains an error where it says that his base mode is compatible with other ''Titans Return'' toys' base modes: it has Powermaster Optimus Prime labeled as "Autobot Blaster". Some toys have stress marks on the hatch that opens to hide his head in base and stereo mode even before opening the box.

:The Hasbro Asia exclusive giveaway sticker sheet can be used to enhance the figure's details.<ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2016/09/23/hasbro-asia-titans-return-stickers-wave-2-325179</ref>

:This mold was redecoed into ''[[#Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon]]'' Soundwave, and further retooled into ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee (toyline)|Bumblebee]]'' [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Bumblebee|Soundwave]].
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===Xiaomi / Transformers===
[[File:Xiaomi soundwave.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.67|This device is not compatible with [[Ravage (SG)|your]] version of [[Yatter]].]]
*'''Soundwave''' (2016)
**''Accessories'': 2 blaster parts, shield, drone/ wing pack

:The result of a team-up between [[Hasbro]] and Chinese consumer electronics company {{w|Xiaomi}}, Soundwave transforms from an officially licensed Mi Pad 2 tablet to a Voyager-sized robot in 30 steps. The transformation is accomplished through a series of clever folds and wraps to achieve a three-dimensional robot mode from such a flat and thin alternate mode. The robot mode lacks neck movement but otherwise features decent articulation with tiny ratchet joints. He is armed with a large blaster rifle, a shield, and even a [[Ratbat (G1)/toys|Ratbat]]-like minion that is formed from some of his kibble. The head sculpt shares a lot of similar structures with the [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Movie version]] of Soundwave, but with facial elements from G1 Soundwave. His [[instructions|instruction booklet]] is die-cut into a Decepticon symbol. As an added little easter egg, the Mi Pad logo is sculpted into the base of his robot mode neck, though it is covered when the halves of his head are aligned in robot mode.

:The figure's production was funded primarily through crowdfunding. Backers could pledge a minimum of 169 Yuan (or $26) to receive the figure if their funding goal was met. The amount of pledges more than tripled their goal amount which may lead to a wider release for the figure.

:Whether by design or coincidence, the Mi Pad's camera ends up on the robot mode's right shoulder where Soundwave usually has his iconic shoulder cannon.

::*''[http://www.engadget.com/2016/04/06/xiaomi-mi-pad-2-transformers/ Article and promotional video available on engadget.com]''{{-}}

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2016}}
[[File:SDCC-2016-Xiaomi-Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Shattered screen for increased accuracy.]]
*'''Transformers Evolution Soundwave''' (2016)
**''Accessories'': 2 blaster parts, shield, drone/ wing pack

:This Soundwave is a redeco of the figure above, replacing gold with silver, and removing all traces of the Xiaomi branding on both the packaging and the figure, down to retooling the logo off the inner neck joint. Soundwave was available at Hasbro’s booth in San Diego Comic-Con 2016, and subsequently on HasbroToyShop.com. Amusingly, on the latter website this toy's listing name is "Transformers Evolution Soundwave Alternate If Needed: Transformers Soundwave Convention Exclusive Figure Featuring Tablet Mode" {{sic}}.
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===''Legends''===
[[File:TF-Legends-LG36-Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It's been a while...since I got my new body.]]
*'''Soundwave''' ([[December 28]], [[2016]])
**''ID number'': '''LG36'''
**''Accessories'': Rifle, Rocket Sled/Spotlight, Headmaster

:''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' Soundwave is a redeco of [[#Titans Return|''Titans Return'' Leader Class Soundwave]], who is a retool of Blaster. Soundwave also features a deco based on both his toy and his cartoon appearances. Notably, his small Headmaster form's colors are based on [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#The Headmasters cartoon|Soundblaster]] (no, not that [[Soundblaster (TR)|Soundblaster]]), his rebuilt form.
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===''War for Cybertron: Siege''===
[[File:WFCS-Voyager-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=2|"Well, I mean, we can't sell a ''street lamp''..."]]
[[File:TF-WFC-S-Soundwave-Boombox-Fan-Mode.jpg|thumb|Operation: Jamming in the darkest times.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Voyager Class, [[2019]])
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-S25'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number:'' '''SG-24'''
**''TakaraTomy release date:'' [[May 31]], 2019
**''Hidden message code'': '''LAMPPOST'''
**''Accessories:'' "HI-KEP [[Concussion weapon|Concussion Blaster]]," "LR-HD [[Sonic cannon|Sonic Cannon]]," and "EMTX Blitz Charge Blaster" (all combine to form "USW HF Sonic Compression Mega-Blaster")
{{toydesigner|[[Aaron Gray]] (Hasbro)|[[Emiliano Santalucia]] (concept artist)}}

:Part of the second wave of ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' Voyager Class figures, Soundwave transforms from a ''heavily'' G1-inspired robot to a rather unfocused "Patrol Hovercraft" and back. As noted by Hasbro designer [[John Warden]], he also has an "Easter egg" third mode—a “Cybertronian Sensor Lamp” inspired by his appearance in "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".<ref>https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/siege-red-alert-revealed-stock-photos-for-nycc-siege-figures-design-notes-from-warden-nycc/42180/</ref> While not shown in the directions, lineart for this mode can be found on the left side flap of the bottom of the box, as well as the right side of the box when a black light is shone on it—however, please note that the photography to the right is slightly mistransformed when compared to the official lineart; Soundwave's waist is meant to be turned 180 degrees, so that the vehicle mode cockpit faces forward, as well as the backs of his legs. An additional [[Fan mode|fan-made]] boombox mode was canonized in the stop-motion short "[[The Bot Dance Off]]". The boombox mode makes use of molded details on his foot covers, swinging them around to flank his chest from hovercraft mode, along with straightening out the boosters. While this works to approximate his original G1 Cassette player mode, very little actually locks into place for it.

:Soundwave features an opening chest compartment that can accommodate his usual <s>[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|Cassettes]]</s> <s>[[Mini-Con]]s</s> <s>[[Deployer (WFC)|Deployer Mini-Cons]]</s> [[Micromaster]]s [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Ravage]], who are sold separately in the Micromasters assortment, and has his left index finger molded out so that he can be posed pressing his own 'eject' button, as well as slots on his arms for Laserbeak to (loosely) perch on. Although [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Ratbat]] & [[Rumble (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Rumble]], and [[Frenzy (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Frenzy]] & [[Wingthing (G1)#Generations|Wingthing]] (as well as the two redecos included with the latter two; [[Skar (G1)#Generations|Skar]] and [[Knok#Generations|Knok]]) are ''designed'' to fit into Siege Soundwave's chest, the fit is incredibly snug and risks the figures getting stuck. [[Eject (G1)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Eject]], [[Rewind (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Rewind]], and [[Rumble (G1)/toys#Studio Series|''Studio Series'' Rumble (Blue)]] are also compatible with his chest compartment.

:He also includes three weapons compatible with the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]], two of which are based on his classic sonic blaster and shoulder cannon, and all three can combine to form the "USW HF Sonic Compression Mega-Blaster". Compared to his contemporaries in the ''Siege'' line, Soundwave is absolutely ''slathered'' in 'battle damage' paint applications all over his body, and unless one does this ''carefully'', any attempts to remove said paint will result in his design-origin paint details being removed as well.

:Soundwave features a [[Light-piping|light-piped]] yellow visor as an homage to [[#Generation 1|his G1 toy]], a rarity in modern Soundwave toys. His altmode is also slightly mistransformed in the secondary stock photos, with the entire lower body twisted around.

:Soundwave's additional gun [[:File:TF-Generations-WFC-S-Voyager-Megatron-with-Soundwave's-Gun.jpg|can be slotted onto the back]] of the ''Siege'' Voyager [[Megatron (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Megatron]] figure, perfectly mimicking his G1 gun barrel placement. Whether this was intentional or not is unclear. There are also tabs on the sides of his chest, just in front of his arms, that appear to line up with the notches on the inside of his thruster blocks that seem to have been intended to allow them to fold flush against the sides of his vehicle mode, rather than being held above it by their struts. However, this is not possible as a result of the struts clashing against other parts even if they are modified to allow a wider range of movement.

:This toy is one of the items that was released as part of Hasbro's ''Transformers'' 35th Anniversary promotional mailer box.<ref>https://news.tfw2005.com/2019/05/21/transformers-35th-anniversary-promo-box-in-hand-388546</ref>

{{-}}{{anchor|S63}}
[[File:Siege35th-WFC-S63-Voyager-Soundblaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Wait, not "New Soundwave""? (Hasbro version pictured, TakaraTomy version inset)]]
*'''Soundblaster''' (Voyager Class, 2019)
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-S63''' / '''TT-GS12'''<ref>[https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810175636/ TakaraTomy Mall] lists their Soundblaster as a normal ''Siege'' exclusive, with an ID number of "SG-EX", while [https://hasbropulse.com/products/transformers-takara-tomy-generations-selects-tt-gs12-soundblaster-hasbro-pulse-exclusive Hasbro Pulse] lists the same Soundblaster as an imported TakaraTomy ''Selects'' exclusive, given the different ID number of "TT-GS12".</ref>
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''SG-EX'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 27]], [[2021]]
**''Accessories:'' "M2 HI-KEP Concussion Blaster," "M2 LR-HD Sonic Cannon," "M2 EMTX Blitz Charge Blaster" (combine to form "M2 USW HF Sonic Compression Mega-Blaster")

:A "Special Edition" figure for the 35th anniversary of the ''Transformers'' brand, ''Siege'' Soundblaster is a redeco and retool of the Voyager Class figure above, featuring a black paint job evoking [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#The Headmasters cartoon|his rebuilt form]] in ''The Headmasters''. The figure retains the original's battle damage but has a red visor instead of yellow. As a nod to [[#SoundblasterG1|the original ''Headmasters'' toy]], Soundblaster's chest door was retooled so that he could now hold two "Drone Armors" at once, though the increased storage space results in a very conspicuous chest protrusion. Soundblaster's retooled door avoids the problems people reported with fitting Ravage into Soundwave, though in return, it can be difficult to remove drone armors placed furthest inside the compartment.

:Soundblaster and other ''Siege'' "35th Anniversary" figures were exclusive to [[Walmart]] in the United States. They were also available at general retail in Hasbro's Asian markets such as Taiwan and Singapore.

:The TakaraTomy release of the toy that came nearly two years later features a more [[show-accuracy|show-accurate]] tape window, with a cleaner chest and [[Mercenary]] badge. This marks the first toy with a major difference between the same Hasbro and TakaraTomy product since the brand unification, and is exclusive to [[TakaraTomy Mall]] in Japan. This version was also released under the ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' banner by [[Hasbro Pulse]]. Though the figure represents the [[Soundblaster (G1)#Selects|Soundblaster]] in the [[Dreamwave Productions]] comics and the ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' cartoon, it is kept on this page for informative purposes.
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===''Vintage G1''===
[[File:VintageG1-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Soundwave & Condor Cassette: Buzzsaw''' (June 2019)
**''Accessories'': Buzzsaw, rocket launcher, 3 rockets, [[concussion weapon|concussion blaster]]

:''[[Vintage G1]]'' Soundwave is a [[Walmart]]-exclusive reissue of the [[#The Transformers|Generation 1 toy]], including "Condor Cassette [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Buzzsaw]]." Like most other reissues (including Hasbro's previous ''Universe'' release), it appears to be based on the running change Japanese version of the original figure, with a door that can only hold one cassette but still with the unified buttons. This release features flat gold paint on the tape door rather than the chrome gold finish of previous releases. In addition, it features a sticker sheet, unlike previous reissues which had the stickers pre-applied.

:The figure does not include a [[rubsign]], as ''Vintage G1'' [[Starscream (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Starscream]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Vintage G1|Hot Rod]] do. Recreating the original G1 look-and-feel, the box photos perpetuate the [[#The Transformers|30+ year old error]] of placing two black and red stickers intended for the weapons onto Soundwave's legs/front face of the cassette player mode; these are not affixed in-package, enabling the buyer to make their own choice as to where the stickers should be placed.
{{G1SoundwaveMold}}
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===''Golden Lagoon''===
[[File:35th-Golden-Lagoon-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Get down girl, go 'head, get down.]]
*'''Soundwave''' ([[February 10]], [[2019]])
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''GL-04'''
**''Accessories'': [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]], rifle, shoulder cannon, spotlight/rocket sled
:''[[The Transformers Golden Lagoon|Golden Lagoon]]'' Soundwave is a redeco of the ''[[#Titans Return|Titans Return]]'' Leader Class figure, now in a gold and gold-chromed color scheme, based on his appearance in the [[The Golden Lagoon (episode)|episode of the name]]. Unlike in said episode, his tape door remains clear, rather than gold opaque. He retains his previous base mode and comes with a removable Headmaster for his head.

:This figure debuted at Winter [[Wonder Festival]] 2019 before being made available at [[TakaraTomy Mall]] on [[February 28]], 2019. It was later rereleased by [[Hasbro Pulse]] in the USA in January 2021.

:This toy also appeared in ''[[Generations Selects Special Comic]]'' as a member of the [[Golden Age (GS)|Golden Age]], who may or may not be named "Soundwave".
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===''War for Cybertron Trilogy''===
[[File:Earthrise Centurion Drone Soundwave.jpeg|250px|thumb|Now let's see Laserbeak pop out of ''this'' tape deck.]]
*'''Deluxe Centurion Drone''' (Deluxe Class with accessories pack, [[2020]])

:A non-transforming accessory (duh!) of Soundwave in his tape deck form is included in the ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'' [[Centurion droid#Toys|Deluxe Centurion Drone Weaponizer Pack]] set. Unlike [[Reflector (G1)#E33|Reflector]], Soundwave features (minimal) painted details but lacks a [[5 mm post]] handle that would allow other figures to hold him. Instead, he has a 3mm hole on his underside that allows him to peg into the various 3mm posts present on many ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' figures or even on the tips of their weapons.

{{-}}{{anchor|2020Netflix}}
[[File:TF-Generations-WFC-Trilogy-Voyager-Battle-3-Pack-Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[[Soundwave_(G1)/toys#War_for_Cybertron:_Siege|You want the guy you saw on Netflix?]] That's not who's in the Netflix box. You'll pay extra for a Netflix box for [[:File:G1Soundwave_toy.jpg|a different reason.]]]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Battle 3-Pack, 2020)
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''WFC-14'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[February 20]], [[2021]]
**''Accessories'': Concussion Blaster, Sonic Cannon, Charge Blaster (all combine to form Mega-Blaster), [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Ravage]] [[Micromaster]]s

:Concurrent with the ''Earthrise'' toyline and season of the Netflix [[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon]], this version of Soundwave is an extensive retool of his ''Siege'' figure with new parts (approximately 70% of the original Siege mold has been replaced) that allow him to transform into his iconic tape deck mode, but strangely has the red accents on his weapons and forearms removed. Unlike the other Voyager Class toys, Soundwave is spotless, much like the majority of the ''Earthrise'' toyline. Soundwave also comes with his signature tapes, [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Laserbeak]] and [[Ravage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|Ravage]], both of which were decoed in cassette-styled details and received new heads. He retains the chest door tooling from the original version of the mold instead of the Soundblaster retool, and still features the pinned-swivel landing struts on his forearms from the original ''Siege'' mold, although they serve no purpose for the retool's transformation. Unlike in the stock render (prominently featured on the packaging's backside), the final Soundwave toy features a red visor.

:There are many reported cases where ''all'' of his unpaintable joints are prone to [[photodegradation]]. This includes both plastic colors, with the gray pieces, typically his elbows and thighs, taking on a yellow tint, while more rarely his blue plastic parts eventually discolor into green. There have been more extreme examples of this discoloration documented as well, with the gray pieces turning completely cheese-colored yellow, while the blue pieces discolor into black.

:Like all of the Netflix-branded subset of ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toys, Soundwave was a Walmart exclusive in the United States and Canada.

:Soundwave is one of two puzzling Netflix-branded figures that have become extra rare and valuable for a mutual set of confusing reasons; the other is [[Bumblebee_(G1)/toys#War_for_Cybertron_Trilogy|Bumblebee]]. Most Netflix figures try to depict characters as they appeared on the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' cartoon, favoring Cybertronian alt modes and extra battle damage, but that was not the goal for Soundwave and Bumblebee. Instead, with clean paint jobs and never-seen-on-Netflix Earth alt modes, they might be the most G1-faithful available versions of their characters in the [[Transformers:_Generations_(toyline)|Generations toyline]] era.

:If you actually wanted a toy that resembles Soundwave from Netflix TV, then you're looking for [[Soundwave_(G1)/toys#War_for_Cybertron:_Siege|the Siege release from 2019]].

:Years later, Netflix Soundwave would be retooled into [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)#Shattered Glass Collection|''Shattered Glass Collection'']] [[Soundwave (SG)#Shattered Glass Collection|Soundwave]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Behold}}
[[File:Behold Galvatron Soundwave.JPG|thumb|200px]]
* '''Behold, Galvatron! Unicron Companion Pack''' (Leader Class, 2022)
:The ''second'' tiny accessory-packed Soundwave in the ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' line is this immobile and non-transforming robot-mode [[Slug figure|minifigure]], barely 10mm tall, scaled to interact with the immense [[Unicron/toys#HasLab|HasLab 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]].
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===''Authentics''===
[[File:TF-Authentics-Alpha-Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Alpha, 2020)
**''Accessories'': Shoulder cannon, RADAR dish

:''[[Transformers Authentics|Authentics]]'' Soundwave is a Voyager-sized toy based on his [[evergreen]] design. He transforms into an armored vehicle in just a few steps. Despite the vehicle mode being nearly identical to the ''Cyberverse'' Warrior Class toy, this figure has a completely unique transformation scheme. The vehicle mode hood, RADAR dish, and cannon all come detached in package. The cannon can be placed in either hand, or in a slot on the right shoulder as most Soundwave's do.

:He is mistransformed in his [[stock photography]], he has actual feet which can fold out from behind his shins.

:This item first saw release at Dollar General.
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===''War for Cybertron: Kingdom''===
[[File:WFC-Kingdom Core Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|After 18 years... a Laserbeak that is comparable in size to [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Smallest Transforming Transformers|the world's smallest Ravage]]!]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Core Class, [[2021]])
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-K21'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''KD EX-11'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[January 29]], [[2022]]
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon, Concussion Blaster, [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Laserbeak]]
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

:Part of the third wave of ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' Core Class toys, Soundwave is a Legends-sized toy that takes many cues from his larger ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toy sculpt-wise. He turns into a closer approximation of his original microcassette recorder mode, utilizing a transformation closer to the "Generation 1" Soundwave [[#Toys|toy]]. Due to design limitations, Soundwave's feet stick out in boombox mode, though they can be mistransformed to achieve a more rectangular recorder, albeit leaving large gaps in the sides. Soundwave features his Concussion Blaster and Sonic Cannon, which can store on his back in recorder mode. In true Soundwave fashion, the included non-transforming Laserbeak cassette can store inside Soundwave's chest compartment, though the cassette door has to be manually opened unlike Soundwave's other ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' toys.

:Unlike the rest of the Core Class brethren, Soundwave does not come with a [[flight stand]]-compatible 3mm hole on his rear hip.

:The Hasbro stock photo of the recorder mode is slightly mistranformed: According to the instructions, his head must be rotated 180 degrees before tucking it away to conceal his face in alternate mode.

:Unlike every other ''Transformers'' toy revealed at [[Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest 2021]], Soundwave and [[Dracodon#Toys|Dracodon]] were not available for pre-order after the virtual panel. Initially set for a [[January 29]], [[2022]] release by TakaraTomy, Soundwave was delayed to March 2022.
{{--}}

===''Legacy''===
[[File:TF-Legacy-Voyager-Class-Soundwave.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Sadly, not a re-release of the harder-to-obtain ''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' Soundwave. ''Note: May or may not come with a mould''.]]
*'''Soundwave''' (Voyager Class, [[2022]])
**''Accessories:''Concussion Blaster, Sonic Cannon, Charge Blaster (all combine to form Mega-Blaster)
:Part of the second wave of ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' Voyager Class toys, Soundwave is a [[package refresh]] of his ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|toy]], now redecoed to lose the battle damage paint applications, much like [[Galvatron (G1)/toys#Legacy|Galvatron]] from the same line, although the blue plastic used in this release is ''slightly'' darker than the original ''Siege'' figure. His accessories include his concussion blaster, his sonic cannon, and his charge blaster.

:This figure was officially revealed by Hasbro on the [[April 12]], [[2022]] Fan First Tuesday.
{{--}}

{{-}}{{anchor|LegacyCore}}
*'''Soundwave''' (Core Class, 2022)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon, Concussion Blaster, [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Legacy|Laserbeak]]
: Part of the third wave of ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' Core Class toys, Soundwave is a [[package refresh]] of the previous [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' Core Class figure]], with no other changes besides his packaging.

{{-}}
[[File:TF-Legacy-Core-Class-Soundblaster.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"[[The Great Cassette Operation|New Soundwave]]": Model not to scale.]]
{{anchor|LegacyEvo}}
*'''Soundblaster''' (Core Class, 2022)
**''Accessories:'' Sonic Cannon, Concussion Blaster, [[Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Legacy|Buzzsaw]]
{{toydesigner|[[Evan Brooks]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://youtu.be/vuZHDR3ZBd8 Transformers Panel] at [[Hasbro Pulse Con 2022]] Day 1 on the [[Hasbro Pulse]] YouTube channel.</ref>

: Part of the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Legacy#Evolution (2023)|Legacy: Evolution]]'' Core Class toys, Soundblaster is an anime-accurate redeco of the aforementioned Core Class toy, coming with redecoed versions of his weapons. He also includes a tiny, non-transforming version of Buzzsaw that fits into his chest.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
*According to an interview in the magazine ''Otaku USA'' (issue 3, pg. 102-3), the original Microchange toy and the accompanying cassettes were at least partially designed by famed mecha designer and anime director [[Shinji Aramaki]]. He did not come up with the transformation scheme, but designed most of the outward appearance and details. He also worked on the toys that became the deluxe [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Insecticons]], [[Reflector (G1)#Toys|Reflector]], and [[Perceptor (G1)/toys#Toys|Perceptor]].
*Including the ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "Cassette Man" version, the original Soundwave mold has sported at least four different tape doors:
**The original MC-10 version had a cassette door that had "Cassette Man" emblazoned on it and featured a hinge that was internal to the robot's body.
**For the initial ''Transformers'' release by Hasbro, the "Cassette Man" text was removed.
**When [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] released the ''Transformers'' version of Soundwave in Japan, they [[retool]]ed the hinge so the bottom of the door attached to the outside of the robot, on either side of the "buttons", which had also been retooled. Both versions of Soundwave were available in Japan, making the retool a running change [[variant]].
**The Soundblaster version had a door that retained the external hinge and added the capacity for holding a second cassette.
[[File:Classics Soundwave.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Pimp My Ride.]]
*The Decepticon faction insignia appears to be roughly based on Soundwave's head.
*Though Soundwave's toy is a microcassette recorder, his fictional appearances depict him as a stereo cassette deck or Walkman. (Likewise, his microcassette tapes are depicted as regular audio cassettes.)
*"Years ago", [[Don Figueroa]] created a concept drawing for a potential SUV-esque Soundwave toy for ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]''.<ref name="classics">[http://www.unicron.com/news_item/1132/ Don Figueroa, New Concept Art & comics news!]</ref> Presumably, this toy would have been Voyager-sized.<ref name="classicslineup">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/classics-11/possible-transformers-classic-line-up-4336/ Early rumors about the line-up for Classics] (spot on except for Soundwave and a Deluxe-sized Optimus Prime who was later seen as a prototype)</ref> Despite the [[fandom]]'s immediate assumptions, ''Transformers Animated'' character designer [[Derrick J. Wyatt]] has said that this particular design did ''not'' in fact influence the [[Soundwave (Animated)|''Animated'' version of Soundwave]], meaning any resemblance between the two is coincidental.
* The "[[Bumblebee (Kre-O)|Stealth Bumblebee]]" set includes a tiny buildable "cassette recorder" that includes a sticker of Soundwave's recorder mode. You wanna say it's Soundwave? Go right ahead on. It's what the [[Two Giant Bases! Everybody Getting Along, Come On, Fight!|Kre-O manga]] did, after all.
*Some of the writers of [[Ask Vector Prime]] planned to characterize the [[#Universe (2003)|2003 ''Universe'']] Soundwave toy and its package-mate [[Space Case (G2)#Universe (2003)|Space Case]] as [[Female Transformer|female characters]] and part of the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2001 ''Robots in Disguise'']] continuity family.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Bot Shots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Classics Decepticons]]
[[Category:Construct-Bots Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 toy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 2 Decepticons]]
[[Category:Headmasters]]
[[Category:Hero Mashers Decepticons]]
[[Category:KB Toys exclusives]]
[[Category:Kre-O Decepticons]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legacy Decepticons]]
[[Category:Legends Decepticons]]
[[Category:Machine Wars Decepticons]]
[[Category:Masterpiece]]
[[Category:Music Label]]
[[Category:Platinum Edition]]
[[Category:Q-Transformers characters]]
[[Category:Repurposed toys]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Decepticons]]
[[Category:Titanium Series]]
[[Category:Titans Return Decepticons]]
[[Category:Toys"R"Us exclusives]]
[[Category:United Decepticons]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Decepticons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Siege Decepticons]]

The Transformers Continuum

2022-08-27T21:01:39Z

Gladiatrix: dead linx

{{disambig2|the poorly-researched IDW recap comic|the well-researched IDW recap comic|Transformers: Historia}}
{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''The Transformers Continuum''
|title=
|image=Continuum.jpg
|caption=If IDW won't even read their own material when ''they're'' getting ''paid'' for it, why should ''we'' give ''them'' money to read it?
|next=
|prev=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|written by=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|date=[[November 11]], [[2009]]
|illustrated by=Please see individual issues for credits.
|pagecount=32
|ISBN=
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity]]...ish
}}

'''''The Transformers Continuum''''' is a one-shot comic book set in the [[2005 IDW continuity]] chronicling the history of the Transformers. In theory.

{{quote|I think a lot of people wanted the book to do something it was never intended to do and a lot of people read the book not realizing for whom it was intended.|IDW writer/editor Andy Schmidt does not want your money|3=[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=12679 TFormers interview with Andy Schmidt]}}

==Synopsis==
Take the [[2005 IDW timeline]], put it in a blender, add some spelling errors, and you've got ''Transformers Continuum''. New descriptive prose accompanying reused art from appropriate moments leaps wildly between truncated generalization of long arcs with many important plot points left out and over-detailed recollections of irrelevant minutiae. At the very end is what is intended to be a chronological listing of IDW's ''Transformers'' comic books and promotion for their ''Transformers'' trade paperbacks.

==Errors==
Unfortunately, instead of correcting errors, ''Continuum'' presents the reader with ''new'' ones, such as:

*Pre-[[Decepticon]] [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] is said to be a slave, when in actuality, he was a paid [[energon crystal]] miner who lost his job. Apparently, Megatron objected to being freed. (This was later redeemed by [[James Roberts]], who said that miners were oppressed to the point of near-slaves.)
*The [[Autobot]]s' stand against [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] is said to be on [[Nebulos]], when it was actually on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].
*It's implied that Thunderwing was still alive (rather than a reanimated corpse), and no mention is made that he was a puppet under [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]]'s control.
*[[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] is misspelled on page 7. Also, it seems to imply that he learned [[Pretender]] technology from [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], when it was actually Thunderwing who discovered it. It's also said that Bludgeon acquired the technology ''during'' the events in ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'', when it was actually before it.
*The Autobots befriended "two young humans". [[Jimmy Pink]] no longer exists, even though we see him show up on the page detailing the end of ''[[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|Maximum Dinobots]]''.
*It is said that the "Autobots believed [[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] and [[Hunter O'Nion|Hunter]] were dead, and thus did not search for them", despite the immediate discovery that Sunstreaker's "body" was a decoy and the subsequent rescue attempt being half the plot of ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''.
*The [[Machination]] and [[Skywatch]] are treated as the same group. In fact, the Machination itself is never mentioned; instead, everything that either organization did is credited to Skywatch.
*[[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]]'s fight with [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] on Nebulos (''Continuum'' remains vague on the actual location of this encounter) in ''[[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]]'' is placed chronologically ''after'' the beginning of Scorponok's involvement with "Skywatch" (in actuality, the Machination), even though a caption points out that "The ensuing carnage led Scorponok to Earth", ''despite the previous page having already placed him there''. (The Reading Chronology in the back orders this correctly.) Worse, the same caption claims that "Ultra Magnus, ever fearless, was not far behind", even though the events of ''Spotlight: Ultra Magnus'' occurred about 20 years before the events of ''Infiltration'' etc., and Magnus wouldn't arrive on Earth until picking up a distress call from [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hot Rod]] in ''[[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|Maximum Dinobots]]'' [[Maximum Dinobots issue 4|#4]].
*The entirety of ''[[Spotlight: Wheelie]]'' seems to take place before ''All Hail Megatron'', even though [[Viewfinder]] dies in it (he's fine in ''All Hail Megatron'') and the events of the issue take place over a very long period of time. (The Viewfinder problem was later solved in [[Night and the City|''Robots in Disguise'' #9]].)
*There's even chronology problems ''within the issue itself'': Page 14 highlights the discovery of [[Grimlock (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Grimlock]] and the other [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] by Skywatch, when they were already revealed to be in Skywatch's custody ''three pages earlier''!
*Megatron is said to have died when [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]] shot him at the end of ''All Hail Megatron'', despite this never being the case and him being shown to be on life support in [[All Hail Megatron issue 13|''All Hail Megatron'' #13]].
*[[Skywarp (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Skywarp]] "fired into <nowiki>[Thundercracker's]</nowiki> back", yet [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]] was shot in the face.
*On page 23, there should be a space between "every" and "day" ("everyday" is an adjective, "every day" an adverb).

==Notes==
*Events in the past are said to be "legend" and "unknown" when ''almost everyone who experienced those events are still '''alive and on active duty to this day'''''. Even though writer [[James Roberts]] would later introduce the concept of "[[information creep]]", it doesn't come close to explaining ''this''.
*Unfathomably, despite covering ''Spotlight: Wheelie''—one of the most stand-alone ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight]]'' stories, almost entirely unconnected to ''anything'' else going on in the IDW universe until several years after the publication of ''Continuum''—no coverage is given to highly important, relevant, tied-in ''Spotlight'' stories like [[Spotlight: Nightbeat|Nightbeat]], [[Spotlight: Hot Rod|Hot Rod]], [[Spotlight: Sixshot|Sixshot]], [[Spotlight: Kup|Kup]], [[Spotlight: Soundwave|Soundwave]], [[Spotlight: Optimus Prime|Optimus Prime]]...
*[[Nova Prime]]'s matrix-like "[[Darkness (G1)|Darkness]]" is now the "Heart of Darkness".
*Any reference to ''[[New Avengers/Transformers]]'' is omitted from the issue, but then, that's because of [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]'s hand in it. Crossovers are complicated like that!
*One of IDW's forum (fan) moderators quit over the reaction to this issue, calling parts of the board a "festering cesspool" and giving the two-finger salute:<ref name="idwdrama">[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=157345#157345 Drama at the IDW forums] (dead link)</ref> Soon after, the more argumentative posts (including the moderator's outburst and the subsequent replies) were deleted.
*In an interview with TFormers,<ref name="tformersint">[http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=12679 TFormers interview with Andy Schmidt]</ref> Andy Schmidt revealed that all of these changes were ''intentional'', in order to ''simplify'' things, because he hopes to attract new, younger readers who can relate to the concept of slavery more easily than blue-collar workers being laid off, and who would be confused by the presence of two different organizations with mostly human members. Uh.
*To his credit, Andy Schmidt formally admitted to the poor quality of this book, albeit five months after it was released. He also stated that [[Denton J. Tipton]] and [[Carlos Guzman]] made fun of him at the office for it.<ref name="Schmidtapologizes">[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?p=175715& Continuum "apology"] (dead link)</ref>

==Cover==
*Various classic [[1985]]-style Autobots and Decepticons (though with some mild heavier tech detailing) surrounding [[Spike Witwicky (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Spike Witwicky]], by [[Ken Christiansen]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://tformers.com/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=1099 Critical review at Tformers.com]
*[http://forum.idwpublishing.com/viewtopic.php?t=6933&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=63 Another review pointing out each error] (dead link)
*Five-part video review/rant: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBuS3MeKA_o Part 1], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BczDbKw0nyY Part 2], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEJkXrcPnOk Part 3], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRGkxH4_djo Part 4], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12NcmtjPajE Part 5] (46 minutes)
*[https://shortpacked.com/comic/continuum/ David Willis making fun of The <s>Half-Assed</s> Definitive Chronology.]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Continuum}}
[[Category:IDW (2005) issues]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]

Transform and Roll Out

2022-08-16T15:42:14Z

Gladiatrix: typo

{{disambig2|the ''Transformers Animated'' multi-part episode|the command phrase|roll out}}
{{episode|
|series=Anitoon
|series2=AniJapan
|image=TFA_TFandRollout_AutobotHeroes.jpg
|caption=''Epic''
|next=Home Is Where the Spark Is
|next2=Sound and Fury
|ep=1, 2 and 3
|next=Home Is Where the Spark Is
|title="Transform and Roll Out"
|airdate=[[December 26]], [[2007]]
|season=1
|season ep=1–3
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by= [[Matt Youngberg]] [[Yutaka Kagawa]] [[Minoru Yamaoka]] [[Makoto Fuchigami]]
|animation studio= [[Mook]]
|continuity=[[Animated cartoon continuity]]}}
'''When a small crew of maintenance Autobots comes into possession of the powerful AllSpark, a battle with their long-forgotten enemies sends them crashing toward a strange, distant planet known as... ''Earth.'''''

==Synopsis==
===Part 1===
In deep, deep space, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] watches a history vid of the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], prompting [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] to complain about him watching that "junk" when the other members of the crew need assistance. Prime wonders if they were designed for more than repairing [[space bridge]]s. The two 'Bots transform into their vehicle modes and head out into the asteroid field.

[[File:TFA TFandRollout TheAllsparkdiscovered.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Well... at least there's no [[Size changing|mass-shifting]].]]
Outside, [[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]], dangling from a high rock by his wrecking ball (and becoming quite queasy in the process), is freed by [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], who also ends up taking a tumble. Bumblebee complains about the sheer amount of rocks blocking the space bridge node, and one is shattered unexpectedly by [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]]'s throwing star. Prime gives his troops a speech about teamwork (which Prowl moans at theatrically), but at that point the space bridge lights up, sending rocks and Autobots flying. Fancy footwork by Optimus saves each of his teammates from the debris, and a well-aimed grappling line shuts down the bridge. With his subordinates stunned at their leader's skills, Prime is forced to admit he trained at [[Autobot Academy|Cybertron's military academy]]. Bumblebee's query as to what the heck he's doing on a nowhere maintenance assignment is left unanswered as they notice something glowing in the rubble.

Prime clears away the debris to reveal a large, chest-like object. Ratchet is horrified and immediately demands they throw it back into the space bridge, but an alert from [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Teletran-1]] announces the arrival of a signature consistent with the long-lost [[Decepticon]]s. Ratchet then insists they take the object and just get out of there post-haste.

[[File:TFA TFandRollout Decepticonship.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Yes, this is a scout ship. Way to go, Magnanimous.]]
On board their ship, Ratchet finally reveals what they've found: the [[AllSpark]], the source of all Transformer life that was lost centuries ago. Optimus, worried about the oncoming Decepticon signal, contacts the [[Elite Guard|Cybertron Elite Guard]] for help. After taking a bit of snark from [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]], Optimus reveals what they found, which shuts Sentinel up fast. Sentinel then puts the crew through to [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]], who tells Optimus Prime to stay put while they send reinforcements... and not to worry about that Decepticon thing. Optimus, considering this to be a really stupid move, orders the crew to start booking it out of there.

[[File:Ani crew.JPG|left|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Scotty]], engage!]]
This proves wise, as the signal is indeed a Decepticon ship—a [[Nemesis (Animated)|command ship]], in fact. The identification markings are ones that Optimus and Ratchet recognize, meaning its commander can only be one person: [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], leader of the Decepticons. On board the Decepticon ship, [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] doubts the AllSpark is aboard the Autobot ship and declares Megatron a fool. [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] denounces Starscream as a traitor, while [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] calls Lugnut an idiot for his blind loyalty and [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] just acts... well, crazy. The Decepticons continue to bicker at each other until Megatron enters, shutting up all of them. The Decepticons chase the Autobot ship, and Starscream volunteers to board them. Megatron quickly shoots that idea down, saying he'll tend to this matter personally. Just before he leaves, Starscream wishes his commander "luck" with a pat on the back... affixing a bomb to Megatron in the process.

Megatron makes his way to the Autobots' ship and begins to melt his way through its hull. Optimus uses external manipulator arms to grapple with Megatron, until the bomb detonates, sending the ship careening uncontrollably into a space bridge node, which explodes after they go through the gate. Starscream begins to make a speech declaring himself the new Decepticon leader, but the other three have abandoned ship, noting that the fireball from the space bridge explosion is only getting larger. Too late, Starscream realizes the trouble he's in...

An unknown distance away, the Autobot ship reappears above a [[Earth|small blue and green planet]]. Prime checks on his troops, but Megatron has gotten aboard, having survived the explosion, but at the cost of his right arm. Prime uses his grappling line to shut off the gravity, making it more difficult for Megatron to fight. All five Autobots face off against the Decepticon, but he's too strong (though Prowl does manage to cut off Megatron's damaged arm). Prime and Megatron both end up in the storage bay where the AllSpark is... and as the ship enters the atmosphere, Prime is able to blow the hatch and kick the screaming Megatron out of the ship.

[[File:TFA TFandRollout Arkatmosphere.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Oddly familiar.]]
On a small farm, a young boy hears a thud and runs to where something has landed in a not-too-distant field. He is shocked to find a robotic head staring lifelessly up at him.

Meanwhile, Prime orders his team into emergency stasis pods to prepare for a crash-landing. He manages to steer the ship away from the city below and gets to a stasis pod just before the ship plunges into [[Lake Erie]].

Fifty years later, [[Detroit]] is once again a thriving city, but instead of manufacturing automobiles, robots are the city's stock-in-trade. [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] is talking to a public school class taking a tour of his facilities, which gets interrupted by Isaac's daughter, [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]], and her robot dog, [[Sparkplug (robot dog)|Sparkplug]]. As Sari is carted off to her lessons by a [[Tutor Bot|robot tutor]], Isaac shows the school kids a nanotech lab, just in time to witness a roach infused with microbots grow out of control and start consuming everything in sight. Isaac tries to keep things calm, but the monster bursts out of the lab...

===Part 2===
[[File:TFA TFandRollout Firefighters monster.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Yeah, watering it will surely stop the beast.]]
The monster continues to grow, absorbing just about everything it touches to increase its size and power. In the process, it destroys a lot of the factory. [[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]], the S.W.A.T team, the fire department, ambulances, and robot drones arrive, but the creature absorbs several of the responding vehicles, too. Fanzone uses a bazooka-type weapon and destroys the beast, despite Sumdac's objection. This protest proves well-founded, as the remnants of the creature start flowing back together again, save for one piece that drops into the nearby lake and works its way down to the Autobots' ship, its nanites seeking the absorbable technology there. It infiltrates via a small breach in the outer hull, but thankfully, the ship's intruder alert systems are functional and awaken the Autobots before any damage is done. Examining the situation, they decide to have Teletran-1 give them Earth forms so they can blend in and help out. A probe is launched into the chaos and scans various vehicles, including an ambulance, a police motorcycle, an armored personnel carrier, a fire truck, and [[Captain Fanzone's car]]. Everyone deploys except Ratchet, who remains behind to analyze the sample of alien material.

[[File:TFA TFandRollout Autobots.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Avengers]], ASSEMBLE!]]
During the fight, Bulkhead and Bumblebee spot Sari trying to wrest her security key from Sparkplug's mouth. Mistaking which is owner and which is pet, they approach her, but Bulkhead's greeting only scares her away. She quickly gets nabbed by the monster, but Bumblebee saves her, earning her trust and friendship. Prowl attempts to take on the bug-slug by himself, against Prime's orders, and gets absorbed. Prime orders Ratchet to join them in battle to save Prowl, but the old veteran insists that finding a "cure" code to neutralize the nanites' programming makes more sense than coming out and getting trashed. A somewhat chastened Prime agrees, and Ratchet soon delivers the goods. However, the new program must be uploaded by direct contact—meaning from inside the monster. This means the smallest, fastest one of them has to do it. Bumblebee reluctantly takes on the task. The beast has been using some of Prowl's absorbed intelligence and comm link tech, though, so it knows what they're planning and is now smart enough to fight back. Despite this, Bumblebee succeeds in delivering the code, and the bug dissolves into a dusty shower of deactivated nanites. Prowl is soon uncovered, but he's suffered grave wounds and must be taken back to the Autobots' ship for repairs. Sari pesters Bumblebee to be taken along, and her new friend reluctantly agrees, since there's no time to make her go away quietly.

[[File:TFA TFandRollout Sari followedmehome.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|Bumblebee, having a pet is a big responsibility.]]
Once on board, Sari's refusal to stay still and quiet causes 'Bee some embarrassment. He quickly and discreetly ejects her into a ventilation port and joins the others. However, the port opens onto a shaft that takes Sari right to the chamber where the AllSpark is being kept. Curious, she touches it, and it reacts to her, sending its energies into her security card key and reconfiguring it into [[AllSpark Key|a key of another sort entirely]]. Prime finds her almost immediately thereafter, but with no time left to spare away from Prowl, he has to bring her back with him to the repair table. Ratchet's prognosis is bleak, but the [[AllSpark Key]] abruptly reacts, glowing and tugging her toward Prowl. Bumblebee, seeming to grasp what's happening, helps her onto the table, and as she approaches, her Key reshapes itself to fit into a slot on Prowl's chest. She inserts it, and with a burst of energy, the Autobot ninja is whole again. The Autobots then take Sari home and, after a brief misunderstanding, are made heroes and are even invited to a ceremony.

In outer space, Starscream sits aboard the damaged but functional Decepticon ship, babbling that he will find the AllSpark, even though he's been attempting it on his own for the last fifty solar cycles. The ship's computers then detect the traces of AllSpark-like energy in action, and Starscream learns where the Autobots are...
{{-}}

===Part 3===
[[File:Sariprime.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|INSERT WHAT WHERE?!]]
The Autobots are later seen trying to fit in. Bulkhead gets firsthand experience in traffic jams, some birds mistake Prowl for the statue of the {{w|Hazen S. Pingree|bald guy}} next to him, Bumblebee learns how organics fuel up, and Ratchet can't get a stasis nap without getting a dozen or so parking tickets. Optimus Prime remarks that the Autobots are programmed to respect life, which they always understood to stem from the AllSpark, but as organics are life, they must respect and protect them too. Optimus also expresses curiosity about how little organics are made. Sari's whispered explanation leaves him rather... shocked. The Autobots make a [[Autobot Earth Base|new home base]] out of a building Sari's dad got out of a merger, an abandoned auto factory that Bumblebee describes as a real fixer-upper—a REAL fixer-upper. All of a sudden, they get alerted to a fire. The Autobots proceed to douse the blaze and save its victims, no problem, unaware they are being watched by Starscream.

The next day, during the inauguration ceremony for the Sumdac [[Fully Automated Rapid Transit System]] (F.A.R.T.S., for short), Starscream enters Earth's atmosphere and takes on a group of fighter jets. He destroys all but one, which he scans. As the civilians and Autobots watch the aerial display of the [[Crimson Angels]], Isaac Sumdac notices there is an extra jet present that he didn't hire. That one jet then leaves the formation and streaks toward the ceremony platform, where it transforms into Starscream, who fires his null-ray cannons at the Autobots.

After a short fight, which the Autobots lose, Starscream knocks out Bumblebee and takes him, Isaac, the mayor, and Capt. Fanzone hostage in the F.A.R.T.S. train, flying it to the top of a very tall tower. He demands that the Autobots deliver the AllSpark if they want him to release the train car. The Autobots don't trust him, but don't want to risk human lives, so Sari offers a plan, but they ignore her. She continues to tell a sob story until the Autobots listen. The Autobots proceed with her plan, and Prowl and Sari fly up to the transit pod to rescue the hostages while the other Autobots keep Starscream busy. Once Starscream realizes what's happening, he takes a brief beating but recovers quickly. Starscream then throws the train—thus keeping his end of the deal—with Sari, Prowl, and Bumblebee on top of/in it. Between Bumblebee's agility and Prowl's thrusters plus Ratchet's magnets, Sari is rescued and the train lands without much damage. The Autobots then challenge Starscream to a friendly game of Keep Away, during which Starscream almost gets the AllSpark, but Bulkhead gets it instead, because he said he got it. A furious Starscream unleashes a devastating, prolonged (as in nearly 12 seconds) null-ray blast on the Autobots, briefly knocking them all senseless.

[[File:TFA TFandRollout Prime SS Allsparkactivates.jpg|left|upright=0.85|thumb|In the old days, [[The Touch]] would have started playing now.]]
With the Autobots down, Starscream takes the AllSpark from Optimus and blows a couple of blocks of Detroit right off the map. Not ready to give up, Optimus climbs all the way up a building to get it back from Starscream, which Starscream doesn't see coming because he was too busy gloating. After a quick back-and-forth exchange of possessing it, both grab it at the same time. As they struggle, the AllSpark opens and emits a strange energy wave that blasts Starscream away.

The explosion has left Prime dangling precariously, and he takes a tremendous plummet to the pavement. He notes weakly that he now knows what it feels like to be a hero, then dies, but Sari uses the AllSpark Key to revive him.<ref>[[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|This is something of an Optimus Prime record]]: Dead after only three episodes, revived a mere 75 seconds later. Way to go.</ref> The Autobots later go about fixing up Detroit, earning the enduring gratitude of the citizenry. Professor Sumdac is also grateful, for the Autobots saved him and Sari, but he fears what will happen if the Autobots—not to mention the rest of the world—were to discover the source of his robotic empire.

Unseen by Sumdac, one of the [[Sensors|optics]] of his source of technology glows in a darkened room. Megatron still functions...
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters|
c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] (2)
*[[Bulkhead (Animated)|Bulkhead]] (3)
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] (5)
*[[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|Sentinel Prime]] (7)
*[[Ultra Magnus (Animated)|Ultra Magnus]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] (9)
*[[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] (10)
*[[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] (11)
*[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] (12)
*[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] (13)

|c3=
*[[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]] (14)
*[[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|Daniel]] (17)
*[[Spike Witwicky (Animated)|Spike]] (18)
*[[Carly Witwicky (Animated)|Carly]] (19)
*Kid (20)
*[[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] (22)
*[[Eddie Fairchild and Matt Conroy|Sumdac technicians]] (24)
*[[Carmine Fanzone|Captain Fanzone]] (25)
*Irate driver (27)
*[[Lester Black]] (29)
*[[Augustus Edsel|Mayor Edsel]] (30)

|c4=
*[[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Teletran-1]] (6)
*[[Trash Bot]] (15)
*[[Hot Dog Bot]] (16)
*[[Sparkplug (robot dog)|Sparkplug]] (21)
*[[Tutor Bot]] (23)
*[[Copterdrone]]s (26)
*[[Burger Bot]] (28)}}

==History vid==
{{quote|Many millions of years ago, war raged between the forces of the heroic Autobots and the brutal Decepticons for control of the planet Cybertron. The Autobots battled valiantly in the name of honor—their courageous exploits bringing hope and glory to a beleaguered war-torn planet, and inspiring countless generations of robots yet to come on-line.|Narrator}}
Scene 1: Decepticon troopers attack led by their commander. Their numbers appear overwhelming. 
Scene 2: Two tetrajets pursue two Autobots over a Cybertronian highway. 
Scene 3: [[Omega Sentinel (Animated)|Omega Sentinel]]-like robots counter-attack the Decepticon troopers and appear to turn the tide. 
Scene 4: Transport trucks enter a storage facility. 
Scene 5: [[Dion (G1)|An inspired Transformer]] salute.

==Quotes==
"Do you ever get the feeling that you were programmed for something more than just repairing space bridges?" 
"I got a diagnostics program that can delete that feeling like a bad line of code."
:—'''Optimus Prime''''s dreams are crushed to a fine powder by '''Ratchet'''.

'''Icy Blitzwing''': *freezes Blackarachnia's right arm* As usual, ''Blackarachnia'', your demeanor is as unpleasant as that accursed, organic mode of yours. 
'''Blackarachnia''': Blow it out your actuator, three face. *snarls and breaks the ice on her hand* 
'''Hothead Blitzwing''': Ze name is '''BLITZWING''', insect! REMEMBER IT! Because it's the last thing you're going to hear before I- 
'''Random Blitzwing''': Express my feelings in song! ZE ITSY BITSY SPIDER...
:—Blitzwing cements his position as a fan favorite in less than a minute.

"What do you want now, Starscream?" 
"Only to wish you luck, my liege." 
"I do not believe in luck." 
"Neither do I."
:—'''Megatron''' fails to notice '''Starscream''' place his explosive.

"Know what? You're even uglier at this angle!"
:—'''Bumblebee''' is about to realize there are some things you should never, EVER, say to a Decepticon.

"Hi, I'm Bumblebee!" 
"I'm Sari." 
"Oh, don't be, I like my name."
:—'''Bumblebee''' and '''Sari''' are off to an awkward start.

"Y'know, all things considered, fixin' space bridges wasn't such a bad gig."
:—'''Bumblebee''', just before embarking on the plan to dissolve the bug monster.

"Uh...am I going to be able to ''breathe'' down there?" 
"Oh, sure! ...What's 'breathe'?"
:—'''Sari''' is in good hands with '''Bumblebee'''.

"And to think, Ultra Magnus told me not to be a hero. Is this what it was like in your day?" 
"The Decepticons didn't leave us very much to cheer about."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ratchet''' at the ceremony.

"Enjoy it while you can, 'heroes.' You're about to take a fall."
:—'''Starscream''', watching a news report on the Autobots.

"Give up the AllSpark or give up the Earth. How am I supposed to decide?" 
"Heroes are the ones who make the hard choices."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Ratchet''' after Starscream makes his ultimatum.

"Let go, Autobot!" 
"Never! The AllSpark is life!" 
"Then, let it end yours!"
:—'''Starscream''' and '''Optimus Prime''', fighting over the AllSpark.

"So, this...is what it feels like...to be a hero."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', just before dying.

"Fixing bridges? Isn't this where we started out?"
:—'''Bumblebee''', as the Autobots clean up the city.

==Notes==

===Transformers references===
*The title of the episode itself is a [[Roll out|reference to past Transformers lore]].
*Footage from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1 cartoon]] episodes "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]" and "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]" is used as history tapes detailing the events of the first [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], millions of years prior, accompanied by narration from [[Corey Burton]] doing his best impression of [[Victor Caroli]]. [[Canon|This]] has been confirmed as purely an in-joke, and should not be taken as linking ''Animated'' to G1, continuity wise.
*The [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Autobot ship]] here bears a distinct resemblance to the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], albeit with a colour scheme more reminiscent of [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]]. (As we learn [[A Bridge Too Close, Part II|much later]], there is a very good reason for that.)
*Bumblebee says "[[Rattrap (BW)|We're all gonna die.]]"
*Sari's robotic dog [[Sparkplug (robot dog)|Sparkplug]] is likely named after either [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] from G1, the ''Armada'' Mini-Con [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], or both.
[[File:Spikecarlydanielanimated.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Twenty years later, and they're still overdressed.]]
*Characters resembling [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]], [[Carly]], and [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel Witwicky]] are seen at a hot dog stand, purchasing some sort of futuristic bunless wieners-on-a-stick. The characters went on to become recurring figures in the background cast of the show, and in "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]" it was revealed that their names were... [[Spike Witwicky (Animated)|Spike]], [[Carly Witwicky (Animated)|Carly]] and [[Daniel Witwicky (Animated)|Daniel Witwicky]].
*When Optimus Prime dies, his body [[aggressive depigmentation|fades to grays]], just as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Generation 1 Optimus Prime]] did in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. His spark chamber opens in much the same manner as well.
*Teletran-1 (spelled with only one "a" in this universe) dispatches a small satellite very similar to the [[Sky Spy]] satellite used on occasion by the Autobots in the ''Generation 1'' cartoon. The glowing energy "boxes" with which it scans vehicles for the Autobots to transform into are lifted wholesale out of "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".
*At one point, Bulkhead refers to Optimus as "Boss-bot", echoing an epithet used for ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] by the [[Fuzor]] [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]], and also used by Cheetor refer to Optimus Primal. Bumblebee also calls Optimus "Big-bot", again a term used by Cheetor to refer to Optimus.

===Real world references===
*In this episode, [[Tutor Bot]] tries to teach Sari about the {{w|Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act}}, a major economic blunder of the 1930s.
*In this episode, Starscream's engines use a sound effect borrowed from ''The Phantom Menace'': the sound made by Sebulba's podracer engines; and from “Attack of the Clones”: the sound made by Obi-Wan Kenobi's starfighter exiting hyperspace.
*When Prowl gets birdpooped on, he is standing next to a statue of {{w|Hazen S. Pingree}}, four-term mayor of Detroit and one-time governor of Michigan. In real life, the statue is located in Detroit's Grand Circus Park.
*A refurbished Michigan Central Station makes an appearance as the site for the dedication of Detroit's rapid transit system. The real-life station (abandoned since the '80s) was featured in the [[Transformers (film)|2007 live-action movie]].
*When Optimus comes back to life, he asks, "Is this the [[Well of All Sparks]]?" and Sari answers, "No, it's Detroit." This is an allusion to the movie ''Field of Dreams'', in which Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) asks Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), "Is this Heaven?" and Ray answers, "No, it's Iowa."
*In the Japanese dub, Bumblebee mentions ''Rescue Fire'', which is another [[TakaraTomy]] property that's based on Takara's Tomica toy car line. Prior to ''Animated''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Japanese debut, it aired in the same timeslot and channel as ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (cartoon)|Galaxy Force]]'' did.
*The Crimson Angels are a reference to the {{w|Blue Angels}}.

===Animation or technical glitches===
*Megatron's vehicle mode was depicted flying upside-down, or backwards, or possibly both. To be fair, in space, there is no up and down (and to be even fairer, it's really hard to tell from the toys exactly what ''is'' the front of Megatron's Cybertronian spaceship mode), but that does not excuse the fact that any propulsion system used would be in the ''back'' of the mode.
*Prowl sliced off what was left of Megatron's arm below the elbow, but when Ratchet hurls it at Megs, it was sliced above (and subsequently includes) his elbow.
*Megatron's mouth doesn't move when he offers to spare the Autobots’ lives in exchange for the Allspark.
*When the Autobot get into the stasis pods, Prime, Bulkhead, and Ratchet are on the left side, with Bumblebee, Prowl, and an empty pod on the right, in that order. Yet when they get out later in the episode, Prime, Bumblebee, and Bulkhead are on the left, and the empty one, Prowl, and Ratchet on the right.
*As pre-Earth Prime enters the chamber which will re-format his body into his Earth mode, he walks past Ratchet, who is drawn mostly in his pre-Earth mode, except for the fact that his Cybertronian gut is replaced with his ambulance gut. In the next scene, Ratchet is properly drawn, pre-Earth gut and all.
*When Sari says to the Autobots it is okay to put down their hands, Bulkhead's face is black.
*When Bulkhead removes the Allspark from Ratchet's vehicle mode, in one frame the black outlining on his right arm vanishes and reappears one frame later.
*When Starscream tackles Optimus Prime through a building as the Autobot tries to escape with the AllSpark, Optimus's axe is missing from Starscream's left wing. It reappears moments later for Optimus to retrieve it.
*In at least one scene, Starscream's Earth-form wing is shown with a spike, in the same manner as his Cybertronian body.
*When Optimus' chest closes up after his Spark is restored, the wide 'spark cover' section is not seen flipping back down. It disappears when his windows close back over his spark.

===Continuity errors===
*There was a pretty big continuity error evident in the show's very premise that nobody really picked up on, which was: if the AllSpark was the source of Transformer life, and it was jettisoned into space at the end of the Great War, and most of Prime's crew weren't ''alive'' during the Great War... how did they come on-line? Despite the fact that nobody was asking the question, the ''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|AllSpark Almanac II]]'' guidebook provided the answer by revealing that there is also a version of [[Vector Sigma]] in the ''Animated'' universe that could also grant life.
*The train Starscream blasts from the tower falls toward the ground very, very slowly.
*When we first meet Starscream, he states that he has been searching for the AllSpark for fifty ''solar'' cycles. In later episodes, a solar cycle is equivalent to a day and a ''stellar'' cycle is used for years. This is the only time a solar cycle has been used to reference years, so either Starscream entered some sort of temporal anomaly or someone messed up. For more <s>confusion</s> information, see our breakdown of [[units of time]].
*Sumdac is using Megatron's hand as a chair. However, he seems to be using the right hand, which was blown up by Starscream. (It ''could'' have fallen off the Autobots' ship, as it was still clinging to the hull when last seen, but that seems unlikely.)
*From Isaac Sumdac's monologue, it seems he ''somehow'' knows the source of this technology has some relation to the Decepticons. But, not only he has no way of knowing that, he [[Blast from the Past|later]] believes Megatron when he presents himself as an Autobot.
**Or, when he expresses his concerns, he could just have meant him dissecting one of their kind.
*When Optimus Prime first tries to activate the Orion's "Omega" emergency defense system, Teletran-1 claims it has been disabled due to energy conservation efforts. However, [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]] [[TransWarped|is in a modified stasis due to being critically injured]], not due to Cybertron's "green" initiatives. Optimus appears to be aware of the [[Omega Sentinel (Animated)|Omega Sentinel]] function, but has never actually used it.

===Trivia===
*Bumblebee's voice is slightly different in this episode from how it sounds later, as is Lugnut's voice, which seems very metallic.
*When mocking the Autobots, Starscream actually calls Megatron "the great Megatron" without any sarcasm. Apparently, he'll only give a sincere compliment to his leader when he's insulting something else. Either that or he's just trying to make ''himself'' sound more impressive by building up the reputation of the one he's defeated.
*According to responses at a panel at BotCon 2008, the unfortunate acronym for Fully Automated Rapid Transit System was totally unintentional...which makes it that much funnier.
*Ratchet is able to use his front windshield as a video screen.
*Several elements present in this opener were changed/dropped in the main series, including expressive vehicle modes, the replacement of solar cycles with stellar cycles in terminology, the recolouring of Ratchet's magnetism from yellow to pink, and Sari's Key changing shape. However, the expressions on vehicle mode were briefly used again by [[Wasp]] in the episode "[[Predacons Rising (Animated)|Predacons Rising]]".
*During [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari's]] "conversation" with the [[AllSpark]], it shows her the faces of Ultra Magnus, Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Starscream, then the Cybertronian [[Alternate mode|vehicle modes]] for Optimus and Ratchet, the AllSpark's case and the Autobots' ship. Then Sari unknowingly shows the AllSpark a man and a woman in suits, a boy, the planet [[Earth]], pyramids, purple flowers, a horse, an aircraft with a giant cloud coming from the back, a cell and a DNA strand. The woman has dark skin and red hair like Sari.
*This is the only episode in the series where Blackarachnia is shown to be working - or even aligned in any way - with the Decepticons. Beyond the opening [[introdump]] and [[Nemesis (Animated)|abandoning ship]], she's very much an independent agent.
**Although, the same could arguably be said for Starscream.
*This movie was (lovingly) lampooned at the [[MSTF]] panel for [[BotCon 2008]], along with "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]", the episode from which most of the "history vid" footage was taken.
*Remarkably, when Optimus Prime's ship began free falling towards Detroit and crashed into Lake Erie, it did not catch one human bystander's attention, even in the dead of night. Now that's a city that sleeps.
*In addition, the giant yellow ship went unnoticed at the bottom of the lake for 50 years straight.
*This episode was adapted in comic book format using screen captures as "[[Transformers Animated Volume 1]]".

===Foreign localization===
'''Brazilian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transformar e Avançar!'''" ("Transform and Advance!")
:*''Original airdate:'' ???

'''French'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Les Transformers mettent la gomme'''" ("The Transformers put the pedal to the metal")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 3|3 September]] [[2008]]

'''German'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transformieren und Abfahrt'''" ("Transform and Roll Out")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[May 3|3 May]] [[2008]] (Part 1), [[May 10|10 May]] 2008 (Part 2), [[May 17|17 May]] 2008 (Part 3)

'''Italian'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Viaggio verso l'ignoto'''" ("Journey towards the Unknown")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[September 20|20 September]] [[2008]] (Part 1), [[September 27|27 September]] 2008 (Part 2), [[October 4|4 October]] 2008 (Part 3)

'''Spanish (Latin America)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transformense y avancen'''" ("Transform and go forward")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[June 7|7 June]] [[2008]], (The Three episodes)

'''Japanese (Part 1)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Shinshō! Transformer'''" (新章! トランスフォーマー, "A New Chapter! Transformers")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 3|3 April]] [[2010]]

::*The episode begins with the entire [[Otoboto family]] gathered as Yūka and Tatsuya tell the viewers in unison to watch in a well-lit room (to prevent seizures and damage to your eyesight, you know).
::*As the [[title sequence]] begins, [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] asks how everyone is doing, then introduces himself as leader of the Autobots. When he realizes nobody knows who he is, he ''assures'' them that he's leader of the Autobots. Then the [[Transformers Evo.|theme song]] starts.
::*'''Cut:''' Ratchet and Optimus's conversation as they walk down a hall, where Prime refers to feeling like being meant for "more than just repairing space bridges", and Ratchet's snarky response about deleting that feeling "like a bad line of code".
::*'''Cut:''' Bulkhead's comment on their medic being always grumpy, Ratchet responding to Bumblebee's age crack with a smack upside the head and the retort of "I may have one servo in the scrapheap, but I can still hear!".
::*The usual cries of "Transform!" and attack names are added in. ([[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]]'s "stingers" are now called "Energy Stingers", for instance.) Perhaps most annoyingly, ''every single thing Optimus does'' has the prefix of "Ultra" added to it. In the span of ten seconds, he goes through his "Ultra Anchor", "Ultra Axe" and "Ultra Net" attacks.
::*'''Cut:''' After shutting down the space bridge, the following sequence where Ratchet is repairing Bumblebee, Bulkhead commenting about Optimus's moves, Optimus reluctantly admitting that he used to train at the Academy, and Bumblebee saying that he should've been with the Elite Guard.
::*'''Cut:''' Ratchet's poking back at Optimus wanting to see some action, Bumblebee pointing out they're repair bots, Optimus requesting a link with Cybertron Command Headquarters and Bulkhead impressed by it.
::*Teletran-1 now speaks as though "she" is in a state of perpetual orgasm.
::*When the Autobots first happen upon the ''[[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]'' and all freak over [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]], a new [[scene transition]] is added when transitioning into the discussion between the Decepticon forces. A guitar riff of the classic Generation 1 scene transition music is even used.
::*[[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]]'s personae now speak with thick American accents, and spout English words like "Hey!" and "Man!"
::*New [[commercial bumper]]s have been crafted, featuring stock art of the characters with their voice actors screaming their name, followed by "Transform!"
::*'''Cut:''' [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s entire speech on the bridge ("This is a dark day...") followed by him getting caught in the explosion.
::*When Bulkhead tumbles into Optimus, following his line "A little warning would have helped!", he screams out "Mommyyyyyyy!" Yeah, Japanese Bulkhead ain't so smart.
::*'''Cut:''' After Megatron is kicked from the ship, the establishing shots of Paw Paw (the street sign, the outside of the barn and the scroll across [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]]'s lab).
::*'''Cut:''' Following Prime's line "Not until I've steered us clear of this populated sector!", the brief scenes of the Autobots being sealed in their stasis pods.
::*'''Cut:''' As soon as the ship crashes into Lake Eerie and leaves a stream of upturned water on the surface, the scenes of the ship sinking and Teletran-1 "initiating emergency stasis mode" on the pods as they turn grey. The episode resumes at the long shot of the sinking ship slowly coming toward the camera, with a new voice-over of Teletran-1 telling the Autobots "good night".
::*'''Cut:''' As Isaac Sumdac narrates the history of Detroit and automaton manufacturing, the scene of the trash-collecting automaton has been cut.
::*'''Cut:''' The scenes of [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] pulling the bubblegum off her face, eating it, the crowd reacting in disgust, Isaac Sumdac reacting in frustration, the kid asking Sari what its like to grow up around robots and [[Tutor Bot]] hauling Sari off.
::*'''Cut:''' After the cockroach absorbs the nanobot liquid, all the scenes involving Isaac Sumdac explaining the nanobots to the children and the children looking through microscopes at the nanobots. The sequence cuts to the roach growing bigger.
::*'''Cut:''' The close-up of Isaac Sumdac saying "Nothing to be concerned about, children!" and the kid remarking that "This accident doesn't look too happy". The sequence cuts to the roach crashing through the window behind him.
::*The Otoboto Family segment features [[Hiroyuki Otoboto]] telling his son, [[Tatsuya Otoboto]], about ''[[The Transformers (cartoon)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'', complete with clips from "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]", as well as a brief musical clip from the songs "Time Bomb Town" (by Lindsey Buckingham, from the ''[[Back to the Future]]'' soundtrack) and "Fairy Godmother Song" (from the ''Shrek 2'' soundtrack). Mr. Otoboto then produces a complete set of ''Animated'' Autobot toys. Tatsuya is thrilled, but wouldn't ya know it? [[Megumi Otoboto|Mrs. Otoboto]] comes in with dinner! During mealtime conversation, Mrs. Otoboto makes the mistake of using the word "transform", which inevitably causes Tatsuya to start talking about Transformers, much to the amusement of his father and the annoyance of his older sister, [[Yūka Otoboto|Yūka]]. Tatsuya then causes a "freeze frame" so that he can introduce himself and his family (messing with his father's glasses in the process for his own amusement). Oddly, despite being "frozen", everyone proceeds to blink. As time resumes its normal pace, Hiroyuki wonders what happened to his glasses. He then digs into his dinner, except, oh no! It's too hot! ''Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!''
::*During the "next episode" segment, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee proceed to have an argument. Bumblebee thinks Optimus's name is too long and hard to remember. Bumblebee suggests that "[[Convoy (rank)|Convoy]]" would be better, but Prime shoots the idea down immediately. Bumblebee opts to call him "Opti" (''Oputi''), since it has fewer syllables. Prime refuses to be called such a name (more fitting for a dog), so Bumblebee settles on "Pu-Pu" after "Opera" (''Opura'') is also rejected for sounding weird. Prime refuses that too, thinking it sounds cute, but that it would be hard not to laugh instinctively at it. Bumblebee then tricks Prime into answering to it, which frustrates him even ''further''. The argument proceeds ''past'' the "next episode" segment and straight into the sponsor cards.

'''Japanese (Part 2)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Eiyū, sono Na wa Autobot'''" (英雄、その名はオートボット, "The Heroes Are Called Autobots")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 10|10 April]] [[2010]]

::*Hiroyuki and Tatsuya Otoboto tell the viewers in unison to watch the episode in a well-lit room (with Hiroyuki giving a creepy wink at the end).
::*Instead of Optimus introducing at the opening, Bumblebee introduces himself and tells viewers to listen to [[JAM Project]]'s [[Transformers Evo.|cool song]].
::*'''Cut:''' The rush of emergency vehicles driving through the city, alongside the following scene of Fanzone getting into his car, preparing to enjoy lunch at Burger Bot, and receiving the emergency call before departing.
::*'''Cut:''' Fanzone arriving at Sumdac laboratories, his little dilemma with the broken megaphone, and his first directions to the police force.
::*Optimus now has "Ultra Jump" added to his "arsenal" as he distracts the nano-monster.
::*Bulkhead now says "''dosukoi''" on occasion, a word usually used by {{w|Sumo|sumo wrestlers}}.
::*'''Cut:''' The left-to-right pan of the ruined laboratory where the tour had taken place.
::*'''Cut:''' Much of the flying debris from the monster falling into the ocean.
::*During the [[trans-scan]]ning, Teletran-1 announces the type of vehicle being scanned and the Autobots as they are reformatted.
::*'''Cut:''' Fanzone noticing the four vehicles confronting the monster and attempting to call them back before noticing that they are unmanned and include his own car.
::*'''Cut:''' Immediately after the previous cut, the scene where Bulkhead and Bumblebee attempt to converse with the police drones while fighting the monster.
::*The joke on Sari's name—"I'm Bumblebee." "I'm Sari." "Oh, don't be. I like my name." "No, I mean my name is..."—is somewhat altered. Instead, Bumblebee "corrects" her that ''he's'' not named "Sari" (the pun involving "I'm Sari" sounding like "I'm sorry" not working in the Japanese language, obviously).
::*'''Cut:''' After Bumblebee takes Sari into the parking garage, Fanzone's and Dr. Sumdac's observation of Bumblebee and his unknown purposes, and the ordering the police drones to save Sari.
::*Bumblebee counts off while disabling the police drones, and he has an extra line even though his mouth doesn't move.
::*'''Cut:''' Ratchet's comment on Optimus being a "typical [[Autobot Academy|Academy Bot]]", along with a shot of the computer analysis of the monster.
::*'''Cut:''' Sari's gasp when Bumblebee is jumping at the monster.
::*When Sari reassures Ratchet that humans "don't usually blow up things" with emergency symbols, Ratchet comments about being treated kindly.
::*'''Cut:''' After Dr. Sumdac shakes hands with Optimus at the ceremony, Optimus's comment regarding not being a hero, his question to Ratchet about things being "like this in your day", and Ratchet's rather ominous response.
::*'''Cut:''' After the ceremony, the foreshadowing scene in which Starscream is seen monologuing in the crashed ''Nemesis'' on the Moon.
::*For the Otoboto family segment, Hiroyuki and Tatsuya are playing on the living room carpet with their toys (Hiroyuki and his Optimus Prime against Tatsuya and his Bumblebee). Filled with nostalgia, Hiroyuki begins describing the Autobots and the roles of each character to the audience, only to have Tatsuya beat him to the punch by ending all his sentences. Suddenly, they hear a crashing sound coming from the kitchen. Hiroyuki and Tatsuya rise to the occasion, shout "Transform!" and "change" into Optimus Prime and Megatron t-shirts (accompanied by their own dramatic "transformation" sequences and the theme from ''[[Fandom:powerrangers:Hikari Sentai Maskman|Maskman]]''). But before they can battle the forces of Evil stirring up trouble in the kitchen, they first have to sit back down on the living room floor and transform their toys into vehicle mode. (So, what if there was a burglar beating your wife, dude?) As Hiroyuki completes the transformation of his Optimus toy, we are assured that the "adventure" of the Otoboto family will be continued next episode.
::*In the "next episode" segment, Bulkhead asks Ratchet about the name "Transformers Animated", and Bulkhead then mistakenly tells viewers to watch "Transformers Anime". Ratchet later jokes about shortening the title to "Tra-Ani" because the original title is a bit long.

'''Japanese (Part 3)'''
:*''Title:'' "'''AllSpark no Himitsu'''" (オールスパークの秘密, "Secret of the AllSpark")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[April 17|17 April]] [[2010]]

::*This time, it's mother and daughter, Megumi and Yūka Otoboto, who tell viewers to watch the episode in a well-lit room.
::*Starscream does the intro in a rather...perky manner.
::*'''Cut:''' The ''whole'' sequence of the Autobots integrating themselves into Detroit: Bulkhead walking through rush hour traffic, Prowl's encounter with the birds' "present", Bumblebee ordering at Burger Bot, Ratchet getting ticketed for napping in a no-parking zone, Sari traumatizing Optimus on human reproduction, and the Autobots checking out their new "home".
::*During the sequence in which the Autobots are responding to the building fire, there are some additional lines and a tweak: The entire team sound off their names while heading on scene; Bumblebee jokes about calling in [[Rescue Fire]], to which Bulkhead responds by breaking the fourth wall, "That's a different show"; and the news reporter's coverage/praise of the Autobots doesn't mention "Detroit" by name and lasts until the scene changes to Starscream watching from the ''Nemesis''.
::*Sumdac says "480" on introducing the F.A.R.T.S.'s speed, which makes sense, as Japan uses the metric system and 300 miles equals to 482.803 kilometers.
::*'''Cut:''' Optimus commenting to Ratchet on being constantly called "heroes" and not feeling any different than repairing space bridges before, and Ratchet's response on the grim ends of the "heroes" he's known and his reluctance to share their fates.
::*During Starscream's attack on the jet fighters, one of the pilots shouts additional "Mayday!"s, to which Starscream retorts that "It's not 'Mayday', it's Starscream! Remember it!"
::*'''Cut:''' Panning shot from the top of Michigan Central Station down to the gathered Transformers.
::*When Starscream claims he's the "new boss" (literally) of the Decepticons, Bulkhead corrects him instead of saying that he thought Megatron was in charge.
::*Extra lines: both Ratchet and Prowl after the station crumbles; Starscream has one before Prowl tricks him with a hologram and another while dragging Optimus about after Prime uses his grappling hook.
::*'''Cut:''' Optimus declaring his name after Starscream demands the AllSpark. Cuts right to Starscream tossing Bumblebee into the transit pod.
::*Starscream's gloating while circling Sumdac Tower before Optimus baits him with the AllSpark.
::*When Sumdac asks how Sari got up the tower, Prowl's line is changed from "Same way you're getting down," to "By me, father." Fanzone's "This is why I hate machines!" catchphrase during the trip down is also tweaked.
::*Fanzone seems to be screaming for his grandfather as Prowl is dropping down to the blimp.
::*Additional line for Starscream when Ratchet tries to stop him with his magnetic manipulators.
::*Add "Ultra Spray" to Optimus's list of "Ultra" attacks when he sprays Starscream with fire retardant foam twice. Oy...
::*Bumblebee has an extra line while trying to attack Starscream when the latter realizes the jig's up.
::*Prowl calls out to Bumblebee when the train is knocked over the edge, and Starscream shouts "Dual Sonic Blaster" on sending all three into free fall.
::*Joining Bumblebee's ''"Ikimasu!"'' and Bulkhead's ''"Dosukoi!"'', Prowl's verbal tic is ''"De aru!"'' (Literally, "to be" in formal speech.)
::*Bulkhead's rhetorical question on catching the train on the first bounce is changed to a vow to do his best.
::*Instead of shock absorbers, Sari asks if Bumblebee has a parachute.
::*Ratchet has "Magnet Power" as his attack call when he catches the youngest pair, Sari's "some shock absorbers" line is altered, Prowl has "They're floating." as an extra line, and Bumblebee thanks Ratchet. Optimus's "think fast" line is delayed to just as he throws the AllSpark, and the medic's "Aw, crud." line is changed to objecting on being called "gramps" by Bumblebee.
::*While Sari calls the game "Keep Away" in English, here it's changed to Tag, or 鬼ごっこ (''oni-gokko'').
::*Instead of going on how fast one can stop, Bumblebee talks about hitting the goal.
::*Bulkhead's "I said, 'I ''got'' it.'" is altered after he clocks Starscream and gets the AllSpark.
::*Starscream yells that the show isn't over yet when he attacks the Autobots again just as Optimus is contemplating on getting the AllSpark to a safe place.
::*Instead of responding that it's Detroit when Optimus asks whether he's in the Well of AllSparks, Sari just welcomes him back. Another line change is that she tells Bulkhead that humans also cry when they're happy, instead of the Autobots having much to learn about humans.
::*'''Cut:''' The news reporter covering the Autobots' rescue and repair efforts, Bumblebee commenting how they started out on fixing bridges, Sumdac's lament of his robotic empire's origin, and the camera pan to Megatron's head.
::*In this Otoboto family segment, Hiroyuki whips out his cellphone and goes into full chatting mode. Tatsuya wonders what kind of work his father does and whether it's actually work, as he usually sees Hiroyuki playing with Transformers figures almost all the time. Tatsuya then flashbacks to last week, when, after transforming their figures to vehicle mode, father and son are racing Optimus and Bumblebee before encountering Yūka's feet. Yūka thinks her father is quite the man-child and hands over a card from someone whom Hiroyuki thought passed away three years earlier.
::*The Autobots discuss their favorite sports player during the "next episode" segment, Optimus citing {{w|Shuzo Matsuoka}} as his favorite, much to the others' disappointment. As Prime waxes poetic about Matsuoka's passion and energetic character, he doesn't realize that his teammates have already left.

'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Transformacja i jazda'''" ("Transform and Roll Out")
:*''Original airdate:'' [[October 11|11 October]] [[2008]] (Parts 1 and 2), [[October 12|12 October]] [[2010]] (Part 3)

==Home video releases==
;DVD
[[File:Flag of UN.png|20px|International release]] 2008 — ''Transformers Animated'' — The Battle Begins ([[Pack-in material|Hasbro]]) — Part 1 only. 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Transform and Roll Out ([[Transformers Animated (cartoon)/home video|Paramount]]) — English and Spanish audio. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2008 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Transform and Roll Out (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of UK.png|20px|United Kingdom]] 2008 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Transform and Roll Out (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Transformieren und Abfahrt (Paramount) — English and German audio. 
[[File:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2010 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Vol. 1 (Paramount) — Japanese audio only. 
[[File:Flag of Australia.png|20px|Australia]] 2013 — ''Transformers Animated'' — Season One ([[Madman Entertainment]]) 
[[File:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2014 — ''Transformers Animated'' — The Complete Series ([[Shout! Factory]])

== Footnote ==
<references/>

[[Category:Animated episodes]]
[[Category:MSTF]]

Conjunx Endura

2022-08-14T23:18:22Z

Gladiatrix: per jro: he wasn't lying here (https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/james-roberts-ama-mtmte-ll-questions-answered-transcript.1164603/)

[[File:TheGloaming-iloveyou.jpg|thumb|300px|Also, when are you going to take out the trash?]]
A '''Conjunx Endura''' is a [[Transformer]]'s significant other, an individual that they deeply [[Transformer romance|love]]. In [[human]] terms, Conjunx Endurae<ref>Official plural form used by Sentinel Prime in [[Last Light (issue)|''More than Meets the Eye'' #57]]; in ''real'' Latin, it would be "Conjuges."</ref> are the equivalent of spouses; for example, when the life of a Transformer is threatened to the point of unconsciousness, it falls upon their Conjunx Endura to make medical decisions on their behalf.<ref>"[[Before & After]]"</ref> Traditionally, a Transformer chooses a prospective partner through the ritual known as the '''Conjunx Ritus''': four acts of affection and mutual kindness which cement the bond between the two individuals.<ref>"[[The Lopsided Triangle]]"</ref> A bonded pair may be referred to as '''Junxies''' as an affectionate nickname.<ref>"[[Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet]]"</ref>

Some Transformers think close relationships like these are embarrassing. Bluntly asking a stranger about their Conjunx is considered a bit gauche.<ref>"[[slaughterhouse]]"</ref>

{{bigquote|I've always been terrified that you'd die before I did, because you and me apart strikes me as intensely wrong.|Part of [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]'s final message to [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|his Conjunx Endura]]|"[[The Gloaming]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===

Back in [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime's]] day, the concept of Conjunx Endurae was known as "Sparkmates". {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}}

Few Transformers have more than one Conjunx Endura in their lifespan, and many don't even have one. [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] was an exception, having had at least four. This may be a unique case as every time one of his Conjunx Endurae died, Chromedome used his abilities as a [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] to remove all his memories of [[Scattergun]], [[Mach (G1)|Mach]] and [[Pivot]] in turn, making it as if they had never existed in order to spare himself the pain. Each time [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] objected and each time Chromedome appeared to agree to hold off, before performing the procedure the moment Brainstorm left the room. This had the side effect of leading Chromedome to believe he was "born dry," the only person in history born without [[innermost energon]]. In fact, he had taken part in the ceremony of leaving a vial of innermost energon next to a friend or loved one so often, he literally had nothing left to give. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

When [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] died, {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} Chromedome planned to remove the memory again, over Brainstorm's by-then ritualistic objections, but a final message from Rewind convinced him not to go through with it. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

Before the war, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] would needle [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] by saying his brother's friend [[Horri-Bull]] was his Conjunx. Needlenose denied it at the time, but millions of years later, he'd angrily tell Tracks that Horri-Bull was the only one he'd ever loved. It is unknown if Horri-Bull returned his feelings. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

[[File:ChooseMe-engagement.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Some Transformers on the thirteen colony worlds maintained the tradition. Two such planets are [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} and [[Velocitron]]. [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]]'s Conjunx Endura is [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]], an atypically slow Velocitronian. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}} The [[Torchbearer]]s [[Dust Up]] and [[Jumpstream]] are Conjunx Endurae. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] are portrayed in a romantic relationship (as usual), but it is unknown if the inhabitants of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]] would refer to this bond as a Conjunx Endura. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} The Camien [[Lightbright (G1)|Lightbright]] formed a bond of affection with the [[Firecon]] [[Sparkstalker]], leading the latter to ask her to become his Conjunx Endura, which she agreed to. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

[[Getaway]] described a preliminary set of rituals that would lead to becoming Conjunx Endurae, called the Conjunx Ritus. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}}

[[Lug (IDW)|Lug]] noted that [[Anode]] had made [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] "collapse in front of his Conjunx Endura." Drift was with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] at the time, but awoke in the arms of [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie}} Later in Lost Light, Drift is confirmed to be Ratchet's Conjux Endura. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}} Lug and Anode themselves were later confirmed to be bonded through a "previously in" recap. {{storylink|An Axe to Break the Ice}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
The songwriter [[Feedback]] of the [[Rock Bot (G1)|Rock Bots]] had three sequential Conjunx Endura relationships since achieving interstellar stardom. His [[syk]]-addiction may have something to do with the rapid spousal turnover. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/28}} [[Vector Prime]] and [[Scorpia (TransTech)|Scorpia]] became Conjunx Endurae on their voyage to Nebulos. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2016/02/14}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
The [[Cyberdroid]]s [[Nucleon (TR)|Nucleon]] and [[Kari]] were Conjunx Endurae. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

[[Bazooka (BW)|Bazooka]] and [[Crazybolt (BW)|Crazybolt]] had developed a close bond during their adventures on [[Metascan Omega]], leading acting-captain [[Magmatron]] to wonder if he would have to perform a Conjunx Ritus in the near future. {{storylink|Intersectionality}}

==Notes==
*[[James Roberts]] found that both IDW and Hasbro were "supportive and indeed encouraging" about having Chromedome and Rewind as an explicit couple.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160310055612/http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts - 01:40:47 to 01:41:24]</ref>
*"Conjunx" is Latin for "spouse".
*An alternate term for essentially the same concept, "'''lifebond partner'''", was given with the [[Cyber Key Codes]]-unlocked bonus content for ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese'': '''Conjunx Endura''' (コンジャンクス・エンデュラ ''Konjankusu Endyura'')

==See also==
*[[Amica Endura]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Transformer culture]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformer culture]]

The Frail Gaze

2022-08-08T15:29:46Z

Gladiatrix: period

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=42
|prev=The Sensuous Frame
|next=The One Where They Go to Earth
|image=MTMTE42_regcvr.jpg
|title="The Frail Gaze"
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[June 24]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=June 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}
'''Boxed in by mysterious parasitic creatures, the least-charismatic members of the ''Lost Light'' and ''Vis Vitalis'' crews fight for survival against a very unusual enemy.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Personality ticks the frail gaze.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] lets off some steam by convincing [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] to dance with her, surprising the super-learner with her skill and grace. As they twirl, Nautica explains her complicated relationship with [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]]; already looked down upon and labelled "Naughty" for her lack of interest in the performing arts, Nautica essentially befriended the egotistical Firestar out of necessity, as the stricter tenets of [[Caminus (planet)|Camien]] religion would have resulted in her total ostracization if she did not have an [[Amica Endura]] before she was ten megacycles old. Worse yet, she can't "split up" with Firestar, because to do so is the ultimate affront one can commit in Camien culture. The exhausted Skids sits down to rest, but suddenly finds himself on the verge of passing out—as hideous, barnacled creates abruptly appear out of nowhere! With Skids too weak to fight and Nautica lacking the skill, the pair are soon buried under a pile of alien bodies...

In the morgue, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and [[Getaway]] are also trying to fight off the creatures, which Nightbeat deduces are using a perception-based form of cloaking that ceased functioning when the pair discovered their spores incubating on [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]]. They are saved by a missile volley courtesy of [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]]—his [[attention deflector]]s now functioning properly again after the creatures revealed themselves—and the trio beat a quick retreat.

In the medibay, [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]], [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] come under attack from the horrors, one of which emerged from within [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]'s trailer. [[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] and [[Skystriker (G1)|Skystriker]] arrive in response to the noise, but Skystriker is immediately torn to shreds by the creatures. In an act of supreme heroism, Thunderclash transforms to hold their attackers off, giving everyone the chance to escape the room—though Velocity observes the monsters shudder at the sight of Thunderclash even as they flee...
[[File:Thunderclash TheFrailGaze.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.3|]]
Back on the dancefloor, Nautica claws her way free long enough to shove her fist into a nearby recharge socket, electrocuting the creatures piled on top of them with the current. They are soon joined by the groups from the morgue and medibay and barricade themselves in; Nautica has time for a happy reunion with Velocity, which results in the truth coming out about Firestar—she was lying about being Thunderclash's first officer in order to show off, and furthermore, it was the ''[[Vis Vitalis]]'' which rescued ''her'' ship, rather than the other way around, after its pilot [[Vertex]] suddenly died. Scanning the crew for spores, Nightbeat finds them on only Skids and Getaway, prompting him to realize that the beasts are "[[personality tick]]s", parasites that feed on charisma, inadvertently picked up by Firestar's crew during a stopover on [[Marasma]]. The ticks latched onto Vertex (a celebrated actor) and drained her dry, then moved onto Thunderclash, with one of their number even revealing itself long enough to heal his old war wound so they could continue feeding on him. Just as Velocity is recounting the momentary aversion to Thunderclash she saw the ticks display, and Nightbeat is using the information to formulate a solution, the door gives way and the creatures come pouring into the room. Nautica tries to force them back by hurling the vials of donated [[innermost energon]] at them, to no effect... but then, suddenly, the ticks all keel over, as a bemused [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] enter the room!

[[File:Borer skater flex the frail gaze.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.8]]
A little later, back on the ''Lost Light'', Nightbeat explains to Magnus that the deceased ticks had literally ''overdosed'' on Rodimus and Megatron's combined charisma, an extreme extension of their aversion to Thunderclash's moment of heroism Velocity had witnessed. Nightbeat is puzzled about one thing, though: he hadn't had time to call in Rodimus and Megatron after making his deduction, so how had they known to come? Ultra Magnus explains that, actually, three other crewmembers named [[Skater]], [[Flex]], and [[Borer]] had called them—they had figured everything out first, and just weren't so gosh-darned showy about it. Thunderclash, meanwhile, is receiving treatment and well on his way to full health, and although the map to [[Cyberutopia]] was destroyed in the chaos, Thunderclash will now no longer have to rely upon the ''Vis Vitalis'' for life-support and can join the ''Lost Light'' on their quest. Firestar's group are going to take the ''Vis Vitalis'' for themselves and return to Caminus; Nautica tries to persuade her to stay, but the experience has rattled Firestar, and moreover, has made her realize that Nautica surpassed her a long time ago. Firestar proposes that they sever their platonic lifebond, but Nautica refuses, telling her they are "different, but good."

Later still, the crew celebrate the successes of the day with an "indie disco" thrown at [[Swerve's]]. During the party, [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] cues up "[[The Power of Love]]" in an attempt to get [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] to dance with him, but Cyclonus hesitates too long, and when he finally moves towards the dancefloor, Tailgate is already dancing with Getaway. Elsewhere amid the dancers, Nautica gets a nice surprise when Velocity appears, having been encouraged to stay by Firestar. Yep, all seems well to [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]]'s eyes, and he wryly remarks that "his work here is done"... after which, he suddenly vanishes!
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (1)
*[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (2)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (4)
*[[Getaway]] (5)
*[[Photon (G1)|Photon]]'s corpse (7)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (8)
*[[Minimus Ambus]]/[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (9)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (10)
*[[Firestar (G1)|Firestar]] (11)
*[[Skystriker (G1)|Skystriker]] (12)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] (13)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (14)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (15)
*[[Borer]] (16)
*[[Skater]] (17)
*[[Flex]] (18)
*[[Proxima (G1)|Proxima]] (19)
*[[Roadmaster]] (20)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (21)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity |Hound]] (23)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (24)
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (25)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (26)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (27)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (29)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (30)
*[[Atomizer]] (31)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (32)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (33)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (6)
|c4=
*[[Personality tick]]s (3)
*[[Ten]] (22)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (28)
}}

==Quotes==
"I thought you said you couldn't dance!" 
"Did I say that?" 
"You did. You used false modesty to lure me into a '''sympathy trap.'''"
:—'''Skids''' and '''Nautica'''

"I have an Amica Endura—'''Firestar'''." 
"With the flame—oh yeah, saw you talking to him." 
"Her." 
"Sorry. Force of habit."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Skids'''

"Any chance to teaching me to '''fight''' in the next five seconds? Otherwise, all I've got to throw at them is a selection of '''scathing literary quotations'''..."
:—'''Nautica''', to Skids

"I've rattled around long enough to have learned one thing: the universe is '''cold''', and '''cruel''', and '''violent'''—but only if you choose to look at it that way. For every act of aggression there are a '''thousand''' acts of kindness. For every hateful word, a million declarations of love. '''The good''' always outweighs the '''bad'''."
:—'''Thunderclash'''

"Wonderful! They're '''still''' attacking us, but now they're '''on fire'''!"
:—'''Velocity'''

"I've been thinking, and... maybe we should end it." 
"'''End''' it? Platonic Severance? Why?" 
"Fire and water—we're a '''bad mix.''' I used to think it was a case of waiting for '''you''' to catch up with '''me''', but your life now... all the things you do... fighting monsters..." 
"But if you reject me you'll be '''pilloried!" 
"?" 
"Stigmatized. Lambasted. '''Looked down on!'''" 
"I know. Why is which '''I''' should do it and not you. I haven't been the best of friends..." 
"No. I won't let you. I'm not having it. We're good. We're different, but—but that's good. I say we keep going." 
''(hug)'' 
"Okay, but just so you know... you were '''on fire''' today."
:—'''Firestar''' and '''Nautica'''

"—and then '''whomp!''' I made them all '''collapse''' just by turning up! Just. By turning. Up." 
"Yes. Yes, I was there."
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Ultra Magnus'''

"So, Megatron or Soundwave?" 
"'''What?''' What kind of a question—" 
"If you had to choose. '''If.'''" 
"What is this, a suicide attempt?" 
"I'm sensing Megatron." 
"I didn't say that."
:—'''Riptide''' and '''Ravage'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Nautica made a passing reference to the fact she had never been one for the performing arts back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]].
*Nautica's inability to deal with compliments was seen before in [[Twenty Plus One|issue #31]].
*Firestar and Nautica talked last issue about the fact Firestar's flame had changed color since Nautica had last seen her; this issue, we learn that that is because she is fuelling it with "[[Black Diamond]]", a rare combustible found only on Marasma, which is what helps Nightbeat deduce the personality ticks' origins.
*Foreshadowing their eleventh-hour save in this issue, Borer and Skater were hidden in the crowd last month. Did you spot 'em? A generic green robot also popped up during the disco who ''might'' have been supposed to be Flex, but none of the visible details match.
*Tailgate mutters under his breath that he always embarrasses Cyclonus, referencing Getaway's lies that Cyclonus has been talking behind his back during [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #40]].

===Transformers references===
*On his recap page, Swerve refers to the personality ticks as "[[space barnacle]] things".
*[[Skater]] was a generic Autobot who popped up in "[[Target: 2006]]" back in the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|UK Marvel comic]]. He was green there, but he's the red guy here. Magnus notes that he turns into a hydrofoil.
*One of the real-world bands whose music is featured in the ending is called [[The Primal Scream|Primal Scream]].

===Real-life references===
*The title of the story is a pun on the concept of the "{{w|Gaze#The "male gaze" in feminist theory|male gaze}}."
*As they dance, Skids remarks that Nautica is "teaching him a thing or two, whether he likes it or not," and she replies "That's an involuntary learner joke, and I claim my five [[shanix]]". This refers to an old promotion carried out by newspapers and other British media which dates back to the 1920s, in which a representative would be sent to a particular spot somewhere in the country, giving audience members the opportunity to win five pounds if they successfully located and identified them, approaching them with the phrase "You are [blank] and I claim my five pounds".
*The planet Marasma is likely named for the medical condition [http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/984496-overview Marasmus], a form of severe malnutrition characterized by lack of energy.
*The concept of an alien creature that feeds on personality traits was explored in the {{w|Red Dwarf}} episodes Polymorph and Emohawk. Many ideas and quotations from that show appear in More Than Meets The Eye but this one seems a particularly notable correlation.
*In addition to the tunes on this issue's soundtrack and "The Power of Love", songs which play at Swerve's disco include "What Presence?!" by {{w|Orange Juice (band)|Orange Juice}}, "The Party Line" by {{w|Belle and Sebastian}}, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" by {{w|Saint Etienne (band)|Saint Etienne}}, and "Let's Make This Precious" by {{w|Dexys Midnight Runners}}.
*Swerve's vanishing act at the end of the issue is an homage to ''[[Quantum Leap]]'', in which protagonist Sam Beckett would "leap" throughout time, moving on when he completed a task. The bartender even rattles off Beckett's "oh boy" catchphrase (although this was traditionally a reaction to ''arriving'' in a new time). Foreshadowing this, Swerve was seen watching ''Quantum Leap'' last issue.

===Errors===
*The Camien religion is called the "Way of ''the'' Flame" this issue, but was just the "Way of Flame" (no "the") when it was first mentioned in [[The Sum and Its Parts|''Windblade'' #1]].
*Skids talks about a 'bot named [[Chopper (G1)|Chopper]] (see "Other trivia," below). Chopper is called a "Helibut", which is a typo for a Heli''bot'' [[subgroup]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/1244972493577900033 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*When the personality ticks appear in front them, First Aid thinks they have all emerged from Thunderclash's trailer. Minimus corrects him by pointing out that only "the blue one" was inside the trailer... except ''all'' the ticks are blue.
*An error is repeated from last issue, in which Camien [[Skystriker (G1)|Skystriker]] is consistently referred to as "[[Skystalker (disambiguation)|Skystalker]]". It was corrected in the trade, but it doesn't matter much now! SLETCH!
**On that same panel, Skystriker's face is miscolored the same gray as his chest. It should be a warm yellow.
*Excessively pedantic, but Skids' "honky dory" should be "hunky dory".

===Crew Manifest===
*Thunderclash and Velocity join the crew of the ''Lost Light''.

===Other trivia===
*This issue was accidentally released a day early on IDW's digital comics app.
*Swerve's recap, absent since [[slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|issue #33]], is ''two'' pages in length this issue! This will turn out to be important for [[The One Where They Go to Earth|the very next issue]].
*Skids mentions that he once had an Amica Endura named [[Chopper (G1)|Chopper]], but split up with him because he was "an absolute arse."
*We learn more about Caminus and its religion, the [[Way of Flame]] in this issue. Socially, the performing arts carry great cachet on the planet, and those who do not at least try their hand at them are "frowned upon". Further, the Way of Flame stipulates that one must have an Amica Endura within ten megacycles of their creation, or they will be utterly shunned. Two people become Amica Endura through recitation of the [[Act of Constancy]], and to split up such a bond is known as the [[Platonic Severance]], but it is considered the worst thing one 'bot can do to another, and represents a failure on the part of the instigator to try harder at the friendship.
*[[Proxima (G1)|Proxima]], who was mentioned last issue, and [[Roadmaster]], who only showed up on last issue's cover, both appear in-story this issue.
*A "deleted scene" for this issue would have had [[Minimus Ambus]] perform what could only be described as a striptease using the [[Magnus Armor]] to the Bee Gee's "{{w|Stayin' Alive}}". Tragically, the scene was cut because it would be completely out of character for Minimus Ambus.<ref>James Roberts Q&A panel at TFCon 2015</ref>
*A number of fans liked 'Season 2' of MTMTE less than the first; this two-parter in general and this issue in particular have been particularly criticised for being meandering and indulging in Roberts' tropes too much. The dance, with its references to indie music, got a dinging for this. In a discussion of issue 50, Roberts acknowledged some people felt the comic had been meandering throughout the 40s. <ref>[http://www.orbitalcomics.com/orbital-directors-commentary-james-roberts-on-transformers-mtmte-50-audio/ Orbital Director’s Commentary – James Roberts on Transformers: MTMTE #50! - Track #1 15:59 to 17:40]</ref>

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri7MiiHiLjM She's Hearing Voices]" by {{w|Bloc Party}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/612388239928885248 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nImOq_eWHEM Light Pours Out Of Me]" by {{w|Magazine (band)|Magazine}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/612389346591834112 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8KynrRA1u8 Velocity Girl]" by {{w|Primal Scream}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/612390017701408768 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnpILIIo9ek How Soon Is Now]" by {{w|The Smiths}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/612390752103043072 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (4)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Ravage raises his hackles at an unseen enemy, in front of the fallen Nightbeat, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Nautica boogies at the centre of a ''Lost Light'' dance party, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' The ''Lost Light'' crew gather for a celebration with drinks and fireworks, by [[Naoto Tsushima]] and [[Yamaishi]]
*'''Convention cover:''' ''Combiner Hunters'' [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] (with the ''Lost Light'' in the background for relevance), by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]], available exclusively from IDW at San Diego Comic-Con 2015.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE42 regcvr.jpg|Ravage, if you don't give him back his wallet, you're going to be a sorry little kitty!
File:MTMTE42 subcvr.jpg|''This is my melody and it's just a ravers' fantasy...''
File:MTMTE42 cvrRI.jpg|Please tell me we didn't give all the fireworks to Whirl.
File:MTMTE42 concvr.jpg|Chromia's here to chop down Swerve's recap page and kick ass, and she's... Well, she's gonna do both, probably.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #43
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[Now and On Earth|#42]]
*''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'' [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|#4]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Headmasters (issue)|#7]]
*IDW ''{{i|Jem and the Holograms}}'' comic
*IDW ''[[Donald Duck]]'' comic
*''Monster Motors'' trade paperback (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 8''''' ([[October 21]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631404520 / ISBN 978-1631404528
:*Contains issues #39 to #44.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9]]''''' ([[June 19]], [[2019]]) ISBN 1684054842 / ISBN 978-1684054848
:* Contains ''More than Meets the Eye'' #41 to #44, ''Robots in Disguise'' #39 to #42, and ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade vol.2]]'' issues #1 to #5.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 63: Elegant Chaos''''' ([[June 12]], [[2019]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #35 to #42.
:* Bonus content includes a cover gallery and an intro by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol8.jpg|'''Volume 8'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V9.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 9'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v63.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 63: Elegant Chaos'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Trailbreaker) and [[Alex Milne]] (retro)</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.comicbookresources.com/comic-previews/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-42-idw-2015 Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Frail Gaze}}

Conjunx Endura

2022-08-06T22:56:07Z

Gladiatrix: replaced with archive link as website is down

[[File:TheGloaming-iloveyou.jpg|thumb|300px|Also, when are you going to take out the trash?]]
A '''Conjunx Endura''' is a [[Transformer]]'s significant other, an individual that they deeply [[Transformer romance|love]]. In [[human]] terms, Conjunx Endurae<ref>Official plural form used by Sentinel Prime in [[Last Light (issue)|''More than Meets the Eye'' #57]]; in ''real'' Latin, it would be "Conjuges."</ref> are the equivalent of spouses; for example, when the life of a Transformer is threatened to the point of unconsciousness, it falls upon their Conjunx Endura to make medical decisions on their behalf.<ref>"[[Before & After]]"</ref> Traditionally, a Transformer chooses a prospective partner through the ritual known as the '''Conjunx Ritus''': four acts of affection and mutual kindness which cement the bond between the two individuals.<ref>"[[The Lopsided Triangle]]"</ref> A bonded pair may be referred to as '''Junxies''' as an affectionate nickname.<ref>"[[Elegant Chaos Part 2: Stet]]"</ref>

Some Transformers think close relationships like these are embarrassing. Bluntly asking a stranger about their Conjunx is considered a bit gauche.<ref>"[[slaughterhouse]]"</ref>

{{bigquote|I've always been terrified that you'd die before I did, because you and me apart strikes me as intensely wrong.|Part of [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]'s final message to [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|his Conjunx Endura]]|"[[The Gloaming]]"}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===

Back in [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime's]] day, the concept of Conjunx Endurae was known as "Sparkmates". {{storylink|Last Light (issue)|Last Light}}

Few Transformers have more than one Conjunx Endura in their lifespan, and many don't even have one. [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] was an exception, having had at least four. This may be a unique case as every time one of his Conjunx Endurae died, Chromedome used his abilities as a [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] to remove all his memories of [[Scattergun]], [[Mach (G1)|Mach]] and [[Pivot]] in turn, making it as if they had never existed in order to spare himself the pain. Each time [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] objected and each time Chromedome appeared to agree to hold off, before performing the procedure the moment Brainstorm left the room. This had the side effect of leading Chromedome to believe he was "born dry," the only person in history born without [[innermost energon]]. In fact, he had taken part in the ceremony of leaving a vial of innermost energon next to a friend or loved one so often, he literally had nothing left to give. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

When [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] died, {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} Chromedome planned to remove the memory again, over Brainstorm's by-then ritualistic objections, but a final message from Rewind convinced him not to go through with it. {{storylink|The Gloaming}}

Before the war, [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] would needle [[Needlenose (G1)|Needlenose]] by saying his brother's friend [[Horri-Bull]] was his Conjunx. Needlenose denied it at the time, but millions of years later, he'd angrily tell Tracks that Horri-Bull was the only one he'd ever loved. It is unknown if Horri-Bull returned his feelings. {{storylink|The Transgressors}}

[[File:ChooseMe-engagement.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]

Some Transformers on the thirteen colony worlds maintained the tradition. Two such planets are [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] {{storylink|slaughterhouse}} and [[Velocitron]]. [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]]'s Conjunx Endura is [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]], an atypically slow Velocitronian. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}} The [[Torchbearer]]s [[Dust Up]] and [[Jumpstream]] are Conjunx Endurae. {{storylink|Ghost Stories}} [[Tigatron]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] are portrayed in a romantic relationship (as usual), but it is unknown if the inhabitants of [[Jungle Planet (colony)|Eukaris]] would refer to this bond as a Conjunx Endura. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}} The Camien [[Lightbright (G1)|Lightbright]] formed a bond of affection with the [[Firecon]] [[Sparkstalker]], leading the latter to ask her to become his Conjunx Endura, which she agreed to. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

[[Getaway]] described a preliminary set of rituals that would lead to becoming Conjunx Endurae, but as he was trying to manipulate Tailgate at the time, the validity of these rituals is dubious. {{storylink|The Lopsided Triangle}}

[[Lug (IDW)|Lug]] noted that [[Anode]] had made [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] "collapse in front of his Conjunx Endura." Drift was with [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] at the time, but awoke in the arms of [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]]. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 2: Anomie}} Later in Lost Light, Drift is confirmed to be Ratchet's Conjux Endura. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}} Lug and Anode themselves were later confirmed to be bonded through a "previously in" recap. {{storylink|An Axe to Break the Ice}}

===Ask Vector Prime===
The songwriter [[Feedback]] of the [[Rock Bot (G1)|Rock Bots]] had three sequential Conjunx Endura relationships since achieving interstellar stardom. His [[syk]]-addiction may have something to do with the rapid spousal turnover. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/28}} [[Vector Prime]] and [[Scorpia (TransTech)|Scorpia]] became Conjunx Endurae on their voyage to Nebulos. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2016/02/14}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
The [[Cyberdroid]]s [[Nucleon (TR)|Nucleon]] and [[Kari]] were Conjunx Endurae. {{storylink|A Brush With Infamy–Prologue}}

[[Bazooka (BW)|Bazooka]] and [[Crazybolt (BW)|Crazybolt]] had developed a close bond during their adventures on [[Metascan Omega]], leading acting-captain [[Magmatron]] to wonder if he would have to perform a Conjunx Ritus in the near future. {{storylink|Intersectionality}}

==Notes==
*[[James Roberts]] found that both IDW and Hasbro were "supportive and indeed encouraging" about having Chromedome and Rewind as an explicit couple.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160310055612/http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t14540/ Moonbase2's second interview with James Roberts - 01:40:47 to 01:41:24]</ref>
*"Conjunx" is Latin for "spouse".
*An alternate term for essentially the same concept, "'''lifebond partner'''", was given with the [[Cyber Key Codes]]-unlocked bonus content for ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Downshift (Energon)|Downshift]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese'': '''Conjunx Endura''' (コンジャンクス・エンデュラ ''Konjankusu Endyura'')

==See also==
*[[Amica Endura]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Transformer culture]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformer culture]]

Target

2022-08-04T17:20:45Z

Gladiatrix: fixed dead link

[[Image:OnlyAtTarget.png|right|350px|thumb|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKy8glHZbLw "Ladies and gentlemen welcome to.... T-T-T-T-T-T-TARGET!!!!!!! *air horns*"]]]

'''Target''' is a major U.S. retailer. They have had a lot of ''Transformers'' [[exclusive]]s over the years. They briefly had a Canadian subsidiary between 2013 and 2015, which carried some of those exclusive figures during that time as well.

There is also an Australian Target store chain that has officially no connection to the US Target company except the name. Target Australia has also carried many ''Transformers'' toys as exclusives as far as the Australian market was concerned.

==List of Target exclusive toys==
{{note|This list only refers to the United States market. Over the years, a lot of toys that were exclusive to Target stores in the USA were available at Zellers stores in Canada, and as mass retail releases in other places such as Australia or Europe.}}
===''Beast Machines''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-bd|[[Magmatron#Beast Machines|Magmatron]]}}
</ul>

===''Robots in Disguise'' (2001)===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-p1|[[Cryotek (RID)|Cryotek]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dreadwind (RID)|Dreadwind]] & [[Smokejumper]] 2-pack}}
</ul>

===''Universe'' (2003)===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Nemesis Prime (Universe)#Universe (2003)|Nemesis Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Overbite (G1)#Universe (2003)|Overbite]] & [[Repugnus (G1)#Universe (2003)|Repugnus]] 2-pack}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Long Haul (Universe Ultra)|Long Haul]] & [[Hightower (Universe Ultra)|Hightower]] 2-pack}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bonecrusher (Universe Ultra)|Bonecrusher]] & [[Scavenger (Universe Ultra)|Scavenger]] 2-pack}}
</ul>

{{note|The three 2-packs above were originally planned to be released as wave 4 of the ''Universe'' Ultra Class assortment. They were briefly listed, but not actually ''sold'' on HasbroToyShop.com before the deal to release them through Target was reached.}}

===''Cybertron''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Critical Path Pack!" 2-pack:
:*[[Red Alert (Armada)#VsSideways|Red Alert]]
:*[[Sideways (Armada)#VsRedAlert|Sideways]]}}
{{Bp-a1|"Drag Race Pack!" 2-pack:
:*[[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#DragRace|Hot Shot]]
:*[[Override (Cybertron)#DragRace|Override]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Ground To Air Blast Pack!" 2-pack:
:*[[Crosswise (Cybertron)#CybVsCross|Crosswise]]
:*[[Thundercracker (Armada)#CybVsCross|Thundercracker]]}}
{{note|These three 2-packs featured unchanged versions of the Deluxe Class toys of the same names.}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Evac (Cybertron)#BonusMiniCon|Evac]] with Bonus Mini-Cons [[Razorclaw (Cybertron)|Razorclaw]] & [[Steamhammer (Cybertron)|Steamhammer]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Overhaul (Cybertron)#MiniCons|Leobreaker]] with Bonus Mini-Cons [[Sky Lynx (Cybertron)|Sky Lynx]] & [[Thunderblast (Mini-Con)|Thunderblast]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mudflap (Cybertron)#MiniCons|Mudflap]] with Bonus Mini-Cons [[Shockwave (Cybertron)|Shockwave]] & [[Tankor (Cybertron)|Tankor]]}}
{{note|These three bonus packs featured unchanged versions of the Voyager Class and Mini-Con toys of the same names.}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Legends of Cybertron 4-pack:
:*[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#LOCTarget4pack|Megatron]]
:*[[Soundwave (Cybertron)#LOCTarget4pack|Soundwave]]
:*[[Jetfire (Armada)#LOCTarget4pack|Jetfire]]
:*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#LOCTarget4pack|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>

===''Classics''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Battle for Autobot City" 2-pack:
:*Voyager Class [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Classics|Ultra Magnus]]
:*Deluxe Class [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Classics|Skywarp]]}}
</ul>

===''Transformers'' (2007)===
====Scout Class====
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 1'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Arcee (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Arcee]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Signal Flare (Movie)|Signal Flare]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Hardtop (Movie)|Hardtop]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 2'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Clocker (Movie)|Clocker]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Skyblast (Movie)|Skyblast]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Strongarm (Movie)|Strongarm]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 3'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Air Raid (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Air Raid]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Armorhide (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Armorhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Elita-One (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Elita-One]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Wave 4 (''Allspark Power'' Wave 1)'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Crosshairs (Movie)#Transformers (2007)|Crosshairs]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Warpath (Movie)|Warpath]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Storm Surge (Movie)|Storm Surge]]}}
</ul>
|}
====Single releases====
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Robovision|Robo-Vision Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Voyager Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#DeepSpace|Deep Space Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Voyager Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#TargetG1|Starscream]] (G1 deco)}}
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)#TargetG1|Autobot Jazz]] (G1 deco)}}
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)#AllsparkEnhanced|Autobot Jazz]] (AllSpark enhanced deco)}}
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#AllSparkPower|Bumblebee]] (AllSpark enhanced deco)}}
{{Bp-d1|Deluxe Class [[Barricade (Movie)/toys#AllsparkEnhanced|Barricade]] with [[Frenzy (Movie)#AllsparkPower|Frenzy]] (AllSpark enhanced deco)}}
{{Bp-d1|Deluxe Class [[Brawl (Movie)#AllSparkBrawl|Decepticon Brawl]] (AllSpark enhanced deco)}}
</ul>
====Multi-packs====
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Screen Battles: Freeway Brawl" 2-pack:
:*Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#FreewayBrawl|Optimus Prime]]
:*Deluxe Class [[Bonecrusher (Movie)#FreewayBrawl|Bonecrusher]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Screen Battles: Battle Over Mission City" 2-pack:
:*Voyager Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#BOMC|Megatron]]
:*Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)#FinalBattle|Final Battle Jazz]]}}
</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|"[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#evoofhero|Evolution of a Hero]]" Deluxe Class 2-pack:
:*Bumblebee (Classic Camaro)
:*Bumblebee (Concept Camaro)}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Generations Legends" Legends Class 4-pack:
:*Movie [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#GenLegends|Optimus Prime]]
:*''Cybertron'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Transformers (2007)|Optimus Prime]]
:*Movie [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#GenLegends|Megatron]]
:*''Cybertron'' [[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Transformers (2007)|Megatron]]}}
{{Bp-a1|"[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#Titanium Series|Ultimate Optimus Prime]]" 3" Robot Masters 3-pack:
:*"Protoform" Optimus Prime
:*"Vehicle Mode" Optimus Prime
:*"Robot Mode" Optimus Prime}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#BattleRigBlaster|Optimus Prime Battle Rig Blaster]] with Bonus Fast Action Battler [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Power Hook Optimus Prime]]}}
{{note|The above bonus pack featured unchanged versions of the Battle Rig Blaster and Fast Action Battler toys.}}
</ul>

===''Animated''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|Voyager Class [[Shockwave (Animated)#Target|Shockwave]] with Activators [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#VsShockwave|Bumblebee]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Voyager Class [[Sunstorm (Animated)#Animated|Sunstorm]] with Activators [[Ratchet (Animated)#VsSunstorm|Autobot Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Deluxe Class [[Ratchet (Animated)#Rescue|Rescue Ratchet]] with Legends Class [[Starscream (Animated)#RescueRatchet|Starscream]] & [[Prowl (Animated)#RescueRatchet|Prowl]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|Deluxe Class [[Lockdown (Animated)#Stealth|Stealth Lockdown]] with Legends Class [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#Legends Class|Bumblebee]] & [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Legends Class|Optimus Prime]]}}
</ul>

===''Universe'' (2008)===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Legends Class 5-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Aerial Rivals" (Classic Series):
:*[[Air Raid (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Air Raid]]
:*[[Blades (G1)#LOC|Autobot Blades]]
:*[[Ramjet (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ramjet]]
:*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)/toys#Universe (2008)|Skydive]]
:*[[Thrust (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Thrust]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Special Team Leaders" (Classic Series):
:*[[Hot Spot (G1)#Universe (2008)|Autobot Hot Zone]]
:*[[Hun-Gurrr (G1)#Universe (2008)|Hun-Gurrr]]
:*[[Razorclaw (G1)#Universe (2008)|Razorclaw]]
:*[[Scattershot (G1)#Universe (2008)|Scattorshot]]
:*[[Silverbolt (G1)/toys#Legend|Silverbolt]]}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Comic 2-packs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Autobot Ambush" (Generation 1 Series):
:*Voyager Class [[Roadbuster (G1)#Universe (2008)|Autobot Roadbuster]]
:*Deluxe Class [[Dirge (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Dirge]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Standoff Beneath the Streets" (War Within Series):
:*Voyager Class [[Springer (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Springer]]
:*Deluxe Class [[Ratbat (G1)/toys#Universe (2008)|Ratbat]]}}
</ul>
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Titanium Series'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Hot Spot (G1)#Titanium Series|Hot Zone]]}}
{{Bp-a1|[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Titanium Series 2|Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thrust (G1)/toys#Titanium Series|Thrust]]}}
</ul>
|}
{{note|The ''[[Titanium Series]]'' figures were released in 2009, well after ''Transformers'' product had ceased being released in the ''Titanium Series'' proper. The packaging co-brands them as both ''Universe'' and ''Titanium Series'' toys.}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Superion (ROTF)|Superion]] 5-pack:
:*[[Air Raid (Movie)#Revenge of the Fallen|Air Raid]]
:*[[Airazor (ROTF)|Airazor]]
:*[[Fireflight (ROTF)|Fireflight]]
:*[[Silverbolt (ROTF)|Silverbolt]]
:*[[Skydive (Movie)|Skydive]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Bruticus Maximus (ROTF)|Bruticus Maximus]] 5-pack:
:*[[Blast Off (ROTF)|Blast Off]]
:*[[Brawl (Movie)#BruticusMaximus|Decepticon Brawl]]
:*[[Onslaught (ROTF)#Revenge of the Fallen|Onslaught]]
:*[[Swindle (ROTF)|Swindle]]
:*[[Vortex (Movie)#Revenge of the Fallen|Vortex]]}}
{{Note|Superion and Bruticus Maximus were originally intended to be released in ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' packaging, and were released that way in various Asian and Oceanian countries, but for the US market, Target asked Hasbro to put them in ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' packaging instead.}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"[[Straightaway Shootout]]" Legends Class 5-pack:
:*[[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#Straightaway|Ironhide]]
:*[[Mudflap (ROTF)#Straightaway|Mudflap]]
:*[[Runamuck (ROTF)|Runamuck]]
:*[[Swerve (Movie)#Straightaway|Swerve]]
:*[[Sparkcrusher]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"N.E.S.T. Global Alliance" Legends Class 2-packs:
:*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#LegendsVsShadowStriker|Bumblebee]] & [[Shadow Striker (ROTF)|Shadow Striker]]
:*[[Mudflap (ROTF)#TargetRally|Rally Mudflap]] & [[Skids (ROTF)#TargetOffroad|Offroad Skids]]
:*[[Smokescreen (Movie)#Legend|Smokescreen]] & [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#VsSmokescreen|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Voyager Class [[The Fallen/toys#Target|The Fallen]] (Burning deco)}}
</ul>

===''Transformers'' (2010)===
[[Image:TargetHuntersRumble.jpg|thumb|250px|"Are ''you'' Username Ladiesman217?" "No." "Oh. Never mind."]]
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Crash Landing Attack" Deluxe Class 2-pack:
:*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#CrashLandingAttack|Bumblebee]]
:*[[Thrust (Movie)#Transformers (2010)|Thrust]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"High-Speed Spy Battle" Deluxe Class 2-pack:
:*[[Skids (ROTF)#SpyBattle|Autobot Skids]] & [[Mudflap (ROTF)#SpyBattle|Mudflap]]
:*[[Sideways (ROTF)#Transformers (2010)|Sideways]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Hunters Rumble" Deluxe Class 2-pack:
:*[[Sideswipe (Movie)/toys#HuntersRumble|Sideswipe]]
:*[[Barricade (Movie)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Barricade]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Rotorwash Rumble" Deluxe Class 2-pack:
:*[[Arcee (Movie)#RotorwashRumble|Arcee]]
:*[[Tailwhip]]}}
</ul>

===''Dark of the Moon''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|Cyberverse 2-packs:
:*Legion Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#TargetCyberverseVs|Bumblebee]] & Commander Class [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#TargetCyberverseVs|Megatron]]
:*Legion Class [[Leadfoot (DOTM)#TargetCyberverseVs|Leadfoot]] & Commander Class [[Ironhide (Movie)/toys#TargetCyberverseVs|Ironhide]]}}
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Arcee (Movie)#Cyberglyph|Arcee]] (Cyberglyph deco)}}
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Cyberglyph|Bumblebee]] (Cyberglyph deco)}}
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Jazz (Movie)#Dark of the Moon|Autobot Jazz]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Deluxe Class [[Space Case (DOTM)|Space Case]]}}
{{Bp-a1|Voyager Class [[Ratchet (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys 4|Autobot Ratchet]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Voyager Class [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys 3|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-a1|Human Alliance [[Leadfoot (DOTM)#Human Alliance|Leadfoot]] with [[Sergeant Detour]] & [[Steeljaw (DOTM)#Dark of the Moon|Steeljaw]]}}
</ul>

===''Age of Extinction''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#SKDeluxe|Silver Knight Optimus Prime]] & Voyager Class [[Grimlock (AOE)#Target2Pack|Grimlock]] 2-pack}}
{{Bp-a1|Construct-Bots [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Construct-Bots|Silver Knight Optimus Prime]] & [[Grimlock (AOE)#Construct-Bots|Grimlock]] 2-pack}}
{{Bp-a1|Smash & Change [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#SKSmash&Change|Silver Knight Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|Titan Hero [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/merchandise#Titan Heroes.2FGuardians|Silver Knight Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1|First Edition [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#PESilverKnight|Silver Knight Optimus Prime]]}}
{{Bp-a1d1|"Transformers: Age of Extinction Collection" One-Step Changers 6-pack:
:*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#OneStepCollection|Bumblebee]]
:*[[Drift (AOE)#OneStepCollection|Autobot Drift]]
:*[[Lockdown (ROTF)#OneStepCollection|Lockdown]]
:*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#SKOneStep|Silver Knight Optimus Prime]]
:*[[Grimlock (AOE)#OneStepCollection|Grimlock]]
:*[[slug (AOE)#OneStepCollection|Dinobot Slug]]}}
</ul>

===''The Last Knight''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|One-Step Turbo Changers 6-pack:
:*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#BigWTurboChanger6Pack|Optimus Prime]]
:*[[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#BigWTurboChanger6Pack|Bumblebee]]
:*[[Grimlock (AOE)#BigWTurboChanger6Pack|Grimlock]]
:*[[Hound (Movie)#BigWTurboChanger6Pack|Hound]]
:*[[Megatron (Movie)/toys#BigWTurboChanger6Pack|Megatron]]
:*[[Barricade (Movie)/toys#BigWTurboChanger6Pack|Barricade]]}}
</ul>

===''Bumblebee''===
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Bumblebee Greatest Hits'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1d1|"Bumblebee Cassette Pack" 4-pack:
:*One-Step Changer [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#CassettePack|Bumblebee]]
:*Legends Class [[Frenzy (Movie)#Bumblebee|Decepticon Frenzy]]
:*Legends Class [[Buzzsaw (ROTF)#Bumblebee|Buzzsaw]]
:*Legends Class [[Howlback (BB)|Howlback]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Leader Class [[Soundwave (ROTF)/toys#Bumblebee|Soundwave]] & [[Doombox]]}}
{{Bp-a1|Electronic [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Greatest Hits|Music FX Bumblebee]]}}
</ul>
|}

===''Studio Series''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|"Bumblebee Then & Now" 2-pack:
:*Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#SS24|Bumblebee]] (1967 Volkswagen Beetle)
:*Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#SS24|Bumblebee]] (2016 Chevrolet Camaro)}}
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Leadfoot (DOTM)#Studio Series|Leadfoot]] with [[Steeljaw (DOTM)#Studio Series|Steeljaw]]}}
</ul>

===''War For Cybertron: Earthrise''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|"Team Seeker Elite" Voyager Class 2-pack:
:*[[Skywarp (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Skywarp]]
:*[[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Thundercracker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|"[[Clone (subgroup)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Decepticon Clones]]" Legends Class 2-pack:
:*[[Pounce#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Decepticon Pounce]]
:*[[Wingspan#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Wingspan]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Voyager Class [[Thrust (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Thrust]]}}
{{Bp-d1|Deluxe Class [[Runabout (G1)#Generations|Decepticon Runabout]]}}
</ul>

===''War For Cybertron: Kingdom''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|Deluxe Class [[Road Rage (G1)#Generations|Autobot Road Rage]]}}
{{Bp-m1|Leader Class [[T-Wrecks#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Maximal T-Wrecks]]}}
</ul>

===''Legacy''===
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-a1|[[Security Officer (G1)#Legacy|Red Cog]]}}
</ul>

===''Buzzworthy Bumblebee''===
{{main|Buzzworthy Bumblebee}}

==Notes==
*Target teamed with Hasbro to promote the toyline for the live-action ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' movie in its stores, working more closely with the company than perhaps any other retailer in the brand's history. Side effects of this included the [[Robo-Vision]] promotion, the transforming [[Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys|Optimus Prime]] Target gift card, and Target donating a gift pack (containing a free $5 gift card and comic) to every pre-registered attendee of [[BotCon 2007]].
*Luckily for Canadian Transformers fans, a lot of Target exclusive toys tended to be available either at general retail in Canada, or at {{w|Zellers}}. In 2013, many former Zellers stores were taken over by Target's newly formed Canadian subsidiary, which meant that instead of Zellers, Target was now selling its own exclusives in Canada. Following Target's withdrawal from the Canadian market in 2015, those few figures that were Target exclusives in the United States now ended up either as [[Walmart]] or [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusives in Canada.
*[[Tania Gunadi]], the voice of [[Miko Nakadai]] in ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', has done a Target commercial where she's an elementary school teacher.

==See also==
*[[Market six|"Market Six"]]
==External links==
*[http://www.target.com/ Official Target website]

[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Target exclusives]]
[[Category:Retailers]]

Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection

2022-07-22T02:08:18Z

Gladiatrix: punctuation

[[File:Definitive G1 Collection in full.jpg|thumb|upright=3.05|4/5 of a grand tale.]]

'''Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection''' is a fortnightly 100-volume partwork from [[Hachette]], edited by [[Simon Furman]]. Partworks are a Hachette specialty: a series will be collected out of order (the first ''Definitive'' was volume 6) for commercial purposes but can be collected on your shelf in order with a fancy picture on the collective spines. The collection aims to republish every single "Generation 1" comic ever made, including the original [[Marvel Comics]] run—UK and US—in order for the very first time. Each issue has a special cover and bonus content, and [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)#Fantastic Free Gift.21|Fantastic FREE! Gifts]] are provided for subscribers. Marvel UK strips which were originally printed in black-and-white have been given brand new colours by [[John-Paul Bove]] using emulations of both 1980s American and latter-day Marvel UK techniques.<ref>"A Different Approach to Colour", Vol.16</ref>

The series was initially announced in September 2016 to contain 60 issues—ending with the ''Dark Cybertron'' crossover—but by the time of its launch in December, it had already been extended to 80 issues, with volume 80 providing some closure in the form of ''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One| Till All Are One]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers| Requiem of the Wreckers]]''. In 2018, upon the conclusion of IDW's first continuity, fans observed that it would take around ten extra volumes to reprint the entire IDW catalogue—and on the 18th of July 2019, Simon Furman confirmed on Twitter that the collection had been extended by ''twenty'' issues for a total of 100.

Sounds great, right?

Well... not if you live outside the [[United Kingdom]] and [[Ireland]]. The partwork was given a trial-run in parts of the UK before a national release started in early 2017. In August 2017, the subscription also became available in [[Australia]],<ref>[http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?s=438cea1ad48786466241053a45f743ae&t=24685 Ozformers Transformers Club of Australia]: UK Definitive Comic collection from Hachette now in Australia</ref> but became unavailable in July 2018 due to the closure of the Australian distributor. In January 2019, it became available in [[Poland]],<ref>[https://transformers-kolekcja.pl/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrYTRuabz3wIVl-F3Ch2P7wirEAAYASAAEgJKLvD_BwE Polish version of official site]</ref> with volumes being released in proper chronological order.

Even for those who were able to subscribe, the partwork ended up not being quite as ''definitive'' as advertised, suffering from strange ordering and editorial choices, and from some major printing errors. Hachette's notoriously-bad customer service made it a nightmare to obtain corrected replacements.

==Volumes==
{{note|Each volume contains cover art from the original issues, plus a new introduction by Simon Furman. The bonus features below are in addition to these.}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col" style="width: 5px;" | Vol.
! scope="col" style="width: 5px;" | Issue
! scope="col" style="width: 125px;" | Title
! scope="col" style="width: 250px;" | Contents
! scope="col" style="width: 250px;" | Bonus Features
! scope="col" style="width: 5px;" | Release date
|-
| 06
| 01
|Target: 2006
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Target: 2006|#78–83]] "[[Cybertron: The Middle Years!]]" Marvel UK [[Target: 2006|#84–88]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Aerialbots over America!|#21]]–[[Decepticon Graffiti!|23]]
| A guide to the launch of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' in the UK and its marketing purposes for Marvel UK, a "Meet... The [[Wrecker]]s" feature, a behind-the-scenes look at the development of "Target: 2006", and a spotlight on [[Geoff Senior]].
|[[December 30|30/12]]/[[2016]]
|-
| 36
| 02
| Stormbringer
| ''[[Spotlight: Shockwave]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Soundwave]]'' [[The Transformers: Stormbringer|''Stormbringer'' #1–4]] ''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Hot Rod]]''
| An article on the beginning of IDW-verse production and several sketches by Figueroa.
|[[January 11|11/01]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 16
| 03
| The Primal Scream
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Cold Comfort and Joy!|#198]], [[The Fall and Rise of the Decepticon Empire.|#213]]–[[Survivors!|222]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Back from the Dead|#56]]–[[The Primal Scream|61]]
| An overview of the change in format of the UK series and the introduction of 5-page black-and-white strips, and an article by Bove on the colouring techniques used at Marvel UK and Marvel US in the 1980s, and how he emulated them for colourising the UK strips.
|[[January 27|27/01]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 18
| 04
| Edge of Extinction
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Rhythms of Darkness!|#67]]–[[On the Edge of Extinction!|75]]
| An overview of [[Unicron/Generation 1#Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel's Unicron]] and a spotlight on [[Andrew Wildman]].
|[[February 8|08/02]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 29
| 05
| The War Within
| [[Transformers: The War Within|The War Within #1–6]] and [[The War Within Preview|preview]]
| Various character design sketches by [[Don Figueroa]] and an article on the making of ''The War Within''.
|[[February 22|22/02]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 37
| 06
| Escalation
| ''[[Spotlight: Sixshot]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Ultra Magnus]]'' [[The Transformers: Escalation|''Escalation'' #1–6]]
| Sketches by [[E. J. Su]], bios on [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|IDW Ultra Magnus]] & [[Sixshot (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|IDW Sixshot]], an article on creating the IDW ''Spotlights'', and an interview with Su. 
|[[March 8|08/03]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 08
| 07
| Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Wanted: Galvatron — Dead or Alive!|#113]]–[[Fire on High!|120]] "[[Vicious Circle!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1987|Annual 1997]]) [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[King of the Hill!|#27]]–[[Mechanical Difficulties!|28]]
| An overview of the Marvel UK Annuals and a bio on [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Goldbug]].
|[[March 22|22/03]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 39
| 08
| Hearts of Steel
| [[Hearts of Steel|''Hearts of Steel'' #1–4]] ''[[Spotlight: Galvatron]], [[Spotlight: Optimus Prime]], [[Spotlight: Mirage]]''
| Concept art by [[Guido Guidi]] and an article about the creation of ''Hearts of Steel''.
|[[April 5|05/04]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 10
| 09
| Trial by Fire
| [[The Transformers: Headmasters|Headmasters #1–4]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Trial by Fire!|#38]]–[[The Desert Island of Space!|39]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Worlds Apart!|#130]]–[[Kup's Story!|132]]
| A retrospective on the [[The Transformers: Headmasters|''Headmasters'' miniseries]] and an overview of how Marvel UK handled toy marketing.
| [[April 19|19/04]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 21
| 10
| Regeneration One
| [[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]] [[Counterpoint|#80.5]]–[[Loose Ends, Part 5|85]]
| A commentary on [[Loose Ends, Part 1|issue #81]] by Simon Furman, an overview on production leading up to ''Regeneration One'', and several cover sketches.
| [[May 3|03/05]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 31
| 11
| The Iron Fist
| [[Transformers/G.I. Joe|Transformers/G.I. Joe #1–6]]
| Various character design sketches by Figueroa and an overview of the many [[G.I. Joe crossovers]] across the comics.
| [[May 17|17/05]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 50
| 12
| Heart of Darkness
| [[The Transformers: Heart of Darkness|''Heart of Darkness'' #1–4]] [[Infestation (IDW)|''The Transformers: Infestation'' #1–2]]
| A post-mortem on "[[Zombie|Zombots]]" across the various comics and a bio on [[Hardhead (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|IDW Hardhead]].
| [[May 31|31/05]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 59
| 13
| Dark Cybertron, Part 1
| [[Dark Dawn: Dark Cybertron Chapter 1|''Dark Cybertron'' one-shot]] [[Little Victories|''More than Meets the Eye'' #22]]–[[No Exit: Dark Cybertron Chapter 6|25]] [[Winners & Losers: Dark Cybertron Chapter 3|''Robots in Disguise'' #23]]–[[Finest Hour: Dark Cybertron Chapter 5|24]]
| A bio on the [[Titan (group)|Titans]] and the making of ''Dark Cybertron'' with [[John Barber]] and James Roberts.
| [[June 14|14/06]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 01
| 14
| Power Play
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[The Transformers (issue)|#1]]–[[The Last Stand|4]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Man of Iron (issue)|#9]]–[[Raiders of the Last Ark|21]]
| The alternate ending of [[The Last Stand|Marvel US #4]], unused artwork from [[The Transformers (issue)|issue #1]] by [[Frank Springer]], and an overview of how Marvel UK first approached The Transformers.
| [[June 28|28/06]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 26
| 15
| War and Peace
| ''[[War and Peace|Transformers: Generation 1 vol. 2]]'' #1–6 and [[Transformers Volume 2 Preview|preview]]
| Top 10 Easter eggs for "[[War and Peace]]" and scorecards listing each faction and their crew members during the arc.
| [[July 12|12/07]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 35
| 16
| Primacy
| [[The Transformers: Monstrosity|''Monstrosity'' #1–4]] [[The Transformers: Primacy|''Primacy'' #1–4]]
| An interview with [[Flint Dille]] about his work on the G1 cartoon and his involvement in the ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy|Autocracy]]'' trilogy.
| [[July 26|26/07]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 64
| 17
| Windblade
| [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 1 #1–4]] [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] [[Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|#35]]–[[The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|38]]
| A bio for [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], an overview of her conception, pictures of her ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' toy, and early design sketches by Hasbro.
| [[August 9|09/08]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 19
| 18
| Perchance to Dream
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Out to Lunch!|#240]]–[[...Perchance to Dream|260]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Still Life!|#76]]–[[Exodus!|77]]
| A Marvel UK ''Classic Heroes Competition!'' page, an overview of Furman's attempts to connect Marvel UK's black-and-white strips to the US stories and how he would eventually have to abandon doing so, an article on the "[[Two Megatrons!]]" confusion, and a bio on [[Thunderwing (G1)#Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Thunderwing]].
| [[August 23|23/08]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 40
| 19
| Maximum Dinobots
| [[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots|''Maximum Dinobots'' #1–5]] ''[[Spotlight: Grimlock]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Wheelie]]''
| Dinobot sketches by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Klaus Scherwinski]]'s ''Spotlight: Wheelie'' sketchbook.
| [[September 6|06/09]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 22
| 20
| Natural Selection
| [[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]] [[Natural Selection, Part One|#86]]–[[Natural Selection, Part Five|90]] "[[Peace]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1989|Annual 1989]])
| An overview of the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic]] and several cover sketches.
| [[September 20|20/09]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 46
| 21
| Things Fall Apart
| [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]] [[Things Fall Apart, Part 1: "New Arrivals, Old Encounters"|#2]]–[[Scrapper (issue)|8]]
| Character design sketches by Figueroa, an extract from ''[[Decepticomments]]'' from [[Things Fall Apart, Part 3: "Seasons in Flight"|''The Transformers'' #4]] by [[Mike Costa]], and a bio on [[Swindle (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|IDW Swindle]].
| [[October 4|04/10]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 07
| 22
| The Harder They Die
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Prey!|#96]]–[[Resurrection!|104]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Afterdeath!|#24]]–[[Funeral for a Friend!|26]]
| An analysis of [[the many deaths of Optimus Prime]] in Generation 1.
| [[October 18|18/10]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 33
| 23
| Megatron: Origin
| [[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|''Megatron: Origin'' #1–4]] ''[[Spotlight: Blurr]]'', ''[[Omega's Conundrum|Spotlight: Orion Pax]]''
| A discussion of the production stages on ''Megatron: Origin'' by [[Eric Holmes]].
| [[November 1|01/11]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 14
| 24
| Space Pirates
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Wrecking Havoc|#172–173]], [[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|#180]]–[[Dry Run!|189]] "[[Altered Image!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1989|Annual 1989]]) [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[The Man in the Machine!|#51]]
| How Marvel UK incorporated ''[[The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006]]'' (US issue #43) into their timeline.
| [[November 15|15/11]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 43
| 25
| All Hail Megatron, Part 1
| [[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|''All Hail Megatron'' #1–8]]
| An article on creating ''All Hail Megatron'', character design sketches by Guidi, and the series pitch by [[Shane McCarthy]].
| [[November 29|29/11]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 52
| 26
| The Death of Optimus Prime
| [[Chaos (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #24, 26, 28, 30, 31]] ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime|The Death of Optimus Prime]]''
| An interview with [[James Roberts]] on how he worked his way up to become an ongoing writer, and character design sketches by [[Livio Ramondelli]].
| [[December 13|13/12]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 44
| 27
| All Hail Megatron, Part 2
| [[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|''All Hail Megatron'' #9–16]]
| A ''Decepticon Roll Call'' with mini-bios, and trivia about ''All Hail Megatron'' [[All Hail Megatron issue 13|#13]]–[[All Hail Megatron issue 16|16]], pointing out notable plot points in the ''Coda'' issues.
| [[December 27|27/12]]/[[2017]]
|-
| 20
| 28
| End of the Road
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[A Savage Circle|#78]]–[[End of the Road! (US)|80]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Starting Over!|#261]]–[[End of the Road! (UK)|289]]
| Articles about the ends of the US and UK series, including discussion of "[[Another Time & Place]]," the final letters page from #80, and script pages from #80.
| [[January 10|10/01]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 72
| 29
| The Dying of the Light
| ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|#50]]–[[The Dying of the Light Part 6: Do Not Go Gentle|55]]
| The bonus story "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]" and essential background material on the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD]]
| [[January 24|24/01]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 75
| 30
| Titans Return, Part 1
| ''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]]'' [[07:00:00|#1]]–[[The Line Between Us|4]] [[The Last Autobot|''Titans Return'' one-shot]] [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] [[White Light|#56]]–[[White Heat|57]] ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Ten to Midnight|#56]]–[[Last Light (issue)|57]]
| "Creating the IDW-Verse" — a two-page article on the beginning of ''More than Meets the Eye'' and ''Robots in Disguise''.
| [[February 7|07/02]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 60
| 31
| Dark Cybertron, Part 2
| [[The Dead Are Not Enough: Dark Cybertron Chapter 7|''Robots in Disguise'' #25]]–[[Black Planet: Dark Cybertron Chapter 11|27]] [[Burning Bright: Dark Cybertron Chapter 8|''More than Meets the Eye'' #26]]–[[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|27]] [[...And the Damage Done: Dark Cybertron Finale|''Dark Cybertron: Finale'' one-shot]]
| A blow-by-blow account of Dark Cybertron's hidden secrets
| [[February 21|21/02]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 71
| 32
| All Hail Optimus
| [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] [[All Hail Optimus Part 1: Once Upon a Time on Earth|#50]]–[[All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|55]]
| Background material on the [[Council of Worlds]]
| [[March 7|07/03]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 02
| 33
| New Order
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[The New Order|#5]]–[[Repeat Performance!|8]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Decepticon Dam-Busters!|#29]]–[[The Wrath of Grimlock!|32]] Marvel US [[DIS-Integrated Circuits!|#9]]–[[The Next Best Thing to Being There!|10]] "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1985|Annual 1995]])
| Insights into Marvel UK's efforts to ease the transition between the US and UK material
| [[March 21|21/03]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 03
| 34
| Dinobot Hunt
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Christmas Breaker!|#41]]–[[Dinobot Hunt!|50]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Brainstorm!|#11]]–[[Prime Time!|12]]
| A look at the UK [[Christmas]] story tradition
| [[April 4|04/04]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 23
| 35
| Destiny
| [[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]] [[Destiny, Part One|#91]]–[[Destiny, Part Five|95]], [[Less Than Zero|#0]] "[[Destiny of the Dinobots!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1990|Annual 1990]])
| A feature on Regeneration One issue #0 and rare/unseen sketchbook art
| [[April 18|18/04]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 30
| 36
| War Within: The Dark Ages
| [[Transformers: War Within: The Dark Ages|''War Within: The Dark Ages'' #1–6]]
| Synopsis of ''[[Transformers: War Within: The Age of Wrath|War Within: the Age of Wrath]]'', including art from unfinished issues.
| [[May 2|02/05]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 45
| 37
| Last Stand of the Wreckers
| [[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #1–5]] ''[[Ride-Along|Spotlight: Prowl]]'' [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]] [[...For All Mankind|#1]]
| Interview with [[Nick Roche]], pre-production sketches and story drafts
| [[May 16|16/05]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 49
| 38
| The Iron Age
| [[The Transformers: Ironhide|''Ironhide'' #1–4]] [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]] [[Space Opera Part 1: The Stars My Destination|#19]]–[[Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix|21 ("Space Opera—Final Tableaux: Orphans of the Helix" only)]].
| Casey Coller's ''Ironhide'' sketchbook
| [[May 30|30/05]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 11
| 39
| The Legacy of Unicron
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Headhunt|#133–134]] "[[What's in a Name?]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1987|Annual 1987]]) Marvel UK [[Grudge Match!|#135]]–[[Ladies' Night (issue)|138]], [[The Legacy of Unicron!|#146–151]] "[[Ark Duty]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1987|Annual 1987]]) [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Pretender to the Throne!|#40]]–[[Totaled!|41]]
| A feature on the origins of the origin of the Transformers
| [[June 13|13/06]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 17
| 40
| Matrix Quest
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Bird of Prey!|#62]]–[[All Fall Down|66]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Aspects of Evil!|#223]]–[[A Savage Place!|239]] "[[The Chain Gang!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1990|Annual 1990]])
| Features on the stories behind "Matrix Quest" and, Marvel UK's crossover "[[Deathbringer (Marvel)|Deathbringer]]" saga
| [[June 27|27/06]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 73
| 41
| Transformers vs G.I. Joe, Part 1
| ''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[The Golden Boys|#0]]–[[Headmasters (issue)|7]]
| A creator commentary on issue #0 and an exclusive interview with [[Tom Scioli]]
| [[July 11|11/07]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 76
| 42
| Titans Return, Part 2
| [[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]] [[Ping|#5]]–[[If I Know You|11]]
| Article on ''[[Revolution]]''
| [[July 25|25/07]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 62
| 43
| Earthfall
| ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Earthfall Part 1: Hello Cruel World|#28]]–[[The Crucible|34]]
| The lowdown on the (new) human cast and rare promotional posters for the [[Dawn of the Autobots]] event
| [[August 8|08/08]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 04
| 44
| Second Generation
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Shooting Star!|#13]]–[[Plight of the Bumblebee!|16]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Robot Buster!|#59]]–[[Second Generation!|65]] "[[To a Power Unknown!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1986|Annual 1996]])
| The story behind Marvel UK's Special Teams promotion
| [[August 22|22/08]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 32
| 45
| Infiltration
| [[The Transformers: Infiltration|''Infiltration'' #0–6]]
| An article on "Creating the IDW-Verse: From the Ground Up", "The Pitch" - Furman's original pitch to IDW for Infiltration, and some sketches by [[E. J. Su]].
| [[September 5|05/09]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 24
| 46
| The War to End All Wars
| ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[The War to End All Wars, Part 1|#96]]–[[The War to End All Wars, Part 5|100]]
| the prose story "[[King of Shadows]]" and rare/unseen sketchbook art
| [[September 19|19/09]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 28
| 47
| Worlds Collide Part 2
| ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' [[Worlds Collide|#14]]–[[The End (Armada)|18]] [[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye#Issue .238|Dreamwave's ''More than Meets the Eye'' #8]]
| A brief overview of Dreamwave's [[Transformers: Energon (comic)|Energon comic]] and a bonus glossary section dedicated entirely to background material from the Dreamwave G1-verse
| [[October 3|03/10]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 42
| 48
| Revelation
| ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlights]]: [[Spotlight: Arcee|Arcee]], [[Spotlight: Cyclonus|Cyclonus]], [[Spotlight: Hardhead|Hardhead]], [[Spotlight: Doubledealer|Doubledealer]], [[Spotlight: Sideswipe|Sideswipe]], [[Spotlight: Jazz|Jazz]], [[Spotlight: Metroplex|Metroplex]]''
| "-Ations" retrospective, sketchbook art from Alex Milne and E. J. Su reprinted from individual ''Spotlights''
| [[October 17|17/10]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 65
| 49
| Combiner Wars
| [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] [[First Contact (IDW)|#39]]–[[Now and On Earth|42]] [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 2 #1–4]]
| An article on the [[Prime Wars Trilogy]]
| [[October 31|31/10]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 79
| 50
| Primeless
| ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' [[The Life of Sideswipe|#9]]–[[Primeless, Part 2|12]] ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light|Lost Light]]'' [[Chasing the Infinite|#9]]–[[The Plotters' Club (Part 3): Journey's End|12]]
| A one-page editorial by Simon Furman that mentions the IDW universe's impending end
| [[November 14|14/11]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 12
| 51
| Cosmic Carnival
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Enemy Action!|#152–153]], [[Salvage!|#160–161]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[People Power!|#42]], [[The Cosmic Carnival|44]]–[[Ca$h and Car-nage!|46]] Marvel UK [[Stargazing|#145]]
| A behind-the-scenes look at the UK-only return of Megatron
| [[November 28|28/11]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 25
| 52
| Prime Directive
| [[Prime Directive|''Tranformers: Generation 1'' vol. 1 #1–6]] (plus [[Prime Directive Preview|Preview]])
| A two-page article on 'the in-between years' covering the time when no-one had the ''Transformers'' licence for comics.
| [[December 12|12/12]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 53
| 53
| Liars, A to D
| ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|#1]]–[[Interiors|6]], ''[[The Reluctant Specialist|Spotlight: Trailcutter]]'' and ''[[The Waiting Game|Spotlight: Hoist]]''
| An all-new interview with James Roberts, rare archive material from the dawn of MTMTE, Alex Milne's sketchbook.
| [[December 26|26/12]]/[[2018]]
|-
| 55
| 54
| Shadowplay
| ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|#7]]–[[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|13]], plus the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 Annual]]
| The second of a new three-part interview with Roberts, early pages of scripts, and design sketches from Alex Milne.
| [[January 9|09/01]]/[[2019]]
|-
| 13
| 55
| City of Fear
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[City of Fear!|#164]]–[[Deadly Games!|171]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Club Con!|#47]]–[[Dark Star|50]] "[[Dreadwing Down!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1990|Annual 1990]]) "[[Plague of the Insecticons!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1985|Annual 1985]])
| A behind-the scenes look at a sea change moment for the US comic (Furman's takeover as head writer) and a [[Bob Budiansky]] sketchbook.
| [[January 23|23/01]]/2019
|-
| 41
| 56
| Drift
| [[The Transformers: Drift|''The Transformers: Drift'' #1–4]] [[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlight:]] ''[[Spotlight: Drift|Drift]]'', ''[[Spotlight: Blaster]]''
| An article on creating Drift and some design sketches by [[Guido Guidi]].
| [[February 6|06/02]]/2019
|-
| 74
| 57
| Transformers vs G.I. Joe, Part 2
| ''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Pax Megatronus|#8]]–[[The War Never Ends|13]]
| No extras, but still has the cover art and intro from Furman present on all issues.
| [[February 20|20/02]]/2019
|-
| 47
| 58
| International Incident
| [[The Transformers: Bumblebee|''The Transformers: Bumblebee'' #1–4]] [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]] [[International Incident Part 1: "The Land Ironclads"|#9]]–[[International Incident Part 4: "All My Sins Remembered"|12]]
| An interview with [[Zander Cannon]] and breakdowns for pages 1–4 of each issue of the ''Bumblebee'' mini-series.
| [[March 6|06/03]]/2019
|-
| 05
| 59
| The Smelting Pool
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[The Smelting Pool!|#17]]–[[Showdown!|20]] "[[Victory!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1986|Annual 1996]]) [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[In the National Interest|#74–77]]
|Background material on the [[Cybertron (planet)|planet Cybertron]] with map.
| [[March 20|20/03]]/2019
|-
| 54
| 60
| A Better Tomorrow
| ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[The Autonomy Lesson (issue)|#1]]–[[Interference Patterns|7]]
| A new interview with [[John Barber]]
| [[April 3|03/04]]/2019
|-
| 48
| 61
| Revenge of the Decepticons
| [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]] [[Heart Like a Wheel|#13]]–[[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 5: Enemy Mine|18]] ''[[Spotlight: Megatron]]''
| A ''Spotlight: Megatron'' sketchbook
| [[April 17|17/04]]/2019
|-
| 15
| 62
| Time Wars
| "[[All in the Minds!]]" ([[Transformers Annual 1989|Annual 1989]]) [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Time Wars|#199–205]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Guess Who the Mecannibals Are Having for Dinner?|#52]]–[[The Interplanetary Wrestling Championship!|55]]
| A behind-the-scenes look at Galvatron's storyline
| [[May 1|01/05]]/2019
|-
| 58
| 63
| Shockpoint
|[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]] #[[Plan for Everything|15]]–[[Soundwaves (issue)|22]]
| A 2-page history of IDW Shockwave's history-setting plans.
| [[May 15|15/05]]/2019
|-
| 80
| 64
| Requiem of the Wreckers
| ''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]]'' [[Your First Mistake|#12]] [[The Chosen One|''Till Are Are One'' Annual]] [[Ghost Stories|2017 ''Transformers'' Annual]] ''[[Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers]]''
| Wreckers sketchbook and notebook material from [[Nick Roche]].
| [[May 29|29/05]]/2019
|-
| 63
| 65
| Elegant Chaos
| ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[The Custom-Made Now - An Elegant Chaos Prologue|#35]]–[[The Frail Gaze|42]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[June 12|12/06]]/2019
|-
| 09
| 66
| Toy Soldiers
| [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel UK]] [[Ancient Relics!|#125 and ''Action Force'' #24–27]] [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US]] [[Crater Critters|#29]]–[[Used Autobots|32]], [[Child%27s_Play_(issue)|#35]]–[[Toy Soldiers!|37]]
| A one-page behind-the-scenes feature on "[[Man of Iron (issue)|Man of Iron]]" and how it got reprinted in the US comic.
| [[June 26|26/06]]/2019
|-
| 78
| 67
| New Cybertron
| ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' [[New Cybertron Part 1: To Walk Among the Chosen|#1]]–[[What It's Really Like|8]]
| A sketch gallery by [[Kei Zama]]
| [[July 10|10/07]]/2019
|-
| 67
| 68
| Conquerors
| [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] [[South of Heaven|#43]]–[[Conquerors Part 4: Perihelion|49]] ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'' one-shot
| Development art by [[Andrew Griffith]]
| [[July 24|24/07]]/2019
|-
| 38
| 69
| Devastation
| ''[[The Transformers: Devastation]]'' miniseries ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight|Spotlights]]'' for [[Spotlight: Kup|Kup]], [[Spotlight: Ramjet|Ramjet]] and [[Spotlight: Cliffjumper|Cliffjumper]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[August 7|07/08]]/2019
|-
| 57
| 70
| Remain in Light
| ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[Remembrance Day|#14]]–[[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|21]] Prose stories "[[Signal to Noise]]" and "[[The Sound of Breaking Glass]]"
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[August 21|21/08]]/2019
|-
| 77
| 71
| Dissolution
| ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light]]'' [[Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|#1]]–[[An Axe to Break the Ice|8]]
| A sketch gallery by [[Jack Lawrence]]
| [[September 4|04/09]]/2019
|-
| 69
| 72
| Sins of the Wreckers
| ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' miniseries ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[September 18|18/09]]/2019
|-
| 56
| 73
| City On Fire
| ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Dinobot Hunt (IDW)|#8]]–[[Before the Dawn|14]] [[Primus: All Good Things|2012 Annual]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[October 2|02/10]]/2019
|-
| 34
| 74
| Autocracy
| ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy]]'' miniseries ''[[The Hunting Party (IDW)|Spotlight: Thundercracker]]''
| A one-page article on ''Autocracy'', including an interview with co-writer [[Chris Metzen]].
| [[October 16|16/10]]/2019
|-
| 70
| 75
| Punishment
| ''[[The Transformers: Punishment]]'' miniseries ''[[The Transformers: Redemption]]'' one-shot ''[[The Transformers: Salvation]]'' one-shot
| An article about the Motion Book Tool app used for the digital version of ''[[The Transformers: Punishment]]'', a "Brief History of the (IDW) Dinobots", and a [[Livio Ramondelli]] sketchbook.
| [[October 30|30/10]]/2019
|-
| 27
| 76
| Worlds Collide Part 1
| ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)|Armada]]'' [[Dreamwave_Armada_issue_8|#8]]–[[Dreamwave_Armada_issue_13|13]] [[More_than_Meets_the_Eye:_Transformers:_Armada|''More than Meets the Eye: Armada'' ]] (select material)
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[November 13|13/11]]/2019
|-
| 68
| 77
| Empire of Stone
| ''[[The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone|Drift - Empire of Stone]]'' miniseries [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 2]] issues 5–7
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[November 27|27/11]]/2019
|-
| 51
| 78
| Chaos Theory
| [[The Transformers (IDW)|''The Transformers'' vol. 1]] [[Police Action: Prologue|#21 ("Police Action: Prologue" only)]], [[Chaos Theory Part 1|#22–23]], [[Police Action: Part 1|25]], [[Police Action Part 2: Only Forward|27]], [[Police Action Part 3: A Second Chance at Eden|29]] [[The Question|Spotlight: Bumblebee]]
| A one-page article exploring the origins of the "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]" arc and beyond.
| [[December 11|11/12]]/2019
|-
| 66
| 79
| Speak, Memory
| ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[The One Where They Go to Earth|#43]]–[[Speak, Memory! (Part 2)|49]]
| A one-page article about the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]].
| [[December 25|25/12]]/2019
|-
| 61
| 80
| World, Shut Your Mouth
| ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|#28]]–[[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|34]]
| A page of "Season 2" character posters.
| [[January 8|08/01]]/[[2020]]
|-
| 84
| 81
| The Falling: Part 1
| ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' [[The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|#13]]–[[The Falling, Chapter 3: The Ground|17]] ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' [[Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Annual 2018]]
| A one-page article about the Primes.
| [[January 22|22/01]]/2020
|-
| 90
| 82
| Generation 2: Part 1
| ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Transformers: Generation 2]]'' [[Ghosts|#0]]–[[The Gathering Darkness|6]]
| An article about [[Fleetway]]'s [[Transformers: Generation 2 (Fleetway)|UK ''Generation 2'' comic]], including [small-scale scans of] "[[War Without End (issue)|War Without End]]", their first UK-original ''G2'' strip.
| [[February 5|05/02]]/2020
|-
| 81
| 83
| Revolution
| ''[[Revolution]]'' [[Secret Raiders: A Revolution Prelude|#0]]–[[Valley Forge|5]] ''[[Thundercracker & Buster Save the World|The Transformers]]'' ''[[Revolution]]'' one-shot ''[[Informed|Till All Are One]]'' ''[[Revolution]]'' one-shot ''[[Nothing Will Ever Be the Same Again!|More than Meets the Eye]]'' ''[[Revolution]]'' one-shot
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro.
| [[February 19|19/02]]/2020
|-
| 89
| 84
| Realignments
| ''[[G.I. Joe and the Transformers (comic)|G.I. Joe and the Transformers]]'' [[Blood on the Tracks|#1]]–[[...All Fall Down!|4]] [[G.I. Joe (comic)|Marvel's ''G.I. Joe'']] [[Unfoldings!|#138]]–[[Final Transformations|142]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[March 4|04/03]]/2020
|-
| 82
| 85
| Revolutionaries
| ''[[Revolutionaries]]'' [[Crisis Intervention|#1]]–[[Ghost in the Machine (IDW)|8]]
| A two-page timeline of major IDW continuity events from issue #1, and the character profiles also from issue #1.
| [[March 18|18/03]]/2020
|-
| 92
| 86
| Transformers: The Movie
| [[Transformers: The Movie (Marvel comic)|Marvel's adaption]] of [[The Transformers: The Movie|the 1986 animated movie]] [[Transformers: The Animated Movie|IDW's adaption]] of that same movie
| A one-page article about the movie-verse in comics.
| [[April 1|01/04]]/2020
|-
| 83
| 87
| First Strike
| ''[[First Strike]]'' [[First Strike issue 0|#0]]–[[First Strike issue 6|6]] [[Unification Day: Dusk|First Strike: Transformers]] one-shot [[Unification Day: Dawn|First Strike: Optimus Prime]] one-shot
| A one-page "Prelude to...Unicron!" article, preceding the reprint of "[[First Strike issue 6#Coda: "The Signal"|The Signal]]".
| [[April 22|22/04]]/2020
|-
| 95
| 88
| G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Part 1
| [[Devil's Due Press|Devil's Due]]'s [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers|''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' #1–6]]
| A one-page article about Devil's Due, a two-page article about creating the "Devil's Due-verse" and three pages of [[Mike S. Miller]]'s sketchbook art.
| [[May 13|13/05]]/2020
|-
| 85
| 89
| The Falling, Part 2
| ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' [[The Falling, Interlude: The First Who Was Named|#18]]–[[A Sunrise Dark|24]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[June 3|03/06]]/2020
|-
| 93
| 90
| Beast Wars: The Gathering
| [[Transformers, Beast Wars: The Gathering|''Beast Wars: The Gathering'' #1–4]]
and material from [[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook]]
| An introduction by [[Ben Yee]], a 2-page "Unleash the Beast Wars" feature detailing the origins of the show and toyline, a 3-page "Creating the BW-Verse" interview with [[Bob Forward]], a 2-page "The (G1) roots of the Beast Wars" feature detailing the G1 elements in the show, 4 pages of [[Don Figueroa]]'s design sketches, and a reprint of the "[[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!]]" toy pack-in comic.
| [[June 17|17/06]]/2020
|-
| 86
| 91
| The Everlasting Voices
| ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light]]'' [[Sardines|#13]]–[[The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|18]]
| The first half of ''[[Transformers: Historia]]'' (up to ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'', including the [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] profile, which was itself copied from the ''[[Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook]]''.
| [[July 1|01/07]]/2020
|-
| 96
| 92
| G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Part 2
| [[Devil's Due Press|Devil's Due]]'s [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II|''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II'' #1–4]] [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War'' #1–2]]
| A two-page sketchbook of [[Don Figueroa]]'s original pencils for the the first 8 pages of ''The Art of War''.
| [[July 15|15/07]]/2020
|-
| 87
| 93
| Crucible
| ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light]]'' [[Crucible (Part 1): A Dance Before Dying|#19]]–[[Crucible (Part 6): A Spark Among Embers|24]]
| The second half of ''[[Transformers: Historia]]'' including the [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] profile.
| [[July 29|29/07]]/2020
|-
| 91
| 94
| Generation 2, Part 2
| ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (Marvel)|Transformers: Generation 2]]'' [[New Dawn|#7]]–[[A Rage in Heaven!|12]]
| A profile on [[Derek Yaniger]], a outro by Simon Furman including [small-scale scans of] "[[War Zone|War Zone]]", their second UK-original ''G2'' strip.
| [[August 12|12/08]]/2020
|-
| 88
| 95
| Unicron
| ''[[Transformers: Unicron]]'' [[Our Darkest|#0]]–[[Ceremony|6]] ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' [[Post|#25]] ''[[The Transformers: Lost Light]]'' [[How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2|25]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[August 26|26/08]]/2020
|-
| 94
| 96
| Beast Wars: The Ascending
| [[Transformers: Beast Wars: The Ascending|''Beast Wars: The Ascending'' #1–4]] and material from [[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook]]
| A 7-page Beast Wars Glossary (from the ''Sourcebook'' trade) and a 5-page Behind the Scenes proposal of Furman's planned third Beast Wars miniseries to be titled ''The Revisiting''.
| [[September 9|09/09]]/2020
|-
| 97
| 97
| G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Part 3
| [[Devil's Due Press|DDP]]'s [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War|''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: The Art of War'' #3–5]] [[G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers: Black Horizon|''G.I. Joe vs, the Transformers: Black Horizon'' #1–2]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[September 23|23/09]]/2020
|-
| 98
| 98
| The World In Your Eyes
| ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[The World In Your Eyes Part One|#1]]–[[The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part One|#7]]
| A Q&A with writer Brian Ruckley
| [[October 7|07/10]]/2020
|-
| 99
| 99
| The Cracks Beneath Your Feet
| ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[The Cracks Beneath Your Feet Part Two|#8]]–[[The Change In Your Nature Part Two|#14]]
| No bonus aside from Furman's intro and a cover gallery.
| [[October 21|21/10]]/2020
|-
| 100
| 100
| Constructicons Rising
| ''[[Transformers (2019 comic)|Transformers]]'' [[The Change In Your Nature Part Three|#15]]–[[The Change In Your Nature Part Five|#17]] ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' [[Constructicons Rising, Part 1|#1]]–[[Constructicons Rising, Part 4|4]]
| A 2-page afterword on the collection as a whole, a tiny cover gallery of the series and a retrospective on the various publishing companies.
| [[November 4|04/11]]/2020
|}

==Curation==
Although this collection was curated by Simon Furman, the man directly responsible for many of the stories it contains, many of the decisions it makes seem to be far from ideal.

Presumably as a result of these being the master copies in Hasbro's possession, Marvel US reprints are drawn from IDW's ''[[The Transformers Classics]]'' 'remasters', complete with newly-introduced typos, haphazard attempts to 'fix' errors, washed-out linework, and less authentic coloring than John-Paul Bove's brand new efforts! In a similar vein, cover galleries include the covers for both the US and UK stories, but ''not'' the UK-exclusive covers for US stories. This focus on presenting the 'unmodified' versions of US comics means that many of the minor edits made to those stories for their original UK printings (to better jive with Furman's expanded continuity) are absent.<ref name=RyanFTarget2006>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-9#post-14167234 Ryan F on the TFW2005 forums]: "In order to smooth over the continuity cracks between the UK and US stories, the US books were usually edited (US#16-24 were especially affected) for their UK printing. But rather than the UK edits of the American stories, we get the familiar US versions. <nowiki>[...]</nowiki> Oh, and on page 214, there's a factual error as well, when it states that Transformers UK sold 200,000 copies per week. That's actually completely false. It actually sold 100,000 copies per week at its peak. That said, each individual comic sold would tend to be read by a number of people, as kids lent or gave their comics to siblings or school friends. It was calculated that, on average, each comic sold would be read by two-point-five people. Marvel (and other comic publishers such as Fleetway or IPC) would therefore take the ''actual'' circulation figures and apply this 2.5 multiplier to give a total readership that did exceed two hundred thousand on occasion. So whilst the ''readership'' was arguably 250K-plus, the actual ''number of copies'' sold was nowhere near that figure.</ref>

===Reading order===
The actual ordering of the Marvel material is far from straightforward, for various reasons:
*The two Furman-penned comics from [[Transformers Annual 1985|the 1995 annual]] don't have a particular place in the continuity: "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]" is a standalone flashback that isn't referenced until UK #44, while "[[Plague of the Insecticons!]]" is a non-canonical present-day story written to promote toys that weren't appearing in the comic at the time. Presumably for reasons of space, they're included as backmatter in volumes 2 and 13; the latter consists mostly of stories released three years later!
*Volume 3 presents UK #41-50 before US #11-12, when they should be the other way around. Apparently this was a deliberate decision to place focus on the UK story the volume was centred around!<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/315915/thread Facebook post quoted by Andy Turnbull on the Transmasters UK forums]: "While we make every effort to maintain the original flow and continuity of the Marvel UK/US TRANSFORMERS stories, the self-contained identity and integrity of each individual volume is of paramount importance, especially as the collections aren’t released in chronological order. So, in a heavily UK-centric volume titled Dinobot Hunt, we took the decision to lead with the main/bulk of 'Dinobot Hunt' (and preceding issues) itself. Both UK and US strips are prefaced with a dedicated Story So Far to ease readers into the respective narratives, so they can be enjoyed together or in and of themselves. Naturally, we regret any inherent ‘spoilers’, but our policy is to create coherent and self-supportive volumes that anyone, casual reader or long-time fan, can pick up and enjoy."</ref>
*The minor Marvel productions "[[The Night the Transformers Saved Christmas]]" and "[[The Special Teams Have Arrived]]" are absent—but of course, the latter was completely retold in UK #63-65, included here in volume 4. The former story’s absence stands out, since, in his panel at [[unofficial conventions|TFNation 2016]] Simon Furman specifically mentioned that it ''would'' be included in the collection, the first time it would have seen a reprint ''anywhere'', but this ultimately didn't occur, for unknown reasons.
*The two comic stories from [[Transformers Annual 1986|the 1986 annual]] aren't directly connected to specific issues; "[[To a Power Unknown!]]" doesn't really fit into continuity, but certainly takes place after UK #65—which is where the partwork puts it—while "[[Victory!]]" (which explains what happened to the Dinobots between UK #50 and #65) is placed before UK #74-77, another Dinobot-centric story.
*"[[The Gift]]", UK #93's seasonal story by [[James Hill]], is omitted; it should be placed in volume 6 between US #22 and US #23.
*Volume 8 reshuffles things slightly relative to publication order; US #27 was originally published before UK #113-120, but is moved afterwards. As the stories aren't connected, this doesn't really affect anything.
*The stories from [[Transformers Annual 1987|the 1987 annual]] are scattered. "[[Vicious Circle!]]" is placed in volume 8 alongside UK #113-120, collectively forming the first "post-movie" storyline. "What's In a Name?" is placed in volume 11 directly before UK #135-136, which developed its premise further. "[[Ark Duty]]" is also thrown into volume 11, after UK #146-151... despite chronologically taking place some time before that story.
*In a move that actually ''improves'' readability, the ''[[Action Force (comic)|Action Force]]'' crossover "[[Ancient Relics!]]" (which originally interrupted the unrelated two-part story told across US #29-30) is moved before #29.
*[[Worlds Apart!|UK #130-131]] was written as an introduction to the Headmaster concept to UK audiences; it's recontextualised here as a flashback, letting the ''[[The Transformers: Headmasters| Headmasters]]'' miniseries lead directly into [[Trial by Fire!|US #38]]. Keeping UK-original strips in publication order however then causes trouble with [[Ladies' Night (issue)|UK #137-138]], which set up the Combaticons' appearance in... [[Used Autobots|US #32]], and [[Enemy Action!|UK #152-153]], which takes place before the launch of [[Club Con]] in [[The Desert Island of Space!|US #39]].
*[[Stargazing|UK #145]], a fairly standalone Christmas story, is thrown in at the end of volume 12.
*When Furman took over the US comic, the UK strips (having switched to black-and-white) generally stopped tying directly into the US material. Exceptions included [[Race with the Devil|UK #215-218]] setting up [[Back from the Dead|US #56]], Thunderwing's rise to power across [[The Big Shutdown!|UK #230-231]] and [[Rage!|#241]]-[[Assault on the Ark!|242]] paying off in [[Yesterday's Heroes!|US #60]], [[Out to Lunch!|UK #240]] following on from [[Skin Deep|US #59]], [[Mind Games|UK #243]]-[[Two Megatrons!|244]] further explaining Megatron's appearance in US #56-59, [[Whose Lifeforce Is It Anyway?|UK #249]] being nodded to in [[Bird of Prey!|US #62]], and the events of [[Deathbringer (issue)|UK #235-236]] being directly referenced in [[Dark Creation|US #65]]. This collection includes these comics in clumps during breaks in the action, ignoring most of this connective tissue.
*Starting with [[...Perchance to Dream|UK #255]] (as noted on the [[Earthforce]] page), the UK material effectively diverged into an entire alternate timeline; most of these stories are placed together at the end of volume 20.

The ordering of IDW's comics, meanwhile, can only be described as impenetrable to a new reader. As ''Infiltration'' was the starting point for that continuity, it is presented as the first volume, but in a stab towards chronological ordering the next volumes are devoted to prequels such as ''[[Megatron: Origin]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Autocracy| Autocracy]]'', which were released well after the fact and don't really mesh well here. Even Furman's own work isn't safe: ''[[The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots| Maximum Dinobots]]'' is placed before ''[[Revelation (IDW)|Revelation]]'', and the other ''[[The Transformers: Spotlight| Spotlight]]'' issues are thrown in haphazardly wherever space allows. How much of the material following his run Furman has actually read, only he can say.

===Omissions===
It's apparent that when the partwork was planned out, Hatchette intended to be the first company to reprint the latter-day [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] material such as [[Transformers: Generation 1 (Dreamwave)|the Sunstorm arc]], ''[[Transformers: Micromasters|Micromasters]]'', and the ''[[20th Anniversary Transformers Summer Special|Summer Special]]''<ref>[https://simonfurman.wordpress.com/2017/01/ Simon Furman on WordPress]: "all the Dreamwave G1 material that saw print in single-issue form will be collected, including the rare Summer Special story, Welcome to the Jungle, and their ongoing G1 series"</ref> in volumes 27 and 28—but those volumes wound up containing issues from Dreamwave's ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)| Armada]]'' comic, which merely guest-starred G1 characters and seem very out of place in a "Definitive ''G1'' Collection" (unsurprisingly, the rest of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)| Armada]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Energon (comic)| Energon]]'' material is omitted). Presumably, this late change occurred for the same reason those stories have never been reprinted in the first place—nobody's sure whether the creative teams were actually ''paid'' for their work. A summary of ''[[Transformers: War Within: The Age of Wrath|The Age of Wrath]]'' was included, but none of the finished issues of that series or of ''[[Transformers/G.I. Joe: Divided Front]]'' were reprinted.

Many of the collection's other omissions can easily be considered editorial choices:
*The prose stories from Marvel UK's annuals are omitted, although it bears mentioning that most of them were written by authors other than Furman and are tricky to reconcile with the continuity proper anyway. Furman's stories are more conspicuous by their absence: "[[The Magnificent Six!]]" from the 1991 annual was part of the Earthforce storyline, and the 1992 annual's "[[Another Time & Place]]" was effectively the original coda to his Marvel run. UK #302's "[[Dreadwind's Xmas!]]" is absent too, notable for focusing on Dreadwind's time [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|answering letters]] for Marvel UK.
*At most, only small extracts are given of the various profile books released over the years: Marvel's ''[[The Transformers Universe (Marvel)|The Transformers Universe]]'', Dreamwave's ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye| More than Meets the Eye]]'', and IDW's ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook| Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'' and ''[[Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook]]''.
*None of the material released by [[3H Productions]] or [[Fun Publications]] was printed in this collection.
*Various obscure one-off comics like [[Milton Bradley]]'s "[[In the Transformers]]", [[Grandreams]]' "[[The Dinobots!]]" (from ''[[The Official Transformers: Generation 2 Annual]]''), [[Metrodome]]'s "[[The Beast Within]]", Madman Entertainment's "[[The Transformers (Madman)|The Transformers]]" and IDW's "[[Rodimus vs. Cyclonus]]" are understandably left out. Furman would have liked to include [[Beast Wars: Transformers video game advertising comic|the one-page comic advert]] for [[Beast Wars: Transformers (video game)|the ''Beast Wars'' video game]], but he didn't know about it at the time.<ref>{{twitter|WOW! I did not know about this. Otherwise I'd have looked at getting it into one of the Beast Wars Definitive G1 collections.|https://twitter.com/SimonFurman3/status/1460935424222932994|Simon Furman|2021|11|17}}</ref>
*IDW's non-''G.I. Joe'' crossover miniseries are all omitted: ''[[New Avengers/Transformers]]'', ''[[Aw Yeah Revolution!]]'', ''[[Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor]]'', ''[[Transformers vs. Visionaries]]'', ''[[Angry Birds Transformers (comic)|Angry Birds Transformers]]'', ''[[Star Trek vs. Transformers]]'', and ''[[Transformers/Ghostbusters]]''. So too are most of the tie-ins to their once-annual multi-property events: ''[[Infestation 2]]'', ''[[Mars Attacks: The Transformers|Mars Attacks]]'', ''[[The X-Files: Conspiracy: The Transformers|The X-Files: Conspiracy]]'', and ''[[Transformers: Deviations| Deviations]]''.
*The end of the series at volume 100 meant that much of the [[2019 IDW continuity]] material went unpublished. Though the series technically wraps up story arcs with ''Transformers'' #17 and ''Galaxies'' #4, the omissions of the stories told in [[Arcee/Greenlight: Run|''Transformers'' #18]] and [[Wannabee, Part 1|''Galaxies'' #5-6 ]] meant that subscribers couldn't just hop straight across to IDW's own hardcover collections!

Less forgivable is the omission of the ancillary material from ''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' ("[[FCBD Funnies]]", the four-page "[[Black Cybertron]]" prose story from [[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 10|issue #10]], and "[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe: The Movie Adaptation|The Movie Adaptation]]"). The various prose stories, profiles and comics first printed with the collected editions of ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' are also absent.

==Coloring==
Colorist John-Paul Bove, known for his work on ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One| Regeneration One]]'', was hired by Hatchette to give color to black-and-white UK-original stories. The first of these was "[[Raiders of the Last Ark]]", included in volume 1. Like many of the earliest UK strips, only some of its instalments were printed in color, but this was the only story not to be later colourised in a reprint at the time. For this collection, Bove colored the entire comic in a style as close to the original marker-pens as possible, with the only edits being to correct an error and to put [[Guardian (Marvel)|Guardian]]'s colors in line with the character's later appearances.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/282848/thread John-Paul Bove on the Transmasters UK forums]: "Raiders has been coloured to match as closely as possible the original. As far as I can tell the original was coloured in marker pen! This involved some exceptionally detailed hi res scans and taking the texture and colour choices from the original (including a Megs with a lot of gold!). There were two changes made to the originals, one was a colouring error pointed out by Mike Collins himself that affected the linework (see if you can spot it) that I corrected and the other was that the Guardian colours were changed to match all subsequent appearances. When he is taken down he is left a solid colour in that Yomtovy way of doing things."</ref>

For the black-and-white strips printed following the UK comic's format change in 1989, Bove colored the stories depending on whether their plots tied into the UK or the US continuity. He cites "[[Race with the Devil]]" (the first black-and-white story of this kind) and "[[Fallen Star!]]" as examples of US-relevant stories. Meanwhile stories like "[[Survivors]]" emulated the richer colour combinations employed by the UK teams.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/282848/thread John-Paul Bove on the Transmasters UK forums]: "As stated in the colour commentary in vol 3, the style of colouring for the strips depends entirely on the continuity it follows regardless of which country it originated in. So Race with the Devil and Fallen Star follow US continuity despite being a UK originated strip. So the colour ref will follow what was in the Underbase Saga and the stories containing the classic Pretenders (so background Soundwave is Magenta as Ed said). At a certain point along the way the UK was instructed to follow the US way of colouring, so the techniques becomes the same though the guys and gals in the UK were geniuses in making combinations to generate richer pallets. That's why Survivors etc has been done in a richer, denser style."</ref> "[[Aspects of Evil!]]" and the [[Earthforce]] stories were colored to look like they could've been rendered with inks and airbrushes.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/282848/thread John-Paul Bove on the Transmasters UK forums]: "For Aspects of Evil (coming soon!) the colouring style is not bound by continuity. I felt doing something like Regen would be too far removed from the time, but instead I have coloured it in a way that could have been rendered with inks and airbrush but that still feels modern without any computer trickery. It's a style based a little on contrast and is hopefully both bold and subtle."</ref>

In some cases, Bove made choices with regards to color schemes based on in-universe reasoning, most notably with [[Xaaron]] and [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]] in volume 19.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/299016/thread John-Paul Bove on the Transmasters UK forums]: "With Xaaron I was pretty sure that his appearance here was chronologically the first we'd seen him so I decided to make him his UK colours and leave his all yellow look something he got shortly after. This was partly because his all yellow look was awful and there was enough wiggle room to do it. Soundwave on the other hand had appeared magenta before the events of Starscream's Pretender process and after so to change him to blue for this moment between other moments requires a bigger ask. There is a whole complicated reasoning that had to apply to Thunderwing precisely because he appears in different colours in between coloured appearances. I reasoned that he was burned then jumped into the sea which lead to one colour change, got repaired and recoloured when he got back to the ship and then got given a final upgrade when he got made leader. I spent forever working out a logic that would make sense of all the colour schemes he had that I had to jump between. There was definitely method to the madness and many, many hours were spent making it as consistent, justified and sympathetic as possible."</ref>

The handful of the stories from the black-and-white era to have been colourised at the time ("[[The Big Shutdown!]]" in issues #330-1, and the [[Mayhem Attack Squad]] storyline told across "[[The Hunting Party (Marvel)|The Hunting Party]]", "[[Way of the Warrior]]", "[[Survival Run]]", "[[A Savage Place!]]", "[[Cry Wolf!]]", "[[Wolf in the Fold!]]", and "[[Where Wolf?]]" in [[Transformers Annual 1992]]) were not re-colourised from scratch, but instead presented as they were at the time.

==Notes==
* The free gifts shipped to subscribers with the first five deliveries (each consisting of two isses - except the first, which included a third issue free) were:
** Autobot/Decepticon [[insignia]] keyrings!
** A wallet!
** A tin-plate version of the cover to "[[Dark Star]]", featuring a cosmically-empowered [[Starscream (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Starscream]]!
** A mug!
** A pair of metal Autobot/Decepticon insignia bookends!<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20170112033736/http://www.transformerscollection.com:80/ Archived copy of official site]</ref>
* Before the partwork launched, the second free gift was advertised as an [[Insignia|Autobrand]] belt buckle.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20160914212214/http://www.transformerscollection.com:80/ Archived copy of official site]</ref>
* The first issue collected "[[Target: 2006]]", and was coincidentally out at newsagents thirty years after the story originally ran.<ref>[http://thesolarpool.weebly.com/transformers-uk227.html Solar Pool]: "The Target: 2006 book is already out... if it doesn’t [finish], Target: 2006 was back on at least some newsagents shelves towards the end of its 30th anniversary week. How cool is that?"</ref>
* The printings of Marvel material aren't really identical to those released by IDW—for instance, issue 1 (volume 6 - confused yet?) includes various Marvel trademarks (such as the superheroes around the edge of the cover to "Heavy Traffic" and the kid wearing a Spider-Man t-shirt in "Decepticon Graffiti") which were painted out of IDW's reprints due to rights issues.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-10#post-14168736 Ryan F on the TFW2005 forums]: "The weird thing is, though, these '''aren't''' the IDW versions. The cover to Heavy Traffic has all the Marvel characters around the edge, and the little kid in Decepticon Graffiti is wearing his Spider-Man t-shirt. This stuff was painted out of the IDW trades due to rights issues with Marvel."</ref>

===Errors===
* When the website launched, it accidentally credited [[Andrew Wildman|Andrew ''Wlid''man]].
* The poster included with issue 1 includes a bio for [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]... which uses an image of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]].<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-6#post-13983869 fishpop on the TFW2005 forums]: "Also: the poster that comes with Volume 1 (Target: 2006) shows some small character bios but goofs up the "Jazz" bio by using a picture of Prowl."</ref>
* The trial versions of issues 1 and 2 had the inside cover art swapped: the "Target: 2006" book had artwork for ''Stormbringer'', and vice versa.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-6#post-13989359 drmick on the TFW2005 forums]: "On anybody else's copies, is the inside cover art wrong? I've got Stormbringer art inside the Target:2006 book, and Target:2006 art inside the Stormbringer book."</ref>
* A feature in issue 1 states that the Marvel UK comic sold 200,000 copies per week, when really it only sold 100,000 per week ''at its peak''. This error presumably stems from the fact that Marvel (and other publishers at the time) multiplied their circulation figures by 2.5 to calculate their readership, as they estimated that many issues would be shared between friends and siblings.<ref name=RyanFTarget2006>
* Hatchette's own masterings of the comics introduce yet more errors. In issue 1, for example, an instance of '[[Skids (G1)|]]' in dialogue is misspelled as 'Skips'.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-12#post-14277882 Bass X0 on the TFW2005 forums]: "In Decepticon Graffiti, Skids is called Skips on the second page."</ref> This error was not present in IDW's original reprints.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-13#post-14316444 Magnus' Mate on the TFW2005 forums]: "Except the IDW "Transformers Classics" volume 2 with issue #23 in doesn't have this same problem - Skids is still Skids, not Skips! I know there are other problems with them, but this one is on Hachette."</ref>
* The bio for John Paul Bove included in issue 3 (volume 16) was apparently written by himself in the first person, then edited into the third person—one of the sentences written in first person remains!<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-8#post-14101771 drmick on the TFW2005 forums]: "There is also a half page bio on JP, which was obviously written by himself in the first person, and then edited to be the third person- but they missed one of the first person senetnces and it is still in there!"</ref>
* Some copies of volume 22 had a number erroneously printed on one of the pages.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-20#post-15179844 rodster6 on the TFW2005 forums]: "Got volume 7 today (which I think is issue 22) and there is a weird number printed randomly on one page that shouldn't be there."</ref>
* Copies of the first issue provided to general retail and initial subscribers had an error on the spine, with the black volume number box at the top being the wrong size.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-12#post-14249131 ultra badness on the TFW2005 forums]: "I just got an email from Hachette to say they had misprinted the spine art on issue 1. And hey will send a replacement. Hurrah! Im going to have 3 issues!"</ref> Subscribers received free corrected copies, while those who bought theirs at newsagents had to wait for replacements which were included with issue 7.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-12#post-14256091 Magnus' Mate on TFW2005]: "Incidentally, the 'corrected' #1 will be available to non-subscribers as well, included free with issue #7!"</ref> Hachette were seen giving away error-stricken copies for free at a signing event at a London comic shop.<ref>[http://forums.millarworld.tv/t/the-trades-thread-hardcovers-graphic-novels-and-more/4923/2359 Millarworld forums (dead link)]</ref> This error shouldn't be confused with the change in spine art for the first four issues made between the limited trial run and the mass release,<ref>[http://www.facebook.com/TransformersG1Collection/posts/1533415153338562?comment_id=1533436356669775&reply_comment_id=1533593929987351 Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection on Facebook]</ref> which means that anyone who subscribed to the series from its trial will end up with ''three'' different copies of issue 1.
* Some other printing errors that led Hachette to reissue volumes were:
** Volume 28 erroneously used the same speech bubbles for two pages in a row.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/425882/thread
Danlevan on the Transmasters UK forums]: "Volume 28 - The speech bubbles from another page were repeated, but the art was still correct. It's a page with Prime and the human kids at the top, and the Minicons transforming at the bottom from issue 18. The speech bubbles are from the next page. One sits over Rad's face so is pretty easy to spot."</ref>
** Volume 35 swapped the last two pages of ''Monstrosity'' #11 with two from "War and Peace" #3.<ref>[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/uk-transformers-graphic-novel-partwork-from-hatchette.1088662/page-18#post-14880721 fishpop on the TFW2005 forums]: "The last two pages of Monstrosity #11 have been swapped with the ones from W&P #3"</ref>
** Volume 64 printed the first page of ''Windblade'' #4 at the wrong size, cutting off some of the speech bubbles. Additionally, some of the issues of ''Robots in Disguise'' were printed out of order.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/425882/thread
Danlevan on the Transmasters UK forums]: "Volume 64 - The first page of Windblade #4 is zoomed in and has cut off speech bubbles, the issues of ex-RiD are out of order. An incorrect printing starts with a page with Sideswipe, Cosmos and Prowl instead of Blackrock."</ref>
** Volume 75 printed a page with [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] twice.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/425882/thread
Danlevan on the Transmasters UK forums]: "Volume 75 - A page from earlier in the issue with Bruticus is reprinted. Really easy to spot if you flick through the black bordered pages, these stick out as they're white and again aren't Livio art."</ref>
** Volume 81 printed the intro at the back of the book, rather than at the start.<ref>[https://tmukhub.proboards.com/post/425882/thread
Danlevan on the Transmasters UK forums]: "Revolution (Volume 81) had the intro printed at the back of the book"</ref>
* Many volumes include pages which are stuck together, though this is easy enough for the reader to fix.
* Though some readers may try to convince you otherwise, [[Mister Johnson]] is not an error.

==Covers==
Each issue of the series used the same format for its cover: a piece of art of a character (usually one who appeared in the book in question, if not necessarily the most significant character in the volume), with a lower panel extracted from one of the included comics, washed over in a block colour. Most of the character art pieces presumably come from some large stock library at Hasbro, with the vast majority being reused from [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye| More than Meets the Eye]]'' profile series. The covers not sourced from Dreamwave are as follows:

*Early toy-inspired promotional art drawn by [[Guido Guidi]] for IDW Publishing:
**Banners for [[San Diego Comic-Con#2005|San Diego Comic-Con 2005]]: Vol 19 (Megatron), Vol 64 (Starscream), and Vol 50 (Prowl)<ref>"IDW banner for SDCC 2005 booth - and later re-used on 2006 as TF Infiltration variant cover!"—[https://www.deviantart.com/guidoguidi/art/IDW-MEGATRON-Banner-44381245 Guido Guidi on DeviantArt, 2006-12-08]</ref>
**Postcard-sized pieces featuring the cast of ''Infiltration'': Vol 1 (Ironhide), 26 (Blitzwing), Vol 35 (Optimus), and Vol 59 (Ratchet)<ref>"This is from a set of postcard-sized pieces I did for IDW publishing back in 2006, featuring the cast from the "Infiltration" miniseries by Simon Furman and ~EJ-Su. Designs were heavily inspired by the '80 toys."—[https://www.deviantart.com/guidoguidi/art/IDW-G1-Card-Wheeljack-184237528 Guido Guidi on DeviantArt, 2010-10-28]</ref>
*Many pieces of stock art done by [[Don Figueroa]] and [[Josh Burcham]] circa 2007 for Hasbro, in the style they used for the ''[[Transformers: The Animated Movie| The Animated Movie]]'' adaptation.<ref>{{twitter|That great image of lounging Optimus making the rounds took me back! I didnt help make it but its done in the same style as this art Don and I started for Hasbro. its still fun to still see these show up on T-shirts. Pretty sure I did Optimus, too? Cant find colors for that tho / I have line art for Optimus, Soundwave, and Starscream but no color files on this hard drive so maybe they're still around. I think ultimately communication kinda broke down between me and who I was working with [there was some confusion on the color style] but it was still fun! / I remember the edict being a style like what Don and I were doing on the TF:TM adaptation via IDW. Turned out they meant the cover art, which I did in a more airbrushy/painty style, and not the cel shaded interiors and then I cant remember what happened after that :o / Clearly they found someone else, as my mom has a shirt with all this art on it with characters like Grimlock and Jazz and all kinds of other characters. Its amusing that Hasbro still uses this stuff, my files are dated early 2007|https://twitter.com/jcburcham/status/1488642279459987458|Josh Burcham|2022|02|01}}</ref> The pieces were most notably used for [[Shout! Factory]]'s DVD releases of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the '80s cartoon]], with artist [[Andrew Griffith]] later taking over from Don in the same style.<ref>{{twitter|It’s funny I was actually thinking that! It reminded me of when I’d have to try to match his look for the DVD covers. It’s definitely based on his style of G1 Optimus.|https://twitter.com/glovestudios/status/1488641662737952769|Andrew Griffith|2022|02|01}}</ref> The pieces used for ''Definitive'' are: Vol 6 (Megatron), Vol 8 (Soundwave), Vol 10 (Devastator), Vol 16 (Optimus Prime), Vol 18 (Grimlock), Vol 21 (Optimus Prime with [[Energon-axe|axe]]), Vol 29 (Jazz), Vol 31 (Megatron with [[Energon mace|mace]]), Vol 36 (Hot Rod), Vol 37 (Starscream), and Vol 39 (Bumblebee)
*Profile art from the ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook| Beast Wars Sourcebook]]'': Vol 93 (Optimal Optimus) and Vol 94 (''Beast Wars'' Megatron)
*Cropped from artwork of one of the collected issues: Vol 41 (Drift), Vol 48 ("stealth bomber" Megatron) and Vol 95 (Wheeljack)
<center><gallery caption="Marvel (US & UK)" perrow="6">
DefinitiveG1Collection v1.jpg|Vol 1: Power Play
DefinitiveG1Collection v2.jpg|Vol 2: New Order
DefinitiveG1Collection v3.jpg|Vol 3: Dinobot Hunt
DefinitiveG1Collection v4.jpg|Vol 4: Second Generation
DefinitiveG1Collection v5.jpg|Vol 5: The Smelting Pool
DefinitiveG1Collection v6.jpg|Vol 6: Target: 2006
DefinitiveG1Collection v7.jpg|Vol 7: The Harder They Die
DefinitiveG1Collection v8.jpg|Vol 8: Wanted: Galvatron - Dead or Alive
DefinitiveG1Collection v9.jpg|Vol 9: Toy Soldiers
DefinitiveG1Collection v10.jpg|Vol 10: Trial by Fire
DefinitiveG1Collection v11.jpg|Vol 11: The Legacy of Unicron
DefinitiveG1Collection v12.jpg|Vol 12: Cosmic Carnival
DefinitiveG1Collection v13.jpg|Vol 13: City of Fear
DefinitiveG1Collection v14.jpg|Vol 14: Space Pirates
DefinitiveG1Collection v15.jpg|Vol 15: Time Wars
DefinitiveG1Collection v16.jpg|Vol 16: The Primal Scream
DefinitiveG1Collection v17.jpg|Vol 17: Matrix Quest
DefinitiveG1Collection v18.jpg|Vol 18: Edge of Extinction
DefinitiveG1Collection v19.jpg|Vol 19: Perchance to Dream
DefinitiveG1Collection v20.jpg|Vol 20: End of the Road
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Marvel's Generation 2" perrow="6">
DefinitiveG1Collection v89.jpg|Vol 89: Realignments
DefinitiveG1Collection v90.jpg|Vol 90: Generation 2 Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v91.jpg|Vol 91: Generation 2 Part 2
</gallery>
<gallery caption="IDW's Regeneration One" perrow="6">
DefinitiveG1Collection v21.jpg|Vol 21: Regeneration One
DefinitiveG1Collection v22.jpg|Vol 22: Natural Selection
DefinitiveG1Collection v23.jpg|Vol 23: Destiny
DefinitiveG1Collection v24.jpg|Vol 24: The War to End All Wars
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Dreamwave Productions" perrow="6">
DefinitiveG1Collection v25.jpg|Vol 25: Prime Directive
DefinitiveG1Collection v26.jpg|Vol 26: War and Peace
DefinitiveG1Collection v27.jpg|Vol 27: Worlds Collide Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v28.jpg|Vol 28: Worlds Collide Part 2
DefinitiveG1Collection v29.jpg|Vol 29: The War Within
DefinitiveG1Collection v30.jpg|Vol 30: War Within: The Dark Ages
DefinitiveG1Collection v31.jpg|Vol 31: The Iron Fist
</gallery>

<gallery caption="2005 IDW continuity" perrow="6">
DefinitiveG1Collection v32.jpg|Vol 32: Infiltration
DefinitiveG1Collection v33.jpg|Vol 33: Megatron Origin
DefinitiveG1Collection v34.jpg|Vol 34: Autocracy
DefinitiveG1Collection v35.jpg|Vol 35: Primacy
DefinitiveG1Collection v36.jpg|Vol 36: Stormbringer
DefinitiveG1Collection v37.jpg|Vol 37: Escalation
DefinitiveG1Collection v38.jpg|Vol 38: Devastation
DefinitiveG1Collection v39.jpg|Vol 39: Hearts of Steel
DefinitiveG1Collection v40.jpg|Vol 40: Maximum Dinobots
DefinitiveG1Collection v41.jpg|Vol 41: Drift
DefinitiveG1Collection v42.jpg|Vol 42: Revelation
DefinitiveG1Collection v43.jpg|Vol 43: All Hail Megatron, Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v44.jpg|Vol 44: All Hail Megatron, Part 2
DefinitiveG1Collection v45.jpg|Vol 45: Last Stand of the Wreckers
DefinitiveG1Collection v46.jpg|Vol 46: Things Fall Apart
DefinitiveG1Collection v47.jpg|Vol 47: International Incident
DefinitiveG1Collection v48.jpg|Vol 48: Revenge of the Decepticons
DefinitiveG1Collection v49.jpg|Vol 49: The Iron Age
DefinitiveG1Collection v50.jpg|Vol 50: Heart of Darkness
DefinitiveG1Collection v51.jpg|Vol 51: Chaos Theory
DefinitiveG1Collection v52.jpg|Vol 52: The Death of Optimus Prime
DefinitiveG1Collection v53.jpg|Vol 53: Liars, A to D
DefinitiveG1Collection v54.jpg|Vol 54: A Better Tomorrow
DefinitiveG1Collection v55.jpg|Vol 55: Shadowplay
DefinitiveG1Collection v56.jpg|Vol 56: City On Fire
DefinitiveG1Collection v57.jpg|Vol 57: Remain In Light
DefinitiveG1Collection v58.jpg|Vol 58: Shockpoint
DefinitiveG1Collection v59.jpg|Vol 59: Dark Cybertron, Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v60.jpg|Vol 60: Dark Cybertron, Part 2
DefinitiveG1Collection v61.jpg|Vol 61: World Shut Your Mouth
DefinitiveG1Collection v62.jpg|Vol 62: Earthfall
DefinitiveG1Collection v63.jpg|Vol 63: Elegant Chaos
DefinitiveG1Collection v64.jpg|Vol 64: Windblade
DefinitiveG1Collection v65.jpg|Vol 65: Combiner Wars
DefinitiveG1Collection v66.jpg|Vol 66: Speak, Memory
DefinitiveG1Collection v67.jpg|Vol 67: Conquerors
DefinitiveG1Collection v68.jpg|Vol 68: Empire of Stone
DefinitiveG1Collection v69.jpg|Vol 69: Sins of the Wreckers
DefinitiveG1Collection v70.jpg|Vol 70: Punishment
DefinitiveG1Collection v71.jpg|Vol 71: All Hail Optimus
DefinitiveG1Collection v72.jpg|Vol 72: The Dying of the Light
DefinitiveG1Collection v75.jpg|Vol 75: Titans Return, Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v76.jpg|Vol 76: Titans Return, Part 2
DefinitiveG1Collection v77.jpg|Vol 77: Dissolution
DefinitiveG1Collection v78.jpg|Vol 78: New Cybertron
DefinitiveG1Collection v79.jpg|Vol 79: Primeless
DefinitiveG1Collection v80.jpg|Vol 80: Requiem of the Wreckers
DefinitiveG1Collection v81.jpg|Vol 81: Revolution
DefinitiveG1Collection v82.jpg|Vol 82: Revolutionaries
DefinitiveG1Collection v83.jpg|Vol 83: First Strike
DefinitiveG1Collection v84.jpg|Vol 84: The Falling Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v85.jpg|Vol 85: The Falling Part 2
DefinitiveG1Collection v86.jpg|Vol 86: The Everlasting Voices
DefinitiveG1Collection v87.jpg|Vol 87: Crucible
DefinitiveG1Collection v88.jpg|Vol 88: Unicron
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Miscellaneous" perrow="6">
DefinitiveG1Collection v73.jpg|Vol 73: Transformers vs. G.I. Joe, Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v74.jpg|Vol 74: Transformers vs. G.I. Joe, Part 2
DefinitiveG1Collection v92.jpg|Vol 92: Transformers: The Movie
DefinitiveG1Collection v93.jpg|Vol 93: Beast Wars: The Gathering
DefinitiveG1Collection v94.jpg|Vol 94: Beast Wars: The Ascending
DefinitiveG1Collection v95.jpg|Vol 95: G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Part 1
DefinitiveG1Collection v96.jpg|Vol 96: G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Part 2
DefinitiveG1Collection v97.jpg|Vol 97: G.I. Joe vs. Transformers, Part 3
</gallery>
<gallery caption="2019 IDW continuity" perrow="6">
DefinitiveG1Collection v98.jpg|Vol 98: The World In Your Eyes
DefinitiveG1Collection v99.jpg|Vol 99: The Cracks Beneath Your Feet
DefinitiveG1Collection v100.jpg|Vol 100: Constructicons Rising
</gallery></center>

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

==External links==
*[http://www.transformerscollection.com/ Official website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Definitive G1 Collection}}
[[Category:Generation 1 comic compilations]]
[[Category:Marvel Comics continuity comic compilations]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 comic compilations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) comic compilations]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 1 comic compilations]]

Scale

2022-06-29T01:10:26Z

Gladiatrix: tyop

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

Virtually no era, franchise, fiction, [[toy]]line, or other incarnation of ''Transformers'' has presented scale in a logical or believable fashion (there are, of course, a few [[#Intentional attempts at a consistent scale|rare exceptions]], detailed below). Most fans agree that one must either ignore it or accept it, lest they be tempted to explain these problems and in the process [[fanon|fanwank]] themselves into oblivion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even a two mode toy can have this problem. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]] has wheels which are pretty tiny for a Freightliner truck, while his rear hitch section is too thick. These out-of-proportion vehicle parts were necessary to give his robot mode [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] proportions. The original G1 Optimus Prime toy also has scale issues. His cab is 1/48 scale, but his trailer is closer in scale to the Autobot Cars, which fall more in the neighborhood of 1/35 to 1/40 scale-wise.
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===Toys with roleplay alternate modes===
The characters with roleplay altmodes such as Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]], [[Perceptor (G1)#Toys|Perceptor]], or [[Laserbeak (Armada)#Toys|''Armada'' Laserbeak]] are scaled to be real-world [[human]]-scale (well, kid-scale). Since the [[size changing]] seen in the fiction is not possible for real toys (at least, that's what [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] ''wants'' us to think), this human-scaling makes in some cases for inordinately large robot modes. E.g., [[Blaster (G1)#Toys|Blaster]]'s toy, in robot mode, is taller than most other Transformers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

== Scale within fictions ==
Scale issues abound within the fiction, especially the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]]. Some can be attributed to [[animation error]]s, such as layering problems,[[:File:Tinybluestreak.jpg|1]][[:File:Huge Ironhide and Small Ratchet.jpg|2]][[:File:CarnageMiniBlaster.jpg|3]] but some "errors" were deliberate choices, for a variety of reasons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

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

{{-}}

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

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

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

==References==
{{reflist}}

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

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

Erector (G1)

2022-06-29T00:30:03Z

Gladiatrix: grammar

{{factions|autobot|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the Autobot from Generation 1|the Autobot from ''Animated''|Erector (Animated)}}
:''Erector (giggle) is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:G1Erector MTMTE.jpg|right|upright=1.4|thumb|Maybe I should form a support group with [[Heave]] and [[Discharge (G1)|Discharge]].]]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}{{anchor|Zone}}
[[File:G1-toy Erector.jpg|upright=2.2|thumb|If you experience an Erector lasting more than three hours, contact your doctor immediately.]]
*'''Erector''' (Micromaster Transport, [[1989]]/[[1990]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''C-339'''
**''Accessories'': Crane trailer

:''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Erector transforms into a yellow and gray semi cab pulling a relatively huge [[Crane|crane trailer]]. Being asymmetrical, the cab does not resemble traditional semi cabs, instead looking like the front end of a (one-piece) mobile crane, such as [http://www.kato-works.co.jp/eng/products/allterr/r01.html this Kato model].

:Despite their small size, Erector and his trailer have lots of sculpted detailing; e.g., he has windshield wipers 1/8th" (3.2 mm) long. For [[paint operation]]s, by contrast, he's limited to orange paint on his face, windshield, and side window (the trailer has none whatsoever). His fifth wheel hitch nominally allows the cab to turn as it tows the trailer (out of the box, it's too tight a fit for this). The crane itself can be removed from the trailer, and connected directly to Erector's hitch.

:Erector's transformation, as for most Micromasters, is trivial: flip his conjoined legs around, fold up his head, and you're done. His only articulation is at his (oddly-placed) hips and shoulders. His crane trailer transforms into a battle station, with a main gun and a smaller double-barreled gun that Erector can man (though he can't grasp the handles). He can man it either standing (there's a peg for his feet), or sitting (there's a circular indentation that fits the hitch on his calves).

:Erector was sold without changes a year later in Japan as ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' "Cragun".

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

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

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

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

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

Canopy

2022-06-28T15:59:33Z

Gladiatrix: grammar

{{factions|autobotfilm}}
:''Canopy is an [[Autobot]] from [[Transformers: The Last Knight (franchise)|The Last Knight]] portion of the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:TLK-Canopystandsup.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Canopy, your alt-mode isn't exactly "streets ahead," know what I mean?]]

'''Canopy''' ''is'' a robot in disguise, but not in the way you'd expect. With [[Transformer]]s a hunted species across most of [[Earth]] and ordinary vehicles the subject of immediate suspicion, Canopy has invented a new tactic: camouflaging himself as a pile of rubble. He carries with him a pile of jury-rigged debris that he can retreat underneath and hide himself, in the same vein as Bugs Bunny disguising himself as a bush.

Capable of concealing and shielding multiple [[human]]s beneath his not-insignificant bulk and additional concrete armor, Canopy has recently taken in the orphaned [[Izabella]] and [[Sqweeks]] as company.

==Fiction==
====''The Last Knight'' film====
{{voiceactor|uncredited (English), [[Kosuke Sakaki]] (Japanese)|[[Roberto Fidecaro]] (Italian), [[Rodrigo Lombardi]] (Portuguese), [[Santos Alberto]] (Latin-American Spanish)}}

[[File:TLK Canopy downed.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Gonna need a Senzu for that one.]]

Canopy was hiding out in the ruins of [[Chicago]] with his companions Izabella and Sqweeks. When Izabella returned with a group of trespassing human children who were being chased by the [[Transformers Reaction Force]]. Canopy helped shelter them, but as he broke cover the TRF caught sight of him, only reluctant to attack at first due to his proximity to the children and being unable to verify his faction. After he had moved away from the children and urged them to follow him to safety, the TRF saw their chance and attacked. A missile from one of their jets struck him in the chest and he collapsed, mortally wounded. Canopy implored Izabella to run and thanked her for her companionship before dying. Izabella was still reluctant to abandon him and was almost caught by TRF forces but was saved by [[Cade Yeager]] when he asked her if Canopy would want her to die as well. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}

{{-}}

==Notes==
[[File:Canopy concept 2.jpg|thumb|200px|Definetly not [[Ultra Magnus (G1)#War for Cybertron Trilogy cartoon|Ultra Magnus]]..]]
[[File:TF5-CanopyConceptArt.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Don't need money, don't take fame, don't need no credit card to ride this train.]]
*Early concept art for the 'bot that would eventually become Canopy' depicted him with a subway train alternate mode. He went by the placeholder name '''Ruins Bot'''. He also happened to look terrifying. Other concept art (see the second image to the right) strangely represents him as a modified version of [[Optimus Prime (Movie)#Age of Extinction film|Optimus Prime]]'s first rusty body from ''[[Age of Extinction]]''.
*Canopy's final design appears to share the same [[body-type]] as [[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]].

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Canopy''' (キャノピー ''Kyanopī'')
*''Mandarin:'' '''Tiānmù''' (China, 天幕, "Canopy")
*''Ukrainian:'' '''Kupol''' (Купол, "Dome")

[[Category:Live-action-only characters]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Autobots]]

Gears (G1)

2022-06-28T15:15:42Z

Gladiatrix: grammar

{{factions|autobot|cobra}}
{{picsneeded|Fictional appearances}}
{{disambig3|Gears}}
:''Gears is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
[[File:Gearsg1.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Gears, ironically, hates [[Neon|bright colors]].]]
'''Gears''' hates [[Earth]], a lush, green planet practically as unlike his cozy, gray, metallic [[Cybertron (planet)|homeworld]] as possible. He grumbles and complains about being shipwrecked on it—complains and grumbles to a ridiculous extent, until he becomes a source of amusement, rather than negativity. This is usually his intent—unlike his fellow [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]], Gears has a desire to help his fellow Autobots see good in a bad situation. Still, he does get depressed from time to time.

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

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

His nicknames are '''Ox''' and '''Sourball'''.<ref>Nicknames found in early ''[[The Transformers Universe|Universe]]''-style profiles published in [[The Transformers Comics Magazine]]</ref>

{{bigquote|What did you do to Gears, you monster? You turned him...''nice!''|[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]|''[[Changing Gears]]''}}

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics====
{{noteukonly}}
[[File:Gearsg1firstappearance.jpg|left|upright=1.4|thumb|Wish we saw more of the design on the right. Yikes!]]
{{quote|The only thing '''Gears''' wants to learn about this planet is how to get off it. I hate this place already. I just know you're going to use me as a mobile transport unit again, once we have to set up. Nuts. Let's go home.|The worst words out of his mouth.}}

''Gears was one of Cybertron's great warriors and fought alongside [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]] during [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]]'s assault on [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], placing [[shatter bomb]]s on the support struts of the last bridge into the [[Polities of Cybertron|city-state]].'' {{storylink|And There Shall Come...a Leader!}} Later, he was chosen to join the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] mission to save Cybertron from an asteroid belt—a mission that saw him stranded on [[Earth]] for four million years. Once he woke up in [[1984]] and was rebuilt as an Earthen truck, he immediately began complaining. {{storylink|The Transformers (issue)|The Transformers}}

[[File:Spider-man.jpg|thumb|Spider-Man's amazing friend.]]
Gears participated in the battle outside of [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s house and while driving away from the battle scared a cop by yelling at him to get out of his way, leaving the man stunned. Shortly after, Gears teamed up with [[Spider-Man]], using his ability to launch himself upward using compressed air and fly alongside the superhero in an attempt to reach the mountaintop [[Decepticon]] fortress. When Gears ran low on power, he began to fall before Spidey caught him in webbing. Although Spider-Man's webbing was extremely strong, the Autobot's weight threatened to break it. Thankfully they had little left to climb, and Spider-Man completed Gears' ascent using the webbing for assistance. After a fight with [[Ravage (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ravage]], blind-siding [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] and [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]], and knocking out [[Soundwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Soundwave]], they came face to face with Megatron, who blasted a hole under Gears, causing him (and human [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]) to fall from the fortress. Although Spidey was able to rescue Sparkplug, and attempted to catch Gears as he had done before, the added momentum of the fall proved too much strain on the webbing, and Gears crashed to the ground. Gears was quickly patched up enough to tell the Autobots that Megatron had gotten what he wanted (a fuel conversion process) from Sparkplug. {{storylink|Prisoner of War!}} His complete restoration was seemingly interrupted when, following recriminations, [[Ratchet (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Ratchet]] needed to drive Sparkplug to the hospital to treat his sudden heart attack. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

''Nonetheless back on his feet soon afterwards, Gears helped restrain [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] after his teammate had gone haywire, following him suffering an electrical feedback while repairing the Ark. But the mighty Brawn escaped from his grasp, and began rampaging in a nearby town. Gears and the others quickly caught up to the renegade Autobot, and returned him to his senses with another electrical shock.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}} ''Soon afterwards, the Decepticons launched a full-on siege on the Ark. Gears faced off against [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] during the scuffle, until the Ark's computer, [[Aunty|Auntie]], was awakened by Optimus Prime. Deranged due to a circuit malfunction, Auntie put an end to the clash by magnetizing all combatants onto the Ark's walls. While Gears was so incapacitated, Auntie was deactivated once more thanks to the efforts of [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and Ravage. The Decepticons retreated afterwards, and Gears was happy for the victory, but Optimus warned him they had gained only a brief reprieve, as the Decepticons had sworn to return and take vengeance.'' {{storylink|Raiders of the Last Ark}}

[[File:Buzzsawyikes2.jpg|left|upright=0.8|thumb|Ow ow ow.]]
During the Decepticons' next assault on the Ark, [[Shockwave (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Shockwave]] managed to incapacitate nearly all of the Autobots. Gears' deactivated form was strung up from the Ark's ceiling, alongside most of his teammates. {{storylink|The New Order}} {{storylink|Repeat Performance!}} By teaming up with the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], Ratchet managed to retake control of the Ark, and went about putting his comrades back in working order. Subsequently, to make sure all of the Autobots were back in fighting shape, Ratchet had Gears and the others go on a diagnostics run through the open plains. {{storylink|DIS-Integrated Circuits!}}

When the Autobots overheard Shockwave's plans to dispose of the captured head of their leader, Optimus Prime, Gears accompanied a convoy out to rescue him. {{storylink|Brainstorm!}} He and the others arrived at a nearby swamp, where the Decepticons had dumped the head, with Optimus's body in tow. However, the head was actually a decoy head, which, when attached to the body, caused it to go on a murderous rampage. Several Decepticons then arrived to help the false Prime batter the Autobots, and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]] shot Gears right in the face! {{storylink|Prime Time!}}

''Though in time Optimus was restored and retook command of the Autobots, he had been left troubled by his ordeal. At this time, [[Prowl (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Prowl]] suggested the Autobots use the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] to create a breed of Autobot [[Ultimate Autobot|super warriors]], which could swiftly end the war for them. Gears was among the Autobots who argued against this course of action, seeing it as a perversion of the Matrix's purpose. Following an encounter with Ravage, Bumblebee shortly thereafter went missing. Upon detecting his signal returning towards the Ark, Gears ran out to welcome the scout, only to be met with Bumblebee's severed arm; the Decepticons had challenged Optimus Prime to retrieve their prisoner alone. The ensuing rescue only served to snap Prime out of a funk however, and he returned to announce his decision against building the "Ultimate Autobots."'' {{storylink|Crisis of Command!}}

''Gears joined [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Cliffjumper]] and Windcharger in searching for [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] during the Dinobot Hunt. Their mission was suddenly cut short by the arrival of Soundwave and the Decepticons, who shot the Minibots in the back and took them prisoner. [[Bumblebee (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Bumblebee]] soon rescued his disabled comrades from the captured [[Ark shuttlecraft]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}} However, the injuries Gears suffered were grave. Alongside many other Autobots, he was brought to Ratchet's repair bay to be patched up. Due to a lack of supplies, Ratchet only had faint hopes of reviving all of the damaged troops. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}}

''Gears was witness to Optimus, Ratchet, and Prowl suddenly de-materializing within the Ark. Though at the time they had assumed that the Decepticons had somehow managed to slay the trio, the Autobots soon learned otherwise. Optimus and the others had been transported to [[Limbo|another dimension]] as part of a [[Mass substitution|mass displacement]] effect, triggered by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] traveling to their present from twenty years in the future. A first strike against the time-traveling tyrant and his cronies ended in [[Jazz (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Jazz]]'s capture, and Gears participated in the subsequent effort to free his fellow Autobot but the future-Decepticons wielded unimaginable power, and Gears was brought low by [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]].'' {{storylink|Target: 2006}}

[[File:Newyorkunderbase.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Barely snuck into the margins during his own death scene.]]
''Gears was repaired in time to help his fellow Autobots gather up what they believed were Optimus Prime's remains; the Autobot leader had apparently been slain in combat against the [[Predacon (G1)|Predacons]]. Little did they know that the body they had found was a [[facsimile construct]], planted by Prime to fake his own death.'' {{storylink|...The Harder They Die!}}

Though Gears was left inoperative ''once more'', Ratchet began gathering the necessary parts to fix him and the other severely damaged Autobots. {{storylink|Funeral for a Friend!}}

He was back on his feet by the time the Ark was launched into the Earth's orbit. At this time, Optimus was gone and [[Grimlock (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Grimlock]] had taken control of the Autobot forces, though his leadership proved unpopular among the troops. Gears begged the deserter [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] to usurp the Dinobot alongside the bulk of the Autobot forces. {{storylink|Spacehikers!}} This led into Gears witnessing a battle between Grimlock and Blaster for Autobot leadership on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. While Autobots around him cheered vehemently for either combatant, Gears chose to watch in stoic silence. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

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

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

====''Transformers '84''====
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Transformers '84 issue 0|'84 #0}} }}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Don Messick]] (English), [[Toshio Ishii]] (Japanese), [[Ken Shiroyama]] (Japanese, "Transport to Oblivion", "Fire in the Sky")|[[Yao Huang]] (Chinese), [[Roberto Alexander]] (Latin American), [[Peter Bertram]] (German, "Transport To Oblivion"), [[Henry Djanik]] (European French), [[Georges Atlas]] (European French, "B.O.T."), [[Nelson Batista]] (Portuguese), [[Orlando Prado]] (Portuguese, "The Core")}}
[[File:Hufferg1animated.jpg|left|upright=1.34|thumb|A competition of who complains the most!]]

Gears was one of the original crew of Autobots on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] spaceship when it crash-landed on Earth millions of years ago. When he awoke in 1984, he was reformatted by [[Teletraan I]] so that his [[alternate mode]] was an Earth-based pickup truck. Not a true combatant by nature, he didn't participate in many of the Autobots' more famous battles against the Decepticons, but he did his part despite his complaints. Gears first saw action on Earth at an off-shore oil rig, fighting one of the Seekers with his partner, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 1}} Gears' infrared sensors were useful in capturing [[Ravage (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ravage]] when the Decepticon was caught trespassing at the Autobot headquarters. By modifying his searchlight wavelength, Gears could illuminate Ravage's heat traces and neutralize the jaguar's ability to hide in shadows. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 2}} When Prime was injured in an explosion outside the [[ruby crystal mines of Burma]], Gears discarded the complaining facade he often wore, in order to encourage [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] to push himself into returning to [[robot mode]]. He later donned a lab coat to help sell [[Hound (G1)|Hound]]'s holographic rocket base idea, although it didn't do much good. In the final battle to stop the launch of the Decepticon space cruiser, Gears and [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] were engaged in battling [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]] until [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] called for a retreat. {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

Gears assembled for battle when the Decepticons returned to attack a solar power plant, and chastised [[Bumblebee (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Bumblebee]] for missing roll call. At the plant, Gears and [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] attempted to stop the Seekers from taking off with the energon cubes, but [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] knocked them aside with a concussion blast. Later, after Bumblebee led the Autobots to the supposed site of the new [[space bridge]], only to find a deserted cave, Gears offered to electrocute the 'Bee in order to juice up his memory circuits. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion (episode)|Transport to Oblivion}} When Optimus Prime was heavily damaged in battle, Gears returned from patrol with [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] and Windcharger to check on his condition. None of them, however, was sharp-eyed enough to spot [[Laserbeak (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Laserbeak]] swoop down and land on Brawn's shoulder as they entered the base. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}}

[[File:FireintheSky Gears crashes through ice.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
After it started snowing, in July, in the middle of the desert, Optimus Prime got suspicious and consulted Teletraan I for a weather report. Gears, who was performing reconnaissance scans on the now-frozen tropical region of the planet, concurred with Teletraan I's conclusions, that Megatron and the Decepticons must somehow be draining heat energy right out of the [[Earth's core]]. In the Arctic, as the Autobots prepared to enter the Decepticons' cavernous base of operations, Gears stalled outside the entrance on the sneaking suspicion the Autobots were falling into a trap. Talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy—by lingering too long on the ice, the combined weight of Gears, Hound, [[Ironhide (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ironhide]] and [[Ratchet (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ratchet]] caused the tunnel to collapse beneath them. Gears and his buddies were briefly captured by the Decepticons, but escaped thanks to Hound's holograms. {{storylink|Fire in the Sky}}

[[File:SOSDinobots Soundwave shoots Gears.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|"Hey! Being shot in the face plays havoc with my sinuses."]]
Gears attended the unveiling of [[Wheeljack (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Wheeljack]]'s latest science project, the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], and managed to stay out of the way after they ran amok. He joined Optimus Prime and the other Autobots on a mission to the [[Great Falls]]. Being one of the few Autobots who can fly (usually), Gears took to the air to fight [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] face-to-face, but was quickly shot down by the more experienced Decepticon. {{storylink|S.O.S. Dinobots}} On one mission, Gears travelled to Peru to help the Autobots remove the [[Crystal of Power]] from Megatron's control. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain (episode)|Fire on the Mountain}} He was also involved in the dino-design project that created [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]]. {{storylink|War of the Dinobots}}

Following a Decepticon attack on the Ark, Gears was briefly seen cleaning up the deadly fire extinguisher foam which drove them away. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} In the aftermath of Cybertron's orbit around Earth, Gears worked on the massive repairs necessary to rebuild human society. He also participated in the raid on [[Doctor Arkeville]]'s laboratory. {{storylink|Countdown to Extinction (episode)|Countdown to Extinction}}

[[File:ChangingGears Gears Bee acrobatics.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Bumblebee and Gears - [[Powerlinx]]!!]]
During an Autobot Alert(!!!), the Ark's crew all leapt into action at high speed...well, except for Gears. The alarm interrupted his plan to "lube his cables", making the cranky Gears slow to respond to the call of duty. He might have trudged even slower if he knew the entire alert was a ruse by Megatron, designed solely for the purpose of capturing Gears. It seemed that Megatron's newest toy, the [[Solar Needle]], required a specific circuit board in order to be properly completed, and Gears contained just such a circuit board in his chest. A curious side effect of removing the circuit board was that it negated Gears' inclination towards squawking and complaining. He was now a compulsively good-natured people-pleaser, unable to refuse requests by anyone, even Megatron. With the solar needle activated, the Decepticons put Gears to work harvesting energon cubes, filled by the sun's mighty power.

Despite the alterations to his personality, Gears tried to remain true to himself. Even while helping Megatron's energy pilfering, he still managed to toss an insult or two at the Decepticon leader. In a good-natured way, of course. And, after the Autobots arrived to destroy the solar needle and drew the Decepticons' attention, Gears made a break for the control panel to retrieve his circuit board and restore his real personality. He was interrupted by [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]], who had been looking for an excuse to blast Gears all day, but Bumblebee knocked the Seeker aside before he could eliminate the tiny Autobot. Also, when Megatron hurled Prime out of control into the solar needle's incinerating energy grid, Gears used the holdout blaster in his sleeve to disrupt the grid and save Optimus. Still, once Megatron got the drop on the Autobots, he was able to exploit Gears' new personality glitch to make him repair the solar needle while the Decepticons held his teammates at gunpoint. Megatron gloated too much about the nature of Gears' problem, though, allowing Optimus Prime to circumvent his control over Gears. Tricking Megatron into agreeing to honor his last request "as a condemned mechanism", Prime turned the tables on Megatron by asking Gears for a favor of his own. Gears was all too happy to oblige...and destroy the solar needle for Optimus.

[[File:ChangingGears got a bang out of that.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.55|In the uncut version, Gears farts.]]
With the fight back on, Gears happily got in on the action and tossed Starscream for a loop. The Decepticons abandoned the field of battle, leaving the Autobots behind to clean up the mess caused by their solar needle. As the needle was being dismantled, Prime was ready to return Gears' circuit board to him when [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] stepped in. Seems the Autobots took a vote, and they would rather not restore Gears' talent for complaining, and whining, and hypochondria, and...well. After a quick joke, though, they did return the circuit board, and Gears showed his gratitude by going "whine, whine, whine" all the way home. {{storylink|Changing Gears}}

Gears was seen awaiting his turn at the [[recharging chamber]]s, but did not appear later on rampaging with the other Autobots afflicted by the [[personality destabilizer device]]. {{storylink|Attack of the Autobots (episode)|Attack of the Autobots}} He attended Wheeljack's demonstration of the [[Wheeljack Instant Immobilizer|Immobilizer]]. When the Decepticons got their metal mitts on the device, Gears was trapped in mid-transformation by the device's rays. He was restored to normal after [[Carly]] fiddled with the controls to reverse its effects. {{storylink|The Immobilizer}}

[[File:AutobotRun Gears lifts ground.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Stupid Mother Earth!!!]]
Like most of the Autobots, Gears was temporarily trapped in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]] after Megatron unleashed his [[Transfixatron]] on them during a car rally for charity. Wheeljack came up with an [[anti-transfixation grenade]] to reverse the process (even his cures explode!), but that only revived the Autobots in time to deal with Plan B: [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]]. While he isn't in Brawn or Prime's class, Gears is still one strong little Autobot, and demonstrated his strength by ripping out huge chunks of rock to hurl at the massive Decepticon. {{storylink|The Autobot Run}} Sometime later, Gears helped install [[detection plate]]s around the Ark as an early warning system against any intruders. {{storylink|Enter the Nightbird}} He was also briefly seen gawking at the two Optimus Primes who showed up in the dirt. After a sharpshooting contest and car race failed to uncover the imposter, the Autobots rode into battle anyway with both Primes at their side. Gears didn't have much fun in the following melee: first he got sent face-first into the dirt by one of the opening salvos, and was later overmatched in single combat against [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]. He was saved only by the continuation of Megatron and Starscream's cockeyed, overly-elaborate scheme of clones killing clones. {{storylink|A Prime Problem}}

Gears was on patrol with the team when they suddenly came across an empty riverbed. After a quick mud massage from Jazz's spinning tires, Gears and the others decided to follow the river's trail to see where it had been diverted. What they found was trouble: [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. The Autobots barely escaped battle with Devastator to report on Megatron's activities to Prime. {{storylink|The Core}}

[[File:MMP2 Seaspray and Gears shooting.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
Gears attended Wheeljack's demonstration of how he had taught [[Grimlock (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Grimlock]] "finesse". The resulting chaos and destruction was predictable, but memorable. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}} Despite not being seen in the battle at all, Gears was injured fighting Megatron and the [[Heart of Cybertron]] in [[South America]]. All the repairs and none of the glory. Boy, he must have been ''craaaanky''...{{storylink|Microbots}}

Gears and many of his fellow Autobots showed up in [[Central City (Earth)|Central City]] for the Autobot Day parade and celebration. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1}} The city soon turned on the Autobots, thanks to Megatron's machinations, but they returned to help drive the Decepticons away once the humans were temporarily enslaved. Gears was seen among the horde of Autobots that overwhelmed the Decepticon slave-drivers. {{storylink|Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2}} He was also one of the Autobots cheering for the Dinobots when they returned from Cybertron with a fresh supply of [[cybertonium]]. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2}} Gears was part of the third wave of Autobots to confront the invulnerable Decepticons, but fared no better than his predecessors against their [[electrum]] coating. {{storylink|The Golden Lagoon (episode)|The Golden Lagoon}} Gears stood by as [[Chip Chase]] and Teletraan I tried to locate the Autobots lost aboard the Space Bridge. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}} He was also seen applying [[Corrostop]] to the Statue of Liberty. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}}

[[File:BOT wet Gears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|You'd complain too if you ran into Ron Jeremy.]]
When Megatron and the Decepticons attacked the Ark looking for the [[Combaticon (G1)|renegade Decepticons]], Gears joined Optimus Prime in fending off their assault. Megatron soon retreated once he realized Prime had no slaggin' idea what he was talking about. {{storylink|Starscream's Brigade}}

Gears, Ironhide and Bumblebee responded to an S.O.S. from [[Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School]] and found themselves chasing [[B.O.T. (G1)|B.O.T.]] around the city. They were beaten to it by [[Swindle (G1)|Swindle]], who needed to get back [[Brawl (G1)|Brawl]]'s personality component, and Gears later found himself defending Autobot Headquarters from [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]. {{storylink|B.O.T. (episode)|B.O.T.}}
{{--}}
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Roll for It}}}}

====''Legends'' comic====
[[File:Legends Jumpstarters Chapter Gears annoyed.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|How come [[Topspin (G1)|you]] [[Twin Twist|two]] get new toys but mine is just a vintage re-release!]]
Gears watched Megatron depart in the wake of the battle over the [[Transform Super Cog]]. {{storylink|Slugslinger's Ambition}} Like most Autobots, he was annoyed by [[Twin Twist]] and [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]'s antics, commenting that the two were hopeless. {{storylink|Jumpstarter Chapter}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
Gears was amongst the Autobots who defended [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] from a Decepticon attack. Although the Autobots won the day, the attack was actually just a distraction so that [[Soundwave (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Soundwave]] could go do evil in Japan or something unspecified. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #2}}

====Full Throttle Scramble Power!====
Gears accompanied the massive Autobot reinforcements called in to counter Megatron's nefarious [[Omega Wave Cannon]]. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
To alleviate the Transformers' energy woes, a team of Autobots including Gears was formed to crew the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]], which soon departed. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 6}}

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

===Sticker Adventures books===
In the aftermath of a battle with the Decepticons, the Autobots found that Decepticon activities had seemingly stopped altogether. Taking advantage of the situation, Optimus went on a trip. Once he had left, Gears found out, to his horror, that the Autobots’ entire fuel supply had been stolen. Gears and the others tried to fend off the Decepticons nonetheless when they attacked once more. Thankfully, Optimus returned just in time with a new shipment of fuel. Re-energized, the Autobots forced the Decepticons to flee once again. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons}}
{{-}}

===Marvel Storybooks continuity===
Gears was one of the thirty-five active Autobots stationed on Earth. He participated in the battle against the Decepticons that ensued after Megatron put into motion his plan to take hostage millions of humans to gain the Earth's unconditional surrender. After the Autobots had emerged victorious from the conflict, Gears drove away with the rest of his comrades back to Autobot headquarters. {{storylink|Battle for Earth}}

Gears was present when the Decepticons sent a communication to Autobot headquarters, informing them that not only was [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] their captive hostage, but that the rescue party that tried to liberate him had been captured as well. Gears was shaken by the message, and the Autobots questioned their next move. Thankfully, Optimus Prime renewed morale by coming up with a clever plan to trick the Decepticons. The Autobots hid within a false peace-offering, a life-size statue of Devastator. When the Decepticons approached the statue with their guard down, the Autobots burst forth, taking them by surprise. The Autobots were ultimately victorious that day. {{storylink|The Autobots' Secret Weapon}}
{{-}}

===Marvel coloring books===
Gears and Optimus were attacked by Rumble, who used his Earthquake-inducing abilities to bury the two Autobots in a landslide. Though they managed to dig their way out of the rubble, Gears was ws rendered immobile when Soundwave snuck up on him and unplugged a cable inside his back. Gears was brought to Megatron's newly constructed prison and incarcerated within. Thankfully, Bumblebee had evaded capture, and managed to free the rest of his teammates. Upon release, Gears and the other Autobots gave Bumblebee three cheers! {{storylink|Bumblebee to the Rescue!}}

Gears was one of the many Autobots who stopped the Decepticons from harming Sparkplug and Buster Witwicky. Later, he helped the Autobots in protecting Hoover Dam from the evil robots. {{storylink|The Deadly Fuel Shortage}}

{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|A Message From Outer Space}} {{storylink|Bumblebee's Dangerous Mission}}}}

[[File:G1 GearsPotatoes AutobotSmasher.jpg|upright=0.95|thumb|Steve Ditko is noted for his superb use of shading, his handling of facial expressions, and his ability to do cosmic vistas of mystery. Here he was asked to do a line drawing of a truck carrying potatoes.]]
Gears was hauling a load of potatoes, with plans to sell them for oil and gas money. (Really.) He was tricked by the Decepticons into taking a detour, which led him to their "[[Autobot Rest Stop]]"—a car crusher disguised with pillows and a set of curtains. Gears rolled into the Rest Stop and was enjoying himself when [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] activated the machine, crushing Gears flat.

Gears was later restored by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], with no ill effects. {{storylink|The Autobot Smasher!}}
{{note|This coloring book was illustrated by [[Steve Ditko]], co-creator of none other than... the amazing [[Spider-Man]]! Coincidence? Probably.}}

When the Autobots on Earth received word from [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] that the Decepticons were razing a human village to build a fuel plant in its place, they assumed their vehicle forms to sneak upon their enemies as they were working. Once they were in close enough proximity to the Decepticons, the Autobots transformed and launched a surprise attack. Cosmos continued to observe the battlefield from his post in orbit, and warned Gears and [[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] when [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] and [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] attempted to flank the Autobots to attack them from behind. Gears restrained Kickback, spoiling the bug's attempt to catch [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] and [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] off-guard. The Autobots then beat up the rest of the Decepticons, shoved them down a pit, and covered them with quick-drying cement to keep them out of further trouble. {{storylink|The Autobot Spy in the Sky}}

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

===Big Looker storybooks continuity===
When the Cybertronian civil war had yet to leave the planet, Optimus asked his Autobots to join him in leaving their home world behind and travel out into space. When Bumblebee volunteered to join Optimus, Gears and the rest of the Autobots jumped in as well. After crash-landing on Earth and being offline for about 65 million years, Gears and the rest of the Autobots met Sparkplug and his son Spike. With the Decepticons still not in the know of what forms the Autobots had taken, Gears was one of the troops that Optimus led into the desert in order to ambush their enemies. Though they successfully took by surprise a squadron of Decepticons, the Autobots had not anticipated a second group flying in from the opposite direction. Thanks to a warning from Spike and Sparkplug, the Autobots managed to fend off the Decepticons, and came to accept Earth as their new home. {{storylink|Battle for Cybertron}}

===Ladybird Books continuity===
When Optimus Prime hoped to harness the power of lightning as an energy source, [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] was commissioned to do the design. Huffer requested Gears to assist him with the work, and together the pair worked diligently while trying to out-complain each other. {{storylink|Autobots' Lightning Strike}}

Gears assisted his fellow Autobots in the construction of their space cruiser. {{storylink|Megatron's Fight for Power}}

===The Battle for Planet Earth===
{{voiceactor|[[Peter Marinker]] (English)}}
Gears was one of a group of Autobots who traveled to [[South America]] in search of energy. When they spotted [[Mount Sheelah]], Gears was put to work clearing rocks so they could ascend it for a closer look, though he grumbled almost as much as [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] while doing so. He helped repel a subsequent Decepticon attack and retreated before the volcano erupted. {{storylink|Terror of Mount Sheelah}} After a hard day spent making repairs on the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] he and the other Autobots relaxed by watching [[television]], and were alerted by a news bulletin to the fact that the Decepticons were kidnapping humans. {{storylink|Bumblebee to the Rescue (G1)|Bumblebee to the Rescue}} After [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] pretended to defect and the Autobots tricked him, allowing them to destroy the Decepticon base, Gears wondered if they were going to keep Starscream prisoner indefinitely. [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus]] opted to let Starscream go. {{storylink|Espionage!!!!!}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
When [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] vanished in a space bridge during the war on Cybertron, their respective factions were split into several smaller groups. Gears remained in the main Autobot faction, now under the command of [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. {{storylink|Fragmentation (G1)|Fragmentation}} He was part of a team who scouted out the [[Praetorus Wharf]] in search of the Decepticons' new mobile command base. Unfortunately, it was a bit [[Trypticon (G1)|''too'' mobile]] for them to handle. {{storylink|Devastation}} Trypticon proceeded to shrug off everything the Autobots threw at it, forcing the Autobots to try and outrun it instead. This too proved ineffectual. Even assistance from the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dynobots]] helped little against the giant Decepticon. In the end, the Autobots were spared when their target just left in response to other orders it received. {{storylink|Revelation (The Dark Ages)|Revelation}} Later, when [[The Fallen]] broke into [[Autobase]], Gears was eager to get out there and do something about it. Prowl opted for trying to contain the villain instead, but he turned out to be unstoppable anyway. {{storylink|Confrontation (issue)|Confrontation}}

Gears was part of the Ark's original crew, crash-landing on Earth four million years ago and awakening in 1984. Like all the Transformers of Earth, he was believed dead for many years after the mid-air explosion of the ''[[Ark II]]''. In fact, Gears was one of many robots who were salvaged by the mercenary known as [[Lazarus]], who began the time-consuming process of installing remote control programming into his inert Cybertronian captives. Lazarus was doomed to failure, however, for Megatron regained control of his own body shortly after the human reactivated him. With the Decepticons back in action thanks to Megatron, Gears and the other Autobots held captive by Lazarus were left at their mercy. Although a small group of Autobots were free under Optimus Prime's command to combat the Decepticons, most of the 'bots recovered by Lazarus (including Gears) were too badly damaged to be reactivated for that first battle. {{storylink|Prime Directive issue 3|Prime Directive #3}}

Gears and the other deactivated Autobots were recovered, though, and were back to full functionality by the time [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] arrived from Cybertron, denouncing all Earthbound Transformers as war criminals. {{storylink|New World Order}} As the Autobot forces split in two, Gears went with Optimus Prime and his contingent back to Cybertron aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], peacefully surrendering to Magnus, while another secret team would be left to move freely and uncover the truth behind this turn of events. Despite them being treated as prisoners on the trip home, Gears remained optimistic that the war was finally over, and they could say goodbye to Earth permanently. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} But the Autobots were treated no better on Cybertron. Gears and the rest of his group were locked up in cages, while footage of the Autobots and Decepticons' battles on Earth were broadcast around the planet to turn public opinion against them. Thankfully, there were dissidents in Shockwave's regime, and the Autobots were sprung from their cells. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} While [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]] took Prime through the [[Old Slave Trails]] to see [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]]'s rebel team, Gears and the others were taken by Broadside to meet with the Autobots rebels [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] was aligned with. En route, Bluestreak tried to have Gears fess up that it had been foolish to trust Shockwave in the first place. Bitter over where events had taken them, Gears replied that Bluestreak should "blow it out of [his] waste regulator!" {{storylink|Passive Aggression}} Afterwards, Gears participated in the insurrection by Autobot dissidents against the rule of Shockwave. After an Autobot victory, Gears cuffed several Decepticons, and led them away from the battlefield. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Much to his dismay, Gears was soon put in the position of having to return to Earth. {{storylink|Original Sin}} With Prime temporarily out of action due to injuries, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had assumed command of the Ark's crew on Cybertron, and made the decision that a new base of operations needed to be constructed on Earth, to fortify Autobot interests there. Gears griped throughout the meeting discussing this, {{storylink|Atonement}} but eventually agreed to leave his beloved homeworld behind to return to Earth. His mood wasn't much improved by A) having to work with Bluestreak and B) Bluestreak dropping boxes on his feet during the loading of the shuttle. {{storylink|Lost and Found (issue)|Lost and Found}} Once they arrived, Gears and the others began work on the construction of [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]]. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
[[File:GIJoevsTF4 Gears Brawn FlightPods.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Cobra Commander finds out about the "Trouble" part of the "Trouble Bubble"]]
Gears was among the dormant Transformers found by the terrorist organization [[Cobra]] and reprogrammed to be under the humans' control. In the process, he and [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] were rebuilt to transform into Cobra [[Flight Pod]]s. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}} The two may have participated in an attack on the [[SPS Research Facility]], or it may have just been two regular Flight Pods. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 3|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3}} When [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] hacked Cobra's computers and undid his comrades' reprogramming, Gears and Brawn hunted down [[Cobra Commander]] and blew up the ship he was going to escape from [[Cobra Island]] with. However, before the Autobots could capture the commander, they were taken out by [[Storm Shadow]]'s [[S.N.A.K.E.]] mech. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4}}

Gears didn't give up so easily, however, as he joined several other Autobots and located Cobra Commander and his S.N.A.K.E. guards again. Storm Shadow fought back and killed [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], sending Gears and the others into a berserker rage as they ripped his S.N.A.K.E. apart. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5}}
{{-}}

===''The Beast Within''===
After a brutal battle during which [[Beast (G1)|The Beast]], a monstrous gestalt of unimaginable power, was released, Gears's butchered form lay smoldering in a mass grave of both Autobot and Decepticon corpses. {{storylink|The Beast Within Part 2, Consequences}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei! Transformers -Visualize-''===
{{charstubfiction|{{storylink|Visualize Shot 1}}}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Megatron Origin issue 3|''Megatron Origin'' #3]]; [[...For All Mankind|''The Transformers'' vol. 1 #1]] (modern era, mentioned), [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies|#15]] (depicted)}}

[[File:Bumper-funeral.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.1|Best seat in the house!]]
Gears was [[Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity|constructed cold]] during the first wave, presumably as part of the [[Silver Harvest]]. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Millions of years ago, Gears was one of several mourners seen at the funeral of [[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]] and [[Fastback (G1)|Fastback]], after [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] killed them. {{storylink|Megatron Origin issue 3|Megatron Origin #3}}

At some point after [[Surge (event)|a widespread Decepticon attack]], Gears made it to Earth, where he was captured by [[Skywatch]], along with [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]] and later, [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]]. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}} He was eventually released once Skywatch realized their misgivings in regards to the Autobots. After a Decepticon attack on their base, Gears and the other Autobots tried to flee and regroup at [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], but were attacked by armed civilians with a grudge against the Transformers. Gears was injured and had to be carried inside [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]]'s trailer. Before they could reach safety, the Autobots were attacked again, this time by Megatron. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3: Woken Furies|Woken Furies}}

The Decepticon leader scattered the Autobots with extreme firepower, then left them beaten and bruised on a school playground inside Albuquerque city limits. Gears and his comrades were held hostage by two humans carrying Megatron-based handguns, unable to fight back or defend themselves without risking human lives. The dilemma was ultimately taken out of their hands by [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], whose special ops training kicked in and led to him blasting one of the humans. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 4: Burning Chrome|Burning Chrome}} {{storylink|Earthfall Part 4: Full Fathom Five|Full Fathom Five}}

[[File:FecundMoon-Impressive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|I'm the red and blue guy who's basically Swerve.]]
Like most Autobots, Gears left Earth a few months later, intending to return to Cybertron. On board Omega Supreme's rocket mode, he gathered with a few others who sought to witness a conversation between Optimus Prime and Megatron. {{storylink|Chaos Theory Part 1}} Once the Autobots arrived at Cybertron, they battled [[Galvatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Galvatron]]'s [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]] army. {{storylink|Chaos Part Two: Numbers|Numbers}}

After the Chaos War ended, Gears joined [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] and the crew of the ''[[Lost Light]]'' in their search for the [[Knights of Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}} He was one of the crew members invited to [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]'s first story session meant to cure [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] {{storylink|Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|An Intimate Beheading}} and later watched ships land in Shuttle Bay 3. {{storylink|Shadowplay, Part 2: Patternism|Patternism}} When [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] was let loose on the ship, Gears rushed into action only to be beaten down. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}} After recovering, he and many others gathered on the observation deck to witness the discovery of a mysterious portal just hanging in space. {{storylink|Remain in Light 1 of 5: The Fecund Moon|The Fecund Moon}} Gears battled the [[Legislator]]s alongside [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] when they suddenly teleported on board. {{storylink|Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|House of Ambus}} After the Legislators were defeated, he was one of a group of Autobots who helped repair [[Swerve's]]. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} When the ''Lost Light'' finally returned to Cybertron, Gears participated in the celebrations. {{storylink|The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|The Becoming}}

Gears continued to serve aboard the ''Lost Light'' as it searched for the Knights of Cybertron, and was present on the [[Rodpod]] when the quantum duplicates of the ship and its crew began to cancel out. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

Gears and many other members of the ''Lost Light'' crew were present when Rodimus gave his speech about [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]]'s pre-wake. {{storylink|The Sensuous Frame}}

Gears was willingly complicit in [[Getaway]]'s mutiny against the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s command team. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 2): Filling in the Blanks|Filling in the Blanks}} He was seen socializing with Siren (...perhaps unwillingly) at [["Visages"]] once the search was underway again under Getaway. {{storylink|The Plotters' Club (Part 1): Full Circle|Full Circle}} When Cyberutopia turned out to be a hoax, Getaway sold out his crew to the [[Adaptus|Grand Architect]] and [[Scorponok (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Scorponok]], turning them into [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeaters]]. Gears was subjected to concussive medicine by [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]], apparently clearing him of the Sparkeater virus. {{storylink|Crucible (Part 2): Lūstrāre|Lūstrāre}} Gears later attended the ''Lost Light'' farewell party. {{storylink|How To Say Goodbye And Mean It: Part 2}}
{{-}}

===''Hearts of Steel''===
[[File:GearsVictorianEra-HOS4.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
Gears and his fellow Autobots battled the Decepticons in Earth's distant past, until an ice age came around and forced them to go underground and wait it out. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1|Hearts of Steel #1}} They eventually woke up in the mid-19th century, and learned that the Decepticons were up and going as well. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 2|Hearts of Steel #2}} In order to pursue the [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], Gears took on the form of what appeared to be a coal car and linked up with his friends to form an Autobot train. During the chase, much of the train was trapped when the Decepticons collapsed a tunnel on it, although Gears made it out safe and sound. He was hammered by Decepticon fire as he helped clear away rubble, but survived and went back to sleep underground after the Decepticons were defeated. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 4|Hearts of Steel #4}}

{{IDW HOS}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
During the final showdown between the Autobot/[[G.I. Joe (team)|Joe]] and Decepticon/[[Cobra]] alliances, [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] punched into [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]]'s chest and unleashed several soldier into the Decepticon base's interior, Gears among them. {{storylink|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 12|Transformers vs. G.I. Joe #12}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
:*''First Appearance:'' [[The World In Your Eyes Part Two|''Transformers'' issue #2]]

[[File:TheChangeInYourNaturePartFive-Gears.jpg|thumb|right|200px]]

Gears was forged in the years leading up to the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]] and worked with his [[mentor]] [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] on the [[Tether]], the great space elevator that linked [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to the [[Winged Moon]]. While most other newly forged Cybertronians found their calling and went their own ways a little more than two kilocycles after their creation, Gears chose to stay with his mentor longer than was usual—more than ten thousand cycles. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}} Overenthusiastic, and more than a little accident-prone, Gears would frequently lose his footing on the Tether and drift off into space, necessitating frequent rescues from Chief of Space Security [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]. {{storylink|Open Comms}} {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}} During one workshift on the Tether, Gears spent some time helping another new Cybertronian, [[Rubble]], understand the basics of engineering alongside Wheeljack. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Two}} At the end of Rubble's second trial shift, one of Gears' coworkers sprayed him with a hose. {{storylink|The World In Your Eyes Part Five}}

Wheeljack brought Gears with him when he and his engineering team investigated the Winged Moon for signs of sabotage, and discovered that a member of [[The Rise]] had planted an [[energon siphon]] on the moon with the intent of redirecting it to their former headquarters underneath the [[Memorial Crater]] outside of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]. Gears unsuccessful attempted to dismantle the device; the resulting explosion knocked him into space again and necessitated another impromptu rescue from Wheeljack. When the rogue Titan [[Vigilem]] attacked the Tether, Gears fled with the other workers into the deepest parts of the Winged Moon, where they remained even after Vigilem severed the Tether itself. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Five}}

[[File:WheeljackOrbitalDecay-WheeljackGears.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

Ripped free from its orbit, the Winged Moon's new trajectory put it on a direct path towarsd Cybertron's sun; while most of the other workers evacuated the moon, Gears stayed behind with his mentor and a small team of engineers to see if they could save the moon within seven cycles before it plummeted into the sun. After first attempting to overpressurize the moon's [[energon]] reserves, then unsuccessfully trying to manually reactivate the moon's rotational jets, the team had to take shelter as the moon drifted through the [[Croaton (G1)|Croaton]] cloud, then discovered and interrogated [[Enemy (G1)|Enemy]], the culprit responsible for sabotaging the moon in the first place. Finally, however, the team hit upon a last-ditch solution to manually detonate the moon's wings, giving them enough delta-vee to push them out onto a wider orbit—while Cosmos carried out the actual demolitions work, Wheeljack taught Gears how to manually keep the moon's panels correctly aligned and later laid into Huffer when he suggested that Wheeljack was too nice to his mentee. The plan went off without a hitch, and the team celebrated their victory... only for a [[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]] and her team of Decepticons to invade the moon at that moment. {{storylink|Wheeljack: Orbital Decay}}

While Wheeljack went to get help, Gears and the other stayed behind on the moon and did what they could to make the central control room inaccessible to the invaders, including rigging the corridors with booby-traps and other annoyances. The team successfully kept the Decepticons out long enough for [[Firestar (G1)|Novastar]] and her Autobots to rescue them, and the engineers made the desperate decision to keep the Winged Moon and its energon stores out of Decepticon hands by creating a miniature singularity that destroyed most of the moon's energon reserves. With the moon now all but lost, Gears and the other engineers returned to Cybertron aboard [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]. {{storylink|War World: Moon|Moon}}

Gears joined up with a refugee convoy made up of organic aliens and neutral Cybertronians, and reunited with his mentor, who had helped organize the exodus from Iacon, soon after they arrived at the city of Darkmount [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]]. {{storylink|Escape Part Three}} Later, [[Hound (G1)|Hound]] tried to keep him entertained by showing him some of the flora and fauna they'd recovered from Iacon's destroyed [[A'ovan habitat]], but Gears eventually ran off to see if he could help [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] repair [[Leviathan (G1)|Leviathan]]. {{storylink|Escape Part Four}} When a swarm of [[Insecticon clone]]s invaded the city, Wheeljack and Gears used some jury-rigged alien technology to rescue a fallen Leviathan from the monsters, but over-energized their weapons and collapsed from fuel depletion. The pair awoke just in time to see an exploding ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]''-class ship take out the majority of the swarm. {{storylink|Escape Part Five}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers vs. The Terminator''===
In a post-apocalyptic [[2029]] where [[Skynet]] waged war against the [[Decepticon]]s, Gears's shattered remains lay in a ruined [[Los Angeles]] overpass alongside many other Cybertronian casualties. {{storylink|Enemy of My Enemy Part One}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===''Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons''===
Gears, along with several other Autobots, was abducted and held captive by the Decepticons. Optimus Prime undertook a rescue operation to free his friends from Megatron's clutches, entering the Decepticons' labyrinthine base in order to do so. {{storylink|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons|Adventure Game: Defeat the Decepticons packaging blurb and game}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
Bumblebee recruited Gears to join the [[Bee Team (G1)|Bee Team]], a secret strike force. {{storylink|The Bee Team}} [[Bluestreak (G1)|Silverstreak]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and Gears were sent to [[South America]] where the Decepticons were attempting to build a cannon to harness the energy of the [[Crystal of Power]]. Even joined by [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], the Autobots were unable to prevent the cannon's completion, but later destroyed it and capped the shaft on which the crystal had stood. {{storylink|Fire on the Mountain (Legends)|Fire on the Mountain}} After [[Cosmic Rust (disease)|Cosmic Rust]] was inflicted on the Autobots, Gears and Beachcomber managed to sneak past the Decepticons and get a sample of [[corrostop]] from the [[Statue of Liberty]]. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (Legends)|Cosmic Rust}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Battle Tactics''===
[[File:BattleTacticsGears.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2| I'm just a starter character that everyone soon forgets. ''grumble''.]]
Gears participated in battles against a variety of opponents, both Autobots and Decepticons. Sometimes there were many of him! He was a Common character that could be recruited for 8 units of Cybermetal. {{storylink|Transformers: Battle Tactics}}
{{--}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
[[File:G1Gears toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"Grumble... I suppose they want me to supply my own penny..." (''"Transformers Collection" reissue pictured'')]]
*'''Gears''' (Mini Vehicle, [[1984]]/[[1985]])
**''Takara ID number'': '''85'''<ref>Gears's Takara Generation 1 ID number comes from the collectors card included with the ''Transformers Collection'' reissue boxset.</ref>

: Gears was part of the first assortment of Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]]s released in 1984. The mold was first released in 1983 as part of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s ''[[Micro Change]]'' line with a slightly darker blue coloration as the "Micro Robot 04 4WD Off-Road," but evidence exists to suggest it was originally designed by defunct American toy company Knickerbocker for the cancelled toyline, ''[[Mysterians]]''. The toy transforms into a red and blue pickup truck of indeterminable model (though some details resemble an old Dodge Power Wagon or Kaiser Jeep M715), with some likewise indeterminable ''stuff'' in the truck bed.

: In 1984, Gears and the other Mini Vehicles came packaged in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]; in 1985, they were switched to come in [[robot mode]], a change preceded by the addition of a picture of their vehicle modes to the front of their cards. The same year, the Autobot [[insignia]] on Gears's hood was replaced with a heat-activated [[rubsign]] placed on his roof. Later in 1985, the Mini-Vehicles came packaged with [[Mini-spy|Mini-spies]].

: For reasons unknown, Gears was the only Mini Vehicle not made available as part of Takara's original retail line in any capacity (while [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and [[Warpath (G1)|Warpath]] were not available at normal retail, both were offered as mail-away toys).

: This mold was used to make the [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] [[Pick-Up (Malignus)#Toys|Pick-Up]], the Autobot [[Small Foot#Toys|Small Foot]] and was [[retool]]ed to make [[Swerve (G1)#Toys|Swerve]] (except in Mexico, where Swerve was a straight redeco of Gears).

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-mini-vehicles-gears/47/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Gears at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Gears/gears.htm More information on G1 Gears at TFU.info]''
{{G1GearsMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|Estrela}}
*'''Pick-Up''' (Robocar, 1985)

: Released by [[Estrela]] in Brazil, "Pick-Up" was available in two different colorations: the original toy's blue-and-red, or orange-and-lighter-orange. This release lacks the Autobot symbols, instead having a variation of the original ''Microchange'' groin-sticker in robot mode. This sticker is of considerably cheaper quality, and is rarely left on loose samples.

: Whether or not he is the same character as either the [[Bat-Robô]] [[Pick-Up (Bat-Robô)|Pick-Up]] or the [[Malignus (G1)|Malignus]] [[Pick-Up (Malignus)#Toys|Pick-Up]] is unknown.

{{-}}{{anchor|Lynsa}}
*'''Gears''' (Mini Vehicle, 1986)

: Manufactured by Argentinean company [[Lynsa]] but sold in Peru, these releases of Gears lacked paint, stickers or [[vacuum metallizing|chrome]]. Yes, plural releases. So far, three different colorations have been confirmed: the original blue-and-red, dark-blue-and-yellow, and orange-and-yellow. It is claimed that there may be ''six'' different versions of Peruvian Gears all told, with the three others being unique to that market, but no-one has been able to find and confirm the others so far.

{{note|Peruvian company BASA (which eventually changed to HUDE) apparently also (briefly) sold ''Transformers'' in Peru, but these were straight imports of Hasbro Mini Vehicles with a company sticker applied to the packaging.}}
{{-}}

===''The Transformers Collection''===
*'''Minibots Team''' (Multi-pack, [[2004]])
**''ID number'': '''12'''

: Gears was ''finally'' put out at Japanese retail in 2004, as part of ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' "Minibots Team" set. This version is slightly different from the original Hasbro releases, in that his truck mode has ''both'' the Autobot sigil sticker on his hood and the [[rubsign]] sticker on top of his roof.

:This set also includes a retooled [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#The Transformers Collection|Bumble]], [[Cosmos (G1)#The Transformers Collection|Adams]], [[Huffer (G1)#The Transformers Collection|Drag]], [[Powerglide (G1)/toys#The Transformers Collection|Powerglide]], and [[Warpath (G1)/toys#The Transformers Collection|Warpath]].

: This set was later [[redeco]]ed to make the [[e-HOBBY]] [[exclusive]] [[G1 GoBots]] team.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Cybertron/ReGears/gears.htm More information on ''The Transformers Collection'' Gears at TFU.info]''
{{G1GearsMold}}
{{-}}

===''Generations''===
[[File:Generationstoy-Gears with Eclipse.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Swerve used to be ''my'' retool... ''grumble.''"]]
*'''Autobot Gears & Autobot Eclipse''' (Legends, [[2014]])
**''Series / number'': '''02 / #010'''

:''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] Gears is a retool of ''Generations Thrilling 30'' [[Swerve (G1)#Thrilling 30|Swerve]] with a new head based on his fictional appearances rather than his original faceless toy. He transforms into a modernized 4-wheel-drive pickup truck of a made-up model and comes with [[Eagle Eye (G1)#Generations|Eclipse]], who transforms into either a jet or a weapon for Gears to wield via its 5mm handle.

:Gears and Eclipse's [[Hasbro]] product number, A6686, was originally occupied by a '[[Brawn (G1)/toys|Brawn]] & [[Mudslinger (G1)|Mudslinger]]' pack, leading [[Amazon]] to erroneously list them under those names.<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/96540-monzos-mega-hasbro-customer-service-listing-breakdown/ Hasbro customer service database 'leak' on The Allspark]</ref>

:The original version of this mold was redecoed and given a shell to make [[BotCon 2015]] [[Oilmaster#Timelines|Oilmaster]]. It also served as the basis of the non-toy ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' incarnation of [[Swerve (SG)|Swerve]].

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/GenGears/gears.htm More information on ''Generations'' Gears at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Kre-O''===
[[File:KreO-Toy Gears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"I'm still going to end up amidst a debris field of building blocks anyway."]]
*'''Autobot Gears''' (Kreon Micro-Changer, 2014)
**''Collection'': '''''Age of Extinction'' Collection 2'''
**''Accessories'': Logo brick, blaster

: Part of the sixth regular assortment of [[blindpacking|blind-bagged]] ''[[Kre-O]]'' [[Micro-Changer]]s, Gears can be rebuilt into a teeny pickup truck. He sports [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Kre-O|Mirage]]'s helmet.

:Unlike prior Micro-Changer assortments, this series does not have any sort identification code for the bags' actual contents, meaning you'd best be good at the feel-though-the-bag method.

:This assortment was originally slated to be a [[Toys"R"Us]] [[exclusive]], but US stores dropped the line before its release. It was still available in Canada, Australia and Chinese/Asian markets. In 2015, the Collection appeared in US Dollar Tree stores, with a price tag of a whopping $1 a pop. They didn't last long.

{{-}}{{anchor|SDCC2014}}
[[File:Kreon-Class-of-1984-Gears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|"And I'm still going to be trapped in a display case, never to be free."]]
*'''Kreon Class of 1984''' (Kreon figure set, 2014)
**''Set number'': '''B0090'''
**''Voted'': Class Grouch
**''Accessories'': Double-barreled pistol

: This version of Gears has more extensive [[tampograph]]s than his prior version, including a masked-and-visored face, and silver paint on his helmet.

:He was only available in a pack of 30 Kreons dubbed "Class of 1984", [[exclusive]] to [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2014. Remaining stock was to be sold at [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] online, but there ''was'' no remaining stock after the show.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2014/Autobot/SDCCKre-OGears/gears.htm More information on Class of 1984 Gears at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Vintage G1''===
[[File:VG1-toy Gears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|"Second again... ''grumble''"]]
*'''Gears''' ("Legion Class" reissue, 2019)

:Part of the second wave "Legion Class" figures in the ''[[Vintage G1]]'' line, Gears is a reissue of his [[#Generation 1|Generation 1 figure]]. Like his prior ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' release, he has both a [[rubsign]] and a normal foil Autobot insignia sticker in vehicle mode. The rubsign is an all-new type used on all of the ''Vintage G1'' toys; the insignia only turns red rather than the mood-ring multicolor of older rubsigns, plus the silver border is mirror-level reflective. This version also has production information tampographed onto his inner right foot.

:Like all ''Vintage G1'' figures, Gears was [[exclusive]] to [[Walmart]] in the United States and Canada.

{{G1GearsMold}}
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===McDonald's===
*'''Gears''' (St. Louis McDonald's promotion, 1985)
{{charstubtoys}}

===''Transformers Trading Card Game''===
[[File:W5AutobotGears.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Autobot Gears, Transport & Reconnaissance''' (2020)
**'''Wave 5: Titan Masters Attack'''
**''Rarity: '''''CT'''
**''Card Number: '''''T02/T46'''
**''Stars: ''7

:Autobot Gears, Transport & Reconnaissance is one of forty-six double-sided character cards released as part of Wave 5 of the [[Transformers Trading Card Game]], Titan Masters Attack.

:The card's artwork is based on the ''Generations'' Legends-class Gears toy, with line-art by [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]] and colors by [[Alex Tarca]] for both modes.

:This card's set was originally set for an April 2020 release, however due to the global COVID-19 pandemic the release was pushed back to May 29, 2020.
{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:TFTM-MaybeGears.jpg|thumb|I sign on to a major movie, and all I get is a lousy cameo appearance?!]]
*In his first Marvel Comics appearance, Gears sported a more humanoid [[character model]] that looked less like his toy than his final animation model. He would also use this model in the UK annual story "[[And There Shall Come...a Leader!]]", while ''[[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]'' was inexplicably drawn with this model in the earlier UK story "[[The Enemy Within!]]".
*The dialogue script for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' reveals that Gears was supposed to appear in the film during the [[Battle of Autobot City]], speaking a single line in horrified reaction to the formation of Devastator ("We're finished! Aaaaahh!"). He was cut from the finished feature, but actor Don Messick recorded the line and remains listed in the film's credits as Gears (but not, oddly enough, as [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]], who ''does'' speak). A 'bot with Gears's color scheme appears on Moonbase One, but is probably not supposed to be him.
**The script provides no context for Gears's scream, so it might be intended to imply that Devastator proceeded to kill him in some fashion. This would fit with the earliest draft of the film, which also saw Gears killed off, albeit in a different way: blown to pieces in a carpet-bombing run by [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and the [[Sweep (G1)|Sweeps]] during [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]'s attack on the city.<ref>http://boltax.blogspot.com/2010/12/heritaage-auctions-transformers-movie.html</ref>
*Gears appeared in a [[:File:PulseCon-Kingdom-promo-art.jpg|concept poster]] for ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'', suggesting a new toy of him was considered for inclusion in the toyline, but such toy ultimately never materialized.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Gears''' (ギアーズ ''Giāzu'')
*''Czech:'' '''Převodovka'''
*''French:'' '''Rollo''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Fuvaros''' ("Hauler")
*''Italian:'' '''Mulo'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Biànsùxiāng''' (变速箱, "Transmission")
*''Portuguese:'' '''Mecano''' (Portugal comics), '''Engrenagem''' (Brazil comics), '''Pick-Up''' (Brazil toys)
*''Russian:'' '''Privod''' (Привод, "Drive")
*''South American:'' '''Pick-Up'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Cloud Autobots]]
[[Category:Dreamwave Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Generations]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Transformers]]
[[Category:Kre-O Autobots]]
[[Category:Kreons]]
[[Category:Legends Autobots]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance specialists]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]

Knock Out (G1)

2022-06-26T03:22:48Z

Gladiatrix: grammar

{{factions|velocitron|decepticon|ascenticon}}
{{disambig3.5|the unaligned Velocitronian|the Decepticon Micromaster|Knockout (G1)|Knockout}}
:''Knock Out is a [[Velocitron]]ian or [[Decepticon]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]''

[[File:IDW KnockOut CharacterModel.jpg|thumb|right|250px|"Sir, reporting high levels of sass."]]

'''Knock Out''' (aka '''Knock-Out''') is slick, smooth, stylish... and more than a little conceited. Although he's a talented cosmetic surgeon, always willing to help out those unfortunate 'bots who weren't blessed with his impeccable build (for the right price, of course), he spends most of his free time on the racetrack, pushing his [[alternate mode]] to the limit while ensuring that ''every'' finish is a photo finish.

Although Knock Out's narcissism and general self-interest mean that he'll fall in with the [[Decepticon]]s more often then not, he's not what you'd call a fighter. When danger looms, he'll gladly bail, or, in the worst case scenario, even throw his own allies to the wolves, to save his own impeccable paintwork. Although some 'bots find him hard to get along with, Knock Out's managed to find a loving relationship with [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]].

{{bigquote|I'm too... ''handsome'' to die!|Knock-Out (wrongly)|[[Derailment]]}}

==Fiction==
===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Windblade issue 4|Transformers: Windblade vol. 1 #4]]}}

[[File:CombinerWars5-Velocitron.jpg|left|thumb|350px]]

Knock Out was born from a [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] inside [[Navitas]], one of the [[Titan (group)|Titans]] who had left [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] to colonize other worlds. {{storylink|Windblade issue 4|Windblade vol. 1 #4}} Despite his love of speed and a high self-regard for his aerodynamic design, Knock Out would find an unlikely [[Conjunx Endura]] in [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]], an atypically slow Velocitronian. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}} [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] caught a glimpse of him racing another 'bot while she was merged with [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s mind. {{storylink|Windblade issue 4|Windblade vol. 1 #4}}

Knock Out and [[Moonracer (G1)|Moonracer]] were investigating the possible sources of strange seismic activity, ultimately coming across the footprints left behind from the rampaging [[combiner]]s from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. {{storylink|All That Remains}} The pair were sent as ambassadors to Cybertron, and met with [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] to discuss becoming a part of the [[Council of Worlds]]. Negotiations fell through, with Knock Out maintaining that Velocitron didn't need anything from neighboring planets, and the duo left the meeting chamber. Windblade tried to reason with the pair, and invited them to [[Maccadam's Old Oil House|Maccadam's]] so that they could experience both Camien and Cybertronian cultures. Knock Out totally dissed [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] before returning home through Metroplex's [[Space bridge|spacebridge]]. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|Windblade vol. 2 #4}}

[[File:Windblade DS 4 Velocitronian Ambassadors.jpg|thumb|250px]]

During the [[Benefit 500]], Knock Out watched with Moonracer and [[Override (BWU)|Override]]. He failed to recognize Blurr at first, and was shocked when Windblade's tampering with [[Navitas]]'s controls let her manipulate the racetrack to help Blurr win the race. {{storylink|Race Against the Light}} After Blurr's victory ensured Velocitron's entry into the Council of Worlds, Knock Out returned to Cybertron and signed the treaty, begrudgingly acknowledging Windblade's resourcefulness. {{storylink|Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|Windblade vol. 2 #6}}

Approximately two weeks later, Knock Out was present for the ceremony inducting [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] into the Council of Worlds. {{storylink|The Will of the Few}} Though he was preferential to the creature comforts of Velocitron, Knock Out chose to stay on Cybertron for the sake of Breakdown, who was overjoyed to settle down in a place where there was more to life than speed. {{storylink|The Chosen One}} When Starscream announced the creation of a [[Chosen One Day|new holiday]], Knock Out and his Conjunx decided to take a vacation in the [[Acid Wastes]]. {{storylink|Choose Me}}

At some point, Windblade allowed Knock Out to examine her "for science". Knock Out concluded from his investigation that Camiens had evolved lower-frequency sparks as a means of energy conservation. {{storylink|The Last Autobot}}

[[File:TAAO1 KnockOutBreakdown.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]

After [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] announced his intent to annex [[Earth]] into the Council of Worlds, Knock Out attended the first council meeting discussing this sudden change of events. {{storylink|New Worlds Order}} Knock Out was present for a Justice Committee meeting regarding [[Mnemosurgery|mnemosurgical]] attacks on several Decepticons on Cybertron and distrust of the [[Badgeless]]. The Committee moved to have [[Ironhide (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ironhide]] investigate the crime spree. {{storylink|07:00:00}} When tensions boiled over in Iacon following the death of a [[Drunkatron|Decepticon bystander]], Knock Out and Moonracer attended a second meeting discussing the future of law enforcement on Cybertron, with Ironhide offering to take over the investigation as the new head of the Badgeless. {{storylink|Applicable Skills}} The Velocitronians later attended a meeting where Ironhide reported on the progress of the new recruits. {{storylink|Things We Said We'd Never Do}} When the newly-formed [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]] attacked Iacon, Knock Out and the other Council delegates were temporarily evacuated. {{storylink|The Line Between Us}}

The Council later met with Optimus to hear his side of the story. Although Prime insisted that his intentions were pure, its members unanimously voted against allowing Earth a seat on the council; Knock Out in particular criticizing Prime's poor judgement. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 3: The Medium and the Message|The Medium and the Message}} Starscream was initially pleased with this turn of events, but the Council's opinion began to shift after news of Optimus Prime's raising of [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] on Earth reached Cybertron, prompting them to reconsider admitting Earth into the Council. {{storylink|All Hail Optimus Part 6: No Fair Fights|No Fair Fights}}

[[File:DesperateTimes-noonescuffsmyfinish.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]

When Cybertron came under threat from a fleet of [[zombie]] Titans, Knock Out was hesitant at the idea of declaring war, suggesting a full-scale evacuation. Nevertheless, Starscream decided that Cybertron would stand united against the menace, and Knock Out joined the fracas as the Titans made planetfall. {{storylink|Ping}} Though he and Blurr initially put up a good fight - blasting one Titan who had caused him to scuff his finish - the battle dragged on, and the combatants were forced back to the Council Spire. {{storylink|Desperate Times}}

When the crisis had passed, the Council reconvened to meet with Optimus Prime as the Autobot leader discussed sharing Transformer technology with the [[Junkion (species)|Junkion]]s, who had recently landed on [[Earth]]. Starscream shot down the proposal; as Earth was not yet a member of the Council, any transactions between the two species would be a violation of the [[Tyrest Accord]]. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}}

When [[human]]s attacked [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] during [[Earth]]'s induction into the [[Council of Worlds]], Knock Out supported [[Elita One (G1)|Elita One]]'s proposal of killing all humans convinced that [[Liege Maximo]]'s potential return and retribution was the bigger concern. {{storylink|First Strike issue 4|First Strike #4}} In the aftermath, the Council had a meeting regarding alternative energy sources after the [[Talisman (G1)|Talisman]] had corrupted Cybertron's [[energon]] supply. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}}

When [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]] was due to return to her seat on the Council of Worlds, Starscream commemorated the occasion with a photo-op before cancelling said photo-op when the Camien nearly revealed Liege Maximo's freedom before Knock Out (''very'' briefly) explained the ancient Prime to [[Marissa Faireborn]]. After Windblade revealed the Prime's freedom and ran for office, Knock Out visited her in [[Maccadam's Old Oil House]] to offer advice and words of encouragement. At the debates, he sat next to [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]] and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] and was later present at Windblade's victory party. {{storylink|The Chosen One}}

When [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] attacked, Knock Out and Breakdown stood by as Optimus Prime and his fleet returned from their defeat at [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]], {{storylink|Last Stand (Unicron)|Last Stand}} with Knock Out later attending what would become the final meeting of the Council Of Worlds as they discussed the threat. {{storylink|Stranger Eons}}

{{--}}

===''Of Masters and Mayhem''===
[[File:KnockOutShockwave TheToxicTransformer.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Fitting cleanly into wiki categories isn't very ''avant-garde''.]]
During the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]], Knock Out was a scientist associate of [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]. After successfully sending [[Toxitron (G1)|Toxitron]] to wipe out an [[Autobot]] unit, [[Loudpedal]] and [[Oil Slick (G1)|Oil Slick]] telecommunicated with Knock Out and Shockwave about their experiment. Knock Out thinly smiled at the news that Toxitron was a ''self-repairing'' walking toxic sludge weapon. Some time later, Knock Out and Shockwave telecommunicated again about the Toxitron experiment, but it was during this call that Knock Out realized that Toxitron was secretly plotting to break out of the laboratory he was in. Knock Out and Shockwave warned Loudpedal and Oil Slick to prepare themselves before cutting the call. {{storylink|The Toxic Transformer}}

{{--}}

===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
The ex-Decepticon '''Knock-Out''' was a member of the corrupt [[Builder Assembly]] that ruled over stagnant post-war Cybertron. He was well known on the council for his love of racing—owning most of the racetracks on Cybertron, including the racetracks that held the prestigious [[Ibex Cup]]—and his general vanity, in spite of being immobile and confined to an [[exo-walker]]. {{storylink|Derailment}} Unsurprisingly, [[Eject (G1)|Eject]] thought unfavorably of Knock-Out and the other assembly members. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}}

When [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance]] army threatened to invade [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] in the final battle of the [[Grand Uprising]], the Builder Assembly voted to rescind "General Order 66", which would allow the recently invented [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]] army access to Iacon. The vote came down to Knock-Out, so after some theatrics and horse-trading he voted "aye", mostly out of spite for having a recent tax break bill of his fail. As the Resistance pushed closer and closer to the [[High Council Pavilions|High Pavilion]], Knock-Out grew bored with the last stands.

Knock-Out's vainglorious attitude would come back to bite him in the skidplate: Vehicon general [[Galva Convoy]] duped the Council into exposing themselves and summarily betrayed them, forcibly transforming them into mindless Vehicons save [[Riker]]. As the last mech standing, Knock-Out attempted to save himself by offering Galva Convoy access codes, including ones he wasn't ''supposed'' to have, but to no avail. {{storylink|Derailment}}

===''My Little Pony/Transformers''===
[[File:TheBeautyOfCybertron-KnockOut.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]

During [[King Sombra]]'s siege on Cybertron, Knock Out took advantage of the chaos by attempting to steal a set of designer tires. As he was escaping, however, he was captured by [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] and [[Rarity]], believing him to be one of Sombra's slaves. Realizing he was acting of his own free will, an annoyed Ratchet planted a device on Knock Out's shoulder which he said he would detonate if the Decepticon didn't cooperate. He found it refreshing to meet a fellow appreciator of aesthetics in Rarity, and begrudgingly accompanied them in their pursuit of a group of enslaved Transformers whom he revealed were searching for power supplies. Impressed by Rarity, Knock Out took her on a tour of Cybertron's most beautiful spots during their pursuit. This led them to a natural energon spring, where Knock Out was reminded that Breakdown was among those possessed by Sombra. His attempt at using a paralyzing electrical on the horde failed to free them, and he was informed that he would need to use his own passion for Breakdown to help Rarity free him. Knock Out gave an impassioned speech about Breakdown being his better half which Rarity channelled to successfully release him from Sombra's control. Though delighted to be reunited with Breakdown, he was embarrassed to learn that he didn't need to say anything for the spell to work. When asked to free him, Ratchet revealed he had planted a mere tracking device on him and that he was free to remove it at any time. {{storylink|The Beauty of Cybertron}}

{{--}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
[[File:Tread&Circuits2 KnockOutBreakdownKiss.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5|]]
A citizen of [[Velocitron]], Knock Out announced his intention to run in that year's [[Speedia|Speedia 500]] on behalf of the [[Decepticon|Ascenticon]] party. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 2}} Unbeknownst to the other racers, however, he and his significant other [[Breakdown (IDW)|Breakdown]] had established an agreement with the members of the [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]] terrorist cell as part of a plan to put an Ascenticon in power—a plan that involved violently eliminating the rest of the competition on the day of the race. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}} The day before the race, Knock Out attended a party in one of the planet's many sports bars, where he boasted about his skill at the ''Mechanic Mania'' arcade game until [[Minerva (G1 robot)|Minerva]], a member of the recently-arrived [[Wreckers]], showed him up at his own game. Not long afterwards, Knock Out and Breakdown watched as [[Thunder Clash|Thunderclash]] and the other Wreckers rushed out to receive an emergency distress call from [[Circuit (G1)|Circuit]].

[[File:TreadCircuitsPart3-KnockOut.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Speed. I am speed. One winner, forty-two losers. I eat losers for breakfast.]]
On the day of the race, Knock Out attended the opening ceremonies and later shared a [[kiss]] with Breakdown before the race began. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 2}} Once on the track, the Ascenticon racer kept pace with [[Road Rocket (G2)|Road Rocket]], [[Override (BWU)|Override]], and [[Sideways (RM)|Sideways]]; as the racers took the first turn, however, [[Skullgrin]] and the other members of Mayhem triggered a rockslide that barred the other racers from overtaking their preferred candidate. As the other racers struggled to deal with the rigors of both the race and an full-scale Mayhem attack, Knock Out finally took the lead after [[Submarauder (G1)|Submarauder]] caused a massive pile-up. However, Knock Out then had to deal with [[Axer (G1)|Axer]], who'd gone rogue and attempted to kill Mayhem's preferred candidate, but proved nimble enough to evade his opponent long enough for Breakdown to catch up with him and obliterate Axer with a heavy artillery barrage. Thanks to this last-minute intervention, Knock Out came in first place and was thus appointed Velocitron's new First Senator. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 3}}

[[File:TreadCircuitsPart4-LongLiveKnockOut.jpg|thumb|left|300px]]
In the Velocitronian Senate building, Knock Out attended his swearing-in ceremony, but was first forced to contend with a staged "assassination" attempt by Mayhem—when the undercover Wreckers intervened, the phony attempt became real when Minerva tried to wrestle away Submarauder's gun and wound up harpooning Knock Out in the chest. Critically wounded, the new First Senator collapsed, and by the time that [[Aileron]] managed to resuscitate him the other Wreckers had dealt with the villains. However, thanks to Minerva being in the wrong place at the wrong time and holding the suspected murder weapon, Breakdown had her arrested.

Although Knock Out promised Thunderclash that he'd sort out the situation and expedite her release, this would not come to pass: after Megatron renamed his movement and overthrew [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], Knock Out and his new inner cadre adopted the Decepticon name and insignia. Although Minerva soon realized that Knock Out had orchestrated the entire Speedia fiasco, Knock Out sentenced her to indefinite stasis. {{storylink|Tread & Circuits Part 4}}

{{--}}

==Toys==
{{main|Knock Out (Prime)#Toys}}

==Notes==
* In his first appearance in ''[[The Transformers: Windblade]]'' [[Windblade issue 4|#4]], Knock Out appeared in a single panel racing in his vehicle mode. author [[Mairghread Scott]] later named him and clarified that he was meant to be a cross-continuity transplant of [[Knock Out (Prime)|the Decepticon of the same name]] from the [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'' cartoon]].<ref>[//mscottwrites.tumblr.com/post/92633901891/red-car-with-yellow-rims-could-we-maybe-get-the-word Mairghread Scott's Tumblr, 2014/07/23]</ref> as the comic panels above demonstrate. Knock Out made his first speaking debut the next year in [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|issue 2 of the second ''Windblade'' volume]], which noted that he possessed a [[Conjunx Endura]]. Scott again clarified that this as-yet unseen character was meant to be a Generation 1 version of [[Breakdown (WFC)|''Prime'' Breakdown]],<ref>[http://mscottwrites.tumblr.com/post/122341451981/loved-the-new-windblade-issue-a-great-read-is Mairghread Scott's Tumblr, 2015/06/24]</ref> likely a wink at fans who believed that ''Prime'' Knock Out's relationship with Breakdown was more than platonic. Although Breakdown eventually became a supporting character, he wasn't named until the preview for ''[[Transformers vs. Visionaries]]'' [[Schismatic|#1]] in 2018, perhaps on account of the [[Breakdown (G1)|the identically-named Stunticon]].
* Knock Out is seen wielding a bow on [[Alex Milne]]'s [[:File:TFUnicron2 cvrA.jpg|cover]] for [[Stranger Eons|''Unicron'' #2]], but this did not appear within the story.
* The Knock Out featured in "The Toxic Transformer" has elements of both ''Prime'' Knock Out and the [[Knockout (G1)|Micromaster Knockout]]. His ''Beast Wars: Uprising'' counterpart, however, is lifted wholesale from the ''Prime'' and IDW incarnations of the character.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising Decepticons]]
[[Category:Council members]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Decepticons]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Transformers]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Velocitron]]

Japanese language

2022-06-23T18:13:33Z

Gladiatrix:

[[Image:GenerationsJapaneseNames.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Modern-day Japanese ''Transformers'' packaging with properly romanized names alongside their katakana spelling, leaving nothing to interpretation.]]

Borne as it is from the partnership between the American [[Hasbro]] and the Japanese [[TakaraTomy]], ''Transformers'' has from its inception been a bilingual franchise, split cardinally between English, the language of this wiki, and the '''Japanese language''' (日本語 ''Nihongo''). The road between the two does not always run smooth, and many quirks of the ''Transformers'' franchise can be ascribed to this friction.

==Japanese: a crash course==
===Kana===
"{{w|Kana}}" (仮名) is the colloquial term for the portion of the modern Japanese writing system correlating directly to mouth noises (read: letters, kinda sorta).
Kana can be written using two native systems: the "{{w|hiragana}}" (ひらがな) script used primarily for Japanese words, and the "{{w|katakana}}" (カタカナ) script used primarily for loanwords or foreign words, as well as for denoting emphasis. Kana is a primarily syllabic script; with the exception of six kana, each symbol represents a consonant-vowel pair, such as ど ''do'', は ''ha'', ぐ ''gu'', and け ''ke''.
{|
|- valign="top"
|
{| class="wikitable"
|+Hiragana (left) and Katakana (right)
|-
!
!title="single vowels"| –
!''k''
!''s''
!''t''
!''n''
!''h''
!''m''
!''y''
!''r''
!''w''
|- style="font-size:2em"
!style="font-size:0.5em"|''a''
|あア
|かカ
|さサ
|たタ
|なナ
|はハ
|まマ
|やヤ
|らラ
|わワ
|- style="font-size:2em"
!style="font-size:0.5em"|''i''
|いイ
|きキ
|しシ
|ちチ
|にニ
|ひヒ
|みミ
|*
|りリ
|ゐヰ
|- style="font-size:2em"
!style="font-size:0.5em"|''u''
|うウ
|くク
|すス
|つツ
|ぬヌ
|ふフ
|むム
|ゆユ
|るル
|*
|- style="font-size:2em"
!style="font-size:0.5em"|''e''
|えエ
|けケ
|せセ
|てテ
|ねネ
|へヘ
|めメ
|*
|れレ
|ゑヱ
|- style="font-size:2em"
!style="font-size:0.5em"|''o''
|おオ
|こコ
|そソ
|とト
|のノ
|ほホ
|もモ
|よヨ
|ろロ
|をヲ
|}
|

{| class="wikitable"
|+   
|-
| style="text-align:center" | んン '''(''n'')'''
|}
|}

These basic kana are in turn modified by the "{{w|dakuten}}" ( ﾞ), which resembles a quotation mark and transforms a voiceless kana such as "ka" into a voiced "ga" and changes the soft "f-" series into the "b-" series; and the "{{w|handakuten}}" ( ﾟ), which resembles a degree sign and modifies the soft "f-" series of kana into the hard "p-" series.

====Examples====
*トランスフォーマー (''toransufōmā'', Transformer in katakana) 
ト = ''To'' 
ラ = ''ra'' 
ン = ''n'' 
ス = ''su'' 
フォー = ''fō'' 
マー = ''mā'' 
===Kanji===
Due to the {{w|Chinese influence on Japanese culture#Language|influence of the Chinese language}}, Japanese also uses "{{w|kanji}}" (漢字), a kind of script where each character represents an entire concept and can function as a word unto itself. These kanji often have two pronunciations, one the Japanese word for the specific concept (訓読み ''kun'yomi'') and another based on the borrowed Chinese word (音読み ''on'yomi''), but can sometimes have additional pronunciations. Single kanji can then be compounded into more complex concepts; for example, the Japanese word for telephone, ''denwa'', is made up of the symbols "電話", which separately mean "electric" and "talk".

====Examples====
'''Kanji''' 
*生命体 ''sei mei tai'' ("lifeform") 
生 = "living" 
命 = "life force", inochi as a kun'yomi 
体 = "body, figure" 
 
*司令官 ''shi rei kan'' ("[[Supreme Commander|Commander]]") 
司 = "official" or "director" 
令 = "law" or "command" 
官 = "governor/bureaucrat" 
 
'''Kana and kanji''' 
*超ロボット生命体トランスフォーマー ("[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Super Robot Lifeform Transformer]]") 
超 (''chō'', "super-") 
ロボット (''robotto'', katakana) 
生命体 (''seimeitai'', "lifeform", kanji with on'yomi) 
トランスフォーマー (''toransufōmā'', Transformer in katakana) 
 
===Furigana===
"{{w|Furigana}}" ({{ruby|振|ふ}}り{{ruby|仮名|がな}}) is a kind of Japanese reading aid that employs superscript, known as "{{w|ruby text}}" (ルビ), to provide a pronunciation guide for particularly difficult words. Now as you can probably guess from reading the above, it is usually used to provide the kana to sound out kanji in educational contexts. What does this have to do with ''Transformers''? In the wider world, furigana see another use: PUNS.<ref>''Advanced'' puns.</ref> In this context, furigana can be used to impart a sort of "side B" to a phrase in a manner that can be thought of as dimly analagous to comedy footnotes<ref>waka waka</ref> in English.

====Examples====
*ブルー{{ruby|偉大なる|ビッグ}}{{ruby|司令官|コンボイ}} ("[[Blue Big Convoy]]") 
ブルー = (''Burū'', "Blue", katakana) 
偉大なる司令官 ("Grand Commander" - standard reading) 
:偉大なる = (''Idainaru'', "Grand", kanji) 
:司令官 = (''Shireikan'', "Commander", kanji) 
ビッグコンボイ ("Big Convoy" - furigana pronunciation guide) 
:ビッグ = (''Biggu'', "Big", katakana) 
:コンボイ = (''Konboi'', "Convoy", katakana) 
 

==Romanization==
"{{w|Romanization}}" refers to the adaptation of languages or words that do not use Latin letters to the 26-character Latin [[alphabet]] used in English (among other, less important languages). Technically, the English-specific term would be "Anglicization".

Any writing system is, at best, an approximation of the sounds it represents. The modern Japanese writing system distinguishes between fewer {{w|phoneme}}s than most, but this does not mean the language ''lacks'' those phonemes, merely that different sounds can be represented by the same symbols. English has more than twenty-six sounds denoted by character-combinations (ex. "{{w|Voiceless postalveolar affricate|ch}}" makes a sound that is not the combination of the mouth-movements for "{{w|Voiceless velar plosive|c}}" and "{{w|Voiceless glottal fricative|h}}", but a close cousin), but even those combinations are imperfect; the "oo" letter sequence represents different sounds in "{{w|Near-close near-back rounded vowel|cook}}" and "{{w|Close back rounded vowel|spook}}". While Japanese does have official romanization systems, such as the {{w|Nihon-shiki romanization|Nihon-shiki}}, it can still be difficult to romanize a Japanese word to match its author's intent due to the sharing of phonemes and other artifacts of the differences between the English and Japanese languages.

==Lost in Translation==

Typical causes for friction between languages are mistakes in mechanical process of translation for perfectly straightforward material, wordplay that only makes sense to a native Japanese speaker, and, occasionally, terms with no coherent meaning to be had. In some rare cases, it even appears that mistranslation occurs on ''purpose''.

Recall that from the perspective of an audience that does not speak the language, whether the words fit together at all is usually of no consequence so long as they are pronounceable, catchy, and easy to remember [[To sell toys|when buying their products]].
{{-}}
===Causes of translation errors===
====Romanization difficulties====
[[Image:KojinOnoPhoto.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The man with many names, all of which are the same.]]Romanizing a name isn't always easy.

Actual Japanese people can often have their names romanized in several ways, all of which are, by default, equally valid: For example, the name of legendary ''Diaclone'' and Generation 1 toy designer [[Kōjin Ōno]] (大野光仁 ''Ōno Kōjin'') can also be Romanized as "Kojin Ohno" or "Kouzin Ono". Japanese people who frequently interact with the Western world may settle for an "official" version for simplicity's sake; in that case, insisting on using an alternate Romanization would be considered pedantic and ignorant.

Since the vast majority of Transformers names used for the Japanese market are English or English-derived, romanizing them isn't particularly difficult— for example, [[Megatron (disambiguation)|Megatron]]'s Japanese name (メガトロン ''Megatoron'') is simply a transliteration of his Western name; the same applies to [[Thundercracker (disambiguation)|Thundercracker]] (サンダークラッカー ''Sandākurakkā''). Many characters whose names were changed for the Japanese market are still easy to decipher; for example, [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] traditionally becomes "Meister" (マイスター ''Maisutā''), [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] becomes "Lambor" (ランボル ''Ranboru''), and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] becomes "Convoy" (コンボイ ''Konboi'').

One problem is posed by the Japanese use of the plural, which doesn't use an "s" suffix like it does in English. Thus, the Japanese name for the [[Transformers brand|overall brand]] is literally "Transformer" (トランスフォーマー ''Toransufōmā''). However, since Takara uses the spelling "Transformers" every time the name is rendered in English, the plural "s" can be assumed to materialize in the transition from katakana to the Latin spelling in much the same way Optimus Prime's [[Combat Deck (G1)|trailer]] appears and disappears every time he transforms. This doesn't always apply, however; some English-derived names with a plural in them may in fact keep the "s" suffix in their katakana spelling, such as ''[[Generations (disambiguation)|Generations]]'' (ジェネレーションズ ''Jenerēshonzu''), resulting in an inconsistent appearance in the combination "''Transformers: Generations''", where "Generations" uses the plural "s" but "Transformers" doesn't.

The Japanese writing system distinguishes between fewer {{w|phoneme}}s than most. Foreign words in Japan frequently acquire ''creative'' spellings as a result of being rendered "down" into the Japanese spelling system.

In some cases where Takara has put the Latin spelling of the characters' names on their [[packaging]], something was amiss: Whoever was responsible for the romanization screwed up, and the error was not caught in [[quality control]] either. The most common causes for bad romanization are a mix-up between {{w|Voiced dental, alveolar and postalveolar lateral approximants|/l/}} and /r/ (which are approximated by the same sound in Japanese) and {{w|Voiced labiodental fricative|/v/}} and {{w|Voiced bilabial plosive|/b/}} (the /v/ sound doesn't exist in Japanese and is usually substituted by /b/). Another common issue is that /n/, if followed by /m/, /b/, and /p/, becomes /m/ in Japanese phonology.

[[File:Romanization minelba.jpg|right|211px|thumb|{{w|Help:IPA/Latin|Oh like ''you're'' so certain you were pronouncing [mɪˈnɛrwa] correctly.}}]]
Examples:
*[[Minerva (human)|Minerva]] (ミネルバ) as "Minelba".
*[[Kraken]] (クラーケン) as "Clerken".
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Convoy]] (コンボイ) as "Comvoy", used on the packaging for ''[[Transformers: Mystery of Convoy]]''.
*Similarly, various characters from ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Galaxy Force]]'' with "Convoy" in their names as "Conboy" on Takara's website<ref name="galaxyforce">.[https://web.archive.org/web/20081019212742/https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/galaxyforce/index2.html Archived version of TakaraTomy's Galaxy Force website]</ref>
*Variations of "[[Decepticon|Destron]]" (デストロン), including "Deathtron" and "Destoron".
*''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'' [[Sideswipe (G1)|Lambor]] (ランボル) as "Rambol" on Takara's website<ref name="rambol">[https://web.archive.org/web/20091213050822/www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/g1/tfc/tf07.html Archived version of TakaraTomy website listing for the TFC "Rambol" reissue]</ref> (unlike the "Rijie" case listed below, ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' Lambor, released a few months after the ''Transformers Collection'' [[Generation 1 reissues|reissue]], had his name spelled properly in English on his packaging, making this a definite error).
*''[[Transformers: Alternity|Alternity]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Alternity|Ultra Magnus]] (ウルトラマグナス) as "Ultla Magnus".
*''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Misfire (G1)#Legends|Targetmaster Misfire]] as "Targetmaster Missfire".
*''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' [[Lobclaw#Generations|Lobclaw]] (ロブクロウ) as "Seacons Lobclow".

Also worth mentioning is the lack of spaces for compound names in some cases, such as with the entire ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1988 (Super-God Masterforce)|Super-God Masterforce]]'' line, which had [[Ginrai (human)#Toys|"Superginrai", "Godginrai"]] or "[[King Poseidon#Toys|Kingposeidon]]", the ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)#Takara Galaxy Force toyline|Galaxy Force]]'' line, which had "[[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Galaxyconvoy]]", "[[Red Alert (Armada)#Cybertron|Firstaid]]" or "[[Megatron (Armada)/toys#Cybertron|Mastermegatron]]", or ''Legends'' "[[Blue Big Convoy#Legends|Blue Bigconvoy]]". This happens because the katakana spelling often does not have any separations between these name components (it ''is'' possible to use a "middle dot" ・, called a nakaguro, but its usage is not mandatory), and this structure may be carried over during the Romanization if the people in charge of the packaging design don't pay attention to it.

A particularly unusual case is that of the ''non''-Japanese Generation 1 [[Action Master Elite]] "[[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Spreem]]" toy, which came out at a time when the original ''Transformers'' toy line had been canceled for the United States market and was [[The Transformers (European toyline)|primarily released in European markets]]. Intended as the same [[character]] as the older ''Generation 1'' Omega '''Supreme''' toy, both "Supreme" and "Spreem" are possible transliterations of the katakana spelling スプリーム (though "Supreme" is obviously the only one that actually makes ''sense''). ''Why'' Hasbro UK would use a nonsensical transliteration of the Japanese spelling of the character's English name is lost in the mists of time; however, a ''partial'' explanation can be found in the ''[[Transformers Vault]]'' book: The design artwork for an unreleased standard (i.e. not Elite) [[Action Master]] version of Omega Supreme has his name (correctly spelled) written quite large on the top of the sheet in big black marker. However, there's also an illustrator's note written in very small pen/pencil next to the toy's design artwork, which misspells the character's name as "Omega Spreem", despite the correct spelling being in giant text directly above it (though to be fair, it's possible that the black marker text was added after the fact). When the toy was released, for ''some'' reason Hasbro used the nonsensical "Omega Spreem" spelling.

===="Double blind" translation====
[[File:MegaSCFEngrishTagline01.jpg|right|upright=1.8|thumb|★ There was an attempt.]]
Some times, the romanization is on point, the meaning of each word is more or less correct, and the sentence structure is ''technically'' acceptable, but no one in the room is fluent in the language and the wind just isn't at their backs, producing results that are...
Off.

On occasion, some popular English catchphrases for the brand have been translated into Japanese and then ''re-translated'' back into English, producing a particularly brutal contrast with the "correct answer." A prime example is when the tagline "More than meets the eye" was translated into Japanese and then re-translated back into English for the packaging of the Japanese release of the ''[[Heroes of Cybertron]]'' line, producing the trainwreck, "The truth who the eyes met before!"
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===Translating the untranslatable===
====Pun problems====
Much like in English, many Japanese Transformer names are corny puns. This becomes problematic very quickly when puns that work in Japanese do not in English:
*The name for ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Ruination (RID)|Ruination]]'s ''Car Robots'' counterpart is derived from "[[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]", whose toy he is redecoed from, by shifting some of the sounds that make up the name. Thus, ''Burūtikasu'' (ブルーティカス) became ''Barudigasu''(バルディガス). For years, the correct Romanization of said name was up in the air, with "Baldigus" and "Valdigus" being the most popular fan spellings, until his ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' toy provided an official Romanized spelling, as "Baldigus".
*''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' "[[Autorooper]]" (オートルーパー ''Ōtorūpā'') is a ''portmanteau'' of "auto" (オート ''ōto'') and "trooper" (トルーパー ''torūpā''), the latter roughly pronounced "torooper" in Japanese. Any Romanization of the name misses out on at least half of the pun.
*Similar is the upgraded form of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Galaxy Force]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|First Aid]] (ファストエイド ''Fasuto Eido'', ''Cybertron'' Red Alert), "First Gunner" (ファストガンナー ''Fasuto Gan'nā'', [[Cybertron Defense Team (Cybertron)|Cybertron Defense]] Red Alert for Hasbro). To Japanese ears, "First" and "Fast" sound almost the same, thus making the upgrade a "fast gunner". Takara decided to keep the spelling from "First Aid" consistent in the Romanization, thus ending up with the somewhat nonsensical name "First Gunner".
*''Galaxy Force'' [[Spiral|Gagenda]] (ガゼンダ ''Gazenda''), [[Oval|Cyaana]] (シアーナ ''Shiāna''), and [[Backtrack (Armada)|Sullow]] (スロー ''Surō'') are named with modifications of their primary colors: magenta (マゼンタ ''mazenta''), cyan (シアン ''shian''), and yellow (イェロー ''yerō''), the former two of which Japanese did not take from English but rather from Italian and Dutch, respectively. (An additional complication is Japanese adaptation of Italian and Dutch having evolved over time. Today, "magenta" would probably be rendered with greater sophistication as ''majenta'' (マジェンタ) and "cyaan" as ''shiān'' (シアーン).)

====Furigana frenzy====

[[File:Generations Selects Primus Vanguard.jpg|upright=2|right|thumb|Three cheers for the Pun Patrol!]]

As discussed above, the grammatical construction known as "[[Japanese language#Furigana|furigana]]" doesn't really have a clean analogue in English. Thankfully this particularly elaborate form of wordplay is pretty rare in ''Transformers'' media, perhaps due to the younger-skewing demographics of the franchise. Rare, that is, with one prominent exception: the saga of the technicolor warrior monks known as the [[Primus Vanguard]] utilizes a truly dizzying array of furigana puns in the names of its major characters, up to and including [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#Generations Selects Special Comic (2)|Optimus Prime]] himself.
*Each officer of the Vanguard utilizes a classic ''Transformers'' title in their rank, with "Commander" ({{ruby|司令官|コンボイ}} ''shireikan'') being "pronounced" as "Convoy" (コンボイ ''Konboi'') while "Marshal" ({{ruby|元帥|プライム}} ''gensui'') becomes "Prime" (プライム ''Puraimu'').
*The puns go even further, as the officers' personal names (sandwiched between their assigned color and rank) are "spelled" as a highfalutin adjective, resulting in configurations such as "[[Blue Big Convoy]]" (ブルービッグコンボイ ''Buru Biggu Konboi'') being read "Blue Grand Commander" (ブルー{{ruby|偉大なる|ビッグ}}{{ruby|司令官|コンボイ}} ''Buru Idainaru Shireikan'').
*The [[New Primus Vanguard]], evil doppelgangers of the Primus Vanguard made out of Megatron clones, also got in on the pun action, with the classic "[[Emperor of Destruction]]"({{ruby|破壊大帝|メガトロン}} ''Hakai Taitei'') title, a stalwart of Japanese ''Transformers'' villains, being paired up with "Megatron"(メガトロン ''Megatoron'').
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===="High concept" names====
[[File:ViolenJygar1.jpg|right|211px|thumb|Tragically not actually a juggler of violins.]]
And then there are the names that didn't mean much to begin with, or are so baroque that any Romanization would have to be either extremely liberal in order to make sense, or end up nonsensical either way. Accuracy is sometimes a low priority, as English-derived names are ''generally'' simply intended to sound "cool", not necessarily make sense to Japanese children. A familiar point of reference might be the atrocities we in the English market regularly inflict upon Latin.

Examples:
*''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]'s Japanese ''Galaxy Force'' name (エクシリオン) is officially romanized as "Exillion". Hasbro later released a redeco as a separate character named [[Excellion (Cybertron)|Excellion]], which makes only slightly more sense.
*Probably the most hotly contested of Japanese ''Transformers'' names was that of [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (デスザラス ''Desuzarasu''), the dragon-like Decepticon general of ''[[Transformers: Victory (franchise)|Transformers: Victory]]''. Originally Romanized on his toy packaging as "Deszaras," English-speaking fans furiously debated the "proper" Romanization of the name, interpreting it as Deszaras, Deathzaras, Deathsaurus, Death Czarus, Death Czaras, and many others.
**"Deathsaurus" had a tendency to be the most popular and well-known (on account of it actually ''meaning'' something in either language), which led to it being used on the character's first Western toy in 2005, making it his official English-language name. Although, two later toys would give him the English names of "Dessaras" and "Dezarus", respectively, muddying the waters further.
**At [[BotCon 2015]], after ''decades'' of such back-and-forths, the designer of the original toy, our friend from earlier Kōjin Ōno, confirmed that the name was indeed always supposed to have been "Deathsaurus" (in a presentation that spelled his name as "Dethzarasu". ''Oy vey!'').
*Perhaps the final boss of galaxy brained Japanese Transformer names is, fittingly, the final boss of the Japanese Generation 1 cartoon. The name of [[Violengiguar]] (バイオレンジャイガー), the spooky space ghost antagonist of ''[[Transformers: Zone]]'', was the source of no small amount of bafflement and a wide variety of interpretations both fan and official including but not limited to "Violen Jiger", "Violen Jygar", and even "Bio Ranger Iga". We finally got an explanation after nearly thirty years in 2019, when cartoon lead writer and overall Generation 1 story architect [[Masumi Kaneda]] clarified:<ref>[https://twitter.com/KanedaMasumi/status/1101329144602718208 Tweet by Masumi Kaneda]: バイオレンスにジャイアント、ジャイガンティス、ジャガーなどを加えてアレンジしたと思います。それまでになく大きく強く破壊力があり凶暴でハッタリがきく。その一言で強大な悪の象徴であることを印象づける。あえて「トランスフォーマー」と並ぶような長いネーミングにしてみました。</ref>
** The name is a portmanteau of (deep breath):
***"'''Violen'''ce" ('''バイオレン'''ス) + "'''Gi'''ant" ('''ジャイ'''アント) / "[[Godzilla|'''Gi'''gantis]]" (ジャ'''イガ'''ンティス) + "Ja'''guar'''" (ジャ'''ガー''')
****Both "Giant" and "Gigantis" were cited as the origin for the same "gi" (ジャイ) part of the name.
** It was constructed to "match the length of" (read: vaguely rhyme with) the word "Transformer" (トランスフォーマー). The way this works is that "Transformer" picks up a couple more syllables in Japanese such that we have:
:::Transformer → (ト ''To'') - (ラ ''ra'') - (ン ''n'') - (ス ''su'') - (フォー ''fō'') - (マー ''mā'')
:::Violengiguar → (バ ''Ba'') - (イ ''i'') - (オ ''o'') - (レ ''re'') - (ン ''n'') - (ジャ ''ja'') - (イ ''i'') - (ガー ''gā'')
:The idea here was to create a powerful, violent name that presented a sort of "dark mirror" to the Transformers. Real out of the box thinker, that Kaneda.
{{-}}

===Frequent avenues of mistranslation===
====Because it looks cool====
[[File:FuNaNa.jpg|thumb|300px|The one and only Mr. Funana.]]
We've [[Drift (G1)#Toys|all seen]] Japanese characters tacked onto English language goods to "look cool" on solely aesthetic grounds. Did you know that goes the other way too? Unsurprisingly this rarely produces intelligible results in either direction.
=====Cool Japanese=====
*The personal website of the singular [[Dreamwave Productions]] president [[Pat Lee]] featured a header graphic that rendered his name, "Patrick Lee", in nigh-random kana as ミチヤメノテヒフナナ (''Michiyamenotehi Funana''). This "translation" very quickly became a sardonic nickname among [[Fandom|fans]].
**The source of this gibberish was almost certainly blindly pecking out symbols that "looked cool" with character-replacement font "WordPerfect TrueType Japanese."
**The correct translation would be パトリック・リー (''Patorikku Rī'').
*As befitting the brand mascot for {{w|Japanophile}} behavior, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] has racked up an impressive count of soulful Japanese tattoos.
**Drift's original IDW character design sported ドリフト (''Dorifuto''), the katakana for ''his own name'' on the doors.
**The doors of [[Drift (G1)#Generations|Drift's ''Generations'' toy]] were [[tampograph|tampographed]] with the more sensible kanji 侍 (''samurai'').
***These proved to become Drift's most iconic tats, reappearing on his ''[[Drift (G1)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Earth Wars]]'' character model and ''[[Drift (G1)#Adventure|Adventure]]'' toy.
**[[Drift (SG)#Timelines|''Shattered Glass'' Drift]]'s hood was adorned with 定 (''tei'', "decide") in [[Drift (SG)#Notes|a vague attempt to approximate "doom"]].
**The ''Generations'' toy's broadsword was also molded with the rather cocky engraving 天下無双 (''tenka musō'', "peerless"), which was naturally passed on to Drift's moldmates ''Shattered Glass'' Drift and [[Deadlock (Cloud)#Legends|''Legends'' Deadlock]].

=====Cool English=====
Snappy English catchphrases of questionable intelligibility are a frequent stalwart of "cool" characters' dialogue in Japanese children's media.
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]] often shouts "Let's say go!" This is a pun on "Let's seigō", where Japanese word ''seigō'' (整合), means, broadly, "coordinate," making it more or less his version of Optimus Prime's iconic "Transform and roll out!"
*[[Cliffjumper (Energon)|''Energon'' Cliffjumper]] is known to pepper his dialogue with English phrases, most frequently "Check it out, yo."
Bits of English often creep their way into [[Japanese themes|Japanese theme songs]] as well, being something of a staple in Japanese pop music.
*The chorus of [[Satoko Shimonari]]'s theme for ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'', titled "[[Transformer (song)|TRANSFORMER]]", ends with the English phrase, "We hope the only world!"
*[[Praise Be to Decepticon|PRAISE BE TO DECEPTICON]], [[JAM Project]]'s absolute banger of an {{w|image song}} for the Decepticons of ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'', prominently features a refrain of, well, "Praise be to Decepticon".

====Bad dubs====
[[File:E45 titlecard.jpg|thumb|[[Decepticon#2005_IDW_continuity|You are being deceived.]]]]
Furthermore, on many occasions, when Japanese ''Transformers'' cartoons have been translated and dubbed into English, the translations and scripts have been rushed, resulting in mind-boggling dialogue.

When the [[Omni Productions]] dub was produced for ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|The Headmasters]]'', ''[[Transformers: Super-God Masterforce (cartoon)|Masterforce]]'' and ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' and when the [[Voicebox Productions|Voicebox]] dub was produced for ''[[Transformers: Armada (cartoon)|Armada]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'', early, unpolished translations of the Japanese TV series were used for the final scripts. While these translations were (mostly) accurate, they were accurate in a tremendously ''literal'' sense, often not being adjusted to fit the English language properly. What resulted were incoherent lines of dialogue which sounded like a ''Babelfish'' translation of a web page.
{{-}}

====Deliberate mistranslation====
[[Image:RMBTRijie.jpg|thumb|170px|right|Most likely on purpose.]]
In some rare cases, an official instance of mistranslation is both so blatant and so persistent that it appears to be done on purpose, usually for trademark reasons.

=====TakaraTomy=====
The prime example is [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], who got renamed into "Ligier" (リジェ) for the Japanese market, based on the real life car manufacturer who produced the car the original Mirage toy's [[alternate mode]] was based on. While the [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] toy only spelled the name in katakana, with no official Romanized spelling supplied, both the more recent ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' toys have used the official Romanization "Rijie"... which is, as a Romanization of the katakana spelling, about the furthest possible from "Ligier". Curiously enough, the ''Robotmasters'' toy's [[instructions]] ''do'' spell the name "Ligier", thus suggesting legal reasons for the alternate spelling.

A different case is the [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]] [[Hook (G1)|Hook]], who was renamed into "Gren" (グレン ''Guren'') for Japan. "Gren" is effectively a mangled version of the English word "crane" (クレーン ''Kurēn'') which didn't originate with Takara, but has been used at least in regional Japanese dialects (mostly in the Hiroshima area) since the Meiji period. So it's basically a reference to a traditional mutation of a loanword.

=====Hasbro=====
Around the onset of the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'', Hasbro evidently discovered the quick and easy trademarking joys of ''aggressively'' literal Romanization.
*''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Doublecross#Generations|Twinferno]]'s [[Titan Master]] is named "[[Daburu (TR)|Daburu]]" after the Japanese rendition of the word "double" (ダブル), after Twinferno's original Generation 1 name, "Doublecross" (ダブルクロス).
*When the duo of Generation 1 dinosaur cassettes [[Dile]] (ダイル) and [[Zaur (G1)|Zaur]] (ザウル) (plays on "reptile" and "dinosaur", respectively) finally made their way across the Pacific after some 30 years, they were given the localized names [[Dairu]] and [[Zauru]].
**To add insult to injury, when the pair received "[[black repaint|nemesis]]" recolors, they were given these names *backwards* in English spelling, producing the truly bizarre "[[Uriad]]" and "[[Uruaz]]".<ref>If you are wondering how authentic backwards spelling works in Japanese phonetic structure, ''Dairu'' (ダイル) would be reversed as "''Ruida''" (ルイダ) and ''Zauru'' would become "''Ruuza''" (ルウザ).</ref>
{{-}}

====Vendor mistranslation====
Sometimes mistranslations don't originate with Takara or other official parties, but with (mostly Western) online retailers and their vendors. Historically, these vendors often received solicitations of new toys via fax in the era before easy machine translation cross-checks. Depending on the quality of the fax, the legibility of the katakana spelling of the new toys' names, the Japanese and/or English skills of the vendors and their familiarity with the [[Transformers brand|''Transformers'' brand]], they may have just come up with very weird interpretations of the katakana spelling of the toys' names. The results can range from minor misspellings (such as "Conboy") to occasional random weirdness or complete gibberish.

Although these spellings aren't "official", they're often the first versions of these names fans read...and some of these names stick, even when the official Romanization is widely available.

Examples:

*''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)#BWN|Beast Wars Neo]]'' [[Hardhead (BW)|Hardhead]] was solicited as "Birdhead"(!!)
*''[[Transformers: Alternators|Binaltech]]'' got mangled as "Vinyl Tech".
*''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Superlink]]'' [[Bruticus Maximus (Energon)|Bruticus]] became "Blue Ticas", while ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' [[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus]] ended up as "Blue Thikas".
*The ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Galaxy Force]]'' ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada/Legends of the Microns]]'' redecos were particularly prone to this: [[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] alternatively ended up as "Bra" or "Buler", [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]] as "Bugsaw", "Bazuso" or "Puzso", [[Longrack (Cybertron)|Longrack]] as "Long Lack" and "Long Luck" (and, even weirder, "Longhowl"), and "[[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runabout]]" was misspelled all over the place, ranging from "Runbout" to "Runa Bout" to "Ragnabout".
*''Galaxy Force'' [[Snarl (Cybertron)|Fang Wolf]] (''Cybertron'' Snarl), whose working name was "Wolfang", was rendered as "Urufang".
*''Galaxy Force'' [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Autolander]] got rendered as "Autoautolander" (!) and "Auto Runder".
*''Galaxy Force'' [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Ligerjack]] became "Lagerjack" (!).
*''Galaxy Force'' [[Scattorshot (Cybertron)|Backpack]] became "Bakubaku".
*''Binaltech'' [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Alternators|Grimlock]] ended up as "Glimrock".
*''Binaltech'' [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Alternators|Wheeljack]] ended up as "Oiljack".
*''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' [[R-Blade]] got rendered as "Erle Blade".
*''Robotmasters'' [[Skywarp (G1)#Robotmasters|Skywarp]] and [[Thundercracker (G1)#Robotmasters|Thundercracker]] were listed as "Skyweb" and "Soundcracker".
*''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'', rendered simply "Kiss Play" in combined katakana/hiragana, came out as "Kisubre".
*2007 ''[[Transformers (2007 toyline)|Transformers]]'' [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]]'s Japanese version got rendered as "Earthy", whereas ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Arcee (Animated)|Arcee]] became "Archi".
*''Animated'' [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] became "Ragknights".
*''[[Transformers United|United]]'' Wheeljack's name got mangled as "Hoilgaru" (with the "garu" half possibly being misapplied from [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar's]] name, who would be listed directly above Wheeljack in a list based on their [[List of Japanese ID numbers|Japanese ID numbers]]).
*''[[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|Prime]]'' [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]'s toys were all listed as "Beacon".
*''[[Transformers United#UnitedEXtoyline|United EX]]'' [[Kakuryu (G1)|Grimmaster]] got rendered as "Glyme Master".
*''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)#Adventure Series|Adventure]]'' Runabout initially came out as "Ragnabout", but was quickly corrected in some places.
*''Adventure'' [[Thunderhoof (RID)|Thunderhoof]] got alternatively rendered as "Thunder Fufu" or "Thunder Hooh".
*''Adventure'' [[Vehicon (Prime)#Adventure|Ground Vehicon General]] was called "Grand Vehicon" by quite a few online stores. The reason for this is that TakaraTomy used the rather uncommon katakana spelling グランド (''gurando'') for "ground", which also happens to be the katakana spelling for "grand", instead of the more common グラウンド (''guraundo''). The name ''is'' spelled "Ground Vehicon General" in English on the toy's packaging, however.
*Coincidentally or not, ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' [[Grand Scourge#Toys|Grand Scourge]], which also uses the katakana spelling グランド for the word "grand", was listed as "Ground Scourge" in some places.
*''Adventure'' [[Bumblebee (WFC)/toys|Bumblebee Supreme Mode]] became "Bumblebee Sublime Mode".
*''Adventure'' [[Sawtooth (RID)|Sawtooth]] became "Soutosu".
*''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Skullcruncher (G1)#Legends|Skull]] became "Sukaru".
*''Legends'' [[Convobat]], a portmanteau of "[[Convoy (disambiguation)|Convoy]]" and "bat", was listed as "Combo Bat" by several online retailers.
*''Legends'' [[Clouder]] became "Crowbar".
*''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' [[Stakeout (G1)#Generations|Stakeout]] was initially rendered as "Stick Out", while [[Singe#War for Cybertron: Siege|Singe]] was interpreted as "Shinji".
*''Siege'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron: Siege|Ravage]] often became "Lavigge", an error that pervaded even the product descriptions of [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#War for Cybertron Trilogy|WFC-14 Soundwave]].
*''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Fasttrack (G1)#Generations|Fasttrack]] became "Fast Truck" on sites such as [[Amazon (website)|Amazon Japan]].
*''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Generations Selects]]'' [[Abominus (G1)#Selects|Abominus]] was transmogrified into "Ovominus".
*''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Kingdom]]'' [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] occasionally became "Aeraser".

==Things that are not mistranslation==
===Spelling errors===
[[File:OnlyHuman Newtronium.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right|Can newter your newrons.]]Mis-romanization should not be confused with honest spelling errors, as those can happen to both native and foreign speakers. For instance, the packaging for MP-01 [[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Convoy]] reads "More than meets ''teh'' eye". This is less an example of bad translation and more an example of poor [[quality control]] on [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s part.

Mild misspellings frequently occur due to poor linguistic replacement, especially when multiple sounds may not be distinguished in other languages. For example, the letters c/s/z and b/v are linguistically indistinguishable in Latin American Spanish. Similarly, the English {{w|Alveolar approximant|ɹ}}, {{w|Alveolar lateral approximant|l}}, and {{w|Voiced labiodental fricative|v}} sounds do not exist in Japanese and are conflated with {{w|Alveolar lateral flap|ɺ}} and {{w|voiced bilabial plosive|b}}.

Conversely, a new spelling might be created to represent an otherwise rare sound in that language. For example, Japanese approximates an English rhotic vowel by extending the corresponding vowel sound,<ref>{{w|Rhoticity in English}} varies by dialect. The Japanese rendition of English vowels differs less from the accents of England compared to the accents of North America.</ref> resulting in "[[Zarak (G1)|Load Zarak]]". Using "ah" to facilitate the English "uh" results in ''[[Roadbuster (G1)|Roadbaster]]''. (Both cited examples can be found in the 2001 ''[[Transformers Generations (guidebook)|Transformers Generations]]'' guidebook.)

====Examples====
=====Japanese=====
*''Generation 1'' [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] is named "Metroflex" (メトロフレックス) in Japan. That minimal difference ''could'' be due to a genuine human error, though: The only spelling difference between a Japanese "P" sound and a corresponding "F" sound is an additional small circle, called a {{w|diacritic|diacritical mark}} (in this case, the difference is プ ''pu'' versus フ ''fu''). A poorly-printed paper copy or a simple case of misreading could have been all it took for such a change.
*Similarly, ''Generation 1'' [[Blot (G1)|Blot's]] Japanese name (ブット) is "Boot" pronounced to rhyme with "foot" instead of "hoot". The structure of "Butto" suggests it derives from a typo of "Burotto" (ブロット), leaving out one katakana.

=====English=====
There are also spelling errors in background lettering found in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]]:
*In "[[Heavy Metal War]]", [[Teletraan I]]'s files on the Decepticons (with the texts lifted directly from the show's [[production bible]]) have [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble's]] name misspelled "Ru'''n'''ble". (It's possible that this was an example of poor Romanization as well; the kana for "n" is ''pronounced'' as "m" when it's followed by a b, p, or m sound, so "runble" would have been the correct spelling in directly-romanized kana.)
*Furthermore, in "[[The Burden Hardest to Bear]]", [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] opens an airlock aboard the Decepticon flagship, which has "AIR LO'''O'''K" written on it.
*Less certain is an instance in "[[Hoist Goes Hollywood (episode)|Hoist Goes Hollywood]]", where a chair with [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks's]] name written on it has it misspelled as "Tr'''u'''cks". This ''could'' either be an extension of the recurring joke where the [[Attack of the Alien Robots director|director]] constantly gets [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]'s name wrong, or a true translation error (presumably stemming from a misunderstanding on the part of Japanese animators, as the English short "a" and short "u" sounds are identical to the Japanese ear). The world may never know.
*Likewise, [[newtronium]] from "Only Human" could have very well just been meant to be {{w|neutronium}}.

==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*The {{w|Japanese writing system|Japanese written language}} at Wikipedia
*{{w|Romanization}} at Wikipedia

[[Category:Real languages]]

User:Gladiatrix

2022-05-28T18:25:38Z

Gladiatrix:

[[File:Gladiatrix_primalrage.jpg|center|upright=2|thumb|hi]]

User:Gladiatrix

2022-05-28T18:24:00Z

Gladiatrix:

hi

[[File:Gladiatrix_primalrage.jpg]]

User:Gladiatrix

2022-05-28T18:23:53Z

Gladiatrix:

hi
[[File:Gladiatrix_primalrage.jpg]]

File:Gladiatrix primalrage.jpg

2022-05-28T18:22:59Z

Gladiatrix: hi

The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day

2022-05-26T05:00:47Z

Gladiatrix: corrected issue number

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=53
|prev=The Dying of the Light Part 3: Your Fierce Tears
|next=The Dying of the Light Part 5: Rage, Rage
|image=MTMTE53_regcvr.jpg
|title="The Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day"
|caption=''Men of Harlech, stop your dreaming Can't you see their spear points gleaming''
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[May 25]], [[2016]]
|coverdate=May 2016
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]] (pg 1-13, 19-20) and [[Hayato Sakamoto]] (pg 14-18)
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2016)]]
}}
'''In the final hours before the sun sets, Rewind and Chromedome finally solve the mystery of Dominus Ambus.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:AtCloseOfDay-tailgatedemolishes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|''Hey yo, I'm just like my country'' ''I'm young, scrappy and hungry'' ''And I am not throwing away my shot!'']]
In the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]]'s fortress, [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] finishes up repairs on [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] while simultaneously perusing [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]]'s case notes from recent events in order to get caught up on what has happened while he's been away. He expresses some concern for [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], observing that other crewmembers exposed to the energy released by his spark upon its mutation have experienced sudden system crashes, but the group can't worry too much about that right now, as the little 'bot is hard at work demolishing part of the fortress to provide [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] with raw materials to make weapons. Although the team is making ready to fight, they also must prepare for the worst, and so [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] records some last words from each of them, to be sent out in the event of their deaths.

Despite the danger, [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]'s mind is preoccupied with the mystery of the hollow planet on which they now stand, and he convinces [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] to allow him to spend the remaining daylight hours investigating it. He ropes [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] into helping him, but just before they depart, they are called into a room by [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]], along with Brainstorm, Velocity, and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]. Casting hesitations aside in the face of impending death, Nautica recites the formal oath that bonds each of them to her as [[Amica Endura]]. Afterward, however, as Rung leaves with Nightbeat, his parting with Skids seems noticeably awkward.

[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] volunteers to perform [[mnemosurgery]] on the captive Pet in order to obtain the location of the [[Decepticon Justice Division|DJD]]'s [[Peaceful Tyranny|spaceship]] for [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]]. As he injects the little creature, however, the experience proves stranger than expected, and he soon comes to a horrifying realization: the Pet is not a [[turbofox]] at all, but a Transformer...

Simultaneously, Rewind watches as Brainstorm measures Minimus Ambus for a new armor, which leads Minimus to mention that the ability to carry a heavier load was the one thing he was better at than his brother and fellow Loadbearer [[Dominus Ambus]]. Rewind is shocked to learn that his former [[Conjunx Endura]] kept the secret that he was a Loadbearer from him, and immediately opens the [[Grand Cybertronian Taxonomy]] on the Necrobot's computer so that Minimus can find Dominus's true appearance in it. Minimus does so with ease, pulling up his brother's base alternate mode: a turbofox.

[[File:It's not your choice to make.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''There are moments that the words don't reach...'']]
Understanding strikes Rewind and Chromedome at the same time, and the little archivist runs straight to the medibay (pausing only to sock Rodimus on the jaw for letting Chromedome inject yet again), where Chromedome pulls the full truth from The Pet's memories. Dominus disappeared because ''he'' was the Autobot undercover operative [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]], but when his true identity was discovered by the D.J.D., they "domesticated" him as a form of torture, locking him in beast mode by removing his [[transformation cog]] and lobotomizing him, turning him into their Pet. Chromedome has begun to repair Dominus's mind, but the mnemosurgeon's spark starts to fade thanks to the rigors of the procedure. Rewind urges him to stop, but Chromedome explains that Dominus will die if he does, and that he is willing to give up his life so that Rewind and Dominus can be together. Rewind refuses to let him, grabbing [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'s sword and slicing Chromedome's needle-arm off, severing the connection, and saving his life at the cost of Dominus's.

[[File:MTMTE53FullyArmedBatallion.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6|''Let's show these Federalists who they're up against'' ''SOUTHERN'' '''''MOTHERFRAGGING''''' ''DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICANS'']]
Hours later, the forces of the D.J.D. gather outside the fortress's [[storm-shield]], while [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] work to finish assembling perimeter defenses. As Cyclonus puts the finishing touches to a turret, Whirl asks him about his relationship with [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] and whether or not they are "together." Cyclonus angrily informs him that they are not, because Tailgate deserves someone better than him, but vows that no harm will come to him this day. With the turret completed, Whirl fires upon the Decepticon mob, but unfortuntely discovers that in addition to preventing the Decepticons from firing ''in'', the storm-shield prevents the turrets from firing outward. With only twenty minutes until sunset, Whirl and Cyclonus head back inside the fortress to share this report, leading Rodimus to contemplate simply shutting the shield down and facing death head-on. Megatron urges him to reconsider and for the group to cherish every minute of life they have left; from his tone, and the fact that he rebuffs the gift of a freshly-constructed [[fusion cannon]], Rodimus realizes that Megatron does not intend to stand with them in the fight. Calling himself too weak and too afraid, Megatron slinks away, leaving even [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] ashamed of his once-great leader. But where Megatron has let the team down, Brainstorm has not: he has constructed an absolutely ''colossal'' new suit of "Maximus Ambus" armor for Minimus that will give the D.J.D. as hard a fight as possible. Though Nightbeat and Rung have not yet returned, Rodimus welcomes the team into a group hug, thanks them all for travelling with him... then deactivates the storm-shield, so that they may all rush out and meet their destiny together.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (1)
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (3)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (4)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (5)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (6)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (7)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (8)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (9)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Dominus Ambus|Dominus Ambus/The Pet/Agent 113]] (10)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (11)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Minimus Ambus]] (12)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (13)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (14)
*[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (15)
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (16)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (23)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]] (17)
*[[Nickel]] (18)
*[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]] (19)
*[[Vos (DJD)|Vos]] (20)
*[[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] (21)
*[[Leozack]] (22)
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (25)
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (24)
*[[Ten]] (26)
}}

==Quotes==
"And Minimus is okay with this..." 
"Yes, provided I don't go alone. I said I'd take someone he could do without. Joking." 
"You're not, though, are you?" 
"No."
:—'''Rung''' and '''Nightbeat'''

"I bid you stand in the glow of my spark that you may feel the heat of my words and know them to be true. I invite you to '''receive my light''' and in doing so becoming Amica Endura—from now until forever. Rung, for your '''words.''' Brainstorm, for your '''intellect.''' Lotty, for your '''determination.''' Nightbeat, for your '''curiosity.''' And Skids, for your '''kindness.''' Your kindness and your '''dancing.''' As you are to me, may I be to you—today, tomorrow, and always."
:—'''Nautica''' recites the Amica Endura oath

"If I pull out now, he'll '''die!''' His mind will '''collapse''' and he will die!" 
"But if you stay in there, '''you'll''' die..." 
"It doesn't '''matter!''' There's never been room for both of us in your life anyway!" 
"But I can't..." 
"Yes you '''can'''! <big>'''''YOU CAN HAVE HIM INSTEAD OF ME!'''''</big>" 
(beat) 
''SLIKT'' 
"It's not your decision to make, Domey. It's not your decision to make."
:—'''Chromedome''' and '''Rewind''' creating the first cry-your-eyes-out moment of this issue

"No. We haven't spoken. Not about that. Important things are '''felt''', not '''said'''." 
"I'll take your word for it. I don't do "relationships." My world begins and ends with me. So why '''aren't''' you guys a couple?" 
"......he deserves better. He's '''kind.''' He '''cares''' about people. The more he's pushed away, the more he reaches out." 
"So it's not the height difference." 
"It is, in a way. '''He towers over me.'''" 
"Well, I still think you should be spending the rest of your lives together. I mean we're talking all of '''24 minutes''', but..." 
"Oh, we'll survive this. '''He'll''' survive, at any rate." 
"Because of the upgrade?" 
"Because I'll split this world open and tear down the sky before I let him come to even the '''slightest''' harm."
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Whirl''' creating the second cry-your-eyes-out moment of this issue.

"C'mere, guys... Group hug. Thanks for travelling with me. Ready?"
:—'''Rodimus''' creating the third... I'm not... ''I'm not crying, dammit!''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Ratchet names [[Powerflash]] and [[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] as those affected by the energy released by Tailgate; they were part of the security team who confronted him and Cyclonus in [[The Lopsided Triangle|issue #47]]. Ratchet compares the sudden burnout they have suffered to the effects of [[Ore-13|Ultra-Energon]], which was known to cause those who used it to burn out after it ran out—this fate befell [[Thunderwing (G1)|Thunderwing]] in ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer|Stormbringer]]'' and Megatron in ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''. The footnote refers the reader all the way back to ''[[The Transformers: Infiltration|Infiltration]]'', in which the substance was introduced.
*A one-panel cutaway shows Swerve having a breakdown. Rightly so, since we learned in [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #4]] that he's seen the D.J.D. in action in the past, and should know better than just about anyone what the group's in for.
*The recording of the message seen in [[The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|issue #50]] takes place off-panel this issue. It was in that same issue that we learned the Necrobot's planet was hollow.
*Rewind snarls that Rodimus is an "enabler" for Chromedome's injecting habit. Chromedome declared he'd given it up for good back in [[The Becoming: Dark Cybertron Chapter 10|#27]] but six months later, Rodimus cajoled him to do it again ''just this once'' [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 3: Predestination: A Beginner's Guide|in #30]], [[Elegant Chaos Part 1: All Our Parlous Yesterdays|#36]], and [[Speak, Memory: Part 1|#48]].
*At long last, the mystery revealed! Dominus Ambus was first introduced to audiences in [[Before & After|issue #12]], when Chromedome told Tailgate his story, and the unanswered question of what became of him has hung over the series ever since. With this issue, we learn that he was the mysterious "Agent 113", the Autobots' mole inside the D.J.D. originally introduced in the prose story "[[Bullets]]" in 2010. The revelation that he was a Loadbearer explains the different appearance he had when he was serving as the previous Vos, seen in [[The Not Knowing|issue #44]]. The designation "113" (which #44 told us was chosen by [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] and which Ultra Magnus noted probably "meant something") is revealed to have been taken from the number applied to his turbofox alternate mode in the Grand Cybertronian Taxonomy.
*Further, a lot of Dominus's history now takes on increased meaning: as a tiny beast-former, with a form frowned on by [[Functionism]], the idea that he was responsible for creating the [[Ambus Test]] to validate the sentience of such Cybertronians makes even more sense, as does his treatment of, and ultimately loving relationship with, a [[Disposable class]] 'bot like Rewind. This also adds an extra dimension to Dominus staying in his shell and never revealing his true inner form, as this would allow him to 'pass' for a 'higher' functioning Transformer.
*In [[Functionist Universe|an alternate timeline]], Dominus Ambus was put in charge of categorizing "the animals" within the Grand Cybertronian Taxonomy.
*Dominus was subjected to "domestication" to turn him into the D.J.D.'s pet, lobotomizing him and removing his [[transformation cog]]. We've seen this horrifying process before, back in [[Animals|issue #46]], in which it was revealed that Decepticon [[Demus]] was performing it on other Cybertronians to turn them into "torture-dolls" to sell to alien races. The "meet the cast" page all the way back in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]] even described the Pet as "domesticated"!!
*In fact, the Latin-rooted "Dominus Ambus" never seemed to make a ''heck'' of a lot of sense for the character, effectively meaning "Master Walks." But ''now'', well, it seems like it might have been foreshadowing all along, 'cause... who's good boy? Walkies? You want master to take you walkies? Yes you do ess oo doo ess oo ''dooooo'' lets go walkies
*The reveal of just what the Pet really is puts [[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon's]] obvious emotional attachment to him in a much creepier light. It also makes Tarn's violent reaction last issue a bit more understandable; Kaon wasn't just blubbering about a lost pet, he was expressing love and concern for ''an enemy spy''.
[[File:MTMTE 15 vs 53 Chromedome loses his arm.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|left|He lost that same arm again… but at least this time, he didn't lose Rewind. Yay, progress…?]]
* Chromedome mentions that Dominus ''"was Agent 113! The *original* Agent 113!"'', which implies both that Dominus had a successor and that Chromedome knows that the original has been replaced. This is probably alluding to a (fortunately) cut plot in which Chromedome and Prowl were complicit in the disappearance of Dominus Ambus.
* On the other hand, this could be a dialogue error and the line is meant to read "was Vos! The *original* Vos!", which would also make (more) sense in this context.
*After Rewind slices Chromedome's arm off, the shot of them lying on the floor together mirrors the final page of [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]]. Chromedome's even missing the same arm! On top of that, Drift's short sword was basically the reason Rewind # 1 had to sacrifice himself against Overlord back in that same issue. Here, Rewind # 2 uses Drift's short sword to save Chromedome's life and thus... sacrifice Dominus Ambus.
*Whirl notes that Tailgate was "wearing Cyclonus's energon for a while," as seen in [[Speak, Memory! (Part 2)|issue #49]].
*Nightbeat is told off by Minimus Ambus for "doing that thing again" - using an extended metaphor, in this case "marinating in a rich gravy of trouble." It was actually Skids who used to do this, back in [[Signal to Noise]], where he referred to "a rich tapestry of trouble... shades of trouble so multifaceted that you probably have to take several steps back to fully appreciate the breadth and scale of the trouble we're in." And Minimus was unconscious at the time.
{{-}}

===Real-life references===
*As with the previous chapters, this issue's title (and the title of the multi-parter itself) is taken from the poem "{{w|Do not go gentle into that good night}}," by {{w|Dylan Thomas}}.
*Velocity notes that Ultra Magnus wanted to read the group a poem "about poppies." The poem, as alluded to by the "next issue" caption, is "{{w|In Flanders Fields}}", by {{w|John McCrae}}, a memorial poem about the trench warfare that took place in the poppy fields of Flanders, [[Belgium]], in World War I. Such warfare often involved the tactic of "going over the top," charging towards enemy forces and facing near-certain death, hence the evocative use of the poem here, paralleling the crew's actions.
*Given the above, it's likely no coincidence that the Necroworld is covered with flowers.

===Errors===
[[File:It's not your choice to make single vs tpb.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|This is not the right moment for ventriloquism.]]
*On page five, Nautica invites the gang to be her "amica endura" (singular), when the plural has previously been established by Nightbeat as "amica endur'''ae'''." (If we want to get ''really'' technical, the Latin pluralization should be "amic'''ae''' endur'''ae'''.") This is corrected in the trade paperback.
*On page eight, Minimus says Dominus was "even more sensitive about his height that I was," instead of "than I was." This is corrected in the trade paperback.
*The trade paperback actually ''creates'' an error — it adds a link to Rewind's dialogue bubble in the scene where he's holding the downed Chromedome. The bubble is linked... to something off-panel, when it is clear that the dialogue is supposed to be Rewind's.
*On page seventeen, Ten holds up Megatron's newly built cannon with both hands... except he lost his left arm last issue. You might think he's been repaired since then, but next issue shows him to still be missing the limb, so this scene is definitely a goof.
{{-}}

===Other trivia===
*In addition to cans of [[Kremzeek]]-brand drink, Easter eggs scattered around [[Priscilla Tramontano]]'s retailer incentive cover for this issue include a [[curly straw]] and [[Ten]]'s doll of Minimus Ambus from [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #40]]. A sign promotes a poetry reading with the small-print warning that "non-attendance will result in punishment."
*Back in [[Remembrance Day|issue #14]], Prowl indicated there was a dark secret in Chromedome's past that he wouldn't want Rewind to know about. This secret would never be revealed in the comic, but at TFcon USA 2018, James Roberts explained that, originally, he had envisioned that Chromedome was "complicit" in Dominus Ambus's disappearance, having helped Prowl place Dominus undercover as "Agent 113," presumably through some judicious application of mnemosurgery. Specifically Chromedome would have also performed mnemosurgery on Rewind, so that he would be unaware of Dominus's fate, and the circumstances leading up to it. This would mean that the pair would have met prior to #12's flashback, and that Chromedome had keep this from Rewind throughout their entire relationship. Roberts explained that he discarded the idea because he didn't want to make another romantic couple suffer in his stories, and explicitly deemed it "non-canon."

===Soundtrack===
For all of "The Dying of the Light":
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCdBc5uByFQ Hurt]" by {{w|Johnny Cash}}

For this issue alone:
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUk4DU_5mKM Make Your Move]" by {{w|The Delgados}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732676637490315264 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YatfHlIFGb0 Little Things (That Keep Us Together)]" by {{w|Scott Walker (singer)|Scott Walker}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732678144545685504 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsESk0GESxk Into Dust]" by {{w|Mazzy Star}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732682375956680704 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkLWf-fbsLo Out of Time]" by {{w|Blur (band)|Blur}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/732683063579267073 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (3)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Skids, Nautica, and Minimus Ambus surrounded by drill-spikes, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]], [[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]], and what's left of [[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]], by [[Hayato Sakamoto]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' Swerve tends bar, by [[Priscilla Tramontano]]; one of two retailer incentive variants by Tramontano on this month's IDW ''Transformers'' titles.
<gallery>
File:MTMTE53 regcvr.jpg|Do NOT want!
File:MTMTE53 subcvr.jpg|Overlord always giggles at mayhem.
File:MTMTE53 cvrRI.jpg|Gimme a clean martini in a dirty [[Kremzeek]] glass!
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #54
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[All Hail Optimus Part 4: It's Beginning To And Back Again|#53]]
*''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|#5]]
*''[[The Transformers: Till All Are One|Till All Are One]]''
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' #13
*IDW ''Transformers'' reading guide
*IDW online comics (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 10''''' ([[October 5]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631407163 / ISBN 978-1631407161
:*Contains issues #50 to #55.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light''''' ([[January 24]], [[2018]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' #50 to #55.
:* Bonus content includes the story "[[No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases]]" and essential background material on the DJD.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 11]]''''' ([[June 17]], 2020) ISBN 1684056403 / ISBN 978-1684056408
:* Contains "[[Silent Light]]" from ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]'', ''[[The Transformers: Redemption]]'', [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] issues [[Conquerors Part 1: Aphelion|#46]] to [[The Transformers issue 50|#50]], and ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #50 to #55.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol10.jpg|'''Volume 10'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v72.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 72: The Dying of the Light'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Cyclonus) and [[Alex Milne]] (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V11.jpg|'''''IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 11''''' cover by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/29398-amica-endura-is-magic-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-53-preview.html Preview]
*[https://twitter.com/markerguru/status/738478133859454976 Two inked pages by Alex Milne that were completed before he knew Sakamoto was drawing them instead, via his Twitter.]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dying of the Light Part 4: At Close of Day}}

The Lopsided Triangle

2022-05-24T22:58:55Z

Gladiatrix: feel free to revert if it turns out this is funny to me only

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=47
|prev=Animals
|next=Speak, Memory: Part 1
|image=MTMTE47_regcvr.jpg
|title="The Lopsided Triangle"
|caption=''Why don't you go away, Getaway'' ''Stay away Getaway'' ''Get away Getaway'' ''You're hopelessly hopeless''
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[November 25]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=November 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Brendan Cahill]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}
'''Cyclonus is faced with a difficult choice as Getaway's intentions with Tailgate finally become clear.'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:TheLopsidedTriangle-MTOs.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|Cool motive, still murder!]]
In the deserted [["Visages"]], [[Getaway]] teaches [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] [[chirolinguistics]], but soon digresses long enough to recount the story of his birth during the [[Corcapsia Incursion]], and how he earned his name by shamefully running from the battle. After using [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]]'s [[Nautica's wrench|wrench]] to uncover [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] drinking nearby, Getaway invites Tailgate to return to his quarters with him so he can give him a present, which turns out to be a set of clip-on [[mnemosurgery]] needles. Tailgate is a little confused, as he cannot ever remember claiming to want a set for himself the way Getaway claims he did, but Getaway soon changes the subject with a surprising revelation: he has, in actuality, been secretly walking Tailgate through the [[Conjunx Endura|Conjunx Ritus]], the four ceremonial acts which will make them [[Conjunx Endura]]. The "Act of Intimacy" was their holding hands as he taught him chirolinguistics; the "Act of Disclosure" was his tale of his birth; the "Act of Profference" was the giving of the needles as a gift; and now all he needs is for Tailgate to carry out the "Act of Devotion" by performing a spectacular demonstration of his love...

Elsewhere, [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] awakes in his and Tailgate's shared hab-suite to see that his room-mate is not on his recharge slab. He silently heads to "[[Swerve's]]"—observing [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] and [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] holding hands as he goes—where Swerve offers him an [[Old Corroder]] as thanks for saving him during the "[[Swearth]]" debacle. Cyclonus takes the drink to "steel his nerves", then strides from the bar... but rather than go looking for Tailgate, he instead heads to [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]]'s quarters. He expresses his concerns about Tailgate and Getaway to the one-eyed watchmaker, fearing that the escapologist does not have his little friend's best interests at heart, but Whirl simply laughs in his face and tells Cyclonus that Tailgate will be better off with Getaway than he would be with him. Whirl asks why Cyclonus has even bothered to come to him with his problems, and Cyclonus responds that Whirl is the only one he could rely on to tell him the painful truth, because he knows he doesn't care about his feelings.

[[File:GetawaypressuresTailgate TheLopsidedTriangle.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.4|'''Getaway''' makes sure the readers ''really'' hate him.]]
A few minutes later, an attack of conscience has Whirl call Getaway and [[Atomizer]] to his room. This pair, it turns out, were the ones who conspired with Whirl in the recent past to bait [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] into a fight in hopes of disgracing the ex-Decepticon and forcing him out. That remains their goal, and is the reason that Getaway has been "grooming" Tailgate all this time; he has no feelings of love for the minibot and has simply manipulated him into the "Act of Devotion", requesting that Tailgate prove himself by using the mnemo-needles to reprogram the sleeping Megatron's mind. Or rather, that's what Tailgate ''thinks'' he is going to do—the needles are only fakes, but when the mnemophobic Megatron awakes, Getaway expects him to murder Tailgate on the spot, resulting in Megatron either being killed by the ship's security or shipped back to Cybertron for imprisonment or execution. But Whirl isn't willing to go through with the plan anymore—not at the cost of Tailgate's life. Unfortunately, it's too late; Tailgate is already on his way to Megatron's quarters, and Getaway promptly has Atomizer shoot Whirl with his old [[nudge gun]], wiping his memories of their plan. As his memories slip away, the drowsy Whirl manages to project his [[holomatter]] avatar to various locations around the ship, eventually appearing outside the window of Cyclonus and Tailgate's room. Realizing something is wrong, the startled Cyclonus sprints to Whirl's room, but by the time he has arrived, Getaway and Atomizer are gone and Whirl has forgotten everything. Cyclonus is confused, but then spots a clue Whirl managed to leave before Atomizer pulled the trigger: he has set all the chronometers in his room to "113", Megatron's hab-suite number.

[[File:TheLopsidedTriangle-sparkspasm.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
Tailgate, meanwhile, has managed to screw up enough courage to sneak into Megatron's quarters, sweeping the room with Nautica's wrench to search for the lurking Ravage. Unfortunately, Getaway has deliberately disabled that function of the wrench, so Ravage goes undetected, and it is his cry that alerts Megatron as Tailgate is about to begin his task. Awakening in panic and rage, Megatron seizes Tailgate, but before he can do anything, Cyclonus's [[Great Sword]] comes flying through the doorway and sinks into Megatron's chest. Cyclonus runs in and bludgeons Megatron into unconsciousness with a chunk of recharge slab, then grabs Tailgate and makes a run for an escape pod, knowing that his actions could well have sealed both their fates. As they run, the pair realize that Getaway set Tailgate up... but more importantly, as Tailgate's mind runs back over his relationship with Cyclonus, he realizes that when he was on his deathbed, they unknowingly performed the Four Acts themselves—Tailgate held Cyclonus's hand, confessed his fear of death, and gave him the gift of a replacement horn, while Cyclonus proved his devotion by sharing the energy of his [[spark]] to save Tailgate's life. Just before they make it to the escape pod, however, the ship's security team catches up to them, and when Cyclonus reaches for his sword, they open fire. Cyclonus shields Tailgate from the barrage of firepower with his body, and, grievously wounded, bids the little 'bot farewell before collapsing in front of him. The horrified Tailgate's eyes flare with light the way they always do when he panics... but this time, the glow builds and builds, until his whole body radiates a pulsewave of blinding rainbow-light that surges throughout the entire ship...
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Getaway]] (1)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (2)
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (6)
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (7)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (8)
*[[Rollout (G1)|Rollout]] (9)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (10)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (11)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (12)
*[[Atomizer]] (13)
*[[Grotusque]] (14)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (15)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (16)
*[[Powerflash]] (17)
*[[Aquafend]] (18)
*[[Dogfight (G1)|Dogfight]] (19)
*[[Strafe (G1)|Strafe]] (20)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (21)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (3)
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (4)
*[[Ten]] (5)

}}

==Quotes==

"Sorry about the mess." 
"What mess?" 
"No, but that's what people '''say''' in these situations, isn't it? "Come in, come in, sorry about the mess." "How was your trip?" "What brings you here at this hour?" I don't know! I've never '''entertained''' before. How am I doing so far?"
:—'''Whirl''' and '''Cyclonus'''

"Coming Soon: '''Cyclonus of Trixylix''' in ''"My Friend's Got a New Friend."'' '''HA!''' You '''devil!''' I thought this was '''life-and-death''', not sad-face boo-hoo '''relationship problems.''' Here you go. Have a '''reality check''', free of charge. By sheer '''happenstance''', you and '''Panic Button''' ended up being roomies. What makes you think there's '''any''' connection beyond that? The only thing you've got in common is a '''front door'''... 
"I saved his life." 
"And? So what? He '''owes''' you? You own him? He's not allowed to make other friends?" 
"I... care about him." 
"Again: so what? Here's a thought: maybe he just likes Getaway more he likes than you. Would '''anyone''' find that surprising? What can you offer him apart from your '''guaranteed disapproval''' and a '''face like a funeral'''? All you do is '''stare out the window'''! My advice to you? '''Get over it''' —because he's clearly over you. And let's face it... he's better off with the other guy."
:—'''Whirl''' gives '''Cyclonus''' the painful truth.

"There's no shame in surrendering to your '''limitations'''. Even the best of us '''fail'''. If you really don't feel brave enough to do this, just say "I'm not the 'bot you thought I was," and we'll forget this whole conversation." 
"'''All''' of it...?" 
"Well, I mean, we'd have to start the '''Four Acts''' again—if we still wanted to do that. And if we did, I'm sure there are other ways you could demonstrate your devotion... although none that would impress Cyclonus as much as saving the entire crew from Megatron."
:—'''Getaway''' is a manipulative asshole and '''Tailgate''' can't see it

"I don't '''like''' sending him into the '''devil's den''', but then I don't like a filthy fascist scumbag murderer getting an '''Autobot badge''' and a pat on the back from high command."
:—'''Getaway'''

"Goodbye, little one."
:—'''Cyclonus''', breaking everyone's hearts

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*We first heard of Corcapsia back in [[Twenty Plus One|issue #31]], in which Getaway revealed he was created during the "Corcapsia Incursion".
*The full meaning of the term "constructed cold" is revealed at last through Getaway's flashback to his birth. The reference to a spark being "defrosted" made in issue #31 was not euphemistic: the mass-produced [[spark]]s were actually ''frozen'', in which state they were inserted into pre-fab bodies to thaw out. Frozen sparks are here noted to be stored in [[photonic crystal]]s—the same type of crystal that makes up the core of the [[Matrix of Leadership]], as we learned in ''[[Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime]]''.
*Getaway refers to how "everything they'd decided [he] needed to know" took shape in his mind at the moment of his awakening. While the truthfulness of his account is, of course, questionable—given how ''many'' lies we know he's been telling—this would certainly seem to contradict the account given of M.T.O.'s early lives in issue #31, which explained that they had to undergo a multi-step training program of exams that required extensive revision, before being released into the world. If Getaway is considered to be telling the truth, this would suggest he was one of the later M.T.O.'s, who only had to go through the three-step program that didn't even last an hour, which this issue would imply was a pre-programmed thing that didn't require any conscious effort on his part.
*"Visages" is deserted because, in addition to [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] tricking Megatron into reciting poetry there in [[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #40]], [[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] isn't even on board the ship to run the joint any more, having left in [[The One Where They Go to Earth|issue #43]].
*Chirolinguistics was introduced in issue #31.
*Tailgate notes that Cyclonus was going to teach him how to sing in Old Cybertronian; he first gave him a lesson in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]].
*Getaway had Brainstorm add the Ravage-detecting torch to [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]]'s wrench in [[The Sensuous Frame|issue #41]].
*"Old Corroder" was previously mentioned in [[Shadowplay (Conclusion): An Intimate Beheading|issue #11]].
*Getaway claims he found the mnemo-needles he gives Tailgate in [[Fortuna]], where the ''Lost Light'' docked in issue #40.
*While Getaway had started grooming Tailgate earlier, it was in [[Twenty Plus One|#31]] that Getaway saw that Tailgate would definitely risk confronting Megatron.
*At last, it is revealed that the unseen co-conspirators with whom Whirl conversed in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]], who had him attempt to coerce Megatron into a captaincy-ruining fight, were Atomizer and Getaway. Remember that back in [[slaughterhouse|issue #32]], Getaway discussed Megatron and how to properly hate him ("that's the problem: the greater the crime, the harder it is to process a response"). Getting rid of Megatron is not their endgame, however: Atomizer has shown interest in manipulating the ranks of the ''Lost Light'' before there was any indication Megatron would be coming on board in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]], when he gave Rodimus a faked list of crewmembers who wanted to vote him out.
*Tailgate mentions [[Scalp]], an old friend of his who he brought up before in [[The Reluctant Specialist|''Spotlight: Trailcutter'']]. Turns out he was a mnemosurgeon. This fits with the head-themed naming convention for all other mnemosurgeons in that very same issue.
*Megatron's fear of mnemosurgery was originally displayed in issue #28. We learned the story behind his phobia in [[Births, Deaths, and Interventions|issue #34]].
*We've only ever seen Skids's nudge gun before, but we learned that Getaway had one of his own back in [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|issue #20]], in which it was explained that [[Solomus|Tyrest]] confiscated it when he captured him and used it to develop the "Weapon of Mass Suggestion" he employed to immobilize the ''Lost Light''ers. Getaway notes it took him ages to find it again.
*Tailgate's deathbed experience occurred back in [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]]. Two of the four acts—Cyclonus holding his hand, and Tailgate confessing how terrified of dying he was—happened off-panel, the first taking place before we joined the scene, and the second occurring when Cyclonus left the medibay in response to a summons from [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]].
*Powerflash and Aquafend have previously appeared as members of the ''Lost Light'' security team in several previous issues, but this is the first time Strafe, Dogfight, or Boss have been shown to be part of the group.
*Strafe was previously established to have stayed aboard the ''Lost Light'' after its second departure from Cybertron in the letters page of ''[[The Transformers: Redemption|Redemption]]''.

===Real-life references===
*This issue concludes with a quote from the 1962 French film, ''{{w|Jules and Jim|Jules et Jim}}'': "We played with life and lost".
*Whirl mocks the heartbroken Cyclonus as being from "Trixylix" - Tixylix is a brand of infant cough medicine in the UK, usually given to crying children.

===Errors===
*On page 12, Getaway's speech bubble about his nudge gun is coming from Atomizer. This is fixed in the trade.
*Back in [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 1: Towards Peace|issue #28]], the inside of Megatron's body was established to be filled with [[space bridge]] portals, to Whirl's loss (of hand). Shouldn't Cyclonus's Great Sword have been similarly truncated?
*Dogfight's looking a little off-color, with grey parts instead of pale blue, and entirely grey head, instead of his usual, more distinctive blue helmet and red face.

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1pMMIe4hb4 Wuthering Heights]" by {{w|Kate Bush}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/666359429332344835 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2Jb2Qeeuks Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken]" by {{w|Lloyd Cole and the Commotions}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/666359812775649280 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryZ3dGzPFNQ Water From the Same Source]" by {{w|Rachel's}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/666361757175308288 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6dGAZTj8xA&ab_channel=AphexTwin-Topic Avril 14th]" by Aphex Twin<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/669983631729926145 James Roberts on Twitter] — "This is #47's aftermath song. Press play and... (INT Lost Light. Slow pan over deserted corridors...)"</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/1325561978841161728 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (4)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Tailgate is quite literally torn between Cyclonus and Getaway, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Whirl's holo-avatar, adrift in space, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' [[Verity Carlo]], [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]], [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]], and [[Kup (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Kup]], by [[Brendan Cahill]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]; part of November's series of ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' incentive covers.
*'''Merrymac Games and Comics exclusive cover:''' ''[[Transformers: Generations#Combiner Wars (2015–2016)|Combiner Wars]]'' Voyager Class [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|Optimus Prime]] in package, by [[Craig Rousseau]]; available exclusively from [https://www.facebook.com/Merrymacgamesandcomics Merrymac Games and Comics].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE47 regcvr.jpg|Uh guys, you did a very bad thing!
File:MTMTE47 subcvr.jpg|Nice one, Whirl!
File:MTMTE47 cvrRI.jpg|Wreck'N'Rule!
File:MTMTE47 cvrRE.jpg|MISB
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #48
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[Conquerors Part 2: Lagrange|#47]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe issue 10|#10]]
*''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' [[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|#1]]
*''[[The Transformers: Redemption]]''
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 9''''' ([[May 4]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631406159 / ISBN 978-1631406157
:*Contains issues #45 to #49.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 66: Speak, Memory''''' ([[December 25]], [[2019]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #43 to #49.
:* Bonus content includes a one-page article about the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]], a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10]]''''' ([[January 1]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684055849 / ISBN 978-1684055845
:* Contains [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] issues [[The Transgressors|#44]] to [[The Nothing Man|#45]], ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #45 to #49, [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 2]] issues [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|#6]] to [[The Will of the Few|#7]], the ''[[The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers|Sins of the Wreckers]]'' miniseries, the ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'' one-shot and "[[Choose Me]]" and "[[The Thirteenth Day of Christmas]]" from ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol9.jpg|'''Volume 9'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v66.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 66: Speak, Memory'''''; cover art by [[Dan Khanna]] (Getaway) and [[Hayato Sakamoto]] (retro)
File:IDWCollectionP2V10.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 10'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/26888-preview-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-47.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lopsided Triangle}}

Slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken

2022-05-13T00:49:16Z

Gladiatrix: missing word

{{lowercase}}
{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=33
|prev=slaughterhouse
|next=Births, Deaths, and Interventions
|image=MTMTE33 regcvr.jpg
|title="slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken" 
|caption="Did you know how much you missed me?"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[September 17]], [[2014]]
|coverdate=September 2014
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|art by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=[[Brian Shearer]] and [[John Wycough]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2014)]]
}}
'''The mystery of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s disappearance is solved, beginning a race against time to shut down the quantum engines and put things right.'''

==Synopsis==
As [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] lifts the unconscious [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] out of the [[Magnus Armor]] and lays him down, the little 'bot slowly awakens. [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] tries to make sure he's okay and talks him through the surprising sights that greet him—an [[Autobot]] Megatron, a living [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]], and [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] being ''female''—but Nightbeat butts in, desperate to find out what happened on the ship. The detective is fascinated by their recent discoveries, and a closer examination of the poster for ''[[Information Creep]]'' has revealed its release date to have been only a few weeks after the ship's original launch, all standing in contradiction to the history they know—but Rewind dissolves into whimpering, able to give no verbal answer, instead offering up a [[data slug]] to the detective.

Meanwhile, across the room, Nautica observes the [[Quantum generator|quantum engines]]' [[quantum drum]]s floating in the web of [[quantum foam]], prompting [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] to make fun of her by suggesting her profession just involves putting "quantum" in front of other words. She responds with a (failed) joke about the way all quantum objects exist in two superpositioned states—which gives her a sudden realization that explains everything. She presents her theory to the crew: that upon launch, the malfunction of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s quantum engines caused the ship to undergo a quantum duplication, yielding an exact copy, just as valid as the original, which materialized in the region of the space the ship was ''supposed'' to appear in, rather than jumping to the random planet that "their" ''Lost Light'' did. Nightbeat confirms her theory is correct with the data provided by Rewind, which reveals that the [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] they found in the coffin perished during the [[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]] fiasco when his head was phased inside the engines instead of just his arms. [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] subsequently took command, while Rodimus was interred by [[Drift (G1)|Drift]]; the coffin proceeded to fall from the ship when it broke up following the [[Decepticon Justice Division]]'s attack—brought on, Rewind claims, by the fact that someone onboard ''deliberately deactivated'' [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]'s cell, allowing the DJD to detect his signal. Rewind explains that he was forced to film the villains' murder spree because they promised to let [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] live if he did so, but for added psychological torture, they then tried to force the [[mnemosurgery|mnemosurgeon]] to wipe his own memories of Rewind, killing him with his own finger-needles when he refused.

Riptide brings Rewind's grim tale to an end by pointing out that the quantum foam floating outside is beginning to spread; Nautica realizes that it could potentially destroy [[Ofsted XVII]] down below by causing a chain reaction in the thinned-out space-time of the region and proposes shutting down the quantum engines entirely, which should also theoretically erase the "duplicate" ''Lost Light'' and reinstate their own. Megatron has no interest in risking his own life for a planet of non-Cybertronians, but Skids makes it clear it's not a choice: he is an Autobot now, and for that to ''mean something'', Megatron must put his life on the line for others. Unfortunately, the quantum foam is meshed around the drums so tight that a 'bot of Megatron's size cannot make it through; Rewind volunteers, but as both drums must be deactivated simultaneously, a second small 'bot is needed. Skids recalls [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]]'s [[mass-displacement gun]], capable of shrinking someone for the job, so the group heads for his lab to see if the "duplicate" Brainstorm invented the weapon. While searching the wrecked lab, Nightbeat and Nautica discuss the minutiae of the quantum duplication process, realizing that the Rewind "data ghost" and his altered message to Chromedome were the result of quantum "cross-contamination", and concluding that the erasure of their ''Lost Light'' was triggered when it came into proximity with Rodimus's coffin, making the paradox too blatant for the universe to continue "ignoring". Their conversation is brought to a shuddering halt when they lift a piece of rubble and reveal Brainstorm's body underneath... a discovery made all the more horrifying when Nightbeat picks up Brainstorm's disconnected faceplate, lying on the floor beside him, and uncovers a Decepticon insignia painted inside it. The ghastly realization that Brainstorm—and by extension, ''their'' Brainstorm—was the Decepticon mole who deactivated Overlord's cell has to be tabled by the crew in the face of greater concerns, and when it becomes apparent that the mass-displacement gun is not there, Megatron finally offers up a solution: he can use his own [[size changing|mass displacement]] powers, added to his [[spark]] to enable his old handgun mode, to shrink himself down and join Rewind in shutting the engines down.

A short time later, Rewind and the shrunken Megatron carefully make their way through the foam web, successfully reaching the quantum drums. As Nautica begins to walk them through the shutdown procedure, Rewind pauses, seeking belated confirmation of the fact that deactivating the drums will mean he and "his" ''Lost Light'' will cease to be. Nautica verifies this, and Rewind calmly resigns himself to this fact, given that his Chromedome is dead, leaving him with nothing to live for. He asks Megatron if the "other" Rewind and Chromedome are still strong, and after a moment of silence, Megatron tells him they are inseparable. Satisfied, Rewind throws the shutdown switch, and a wave of white light consumes everything.

===Epilogue 1===
Time passes. The deactivation of the quantum engines proves successful: the alternate ''Lost Light'' vanishes, and crew members slowly start appearing aboard the [[Rodpod]] in reverse order. When Chromedome is returned, however, Skids thrusts a pair of [[Magno-clamp|magna-clamps]] into his hands and tells him to go onto the pod roof... because somehow, the alternate Rewind has survived, and is waiting for him. The two 'bots look at each other in silent shock; Chromedome sits down beside his "resurrected" lover, and after a wordless moment of staring out at the stars together, the two embrace. Back inside, meanwhile, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] reports that the ''Lost Light'' has also reappeared, and as a course is locked in, Megatron requests that he open a secure channel so that he can inform Rodimus about Brainstorm. [[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] points out that he is not likely to be welcomed by the crew, and offers to depart for [[Earth]], but Megatron invites him to stay, asking if the horrors he has seen the DJD perpetrate are enough to make him question his dedication to the Decepticon cause. Nightbeat and Nautica wonder how Rewind could have survived; Nightbeat jokingly blames "the power of love"... though that doesn't explain how he has managed to keep ahold of the dead Brainstorm's [[time case|briefcase]]...

===Epilogue 2===
Back on the returned ''Lost Light'', Brainstorm squeezes his way through the crowd of revellers at [[Swerve's]], sitting down to next to [[Atomizer]]. Over Atomizer's protests, Brainstorm breaks the rules of the bar by undoing the clasps on his briefcase and opening it... and everyone in the bar except him collapses...

==Featured characters==
(Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in flashbacks.) 
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Getaway]] (1)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (4)
*[[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] (5)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (6)
*[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (7)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (8)
*[[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]] (poster, 9)
*''[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]]'' (11)
*''[[Drift (G1)|Drift]]'' (12)
*''[[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'' (13)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (14)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (15)
*''[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]]'' (17)
*''[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]]'' (22)
*''[[Dipstick]]'' (24)
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (25)
*[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] (27)
*[[Ammo]] (28)
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (29)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (30)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] (31)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Doublecross]] (32)
*[[Aquafend]] (33)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (34)
*[[Joyride (G1)|Joyride]] (35)
*[[Repugnus (G1)|Repugnus]] (36)
*[[Atomizer]] (37)
*Guy on bar (38)
*[[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] (39)
*Yellow guy (40)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Ravage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ravage]] (2)
*''[[Tarn (DJD)|Tarn]]'' (16)
*''[[Vos (DJD)|Vos]]'' (18)
*''[[Helex (DJD)|Helex]]'' (20)
*''[[Tesarus (DJD)|Tesarus]]'' (21)
*''[[Kaon (DJD)|Kaon]]'' (23)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (26)
|c4=
*''[[Sparkeater (creature)|Sparkeater]]'' (10)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (19)
}}

==Quotes==
"Such a '''fuss'''. Is he important?" 
"Come now, Ravage. '''Everyone's''' important these days. But yes, I gather they're '''particularly''' fond of this one."
:—'''Ravage''' and '''Megatron''', the former with regard to Rewind, the latter with regard to the readers

"I've never seen the quantum drums outside of the quantum engines... even hidden behind all the '''quantum foam''', they're impressive..." 
"Nautica, to be a '''quantum mechanic''', all you have to do is put the word 'quantum' in front of other words. True or false?" 
"Both." 
"Eh?" 
"It's '''both''', simultaneously. True and false. It depends on the quantized energy state of each proposition." 
"Eh?" 
"It's a joke." 
"Oh. Are jokes not funny where you come from?"
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Riptide'''

"If that planet were teeming with '''Cybertronians''', then yes, there'd be an argument for going back into the breach. But I doubt that's the case." 
"Ah, your '''true colors'''. I'd forgotten how '''purple''' they were." 
"You've forgotten something else: I am your prisoner. I've been granted '''conditional bail''' while we look for the Knights of Cybertron. Where in my bail terms does it say—where '''precisely''' does it say—that I have to risk my life to save a handful of strangers? Where does it say '''that'''?" 
''(Skids taps Megatron's Autobot badge.)'' 
"Right. There. What does that badge even '''mean''' to you? How has wearing it forced you to '''modify''' your behaviour? I'm serious! How has being an Autobot '''in any way''' prevented you from doing '''exactly''' what you want? Because if the answer is "'''it hasn't'''"—then nothing you've said or done in the last six months counts for '''anything.'''"
:—'''Megatron''' is read the riot act by '''Skids'''

"Before you volunteer, Ravage, I'm sorry, but you lack the manual dexterity to perform the task." 
"Touch me again and I'll kill you."
:—'''Nautica''' and '''Ravage'''

"I don't know '''all''' our undercover agents. To be honest, he's not our usual type." 
"There's a type?" 
"Hm. Have you never been approached?"
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Nightbeat'''

"Here's a '''survival tip:''' When everyone's lining up to make sacrifices... always get to the back of the queue."
:—'''Megatron'''

"You should go first. You're still slightly larger than me, so there's a greater chance of you touching the foam and exploding... and if that happens there's no point in me putting my own life at risk." 
"And everyone says you were the kindhearted one." 
"Were?"
:—'''Rewind''' and '''Megatron'''

"What's left for me here? Chromedome's dead—which is just another way of saying '''I''' am. In fact I wanted to ask you earlier, but... on your '''Lost Light''', me and Domey... are we still going strong?" 
''(beat)'' 
"Megatron?" 
"You're inseparable."
:—'''Rewind''' and '''Megatron'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Brainstorm has, of course, been ''very'' dodgy for an Autobot since "[[Bullets]]", where we met him creating [[Unmentionable|monstrous weapons for fun]]. He's notably been callous about a dead Autobot way back in [[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|issue #2]] and allowed an Autobot to be shot down without doing anything in [[Interiors|#6]]. You could go looking for other proof that he must be up to something.... though we'll later learn he has [[Quark|a different reason]] for joining the Decepticons than we first thought and he's just a naturally dodgy geezer!
*The Sparkeater affair took place in [[Liars, A to D Part 3: The Chaos of Warm Things|issue #3]]; [[Animus]] died in that issue, but on this alternate ''Lost Light'', he survived long enough to lure the Sparkeater to the engine room, taking the place of [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], who is noted to have been "lost" in the initial explosion on the "alternate" ship. This seems to be further implicit confirmation that Animus was a [[Point One Percenter]], if his spark (shown to be green in that issue) was strong enough to serve as a lure for the creature over all others on the ship.
*The DJD suddenly detected Overlord's signature in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]]; at last, we learn that they were able to do this because the slow cell on the alternate ''Lost Light'' was shut down.
*With this issue, all the Autobots on the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]]'s list are shown to have died on the second ''Lost Light''; we don't see [[Dipstick]]'s corpse but his being shocked to death by Kaon probably counts.
*Brainstorm's [[mass-displacement gun]] previously appeared in the [[Primus: You, Me, and Other Revelations|2012 Annual]].
*Nautica finds the duplicate of Brainstorm's [[cyberwraith]] cadaver, first seen in [[Rules of Disengagement (issue)|issue #7]] and used to create [[Dead Universe]] forcefields in [[Black Metal: Dark Cybertron Chapter 2|issue #23]].
*Megatron suggests that Nightbeat is the sort of guy the Decepticons recruited as spies. Primarily, it's a joke about the detached way he tends to regard others and their emotions (part of his Benedict-Cumberbatch-as-Sherlock-Holmes characterization), but back in [[Shadowplay, Part 1: Post Hoc|issue #9]], we saw that Nightbeat followed Decepticon politics with interest before the war, and agreed with them about [[ratioism]].
*Megatron recalls his old handgun transformation, which is an alternate form he hasn't had in IDW since ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]''.
*Last issue, Skids said he was worried he'd stop hating Megatron and here he is, genuinely pleased the ex-tyrant is risking himself for others just like he'd demanded. This starts him down a road where by [[The Dying of the Light: (1) How Bright Their Frail Deeds|issue 50]], he'll be considered one of Megs' mates.
*"No Briefcases" was established as one of the rules of Swerve's in [[Remain in Light 2 of 5: House of Ambus|issue #18]]. So how did Brainstorm get in the bar past Swerve's bouncer, Ten? Attention deflectors, of course!

===Transformers references===
*Brainstorm is revealed to have a mouth under his faceplate, leaving him evocative of his animation model for the [[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|''Headmasters'' cartoon]]. He also had his faceplate removed more recently in IDW's ''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Natural Selection, Part Two|#87]].
*The alternate Ultra Magnus was rid of his Nanocon infection using domesticated [[scraplet]]s, a form of mechanical parasite that originated in [[Crater Critters|issue #29]] of the [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|Marvel US series]]. There have been a few sparse references to them in Roberts-written IDW stories before now, including a one-panel appearance by one taken from Rewind's database in [[The Gloaming|issue #16]].

===Real-life references===
*This story's subtitle comes from the Robert Frost poem, "{{w|The Road Not Taken}}".
*{{W|Quantum superposition}} is a real concept in physics, whereby an isolated particle can exist in two or more different states simultaneously. Its footprint on popular culture is felt most famously via the {{w|Schrödinger's cat}} thought experiment, which envisions a hypothetical scenario where the phenomenon could be observed in a macroscopic object. The way in which one ''Lost Light'' begins disappearing as the two versions draw near to each other is loosely analogous to the process of {{w|quantum decoherence}}, in which a superposed particle ceases its quantum behaviour and assumes a single state once it is no longer isolated.

===Errors===
*An alternate scenario involving the Nanocons inside Ultra Magnus is described as having played out on the duplicate ''Lost Light''... buuuut the only reason the dormant Nanocons inside Magnus even became ''active'' was because of the influence of the [[Metrotitan (G1)|Crystal City Titan]], which the alternate ''Lost Light'' was never anywhere near. James Roberts offered the wry [https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/516327616249622528 explanation] that Skids was just ''assuming'' the Nanocons were activated by the Titan, and was wrong.
*In [[:Image:Brainstorm atomizer timecase the road not taken.jpg|this panel on page 22]], Atomizer is missing one of the side pieces on his head that is meant to go between his head and cheek spike thingy. Now you can't unsee it.

===Crew manifest===
*All the vanished members of the ship return
*The Rewind of the "alternate" ''Lost Light'' survives the quantum reset and joins the crew

===Soundtrack===
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT-kvaC-7ag "Teenage Spaceship"] by {{w|Bill Callahan (musician)|Smog}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIPyAuuQwJM "Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space"] by {{w|Spiritualized}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYoVLwawr5M "Night and Day"] by Pelvis<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/512367379226300416 James Roberts on Twitter, 17 September 2014]</ref>
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6myNbk15sMs "Pure"] by {{w|The Lightning Seeds}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/512370194615115776 James Roberts on Twitter, 17 September 2014]</ref>

===Other trivia===
*It's never actually explained what happened to all the ''other'' 'bots who weren't part of the original crew when their shuttles disappeared, but they all appear to be fine now that everything's over.

===Covers (4)===
*'''Regular cover:''' A shadowed Rewind, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' In the manner of {{w|Lady Justice}}, Tarn holds aloft a set of scales on which the rest of the DJD members stand, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''30th Anniversary cover:''' Tarn looms over [[Fulcrum]], dripping [[energon]], by [[Saren Stone]]; the second in September's series of 30th Anniversary covers commemorating moments from IDW history, this one representing the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]]' meeting with the DJD in issue #8.
*'''Heroes and Fantasies Alamo City Comic Con exclusive cover:''' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] (in his ''[[Grimlock (WFC)|War for Cybertron]]'' design) roars in front of the Alamo, by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]]; a banner reading "When Dinobots Ruled the Earth" falls in front of him, paying homage to the climactic scene of ''[[Jurassic Park]]'' (and not for the [[:File:AHM 13cvrApocalypse.jpg|first time]]).
<gallery>
File:MTMTE33 regcvr.jpg|Shh, he's hiding.
File:MTMTE33 subcvr.jpg|We serve our justice cold, and it is very cold in space.
File:MTMTE33 cvrRI.jpg|"Intimidated yet?"
File:MTMTE33 cvrRE.jpg|"Me Grimlock say Steven Spielberg, eat your heart out."
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #34
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[The World of Tomorrow|#33]]
*''[[The Transformers: Primacy|Primacy]]'' [[Primacy issue 2|#2]]
*''[[Transformers vs. G.I. Joe]]'' [[Targetmasters (issue)|#2]]
*IDW ''Transformers'' graphic novel library
*''[[My Little Pony]]'' Annual 2014 (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 6''''' ([[December 10]], [[2014]]) ISBN 163140184X / ISBN 978-1631401848
:*Contains issues #28 to #33.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 7|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 7]]''''' ([[March 21]], [[2018]]) ISBN 1684051495 / ISBN 978-1684051496
:* Contains issues #28 to #34, and ''Robots in Disguise'' issues #28 to #34.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 61: World Shut Your Mouth''''' ([[January 8]], 2020)
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' #28 to #34.
:* Bonus content includes "Season 2" character poster art, a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol6.jpg|'''Volume 6'''; cover art by [[Casey Coller]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V7.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 7'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]] and [[Tom B. Long]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v61.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 61: World Shut Your Mouth'''''; cover art by [[Guido Guidi]] (Hoist) and [[Alex Milne]]
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/22128-megatron-s-autobots-uncover-secrets-in-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-33-preview.html Preview]

The One Where They Go to Earth

2022-04-28T19:46:19Z

Gladiatrix: comma splice

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=43
|prev=The Frail Gaze
|next=The Not Knowing
|image=MTMTE43_subcvr.jpg
|title="The One Where They Go to Earth"
|caption=Red Alert took one look at these guys and ''ran like hell''.
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[July 29]], [[2015]]
|coverdate=July 2015
|written by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=Alex Milne and [[Brian Shearer]]
|colors by=[[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2015)]]
}}

'''A dying Swerve's mind retreats to a holomatter replica of Earth constructed out of sitcom tropes, and his friends must transmit their own avatars down to the planet in order to find him and save his life. Can the ''Lost Light''ers survive... Swearth?'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Swearth the one where they go to earth.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2]]
Today is an even weirder day than usual for the ''[[Lost Light]]'', as the ship has suddenly found itself being chased by the planet [[Earth]]. Attempting to make contact, the only response the ship receives is a catchy song about "[[Swerve's]]", so [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] tries to call the bartender to the bridge, with no success. The reason why is soon made horrifyingly apparent: just as [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] is giving [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] a going-away present for his trip back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] bursts into the medibay with the comatose Swerve in his arms. A quick examination by First Aid and [[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] can detect no surface wounds, but Swerve is so weak that exploratory surgery to find the cause of his condition will kill him. Everyone recalls that Swerve was fine just the previous day at his bar, but [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] deduces that the Swerve they all saw there, who disappeared, was actually a [[holomatter]] projection—and morever, so is the ''entire Earth'', all somehow being impossibly generated by Swerve, where his mind has taken refuge. Tailgate, Skids, [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]], [[Rung (G1)|Rung]], and [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] project their own avatars down to "[[Swearth]]" (as [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] dubs it) to set up a base of operations and begin searching for Swerve so he can tell them where he is injured, and his life can be saved.

The team finds that the facsimile Earth is constructed out of tropes from Earth sitcoms, a product of Swerve's recent consumption of the entirety of Earth's arts and literature. Setting up base in a [[New York City|New York]] apartment, Rung, Bluestreak, and Skids go out searching, but get waylaid dealing with the escapades of their wacky neighbours. Tailgate, meanwhile, busies himself reading the only piece of literature on the planet, ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'', a comic book version of the ''Lost Light''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s adventures. Just as he reaches a part of the story unfamiliar to the others—the fact that Swerve opened [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]]'s [[Time case|briefcase]] in [[Remain in Light 5 of 5: This Calamitous Life|issue #21]]—neighbours Ted the priest, Sheldon the dermatologist, and Jerry the stand-up comedian pay a visit to meet Cyclonus and Tailgate. They soon start bickering about past episodes, and Skids is grateful of the chance to shut them up when Rodimus calls in to check up. He, Megatron, Nightbeat, and [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] have also projected their avatars into the city to help with the search, and after getting up to speed with the farcical ways the planet functions—including its own laugh track—they begin searching nearby bars for any leads to Swerve's location.

[[File:TheOneWhereTheyGoToEarth-table.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Ted, Sheldon, and Jerry, it turns out, have locked themselves out of their apartment, and as Bluestreak works on opening their door for them, Skids confides to Rung that he did not even know what room Swerve lived in onboard the ship; he had only found him by remembering which hab-suite Swerve's old roommate [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] had lived in. Swerve had, he reveals, actually been locked in his room for ''months'', his body slowly degrading, interacting with others only through avatars, and nobody ever came to visit him. Hoping for a clue, Tailgate jumps to the newest issue of ''More than Meets the Eye'', where the recap page narrated by Swerve explains what happened: exposure to the energies of Brainstorm's time-machine briefcase have created a time-loop in Swerve's holomatter systems, giving him the notionally impossible ability to project something as complex as the planet, which has been shaped into a world of fiction-made-real due to the metafictional awareness Swerve has been increasingly suffering from since he was hit with Brainstorm's [[metafictional bomb|meta-bomb]]. Realizing that the comic is a case of Swerve's subconscious trying to reach out to them, Rung looks for more such subtle clues... and finds one staring him right in the face, as Ted, Sheldon, and Jerry's apartment turns out to have the same number as Swerve's hab-suite. Rung speaks Swerve's name aloud, and the three men ''all'' turn around, then suddenly blur together, condensing into Swerve's familiar—if very surprised-looking—avatar.

Rodimus's team is in a nearby bar, talking about Earth and humans; Megatron is struggling to get to grips with the human condition, never having used an avatar before, and is struck by the fragility of the body when he cuts his hand on a broken glass after Nautica tries to tickle him. Rodimus gets an update from Cyclonus's team, but it's not good news: Swerve is unable to tell them ''where'' his real body is injured, so that the life-saving surgery can be performed. Rung theorizes that the three avatars were a program glitch that split the different facets of his personality into separate individuals while Tailgate realizes that Swerve is suppressing his pain because he's found his "happy place" and doesn't want to leave. Swerve glumly explains that he has been thinking a lot about sitcoms lately, and how the "sitcom" of his life has changed since the beginning of "season 2", with him no longer playing the role of a "main character", causing him to retreat into isolation. Cyclonus saves the day by revealing that the ''entire crew'' of the ''Lost Light'' is actually helping to search "Swearth" for him—that while Swerve may not feel like a "main character", he is important to ''everyone''. Elated with this news, Swerve finds that his shoulder is suddenly beginning to bleed in the shape of an Autobot symbol, denoting the location of his real-life wound.

A little later, "Swearth" fades away after everyone has returned to the ''Lost Light'' and Swerve's injury—an infection in his [[energon]] stream from a years-old shoulder wound—is treated. Velocity reports on the successful surgery to First Aid over a radio, as the medical officer has already departed for Cybertron aboard [[O Fortuna|a shuttle]]. As they talk, First Aid looks through his present, a datapad of photos and other media put together by [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]], but stops when he finds a picture of Swerve in an older body design, standing with [[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]]. Suddenly putting two and two together, First Aid realizes that Swerve's infection was caused by a foreign object that still remains inside his body, which he has Velocity remove with all due haste: a message bullet from [[Dominus Ambus|Agent 113]], the Autobot mole within the [[Decepticon Justice Division]], fired years ago into the Autobot symbol that ''used'' to be on Swerve's shoulder!

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (1)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (3)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]] (4)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (5)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (6)
*[[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]] (7)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (8)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] (9)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (10)
*[[Velocity (G1)|Velocity]] (11)
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (12)
*[[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] (13)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (14)
*[[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] (18)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (19)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (20)
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (21)
*[[Groove (G1)|Groove]] (22)
*[[Mirage (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Mirage]] (23)
*[[Ambulon]] (photograph, 24)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (photograph, 25)
*[[Ironfist (G1)|Ironfist]] (photograph, 27)
{{!}}}
|c4=
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (2)
*Ted (15)
*Sheldon (16)
*Jerry (17)
*[[Diagnostic Drone]] (photograph, 26)
}}

==Quotes==
"I suppose there's always the '''Wiki'''. Or Tumblr..." 
"I told you to stay off Tumblr." 
"You're right: spoilers."
:—'''Tailgate''' and '''Cyclonus''' grapple with resources to understand the continuity of ''MTMTE''

"TALK 2 ME. WHAT R U DOING? TIME IS RUNNING OUT. THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE OBV. HASHTAG PISSED." 
"Even '''I''' know you don't '''write''' hashtag."
:'''Rodimus''' sends a text, but '''Tailgate''' critiques his form

"'sup?" 
"We're being chased by a planet." 
"Cool." 
... 
"Sorry, what?"
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Megatron'''

"Makin' your way on a quest today takes everythin' you got 
Takin' a break from all that '''war stuff''' sure has helped a lot 
Maybe one day we'll find the knights 
But 'til then you wanna go 
Down to '''D Deck''' and to '''Swerve's''' 
You'll have more fun than you deserve 
You wanna go where Megs won't go 
Where the drinks all taste the same 
You wanna go where Ten can't even say your name."
:—The Swearth theme song

'''Brainstorm:''' "Please bear in mind that "Earth" is 400 miles away. Projecting over that sort of distance is likely to result in a rather '''disagreeable''' sensory experience." 
'''Rung:''' "Might this type of sensory experience be better described as 'pain'?" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "Pain, agony, torment, take your pick. Plus there's a slight risk of ''(cough cough)''" 
'''Skids:''' "A slight risk of...?" 
'''Brainstorm:''' "Excuse me?" 
'''Skids:''' "Just then, you said there was a slight risk of..." 
'''Brainstorm:''' "Of feedback-induced spark burnout." 
'''Skids:''' "'''Death''', in other words. A slight risk of death."

"I heard people laughing. Lots of people. Are you having a party?" 
"Oh wait—that'll be the '''canned laughter'''." 
"The what?" 
"'Swearth' isn't like normal planets. It's... how can I put this? It's got its own '''laughter''' track." 
"There it is again! I didn't even say anything funny!" 
"You probably made a face. '''Reactions''' get big laughs too. And don't be freaked out if you walk into a room and there's a round of applause and cheering." 
"Eh. That's what happens '''normally.'''"
:—'''Rodimus''' and '''Bluestreak'''

"They're all out there, spread out across the city, across the world, desperate to find you." 
"Really?" 
"Yes. They need to know where you keep the keys to the bar." 
... 
"Tetrahexian humor. Very dry."
:—'''Cyclonus''' and '''Swerve'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
*Rung is using the holomatter avatar design from the cover of [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]], rather than the less-glamorous version from inside the issue itself. The earlier design appears in the "title sequence". On the other hand, Ultra Magnus uses the avatar based on [[Verity Carlo]]'s [[The Transformers: Infiltration|Infiltration]]-era design he used in issue #13 and [[Twenty Plus One|issue #31]], instead of the ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' Verity design used on the issue #13 cover. Swerve's avatar is now wearing a white shirt instead of a red one, but that's for plot purposes so the bloodstain can show up properly on it.
*And speaking of Rung, poor ol' fella... even the title sequence spells his name "Rong"! This particular mis-spelling is a callback to [[Little Victories|issue #22]] and Rung's old I.D. card, where we first learned his full name...which is spelled wrong.
*Tailgate's avatar is a ''bigger'' baby than last time (bordering on toddler), reflecting that he's aged up a few years.
*Rodimus and Bluestreak discuss that the former sounds different "in human mode", indicating that Transformers will alter their voices to fit their avatars. This hadn't been stated either way before, raising questions; for example, if IDW Bumblebee [[Bumblebee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity#Notes|sounded like Lindsey Lohan]] or if [[Dan Gilvezan]]'s voice came out of her holo-mouth.
*First Aid is departing to go and be in the "[[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]]" crossover over in ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' and ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'', which took place a couple of months before this issue was published. Though not mentioned in dialogue, we also see the sick Mirage go with him, and Groove is sitting on the shuttle too; the other [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]]-to-be are off-panel.
*Tailgate references the departures of [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] and [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] (both in [[The Sound of Breaking Glass|issue #21]]), [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] ([[The Gloaming|issue #16]]), [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] ([[Our Steps Will Always Rhyme|issue #41]]), and even [[Bob (IDW)|Bob]], who left in the big reshuffle after "[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]".
*Swerve opening Brainstorm's briefcase never happened on panel, but in issue #21's prose story "The Sound of Breaking Glass", Brainstorm did express concern (towards Swerve himself, of all people) that someone had opened the case after it had been blasted off his wrist the [[Remain in Light 4 of 5: Arm the Lonely|previous issue]] (the spring-loaded clasps had previously been removed by [[Getaway]] to create makeshift tools for escaping the cell they had been trapped in). Swerve had previously vowed to see what was inside the case in issue #16.
*Ted, Sheldon, and Jerry (see "Pop-culture references", below) each reflect a fact of Swerve's personality: Ted the priest is an embodiment of his intermittently-mentioned religiosity (most prominently featured in [[Twenty Plus One|issue #31]]), Sheldon the dermatologist refers to his function as a metallurgist, the equivalent of "skin" for a Transformer (Tailgate knew the job by the title "skin specialist" all the way back in [[Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|issue #2]]), and Jerry the stand-up comedian is his joking slacker side. Jerry really lays into Ted and Sheldon, accusing the former's faith of not being strong enough and the latter of not doing anything important with his skills, encapsulating Swerve's self-worth issues.
[[File:Swerve DJD injury continuity.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|right|Foreshadowing galore.]]
*Swerve activated Brainstorm's meta-bomb back in [[Under Cold Blue Stars|issue #15]].
*Nightbeat mentions having been to Earth's orbit, back in ''[[The Transformers: Escalation|Escalation]]''. However, see "Errors", below.
*Swerve has been used for the "Previously" recaps since [[World, Shut Your Mouth Part 2: Words Hang in the Air|issue #29]]. We now learn these pages are not just a joke but that Swerve has actually been delivering these in the world of the comic, a side effect of the meta-bomb. This would also explain the two pages of recap last issue: not just reminding us about them, but subtly telling us Swerve is getting worse. As an aside, these recap pages have usually been left out of the trade paperback collections, but the second story in volume 8 (which is issue #40) keeps its recap page, so that people who are only reading the trades still get the joke.
*Tailgate realizes that Swerve has used "Rungian Re-Experience Therapy" (aka "finding your happy place"), first mentioned in a discussion between the pair in [[Before & After|issue #12]].
*First Aid learned about Agent 113 and his method of delivering messages in "[[Bullets]]".
*Okay, step back a second. ALL THE WAY BACK in frigging "[[Chaos (IDW)|Chaos]]", the ''first time'' Roberts wrote Swerve in a comic scene (he'd written him earlier in the prose-only "Bullets"), Swerve's left shoulder had a piece of metal riveted over it. Nothing was made of it at the time, but later references were made to him having an "old injury" in [[The Sound of Breaking Glass|issue #21]] and issue #29—the issues, you'll note, in which we now know he opened Brainstorm's briefcase, and in which the "Swerve recap page" first appeared, respectively. We now know that metal patch was his own quick-and-dirty fix job for this wound. In addition to ''that'', back in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|issue #13]], Swerve mentioned (in response to Ultra Magnus asking where his badge was) that his insignia "got damaged". And on top of ''all that'', we were made aware that Swerve had encountered the D.J.D. in [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #4]] when [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] mentioned it to Ratchet offhandedly. Phew. ''Pheeeeeeeeeeeew.''
*What's more, in issue #4, Pipes claimed that Swerve hadn't been able to ''speak'' for a whole six months following his encounter with the D.J.D. (a fact which Swerve had described to Pipes as "the worst thing that had ever happened to him"), yet in [[Chaos Part Four: Genesis|issue #30]] of the 2009-2011 ongoing, Swerve was pretty chatty with everyone, despite still sporting a patched-up shoulder. No wonder he contracted a rust infection if he didn't have his wound properly treated for that long!
*As a side note, Swerve's design throughout ''More than Meets the Eye'' has precluded him from having a symbol on his shoulder, since his shoulders are wheels. Milne makes sure to draw his old body with a distinct design of its own in the picture we see of it this issue, which tips First Aid off to the exact nature of his injury; when [[Guido Guidi]] drew a much younger Swerve in flashback in issue #13, it appears that the script for that issue specifically asked for the scene to be laid out so Swerve's shoulders would be subtly obscured when seen from the front, so the symbol's presence (and hence, present-day absence) wouldn't be obvious at the time. However, it further appears Guido was not fully aware of the exact significance of Swerve's shoulders, since he drew him in the same design as his present-day self (a view from the back even shows wheels on his shoulders!), rather than a design that would allow for an Autobot badge to be present on the left shoulder like the one Milne drew for this issue (or, for that matter, the design we saw back in issues [[Chaos Part Three: Kings|#28]] and #30 of the old ongoing, the one that depicted Swerve with the patched-up shoulder as mentioned above).
*When she first arrives on Swearth, Nautica waves directly at the reader; this is because she's a terrible actor as established in the previous two issues and doesn't know that TV actors aren't supposed to look at the camera.

{{-}}

===Pop-culture references===
''(cracks knuckles)''
*The title of this issue uses the same naming scheme as the TV show ''{{w|Friends}}'', where nearly every episode was "The One..." in which something happened. The apartment Cyclonus's team use as a home base is also the main ''Friends'' set, recreated with some stunning accuracy by Milne. While the street name and number ("495 Grove Street") is taken from the show, the apartment ''number'' is not.
*Swerve's apartment number and room number on the ship, 43, is the same as the number of this issue.
*The apartment used by Cyclonus's team is numbered 42, necessary for it to be opposite Swerve's apartment. It's also the number used for {{W|Phrases from The Hitchhiker%27s Guide to the Galaxy#Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life.2C the Universe.2C and Everything .2842.29|The Answer}} in ''{{w|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy}}''.
*One of the neighbors' outrageous activities sees settling an argument with a game of paintball, a reference to ''[[Community]]'', in which huge paintball games that got out of control were a running gag. Jerry wears a shirt emblazoned with the logo of the college from the series, Greendale.
*When last we saw it, Skids's avatar resembled the {{w|Eleventh Doctor|Eleventh incarnation}} of the [[Doctor]] from ''[[Doctor Who]]''. In this issue, it's based on the {{w|Ninth Doctor|Ninth}}.
*The font used on the "title sequence" is based on that used from the opening sequence of ''[[Cheers]]'', while the "theme song" transmission is based on the ''Cheers'' theme tune. ''Cheers'' was about a bar, so it's especially fitting.
*While listing off his knowledge of Earth, Bluestreak mentions the movie ''{{w|Inception}}'', the internet meme {{w|Double Rainbow (viral video)|Double Rainbow}}, {{w|Justin Bieber|beliebers}}, and {{w|mansplaining}}.
*Confused over the expression "Humanity 101" (the number being used in the manner of a university course, meaning "introductory") in reference to the "bluffer's guide" that Rewind puts together for them, Rung believes it refers to "Room 101" from the novel ''{{w|Nineteen Eighty-Four}}'', while Cyclonus thinks it's about the British TV series ''{{w|Room 101 (TV series)|Room 101}}'', which took its name from the novel. Bluestreak insists it comes from ''{{w|101 Dalmatians}}'' (which he calls "101 Damnations", perhaps getting it confused with the {{w|101 Damnations (album)|album}} by {{w|Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine}}); Tailgate isn't quite sure what a dog is.
*Each of Swerve's three personalities is a reference to a famous sitcom character in name and occupation, though not physical appearance. Ted the priest is {{w|Father Ted Crilly}} from ''{{w|Father Ted}}''; Sheldon the scientist (a bit of a push, but the comic lampshades it, as Sheldon corrects Bluestreak's claim that he is a scientist with a "Kind of.") is {{w|Sheldon Cooper}} from ''{{w|The Big Bang Theory}}''; and Jerry the stand-up comedian is {{w|Jerry Seinfeld (character)|Jerry Seinfeld}} from ''{{w|Seinfeld}}''.
*The clients that Sheldon and Ted refer to while arguing with Jerry are also references to sitcom characters; Sheldon mentions a "Mrs. Simpson", alluding to ''{{w|The Simpsons}}'' while Ted brings up "The Bluths", the family from ''{{w|Arrested Development (TV series)|Arrested Development}}''.
*Rodimus's avatar is ''ungodly'' 1980s, a kind of mash-up of John Bender from ''{{w|The Breakfast Club}}'' (played by [[Judd Nelson]], who voiced Rodimus in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'') and [[Marty McFly]] from the ''[[Back to the Future]]'' series (specifically, Marty's orange-red down vest).
*Rather than the Benedict Cumberbatch you may have expected, Nightbeat's avatar is based on Idris Elba's eponymous detective in ''{{w|Luther (TV series)|Luther}}''.
*The bar Rodimus's team visits is named "The Jumping Shark", after the phenomenon of {{w|jumping the shark}}, the point at which a piece of entertainment begins a decline in quality, appropriately derived from TV show ''{{w|Happy Days}}''. Perhaps something of a meta-commentary joke on the outlandish nature of this issue?
*The table (well, two tables pushed together) that Ultra Magnus, Chromedome, and Rewind's avatars are shown standing around when Cyclonus tells Swerve that everyone is looking for him is the table used by the study group from ''Community''. Magnus and Rewind are pretty deliberate choices for this scene, being a straight-laced rule-follower like {{w|Annie Edison}}, and a media-buff film-maker like {{w|Abed Nadir}}, respectively.

===Other real-life references===
*On page 2, the mugs hanging on the shelves are decorated with a caricature of colorist [[Josh Perez]]!
*Just above the mugs are boxes of "Jii Puffs" and "Andy-Os", references to Transformers podcasters [https://twitter.com/JiiDee Jii Dee] and [https://twitter.com/CCTFW Andy Millman] of the [http://moonbase2.libsyn.com/ Moonbase 2 Podcast].

===Errors===
[[File:MTMTE 43 First Aid Tailgate single vs trade.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|right|Fixing one error, adding a new one. Net result: Breakeven.]]
*First Aid claims he's going to "Earth and back"; he's actually going to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. This is corrected for the trade paperback.
*In the very same panel, the trade ''adds'' an error, as Tailgate's "photos" inexplicably becomes "photo'''t'''s".
*In panel 5 on page 8, the caption box reads: "The Earth is a made of holomatter too?!" This is also corrected for the TPB.
*Nightbeat says that he's only been to Earth's orbit, but he actually spent some time on the planet's surface in ''[[The Transformers: Devastation|Devastation]]''.
*Ambulon's photograph in First Aid's "leaving present" shows him with blue eyes, not their proper yellow.
{{-}}

===Crew Manifest===
*First Aid, Groove, [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]], [[Blades (G1)|Blades]], [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]], and Mirage leave the ''Lost Light'' to go star in a [[Combiner Wars (comic)|crossover]].
*According to First Aid in [[The Plotters' Club (Part 1): Full Circle|''Lost Light'' #11]], there were 214 crew members on board when he left.

===Other trivia===
*The first page of the issue (Cover E from [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|issue #1]], with a speech balloon from Tailgate remarking that he is "lost already") was missing from at least some regional copies of the digital version. Comixology updated the issue later on the day of release to include the missing page.
*Being made up entirely of re-used art, the first page of the issue, the two-page "title sequence", and the mid-story Swerve recap page all come in addition to the comic's 20 standard story pages.
*This issue's story is, fittingly, structured like a standard sitcom teleplay: a brief cold open, a title sequence, three basic 4-8 page acts (act one being the flashback to the ''Lost Light'', and act 2 culminating with the "ad-break cliffhanger" of Swerve's avatar consolidating), and a short "credits scene".

===Soundtrack===
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb2_o7cxb6U I Love Pop Music]" by {{w|Ben Lee}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/623651828148924416 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMNVNRybluQ ''Cheers'' theme tune]<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/623652910640066560 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0303UwKLVbU There Will Always Be]" by {{w|Adem Ilhan}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/623653356033191936 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>

===Covers (4)===
*'''Regular cover:''' Cyclonus and his avatar, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
*'''Subscription cover:''' Multiple Swerves act out another homage to ''Justice League'' #1, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]. Charting the homage's history, the cover is signed "Roche after Milne after Roche after Maguire".
*'''Retailer incentive cover:''' One of a series of "[[Pan Cybertronian Spaceways]]" travel posters by [[James Biggie]] that make up the Retailer Incentive covers on IDW's July Transformers titles; this one promotes the [[Unicron]]'s head, which orbited Cybertron after ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
*'''Convention cover:''' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] versus [[Megatron (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Megatron]], by [[Casey Coller]] and [[John-Paul Bove]], available exclusively at Texas Comicon.

<gallery>
File:MTMTE43 regcvr.jpg|You weren't expecting this, were you?
File:MTMTE43 subcvr.jpg|Guess what? Now you get to hunt down countless Swerve toys on eBay and Amazon to recreate this scene! Yay!
File:MTMTE43 cvrRI.jpg|Now, if you look ''overhead'', folks... *gets booed*
File:MTMTE43 concvr.jpg|"Digital!" "Paper!"
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''More than Meets the Eye'' #44
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' [[South of Heaven|#43]]
*''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'' [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 4|#4]]
*[[An Uneventful Night|''Combiner Hunters'' #1]]
*IDW's Transformers comics app for iOS
*''Walt Disney's Comics and Stories'' #721 (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 8''''' ([[October 21]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631404520 / ISBN 978-1631404528
:*Contains issues #39 to #44.
:*Bonus content includes covers of each issue.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 9]]''''' ([[June 19]], [[2019]]) ISBN 1684054842 / ISBN 978-1684054848
:* Contains ''More than Meets the Eye'' #41 to #44, ''Robots in Disguise'' #39 to #42, and ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade vol.2]]'' issues #1 to #5.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 66: Speak, Memory''''' ([[December 25]], 2019)
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' issues #43 to #49.
:* Bonus content includes a one-page article about the [[Scavenger (group)|Scavengers]], a cover gallery and a forward by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol8.jpg|'''Volume 8'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Josh Perez]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V9.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection Phase Two: Vol. 9'''''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v66.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 66: Speak, Memory'''''; cover art by [[Dan Khanna]] (Getaway) and [[Hayato Sakamoto]] (retro)
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newsarama.com/25337-transformers-exclusive-previews-transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-43-transformers-combiner-hunters-special-one-shot-transformers-windblade-5.html Preview]

{{DEFAULTSORT:One Where They Go to Earth}}

Pipes (G1)

2022-04-28T03:18:09Z

Gladiatrix: comma

{{factions|autobot|primusvanguard}}
{{disambig3|Pipes}}

:''Pipes is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[File:TFU Pipes.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Always wintahrize... yah PIPES.]]
'''Pipes''' is an excellent soldier—tough, brave, and very strong—and otherwise worthy of little note, except for his unusual ability and eccentric hobby. When he came to [[Earth]], Pipes became enamored of the [[Human|fleshlings]]' primitive and ingenious technology and could not resist taking home cast-off examples when on missions. Eventually, a previously disused area of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] became his own personal museum of nose hair trimmers, patent rulers, and other worthless but fascinating ephemera of the throwaway society. He will gladly talk for endless hours about each prized find.

Only [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]] can be said really to enjoy an extended tour of Pipes's little museum, but Pipes is a good soldier and a friendly soul, and his comrades generally allow him his little eccentricity.

Pipes's most notable ability, which he is not the most proficient at controlling, is to emit clouds of corrosive gases from his [[exhaust weaponry|exhaust pipes]]. This is possible in both modes, but is more useful (except to annoy motorists) in [[robot mode]], where the pipes are on his arms. If he stays at it for at least ten minutes, these noxious gases will eat through a 2" slab of ordinary steel. His own skin is well protected against these gases, but in battle, the coatings may flake off. If he does not notice this (as frequently occurs) he can become vulnerable to his own attack, with unpleasant results.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
{{voiceactor|[[Hal Rayle]] (English), [[Kenyū Horiuchi]] (Japanese)|[[Éric Etcheverry]] (European French), [[Vicente Gil]] (Spain-Spanish)}}
[[File:Pipes with widget.jpg|left|upright=0.9|thumb|"It'll take two to three weeks if I order the parts today...which I won't."]]
Pipes was present at the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]] came to destroy it. He and his fellow Autobots made a valiant effort to hold off the Decepticon city-robot, but failed, and the Ark and its volcano were reduced to rubble. When [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]] arrived with [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[transformation cog]], Pipes installed it, allowing the Autobot giant to transform and defeat Trypticon. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

[[File:G1 ForeverIsALongTime Pipes Rodimus Perceptor.jpg|upright=0.95|thumb|"Yep, here's yer problem. His ears were clogged with toothpaste."]]
Later, he accompanied [[Hot Rod (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Rodimus Prime]], [[Kup (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Kup]], and the [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]] on a rescue mission after [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and friends disappeared while looking for a source of chronal energy. They found the [[Quintesson]]s had constructed a [[Time Window]] on an asteroid for the purpose of undoing the original Autobot rebellion against the Quintessons on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Perceptor was found alone, suffering serious injuries, and his team missing. Pipes's mechanical skills were put to work as a battlefield medic to try and patch up Perceptor, but Perceptor's incoherent mumblings about theoretical physics didn't do anyone much good. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}
{{-}}

====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic====
[[File:FSRLTFmanga8 Minibots.jpg|thumb|That's a fine Gundam impression you got there, bro.]]
Pipes was part of a group who arrived to back up [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], who was defending a [[Battle Dog|dog]] that had been cruelly experimented on by the [[Decepticon]]s from being hunted and captured by the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]. He and the other [[Mini Vehicle|Minibots]] [[Minibot combiner|combined]] with Powerglide in their vehicle modes thanks to the energy within the dog, and spinning furiously, smashed through [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]]'s chest and out the other side in a flying drill attack. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers #8}}

====Metrowars====
While Pipes was stationed at [[Metroplex (G1)|Scramble City]] during its rebuilding following an attack from [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], the Decepticons attacked again. Pipes pleaded with [[Blaster (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Twincast]] to activate Metroplex, but Twincast was wary of the energy usage on their limited stocks. Nevertheless, Metroplex pressed through and helped send the Decepticons into retreat. {{storylink|Metrowars}}

====''Wings Universe''====
{{Wingsnote}}
[[File:BattleLines6-UltraMagnus.jpg|thumb|left|Hi, I'm over here with Tailgate! I'm not [[Ravage (SG)|waving]]...]]
Pipes was present at the first "meeting" between [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Ultra Magnus]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]]. {{storylink|Battle Lines, Part 6}}
{{--}}

===Marvel ''The Transformers'' comics===
{{noteukexclusive|Pipes}}
[[File:Pipes outback underworld.jpg|thumb|left|100px]]
Pipes graduated from [[Autobot Military Academy]], but nearly lost his friend [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] to a stupid initiation stunt when the hapless cadet accompanied some [[Flattop (Autobot)|other]] [[Subsea|Autobots]] into the [[Underworld]] to prove his courage. Fearing the worst, Pipes and [[Outback (G1)|Outback]] went in after him. When they found Tailgate battling a group of techno-[[Mutant (G1)|mutants]], though, Pipes convinced Outback to hang back and let Tailgate prove himself in combat. Tailgate successfully defeated all comers, and the three Autobots returned to the surface. {{storylink|Underworld!}}
{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:BlackSunshine Autobot training failures.jpg|thumb]]
When [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] pumped out anti-Autobot propaganda to discourage public sentiment for the newly returned Ark crew, Pipes was among the Autobot civilians seen watching Optimus Prime's "rampage" through [[San Francisco]]. {{storylink|Cold War (issue)|Cold War}} Later, after the insurrection against Shockwave, Pipes was seen training alongside [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and several other Autobots, under [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]'s supervision. {{storylink|Black Sunshine}}
{{-}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|''More than Meets the Eye'' #1]]}}

{{quote|Dear [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]... Having a wonderful time. Made lots of new friends—like [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]]. Got a bit '''''[[Red Rust|sick]]''''' and got a bit '''''[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|shot]]''''', but apart from that, yeah, having a pretty wonderful time. Um. Speak soon, bye!|Pipes|"[[Under Cold Blue Stars]]"}}

[[File:TwentyPlusOne LostLightNamed.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
'''Pipes of Pescus Hex''' {{storylink|The Not Knowing}} (sometimes Pipes of [[Helex (polity)|Helex]]) was good friends with [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] and [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]]. He also had a "type" he looked for in, cough, partners: aquatic-mode triple changers with "minimal [[kibble]] [and a] big chest plate". Whether boat-changer Riptide knew this is unknown. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

When [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] was planning his quest to find the legendary [[Knights of Cybertron]], Pipes and [[Riptide (G1)|Riptide]] accompanied [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] to [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]]'s religious quarter with the intention of buying a [[starship]]. Seeing that Drift was carrying a gold currency card, Pipes tried to get the former Decepticon to guess how much he'd saved up in his travel fund but Drift was more interested in finding the owners of a certain [[Quantum generator|quantum]] spaceship. After buying the ''[[Lost Light|U1]]'' for a billion [[shanix]], it was decided that it needed renaming. Pipes suggested that they hold a competition, while Drift was content to wait for a sign... as they realised that they were attending the [[Festival of Lost Light]]. {{storylink|Twenty Plus One}}

[[File:NoGunsNoSwordsNoBriefcases PipesLookingForLove.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.0|"I'm just looking for someone who is interested in "laying pipes", ''knowhatimsayin'''? Eh? Eh?"]]
Subsequently, Pipes joined up as a crew member on the newly christened ''Lost Light'' to take part in Rodimus' quest. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|How to Say Goodbye and Mean It}} He was dismayed that Hubcap wouldn't leave [[Debris]] for the trip and that Riptide hadn't bothered to turn up ([[Twenty Plus One|and would never learn Riptide had been attacked]]). {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}} Following its failed launch, he was sucked out into space and crashed on a nearby planetoid, where he was retrieved by Rodimus and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] and taken back to the ship. {{storylink|Liars, A to D Part 2: Hangers On|Hangers On}}

An alternate Pipes was created when the Lost Light's [[quantum generator|quantum engines]] malfunctioned. If you thought the regular Pipes had had it bad, ''this'' duplicate Pipes was killed by [[Helex (DJD)|Helex]], who ripped him in half when the [[Decepticon Justice Division]] boarded the ship and slaughtered the crew. {{storylink|slaughterhouse Part 2: The Road Not Taken|The Road Not Taken}}

Pipes was at the official grand opening of [[Swerve's|Swerve's bar]] with Drift, where they toasted to the recently deceased [[Duobot]]s. Pipes lamented his lack of luck with making friends and ventured that he could start hanging out with Drift and Rodimus. Drift suggested [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] as a potential friend for him, but Pipes knew he was involved with [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]], revealing he was looking for a bit more than friendship. Drift offered to introduce him to [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]], feeling the two might have some things in common. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

[[File:LifeAftertheBigBang Pipes vehicle mode.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.0]]
Anticipating his first outing on an alien world, Pipes accompanied Drift and [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] to investigate an outbreak in [[Delphi]]. On arrival at the medical facility, and before Ratchet could explain the symbol on the door was the universal plague symbol, Pipes used his [[alternate mode]] to bust in and found himself hip-deep in dead bots. He was infected with the [[Red Rust]] virus by [[Dent]]. He menaced Drift while succumbing to the virus, and the other Autobot knocked him out, though he had already passed on the infection. Ratchet took him to be treated. {{storylink|Life After the Big Bang}} Later, Pipes was cured from the virus by Ratchet's newly acquired vaccine and returned with the group to the ''Lost Light''. {{storylink|How Ratchet Got His Hands Back}}

[[File:Interiors injured Pipes.jpg|thumb|upright=0.85|In his natural habitat.]]
Soon afterwards, Pipes was hanging out with some other Autobots at Swerve's when [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] went on a shooting rampage. Pipes was Maximus's first victim, but survived and ended up on a bed in the medical bay. {{storylink|Interiors}} He eventually recovered, and joined a few other Autobots for movie night in [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]]'s hab-suite, watching "[[Proteus's Promise]]". {{storylink|Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|Who's Afraid of the DJD?}}

Pipes volunteered to go on a mission to [[Temptoria]] to see if a group of Decepticons were holding the [[Circle of Light]] there. On the way, he discussed [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s recent decapitation with [[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]]. The mission presumably didn't go well for Pipes, as he spent the journey back lying on the floor of the ''[[Leading Light]]''. {{storylink|Before & After}} After recovering, he was accidentally shot by [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]]'s new invention, a [[Existential gun|gun that fired ennui]], and almost shrugged himself to death as a result. {{storylink|Cybertronian Homesick Blues}}

[[File:Cold Blue Stars dying Pipes.jpg|thumb|left|upright=2.3|I... um... I don't want to joke right now.]]
Pipes visited Blaster to check if the subspace communicator was working so he could send Hubcap a message. He passed the message on, then made his way to Tailgate's room for a movie night...before bumping into [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]'s foot. He attempted to apologize, but was cut off by the Phase-Sixer stomping him to bits. Barely functional and ''holding his open chest to keep his [[spark]] from falling out'', he crawled to an alarm and set it off before his spark extinguished. {{storylink|Under Cold Blue Stars}}

Following the battle against [[Solomus|Tyrest]] on [[Moonbase One|Luna 1]], Rodimus returned to his office and vowed to redecorate it with less garish colours and a small memorial to Pipes and the crewmembers he had lost. {{storylink|The Sound of Breaking Glass}} A 'time fissure' at Swerve's was eventually discovered and allowed people to look back at their departed friends. Tailgate chose to look at Pipes and Drift. It was then that Tailgate finally learned what Pipes had been looking for. {{storylink|No Guns, No Swords, No Briefcases}}

A simulation of Pipes later appeared to [[Team Rodimus]] on [[Mederi]] alongside the also-deceased [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailcutter]]. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (1): Metastasis|Metastasis}} The two tried to convince the others that they were in the [[Transformer afterlife|Afterspark]] and everyone should accept death. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (2): The God War|The God War}} However, the truth behind Mederi was soon uncovered and the apparitions of Pipes and Trailcutter vanished. {{storylink|The Everlasting Voices (3): You Are Here|You Are Here}}

Pipes was one of the many deceased Cybertronians glimpsed by [[Soundwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Soundwave]] as the Decepticon died using the [[Enigma of Combination]] to assist [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] in his battle against [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]]. {{storylink|Ceremony}}

===''TransTech''===
Pipes was one of many residents of Axiom Nexus. He was seen in the company of [[Signal Lancer]]. {{storylink|Transcendent: Part 4}}

===2019 IDW continuity===
{{first|[[The Change In Your Nature Part Four|''Transformers'' #16]]}}
[[File:Prisoners PipesBrawn.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Stan for stands.]]
Pipes was walking on the street after one of [[Tap-Out (Universe)|Tap-Out]]'s fights. {{storylink|Transformers Valentine's Day Special}} As part of the [[Senate Guard]], Pipes helped provide security for an emergency [[Senate]] meeting. {{storylink|The Change In Your Nature Part Four}} Pipes later attended an illegal [[skitter]] race at [[Swindle's]]. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Swindle's|Swindle's}} When [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]] ordered the captive [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] to be paraded through the streets, Pipes worked crowd control. After [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] expressed her doubts that they could effectively handle the unruly mob, Pipes suggested she look to their particularly-unshakeable comrade [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] to shore up her confidence. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: Prisoners|Prisoners}}

Pipes was present when [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] gave the Senate Guard a pep talk before they deployed to provide security for Sentinel Prime's speech denouncing the [[Decepticon|Ascenticons]]. Pipes and [[Chainclaw (G1)|Chainclaw]] were stationed to guard the rear entrance of the Senate hall. They were surprised to see [[Clench (G1)|Clench]] and a group of Ascenticons roll up, and Pipes professed admiration of Clench's past career as a gladiator. That made it awkward when Clench suddenly rammed into Pipes and the Decepticon uprising began. {{storylink|Rise of the Decepticons: We Have Deceived You|We Have Deceived You}} With the Decepticons having seized the Senate, Pipes took part in the operation to take it back and was part of the team sent to rescue the prisoners held in the building's basement. {{storylink|War World: Prime|Prime}}

[[File:Pipes_sees_rainmakers_IDW2019.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|"Oh, here it goes, here it goes, [[Great War (G1)|here it goes again]]"]]
Pipes was present to welcome [[Javelin]] to the Senate Guard, and listened as Ironhide informed the team that they would now be repurposed to guard [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Their first task was to escort the new Prime to the [[Forge Pyramid]] for a chat with [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]. {{storylink|War World: Titans|Titans}} Pipes later evacuated [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] with the rest of the Autobots after Optimus Prime's parlay with [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] proved fruitless. {{storylink|War World: We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness|We Are Not Meant To Be Darkness}}

Pipes was part of a detachment of Autobots who accompanied Optimus Prime to speak with [[Termagax]], and set up a defensive position in front of [[House (building)|House]] to counter an incoming Decepticon attack. Pipes shared a foxhole with [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] and worried when he spied the [[Rainmaker]]s approaching, but Sunstreaker reassured him that they had a countermeasure prepared. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Sea of Rust II|Sea of Rust II}} During the ensuing battle, Pipes was injured and had to be carried off the field by Brawn when it was over. {{storylink|Lord of Misrule: Enigmatic|Enigmatic}}

Pipes was among the Autobots ready to defend [[Crystal City]] when the Decepticons attacked it. {{storylink|A Dust of Crystals}}
{{--}}

===Precursor World===
A [[Primus Vanguard|Warrior of the Seven Lights]] resembling Pipes was a member of the [[Blue Order]] of the [[Primus Vanguard]]. When the traitorous [[Straxus (G1)#Precursor World|Straxus twins]] unleashed a rage virus to destroy the corps from within, he was slain in the ensuing brawl. Vanguard supreme leader [[Primus#The old universe|Primus]] later loaded the Warrior's lingering [[spark]] into his [[Golden Noah]] in an attempt to ferry his soul to the [[G1 World|next world]]. {{storylink|God Neptune comic 1}} Unfortunately, this did not work. {{storylink|Generations Selects Special Comic Finale Part 2|Finale 2}}

===''War for Cybertron Trilogy'' marketing material===
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-Pipes-art.jpg|thumb|200px]]
Closer than ever to reaching the [[AllSpark]], the Autobots awakened after crash-landing on pre-Ice Age Earth. While battling the Decepticons, both sides were joined by the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, their epic battle changing their combined destinies.

Pipes was a [[Cybertronian military insignia|Ground Command Transport Private]], {{storylink|#War for Cybetron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' toy packaging}} Pipes's function was a warrior and [[trans-scan]]ed into an Earth semi-truck. His corrosive exhaust and pipe blasters were his powers and weapons, and his core traits were his toughness, bravery, and eccentricity. Pipes's message from the future was that he should take care not to fall victim to his own attack. {{storylink|War for Cybertron: Kingdom|''Kingdom'' webpage}}<ref>[https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/kingdom ''Kingdom'' webpage]</ref>

After the [[quantum surge]] caused a [[time travel|time vortex]] in an alternate timeline, Pipes and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]] were fused into [[Puffer]], and alongside [[GoBot]] [[Road Ranger]], were pulled to a prehistoric [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Source:Kingdom Golden Disk Collection#CHAPTER 1: THROUGH THE VORTEX|''Golden Disk Collection'' Chapter 1}} After Puffer was sent away in a [[Stasis pod|pod]] with the ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]], and Maximal [[Tigatron]] crashed the ship into the quantum surge in the past, the time vortex was undone, preventing Pipes and Huffer from becoming Puffer. {{storylink|Source:Kingdom Golden Disk Collection#CHAPTER 4: THE TERRORFYING CONCLUSION|''Golden Disk Collection'' Chapter 4}}
{{--}}

==Games==
===The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth===
[[File:C64Pipes.gif|thumb|upright=1.4]]
Along with his fellow Autobots, Pipes protected Earth from the menace of the Decepticons. He was ostensibly under the command of [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]]. {{storylink|The Transformers: Battle to Save the Earth}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers Legends''===
[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] put Pipes in charge of his own team, which was assigned to protect researchers at a seaside town. The team subsequently had to see off an attack by [[Overbite (G1)|Overbite]] and [[Nautilator]]. {{storylink|The B-Team Part Deux}}

===''Transformers: Earth Wars''===
[[File:PipesEarthWars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.75|Missed opportunity for a new virtual headsculpt.]]

Pipes arrived on Earth at the same time as [[Offroad (CW)#Transformers: Earth Wars|Offroad]] to stop him and help clear the Autobots' name.
{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars/Events|War Games}}
After Pipes came through the space bridge, the stench of his corrosive fumes put off the ladies [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] and [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], and they excused themselves.

*'''Class:''' Warrior
*'''Lowest Star Rating:''' 2 stars
*'''Weapons:''' Pipes sprays some corrosive fumes from his hand on a target before engaging and attacking it with his fists.
*'''Ability: Defensive Rush:''' Puts a protective shield that blocks 80% damage for several seconds, then charges the target and attracts defenses!
**'''Cost''': 4 ability points +1 cost increase.

[http://wiki.transformersearthwars.com/character:pipes Pipes at Transformers: Earth Wars Wiki]
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
[[File:G1 minibot pipes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Look ma, no hands! (''US/Japanese version pictured'')]]
[[File:G1toy European Pipes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Look ma, no pipes! (''European version pictured'')]]
*'''Pipes''' ([[Mini Vehicle]], [[1986]])
**''Takara ID number:'' '''C-60'''

:First available in the third year of Hasbro's [[The Transformers (toyline)|''The Transformers'' toyline]] (and in the second-year [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1986 (Scramble City and 2010)|''Transformers 2010'']]-branded part of Takara's toyline), Pipes is an extensive [[retool]]ing of the [[1984]] Autobot [[Mini Vehicle]] [[Huffer (G1)#Toys|Huffer]]. Like Huffer, Pipes transforms into an "American truck," which is supposed to be either a terminal tractor (also called a "yard truck," a "mule" and several other things) or a single-axle semi truck of indeterminate, probably made-up model (though it strongly resembles a Volvo F88).

: He is changed quite a lot from Huffer, moreso than the other 1986 retooled Mini Vehicles; his front is Huffer's back and vice-versa, and his cab transforms differently. Whereas Huffer simply moves the truck cab up to reveal his head and then flips over the smokestacks for arms, Pipes flips the cab over, repositioning it behind his head instead of shelling it like a hood, and his arms just pull out from their truck position. In a nice design touch, the tabs that hold the truck cab in place, sticking out of his [[robot mode]] chest, are detailed to look like seats. The grille, headlamp, and bumper detailing on the front of his cab has also changed, and the tips of his smokestacks are cylindrical rather than flattened-out like Huffer's claw-hand-things.

:Along with the regular Pipes, a European variant (dubbed "[[Puffer]]" by fans) exists which was actually [http://www.fredsworkshop.com/vminibots.html#europe Huffer's original sculpt in Pipes's colors]. It is currently uncetain how many countries this version of Pipes was sold in. This is not to be confused with the [[IGA|Mexican]] version of Pipes (see below), which was ''also'' the original Huffer mold, but in slightly different colors.

::*''[http://www.transformerland.com/wiki/toy-info/transformers-g1-mini-vehicles-pipes/1171/ Patent info, price guide, and further reading on Pipes at Transformerland.com]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Pipes/pipes.htm More information on Pipes at TFU.info]''
{{G1HufferMold}}

{{-}}{{anchor|IGA}}
[[File:G1toy IGA Pipes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Look ma, no confirmed carded samples!]]
*'''Pipes''' (Mini Vehicle, [[1987]])

: In the Mexican ''Transformers'' line produced by [[IGA]], Pipes was ''probably'' released as a straight [[redeco]] of Huffer, sold on Pipes cards. He came in two different, but closely-similar color schemes: metallic-blue with white robot parts, and all-over metallic-blue. Fans have given these versions the nickname "Puffer".

: We say "probably" because while IGA appears to have done this old-mold-new-colors-sold-as-new-character move with all of the third-year retooled Mini Vehicles, so far [[Tailgate (G1)#IGA|Tailgate]] and [[Swerve (G1)#IGA|Swerve]] are the only ones that have been confirmed with carded samples. All of the IGA versions of probably-[[Hubcap (G1)#IGA|Hubcap]], [[Outback (G1)#IGA|Outback]], and Pipes have only been found loose. So it's highly likely, we just don't have mint condition proof yet. Fun!

: IGA Transformers also eventually made their way to a variety of European markets, slightly decreasing their rarity.

: The all-blue version of Pipes was later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Pipes (SG)|Pipes]].

::*''[https://web.archive.org/web/20210327171400/https://www.tf-1.com/articles/mini_frame.php?art=puffer TFSquareOne article detailing the Mexican release of Pipes]''
{{-}}

===''Encore''===
[[File:Encore Pipes toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey, break ALL the pipes in the sub for more good ideas! Dive! Dive!]]
*'''Bumble & Minibots''' (Multi-pack, [[2008]])
**''ID number'': '''10'''

:In 2008, Pipes was reissued in the ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' line, bundled with [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Encore|Bumblebee]], [[Swerve (G1)#Encore|Swerve]], [[Tailgate (G1)#Encore|Tailgate]], and [[Outback (G1)#Encore|Outback]]. In addition to [[paint operation|painted]] headlights, the reissue [[tampograph]]s his previously [[sticker|decaled]] Autobot insignia.
{{G1HufferMold}}
{{-}}

===''Combiner Wars''===
{{anchor|Generations}}
[[File:CWLegendsPipes.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.66|Wildberry Blue flavored Huffer.]]
*'''Autobot Pipes''' (Legends Class, [[2016]])
**''Accessories:'' Gun

:Part of the fifth wave of the ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' subline imprint of [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]], "Autobot Pipes" is a redeco of [[Huffer (G1)#Generations|Huffer]], and is about the size of a ''[[Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' Commander Class toy. He transforms from robot to generic cab-over truck and features [[5 mm post|5mm-compatible]] hands and roof.

:His left shoulder features a sticker of an Autobot insignia, due to his shoulder parts being made with [[unpaintable plastic]]. Pipes's truck mode is slightly mistransformed: his legs and waist should be in a horizontal position.

:Though Windcharger's wave was scheduled for a first quarter 2016 release, it actually arrived on U.S. store shelves in late 2015.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2016/Autobot/CWPipes/pipes.htm More information on ''Combiner Wars'' Pipes at TFU.info]''
{{GenerationsLegendsOptimusPrimeMold}}
{{--}}

===''War for Cybertron: Kingdom''===
[[File:WFC-Kingdom-toy-Pipes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Wait, not a Weaponizer Deluxe to recreate that one sequence with [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]]?]]
*'''Autobot Pipes''' (Deluxe Class, [[2021]])
**''Hasbro ID number'': '''WFC-K32'''
**''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''KD EX-15'''
**''TakaraTomy release date'': [[June 25]], [[2022]]
**''Accessories'': 2 pipe blasters

:Part of the final wave of ''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]'' Deluxe Class toys, "Autobot Pipes" is a retool of the [[Huffer (G1)#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Huffer]] from the same line, using new shoulders, forearms, hands, wheels, chest, crotch, and head (which deviates slightly from the cartoon, as the mouthplate is taller and covers the nose more), and an additional transformation step to turn the cab upside down in robot mode. He transforms into a cab-over truck in 16 steps, and the pipe blasters can store on the back or as smokestacks. His robot mode is covered in [[5 mm post|5 mm ports]] as part of the [[C.O.M.B.A.T. System]]/[[F.O.S.S.I.L. Technology]]. He also has a torso transformation joint that functions as an ab-crunch.

:As an extra feature, Pipes can tow ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Optimus Prime]]'s trailer (or any of its redecoes), a carryover from Huffer.

:Unfortunately, due to [https://www.transformers.kiev.ua/g1/pipesg1.html a fan-coloring] of Pipes's unfinalized model using colors eye dropped from cartoon screen captures being [[circular reporting|shared around on the internet]], Pipes features a gray rear-window on his cab, which doesn't actually appear on his finalized model (see "[[#Notes|Notes]]" below). This model originated from the Ukrainian fansite Transformers.kiev.ua, and appears often in top Google Image search results due to it being shared around on Pinterest and it being used as the main image of his ''Transformers'' wikia page.

:Pipes's instructions depict his cab-backpack in robot mode being angled at 45-degrees on his back. While this does compress his backpack into a manageable size, it also leaves the backpack inaccurate to his design. The cab-backpack CAN be set to the cartoon-accurate design, but this leaves it jutting out very far from his body. The cab-backpack is also prone to easily popping off its mushroom swivel-peg while trying to move it around during transformation.

:Pipes was officially revealed via preorder listing pages at [[BigBadToyStore]] and [[Entertainment Earth]] in late September 2021, with no public announcement from Hasbro. Though Pipes's wave was scheduled for a first quarter 2022 release, they in fact arrived on U.S. store shelves in December 2021.

:In Japan, Pipes was released as a [[TakaraTomy Mall]] exclusive.

:Pipes was retooled into [[Puffer#War for Cybertron: Kingdom|Autobot Puffer]] for the [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]]/[[Hasbro Pulse]] exclusive "Golden Disk Collection".
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Pipes's profile picture in [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' series is very... interesting. Apparently he was originally drawn (likely by [[Pat Lee]]) with no hands, as per the toy, then hands (drawn by [[Don Figueroa]]) were edited onto the picture at a later point. Pipes's right hand comes from [[Bristleback]]'s profile picture, while the left comes from [[Wildfly]]'s.
* Pipes received a movieverse homage in the form of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' [[Blowpipe (ROTF)|Blowpipe]].

===Character model===
[[File:G1-Pipes-model-comparison.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|'''Left:''' Unfinalized character model found in ''The Ark''. '''Right:''' Finalized model found among original cartoon production material.]]
[[File:The-Five-Faces-of-Pipes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|The Five Faces of Pipes.]]

* Pipes has a total of three known [[character model]]s:
# The first is what appears to be based on his Generation 1 toy, with no face and no hands.
# The second is his pre-final model, which is closer to his final model, only it's got some very small, barely noticeable differences, the biggest being the pose he's drawn in. This model has red eyes based on the toy's red visor and a gray rear-window behind his head. This model appears in his profile published in [[Marvel Comics]]' ''[[The Transformers Universe]]'' (the image used at the top of this very article) and was also published in [[The Ark series|''The Ark'' series]] books.
#The third is his final model, which has much boxer shapes to his design. This model omits the differently-colored rear-window and replaces the pre-final model's red eyes with blue eyes. Due to all of the episodes Pipes appears in being animated by [[AKOM]], the majority of his appearances give him the red eyes of the pre-final model, despite them using the final, meaning that no 100% accurate version of Pipes is ever shown on-screen.
* Pipes shifts between about five different physical appearances in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5]]". Of these five appearances, his early toy-accurate model, and his final model appear to be at play. His coloration on the other hand, is solely based on his pre-final model's, with hints of the final model's color differences slipping their way in on occasion. The five different appearances are as follows:
# The early model based directly on the toy.
# The aforementioned model, but with the addition of hands.
# The final model, with the pre-final model's colors (gray rear-window behind his head and red eyes).
# The final model, with the correct blue eyes, but incorrect gray rear-window (the colors that Hasbro happened to use for his ''Kingdom'' toy).
# The final model, with the correct uncoloured rear-window, but the incorrect red eyes (this is also the way he is depicted in "[[Forever Is a Long Time Coming (episode)|Forever Is a Long Time Coming]]").

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Pipes''' (パイプス ''Paipusu'')
*''French:'' '''Tuyo''' (Canada)
*''Hungarian:'' '''Csőtörő'''
*''Italian:'' '''Roccia'''
*''Mandarin:'' '''Guǎnzi''' (管子, "Pipe"), '''Pipes''' (Taiwan, 拍普斯 ''Pāipǔsī'')
*''Russian:'' '''Gudok''' (Гудок, "Hooter")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Blue Order]]
[[Category:Combiner Wars Autobots]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) Autobots]]
[[Category:IDW (2019) Autobots]]
[[Category:Lost Light crew]]
[[Category:Mini Vehicles]]
[[Category:Wings Universe Autobots]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Kingdom Autobots]]

Under Cold Blue Stars

2022-04-25T23:43:14Z

Gladiatrix: comma splice

{{Comicstory
|series=mtmte|issueno=15
|prev=Remembrance Day
|next=The Gloaming
|caption=''I knew in all the world that there existed no can large enough for us to ever cram them all back in.''
|image=MTMTE15 cvrA.jpg
|title="Under Cold Blue Stars"
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[March 20]], [[2013]]
|coverdate=March 2013
|story by=[[James Roberts]]
|pencils by=[[Alex Milne]]
|inks by=Alex Milne, [[Marc Deering]], [[Brian Shearer]] and [[Phyllis Novin]]
|colors by=[[Josh Burcham]] with [[Josh Perez]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
|letters by=[[Tom B. Long]]
|assistant editor=[[Mariel Romero-Ocaranza]]
|editor=[[John Barber]]
|continuity=[[2005 IDW continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[2005 IDW timeline|Current era (2013)]]
}}
'''Chromedome must face the consequences of his actions as Overlord runs wild on the ''Lost Light'', and not everyone survives...'''

==Synopsis==
[[File:Overlord bigfight UnderColdBlueStars.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|left|''They see the face of the tiger.'']]
''Mere seconds pass as [[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] overcomes his brief paralysis and races to open the [[slow cell]] [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] left him in. But thirty minutes have passed outside the cell, and Chromedome steps out into a warzone!''

''Thirty minutes earlier...''

As the ''Lost Light'' is currently passing through an asteroid belt, [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] has been charged with cutting a path for the ship through the space-rocks, but lets [[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] vent a little of his frustration by allowing him to blow up one of the asteroids with the ship's targeting system. The pair are then joined on the bridge by [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]], who is inquiring if Blaster has made contact with [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] yet; he has not, and is unlikely to, but Pipes leaves him with a message to send to [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] on the offchance that contact is made while he is attending movie night. Puttering down the ship's corridors in [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]], Pipes rounds a corridor and bumps into someone's foot, and briefly starts to apologise before looking up to see the sole of Overlord's gigantic boot coming down toward him. Stomped repeatedly by the Decepticon until his body is utterly shattered beyond repair, Pipes's [[spark]] extinguishes, but not before he is able to trigger the alarm system.

Across the ''Lost Light'', life is proceeding as normal. [[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] visits [[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] in his lab, concerned from recent nightmares of Chromedome's that his partner and the scientist are up to something, and is accompanied by [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]], who accidentally subjects himself to the effects of Brainstorm's [[metafictional bomb]], which makes him think he is a fictional character; [[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] tells [[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] that the map within the [[Matrix of Leadership]] cannot be copied; [[Rung (G1)|Rung]] visits [[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] in the brig and forgives him for his actions; and [[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] works on an unseen project in [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]'s workshop, until [[Skids (G1)|Skids]] rushes in to warn him that [[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] is furious, having discovered that movie night is to be held in the pair's quarters. All of these domestic scenes are loudly interrupted by the sounding of the alarm, which also prompts [[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]], down in the medibay, to radio up to Rodimus for information. The medibay is also chosen by Overlord as his first port of call, but Ratchet is able to detect his presence and hold him off long enough for [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] to arrive and join him in squaring off against the Decepticon titan.

Rodimus and the vast majority of the rest of the crew arrive to the sight of a legless Drift and a badly beaten Ratchet, and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] is the first to charge into action, still carrying guilt over the fates of the Wreckers he left to face Overlord on [[Garrus-9]]. After a brief beating, Overlord seizes Magnus's fist with ease and begins to laugh: he has realised that Ultra Magnus has not been holding back, while he himself has. Overlord stabs Magnus through the spark with Drift's [[Great Sword]], and is then set upon by the rest of the crew; [[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] rushes to the fallen Magnus's aid, but regretfully confirms that while he may be able to slow the rate of his spark's shrinkage, he will not be able to save him.

Chromedome arrives on the scene just as Overlord seizes Rodimus and prepares to turn his finger-drills on him, asking the Autobot leader for any last words. When Rodimus replies "[['Til all are one]]", however, the result is most unexpected: Overlord goes wide-eyed, drops him, and begins panicking. As the liberated Fortress Maximus appears on the scene to take up the fight, eager for revenge against Overlord, Chromedome explains to Drift that while in Overlord's mind, he carried out a process known as "[[Trepan's Trigger]]", altering the Decepticon's memories so that the phrase was associated with all his past defeats; thus, when Rodimus ''inevitably'' said it, it would trigger Overlord's pathological fear of defeat. Hurt and confused by what he hears of the conversation, Rewind tries to talk to his partner, but greater matters take priority: Chromedome assures him they will talk later as he has Maximus force the shell-shocked Overlord back into the slow cell, intending to jettison it from the ship. But another of Drift's stolen swords sticks in the doors and prevents them from closing all the way, so Rewind bravely squeezes through the small gap between the doors and pulls it free, even as Chromedome reaches out to stop him. The doors slam shut, severing Chromedome's arm and trapping Rewind in the cell, and the ejection countdown begins. Chromedome tries to tell Rewind something, but his words go unheard through the door's glass, while Rewind, equally unheard, apologises to his partner for things not working out. As the cell falls away from the ship, Rewind turns to see Overlord looming over him...

Chromedome races to the ship's bridge, and locks onto the cell with the targeting system. Intent on sparing Rewind the horror of being trapped with Overlord, he fires upon the cell in an act of mercy. As it explodes, Chromedome collapses in anguish.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
{{{!}}border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background:transparent"
{{!}}-
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Chromedome (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Chromedome]] (2)
*[[Powerflash]] (3)
*[[Aquafend]] (4)
*[[Hot Rod (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rodimus]] (5)
*[[Jackpot (G1)|Jackpot]] (6)
*[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] (7)
*[[Blades (G1)|Blades]] (8)
*[[Dogfight (G1)|Dogfight]] (9)
*[[Ambulon]] (10)
*[[Boss (G1)|Boss]] (11)
*[[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]] (12)
*[[Skids (G1)|Skids]] (13)
*[[Rung (G1)|Rung]] (14)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] (15)
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] (16)
*[[Hound (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Hound]] (17)
*[[Gears (G1)|Gears]] (18)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (19)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (20)
*[[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]] (21)
*[[Whirl (G1)|Whirl]] (22)
*[[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] (23)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] (24)
*[[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] (25)
*[[Brainstorm (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Brainstorm]] (26)
*[[Rewind (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Rewind]] (27)
{{!}}style="background:transparent;border:0px" valign="top"{{!}}
*[[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] (28)
*[[Perceptor (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Perceptor]] (29)
*[[Fortress Maximus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Fortress Maximus]] (35)
*[[Ratchet (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ratchet]] (38)
*[[Drift (G1)|Drift]] (39)
*[[First Aid (G1)|First Aid]] (40)
*[[Xaaron]] (41)
*[[Atomizer]] (42)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Ultra Magnus]] (43)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Sunstreaker]] (44)
*[[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]] (45)
*[[Pointblank]] (46)
{{!}}}
|c2=
*[[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]] (1)
*[[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]] (30)
*[[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]] (31)
*Three other prisoners (32-34)
|c4=
*[[Tailgate (G1)|Tailgate]] (36)
*[[Cyclonus (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Cyclonus]] (37)
}}

==Quotes==

"What makes you think I've even '''seen''' Chromedome?" 
"Because you're friends with him, and because... because..." 
"Come on, '''Rewind''', 'because...'" 
"Because he's been saying your name in his sleep." 
"Whoa! Who's more embarrassed, you or me? Clue: IT'S YOU."
:—'''Brainstorm''' and '''Rewind'''

"Oi—ship's genius—what happens if I press this button?" 
"Don't press it. Did you press it? '''Swerve?''' Tell me you didn't press it." 
"Course I didn't press it... but what if I '''had''' pressed it?" 
:—'''Swerve''' and '''Brainstorm''', pre meta-bomb

"Guess what? I pressed it. Nothing happened." 
"I didn't see you press it..." 
"Yeah, it must have happened '''off-panel.'''" 
:—'''Swerve''' and '''Rewind''', post meta-bomb

"Rodimus? Tool up and get down to the medibay. Bring EVERYONE. And if anything happens to me, tell '''First Aid''' he's ready, tell '''Whirl''' he can have my hands, and tell all my '''patients'''... that they'll have to make new appointments."
:—'''Ratchet''', badass.

"Everyone can die. Trust me, I know about these things."
:—'''Cyclonus''', also badass.

"You're angry." 
"No, I'm past that. It's—what I feel is worse than anger. In fact I don't know—" 
"What?" 
"I really don't know if I can forgive you for this." 
"We'll finish this conversation later. We will. I promise."
:—'''Chromedome''' and '''Rewind'''

"I'm sorry, Domey. I'm sorry things didn't work out."
:—'''Rewind'''

==Notes==

===Continuity notes===
*The weapons systems that are oh-so-key to the opening and closing scenes of this issue are evidently the new [[proton missile]] launchers that the Autobots picked up while on [[Hedonia]] in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]], as noted in the "[[Signal to Noise]]" story.
*All the Autobots appearing in the issue's opening double-page spread are ones who have been seen among the ship's crew of 200-ish already, save one—[[Blades (G1)|Blades]], who, true to form, is looking a bit ''too'' excited about the possibility of a bloody good scrap.
*Also in the double-page spread, Ambulon is crashing a [[Mobile Autobot Repair Bay|M.A.R.B.]] into Overlord's back. The arrows in Overlord's torso, meanwhile, indicate that bow-fancier [[Atomizer]] got a few good shots in.
*The subspace communicator's failure to work was noted in [[More than Meets the Eye issue 13|issue #13]]'s "[[Signal to Noise]]".
*Pipes refers to when he "got a bit sick"—with [[Red Rust]], back in [[Life After the Big Bang|issue #5]]—and "a bit shot"—by Fortress Maximus ([[Interiors|#6]]), Decepticons ([[Before & After|#12]]), and Brainstorm (mentioned in [[Cybertronian Homesick Blues|#13]]). His streak of bad luck culminates in the ultimate in misfortune that befalls him this issue, as he is the first of the crew to die by Overlord's hand. Er, foot.
*The Decepticons in the brig have been prisoners there since their capture in [[Before & After|issue #12]]. Their identities are hard to discern as they are all cast in blue light, but the one with the squid tentacles is assuredly [[Tentakil (G1)|Tentakil]], not least of all because the [[Seacon (G1)|Seacon]]s were among those involved in that adventure.
*Ultra Magnus left the Wreckers off at Garrus-9 in [[Last Stand of the Wreckers issue 2|''Last Stand of the Wreckers'' #2]], before going off to join the proceedings in the [[The Transformers (IDW)|ongoing series]]. A bad decision on many levels.
*First Aid uses exactly the same sentence to describe Magnus's diminishing spark—"His spark is shrinking by the second"—as he used to summarize the wounded Rewind's condition in issue #12. Foreshadowing the events of this issue, he remarked in #12 that "A bigger 'bot—a Magnus—would bounce back." Oooooh, guess not.
*Speaking of foreshadowing for Magnus's fate, it's really been painted all over the series from the outset. Magnus's [http://ryalltime.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/mtmte-teaser-ultra-magnus/ original promotional image for the series] promised that "Ultra Magnus won't make it", and his looming expiry has even been thematically alluded to with such visuals as his name written on the side of [[Torque (G1)|a bomb]] in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|issue #8]]. That, and, uh, Overlord is punching straight through his stomach on the cover of this very issue. Not to mention the fact that the Necrobot was seen in [[Scavengers (Part 2): Who's Afraid of the DJD?|an earlier issue]] with a data pad that listed a number of characters as dead, including Magnus. Marked for death, indeed.
*All of this said? Magnus is not actually seen to die on-panel.
*Overlord has finger-drills as part of his rudimentary training in [[mnemosurgery]]; he notes that he wanted to have needles, like the other practitioners of the science we have seen, such as Chromedome and [[Trepan]], for whom "Trepan's Trigger" is named. Probably not good for anybody that Chromedome's arm got sliced off and ended up in Overlord's cell, then.
*"'Til all are one" appeared amongst Overlord's memories a few times last issue, and most readers noticed it, since it was added into one scene we had seen before where it was not originally spoken.
*As he squeezes through the door to remove the sword, Rewind remarks that "Every shape serves a purpose", a slogan we have heard a few times during ''More than Meets the Eye'', which originated back in the days of [[Functionism]]. Specifically, though, we ''first'' heard it waaay back in the [[Liars, A to D Part 1: How to Say Goodbye and Mean It|very first issue]]... when Rewind uttered it in response to being teased over his [[alternate mode]]. We can't handle this much foreshadowing, you guys.
*We don't know what Chromedome is trying to tell Rewind; of course he could be trying to say "[[Transformer romance|I love you]]", but a possible dark slant is suggested by last issue's revelation that Chromedome has kept a horrible secret about his past from Rewind.
*As a contingent in case he is killed by Overlord, Ratchet says Whirl can have his [[Pharma (G1)|hands]]. Following Ratchet's eventual death in the far future, Drift does in fact try to give Whirl Ratchet's appropriated hands.

===Transformers references===
[[File:IDWMtMtE15-FortMaxOverlordThwok.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|I prefer to CAPSMAK, myself. Others enjoy a good DETHTRPPP. But Max is just a THWOK sorta guy.]]
*The schematic on the screen behind Brainstorm is of a spaceship-mode Fortress Maximus. Note that this isn't Max's alternate mode in IDW continuity; we get our first fleeting glimpse of his vehicle form on page 17 of this issue (right).
*Two very small Perceptor-like scientific instruments were among those on Brainstorm's desk last issue; between then and now, he has clearly abandoned all pretense, as a ''huge'' Perceptor-like microscope is sitting on view in his lab.
[[File:Brainstorm-PerceptorEnvyscopes.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|right|Compensating for something?]]

===Real-life references===
*This issue is named after the indie folk album ''{{w|Under Cold Blue Stars}}'' by {{w|Josh Rouse}}.
*We hardly need to explain the real-life concept of the {{w|fourth wall}} to you, do we?

===Trivia===
*When Swerve starts speechifying during the battle ("Death in the ranks!" etc.), he is actually quoting IDW's original catalogue solicitation for this issue, under the influence of the meta-bomb.
*This issue's "Meet the Cast" pages is modified to add large red X's over Ultra Magnus, Rewind and Pipes.
*''All'' the letters in this issue's letters page are from women. That's pretty awesome.

===Errors===
*In the Story So Far section, Decepticon is misspelt Deceoticon.
*During his talk with Rewind, Brainstorm's eyes are colored blue instead of his characteristic yellow-orange.
*Page 14, Panel 1: Crosshairs is miscolored as Trailcutter. This is not corrected in the TPB.
*Page 17, Panel 3: "Mneumonic" is possibly another one of MTMTE's trademark Big Ideas, a portmanteau of mnemonic and pneumonic that hints at the weird, alien nature of robot memory... or it's, y'know, a typo for "mnemonic." As it was corrected to "mnemonic" for the TPB we can fairly assume the latter.
*Seems like the letters page included in this issue was originally intended to see print in issue #14, given the reply to Catherine's letter, which remarks on several features of that issue's story, and not this one's.

===Crew manifest===
*Pipes is killed and Ultra Magnus is fatally wounded by Overlord; Chromedome kills Rewind in an act of mercy.
*7 deaths, 1 fatal wounding, 5 new arrivals (plus 20 or so Faders), and 1 boxed since the launch.

===Soundtrack===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPascN45Yrw "The First of the Gang to Die"] by {{w|Morrissey}}<ref>[https://twitter.com/jroberts332/status/311252090909499392 James Roberts on Twitter]</ref>
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24TcOAjhonU "The Mercy Seat"] by {{w|Johnny Cash}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVfxReLQ7tQ "Brothers and Sisters"] by {{w|Duels (band)|Duels}}

===Foreign localization===
'''Japanese'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Tsumetaku Aoi Hoshiboshi no Shita'''" (冷たく蒼い星々の下, "Under Cold Blue Stars")

'''Swedish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Under Kalla Blå Stjärnor'''" ("Under Cold Blue Stars")

===Covers (3)===
*'''Cover A:''' Overlord on the rampage and the Autobots suffering the consequences, by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
*'''Cover B:''' An abstract image of Rodimus floating in space as Overlord's sumptuous lips close in around him, by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]]
*'''Cover RI:''' Monochrome green bust shot of Overlord, by [[Marcelo Matere]], continuing the previous two months' "bust" theme for the RI covers, paralleling the RI cover to ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Plan for Everything|#15]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE15 cvrA.jpg|SPOILER ALERT!
File:MTMTE15 cvrB.jpg|La la la laaaaaaaa!
File:MTMTE15 cvrRI.jpg|Turns out that frog lied. It's VERY easy being green.
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Plan for Everything|#15]]
*''[[The Transformers: Regeneration One|Regeneration One]]'' [[Natural Selection, Part Four|#89]]
*''[[My Little Pony|My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]] Micro-Series: [[Rainbow Dash]]''
*''The New [[Ghostbusters]]'' (back cover)

===Reprints===
*'''''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Volume 4''''' ([[July 17]], 2013) ISBN 1613776918 / ISBN 978-1613776919 
:*Contains issues #12 to #16.
:*Bonus material includes art from most covers, and the prose story ''[[Signal to Noise]]''.

*'''''Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye Box Set''''' ([[December 2]], [[2015]]) ISBN 1631404741 / ISBN 978-1631404740
:*Contains ''The Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye'' Volumes 1 to 5.
:*Bonus content UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

* '''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 4|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 4]]''''' ([[October 12]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631407155 / ISBN 978-1631407154
:* Contains issues #14 to #16, ''[[The Transformers: Monstrosity|Monstrosity]]'' series, and ''Robots in Disguise'' #12 to #18.

* '''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]]: Volume 57: Remain In Light''''' ([[August 21]], [[2019]])
:* Hardcover collection of ''More than Meets the Eye'' #14 to #21, plus the prose stories "[[Signal to Noise]]" and "[[The Sound of Breaking Glass]]".
:* Bonus content includes a cover gallery and introduction by [[Simon Furman]].

<gallery>
File:MTMTE vol4.jpg|'''''More than Meets the Eye'' Volume 4'''; cover art by [[Alex Milne]] and [[Joana Lafuente]]
File:MTMTE boxset.jpg|'''''More than Meets the Eye'' Box Set'''; cover art by [[Marcelo Matere]]
File:IDWCollectionP2V4.jpg|'''''IDW Collection Phase 2 Vol. 4'''''; cover art by Marcelo Matere and [[Tom B. Long]]
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v57.jpg|'''''Definitive G1 Collection: Volume 57: Remain In Light'''''; cover art by [[Don Figueroa]] (Skids) and Alex Milne (Overlord)
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.fullmetalhero.com/t11957/ Preview]
*[http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-more-than-meets-the-eye-ongoing-15-creator-commentary-with-james-roberts/26917/ Creator Commentary with James Roberts]

The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers

2022-04-24T21:30:50Z

Gladiatrix:

[[File:SotW1_regcvr.jpg|thumb|250px]]
'''''The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers''''' is a 5-issue limited series from [[IDW Publishing]], set in the [[2005 IDW continuity]], and a sequel series to [[2010]]'s ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers]]''. The first issue was released in November 2015.

{{chapters |style=3
|title=''The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers'' issues:
|prev=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
|next=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
|content=
*[[Sins of the Wreckers issue 1|#1]]
*[[Sins of the Wreckers issue 2|#2]]
*[[Sins of the Wreckers issue 3|#3]]
*[[Sins of the Wreckers issue 4|#4]]
*[[Sins of the Wreckers issue 5|#5]]
}}

==Overview==
When [[Prowl (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Prowl]] goes missing, nobody gives a monkey's ass about ''him'' but the dark secrets he holds, if revealed, could potentially re-ignite the war. The only clue is a threatening message sent to Prowl by [[Verity Carlo]] and the only thing the manipulator told anyone was to hire [[Springer (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Springer]] if he's ever missing. When Springer is revived, a new ad-hoc [[Wrecker]]s team is assembled and finds themselves facing the [[Chimeracon]] revolutionaries of [[Mayhem Attack Squad|Mayhem]], a traitor in their own ranks, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Prowl's forgotten ally]]...

...and their own sins and mistakes.

==Creative team==
[[Nick Roche]] returns as the series artist and writer, and [[Josh Burcham]] reprises his role as colorist.

==Collections==
*'''''Sins of the Wreckers'' TPB''' ([[August 24]], [[2016]]) ISBN 1631406698 / ISBN 978-1631406690
**As with the previous Wreckers collection, this one is chock full of extras. Bonus content includes:
***Alternate covers
***Details on Josh Burcham's coloring process
***Noisemaze Logic: Various story commentary and ideas that were not used.
***Something Naughty: artists' character sketches with commentary by Nick Roche.

*'''''[[Transformers: The Wreckers Saga]]'' TPB''' ([[July 4]], [[2018]]) ISBN 1684052211 / ISBN 978-1684052219
:*Collects both ''Sins of the Wreckers'', its predecessor, ''[[The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers|Last Stand of the Wreckers]]'' and sequel ''[[Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers|Requiem of the Wreckers]]''.
:*Extras UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

*'''''[[Transformers: The Definitive G1 Collection]] Volume 69: Sins of the Wreckers''''' ([[September 18]], [[2019]])
:*Contains ''Sins of the Wreckers'' miniseries and ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''.
:*Bonus material includes a cover gallery and introduction by [[Simon Furman]].

*'''''[[The Transformers: The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10|The IDW Collection Phase Two: Volume 10]]''''' ([[January 1]], [[2020]]) ISBN 1684055849 / ISBN 978-1684055845
:*Contains [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'' vol. 2]] issues [[The Transgressors|#44]] to [[The Nothing Man|#45]], ''[[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' issues [[Some Of My Best Friends Are Autobots|#45]] to [[Speak, Memory! (Part 2)|#49]], [[The Transformers: Windblade|''Windblade'' vol. 2]] issues [[Windblade vol. 2 issue 6|#6]] to [[The Will of the Few|#7]], the ''Sins of the Wreckers'' miniseries, the ''[[An Uneventful Night|Combiner Hunters]]'' one-shot and "[[Choose Me]]" and "[[The Thirteenth Day of Christmas]]" from ''[[The Transformers Holiday Special]]''.

<gallery>
File:IDW-SOTW-TPB.jpg|'''''Sins of the Wreckers'' TPB''' cover by [[Nick Roche]] and [[Josh Burcham]].
File:IDW-Wreckers-Saga.jpg|'''''The Wreckers Saga''''' art by Nick Roche.
File:DefinitiveG1Collection v69.jpg|'''''The Definitive G1 Collection Volume 69: Sins of the Wreckers''''' cover by [[Don Figueroa]] and Nick Roche
File:IDWCollectionP2V10.jpg|'''''The IDW Collection, Vol. 10''''' cover by [[Marcelo Matere]]
</gallery>

==Notes==
*The look of the Chimeracons was taken from [[Jack Lawrence]]'s ''Beast Wars'' [[Transmasters UK]] fancomics (with permission from Lawrence). Back there, done before the show made it to the British Isles, Lawrence had the Beasties 'rip' through their flesh, which hangs off them in robot form. <ref>[https://twitter.com/NickRoche/status/760412184031690757 Nick Roche's twitter, previewing the trade's extras]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT: Sins of the Wreckers}}
[[Category:IDW (2005) comic series]]
[[Category:Sins of the Wreckers issues| ]]

User:Gladiatrix

2022-04-12T15:58:36Z

Gladiatrix: Created page with "hi there!"

hi there!