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Transformers Energon Universe 2025 Special story

2025-05-15T12:57:17Z

Guy in a Box: /* Real-life references */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]''
|prev=G.I. Joe Energon Universe 2025 Special story
|next=Void Rivals Energon Universe 2025 Special story
|seriesissue2=''[[Transformers (2023 comic)|Transformers]]''
|prev2=Transformers (2023) issue 19
|next2=Transformers (2023) issue 20
|image=Energon Universe 2025 Special Cover B.jpg
|caption=
|title=
|publisher=[[Image Comics]] [[Skybound Entertainment]]
|date=[[May 3]], [[2025]]
|written by=[[Daniel Warren Johnson]]
|art by=Daniel Warren Johnson
|colors by=[[Mike Spicer]]
|letters by=[[Rus Wooton]]
|continuity=[[Energon Universe]]
|chronology=
}}

'''Jazz wants to play in harmony with his fellow bots, but he just can’t seem to avoid jamming to his own rhythm.'''

==Synopsis==
''Years ago, on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] is kicked out of his band with [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] right before their big performance because he can’t stay on the beat and keeps improvising. Later that evening, using an intergalactic radio devised by [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], he listens to a strange sound that fascinates him. He excitedly shares his discovery with [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], who appreciates his friend’s sense of wonder, but politely asks him to turn the noise off.''

In the present, on [[Earth]], Optimus and Jazz are driving down a road when Jazz suddenly hears that same noise off in the distance. He swerves off the road in an effort to find the source, arriving at a cocktail lounge. He peers inside to see a group of jazz musicians playing to an attentive crowd. He smiles, finally finding what he was looking for all those years ago.

==Featured characters==
Characters in ''italic text'' appear only in photographs. 
{{Featuredcharacters
|c1=
* ''[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]'' (1)
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (2)
* ''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]'' (3)
* ''[[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]]'' (4)
* ''[[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]'' (5)
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (6)

|h3=Others|c3=
* Jazz musicians (7)
}}

==Quotes==
"Optimus… have you ever hunted for something? Something you barely know exists?" 
"I’m not sure I know what you mean, my friend." 
"Listening to this… is like finding a new question to ask. It’s a brand new journey."

:–'''Jazz''' and '''Optimus Prime'''

==Notes==
===Continuity notes===
* This story reveals that most of the main cast of Transformers were in a band either before or during the war. That just rules.
* Where exactly this story fits in with the ongoing narrative of the Transformers series is unclear, but it would appear to be some sort of flash forward. One key detail to note is that the “present day” pages show Optimus with his normal right arm, not [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]’s, which he’s had since [[Transformers (2023) issue 4|Transformers #4]] (the same issue where Jazz was first awoken, meaning it can’t take place earlier).

===Real-life references===
* The B cover to the Energon Universe 2025 Special (as pictured above) features many real album covers and references to real recording artists, including:
** [[Fab Four|The Beatles]]
** {{w|Blood Incantation}}’s {{w|Absolute Elsewhere}}
** Brooticus, the fictional band from Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer’s previous comic, ''Murder Falcon'' (the titular character of which also appears in a photograph).
** {{w|Carcass (band)|Carcass}}'s {{w|Heartwork}}
** {{w|Megadeth}}
** {{w|MF Doom}} and {{w|Madlib}}'s {{w|Madvillainy}}
** {{w|MXPX}}
** {{w|Power Trip (band)|Power Trip}}
** {{w|Racer X (band)|Racer X}}
** {{w|Relient K}}
** {{w|Toto (band)|Toto}}’s {{w|Africa (song)|Africa}}
** {{w|The Velvet Underground}}'s {{w|The Velvet Underground & Nico}}
** {{w|Bruce Springsteen}}'s {{w|Born in the U.S.A.}}
** {{w|Rush (Band)|Rush}}
** {{w|Big Star}}'s {{w|Number 1 Record}} and {{w|Radio City (album)|Radio City}}
** {{w|Watchtower (band)|Watchtower}}'s {{w|Control and Resistance}}
** And most importantly, [[The Transformers: The Movie - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]]
* The cocktail lounge Jazz discovers is the famous {{w|Green Mill Cocktail Lounge}} in [[Chicago]].

===Reprints===
* '''''Transformers Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' ([[November 25]], [[2025]]) ISBN 1534332588 / ISBN 978-1534332584 
** Collects ''Transformers'' issues #19–24 and the ''Transformers'' story from ''[[Energon Universe 2025 Special]]''.
** Trade paperback format.

<gallery>
File:Transformers 2023 V4.jpg|'''''Volume 4: Conquer and Control''''' – cover art by Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer
</gallery>

[[Category:Transformers (2023) issues]]

KC-59

2025-05-04T17:22:01Z

Guy in a Box: This might be too specific of a joke so if anyone wants to change it, feel free

{{factions|autobot}}
:''KC-59 is an [[Autobot]] from the [[NFL]] (via [[Transformers Collaborative|Collaborative]]).''
[[File:KC-59.jpg|thumb|upright=2.33|Taylor Swift not included.]]

'''KC-59''' plays for the {{w|Kansas City Chiefs}}.

==Toys==
===''Collaborative''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''KC-59''' (2025)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories:'' helmet, football

: ''[[Transformers Collaborative|Collaborative]]'' KC-59 transforms from a Kansas City Chiefs football helmet, to a Deluxe-sized robot. He features a removable football helmet for his robot mode, as well as a small football that the figure can hold.

:KC-59 was recolored into [[Tundra Prime]], and retooled with alternate heads to make [[Starblitz]] and [[Steelsmash]].

==Notes==
*The Kansas City Chiefs were founded in 1959, thus KC-59's name.

[[Category:Athletes]]
[[Category:Collaborative Autobots]]
[[Category:NFL]]

Megatron (One)

2024-09-28T16:48:46Z

Guy in a Box: /* Toys */

{{factions|decepticon|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Megatron}}
:''Megatron is a [[Decepticon]] from [[Transformers One (franchise)|One]].''
[[File:Megatron (One).jpg|right|300px|thumb|Upright=1.66|]]

The humble energon miner known only as '''D-16''' was a stickler to protocol, a [[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]] fanboy who believed strict adherence to the system and its rules would one day allow him to ascend to greater heights. His attitude often served as a reality check and grounding presence to his best friend, the bold and adventurous [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]]. However, after experiencing events that left his entire worldview turned upside down, D-16 would embark on a path consumed by anger and revenge... a path that corrupted him into a despotic villain even worse than the one he rose up to fight against. A villain called '''Megatron'''.

{{bigquote|The age of [[Thirteen|Primes]] has ended! No more [[Sentinel Prime (One)|false prophets]]! Follow me, and you will never again be deceived!! RISE UP!!!|D-16 declaring a new era|''[[Transformers One (film)|Transformers One]]''}}

==Fiction==
===''One'' film===
{{voiceactor|[[Brian Tyree Henry]] (English), [[Subaru Kimura]] (Japanese)|[[Baptiste Marc]] (European French), [[Lalo Capetillo]] (Latin-American Spanish), [[Erick Selim]] (Latin-American Spanish, first trailer), [[Gerardo Vásquez]] (Latin-American Spanish, tv spot), [[Jan-David Rönfeldt]] (German, first and second Trailer), [[Romulo Estrela]] (Brazilian Portuguese), [[Simone Mori]] (Italian)}}

{{spoilers|Transformers One (film)|October 21}}

A cogless energon miner and big [[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]] fan, D-16 often found himself bailing his best friend, [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]], out of trouble. On one such occasion, after Orion had been caught trespassing in the archives, he gave D-16 a rare sticker of Megatronus to wear proudly on his shoulder. During a mining expedition with their captain [[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]], D-16 and Orion broke protocol when an unstable energon vein caused a collapse, staying behind to free the trapped [[Jazz (One)|Jazz]].

After a transmission from Cybertron’s leader, [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]], announced that the Iacon 5000 race was happening the following day, Orion tricked his friend into entering, using jetpacks to compensate for their inability to transform. Despite briefly taking the lead, the two ultimately placed last after D-16 was injured on the final stretch. Berating Orion for the trouble they were about to be in for daring to enter, the two friends were surprised when Sentinel Prime paid them a visit in the medbay and congratulated them for inspiring the other miners, promising they would be patched up in his quarters. However, before [[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] could escort them there, [[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]], furious at almost being beaten by two miners, tossed them down to sublevel 50, where they met the energetic [[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]].

[[File:TF-One-D-16.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Rare footage of young Megatron before [[Michael Bay|puberty]] turned him into a monstrous warlord.]]
While being shown B-127's garbage statues, Orion discovered a transmitter that gave coordinates on the possible location of the [[Matrix of Leadership]], which had been lost for cycles, causing the energon to stop flowing. Though initially skeptical, D-16 eventually agreed to accompany Orion and B-127 to the surface to search for the artifact. Hitching a ride on a transport train with Elita-1 trying to stop them, the quartet was thrown from their transport after reaching the surface. After convincing Elita to join them on their quest, they arrived at an ancient cave containing the bodies of the fallen Primes. Although the Matrix was nowhere to be found, the four discovered that [[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]]’s spark still flickered and revived him with an energon cube. Trion told them of the lie they had been living, about how Sentinel betrayed the Primes in favor of making a deal with the invading Quintessons and removed the transformation cogs from newly born Cybertronians so they could mine energon for the Quintessons.

Enraged by this revelation, D-16 vowed to kill Sentinel, unnerving his comrades. Trion granted the four transformation cogs, taken from the bodies of the fallen Primes. Fleeing from Sentinel's Death Trackers, the former Cybertronian High Guard captured the four. Unwilling to back down, D-16 fought the Guard's leader, [[Starscream (One)|Starscream]], defeating him and seizing control of the Guard. Before they could launch an attack, however, they were found by Sentinel’s forces, with D-16, B-127 and several others being captured and brought to Sentinel’s tower. D-16 refused to kneel before the false Prime who, noticing his Megatronus decal, painfully cut the symbol into his chest and revealed that he stole Megatronus' transformation cog after killing him.

After being freed in a siege led by Orion and Elita-1, D-16 seized the opportunity to attack Sentinel. Despite being outmatched, a citywide broadcast of Airachnid's memories revealing Sentinel's treachery gave D-16 the opening to overpower Sentinel. Aiming his fusion cannon at the false Prime, D-16 was horrified when his shot hit an intercepting Orion, who had attempted to stop him from becoming like Sentinel. Eventually deciding he was done saving his friend, D-16 let Orion fall into Cybertron's core and tore Sentinel in half, seizing Megatronus' cog from his chest and declaring himself "Megatron". Rallying the High Guard to ransack the city, Megatron briefly fought B-127 and Elita-1 before Orion, repaired and empowered by the Matrix of Leadership into Optimus Prime, returned to the surface. In the ensuing battle, Optimus overpowered Megatron and banished him from Iacon, lamenting to his former friend about how he had chosen to destroy Cybertron like Sentinel had. Declaring that this wasn't over, Megatron and the High Guard retreated.

In the shadows, Megatron and his new followers named themselves "[[Decepticon]]s" and swore revenge on Optimus. {{storylink|Transformers One (film)|One}}

{{--}}

==Toys==
===''One''===
[[File:TF-One-Mega-Changers-Megatron-D-16.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron/D-16''' (Mega Changers, [[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Fusion Cannon
:Another repackage of the ''[[Transformers Authentics|Authentics]]'' Titan Changer [[Megatron (G1)/toys#TitanChanger|Megatron]], released as part of the rebranded "Mega Changers" line of [[Transformers One (toyline)|''Transformers One'' toys]]. He transforms from a thin robot to a tank. The fusion cannon can be mounted on either arm or held in either fist via a 5 mm post. His only articulates at his ball-jointed shoulders.

{{-}}{{anchor|RobotBattlers}}
[[File:TF-One-Robot-Battlers-Megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[Megatron_(G1)/Generations_toys#Generations_Selects|Super Megatron]] 2, Electric Boogaloo]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Optimus Prime vs. Megatron''' (Robot Battlers, 2024)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Energon sword, Fusion Cannon, base
:"Robot Battlers" Megatron transforms from a robot to a Cybertronian tank. The figure can be placed on a base in order to perform action moves by sliding the finger slots, with the goal of knocking an opponent's figure off of their base. He is packaged in a 2-pack set with [[Optimus Prime (One)#RobotBattlers|Optimus Prime]], and includes an additional cannon accessory that plugs over his arm alongside the standard Energon sword.

{{-}}{{anchor|Race&Blast}}
[[File:TF-One-Race-&-Blast-Megatron-D-16-and-Decepticon-Whirlwing.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Whirlwing is trying ''really'' hard to not think about how he's being launched from D-16's crotch.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron/D-16 & Decepticon Whirlwing''' (Race & Blast 2-Pack, 2024)}}</ul>
:This [[Target]]-exclusive "Race & Blast" Megatron is a retool of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Overload (RID)#Toys|Overload]], with a new head, chest, shins, and cannon. He transforms into a Cybertronian tank. In this mode, the front clamp between his treads can be loaded with his partner [[Whirlwing]]—or any other [[Cyclone]]-style [[Mini-Con]]—and launched by pushing the trigger next to his Fusion Cannon.

{{-}}{{anchor|RaceChangers}}
[[File:TF-One-Race-Changers-2pk-Optimus-Prime-Orion-Pax-vs-Megatron-D-16.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Optimus Prime/Orion Pax vs. Megatron/D-16''' (Race Changers, 2024)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': launcher
:"Race Changers" Megatron/D-16 is, shockingly, a retool of the tank version of [[Megatron (G1)/toys#Bot Shots|Bot Shots Megatron]] from 2012. The design of the front of the tank has been changed and missile pods have been added to the back of the tank. He features a spring-loaded [[autotransformation|automatic transformation]] to robot mode triggered when his front is pressed. His chest spinner no longer has the battle gimmick, only a Decepticon insignia on one side with the other sides left blank. The included launcher is a new design.

:Megatron comes in a Target-exclusive 2-pack with [[Optimus Prime (One)#RaceChangers|Optimus Prime/Orion Pax]]. They can be launched at each other for combative play or have the launchers connected side-by-side for racing action. Interestingly, the launchers have "2017" molded into their bottoms, whereas the original [[Bot Shots (toyline)|Bot Shots toyline]] ended in 2013. This suggests these remolds were made for an earlier toyline but ultimately weren't released until now.

{{-}}{{anchor|IaconRace}}
[[File:Tfone-racing-warrior-megatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Talking about this toy will make you feel like you're playing chess.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Megatron/D-16 / Optimus Prime/Orion Pax / Autobot Mirage''' (Iacon Race 3-pack, 2024)}}</ul>
:Released as part of the Target-exclusive Iacon Race 3-pack, Megatron/D-16 is a retool of the first ''[[Transformers: Cyberverse (toyline)|Cyberverse]]'' [[Megatron (Cyberverse)#1-Step Changers|Megatron]] 1-Step Changer and transforms between robot and tank modes in one step.

:Megatron/D-16 comes packaged with [[Mirage (One)#One|Mirage]] and [[Optimus Prime (One)#IaconRace|Optimus Prime/Orion Pax]]. Initial listings for the set had the name "Racing Warrior 3-pack".

{{-}}{{anchor|CogChangers}}
[[File:TF-One-Cog-Changers-Megatron-D-16.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron/D-16''' (Cog Changers, 2024)}}</ul>
:Released as part of the second wave of ''Transformers One'' Cog Changers, Megatron/D-16 transforms from robot to Cybertronian tank by sliding up and pressing a transformation cog shaped panel on his chest. Transformation into robot mode is done manually.
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{--}}

===''Studio Series''===
[[File:StudioSeriesDeluxeOneMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|[[The Loyal Subjects|Him Megatron have legs that go for miiiles]].]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' (Deluxe Class, [[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''Movie'': '''''Transformers One'''''
:*''Hasbro ID number'': '''114'''
:*''Accessories'': Fusion Cannon, Arm Cannon, 2 small cannons, turret base, "Metroplis of Iacon" backdrop
{{toydesigner|[[Koki Yamada]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfy3IcQd3g4 The Hasbro ''Transformers'' Panel] at [[San Diego Comic-Con#2024|San Diego Comic-Con 2024]] with [[Mario Carreiro]], [[John Warden]], [[Evan Brooks]], and [[Nate Purswell]], recorded at the "Memo's Collection" YouTube channel.</ref>

:Released in the final wave of 2024 ''[[Studio Series]]'' toys, Megatron is based on his final form in ''Transformers One'' (but with the fusion cannon of his second form), transforming into a Cybertronian tank. His fusion cannon and smaller arm cannon can mount on either arm and combine to form the main turret of the tank mode. The pair of smaller cannons can attach to the turret or sides of his tank mode. He also comes with a backdrop depicting the [[Iacon]] cityscape as seen in the film.

:Megatron was first revealed at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] along with the rest of his wave. This figure was included in a special "Media Influencer Box" sent out to select parties in late September—two months before the figure's scheduled release.
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Merchandise==
===''Transformers One''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron''' ([[2024]])}}</ul>
:A children's product based off his appearance in the ''One'' film, the Megatron costume is comprised of a bodysuit and mask.

===Blokees===
====''Galaxy Version''====
[[File:Blokees GV05 D-16.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|]]
*'''D-16 COG''' (2024)
**''Series:'' '''Galaxy Version 05 - One'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 open hands, fusion cannon, secondary cannon, spare peg-and-ball piece, stand

:[[Blokees]] D-16 is a 4.25 inch tall non-transforming buildable figure representing his post-cog body. He appears once in every case of nine blind boxes. As with the rest of his wave, D features an upgraded suite of standard body parts, with sturdier hinge joints and slightly more complex builds than their Generation 1 counterparts.

:D-16 includes the usual pairs of gripping fists and open hands, his original fusion cannon, his secondary cannon, and a two-studded connectable figure stand. He also features the Megatronus decal on his left shoulder, as well as the later approximation of it burned into his chest. You may want to buy a second copy if you want to depict both options accurately.
{{--}}

====''Classic Class''====
*'''Megatron''' (2024)
**''ID number:'' '''12'''
**''Accessories:'' 2 rest hands, 2 grip hands, fusion cannon, secondary cannon, 2 figure stands, 2 energy effects
{{toystub}}
{{comingsoontoy}}

==Notes==
* D-16's cogless form with his black, dome-shaped helmet resembles Megatron's [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Comics appearance]], which in turn was based on concept art for an unproduced prototype version of the original Takara Micro Change figure.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Megatron''' (メガトロン ''Megatoron'')

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:One-D-16-stock.jpg|Original miner body
File:One-D-16-cog form.jpg|Cogged form
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:One Decepticons]]
[[Category:Studio Series Decepticons]]

Transformers One (film)

2024-09-21T15:04:01Z

Guy in a Box: /* Transformers references */ figured that Chromia didn't count as much as an Easter egg since she shows up in person later on

{{Nav-one}}
{{movie|
|seriess=Transformers One
|prev=
|next=
|title=''Transformers One''
|image=Transformers One New Theatrical Poster.jpg
|caption=The Motion Picture you are about to see is an adaptation of the [[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]] story. While artistic and historical license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for [[fandom|millions of people worldwide]].
|production companies=[[Hasbro Entertainment]] [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura|di Bonaventura Pictures]] Bayhem Films [[Paramount Animation]] New Republic Pictures
|distributor=[[Paramount Pictures]]
|executive producer=[[Steven Spielberg]] [[Zev Foreman]] [[Olivier Dumont]] [[Brian Oliver]] [[B.J. Farmer]] [[Matt Quigg]]
|producer=[[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] [[Tom DeSanto]] [[Don Murphy]] [[Michael Bay]] [[Mark Vahradian]] [[Aaron Dem]]
|story by=[[Andrew Barrer]] [[Gabriel Ferrari]]
|screenplay by=[[Eric Pearson]] Andrew Barrer Gabriel Ferrari
|directed by=[[Josh Cooley]]
|cinematography by=
|edited by=
|music by= [[Brian Tyler]]
|release date=[[September 20]], [[2024]]
|runtime=104 minutes
|budget= $75 million
|box office=
|credits=Transformers One (film)/credits
}}

'''''Transformers One''''' is an animated film released on [[September 20]], [[2024]]. It is written by [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]],<ref name="deadlinereveal">[https://deadline.com/2015/09/transformers-writers-room-akiva-goldsman-transformers-5-1201531918/ 'Transformers' Writers Room Wraps] on Deadline</ref> and directed by [[Josh Cooley]].<ref name="cooleyreveal">[https://deadline.com/2020/04/transformers-animated-movie-paramount-hasbro-toy-story-4-director-josh-cooley-1202921100/ Animated 'Transformers' Prequel Activated; 'Toy Story 4's Josh Cooley To Direct For Hasbro/eOne & Paramount]</ref> The movie is an origin story set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] three billion years ago<ref name="collidercinemacon">[https://collider.com/transformers-one-animated-movie-title/ New ‘Transformers’ Animated Movie Rolls Out a New Title at CinemaCon] on Collider</ref><ref name="screenrantsandiegocomiccon">[https://screenrant.com/transformers-one-timeline-setting-takes-place// When Transformers One Takes Place In The Franchise Timeline] on Screen Rant</ref> in the days before the Autobot-Decepticon war, and focuses on [[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (One)|Megatron]] as they go from brothers-in-arms to enemies.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />

{{bigquote|The line between friend and enemy is not as clear as I once believed. Once it's crossed, there is no going back. Because some transformations are permanent...|[[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]]}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:One-Megs-Prime-face-to-face.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Goodbye, brother.]]
{{stub}}

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Miners
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax / Optimus Prime]] ([[Chris Hemsworth]])
*[[Megatron (One)|D-16 / Megatron]] ([[Brian Tyree Henry]])
*[[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]] ([[Scarlett Johansson]])
*[[Bumblebee (One)|B-127 / Badassatron]] ([[Keegan-Michael Key]])
*[[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] ([[Evan Michael Lee]])
*[[Arcee (One)|Arcee]] ([[Jinny Chung]])
*[[Bluestreak (One)|Bluestreak]]
*[[Brawn (One)|Brawn]]


*[[Hound (One)|Hound]]
*[[Huffer (One)|Huffer]]
*[[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]]<ref group=note name="uncredited">Denotes a character, or unidentified members of a group, who speaks, but has no credited voice actor. The performance was likely done by an ADR voice cast member.</ref>


*[[Mirage (One)|Mirage]]

*[[Prowl (One)|Prowl]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Ratchet (One)|Ratchet]]
*[[Red Alert (One)|Red Alert]]
*[[Sideswipe (One)|Sideswipe]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Sunstreaker (One)|Sunstreaker]]
*[[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Windcharger (One)|Windcharger]]
*[[Jackpot (One)|Jackpot]]

|h2=[[High Guard]]
|c2=
*[[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Buscemi]])
*[[Soundwave (One)|Soundwave]] ([[Jon Bailey]])
*[[Shockwave (One)|Shockwave]] ([[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]])
*[[Skywarp (One)|Skywarp]] (Josh Cooley)
*[[Thundercracker (One)|Thundercracker]]
*[[Dirge (One)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (One)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (One)|Thrust]]
*[[Slipstream (One)|Slipstream]]

|h3=[[Thirteen|Primes]]
|c3=
*[[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] ([[Laurence Fishburne]])
*[[Zeta Prime (One)|Zeta Prime]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]]
*[[Alchemist Prime]]
*[[Amalgamous Prime]]
*[[Liege Maximo]]
*[[Micronus Prime]]
*[[Nexus Prime]]
*[[Onyx Prime]]
*[[Quintus Prime]]
*[[Solus Prime]]
*[[Vector Prime]]
*[[Prima]]

|c4=
*[[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Jon Hamm]])
*[[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] ([[Vanessa Liguori]])
*[[Quintesson High Commander]]
*[[Quintesson]]s
*[[Primus]]
*[[Death Tracker]]s<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Guard (One)|Guards]] ([[Steve Blum]], Jason Konopisos-Alvarez)
*[[Announcer Bot]] (Steve Blum)
*[[Greenlight(One)|Greenlight]]

'''Racers'''
*[[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Chromia (One)|Chromia]] (Jinny Chung)
*[[Injured Racer]] ([[Dillon Bryan]])

|nonumbering=true
}}
<references group=note/>

==Quotes==
'''B-127''': (mumbles) 
'''Elita''': Uh, why is he gagged? 
'''Shockwave''': He wouldn't stop talking. 
'''Elita''': Even when he was unconscious? 
'''Shockwave''': '''''ESPECIALLY''''' WHEN HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS! 
'''Starscream''': Enough. Two options for you: 1, we slowly dismantle each of you, one bolt and screw at a time, and really make sure you feel it. Or 2, in exchange for a quick death, you give us intel on the Energon trains, access to the mines... 
'''Elita''': Who exactly are you guys? 
'''B-127''': ''(gets gag off)'' The Cybertronian High Guard! 
'''Shockwave''': (To Soundwave) I ''TOLD'' YOU IT WASN'T TIGHT ENOUGH!

'''Soundwave''': What is our first move? 
'''Orion Pax''': ''(quietly and intensely)'' We roll out... 
'''Skywarp''': ...What?! 
'''Elita-1''': Louder! 
'''Orion Pax''': TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!

"It's over, Sentinel! You can't escape the truth!" 
"What truth? That I plucked the cogs from your newborn chests? Forced you to mine so I could pay off the Quintessons and live like a king? None of that matters! Because the truth...is ''What. I. Make it!"
:—'''Orion Pax''' learns '''Sentinel Prime''' won't go down without a fight.

"I'm ''done'' saving you."
:—<s>D-16</s> '''Megatron''' lets his ''former'' friend fall.

"We were given the power to change our world, and you chose to destroy it. Just like Sentinel. You have betrayed Cybertron and its citizens, and you betrayed... ''me.'' Go. Take the High Guard, and leave. You are... banished from Iacon. It didn't have to end this way. 
"This isn't over, ''Prime.''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' share one final exchange.

"This is the greatest day of my life... I get to work for the ''government''!"
:—'''B-127''' knows a good benefits package when he sees one.

"And now we stand here together as one, proving we all have the the power to transform; to become who we were destined to be; to right wrongs; to make our world better. Because here, freedom and autonomy are the right of all sentient beings. Here, all are truly ''Autobots''. This message is a warning to all Quintessons: If you dare return to Cybertron, the Autobots will be waiting. ''I'' will be waiting. I am... ''Optimus Prime''."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives his first dramatic ending monologue...

"Sentinel the betrayer is dead. But his death has given life to a new enemy...a stronger enemy... a ''personal'' enemy. We will not be blinded by his deception! We are the ones who are... '''DECEPTICONS! ''RISE UP!'''''"
:—...and '''Megatron''' gives the coming darkness its new name.

==Transformers references==
* The film's main theme includes a leitmotif from the main theme of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', which was also composed by Brian Tyler.
* Orion Pax infiltrating the Cybertronian Archives in search of information on the Matrix of Leadership is a nod to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|''Aligned'' Orion Pax]]'s occupation as a data archivist as introduced in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Primus's design seen in the hologram Orion plays invokes his ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' appearance, even using a simplified version of [[Primus#Cybertron|his toy]]'s transformation scheme, but with the origins of his [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] counterpart. The color scheme is drawn from his [[:File:WarWithinPrimus.jpg|Dreamwave look]].
* Orion Pax being Optimus' name before he became Prime was first introduced in the G1 cartoon episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". Meanwhile, Megatron's previous name as D-16 and his old job as a lowly miner were first introduced in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' for [[Megatron (WFC)|''Aligned'' Megatron]]'s past, taking after the [[TakaraTomy]] ID number of the [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original G1 Megatron toy]].
* When Orion pretends to transform, he tucks his arms in and clasps his legs together, emulating the standard transformation scheme of many G1 Optimus Prime toys.
* D-16's cogless form with his yellow eyes and black, dome-shaped helmet resembles Megatron's [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Comics appearance]], which in turn was based on concept art for an unproduced prototype version of the original Takara Micro Change figure.
* When discussing their mining ability, Elita says Orion "[doesn't] have the touch or the power," a reference to the [[The Touch|beloved song]] from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]].''
* The purple vein of extremely volatile energon Wheeljack discovers that causes the mineshaft to collapse is most likely a reference to [[Dark Energon]], also a purple variety of energon with volatile properties and harmful effects to Cybertronians.
* Sentinel Prime's color scheme draws influence from his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]], while his cape-like wing arrangement and double-sided blade homage the [[sentinel Prime (ROTF)|''Dark of the Moon'' version]]. In his battle mode, his battle mask and heavily armed appearance appear to be inspired by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#2005_IDW_continuity|Sentinel's appearance in the IDW comics]], specifically his [[Apex Armor (G1)|Apex Armor]]-clad form in ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' [[Megatron Origin issue 4|issue 4]]. All in all, he continues the tradition of Sentinel Primes being big jerks.
* All of the racers in the Iacon 5000 are characters from the G1 canon, with their colors being used with their names on the scoreboard. They range from series mainstays you'd expect to see in a race like [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] to some ''deep'' cuts like [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and [[Double Clutch (G2)|Double Clutch]].
* Bumblebee's Cybertronian name being "B-127" originates from the ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' movie. Notably, while most people simply call him "Bee," B-127 is never once referred to as "Bumblebee" – likewise taking after the ''Bumblebee'' movie, where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|that version of B-127]] only gained the familiar name thanks to [[Charlie Watson]] after arriving on Earth.
* Elita-1 calls Orion, D-16 and B-127 a bunch of [[GoBots]].
* The idea of the Matrix of Leadership disintegrating to those who are not worthy of it, and the existence of a hidden cavern containing the deceased bodies of the original Primes, originate from the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)| Revenge of the Fallen]]'' movie.
* The throne Starscream sits on is loosely based on the crown his [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart]] wore during his coronation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. <ref>[https://youtu.be/fo7EwIlSNAs?si=8y1UWHCLv46WKzE7&t=190 Brian Tyree Henry & Josh Cooley Dissect The Evolution Of Megatron | Transformers One Behind The Shot]</ref>
* Starscream has a normal-sounding voice when he first appears, but after D-16 crushes his [[voice box]] during their duel, his voice becomes shriller and scratchier in the style of [[Chris Latta]]'s portrayal of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original G1 cartoon]].
* Soundwave orders the High Guard to "[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|eject]]" when descending on Sentinel's tower.
* During the battle in Sentinel Prime’s tower, Orion leaps into the air and shoots one of the Death Trackers, with his midair pose homaging [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s famous midair shooting pose from ''The Transformers: The Movie''.
* Orion Pax jumps on top of Megatron's vehicle mode and rips off his tank barrel during their climactic duel, seemingly referencing the moment in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' where [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] does the same to [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* In the second post-credits scene, Megatron brands the Decepticon insignia onto his troops much like his [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]] did in "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I]]".
* Starscream's newly applied insignias are upside-down on his wings, just like his G1 cartoon version.
* While the newly christened Decepticons fire into the sky, the glow of the laser beams shines on Megatron's insignia in a way that homages the metallic effect of the original cartoon's Decepticon [[scene transition]].
* Sentinel Prime's Death Trackers take heavy inspiration from ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'''s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s, in both their design and their role as generic enemy troopers.

==Real-life references==
* One of B-127's "friends" is named A-A-Tron. [https://youtu.be/WLAq3JVJ6Ho?si=pCUM9jk-soMFoVH-&t=175 Just don't mention about the Glee club...]
* Optimus wields his Energon axe in a very similar manner to the signature weapon of his [[Chris Hemsworth|voice actor]]'s [[Thor|most notable role]].
* Considering his voice actor, Alpha Trion’s line about how the main quartet's reality was a lie is certainly at least a partial reference to Fishburne's famous role in ''{{w|The Matrix}}''.

==Music==
A score album,''[[Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]]'', features the original music by composer [[Brian Tyler]] and was released concurrently with the film. It notably repurposes a leitmotif from his work on [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']] into this film's main theme. The composer, under his electronic side project "Are We Dreaming", also produced the end credits song, "If I Fall", featuring rappers [[W:Quavo|Quavo]] (of Migos fame) and [[W:Ty Dolla $Sign|Ty Dolla $ign]].

==Development timeline==
[[File:Transformers-One-Teaser-Poster.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''There can be miracles when you believe Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill Who knows what miracles you can achieve When you believe, somehow you will You will when you believe'']]
* March 27, 2015 — As part of the development of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|Transformers: The Last Knight]]'', [[Paramount Pictures]] negotiates with [[Akiva Goldsman]], hiring him to create a "writer's room" to build a cinematic universe.<ref name="goldsman">[https://deadline.com/2015/03/transformers-akiva-goldsman-paramount-sequels-spinoffs-1201400027/ Paramount Enlisting Akiva Goldsman To Ramp Up 'Transformers' Output] on deadline.com</ref> Among the writers hired are ''Ant-Man and the Wasp'' scribes [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]], who pitch the concept of an animated ''Transformers'' prequel set in the [[Live-action film series|live-action series universe]].<ref name="barrerferrari">[https://deadline.com/2015/05/transformers-ant-man-andrew-barrer-gabriel-ferrari-cybertron-1201433402/ 'Ant-Man' Scribes Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari Join 'Transformers' Writers Room] on Deadline</ref>
* December 20, 2018 — Following the release of ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'', [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] hints in an interview that the animated prequel is still in the works.<ref>[https://www.metro.us/will-there-be-a-bumblebee-2-whats-the-future-for-the-transformers-universe-heres-what-its-producer-told-us/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura interview for Metro USA]</ref>
* April 29, 2020 — Director [[Josh Cooley]] (''Toy Story 4'') is reported to have been brought into the project to oversee a final draft, which is said to be "separate and apart" from the live-action films.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />
* May 18, 2021 — [[Allspark Pictures]] President [[Greg Mooradian]] credits the animated ''Transformers'' film on his Linkedin page with a 2023 release.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mooradian-4a5062200/ Greg Mooradian's Linkedin:] "TRANSFORMERS (Animated Feature), with Oscar-winner Josh Cooley directing (2023 release)"</ref>
* May 24, 2021 — Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]] confirms the animated feature is in development, and will be released at some point after ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]''.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/24/tfw2005-coverage-of-49th-j-p-morgan-conference-434088 TFW2005 Coverage Of 49th J.P. Morgan Conference]</ref>
* January 21, 2022 — Paramount announces an untitled animated Transformers movie will be released on July 19, 2024.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-release-date/ Collider: New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Release Date Set For 2024]</ref>
* April 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura reveals that the entire film takes place on Cybertron, and the setting explores how they begin to question the hierarchy of how their society has gotten stratified, and how the common man doesn't have the voice that they want to have.<ref name=collider2023>[https://collider.com/transformers-animated-movie-characters-plot-cybertron-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ Here’s What the New Animated ‘Transformers’ Movie Is About (Exclusive)]</ref>
* April 21, 2023 — A day after the previous interview, di Bonaventura confirms [[Industrial Light & Magic]]'s involvement as the film's animation studio, bringing the company back to the franchise for the first time since ''Bumblebee''.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-ilm-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ The New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Is Partnering With an Industry Giant for the CGI (Exclusive)]/</ref>
* April 27, 2023 — The first members of the film's voice cast are revealed, consisting of [[Chris Hemsworth]] as Optimus Prime, [[Brian Tyree Henry]] as Megatron, [[Scarlett Johansson]] as Elita, [[Keegan-Michael Key]] as Bumblebee, [[Jon Hamm]] as Sentinel Prime, and [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Alpha Trion.<ref>[https://variety.com/2023/film/news/transformers-animated-prequel-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235596692/ ‘Transformers’ Animated Prequel Sets Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and More Voice Cast]</ref>
* May 24, 2023 — Paramount moves the film's release date to September 13, 2024.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2023/05/transformers-one-release-date-pushed-by-paramount-1235379167/ ‘Transformers One’: Paramount Pushes Date For Animated Feature]</ref>
* June 7, 2023 — di Bonaventura teases how the film stands out from previous entries in the franchise, praises Chris Hemsworth's casting as Optimus Prime, and mentions a vocal transition from Hemsworth's voice to [[Peter Cullen]]'s as the character for audiences to witness. [[Steve Desmond]] and [[Michael Sherman]] (''Knock at the Cabin'') were revealed to be additional writers for the film, but where uncredited when the final credit came in.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ 'Transformers One' Producer Is Already Hyped for Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime]</ref>
* June 15, 2023 — Scarlett Johansson discusses the film's animation and praises Cooley as director.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWqG5mlRxzs Scarlett Johansson Says Transformers One Looks So Cool]</ref> Chris Hemsworth later brings details on voicing Optimus Prime for the film and his reasoning he joined the project through his love of the script. He confirms that he will not use his regular voice for the character.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWrsvSzWHoE Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime Sadly Won't Be Australian in Transformers One]</ref>
* July 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura confirms Optimus Prime and Megatron in the film will be depicted under their Orion Pax and D-16 identities.<ref>[https://onetakenews.com/2023/07/20/lorenzo-di-bonaventura-transformers-one/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura Teases Upcoming Film ‘Transformers: One’: “It’s Something I’ve Wanted To Do For A Long Time” (Exclusive)]</ref>
* December 15, 2023 — Keegan-Michael Key mentions his voice for Bumblebee is closer to his regular speaking voice.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLM71B5xmFY Transformers One: Keegan-Michael Key Reveals What Bumblebee Sounds Like in New Animated Film]</ref>
* April 11, 2024 — The cast of the movie previews the trailer and reveals a new logo for the film at Cinemacon 2024, The Hollywood Reporter also confirms [[Steve Buscemi]] has joined the cast.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-animated-movie-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235871998/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Brian Tyree Henry Debut Origin Story 'Transformers One' - The Hollywood Reporter]</ref> During the presentation, Hemsworth revealed that Cullen served as a consultant on the getting the voice down.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-news-film-is-testing-very-well-and-peter-cullen-consulted-chris-hemsworth-on-voice/48127/ Transformers One News: Film is Testing Very Well and Peter Cullen Consulted Chris Hemsworth on Voice]</ref>
* April 16, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry announce the date of the film's first trailer being on Thursday, April 18, 2024, as it will be launched into space.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-trailer-premiered-from-space/ The 'Transformers One' Trailer Will Be Premiered From Space - Collider]</ref>
[[File:TransformersOne-weatherballoon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''So how do you judge what a man is worth? By what he [[Toy|builds or buys]]? You can never see with your eyes on Earth Look through Heaven's eyes Look at your life. Look at your life Look at your life through Heaven's eyes'']]
* April 18, 2024 — A livestream hosted by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry follows a small craft launched towards space, with a screen that plays the trailer once it reaches 125,000 feet. The movie's release date has been pushed back by one week, to September 20, reportedly to avoid the release conflicting with that of ''{{w|Beetlejuice Beetlejuice}}''.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/04/transformers-one-trailer-release-date-1235889037/ ‘Transformers One’ Launches Trailer In Space, A First For A Movie Studio; Pic Going Later In September]</ref> When asked whether the film is a fresh start, a prequel to the live-action films, or its own thing, Cooley replies "yes to all of the above".<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref>
* May 20, 2024 — [[Brian Tyler]] is attached as the film's composer.<ref>[https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/05/20/brian-tyler-scoring-josh-cooleys-transformers-one/ Brian Tyler Scoring Josh Cooley’s ‘Transformers One’ - Filmmusicreporter.com]</ref>
* June 7, 2024 — Production for the film is revealed to be finished in the following month.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2024/06/07/work-on-transformers-one-animated-movie-is-set-to-wrap-up-in-july-513038 Work On Transformers: One Animated Movie Is Set To Wrap Up In July - TFW2005]</ref>
* June 10, 2024 — A work-in-progress cut of the film was screened at the {{w|Annecy International Animation Film Festival}} to a standing ovation.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235918820/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Transformers One’ Draws Laughs, Cheers in Its Annecy Debut - Hollywood Reporter]</ref>
* June 18, 2024 — Production designer Jason Scheier confirms animation for the film is finished.<ref>[https://twitter.com/ScheierJason/status/1803227407404638226/ Production Designer Jason Scheier's post on Twitter]</ref>
* June 24, 2024 — Cooley discusses how the film is in the "Old Republic" of Cybertron. D-16's backstory is being changed from being a gladiator champion to an Energon miner who is bunkmates with Orion Pax.<ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/features/animation/transformers-one-star-wars-old-republic-interview-1235017651/ ‘Transformers One’ Director Talks Bringing the Franchise to Its ‘Old Republic’ Era - Indiewire]</ref>
* June 27, 2024 — Sound-mixing for the film is finished, with production finally now complete around three months in advance of release.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8vPCEUS3Bs/ @CooleyYourFaceOff - Instagram]</ref>
* July 9, 2024 — A panel for the film has been announced for [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2024 on Thursday, July 25 at 11:45 am PST at Hall H.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-comic-con-1236004636/ Paramount Animation & Hasbro Entertainment’s ‘Transformers One’ Will Be More Than Meets The Eye At San Diego Comic-Con]</ref>
* July 13, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key reveal a new clip of the main cast transforming for the first time at the Kids' Choice Awards 2024.<ref>[https://twitter.com/transformers/status/1812285185427431646/ Post from the official Transformers account on Twitter]</ref>
* July 23, 2024 — Cooley discusses how ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' influenced ''One''.<ref>[https://ew.com/transformers-one-comic-con-preview-optimus-prime-megatron-origin-story-8676886 Transformers One director reveals how infamous 1986 animated movie influenced new prequel film]</ref> A screening of the finished film was shown at a fan-event at Paramount Studios.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/anime/news/transformers-one-review-first-reactions/ Transformers One First Reactions are Raving Over "Best Transformers Film to Date"]</ref> Hemsworth talks about voicing Optimus Prime in the film and how his depiction stands out.<ref>[https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-orion-pax/ Chris Hemsworth on Becoming Optimus Prime for Transformers One (Exclusive)]</ref>
* July 24, 2024 — Several new posters are released, along with the announcement of a new trailer the following day at the SDCC panel.<ref>[https://twutter.com/transformers/status/1816111093917573615/ Second trailer announcement on Twitter]</ref>
* July 25, 202.4 — Details at the SDCC panel were revealed, along with the debut of the second trailer and Bucsemi's role announced to be Starscream.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-comic-con-1236022134/ ‘Transformers One’ Ignites Comic-Con With Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry & Keegan-Michael Key: How Two Best Friends Became Immortal Enemies]</ref> [[Eric Pearson]] was revealed to be an additional writer.<ref>[https://www.awn.com/news/paramount-drops-transformers-one-trailer-2 Paramount Drops ‘Transformers One’ Trailer #2]</ref>
* August 21, 2024 — A new clip of Orion Pax and D-16 competing in the Iacon 5000 race is released on Paramount's YouTube channel.<ref>[https://youtu.be/7o-bGIBZxdc?feature=shared/ TRANSFORMERS ONE Film Clip IACON Race Begins (2024)]</ref>
* August 23, 2024 — Evan Michael Lee is revealed to be voicing Jazz.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Evanmichaellee/status/1826960202920530306/ Evan Michael Lee on Twitter]</ref>
* August 24, 2024 — [[Jon Bailey]], [[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]], [[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] and [[Vanessa Liguori]] are revealed to be voicing Soundwave, Shockwave, Darkwing and Airachnid respectively, with Bailey reprising his role from ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''.<ref>[https://punto.com.ph/paramount-pictures-our-crew-rolls-deep-meet-the-voice-cast-behind-the-characters-in-transformers-one-in-cinemas-september-18/ PARAMOUNT PICTURES : OUR CREW ROLLS DEEP: MEET THE VOICE CAST BEHIND THE CHARACTERS IN “TRANSFORMERS ONE,” IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 18 on Punzo.com]</ref>
*September 6, 2024 — The film's credits song, '[[If I Fall]]' by [[Quavo]], is released.<ref>[https://youtu.be/M3FCIf0HFnk?si=NB1J3bT9XNPOpKCc/ If I Fall (Music from the Motion Picture Transformers One / Lyric Video)]</ref>
*September 12, 2024 — In an interview, Lorenzo di Bonaventura clarifies that ''One'' doesn't directly connect to the live-action films, and describes them as "two universes" that will be "[kept] separate". However, he notes that ''One'' will likely have an influence on future live-action projects.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> The film's review embargo is also lifted, and the film debuts with an 89% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-critic-reviews-are-out-currently-89-on-rotten-tomatoes/48337/ Transformers One Critic Reviews are Out, Currently 89% on Rotten Tomatoes]</ref>
*September 13, 2024 — The film's main theme is released.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFnuXrOH0fs/ Brian Tyler - Transformers One Theme | Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]</ref>
* September 18, 2024 — An early fan event screening is held, preceded by a seven-minute featurette consisting of interview segments with Hemsworth, Henry, and Key, footage of main cast recording their dialogue, and some [https://twitter.com/damnyouwillis/status/1836584462341054907 hilarious trivia]. Attendees receive one of four exclusive keychains and poster prints featuring Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, or Elita-1.<ref>https://bleedingcool.com/movies/transformers-one-4-new-posters-tickets-go-on-sale-fan-screenings/</ref>
* September 20, 2024 — The first 300 ticket holders at participating theaters receive a poster print of {{w|Shadow the Hedgehog}} to promote the upcoming release of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.<ref>https://kotaku.com/sonic-3-shadow-print-transformers-one-theater-showtimes-1851649010</ref>

==Notes==
* Several international releases of the film edit any mention of Bee's "knife hands" to refer to them as "sword hands" instead.
* The credits feature a dedication to former Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]], who passed away in October 2021.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/One''''' (トランスフォーマー/ONE ''Toransufōmā Wan'')
*''French:'' '''''Transformers : Le Commencement''''' (France, "Transformers: The Beginning"), '''''Transformers : Un''''' (Canada, "Transformers: One")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Qǐyuán''''' (变形金刚：起源, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Início''''' ("Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Korean:'' '''''Transformer ONE''''' (트랜스포머 ONE ''Teuraenseupomeo ONE'')
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Nachalo''''' (Трансформеры: Начало, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers One''''' (Spain), '''''Transformers : Uno''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: One")

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

[[Category:One| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Starscream (One)

2024-09-21T10:55:18Z

Guy in a Box: Figured a Randall quote would be good for a Buscemi character

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig3|Starscream}}
:''Starscream is a [[Decepticon]] from [[Transformers One (franchise)|One]].''

[[File:Starscream Transformers One Trailer 1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|"Do you hear that? It's the winds of change."]]

As the leader of the [[High Guard]], '''Starscream''' wages a long and arduous guerilla war to destroy the evil forces of [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]]. Volatile and easily provoked, but cowardly when things start really going bad, Starscream's "might makes right" philosophy often brings him to blows with trespassers, pacifists, or people who just don't agree with him.

==Fiction==
===''One'' film===
{{voiceactor|[[Steve Buscemi]] (English), [[Setsuji Satō]] (Japanese)}}

Starscream was a member of the Cybertronian [[High Guard]]. Upon bearing witness to [[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]]'s betrayal of the Primes, he and the rest of the High Guard resolved to hide away from the rest of Cybertronian society and delegate resources towards sabotaging Sentinel's rule.

When [[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax]], [[Megatron (One)|D-16]], [[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]], and [[Bumblebee (One)|B-127]] were brought before Starscream, he informed them that they had two options: Die slowly and painfully, or give up intel on Sentinel Prime and die ''less'' slowly and painfully. When Orion Pax attempted to make an appeal to him, citing their similar goals, he was quick to denounce the idea of a unified Cybertron as a real possibility, asserting that all that mattered was the strength of one 'bot over another.

Starscream took it rather personally when D-16 attempted to leave before his say-so and then decided to accuse Starscream and the rest of the former High Guard of running away and hiding whilst making a very minimal difference. In the ensuing fight, he eggs on D-16 to continue hitting him as he is held down. As D-16 crushes his throat, his voice begins to [[Starscream (G1)|pitch up, becoming more harsh and robotic.]] Starscream quickly changes gears to begging for mercy once D-16 shoves his newly-discovered arm-mounted gun into Starscream's face. He is only saved by Orion Pax's insistence that Starscream is not the enemy, and D-16 assures all present that this is the last time he will be giving mercy.

{{charstubfiction}}
{{storylink|Transformers One (film)|One}}

==Toys==
===''One''===
{{anchor|RobotBattlers}}
*'''Starscream''' (Robot Battlers, [[2024]])
:*''Accessories'': Energon sword, base
:Starscream transforms from robot into Cybertronian jet. The figure can be placed on a base in order to perform action moves by sliding the finger slot.
{{comingsoontoy}}

{{-}}{{anchor|MegaChangers}}
[[File:TF-One-Mega-Changers-Starscream.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
*'''Starscream''' (Mega Changers, [[2024]])
:*''Accessories: Two null-rays
:A repackage of ''[[Transformers Authentics|Authentics]]'' Titan Changer [[Starscream_(G1)/toys#TitanChanger|Starscream]] with no changes, now part of the "Mega Changers" line.

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Starscream''' (スタースクリーム ''Sutāsukurīmu'')

[[Category:One Decepticons]]

Transformers One (film)

2024-09-21T08:19:07Z

Guy in a Box: /* Transformers references */

{{Nav-one}}
{{movie|
|seriess=Transformers One
|prev=
|next=
|title=''Transformers One''
|image=Transformers One New Theatrical Poster.jpg
|caption=The Motion Picture you are about to see is an adaptation of the [[Transformers: Exodus|Exodus]] story. While artistic and historical license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for [[fandom|millions of people worldwide]].
|production companies=[[Hasbro Entertainment]] [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura|di Bonaventura Pictures]] Bayhem Films [[Paramount Animation]] New Republic Pictures
|distributor=[[Paramount Pictures]]
|executive producer=[[Steven Spielberg]] [[Zev Foreman]] [[Olivier Dumont]] [[Brian Oliver]] [[B.J. Farmer]] [[Matt Quigg]]
|producer=[[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] [[Tom DeSanto]] [[Don Murphy]] [[Michael Bay]] [[Mark Vahradian]] [[Aaron Dem]]
|story by=[[Andrew Barrer]] [[Gabriel Ferrari]]
|screenplay by=[[Eric Pearson]] Andrew Barrer Gabriel Ferrari
|directed by=[[Josh Cooley]]
|cinematography by=
|edited by=
|music by= [[Brian Tyler]]
|release date=[[September 20]], [[2024]]
|runtime=104 minutes
|budget= $75 million
|box office=
|credits=Transformers One (film)/credits
}}

'''''Transformers One''''' is an animated film released on [[September 20]], [[2024]]. It is written by [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]],<ref name="deadlinereveal">[https://deadline.com/2015/09/transformers-writers-room-akiva-goldsman-transformers-5-1201531918/ 'Transformers' Writers Room Wraps] on Deadline</ref> and directed by [[Josh Cooley]].<ref name="cooleyreveal">[https://deadline.com/2020/04/transformers-animated-movie-paramount-hasbro-toy-story-4-director-josh-cooley-1202921100/ Animated 'Transformers' Prequel Activated; 'Toy Story 4's Josh Cooley To Direct For Hasbro/eOne & Paramount]</ref> The movie is an origin story set on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] three billion years ago<ref name="collidercinemacon">[https://collider.com/transformers-one-animated-movie-title/ New ‘Transformers’ Animated Movie Rolls Out a New Title at CinemaCon] on Collider</ref><ref name="screenrantsandiegocomiccon">[https://screenrant.com/transformers-one-timeline-setting-takes-place// When Transformers One Takes Place In The Franchise Timeline] on Screen Rant</ref> in the days before the Autobot-Decepticon war, and focuses on [[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (One)|Megatron]] as they go from brothers-in-arms to enemies.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />

{{bigquote|The line between friend and enemy is not as clear as I once believed. Once it's crossed, there is no going back. Because some transformations are permanent...|[[Optimus Prime (One)|Optimus Prime]]}}

==Synopsis==
[[File:One-Megs-Prime-face-to-face.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Goodbye, brother.]]
{{stub}}

==Cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|h1=Miners
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (One)|Orion Pax / Optimus Prime]] ([[Chris Hemsworth]])
*[[Megatron (One)|D-16 / Megatron]] ([[Brian Tyree Henry]])
*[[Elita-1 (One)|Elita-1]] ([[Scarlett Johansson]])
*[[Bumblebee (One)|B-127 / Badassatron]] ([[Keegan-Michael Key]])
*[[Jazz (One)|Jazz]] ([[Evan Michael Lee]])
*[[Arcee (One)|Arcee]] ([[Jinny Chung]])
*[[Bluestreak (One)|Bluestreak]]
*[[Brawn (One)|Brawn]]


*[[Hound (One)|Hound]]
*[[Huffer (One)|Huffer]]
*[[Ironhide (One)|Ironhide]]<ref group=note name="uncredited">Denotes a character, or unidentified members of a group, who speaks, but has no credited voice actor. The performance was likely done by an ADR voice cast member.</ref>


*[[Mirage (One)|Mirage]]

*[[Prowl (One)|Prowl]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Ratchet (One)|Ratchet]]
*[[Red Alert (One)|Red Alert]]
*[[Sideswipe (One)|Sideswipe]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Sunstreaker (One)|Sunstreaker]]
*[[Wheeljack (One)|Wheeljack]]<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Windcharger (One)|Windcharger]]
*[[Jackpot (One)|Jackpot]]

|h2=[[High Guard]]
|c2=
*[[Starscream (One)|Starscream]] ([[Steve Buscemi]])
*[[Soundwave (One)|Soundwave]] ([[Jon Bailey]])
*[[Shockwave (One)|Shockwave]] ([[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]])
*[[Skywarp (One)|Skywarp]] (Josh Cooley)
*[[Thundercracker (One)|Thundercracker]]
*[[Dirge (One)|Dirge]]
*[[Ramjet (One)|Ramjet]]
*[[Thrust (One)|Thrust]]
*[[Slipstream (One)|Slipstream]]

|h3=[[Thirteen|Primes]]
|c3=
*[[Alpha Trion (One)|Alpha Trion]] ([[Laurence Fishburne]])
*[[Zeta Prime (One)|Zeta Prime]] ([[James Remar]])
*[[The Fallen|Megatronus Prime]]
*[[Alchemist Prime]]
*[[Amalgamous Prime]]
*[[Liege Maximo]]
*[[Micronus Prime]]
*[[Nexus Prime]]
*[[Onyx Prime]]
*[[Quintus Prime]]
*[[Solus Prime]]
*[[Vector Prime]]
*[[Prima]]

|c4=
*[[Sentinel Prime (One)|Sentinel Prime]] ([[Jon Hamm]])
*[[Airachnid (One)|Airachnid]] ([[Vanessa Liguori]])
*[[Quintesson High Commander]]
*[[Quintesson]]s
*[[Primus]]
*[[Death Tracker]]s<ref group=note name="uncredited"/>
*[[Guard (One)|Guards]] ([[Steve Blum]], Jason Konopisos-Alvarez)
*[[Announcer Bot]] (Steve Blum)

'''Racers'''
*[[Darkwing (One)|Darkwing]] ([[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]])
*[[Chromia (One)|Chromia]] (Jinny Chung)
*[[Injured Racer]] ([[Dillon Bryan]])

|nonumbering=true
}}
<references group=note/>

==Quotes==
"It's over, Sentinel! You can't escape the truth!" 
"What truth? That I plucked the cogs from your newborn chests? Forced you to mine so I could pay off the Quintessons and live like a king? None of that matters! Because the truth...is ''What. I. Make it!"
:—'''Orion Pax''' learns '''Sentinel Prime''' won't go down without a fight.

"I'm ''done'' saving you."
:—<s>D-16</s> '''Megatron''' lets his ''former'' friend fall.

"We were given the power to change our world, and you chose to destroy it. Just like Sentinel. You have betrayed Cybertron and its citizens, and you betrayed... ''me.'' Go. Take the High Guard, and leave. You are... banished from Iacon. It didn't have to end this way. 
"This isn't over, ''Prime.''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' and '''Megatron''' share one final exchange.

"This is the greatest day of my life... I get to work for the ''government''!"
:—'''B-127''' knows a good benefits package when he sees one.

"And now we stand here together as one, proving we all have the the power to transform; to become who we were destined to be; to right wrongs; to make our world better. Because here, freedom and autonomy are the right of all sentient beings. Here, all are truly ''Autobots''. This message is a warning to all Quintessons: If you dare return to Cybertron, the Autobots will be waiting. ''I'' will be waiting. I am... ''Optimus Prime''."
:—'''Optimus Prime''' gives his first dramatic ending monologue...

"Sentinel the betrayer is dead. But his death has given life to a new enemy...a stronger enemy... a ''personal'' enemy. We will not be blinded by his deception! We are the ones who are... '''DECEPTICONS! ''RISE UP!'''''"
:—...and '''Megatron''' gives the coming darkness its new name.

==Transformers references==
* The film's main theme includes a leitmotif from the main theme of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'', which was also composed by Brian Tyler.
* Orion Pax infiltrating the Cybertronian Archives in search of information on the Matrix of Leadership is a nod to [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|''Aligned'' Orion Pax]]'s occupation as a data archivist as introduced in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]''.
* Primus's design seen in the hologram Orion plays invokes his ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' appearance, even using a simplified version of [[Primus#Cybertron|his toy]]'s transformation scheme, but with the origins of his [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] counterpart. The color scheme is drawn from his Dreamwave look.
* Orion Pax being Optimus' name before he became Prime was first introduced in the G1 cartoon episode "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]". Meanwhile, Megatron's previous name as D-16 and his old job as a lowly miner were first introduced in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'' for [[Megatron (WFC)|''Aligned'' Megatron]]'s past, taking after the [[TakaraTomy]] ID number of the [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|original G1 Megatron toy]].
* When Orion pretends to transform, he tucks his arms in and clasps his legs together emulating the standard transformation scheme of many G1 Optimus Prime toys.
* D-16's cogless form with his yellow eyes and black, dome-shaped helmet resembles Megatron's [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Marvel Comics appearance]], which in turn was based on concept art for an unproduced prototype version of the original Takara Micro Change figure.
* When discussing their mining ability, Elita says Orion "[doesn't] have the touch or the power," a reference to the [[The Touch|beloved song]] from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]].''
* The purple vein of extremely volatile energon Wheeljack discovers that causes the mineshaft to collapse is most likely a reference to [[Dark Energon]], also a purple variety of energon with volatile properties and harmful effects to Cybertronians.
* Sentinel Prime's color scheme draws influence from his [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]], while his cape-like wing arrangement and double-sided blade homage the [[sentinel Prime (ROTF)|''Dark of the Moon'' version]]. In his battle mode, his battle mask and heavily armed appearance appear to be inspired by [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#2005_IDW_continuity|Sentinel's appearance in the IDW comics]], specifically his [[Apex Armor (G1)|Apex Armor]]-clad form in ''[[The Transformers: Megatron Origin|Megatron Origin]]'' [[Megatron Origin issue 4|issue 4]]. All in all, he continues the tradition of Sentinel Primes being big jerks.
* All of the racers in the Iacon 5000 are characters from the G1 canon, with their colors being used with their names on the scoreboard. They range from series mainstays you'd expect in a race like [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] to some ''deep'' cuts like [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] and [[Double Clutch (G2)|Double Clutch]].
* Bumblebee's Cybertronian name being "B-127" originates from the ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' movie. Notably, while most people simply call him "Bee," B-127 is never once referred to as "Bumblebee" – likewise taking after the ''Bumblebee'' movie, where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|that version of B-127]] only gained the familiar name thanks to [[Charlie Watson]] after arriving on Earth.
* Elita-1 calls Orion, D-16 and B-127 a bunch of [[GoBots]].
* The idea of the Matrix of Leadership disintegrating to those who are not worthy of it, and the existence of a hidden cavern containing the deceased bodies of the original Primes, originate from the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)| Revenge of the Fallen]]'' movie.
* The throne Starscream sits on is loosely based on the crown his [[Starscream (G1)|Generation 1 counterpart]] wore during his coronation in ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.
* Starscream has a normal-sounding voice when he first appears, but after D-16 crushes his [[voice box]] during their duel, his voice becomes shriller and scratchier in the style of [[Chris Latta]]'s portrayal of [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] in the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original G1 cartoon]].
* Soundwave orders the High Guard to "[[Decepticon Mini-Cassette|eject]]" when descending on Sentinel's tower.
* During the battle in Sentinel Prime’s tower, Orion leaps into the air and shoots one of the Death Trackers, with his midair pose homaging [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]'s famous midair shooting pose from ''The Transformers: The Movie''.
* Orion Pax jumps on top of Megatron's vehicle mode and rips off his tank barrel during their climactic duel, seemingly referencing the moment in ''The Transformers: The Movie'' where [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] does the same to [[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]].
* In the second post-credits scene, Megatron brands the Decepticon insignia onto his troops much like his [[Megatron (Animated)|''Animated'' counterpart]] did in "[[A Bridge Too Close, Part I]]".
* Starscream's newly applied insignias are upside-down on his wings, just like his G1 cartoon version.
* While the newly christened Decepticons fire into the sky, the glow of the laser beams shines on Megatron's insignia in a way that homages the metallic effect of the original cartoon's Decepticon [[scene transition]].
* Sentinel Prime's Death Trackers take heavy inspiration from ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'''s [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicon]]s, in both their design and their role as generic enemy troopers.

==Real-life references==
* One of B-127's "friends" is named A-A-Tron. [https://youtu.be/WLAq3JVJ6Ho?si=pCUM9jk-soMFoVH-&t=175 Just don't mention about the Glee club...]
* Optimus wields his Energon axe in a very similar manner to the signature weapon of his [[Chris Hemsworth|voice actor]]'s [[Thor|most notable role]].
* Considering his voice actor, Alpha Trion’s line about how the main quartet's reality was a lie is certainly at least a partial reference to Fishburne's famous role in ''{{w|The Matrix}}''.

==Music==
A score album,''[[Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]]'', features the original music by composer [[Brian Tyler]] and was released concurrently with the film. It notably repurposes a leitmotif from his work on [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']] into this film's main theme. The composer, under his electronic side project "Are We Dreaming", also produced the end credits song, "If I Fall", featuring rappers [[W:Quavo|Quavo]] (of Migos fame) and [[W:Ty Dolla $Sign|Ty Dolla $ign]].

==Development timeline==
[[File:Transformers-One-Teaser-Poster.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''There can be miracles when you believe Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill Who knows what miracles you can achieve When you believe, somehow you will You will when you believe'']]
* March 27, 2015 — As part of the development of ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|Transformers: The Last Knight]]'', [[Paramount Pictures]] negotiates with [[Akiva Goldsman]], hiring him to create a "writer's room" to build a cinematic universe.<ref name="goldsman">[https://deadline.com/2015/03/transformers-akiva-goldsman-paramount-sequels-spinoffs-1201400027/ Paramount Enlisting Akiva Goldsman To Ramp Up 'Transformers' Output] on deadline.com</ref> Among the writers hired are ''Ant-Man and the Wasp'' scribes [[Andrew Barrer]] and [[Gabriel Ferrari]], who pitch the concept of an animated ''Transformers'' prequel set in the [[Live-action film series|live-action series universe]].<ref name="barrerferrari">[https://deadline.com/2015/05/transformers-ant-man-andrew-barrer-gabriel-ferrari-cybertron-1201433402/ 'Ant-Man' Scribes Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari Join 'Transformers' Writers Room] on Deadline</ref>
* December 20, 2018 — Following the release of ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'', [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] hints in an interview that the animated prequel is still in the works.<ref>[https://www.metro.us/will-there-be-a-bumblebee-2-whats-the-future-for-the-transformers-universe-heres-what-its-producer-told-us/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura interview for Metro USA]</ref>
* April 29, 2020 — Director [[Josh Cooley]] (''Toy Story 4'') is reported to have been brought into the project to oversee a final draft, which is said to be "separate and apart" from the live-action films.<ref name="cooleyreveal" />
* May 18, 2021 — [[Allspark Pictures]] President [[Greg Mooradian]] credits the animated ''Transformers'' film on his Linkedin page with a 2023 release.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mooradian-4a5062200/ Greg Mooradian's Linkedin:] "TRANSFORMERS (Animated Feature), with Oscar-winner Josh Cooley directing (2023 release)"</ref>
* May 24, 2021 — Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]] confirms the animated feature is in development, and will be released at some point after ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]''.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2021/05/24/tfw2005-coverage-of-49th-j-p-morgan-conference-434088 TFW2005 Coverage Of 49th J.P. Morgan Conference]</ref>
* January 21, 2022 — Paramount announces an untitled animated Transformers movie will be released on July 19, 2024.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-release-date/ Collider: New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Release Date Set For 2024]</ref>
* April 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura reveals that the entire film takes place on Cybertron, and the setting explores how they begin to question the hierarchy of how their society has gotten stratified, and how the common man doesn't have the voice that they want to have.<ref name=collider2023>[https://collider.com/transformers-animated-movie-characters-plot-cybertron-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ Here’s What the New Animated ‘Transformers’ Movie Is About (Exclusive)]</ref>
* April 21, 2023 — A day after the previous interview, di Bonaventura confirms [[Industrial Light & Magic]]'s involvement as the film's animation studio, bringing the company back to the franchise for the first time since ''Bumblebee''.<ref>[https://collider.com/new-transformers-animated-movie-ilm-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ The New 'Transformers' Animated Movie Is Partnering With an Industry Giant for the CGI (Exclusive)]/</ref>
* April 27, 2023 — The first members of the film's voice cast are revealed, consisting of [[Chris Hemsworth]] as Optimus Prime, [[Brian Tyree Henry]] as Megatron, [[Scarlett Johansson]] as Elita, [[Keegan-Michael Key]] as Bumblebee, [[Jon Hamm]] as Sentinel Prime, and [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Alpha Trion.<ref>[https://variety.com/2023/film/news/transformers-animated-prequel-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235596692/ ‘Transformers’ Animated Prequel Sets Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and More Voice Cast]</ref>
* May 24, 2023 — Paramount moves the film's release date to September 13, 2024.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2023/05/transformers-one-release-date-pushed-by-paramount-1235379167/ ‘Transformers One’: Paramount Pushes Date For Animated Feature]</ref>
* June 7, 2023 — di Bonaventura teases how the film stands out from previous entries in the franchise, praises Chris Hemsworth's casting as Optimus Prime, and mentions a vocal transition from Hemsworth's voice to [[Peter Cullen]]'s as the character for audiences to witness. [[Steve Desmond]] and [[Michael Sherman]] (''Knock at the Cabin'') were revealed to be additional writers for the film, but where uncredited when the final credit came in.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-lorenzo-di-bonaventura-comments/ 'Transformers One' Producer Is Already Hyped for Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime]</ref>
* June 15, 2023 — Scarlett Johansson discusses the film's animation and praises Cooley as director.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWqG5mlRxzs Scarlett Johansson Says Transformers One Looks So Cool]</ref> Chris Hemsworth later brings details on voicing Optimus Prime for the film and his reasoning he joined the project through his love of the script. He confirms that he will not use his regular voice for the character.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWrsvSzWHoE Chris Hemsworth's Optimus Prime Sadly Won't Be Australian in Transformers One]</ref>
* July 20, 2023 — di Bonaventura confirms Optimus Prime and Megatron in the film will be depicted under their Orion Pax and D-16 identities.<ref>[https://onetakenews.com/2023/07/20/lorenzo-di-bonaventura-transformers-one/ Lorenzo di Bonaventura Teases Upcoming Film ‘Transformers: One’: “It’s Something I’ve Wanted To Do For A Long Time” (Exclusive)]</ref>
* December 15, 2023 — Keegan-Michael Key mentions his voice for Bumblebee is closer to his regular speaking voice.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLM71B5xmFY Transformers One: Keegan-Michael Key Reveals What Bumblebee Sounds Like in New Animated Film]</ref>
* April 11, 2024 — The cast of the movie previews the trailer and reveals a new logo for the film at Cinemacon 2024, The Hollywood Reporter also confirms [[Steve Buscemi]] has joined the cast.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-animated-movie-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235871998/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Brian Tyree Henry Debut Origin Story 'Transformers One' - The Hollywood Reporter]</ref> During the presentation, Hemsworth revealed that Cullen served as a consultant on the getting the voice down.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-news-film-is-testing-very-well-and-peter-cullen-consulted-chris-hemsworth-on-voice/48127/ Transformers One News: Film is Testing Very Well and Peter Cullen Consulted Chris Hemsworth on Voice]</ref>
* April 16, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry announce the date of the film's first trailer being on Thursday, April 18, 2024, as it will be launched into space.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-one-trailer-premiered-from-space/ The 'Transformers One' Trailer Will Be Premiered From Space - Collider]</ref>
[[File:TransformersOne-weatherballoon.jpg|right|thumb|250px|''So how do you judge what a man is worth? By what he [[Toy|builds or buys]]? You can never see with your eyes on Earth Look through Heaven's eyes Look at your life. Look at your life Look at your life through Heaven's eyes'']]
* April 18, 2024 — A livestream hosted by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry follows a small craft launched towards space, with a screen that plays the trailer once it reaches 125,000 feet. The movie's release date has been pushed back by one week, to September 20, reportedly to avoid the release conflicting with that of ''{{w|Beetlejuice Beetlejuice}}''.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/04/transformers-one-trailer-release-date-1235889037/ ‘Transformers One’ Launches Trailer In Space, A First For A Movie Studio; Pic Going Later In September]</ref> When asked whether the film is a fresh start, a prequel to the live-action films, or its own thing, Cooley replies "yes to all of the above".<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/transformers-one-director-confirms-new-movies-canon-status/ Transformers ONE Director Confirms New Movie's Canon Status - ComicBook.com]</ref>
* May 20, 2024 — [[Brian Tyler]] is attached as the film's composer.<ref>[https://filmmusicreporter.com/2024/05/20/brian-tyler-scoring-josh-cooleys-transformers-one/ Brian Tyler Scoring Josh Cooley’s ‘Transformers One’ - Filmmusicreporter.com]</ref>
* June 7, 2024 — Production for the film is revealed to be finished in the following month.<ref>[https://news.tfw2005.com/2024/06/07/work-on-transformers-one-animated-movie-is-set-to-wrap-up-in-july-513038 Work On Transformers: One Animated Movie Is Set To Wrap Up In July - TFW2005]</ref>
* June 10, 2024 — A work-in-progress cut of the film was screened at the {{w|Annecy International Animation Film Festival}} to a standing ovation.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-scarlett-johansson-1235918820/ Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson’s ‘Transformers One’ Draws Laughs, Cheers in Its Annecy Debut - Hollywood Reporter]</ref>
* June 18, 2024 — Production designer Jason Scheier confirms animation for the film is finished.<ref>[https://twitter.com/ScheierJason/status/1803227407404638226/ Production Designer Jason Scheier's post on Twitter]</ref>
* June 24, 2024 — Cooley discusses how the film is in the "Old Republic" of Cybertron. D-16's backstory is being changed from being a gladiator champion to an Energon miner who is bunkmates with Orion Pax.<ref>[https://www.indiewire.com/features/animation/transformers-one-star-wars-old-republic-interview-1235017651/ ‘Transformers One’ Director Talks Bringing the Franchise to Its ‘Old Republic’ Era - Indiewire]</ref>
* June 27, 2024 — Sound-mixing for the film is finished, with production finally now complete around three months in advance of release.<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/C8vPCEUS3Bs/ @CooleyYourFaceOff - Instagram]</ref>
* July 9, 2024 — A panel for the film has been announced for [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2024 on Thursday, July 25 at 11:45 am PST at Hall H.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-comic-con-1236004636/ Paramount Animation & Hasbro Entertainment’s ‘Transformers One’ Will Be More Than Meets The Eye At San Diego Comic-Con]</ref>
* July 13, 2024 — Chris Hemsworth, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Keegan-Michael Key reveal a new clip of the main cast transforming for the first time at the Kids' Choice Awards 2024.<ref>[https://twitter.com/transformers/status/1812285185427431646/ Post from the official Transformers account on Twitter]</ref>
* July 23, 2024 — Cooley discusses how ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' influenced ''One''.<ref>[https://ew.com/transformers-one-comic-con-preview-optimus-prime-megatron-origin-story-8676886 Transformers One director reveals how infamous 1986 animated movie influenced new prequel film]</ref> A screening of the finished film was shown at a fan-event at Paramount Studios.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/anime/news/transformers-one-review-first-reactions/ Transformers One First Reactions are Raving Over "Best Transformers Film to Date"]</ref> Hemsworth talks about voicing Optimus Prime in the film and how his depiction stands out.<ref>[https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-optimus-prime-orion-pax/ Chris Hemsworth on Becoming Optimus Prime for Transformers One (Exclusive)]</ref>
* July 24, 2024 — Several new posters are released, along with the announcement of a new trailer the following day at the SDCC panel.<ref>[https://twutter.com/transformers/status/1816111093917573615/ Second trailer announcement on Twitter]</ref>
* July 25, 202.4 — Details at the SDCC panel were revealed, along with the debut of the second trailer and Bucsemi's role announced to be Starscream.<ref>[https://deadline.com/2024/07/transformers-one-chris-hemsworth-comic-con-1236022134/ ‘Transformers One’ Ignites Comic-Con With Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry & Keegan-Michael Key: How Two Best Friends Became Immortal Enemies]</ref> [[Eric Pearson]] was revealed to be an additional writer.<ref>[https://www.awn.com/news/paramount-drops-transformers-one-trailer-2 Paramount Drops ‘Transformers One’ Trailer #2]</ref>
* August 21, 2024 — A new clip of Orion Pax and D-16 competing in the Iacon 5000 race is released on Paramount's YouTube channel.<ref>[https://youtu.be/7o-bGIBZxdc?feature=shared/ TRANSFORMERS ONE Film Clip IACON Race Begins (2024)]</ref>
* August 23, 2024 — Evan Michael Lee is revealed to be voicing Jazz.<ref>[https://twitter.com/Evanmichaellee/status/1826960202920530306/ Evan Michael Lee on Twitter]</ref>
* August 24, 2024 — [[Jon Bailey]], [[Jason Konopisos-Alvarez]], [[Isaac C. Singleton, Jr.]] and [[Vanessa Liguori]] are revealed to be voicing Soundwave, Shockwave, Darkwing and Airachnid respectively, with Bailey reprising his role from ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]''.<ref>[https://punto.com.ph/paramount-pictures-our-crew-rolls-deep-meet-the-voice-cast-behind-the-characters-in-transformers-one-in-cinemas-september-18/ PARAMOUNT PICTURES : OUR CREW ROLLS DEEP: MEET THE VOICE CAST BEHIND THE CHARACTERS IN “TRANSFORMERS ONE,” IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 18 on Punzo.com]</ref>
*September 6, 2024 — The film's credits song, '[[If I Fall]]' by [[Quavo]], is released.<ref>[https://youtu.be/M3FCIf0HFnk?si=NB1J3bT9XNPOpKCc/ If I Fall (Music from the Motion Picture Transformers One / Lyric Video)]</ref>
*September 12, 2024 — In an interview, Lorenzo di Bonaventura clarifies that ''One'' doesn't directly connect to the live-action films, and describes them as "two universes" that will be "[kept] separate". However, he notes that ''One'' will likely have an influence on future live-action projects.<ref>[https://comicbook.com/movies/news/is-transformers-one-a-prequel-optimus-prime-origin-story-exclusive/ Is Transformers One a Prequel or Reboot? The Animated Movie's Origin Story Is Both, Director Says]</ref> The film's review embargo is also lifted, and the film debuts with an 89% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/transformers-one-critic-reviews-are-out-currently-89-on-rotten-tomatoes/48337/ Transformers One Critic Reviews are Out, Currently 89% on Rotten Tomatoes]</ref>
*September 13, 2024 — The film's main theme is released.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFnuXrOH0fs/ Brian Tyler - Transformers One Theme | Transformers One (Music from the Motion Picture)]</ref>
* September 18, 2024 — An early fan event screening is held, preceded by a seven-minute featurette consisting of interview segments with Hemsworth, Henry, and Key, footage of main cast recording their dialogue, and some [https://twitter.com/damnyouwillis/status/1836584462341054907 hilarious trivia]. Attendees receive one of four exclusive keychains and poster prints featuring Orion Pax, D-16, B-127, or Elita-1.<ref>https://bleedingcool.com/movies/transformers-one-4-new-posters-tickets-go-on-sale-fan-screenings/</ref>
* September 20, 2024 — The first 300 ticket holders at participating theaters receive a poster print of {{w|Shadow the Hedgehog}} to promote the upcoming release of ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (character)|Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]''.<ref>https://kotaku.com/sonic-3-shadow-print-transformers-one-theater-showtimes-1851649010</ref>

==Notes==
* Several international releases of the film edit any mention of Bee's "knife hands" to refer to them as "sword hands" instead.
* The credits feature a dedication to former Hasbro CEO [[Brian Goldner]], who passed away in October 2021.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''''Transformers/One''''' (トランスフォーマー/ONE ''Toransufōmā Wan'')
*''French:'' '''''Transformers : Le Commencement''''' (France, "Transformers: The Beginning"), '''''Transformers : Un''''' (Canada, "Transformers: One")
*''Mandarin:'' '''''Biànxíng Jīngāng: Qǐyuán''''' (变形金刚：起源, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Portuguese:'' '''''Transformers: O Início''''' ("Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Korean:'' '''''Transformer ONE''''' (트랜스포머 ONE ''Teuraenseupomeo ONE'')
*''Russian:'' '''''Transformery: Nachalo''''' (Трансформеры: Начало, "Transformers: The Beginning")
*''Spanish:'' '''''Transformers One''''' (Spain), '''''Transformers : Uno''''' (Latin America, "Transformers: One")

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

[[Category:One| ]]
[[Category:Real world films]]

Winner's Cup

2024-09-12T11:16:14Z

Guy in a Box: /* Notes */

{{Comicstory
|seriesissue=[[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]
|prev=A Beacon of Hope
|next=The Time is Now
|caption=
|image=
|title="Winner's Cup"
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|published in=
|date=
|written by=[[Eddy Webb]]
}}

"'''Winner's Cup'''" is an adventure scenario for the ''[[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]'', released as part of [[Renegade Game Studios]] exclusive "Play Renegade" line. A group of 4-6 1st level Autobot player characters investigate a strange Energon reading at the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] in [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], where they find Decepticons up to no good.

==Contents==
===Part 1: A Close Encounter!===
At Autobot HQ, a group of rookie [[Autobot|Autobots]] are summoned by [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] to take on a mission. He explains that [[Teletraan-1 (G1)|Teletraan-1]] has discovered a strange source of [[Energon]] and it sounds like a simple mission for the Bee Team to investigate.
[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] sends the Team through the [[Autobot Road]] and they emerge in a parking garage right in front of [[Danica Furman]], a race car driver. Danica's looking for help because a strange meteorite crashed in the middle of the Indy Speedway, but hasn't had any luck with the local authorities. The players can choose to take Danica with them, or leave her behind (either way she ends up at the Speedway when the players do).

===Part 2: The Pit Crew Arrives!===
When the players arrive at the Speedway, they discover a large glowing meteorite in the center of the track and three [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] holding several humans hostage. The Decepticons ([[Blockade]], [[Roughspot]], and [[Blitzkrieg]]) are having a loud argument about what they should be doing, allowing the players to attempt a stealthy approach if desired. If they go unspotted, the Team can discover bombs hidden around the Speedway and attempt to disarm them.

When the Decepticons become aware of the Bee Team, either Danica or Roughspot will propose a race with the humans and the meteorite as stakes.

===Part 3: Start Your Engines===
If the players accept the race proposal, two Autobots vs two Decepticons will race for three laps around the track. There are special rules for the race and the Decepticons will attempt to cheat at specific points.
If the players win, the Decepticons will attack out of frustration.
If the Decepticons win and the players let them go, the Decepticons will reveal that they've placed bombs around the Speedway and trigger them to go off in five minutes, before fleeing. The players can attempt to disarm the bombs or escape.

===Part 4: Terror at the Racetrack!===
If the Bee Team refuses the race proposal, the Decepticons lost, or the Bee Team are sore losers, then a fight breaks out. Scrap, the last member of the Pit Crew, shows up at a distance to help her team as a sniper. The players can spend their time helping the humans escape instead of fighting directly.
Once the Pit Crew have been hurt enough, they retreat, setting the bombs to go off in five minutes. The players can attempt to disarm the bombs or escape.

===Part 5: Revenge of the Pit Crew!===
The Bee Team can follow the Pit Crew to a park, where they have the final fight. Scrap has a mysterious artifact called the Planet Cup, which can interfere with the Autobot Road (which is why there's no available backup for the Bee Team). She spends the fight trying using the Planet Cup to open a portal to escape.

If the players get the Planet Cup, they can take it back to base and give it to Wheeljack for examination. It turns out to be what brought the meteorite of pure Energon crashing into the Speedway.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (1)
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] (2)

|c2=
* [[Blockade]] (4)
* [[Blitzkrieg]] (5)
* [[Roughspot]] (6)
* [[Scrap (G1)|Scrap]] (7)

|c3=
* [[Danica Furman]] (3)

}}

==Notes==
* This adventure booklet comes with six pregenerated character sheets that make up the [[Bee Team (G1)|Bee Team]]: [[Breakout]], [[Downforce]], [[Oversteer]], [[Scattershield]], [[Shakedown]], and [[Skidplate]].

===Real-world references===
* Danica Furman likely takes her name from former professional racecar driver {{W|Danica Patrick}} and ''Transformers'' writer [[Simon Furman]].

[[Category:Generation 1 multipath adventures]]
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]

Chuckles

2024-08-09T08:42:05Z

Guy in a Box: /* Transformers Roleplpaying Game */ I love roleplpaying games

{{factions|gijoe}}
:''Chuckles is a [[human]] from the [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe portion]] of the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:GIJoevsTFII 1 Chuckles.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]

'''Philip M. Provost''', better known as '''Chuckles''', is a member of [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] and one of the best undercover agents out there. His friendly and charismatic demeanor lets him gain the trust of practically anyone, and allows him to effortlessly infiltrate the ranks of Cobra or other villains. On the other hand, not even the Joes are quite sure if that's his true personality, or just another layer of his cover...

Chuckles can usually be seen dressed in a ridiculous Hawaiian shirt.

==Fiction==
===Marvel ''Generation 2'' comic===
[[File:Chuckles goin south.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
Chuckles drove a Yo Joe Cola truck, occupied by the members of the [[Ninja Force]], up next to an [[Arbco]] moving van that was heading for [[Milleville]]. Once the Ninja Force had hopped over to catch their ride into enemy territory, Chuckles contacted [[Hawk (G.I. Joe)|Hawk]] that the Ninja Force had been deployed. {{storylink|Goin' South}}

===''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''===
Posing as a butler by the name of Wilson, Chuckles infiltrated one of [[Destro]]'s mansions in [[Portugal]]. When [[Cobra Commander]] visited to request funding for his latest project, "Wilson" took him to Destro and remained for their discussion, thus overhearing [[Cobra]]'s plans to hack into [[Teletran 3]] and use its wormhole technology for evil. None the wiser, Destro ordered his butler to close down the mansion, at which point Chuckles leisurely strolled out of the house, leaped into the ocean and fled on a hidden jet ski. During his escape, he reported his findings to [[Dial-Tone]]. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II issue 1|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1}}

===''Transformers vs. G.I. Joe''===
After G.I. Joe met with representatives from the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and found them to be enemies of the Earth, Chuckles was among the operatives sent to the metal sphere to invade it. {{storylink|I Saw Three Ships}} He was part of a team deployed to the planet's north pole to destroy a complex of furnaces, which he deduced acted as planetary engines. After placing down targeting markers for a missile strike, they were caught by [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]], but escaped and hitched a ride on him. {{storylink|Form Follows Function}} Rodimus brought the group back to [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], the Autobots' mobile city. There, they learned that the rest of the Joes had allied themselves with the [[Autobot]]s to take on the evil Cybertronians, the [[Decepticon]]s...who were attacking at that very moment! After an arduous battle, the Decepticons and their Cobra allies were forced into a tactical retreat. {{storylink|Everybody Hates Metroplex}}

===2005 IDW continuity===
{{mainIDW|Chuckles}}
Summarizing her past to [[Thundercracker (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Thundercracker]], [[Chameleon (G.I. Joe)|Chameleon]] mentioned "a guy in a Hawaiian shirt", referring to the deceased Chuckles. {{storylink|New Cybertron Part 3: Behind My Bleeding Back|Behind My Bleeding Back}}

Thundercracker eventually scripted a [[Last Laugh: The Life and Death of Chuckles|biopic]] based on Chuckles's life. As far as historical accuracy went however, it was somewhat lacking. {{storylink|Starscream: The Movie (comic)|Starscream: The Movie}}

==Games==
===''Transformers Roleplaying Game''===
Chuckles briefed a group of G.I. Joes on their mission to transport a load of [[paradrium]] crystals from a [[Sabhaman's Otherworldly Warehouse|tourist trap]] in [[Florida]]. {{storylink|Memories and Salvation}}

==External links==
*[http://www.yojoe.com/action/87/chuckles.shtml Chuckles at YoJoe.com]

[[Category:Double agents]]
[[Category:Generation 1 humans]]
[[Category:G.I. Joe members]]
[[Category:IDW (2005) humans]]
[[Category:Marvel Generation 2 humans]]
[[Category:Spies]]

User:Guy in a Box

2024-08-09T08:14:10Z

Guy in a Box: Created page with "Hiya, I'm Guy in a Box, or Boxguy for short. He/him, late 20s. I got into Transformers as a kid with the Bay movies and Animated, fell off for a few years, and just recently ..."

Hiya, I'm Guy in a Box, or Boxguy for short. He/him, late 20s.

I got into Transformers as a kid with the Bay movies and Animated, fell off for a few years, and just recently got back into the series now that I'm an adult with a paycheck who can actually afford toys.

Always be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes.

Quintesson High Commander

2024-08-09T08:07:55Z

Guy in a Box: /* One */

{{factions|quintessonwfc}}
:''The Quintesson High Commander is a [[Quintesson]] from the [[Transformers One (film)|Transformers One]] portion of the [[Live-action film series|Live-action ]] [[continuity family]].
[[File:QuintessonHighCommander.jpg|thumb|right|350px|I find the lack of [[Sentinel Prime (Animated)|massive chin]] disturbing...]]
The '''Quintesson High Commander''' is a [[Quintesson]] (duh) with an apparent dislike of [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]. Is he one of the mysterious [[Creator|Creators]]? Or maybe a creation of [[Quintus Prime]]? Or even a relative of the Great Deceiver, [[Quintessa (TLK)|Quintessa]] herself? Only time will tell...
=Fiction=
===''One'' film===
{{comingsoon|when=September 13, 2024}}
{{storylink|Transformers One (film)|Transformers One}}
==Toys==
===''One''===
*'''Quintesson High Commander''' (Prime Changers, [[2024]])
[[File:Quintesson-High-Commander-Toy.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|[[General Grievous|General Ken...]] Wait, wrong franchise.]]
{{toystub}}

[[Category:Quintessons]]
[[Category:One characters]]

Whirlwing

2024-08-01T16:10:43Z

Guy in a Box: First time submitting an image caption on here, feel free to revert/replace if it's not up to snuff, won't hurt my feelings

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''Whirlwing is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers One (franchise)|One]] portion of the [[movie continuity family]].''
[[File:Onetoyline-Whirlwing.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Next person to call me a Bakugan gets their eyes pecked out.]]

'''Whirlwing''' is a [[Decepticon]] who participates in racing and blasting.

==Toys==
===''One''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Megatron/D-16 & Decepticon Whirlwing''' (Race & Blast 2-Pack, [[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Helmet, tail-armor, 2 blasters, left & right dual-blasters, left & right flame effects

: Decepticon Whirlwing is a [[redeco]] of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Hammer (RID)|Hammer]], transforming from a dragonoid robot into a spheroid. He comes with a number of clear plastic armor pieces which can be attached to him using the corresponding tabs and slots on his body, and do not need to be removed to transform him between modes.

: As a Cyclone-style [[Mini-Con]] mold, in sphere mode he can attach to and launch from specific "Deployer" style toys (both with and without his armor); in particular, he's meant to go with his pack-in partner [[Megatron (Movie)/toys#Race&Blast|Megatron/D-16]].

: He was only sold as part of a [[Target]]-exclusive "Race & Blast" two-pack with the aforementioned Megatron.

[[Category:One Decepticons]]

Steeljaw (SG)

2024-07-31T01:00:22Z

Guy in a Box: Wrong Playmates

{{factions|sgAutobot}}
{{disambig3.5|the evil Autobot mini-cassette|his heroic counterpart|Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw}}
:''Steeljaw is an evil [[Autobot]] [[Mini-Cassette]] from the [[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]] [[continuity family]].''
[[File:SGSteeljaw Bio.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|...And I'll form the... yawn, never mind.]]
'''Steeljaw''' is the very epitome of a pet cat: interested in little else besides eating, sleeping, sunbathing, and occasionally leaving around disgusting, freshly killed things for [[Blaster (SG)|Blaster]] to find. Whenever Blaster or the other [[Autobot]]s try to order him around, or [[Ravage (SG)|Ravage]] tries to get his "arch-rival" to fight with him, Steeljaw merely yawns and turns over to tan the other half of himself.

If he ''could'' be convinced to actually move, the fearsome-looking, nasty-clawed, winged feline might actually be a dangerous opponent...until you disarmed him with some scritchies in just the right spot behind his ears, that is.

==Fiction==
===Recordicons===
[[File:RecordiconsRavageandSteeljaw.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.2|Before sunrise, [[Ravage (SG)|he's]] ''your'' son.]]
Steeljaw's dedication to "recharging" was so strong he couldn't even bring forth the effort to swat aside the incredibly annoying Ravage. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 1|Recordicons #1}} At some point, Steeljaw ate [[Enemy (SG)|Enemy]]'s body. Later Ravage was interrupting Steeljaw's lounging on a rock again and Steeljaw inquired why his foe thought they were friends. Ravage reminded Steeljaw of his consumption of Enemy, though his wording initially confused the Autobot. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 4|Recordicons #4}}

After they arrived in a positive polarity universe, Steeljaw got rid of Ravage by pointing out there was [[Steeljaw (G1)|another version of himself]] Ravage could go annoy. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 13|Recordicons #13}} After telling Ravage they couldn't be friends because he was too busy solar charging, Steeljaw suddenly found himself getting a fast-charge thanks to [[Solarbot]] being parked next to him. Unfortunately for him, however, the excess heat emnating from Solarbot's frame was causing Steeljaw to melt. {{storylink|Recordicons issue 18|Recordicons #18}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' comic===
Steeljaw was one of the Cassettes sent out by Blaster to attack [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] and [[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]] in a [[Gold City]] tavern so they could be delivered to [[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 3|Shattered Glass #3}}
{{--}}

==''Games''==
===''Transformers Earth Wars''===
{{charstubgame|{{storylink|Transformers: Earth Wars}}}}

==Notes==
*His coloring is inspired by the Black Lion from ''{{w|Voltron}}'', the toy rights to which were formerly held by [[Mattel]] and currently by {{w|Playmates Toys}}. Don't expect to see a toy of him any time soon.

[[Category:Cats]]
[[Category:Comic-only Autobots]]
[[Category:Mini-Cassettes]]
[[Category:Shattered Glass Autobots]]

Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys

2024-07-13T11:14:30Z

Guy in a Box: /* Merchandise */ I know this was a little goof with italicizing, but I also think it's funny that it sounded like we wanted to emphasize a jigsaw puzzle like it's the coolest thing in the world lol

{{suite}}
[[File:Animated-toy MultipleSizeOptimusPrimes.jpg|thumb|upright=2|Don't talk to [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Roll Out Command|me]] or [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Voyager Class|my son]] or [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Deluxe Class|my son's son]] or [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Activators|my son's son's son]] or [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Universe .282008.29|my son's son's son's son]] ever again.]]
[[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] is a turbo-revvin' young leader—with a lot of toys!

==Toys==
===''Animated''===
====Legends Class====
{{anchor|Legends3pack}}
[[File:TFA-Stealth-Lockdown-Legend-Class-Optimus-Prime.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Stealth Lockdown''' (Multi-pack, 2008)}}</ul>

: A simple, roughly-three-inch tall toy of ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Optimus Prime was sold as part of a [[Target]] [[exclusive]] battle pack.

: The set also came with [[Lockdown (Animated)#Stealth|a "stealth" redeco of Lockdown]], as well as a Legends [[Bumblebee (Animated)#Legends Class|Bumblebee]].

: This toy was later released with minimal changes in the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'' toyline]]; the ''Animated'' release has brighter, more primary blue plastic and paint. (Sadly, as this toy lacks a faction symbol on either release, that easy tell is not available.)

::*''[https://www.tfu.info/toytables/animated_optimusprime.htm More information on Legends Animated Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsClearRed}}
[[File:Ani-toy Optimus ClearRedVer.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|This justice of mine is burning red! Its loud roar tells me I need to be extinguished!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime Clear Red Ver.''' (EZ Collection, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': April ??, 2010

: A redeco of Legends-class Optimus Prime in translucent red plastic (with some opaque red parts due to being molded with [[unpaintable plastic]]).

: This toy was a [[campaign item|promotional freebie]] for customers who bought 3,000 yen worth of ''Transformers Animated'' products at Japanese [[Toys"R"Us]] stores (most likely starting on [[April 24]], the day the second wave of ''Animated'' product hit stores, but this has not been confirmed).

{{-}}{{anchor|LimitedClear}}
[[File:AniEZLimited.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''EZ Collection Limited Clear Version''' (EZ Collection, 2010)}}</ul>

: The "[[EZ Collection]] Limited Clear Version" set included a redeco of Legends Optimus Prime, cast mainly out of translucent blue plastic (the black [[unpaintable plastic]] staying black), with his usual paint applications to give him his red and silver.

: This set was given away at Family Mart stores in Japan as part of a raffle token promotion. The "EZ Collection Limited Clear Version" set was prize D, and included four different translucent EZ Collection figures, the other three being [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#LimitedClear|Bumblebee]], [[Prowl (Animated)#LimitedClear|Prowl]], and [[Starscream (Animated)#LimitedClear|Starscream]].

{{-}}<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (EZ Collection, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[July 24]], 2010

: In Japan, the Legends-class Optimus Prime toy was released as part of the third volume of ''[[EZ Collection]]'', in [[blindpacking|blind-packed packaging]].

: Instead of being the deco from the Target multi-pack above, this release used the darker-plastic deco from the [[#Universe (2008)|single-pack ''Universe'' release]].

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsEliteGuardVersion}}
[[File:EZEliteGuardOptimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime Elite Guard Version''' (EZ Collection, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[July 24]], 2010

: A redeco of Legends-class Optimus Prime in dark red, black and gold, with a gold [[Elite Guard]] symbol on its chest.

: It was only available [[blindpacking|blind-packed]] in TakaraTomy's ''[[EZ Collection]]'' Volume 4.

: The deco - seemingly based on [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#LeaderGalaxyForce|''Cybertron'' Galaxy Force Optimus Prime]] - would later be repeated for [[Hero-X|Million Publishing]]'s Voyager-scaled [[#VoyEliteGuard|Optimus Prime Elite Guard Version figure]].

{{-}}{{anchor|LegendsGoldVersion}}
[[File:EZGoldOptimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime Gold Version''' (EZ Collection, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[July 24]], 2010

: A redeco of Legends-class Optimus Prime colored entirely gold, save for the tires and parts of his joints being black due to being molded with (again,) unpaintable plastic.

: It was only available blind-packed in TakaraTomy's ''EZ Collection'' Volume 4. Yes, two Optimuses in one assortment.
{{-}}

====Deluxe Class====
[[File:TFAnimated Deluxe CybertronPrime toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay. I sleep all night and I work all day."]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''CYBERTRON Mode Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ion-axe", roof-shield
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Based on his pre-[[Earth]] Cybertronian look, the first version of ''Animated'' Optimus Prime transforms into a half-track Cybertronic truck that resembles the [https://newatlas.com/mitsubishi-fusos-hybrid-concept-dump-truck/8250/ Mitsubishi Fuso Hybrid concept truck] with some heavy sci-fi influences. As a half-track, instead of rear wheels, he has molded, caterpillar-linked tracks with smaller wheels inside for rolling along smooth surfaces.

: While the [[light-piping|light-piped eyes]] gimmick is functional in robot mode, it's pretty weak due to the usage of the translucent dark blue plastic.

: Prime's axe weapon is stored by partially folding the axe at the grey hinge near the handle peg, then placing the handle peg in a hole on the back of the cab (actually his two fists' holes, thus helping them hold it in position) with the blade facing down and a grey peg facing up, acting as a "fifth wheel" trailer hitch, should one find a suitable trailer to attach to it. The peg also resembles the rocket thruster on the back of Prime's axe in robot mode. The figure's superb range of articulation and long axe-handle actually allow Optimus to wield his weapon two-handed. This is sheer awesomeness. The truck roof can be mounted on his left arm as a shield, or spread apart and attached to the axe to become giant energon blades.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|DVDpack}}
[[File:TFAnimated Deluxe BattleBegins Prime toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHxyZaZlaOs And he "axed" him for help...]]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Optimus Prime vs. Megatron: The Battle Begins''' ("Entertainment Pack", 2008)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ion-Axe"
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro)|[[Marcelo Matere]] (packaging artist)}}

: The Deluxe-class Earth mode Optimus Prime, now transforming into a fire truck cab, has a very similar engineering design to the Deluxe-class Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime figure above. He has a distinctively more "[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]]" look than other ''Animated'' Primes, given the addition of smokestacks (a detail absent from the animation model, though they can be popped off for a more show-accurate look) and a lack of black beneath the silver stripes. While he does actually have a tire on each side of his boots, they lack the kind of clearance needed for him to skate on them like in the show. He features a punching/axe slashing gimmick, where twisting his spring-loaded waist will make it snap back for a "robot punch." His axe (which is the most show-accurate out of all of his toys) stores in his aft section; as with Cybertron Mode Optimus, he has enough articulation to hold his long-handled axe two-handed and raise it over his head for a massive chop. ''Brilliant.''

: The toy was also given a series of black-paint "battle damage" cracks on various parts. Unfortunately, most of these cracks also cover ''other'' painted parts, most notably his translucent-plastic chest, meaning any attempt to remove said paint will result in his design-origin paint details being removed as well. Speaking of damaging paint, the smokestacks, which end up on his forearms, can be rotated around to form some kind of a wrist-mounted water hose, but as the forearms are painted, that can risk scraping.

: This toy was only available in a two-pack with a similarly-gimmicked-and-deco'd Deluxe-class [[Megatron (Animated)#Toys|Cybertron Mode Megatron]]. The set also included a [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)/home video#Pack-in disc|a DVD]] featuring the first episode of the [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|''Transformers Animated'' cartoon]], "[[Transform and Roll Out]]". The rear packaging incorrectly depicts his vehicle mode photo as mirrored.

: If you want to be pedantic about it, the battle implied by the battle-pack pairing is technically a timeline impossibility, insofar as it depicts Earth Mode Optimus versus Cybertron Mode Megatron. It is also [[scale]]d incorrectly, as Megatron was shown as being notably ''larger'' than Optimus in "Transform and Roll Out".

: This toy was later re-released without changes in a [[#2packBlackarachnia|2-pack with Blackarachnia]], and was also redecoed in translucent plastics as part of a TakaraTomy ''Sons of Cybertron'' 2-pack with [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)#Toys|Rodimus]].

:*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/BattleBeginsOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on "The Battle Begins" Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|2packBlackarachnia}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''The Revenge of Blackarachnia''' (Multi-pack, 2008)}}</ul>

: This two-pack featured an unchanged Deluxe Optimus Prime from the ''Battle Begins'' two-pack above, and an unchanged Deluxe [[Blackarachnia (Animated)#Toys|Blackarachnia]].

: This bundle was a [[Walmart]] [[exclusive]] [[Black Friday (event)|Black Friday]] release for 2008.

{{-}}{{anchor|TakaraVsMegatron}}
[[File:Transformers-Animated-VS-F-FoS-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''The Beginning Showdown: Optimus Prime / Megatron''' (Multi-pack, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[March 27]], 2010
:*''Accessories'': "Ion-axe", roof-shield

: Released in the first wave of TakaraTomy's [[Transformers Animated (toyline)#TakaraTomy Animated toyline|''Animated'' toyline]], Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime was given a shinier metallic red paint job and white-bordered Autobot symbols, like the majority of the TakaraTomy ''Animated'' toys.

: The figure was only available in a "The Beginning Showdown" (始まりの対決, ''hajimari no taiketsu'', also called "Fight of Start" on English on the box-back) 2-pack, with a redecoed version of the Deluxe-scale Cybertronian [[Megatron (Animated)#TakaraVsOptimus|Megatron]] from the "Optimus Prime vs. Megatron: The Battle Begins" set.

{{-}}{{anchor|GoldVersion}}
[[File:AnimatedDeluxeGoldOptimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1|I may be called Optimus Prime, but I'm sure being marketed as a Convoy!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime Gold Version'''{{fact}} (Deluxe, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ion-Axe"

: A "TakaraTomy original gold version" of the Deluxe-class Battle Begins Optimus Prime slathered with gold chrome was made available to residents of Japan via lottery, limited to 1,000 pieces.

: There were several ways to enter the drawing for him: one could clip out and send in a barcode from a single standard ''Animated'' toy, or four ''[[EZ Collection]]'' barcodes, ''or'' send in five [[Sega]] "[[Transformers Cards]]" trading cards, '''''or''''' cut out and send in the appropriate portion of the character cards included with [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount of Japan]]'s ''Animated'' DVDs. The entry period of the drawing started on [[August 1]]st, running up to [[September 30]]th, 2010.

{{-}}{{anchor|FamilyMartLotteryDeluxeClass}}
[[File:TF-Animated-Family-Mart-Lucky-Draw-Deluxe-Optimus-Prime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|It pays to be clean, kids.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Deluxe Class Optimus Prime''' (Deluxe, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ion-Axe"

: A recolor of the Battle Begins Optimus Prime figure, "Deluxe Class" Optimus Prime keeps the same base plastic colors as the US release (including the missing black deco under the silver on the truck cab), but removes all of the painted battle damage.

: This toy was only available in Japan, as a prize in a lottery held in association with Family Mart. The details of the lottery are currently unknown.
{{note|DAMMIT!}}

{{-}}

====Voyager Class====
{{anchor|Voyager}}
[[File:TFAnimated Voyager EarthOptimusPrime toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Hey, whatever happened to that [[mouthplate]]? & your allegiance symbol? ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:Transformers-Animated-TA-01-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2008 / 2010)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TA-01'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[March 27]], [[2010]]
:*''Accessories'': "Ion Axe"/backpack, water cannon
{{toydesigner|[[Eric Siebenaler]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}

: Part of the second wave of Hasbro's ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' Voyager class toys, this Optimus transforms into a futuristic Earth-mode fire truck (well, the front half of one, at least). He features a partial [[Automorph Technology|auto-transformation]] feature: pressing a button on his back end releases a catch that allows his entire back end to flip down and rotate 180 degrees into the proper position for robot mode. In robot mode, he features a mouthplate which can slide up to cover his face, or retract down below his neck, all without limiting his neck articulation.

: A portion of his vehicle mode cab detaches to form a (severely off-model) battle axe. Thankfully, this portion largely forms a chunk of the trailer he doesn't have, so his cab mode looks fine without it. Like his deluxe-class toys, Prime can also hold his axe two-handed, albeit not as easily achieved compared to the deluxe versions. He also includes a large extinguisher cannon that [[Water-squirting gimmick|really squirts water]]; this cannon can mount on the back of his truck mode on the axe-trailer portion, and ''can'' be used as a hand-held weapon, though the handle is a little too short for him to hold it without untabbing the black panel that forms the back of his hand. Both of these accessories can combine and store on his back, giving the appearance of wings and a [[jet pack]].

: The original release of this toy was notable amongst ''Animated'' figures for its lack of a faction symbol in either mode; later waves of the figure, however, included a silver-on-white Autobot sigil on the robot mode's left shoulder to more closely reflect the animation model's detailing.

: Some units feature Optimus Prime's vehicle mode facing on the top in-package.

: The TakaraTomy release of this figure, produced years later than the Hasbro one in the first wave of their [[Transformers Animated (toyline)#TakaraTomy Animated toyline|''Animated'' toyline]], features an ''extensive'' metallic paint job on just about every paintable part, and comes with a tampographed red-and-white Autobot symbol.

: This Optimus was part of a pair of different store-exclusive [[campaign item|promotional giveaways]] in April. Buying him from [[AEON|JUSCO]] stores netted customers the [[EZ Collection]] [[Starscream (Animated)#ClearPurple|Starscream Clear Purple Ver.]] toy. Meanwhile, buying him from Apita stores got you the [[Prowl (Animated)#ClearSmokeLOC|Prowl Clear Smoke Ver.]] EZ Collection toy.

: This mold [[redeco]]ed to make the [[BotCon 2011]] [[Toxitron (Animated)#Toys|Toxitron]], and was [[retool]]ed for the same convention's [[The Motor Master#Toys|The Motor Master]] toy.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|VoyBlackVersion}}
[[File:Ani-toy OptimusPrime BlackVersion.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Long gone by the time it got retconned into a "new" character.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime Black Ver.''' (Voyager, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''ID number:'' '''TA-01'''
:*''Release date'': [[August 3]], 2010
:*''Accessories'': "Ion Axe"/backpack, water cannon

: A [[black redeco]] of the standard Voyager Optimus Prime, in the standard [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]]/[[Nemesis Prime (disambiguation)|Nemesis Prime]] deco (but retaining his Autobot sigil), "Optimus Prime Black Ver." was available [[exclusive]]ly at the Japanese "[[Transformers Museum]]" event held at the Seibu department store in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture from [[August 3]]rd to [[August 8]]th, 2010.

: The figure was limited to a paltry 300 pieces (good luck getting one!), cost 4200 yen, and came in a grayscale version of the original toy's box with a golden sticker on the window declaring its name.

: This toy was [[repurposing|repurposed]] into ''Animated'' [[Nemesis Prime (Animated)|Nemesis Prime]].

{{-}}{{anchor|Wingblade}}
[[File:Animatedtoy-OptimusPrimeWingBladeTakara.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Twist ties and metallic paint do not mix. ''(Takara version pictured)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Wingblade Optimus Prime''' (Voyager, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''ID number'': '''TA-38'''
:*''Release date'': [[September 18]], 2010
:*''Accessories'': "Ion Axe"/backpack, water cannon, "Wingblade" [[jet pack]], left & right gauntlets, "Magnus Hammer", 2 missiles

: Released only in the eighth wave of TakaraTomy's ''Animated'' line, Wingblade Optimus Prime is a translucent-plastic [[redeco]] of the Voyager Optimus Prime toy. This time, however, he comes with a set of attachable battle armor, representing Optimus as he appeared in "[[Endgame, Part I]]" and "[[Endgame, Part II|Part II]]". It includes both his jetpack, armed with a pair of shoulder-mounted spring-loaded missile launchers, and a slightly scaled-down version of the [[Magnus Hammer]], in addition to the original toy's axe and water cannon. The new gauntlet hand attachment pieces have two notches: one notch is for the included Magnus Hammer, and the other for the larger Magnus Hammer from the Leader-class [[Ultra Magnus (Animated)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]] toy if you'd rather he wield that one.

: In vehicle mode, the Wingblade armor parts and Magnus Hammer reassemble to become... well, more or less just a jetpack for a truck, resting on his legs/trailer-hitch section. Thankfully, the rockets on the ends of the wings are on mushroom-peg swivels so they won't be pointed backwards in vehicle mode. However, attaching this assembly to Prime requires removing the water cannon and axe from their normal vehicle-mode storage spots and just kind of setting them aside.

[[File:AnimatedVoyWingbladeOP.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|Hi, this didn't happen. ''(canceled Hasbro version pictured)'']]

: While Optimus is mostly clear plastic, the Wingblade armor is opaque and coated in metallic paint, which means it blends in perfectly with Takara's original release of the Voyager Optimus mold.

: The Wingblade jetpack and Magnus Hammer are also compatible with the Deluxe Class Optimus toy in both modes. This is because this was how Hasbro was originally set to release the toy: packaging the Wingblade armor and accessories with an "undirtied" redeco of the Deluxe ''The Battle Begins'' two-pack Optimus mold, rather than the Voyager mold as Takara released it. However, this toy was ultimately canceled (along with Hasbro's version of Wingblade Optimus's TakaraTomy wave-mate [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#Voyager Class|Jetpack Bumblebee]] and quite a few redecoes that ultimately never saw the light of day in either market), with the Wingblade-pack tooling never seeing release by Hasbro in any capacity. Reportedly, the Wingblade armor is somewhat loose when attached to the Deluxe mold; it's uncertain if the original Hasbro plan called for some light [[retool]]ing of the core Optimus to accommodate.

{{-}}{{anchor|VoyEliteGuard}}
[[File:AniVoyEGOptimus.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Our worlds are in danger!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime Elite Guard Version''' (Voyager, 2011)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': "Ion Axe"/backpack, water cannon

: A dark red, black and gold redeco of the standard Voyager Optimus Prime, "Optimus Prime Elite Guard Version" shares its color scheme with the EZ Collection Volume 4 Optimus Prime Elite Guard Version figure, and they both bear more than a passing resemblance to [[Hasbro]]'s ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#LeaderGalaxyForce|"Galaxy Force Optimus Prime" toy]].

: This toy was a mail-order exclusive from Japan's [[Hero-X|Million Publishing]], requiring a coupon from their ''[[Transformers Animated Encyclopedia]]'' guidebook to purchase.

:The original promotional silhouette for this figure depicted it with the armor from the Wingblade Optimus Prime toy, which it did not end up having.
{{-}}

====Supreme class====
{{anchor|Supreme}}
[[File:TFAnimated RolloutCommand OptimusPrime toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Be sociable, have a [[Pepsi Convoy|Pepsi]]! ''(Hasbro version pictured)'']]
[[File:TFA-TA-41-Optimus-Prime-Light-and-Sound.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''(TakaraTomy version pictured)'']]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Roll Out Command Optimus Prime''' (Supreme, 2008 / 2010)}}</ul>
:*''TakaraTomy name'': '''Optimus Prime'''
:*''TakaraTomy release date'': [[October 2]], 2010
:*''TakaraTomy ID number'': '''TA-41'''
:*''Accessories'': "Ultra-Axe"
{{toydesigner|[[Jared Wade]] (Hasbro)}}

: This supreme-sized Prime figure is sculpted around one major gimmick: pressing the switch while rolling the toy forward in vehicle mode causes the cab to spin around, slowly unfolding into the robot mode torso. The legs are subsequently transformed manually, completing the robot mode. Pressing the Autobot [[insignia]] between Prime's windows and the lights on his roof both activate assorted electronic effects, including red LEDs in his lightbar, yellow LEDs in his headlights and eyes, and sound effects including engine revving noises, a siren, and four speech clips featuring the voice of [[David Kaye]]. In robot mode, Prime's (non-retractable) [[mouthplate]] jiggles up and down in time with his speech.

: Prime is armed with a particularly cartoon-accurate axe, which can be held in either hand, but which specifically interacts with his right one. Placing the axe in his fist and pressing the button on the back of his hand triggers the axe's pop-out translucent blades and rocket jet. Pushing down on the tab built into the back of his right shoulder extends the arm out fully, and releasing it lets Prime swing his axe down, accompanied by an electronic slashing noise. The left arm has a similar effect, except pushing the tab thrusts his arm forward in a punch, with accompanying sound effect.

: While Prime's legs have a high range of articulation like most ''Animated'' toys, his torso is heavily beholden to its gimmicks and features no effective articulation whatsoever; the only manipulable part of his body above his waist that isn't part of a gimmick is his right elbow.

: Many (all?) copies of this figure have the moving mouthplate default to the "down" position when not moving, rather than "up" or "at rest" as the box photography would indicate. This leads to the unfortunate impression that Optimus is either always mid-sentence... or a slack-jawed yokel.

: This toy came in two different styles of packaging: a default-style square box, or in a cylindrical package.

: This toy was released in the ninth wave of TakaraTomy's [[Transformers Animated (toyline)#TakaraTomy Animated toyline|''Animated'' toyline]]. Like virtually all of the "normal" Takara ''Animated'' toys, he features metallic red paint, but only the red plastic was given this treatment (coating nearly the whole dang thing like his prior Takara toys would likely cost quite a few extra yen). Naturally, the David Kaye voice would be meaningless to Japanese buyers, so his quotes were replaced by Japanese Optimus voice actor [[Hiroki Takahashi]].

: This mold was used to make the first prize of the [[Hasbro UK exclusive limited Edition Handmade Samples]].

:*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/RollOutCommandOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Roll Out Command Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

====Activators====
[[File:TFA-Activators-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Domo-arigato, mister roboto!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Activators, 2008)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)|[[Andrew Scribner]] (deco artist)}}

: Part of the second wave of [[Activators]], this toy is a smaller-scale (roughly Scout-sized) Optimus Prime with a push-button, spring-loaded [[autotransformation]] from vehicle to robot mode, although you have to turn him back into vehicle mode by hand. Unfortunately, Activators Optimus Prime has no axe accessory. Aww...But his hands were not designed to hold something, so why even bother?

: When it comes to transformation, you can push the button or tug the lightbar to transform him into robot mode. In vehicle mode, the lightbar can be further pushed forward (with the sculpted thin panels underneath the light-bar heading front to his truck roof's panel, holding them in place) to make the truck mode's side doors/robot shoulders shrink securely in vehicle mode. Although not seen in the prototype/stock photos in the instructions, Optimus' light bar can be folded to the back for a show-accurate robot mode. The prototype stock photos show the cab piece being pushed down further, but this cannot be done on the final. Depending on the individual copy, the panel that secures the connection can occasionally pop back to its proper position.

: Coincidentally, this Optimus is roughly properly-scaled with the Legends Class [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#Legends Class|Bumblebee]] and [[Prowl (Animated)#Legends Class|Prowl]] toys.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|ActivatorArmorUp}}
[[File:Animated-toy ArmorUpOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|As close to the fourth season as we're ever going to get.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Armor Up Optimus Prime''' (Activators, 2009 / 2010)}}</ul>

: Part of the seventh and final wave of Activators, this redeco'd Optimus features a deco that ''vaguely'' homages [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity#The Battlestars manga and story pages|Star Convoy]]. Most of his silver paint is replaced with blue-ish gunmetal, his silver unpaintable parts are now blue, and he features a different deco pattern on his head (which coats his entire head), stomach/front truck grill, and lightbar.

:*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Autobot/ActArmorUpOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Activators Armor Up Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''

{{-}}{{anchor|AnimatedSuperCollection}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|'''Animated Super Collection Vol. 1''' (Multi-pack, 2010)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[October 2]], 2010

: Released in the ninth wave of TakaraTomy's [[Transformers Animated (toyline)#TakaraTomy Animated toyline|''Animated'' toyline]], the "Animated Super Collection Vol. 1" giftset release of Activators Optimus is basically unchanged from the original Hasbro release.

: This set also included an unchanged [[Megatron (Animated)#Activators|Megaton]], and ''verrrry'' slight redecos of Activators [[Lockdown (Animated)#Activators|Lockdown]] and [[Ratchet (Animated)#Activators|Ratchet]].

{{-}}{{anchor|CoolActivator}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Clear Version Optimus Prime''' (Activators, 2011)}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[April 26]], 2011

: This translucent-plastic version of Activators Optimus was only available packed in with the manga ''[[Transformers Animated: The Cool|The Cool]] - Special Edition'', published by [[Kadokawa]].
{{-}}

====Bumper Battlers====
{{anchor|BumperBattler}}
[[File:BumperBattlers OptimusPrime toy.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Bumper Battlers, 2008)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Vickie Stratford]] (Hasbro)}}

: Part of the first wave of Hasbro's ''Animated'' [[Bumper Battlers]], Optimus Prime is a simple one-step Transformer aimed at younger kids. He transforms by pushing the front bumper of his truck mode, which flips up a robot torso and upper thighs. Yup, that's right—if you smash him into a wall or other toys he will transform. Good luck finding a loose, mint version of this toy when you're on your nostalgia trip!

: In robot mode he actually has some limited articulation in his wrists, and his neck. Plus he's holding an adorable little axe in one hand.

: The toy has a sound chip that can be activated in either mode. It has two massive strings of phrases, battle sounds and voice effects from [[David Kaye]], activated by either pressing his Autobot insignia or pressing his bumper (which also transforms him). Some phrases are recombined for more variation.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|BumperBattlerNightwatch}}
[[File:Ani-toy BumperBattlers NightwatchPrime.JPG|upright=1.66|thumb|Able to enter the Gloom at will.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Nightwatch Optimus Prime''' (Bumper Battlers, 2008)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Vickie Stratford]] (Hasbro)}}

: Released in the third wave of Bumper Battlers, this redeco of the original Bumper Battlers Optimus toy is in dark purple and black, with [[Neon|lime green]] windows and accents.

: The sound effects are new, and seemingly utilize an actor who is not David Kaye.

:*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/BBNightwatchOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Bumper Battler Nightwatch Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Universe'' (2008)===
[[File:TF-Universe-(2008)-Legends-Animated-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Legends, 2008)}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Bill Rawley]] (Hasbro)}}

: Released in the third wave of the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'' series]] single-carded [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends-class]] toys, this version of Optimus is minor [[redeco]] of the [[#Toys|Legends-class Optimus Prime]] from the ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' [[Lockdown (Animated)#Stealth|Stealth Lockdown]] multi-pack; this release is cast in duller, darker blue plastic than the original's brighter, more vibrant blue.

: Sadly, neither iteration of this mold has an Autobot insignia, which would make it a ''lot'' easier to tell at a glance which version it is, since ''Animated'' used solid-silver or gold insignia rather than the traditional white-bordered color sigils ''Universe'' used.

{{-}}{{anchor|Legends3pack}}
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Classic Legends''' (Multi-pack, 2008)}}</ul>

: ''Universe'' Optimus was also available as part of a three-pack with the ''Universe'' releases of Legends [[Prowl (Animated)#Universe (2008)|Prowl]] and [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#Universe (2008)|Bumblebee]]. This set had the three regular-release toys, still on their normal cards, bound together in a larger cardboard sleeve.

: It is currently unknown if this set was a normal-retail release or a store exclusive.
{{-}}

===''Mini EZ Collection''===
[[File:TFA-Mini-EZ-Colle-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Mini EZ Collection, <s>2010</s>)}}</ul>

: Intended to be released as part of TakaraTomy's new ''Mini EZ Collection'' line, this Optimus Prime is an all new, 2-inch mold that converts from robot into a somewhat unconvincing truck.

: The figures were set for a November 2010 release, but ended up being quietly canceled for unknown reasons.

{{canceledtoy}}
{{-}}

===McDonald's Kids Meal Toys===
[[File:McDonaldsAnimatedOptimusPrime.jpg|upright=1|thumb|A trait of all good leaders is impeccable body posture.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toy, 2008)}}</ul>
:*''McNumber'': '''1'''

: Part of the first ''Transformers Animated'' [[McDonald's]] Happy Meal promotion in the US and Europe, this is a chunky, somewhat-softer-plastic version of Optimus with a more simplified transformation sequence. Rather unusual amongst the ''Animated'' McDonald's toys, which typically have one show-accurate mode and one non-show-accurate mode, Optimus manages to pull off both modes with reasonable accuracy.

: The European release of the toy features additional/more elaborate paint applications on the torso/truck front, thighs and feet.

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

{{-}}{{anchor|McLatin}}
[[File:TFA McD Optimus Jumpstarter.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (McDonald's Happy Meal toys, 2008)}}</ul>

: This version of Optimus is a ''very'' simplistic version, transforming from a non-articulated robot mode into a "folded" robot with three wheels. Show-accuracy is ''right'' out. The toy has a [[Jumpstarter]]-style gimmick, featuring a pull-back motor in vehicle mode that propels him forward on smooth surfaces; after a short run the latch that keeps his spring-loaded legs releases, causing him to flip forward and into upright robot mode.

: Like the rest of his assortment, this Optimus Prime was only available at McDonald's restaurants in Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela.
{{-}}

===''Welcome to Transformers 2010''===
{{anchor|Transformers (2010)}}{{anchor|SonsofCybertron}}
[[File:Takara animated crystal optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Sons of Cybertron: Optimus Prime and Rodimus''' (Multi-pack, [[2010]])}}</ul>
:*''Release date'': [[July 24]], 2010
:*''Accessories'': "Ion-Axe"

: "Sons of Cybertron" ''Animated'' Optimus Prime is a mostly-translucent-plastic redeco of the [[#DVDpack|Deluxe Class Earth-mode toy]]. While the paint operations are mostly identical to the "The Battle Begins" figure sans the battle damage, the paint apps on the axe and feet are omitted, while additional light blue paint is added on the eyes, for the first time in the history of the mold. A bordered Autobot insignia is also tampographed on the left forearm as well.

: It was only available in a two-pack with a similarly-deco'd [[Rodimus Prime (Animated)#Toys|Rodimus]]. In addition to being part of [[TakaraTomy]]'s ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)#TakaraTomy Welcome to Transformers 2010 campaign|Welcome to Transformers 2010]]'' campaign, the set was also sold as an [[exclusive]] at Shanghai Con.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2010/Cybertron/SOCOptimusPrime/optimusprime.htm More information on Sons of Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===''Diablock''===
[[File:Diablock_TFA_Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|President of the "Unconvincing Truck Mode Club"]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Optimus Prime''' (Diablock set, 2011)}}</ul>

: Part of Takara's ''[[Diablock]]'' [[LEGO|Lego]]-like building block line, Optimus Prime is a buildable figure. As with the other ''Transformers''-themed ''Diablock'' sets, disassembly isn't necessary to transform him from robot to vehicle mode. However, it's pretty obvious which mode got the design priority.

: Interestingly, the back of the box suggests [[Optimus Primal (BW)|a mechanical gorilla that transforms into a car]] as an alternative build.<ref>http://www.diablock.co.jp/optimusprime2.pdf</ref>
{{-}}

===''Legacy''===
[[File:TF-Legacy-United-Voyager-Animated-Optimus.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Have you guys seen [[Megatron (BW)|Joe]]? I would like to ''axe'' him a question.]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Animated Universe Optimus Prime''' (Voyager Class, [[2024]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Axe, lightbar
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Koki Yamada]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>Originally credited as [[Shuhei Umezu]] per the [[Hasbro Pulse Con 2023|Pulse Con 2023]] livestream and the initial version of [[Mark Maher]]'s Instagram post, but later corrected in a [[:File:MarkMaher-correction-screenshot.jpg|follow-up Instagram story post by Mark Maher]], with his initial Instagram post updated to reflect the correct [[TakaraTomy]] designer credit.</ref>

: Released in the first wave of ''[[Transformers: Legacy#United|Legacy: United]]'' Voyager Class toys, Optimus Prime is a ''Generations''-styled version of the character, transforming from a robot into the same ol' fire truck front half. An additional set of wheels are hidden inside the front bumper to help with the stability of the vehicle mode, as the cab is sculpted far ahead from the actual wheel axles. In a surprising case of attention to detail, the inside of Optimus' cab has full-featured sculpted interior details, with a static steering wheel and stereo in the chest, seats on the backs of the shoulders, and even sun shades in the roof! Naturally, he omits the auto-transformation gimmick for sweet, sweet robot-mode articulation. He also omits the "battle mask" gimmick, going for a permanent maskless look.

: The transformation scheme for his torso is nearly identical to that of the earth-mode deluxe toy from the ''Battle Begins'' two pack.

: Optimus comes with his signature axe (with extendable handle!), which can be mounted onto the truck hitch for storage. The "thruster" on the back of the axe-head is [[Fire Blast effect]]-compatible, allowing one to re-create the rocket effect from the cartoon. The very bottom tip of the axe-handle is also Fire-Blast-effect-compatible.

: In some cases, the peg behind the abs has been haphazardly snipped from the [[sprue]], which can make it nearly impossible to use the swivel joint required for transformation. Fortunately, this can be rectified by disconnecting the peg (which will likely happen on its own if you try to rotate it) and sanding it down.

::''[https://www.instagram.com/p/CxrJjHDMr_f/ Designer commentary on ''Legacy'' Optimus Prime from Mark Maher on Instagram]''
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
[[File:Ani-toy OptimusBattleBlaster.JPG|upright=1.4|thumb|This is the only toy available for Prime's [[trailer]].]]
*'''Optimus Prime Battle Blaster''' (2008)

: This toy is a simple fire truck which transforms into a thing with a nominal resemblance to a hand holding a gun and can be fitted around one's hand. It has recorded sounds activated by pressing the Autobot logo on the truck, or by pulling the trigger in gun mode. It features sounds voiced by David Kaye, varying engine sounds and the transformation sound effect.

{{-}}
{{anchor|ShiftTech}}
[[File:Shift tech handheld.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*'''Shift Tech Optimus Prime handheld game''' (2008)

: A simple handheld game system featuring Optimus as a playable character. It featured 15 differnet games, though most are just different riffs on the same beat-em up or racing gameplay. Some games allow Optimus to battle in either robot or vehicle mode, with a player changing modes in games by pulling out the Conversion Handles. This also changed the console as well, making it wider and poping up a pair of prongs on the top that bare a slight resemblance to Optimus' head antennas. Different games could be selected from a map of [[Detroit]], featureing locations such as the Autobots' base and [[Sumdac Tower]] allowing players to take them on in any order. The games included were:

{{collist|1|
*Capture [[Angry Archer]] - A side scrolling driving game where Optimus transforms into robot mode to capture Angry Archer and other criminals.
*Rogue Robot Showdown - Optimus battles an [[Home Is Where the Spark Is|out of control assembly line]] to save [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] and earn a new weapon to face [[Meltdown (Animated)|Meltdown]].
*Boss Battle vs. Meltdown - In this 1-on-1 battle, Optimus takes on the acidic Meltdown using his firefighting abilities.
*[[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]] Space Blast - Bublebee challenges Optimus to a videogame contest (how meta) in this {{w|Asteroids (video game)|''Asteroids''}} style game.
*Five Alarm Emergency - Rescue people from a burning building ot earn an upgrade to Optimus' Ion Axe.
*Boss Battle vs. [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]] - Chase down Lockdown in vehicle mode to recover Optimus' Ion Axe.
*Robot Assembly Line - Help [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Professor Sumdac]] - Assemble robots by matching the correct heads and bodies.
*Target Practice With [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]] - Hurl your Ion Axe at the target set up by Prowl.
*Boss Battle vs. [[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia ]] - Avoid webs and rogue robots while Scaling the side of a building to capture Blackarachnia.
*[[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] Grapple - Switch between robot and vehicle mode to corral the rampaging Grimlock.
*Cave Breakout - Prowl, Bumblebee, and [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]] are trapped in a cave in. Smash the rocks to free them in this {{w|Breakout (video game)|''Breakout''}} style game.
*Boss Battle vs. [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] - Optimus fights to ground Starscream in a 1-on-1 battle
*Final Boss Battle vs. [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] 1 - While hooked onto Megatron with his grapple, help Optimus avoid obsticals as they fly through the city.
*Final Boss Battle vs. Megatron 2 - Optimus battles through a Megatron controlled [[Sumdac Systems|Sumdac factory]], fighting waves waves of evil robots.
*Final Boss Battle vs. Megatron 3 - In the final 1-on-1 battle, Optimus faces Megatron trying to stop him for good.
}}

Also included was the [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Teletraan-1]] Database. Acting as a 16th game, players could match enemies and allies to their vehicle modes and signature weapons while under a time limit. Once matched the unlocked data would be browsable later.

{{-}}
[[File:TFA-Board-Game-Optimus-Prime-figurine.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Transformers Animated Game Collection''' (2008)

: Released as part of the board game set, this Optimus Prime is a (very) show-accurate mini-figure figure based on his animation model.

: Optimus Prime is also sold with Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Prowl minifigures, and of course: 3 board games (''Transformers Animated Game, Checkers,'' and ''Tic Tac Toe''), and a 100-piece puzzle.
{{-}}
===Transformers Cards===
* '''Optimus Prime''' (2010?)
** ''Card number'': '''A-001'''
: Part of the ''[[Transformers Cards]]'' series used in the ''[[Transformers Animated: The Chase]]'' and ''[[Transformers Animated: The Shooting]]'' arcade card-reading games by [[Sega]].

:* ''Promotion number'': '''P-001''', '''P-022''', '''P-023'''
: Also part of the Transformers Cards series in the Sega arcade games, except the art is mostly character art in motion. P-001 has the most variations of Optimus from various venues, '''P-001c''' drawn by [[manga]] artist [[Naoto Tsushima]] as part of promoting ''[[Transformers Animated: The Cool|The Cool]]'' manga.

{{-}}

===''Transformers Character Card''===
[[File:Transformers Character Card Animated Megatron and Wingblade OP.jpg|upright=1|thumb]]
*'''Optimus Prime & Megatron Set''' ([[March 19]], [[2024]])
**''ID number:'' '''77 & 78'''

:Released as part of the eleventh wave of the [[e-HOBBY]] exclusive ''[[Transformers Character Card]]'' series, this pair of holographic trading cards depict super-deformed art of Optimus Prime in his [[#Wingblade|Wingblade]] form and [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] along with [[bio|character profiles]] and [[Tech Spec|tech specs]].
::*''[[Source:Transformers Character Card#77|Translation of ''Animated'' Optimus Prime's Transformers Character Card]]''

{{--}}

==Notes==
[[File:AllSparkAlmanacII-PowermasterPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Losing this was a crime! A Prime crime! (A ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Prime]]'' crime?)]]
*Optimus Prime's bio on his Happy Meal toy at McDonald's says he is a '''FIRE TRUCK CAB'''.
*To date, none of Optimus's toys come with his trademark "grappler launcher" weapons.
*''[[Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II]]'' features a double-page spread about what would have come to pass if the ''Animated'' toyline had continued. Optimus Prime was going to get an upgrade to "Powermaster Optimus Prime," wherein he combined with his trailer to be of equal power and stature to Megatron. Completing the homage to the original [[Powermaster]] Optimus Prime, he'd also come with a [[Mini-Con]] which would plug into him. But this didn't happen because God hates us.
* Initial proposals for [[BotCon 2011]] included redecoes of [[#Wingblade|Wingblade Optimus Prime]] into [[Toxitron (Animated)|Toxitron]] and [[#Deluxe Class|Cybertron Mode Optimus Prime]] into [[Kup (Animated)|Kup]].<ref>[http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc14/bc14br.html BotCon 2014 attendee report]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Animated Autobots]]
[[Category:Legacy Autobots]]
[[Category:McDonald's exclusives]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Misconceptions and urban legends about Transformers

2024-07-02T11:58:14Z

Guy in a Box: /* Takara vs. Hasbro */

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

As time has gone on, most of these have faded from the general fandom consciousness, as access to information has grown exponentially, both in terms of what we have learned from official sources, and the ease with which such information can be spread (like, say, via this very wiki). Still, we present them here alongside some that are still fairly persistent, as some were "common knowledge" for years, if not ''decades'', before being corrected. And you never know when something old and wrong will get a weird surge of believers.

==General misconceptions==
*'''''Transformers'' is (only) a cartoon from the Eighties that was brought back into vogue with the 2007 movie.'''

: A misconception usually held by casual fans or nostalgic adults is that ''Transformers'' went away some time around 1986 (or 1987, or 1988—pick your year). People who stumbled across a newer incarnation of the ''Transformers'' franchise before 2007 commonly assumed that it had only recently popped back up as an attempt to cash in on '80s nostalgia. From 2007 onwards, people who were (obviously) aware of the [[live-action film series]] commonly believed that it was the [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]] that brought the franchise back from limbo. Neither assumption is correct.

:In fact, the [[Transformers brand|''Transformers'' brand]] has been continuous since 1984 (there was a brief gap between 1990 and 1993 as far as the United States market was concerned, but the brand still continued with new products in other markets). It includes many [[Franchises|lines of toys, cartoons and comics]] that span four decades now, with no sign of stopping, as Hasbro considers it a core brand. Each line has experienced varying degrees of success, rebooting when its target audience gets too old or uninterested in the toyline and fiction.

:Some of this misconception is based on the fact that most of the original audience stopped watching and following the franchise long before its initial US cancellation (as it wasn't "cool" to be kiddy once puberty hit). Without any exposure to the market, the toyline and the new cartoons, they simply assume that ''Transformers'' has sunk in popularity, quality and/or sales, since it's not what they remember.

:It ''is'' true that ''Transformers'' hit a low point of popularity in the early 1990s, with the cancelation of Generation 1 and the unremarkable sales of ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''. But the successor ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' line re-established the brand for a new generation beginning in 1996, and ''Transformers'' has been a dominant toy franchise ever since. While it's true that the live-action movies caused a major hike in popularity for the brand, they didn't revive a long-forgotten franchise; rather, they merely turned a steadily successful toy series into a major worldwide multimedia phenomenon.

{{-}}{{anchor|G1best}}
*'''Generation 1 obviously has the best toys, cartoons and characters.'''

:Casual fans likewise tend to assume automatically that the original 1980s iteration of ''Transformers'' is the best and most successful line to date, with all other successors being unpopular and/or unsuccessful ventures.

:While it's hard to measure the overall success of every line in all its aspects, the original line has been surpassed in both quality and sales multiple times over (if not for warm-fuzzy nostalgia-feels in 80s kids). In factors such as realistic alternate forms, durability, articulation, action features, and complexity, various later toylines have all exceeded Generation 1. And while fiction can't be measured objectively, many fans will swear up and down by some of the later incarnations of ''Transformers''.

:Arguably, ''Transformers'' is in an endless cycle of creating [[true fan|new fans who share new opinions on what is "teh greatest"]].

{{-}}{{anchor|repacking}}
[[File:SteamhammerEnergonUniverse.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Not literally a waste of packaging material.]]
*'''"Repackaged" toys are ''literally'' unsold toys sent back to Hasbro, taken out of the old packaging, put into new packaging and then sent back to stores.'''

:Every so often, a ''Transformers'' toy line features seemingly identical toys in multiple different [[packaging]] versions, such as multi-packs containing toys that were previously available separately. In addition, some toy lines also feature [[rebranding|rebranded]] items, namely toys that were originally released under one line, but are later re-released as part of another line with virtually no changes to the toy itself, only the packaging it is available in. The final stages of the original ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line took the concept of "rebranding" to a new level, featuring numerous straight re-releases of toys from the since-ended ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' lines, among many others. Since then, it has been repeated with the 2006 ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' line, the 2008 ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' line, the 2010 ''[[Transformers (2010 toyline)|Transformers]]'' line and many others. Because a common [[fandom]] term for those releases is "repackages", a popular misconception claims that those toys are ''literally'' "repackages": namely, unsold toys sent back to Hasbro, taken out of their old packaging, put into new packaging and then sent back to (different) stores. (The same train of thought also—very rarely—suggests that "repaints", another common fan term for [[redeco]]s, are ''literally'' "[[repaint]]s", i.e. existing toys painted over in new colors, rather than new production runs from the same toolings using new plastic colors.)

:Needless to say, this theory is dubious for various reasons. Generally, old unsold toys are ''not'' sent back to Hasbro. They either [[Shelfwarmer|remain in the store]] until someone finally decides to buy them, or the store somehow dumps them, such as by selling them off to closeout chains. And even ''if'' Hasbro did regularly get sent back huge shipments of unsold toys, they'd be highly unlikely to go through the effort (and additional cost) of literally repackaging them. Hasbro confirmed this in January of 2009, stating that due to the toys being manufactured in Asia, it would be a waste of time and money to repackage them only to sell them at the same price-point.<ref>[http://www.sirstevesguide.com/index.php?categoryid=13&p2_articleid=1934 SirStevesGuide.com, Tri-Weekly Hasbro Q&A - January 30th]</ref> Thus, they are ''not'' repackaged old product, but new production runs of previous product. These days, this misconception should be much easier to dispel: Every toy now features a manufacturing date stamp etched into the figure, as well as a product code [[tampograph]]ed onto the figure, thus proving that a figure was manufactured more recently than its superficially identical predecessor.

{{-}}{{anchor|NotRetool}}
[[File:SmokesniperStarscream.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|The similarities are astounding. Especially those that aren't there.]]
*'''A new toy that is vaguely reminiscent of an older toy is a retool of said toy.'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|licensees}}
*'''Hasbro pays its licensees to publish comics for them, and profit directly from the comics selling well.'''

:Presumably stemming from the fact that most Transformers ''cartoons'' are commissioned by Hasbro in order to advertise their toys, a lot of fans are under the impression that Hasbro pays comic publishers like [[IDW Publishing]] and [[Skybound Entertainment]] to produce ''Transformers'' comics for them. This is the exact opposite of how licensed comics work; these companies pay Hasbro for the privilege of publishing ''Transformers'' comics, and they keep all the profits outside of that licensing fee. As such, Hasbro doesn't have any particular investment in the comics selling well, other than their indirect effects on toy sales and potential negative press caused by "failing" comics; all that matters to Hasbro is that they sell well enough that they keep paying for the license.
{{-}}

===Takara vs. Hasbro===
[[File:Cybertrontoy hasbro and takara vector primes.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Vector Prime]] features different color applications dependent on whether it was released in [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] or [[Hasbro]]'s market.]]
*'''Takara (alternatively, Hasbro) are ''solely'' responsible for designing, developing and manufacturing (all, or certain specific) ''Transformers'' toys.'''

: This was true only for the first few years of the [[The Transformers (toyline)|original ''Transformers'' toyline]]. Most of the toys from 1984 to 1986 were imported (and, occasionally, slightly altered) versions of already-existing Japanese toys originally designed and released by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]. Following that, Takara developed new toys both for the Japanese and the Western market, now specifically with ''Transformers'' in mind. The primary exceptions are a handful of toys licensed from other Japanese companies ([[Jetfire (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Jetfire]], the Autobot [[Deluxe Vehicle]]s and [[Insecticon (G1)#Toys|Deluxe Insecticon]]s, among others), and the 1986 toys for the [[The Transformers: The Movie|animated movie]], which were mostly based on designs by [[Floro Dery]].

: However, ever since 1988,<ref name="dunsay">[http://obscuretf.com/hhk/images/full/BC04Dunsay.jpg BotCon 2004 program guide interview with George Dunsay]</ref> most "main" line toys released both in Japan and the Western hemisphere have been designed and developed in cooperation between [[Hasbro]] (or its subsidiary [[Kenner]]) and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] (now TakaraTomy). (For the specifics of this joint venture development process, see the article about [[toy]]s.)

: Still, numerous reasons have led some people to assume incorrectly that ''all'' ''Transformers'' toy lines were ''solely'' developed by only one of the two companies:

:* The Western public and mainstream media, naturally, tend to be unaware of the existence of Takara (TakaraTomy these days). It's therefore logical to assume that Hasbro, the company responsible for distributing Transformers toys outside Japan, is also solely responsible for developing and manufacturing the toys. The fact that Hasbro regularly chooses not to mention their Japanese business partner in official press releases and interviews hasn't exactly helped matters, either.

:* On the other hand, Western anime fans are used to Japanese companies being solely responsible for designing robot toys, which are then imported and sold by Western companies. For lack of better knowledge, those people then simply assume the same also applies to ''Transformers'' toys — namely, that Takara does ''all'' the design and engineering work on their own, and Hasbro is merely the Western ''distributor'' of those toys. The fact that the back of Hasbro's packaging for ''Transformers'' toys sports a small note saying "Manufactured under license from Takara Co., Ltd." (changed to "TOMY Company, Ltd." on more recent toys) is occasionally cited as "proof" that Takara is the sole manufacturer of ''Transformers'' toys as well. A long paper trail of evidence to the contrary<ref name="Hasbro Tour">[http://www.seibertron.com/events/gallery.php?event_id=70&size=0&start=272 Exemplary rundown] of the development process of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Leader Class [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys|Optimus Prime]], shown during the Hasbro tour at [[BotCon 2007]]. Of course, Hasbro just replaced the name "Takara" in some of the steps with "Hasbro" in order to convince fans that... yeah, riiiight.</ref> has not been able to convince those people of the flaws in their conspiracy theory — rather, some of them have even postulated the existence of a so-called "Hasbro PR machine", whose sole purpose is to convince ''Transformers'' fans that Hasbro has a larger part in the development of ''Transformers'' toys than is actually the case.<ref name="Propaganda">[http://toyboxdx.com/phorum/read.php?1,88668 ToyBoxDX thread with anime fanboys arguing that "Takara is an enormous toy '''manufacturing''' company. Hasbro doesn't manufacturer anything. The sole reason for its existence is for marketing the products of their partners and wholly-owned subs. Just to be clear here - Takara is bigger than Hasbro."] They wouldn't even believe that [[Joe Kyde]] actually worked at Hasbro. No kidding.</ref>

: That being said, there ''are'' indeed a few toys originally developed by either Hasbro or Takara without the other one's involvement, and then later picked up by the other company, but they're fewer than usually assumed: For Takara, those include the new molds for ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)#1998 (Beast Wars II)|Beast Wars II]]'', ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)#1999 (Beast Wars Neo)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|Car Robots]]'', plus various mostly short-lived, collector-aimed, niche market lines (such as the new ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' molds, the ''[[Smallest Transforming Transformers]]'', the ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' toys etc.); for Hasbro, those are mostly either toys originally based on fiction-based franchises that did not originate with Hasbro (such as ''[[Animorphs]]'' or the ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars Transformers]]'' and their later successor, ''[[Transformers: Crossovers]]''), cross-brand lines ''within'' Hasbro where the Transformers toys only make up one part of the overall lineup (such as the [[Titanium Series]] and the [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] figures) and a few very rare "main" line Transformers toys such as [[Grimlock (Energon)|Grimlock]], [[Swoop (Energon)|Swoop]], [[Alpha Quintesson]], [[Kicker Jones#Toys|Energon Kicker]] and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]] from ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''.

{{-}}{{anchor|TakaraBetterThanHasbro}}
* '''Takara's Japanese-market releases are always of intrinsically better quality than their U.S. counterparts. (E.g., they have sweeter exclusives, and are always more show-accurate, have more accessories, and have tighter quality control.)'''
[[File:RMConvoy toy.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.66|Let's never forget that Takara made ''this'' on their own.]]

: This one depends a bit on the speaker, as it can either be a genuine misconception, a matter of opinion, or at worst, [[Personal canon|willful]] [[True fan|snobbery]]. But, like many broad generalizations, it does have ''some'' basis... but it's also worth noting that since the later 2010s, Takara's "mainline" retail releases have largely been identical to the Hasbro versions outside of packaging, so a lot of this is basically past-tense.

:* "Better quality" often comes down to very subjective personal preferences. A small handful of Takara toys have clear-plastic windows where Hasbro's use painted opaque plastic ([[Bumblebee (Movie)/toys#Deluxe Class toys|the first Deluxe movie Bumblebee]]), or have vac-metallized parts where the equivalent U.S. release doesn't ([[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Energon|''Energon'' Optimus Prime/Grand Convoy]]). Or, "better" "quality" can refer to the fact that Japan has different toy safety laws, thus Takara can give [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Prime]] toys old-school long smokestacks, which are now shortened in the U.S. [[for safety reasons]], or can release [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron toys that turn into realistic firearms]] where Hasbro ''absolutely'' cannot.

:: In many lines, Takara releases can often boast more paint applications. For example, many ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' figures have painted rims, while their ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' counterparts went without. The paint issue is at least in part due to differences in how Hasbro has to budget an entire "wave" of figures at once for retailers (not just the new toys in the wave, ''everything'' in the shipping case!) while Takara operates within a less restrictive, individual-item-based pricing structure. And like the distribution issue above, this is a factor of their respective retail environments that the companies have no control over. This is also not universal: most notably Takara's version of the [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)#Takara Prime toyline|''Prime'' toyline]] severely cut back on paint in favor of customer-applied decals.

:* "More [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] decos" does have some basis, as Takara frequently releases its toys later than Hasbro does Stateside, and thus can sometimes better reflect the character's in-show coloration (such as with the original [[Rattrap (BW)/toys#Toys|Rattrap]] or [[Tidal Wave (Armada)#Toys|''Armada''{{'}}s Tidal Wave]]). The most extreme example of this was ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)#2005 (Beast Wars Returns)|Beast Wars Returns]]'', the Japanese release of ''Beast Machines'', which was ''years'' later than in the U.S., allowing Takara to make some figures much closer to their show models, though how ''truly'' accurate any given deco was varied from figure to figure. On the other hand, Takara sometimes goes ''massively'' overboard with "show-accurate" decos on toys that weren't actually designed with the original [[character model|animation model]]s in mind, leading to weird blocks of color meant to represent major details from the show models that simply do not exist in any way on the toys' sculpts. Just ask ''Unite Warriors'' [[Fireflight (G1)#Unite Warriors|Firebolt]], [[Slingshot (G1)#Unite Warriors|Sling]] and [[Drag Strip (G1)#Unite Warriors|Drag Stripe]]. And of course, whether you think fidelity to certain character models is a plus or minus is a personal opinion: do you prefer [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys|Cyclonus]] in [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Combiner Wars|dark purple]] (original toy) or [[Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Unite Warriors|light lavender/powder-blue]] (original cartoon)?

:* "More accessories" mostly comes from the fact that ''some'' of Takara's releases have some extra accessories, but this is far, ''far'' from the norm. In the original line, the [[Mini-Cassette]]s had extra tape cases, and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)#Toys|Fortress Maximus]] had two [[sword]]s his Hasbro version lacked. Some late-run ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Super Link]]'' releases came with [[redeco]]ed [[Energon weapon]]s as well. ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' [[Hot Shot (G1)|Hot Rod]] came with two missile launchers and missiles not included with ''[[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys#Universe (2008)|Hot Shot]] due to budget constraints, and featured the original tooling for the rear bumper for their inclusion. Part of this is, like the paint applications, thanks to Takara's ability to be more flexible when budgeting individual toys.

:: However, sometimes the Takara versions have ''fewer'' accessories. The original Takara [[Megatron (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Megatron]] may have had a sword and bullets the Hasbro version lacked, but he lacked the barrel, scope and stock extensions that he was always depicted with! ''Henkei! Henkei!'' [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Henkei! Henkei!|Lambor]] was ''lacking'' the supercharger engine accessory ''Universe'' Sideswipe came with—[[Hisashi Yuki]], the toy's designer, claims the intent was for only Sunstreaker to have it, with it being meant to differentiate the two, but Hasbro chose to give it to both.<ref name="generations2009">Interview with Hisashi Yuki in [[Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1|''Transformers Generations 2009'' vol. 1]], [http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/223379-takaratomy-staff-interview-generations-2009-vol-1-translation.html English translation] at TFW2005.</ref>

:* "Sweeter exclusives" is more or less a mix of "the grass is always greener" and some occasional hits. The truth is, there ''are'' a lot of popular molds, characters, and entire toylines that only show up on Japanese shores or as part of special promotions. However, ''many'' Hasbro toys don't get released by Takara and never reach Japanese fans who don't go the import route. American fans who are willing to pay import fees simply don't tend to notice when Japanese fans miss out unless they pay ''very'' close attention to what's being released there, and due to the simple way that news and hype works, flawed Japanese exclusives tend to simply fly under the radar.

:* "Tighter [[quality control]]" is a total myth. Takara products are manufactured under much the same production conditions as Hasbro's: pretty much everything for both markets is made in China—in fact, according to Hasbro [[Australia]] representatives and Hasbro designer [[Eric Siebenaler]], ''all'' of the ''Transformers'' toys jointly developed between Hasbro and Takara/TakaraTomy are manufactured at factories contracted to the Japanese toy company. This means Takara is (at least indirectly) responsible for whatever quality control problems occur with Hasbro-released toys. Takara's standards of quality control for their domestically-released toys are just as likely to let mistakes creep through. Just ask any buyer of ''Henkei! Henkei!'' [[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Henkei! Henkei!|Thundercracker]] how well his weapons stay attached to the arms. And let's not even get started on ''[[The Transformers: Masterpiece|Masterpiece]]'' [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys#Masterpiece|Rodimus Convoy's]] first production run.

[[File:ER-toy Allicon TakTom stock.jpg|thumb|upright=1|''I SAY HEY! WHAT'S GOIN' ON!!'']]
:* The fields in which Takara genuinely excels Hasbro are comparably minor: Takara's [[stock photography]] has historically tended to be more impressive than Hasbro's, without obvious mistransformations and awkward poses, and at the same time looks more representative of the actual toy due to less reliance on blatant digital touch-ups. But again, this is a trend, not a rule, as evidenced by whatever the hell is going on with Takara's pre-release images of the ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Allicon#Toys|Allicon]]. Also, while Hasbro's stock photos were pretty error-prone and used unfinished toys through the early/mid 2000s, the quality has improved over time... plus they've largely moved to using CAD imagery the final toys are made from for stock imagery, which definitely cuts back on room for pre-final changes in the toys and posing/transformation by people unfamiliar with the toys.

:: Likewise, Takara's [[instructions]] generally have tended be more detailed and useful than Hasbro's, though this largely started during ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' and continued up until around the latter 2010s, when Takara started to align its products more with Hasbro's packaging and presentation. With ''Beast Wars'' in particular, this was because Hasbro had to print instructions for the carded toys on the back of the card, which had limited real estate to work with. Folded-up paper instructions only came with larger boxed toys in the Hasbro ''Beast Wars'' line, while virtually ''all'' Takara ''Beast Wars'' toys came in boxes, and had packed-in instructions. But like the stock photography, the divide has shrunk considerably in recent years as the two companies aligned the look and packaging of their product together.

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

: That's not quite how name rights —aka [[trademark]]— work. There are indeed instances where another company has snatched a trademark, making it unavailable for Hasbro's use. The reason is because trademarks need to be consistently used in commerce (roughly once every year or so), or it could be considered "abandoned", making it open for grabs should another company try to claim it. "[[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]]" was unavailable to [[Hasbro]] because [[Mattel]] held several similar trademarks, "[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys|Bluestreak]]" was too similar to Gendron's "Toledo 'Blue Streak'" trademark, and a company named Lanard held the trademark "Shockwave" until 2005. This prompted Hasbro to use substitute names for toys based on these characters, such as "Rodimus Major" and "Rodimus" for Hot Rod, "Silverstreak" for Bluestreak and "Shockblast" for Shockwave (Hasbro has since managed to reacquire all three aforementioned trademarks).

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

: For a while, it seemed like these trademark quibbles were limited to Hasbro, and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] was somehow exempt due to a different market situation. However, the ''[[Henkei! Henkei! Transformers (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]]'' line saw the emergence of quite a few "Cybertron", "Destron" and "[[Stunticon (G1)|Stuntron]]" prefixes, implying that the trademark situation on the Japanese market was changing, and starting with the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|''Movie'' line]], TakaraTomy (now adopting Hasbro names instead of their established Japanese-market names) began to use "Autobot" and "Decepticon" prefixes. With ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' and ''[[Transformers United|United]]'', TakaraTomy even used prefixes for names Hasbro has been able to use ''without'' prefixes.
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==Generation 1 misconceptions==
===Toys===
====Generation 1 (1984-1990)====
{{anchor|JapaneseCopyright}}
*'''Some Generation 1 toy molds were in use as long ago as 1974.'''

:Some ''[[Micro Change]]''-derived toys have the text "©1974, 1983" or variations thereof stamped on them, with the actual ''Micro Change'' releases of the earlier figures even featuring blatant a "©Takara 1974" printed on the front of their packaging, and as a result are occasionally sold on eBay with descriptions such as "original 1974 [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]". Likewise, the ''[[Diaclone]]''-derived toys also have two dates as part of their copyright markings, with the earlier one being invariably "1980".

:In reality, though, the first ''Micro Change'' toys weren't even designed until the early 1980s. Those confusing double copyright dates are a result of the way Japanese IP law worked at the time. The earlier copyright date in question refers to the year the toyline in general, as well as its fictional backstory, was first launched (1974 in the case of the original ''[[Microman]]'' franchise, 1980 in the case of Diaclone), while the second one refers to the date the toy itself was created.

{{-}}{{anchor|BlueBluestreak}}
[[File:G1 Bluestreak boxart.jpg|upright=1|thumb|You had this as a kid. The picture, that is. Not the toy.]]
*'''A super-rare blue variant of Bluestreak was available during Generation 1.'''

: The very earliest [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] toy [[catalog]]s used a photo of a blue-sided ''[[Diaclone]]'' Fairlady Z to represent [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys|Bluestreak]]; photographs of the same toy were used for Bluestreak's own [[Instructions|instruction booklet]]. The same blue-sided color scheme was also used on his [[Package art|box art]]; which was in turn shown on ''every'' 1984 instruction booklet as a sample tech spec.

: All this gave rise to a long-standing myth that a blue Bluestreak toy was sold under the ''Transformers'' brand during Generation 1, with some people going so far as to "remember" owning blue Bluestreaks as children, or at least knowing someone else who did. Adding to the confusion, ''{{w|ToyFare}}'' magazine had a long history of listing the supposed blue Bluestreak as a "foreign [[variant]]" in its monthly price guide.

: However, actual samples of a blue-sided Bluestreak in a sealed ''Transformers'' box have ''never'' appeared, and the [[Karl Hartman|collectors who have been at it since the very beginning]] and [[Jon Hartman|amassed ''insane'' numbers of rare Transformers]] have never seen one. After literal decades of no samples ever being found, it is certain that this holy grail is just a legend.

: Oddly enough, numerous other Transformers toys from that era were depicted in both catalogues, packaging art, and even cartoon character models with colors they were never released in —[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]], the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], [[Slag (G1)|Slag]], for example— yet Bluestreak is the only one to be (mis)remembered in this manner, perhaps because his name is ''Blue''streak, so he had to have been blue, right?

{{-}}{{anchor|Bumper}}
[[File:G1-toy Bumper.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|"Bumblejumper", who later would be known as "Bumper".]]
*'''"Bumblejumper" is just a yellow Cliffjumper.'''

: In 1984, Hasbro released three different similar-form toys as part of the [[Mini Vehicle|Minicar]] assortment: [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys|Cliffjumper]], and a [[Bumper (G1)|third unnamed toy]] that was not advertised in any capacity, sold ''only'' on Cliffjumper cards (at least, no samples on a Bumblebee card have ever surfaced). This third mold was a "leftover" from the ''[[Micro Change]]'' line, based on a Mazda Familia 1500XG sedan, and was very quickly phased out (resulting in him becoming the first of the "holy grail" super-costly Transformers on the secondary market). The exact nature of how and why this toy got released is still unclear. Fans took to calling this third mystery mold portmanteau names such as "Bumblejumper", "Cliffbee", and "Bumper"; that last one eventually becoming his official name when he appeared in the ongoing [[Transformers: Generation 1 (Dreamwave)|''Generation One'' Volume 1]] comic series by [[Dreamwave Productions]].

: Adding to the confusion is that both Bumblebee and Cliffjumper were available in two color schemes: their fiction-supported colors (Bee in yellow, Cliff in red) and in reversed colors (Bee in red, Cliff in yellow) up through 1985. And since Cliffjumper and Bumper are both similarly boxy in vehicle form, and Bumper was only available in yellow, and only on Cliffjumper cards for a very short time, and was not in any catalogs and had no name and didn't appear in any cartoons or comics....

: Further adding to the mistaken memory pile is [[Hubcap (G1)#toys|Hubcap]], a yellow [[retool]] of Cliffjumper released in 1986. Fun!

{{-}}{{anchor|SkyfireToy}}
[[File:Jetfire-SkyfireModels.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Patience. You just have to wait 22 years.]]
*'''A show-accurate Skyfire toy was available during Generation 1.'''

: Due to some legal entanglements, [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] was renamed "Skyfire" for the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]], with a [[character model]] that bore only a vague resemblance to the toy. Some confused viewers seem to have come away assuming that there had to be a [[Show-accuracy|show-accurate]] Generation 1 toy by the name of Skyfire. There was not. Not a lot more to elaborate on here.

: Of course, ''later'' toys are another story. The ''[[Transformers: Classics|Classics]]'' Jetfire toy is actually designed as a mix between the original toy and the cartoon character model, and many later toys of the character have aspects of/are based on the cartoon model.

{{-}}{{anchor|UnicronToy}}
[[File:Unicron Proto.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Seriously, aren't you glad your poor parents didn't have to waste like a hundred bucks on this back in '86?]]
*'''A Unicron toy was available during Generation 1.'''

: No toys of [[Unicron/toys|Unicron]] were available (or even produced beyond [[prototype]]) until 2003. In fact, the mere ''existence'' of those prototypes wasn't actually officially confirmed until many years later. The first [[Unicron/toys|official Unicron toy]] to be released came out as part of the ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' line in 2003 and was a brand new mold, not based on an old, unused prototype.

: The fictional existence of a ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' Unicron toy is likely based on schoolground one-upmanship: if one kid had a larger toy such as [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] or [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], a rival kid would claim to have a Unicron toy in order to appear cooler, but would most likely retire to his bed a sobbing mess, knowing in his heart that one day God would punish him for being a HUGE FIBBER.

: What ''might'' also have attributed to this misconception was the voice actor for Unicron himself, Orson Welles. He died before the movie's release, and the part in the 1986 movie was his last role before his death in 1985. He loathed the part and could not even remember his character's name; he was quoted as saying, "I play a big toy who attacks a bunch of smaller toys," mistakenly assuming that there was a toy of his character (an understandable assumption)... though at the time, the number of children who would have heard this quote would likely be vanishingly tiny.

{{-}}{{anchor|Soundwavebuttons}}
[[File:G1toy tfc soundwave and soundblaster.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Individual buttons. It's a lost art.]]
*'''The reissue Soundwave toys released by Takara are reverse-engineered from Soundblaster because the original molds are lost.'''

:Both the ''[[The Transformers Collection]]'' and ''[[Transformers Encore|Encore]]'' [[Soundwave (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Soundwave]] releases have different tape buttons and hinges than the ones found on the vintage Hasbro release. While the vintage Hasbro Soundwave had inset controls and an internal tape deck hinge, the Takara reissues have a large button block that serves as a pivot point for an external tape deck hinge. The supposed reason for this is the mold for the original versions of the buttons and door are lost or worn out, so a new single tape door was made to work with the Soundblaster mold.

:In fact, the buttons and hinge used on the reissue Soundwaves were originally a [[retool]]ed running change [[variant]] of Takara's original 1985 release of Soundwave. The further Soundblaster retool was based on the later Japanese version of Soundwave, as were the reissues. Presumably, the original mold in its original condition ''is'' lost - but this happened ''long'' before Takara retooled Soundwave into Soundblaster.

{{-}}{{anchor|Beastformers}}
[[File:SnakeBomb-MIB.jpg|upright=1|thumb|This led to more confusion than you'd think.]]
*'''Various misconceptions about ''Beastformers.'''

: While it has been common knowledge since the early days of online fandom that the Hasbro ''Battle Beasts'' toys were sold in Takara's markets in 1987 under the ''Transformers'' banner as ''[[Beastformers (franchise)|Beastformers]]'', many of the details of ''how'' they were sold were misreported. Given it's a somewhat niche piece of Generation 1 history, the early online fandom's general lack of access to Japanese sources, ''and'' the fact that few/no Japanese sources kept track of the rather complicated release history of the toys (outlined on their own page, linked above), it's not hard to see how some of this propagated and persisted for decades since.

: For a while, it was often said that the Beastformers had Autobot/Decepticon [[rubsign]]s, as the characters had been split up into Autobot/Decepticon-allied sides. But the Beastformers had the same Fire/Wood/Water rubsigns as their Hasbro counterparts (their rubsigns were also significantly smaller than those on the Transformers!), it's just that the ''Transformers'' media they (briefly) appeared in made no mention of this play gimmick for whatever reasons; the packaging certainly made note of it.

: Not all of the ''Beastformers'' toys were actually released under the ''Transformers'' umbrella, at least directly. This is an easy one to see how it got spread, as all of Takara's ''Transformers'' catalogs and advertisements in 1987 showed the entire lineup of 76 figures found in ''Battle Beasts''. Even many of Takara's ''modern'' retrospectives do this! But in reality, only 54 figures and only one of the vehicles, the [[Red Phoenix#Toys|Red Phoenix]] [[Fortress (Beastformers)|Fortress]], actually came in ''Transformers''-branded boxes. In 1988, ''Beastformers'' was spun off into its own series without the ''Transformers'' branding as a sequel set after the war with the Cybertronians, and even really played up the Fire/Wood/Water gimmick. It is in this line that 20 of the missing 22 figures (yes, there are two ''Beastformers'' shown in numerous sources that ultimately were never released in Japan), the remaining five vehicles, as well as the entire run of [[Laser Beast]]s, finally reached Japanese toy shelves. Many of the toys from the ''Transformers''-branded part of the line were re-released in this sequel series, but not ''all'' of them... though again, Takara's marketing materials continued to show all 76. Confused? We don't blame you.

{{-}}{{anchor|OrensteinCreatedTF}}
[[File:Henry Orenstein old.jpg|thumb|upright=1|right|Arguably one of the most fascinating people involved with the creation of the ''Transformers'' brand.]]
*'''In 2005, a crazy old man claimed he had created the original ''Transformers'' toys.'''

: In 2005, the ''Transformers'' [[fandom]] learned, by way of a newspaper article posted by an internet fan site, of the existence of [[Henry Orenstein]], a former toymaker. Although the main focus of the article was Orenstein's then-current achievements in the field of poker, it also implied that Orenstein had "created" the original ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Transformers]]'' toys, and even featured a photo that depicted a somewhat confused-looking Orenstein holding [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#20th Anniversary/Masterpiece|20th Anniversary Optimus Prime]]. Many fans subsequently assumed that this was a deluded old man who believed he had created the concept of ''Transformers'' toys, even though the fandom knew full well by this point that the original toys were originally created in Japan. His status as the "creator" of the ''Transformers'' toy line was subsequently repeated in several other articles about the man, last with the news of his passing in 2021.

: The ''fact'' is that Orenstein had worked for [[Hasbro]] during the 1980s, and was the person who had convinced [[George Dunsay]], then Hasbro's Vice President of R&D, to acquire the rights to a (more or less) innovative type of Japanese toys, which would eventually become known as the original ''Transformers'' toys. Aside from that and the original patent for the [[rubsign]]s, which he shares with Dunsay, Orenstein has made no known contribution to the [[Transformers brand|''Transformers'' brand]]. Obviously, the writer of said newspaper article had only marginal knowledge of the history of the ''Transformers'' brand, was told what was most likely nothing more than an anecdote by Orenstein (his biography, by the way, is so fascinating that his involvement with the ''Transformers'' brand is arguably one of the ''less'' noteworthy details), and subsequently inflated it massively with hyperbole, possibly in an attempt to gain more attention to his article due to the popularity of the brand, even before the [[Transformers (film)|2007 movie]]. The only question is, where did the photographer get the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime toy from?
{{-}}

====''Generation 2''====
{{anchor|NotGeneration2}}
*'''"Generation 2" means "after ''The Transformers: The Movie''."'''

: This common but explicitly false idea probably stems from the many casual fans who grew up with the original ''Transformers'' line but stopped paying much attention around 1986, when the animated ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' debuted and the ''Transformers'' craze began to die down. Many such fans regained some interest in ''Transformers'' many years later, particularly with hype surrounding the [[Transformers (film)|2007 live-action movie]]. Seeing the phrase "Generation 2" batted around in fandom, it might seem natural to assume it refers to the big changeover that happened with the animated film. It certainly didn't help that, early in the life of [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]], [[Pat Lee]] shared in this misconception, leading other new arrivals to the fandom to ape his use of the term.

: While the original animated movie certainly marked a change from one "generation" of toys to another, along with some new design trends, the phrase "Generation 2" refers to [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|a very specific franchise]], marketed from 1992 to 1995—years after the animated film had come and gone. Its relative obscurity probably contributes to the mis-attribution of the term, as ''Generation 2'' marks a low point in popularity for ''Transformers'' as a whole.

{{-}}{{anchor|KBG2Devastator}}
[[File:G2Devastator toy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Its a exclusive!?{{sic}}]]
* '''The orange ''Generation 2'' Constructicons were exclusive to KB Toys.'''

: In 1993, Hasbro reissued the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]] under the ''Generation 2'' line. The initial (and more common) versions saw the original ''Generation 1'' figures' green plastic changed to yellow, while a later, rarer version featured an orange plastic color for the entire team instead. A popular rumor, which is also propagated by many an [[eBay]] seller, claims that the orange versions were [[exclusive|exclusively]] available at [[KB Toys]] (formerly "Kay Bee") in the United States.

: No substantial evidence supporting this rumor has ever surfaced. It should be pointed out, though, that store exclusives were still fairly uncommon prior to ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'', with the only confirmed example being the [[Classic Pretender]]s being sold without their [[Pretender]] shells under the name "[[Legends (G1)|Legends]]", exclusive to [[Kmart]].

: Since the packaging for the orange versions is identical to that used for the yellow versions, down to the UPC barcodes, it is very likely that Hasbro didn't actually consider the orange versions as separate products, but as mere [[variant#Running changes|running change color color variants]], just like the ''Generation 2'' versions of the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobot]]s had been available in there different colors each.

: Also, since some people insist having purchased the orange Constructicons at other stores such as Mills Fleet Farm, the most likely explanation is that KB Toys was merely the chain that ordered the largest bulk of them, thus leading to the faulty perception that they were "only" available at KB Toys. Additionally, one has to understand that in the early days of the online Transformers [[fandom]], when the latter consisted entirely of the text-only usenet news group [[alt.toys.transformers]] and long before official announcements of new toys by Hasbro via social media, it was anything but uncommon for people to assume every other newly-found figure to be "exclusive" to whatever chain they were first discovered at by default.
{{-}}

====''Alternators''====
{{anchor|AltYellowTracks}}
*'''A yellow version of ''Alternators'' Tracks was released to North American stores (but then recalled by Hasbro).'''
[[File:YellowTracks.jpg|upright=0.6|thumb|Only in Japan, baby.]]
:When [[Hasbro]] (and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]) originally announced the ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' version of [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] in 2004, the toy's [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode's]] primary color was yellow. This caused the ire of a significant portion of the fandom, which insisted that the toy had to be ''blue'', like its [[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]] predecessor.

:Hasbro eventually confirmed at [[OTFCC 2004]] that the initial idea had been to release the toy in yellow first, and then later as a running change [[variant]] in blue, like Takara would ultimately do. However, Hasbro had encountered problems at the test shot stage, where it became evident that some of the toy's innards were shining through the yellow plastic. As a result, plans for a release of the yellow version were scrapped, and it was decided to release the blue version from the get-go.

:Rumors started circulating that some stores (usually [[Walmart]]) had indeed received a shipment of the toy, but were then asked by Hasbro to send back the entire batch. Naturally, no substantial evidence has ever surfaced to back up these claims. And while toys may occasionally be recalled [[for safety reasons]], it's highly doubtful that "aesthetics" would be enough of a reason to warrant an expensive product recall.
:The only "packaged" versions of a yellow ''Alternators'' Tracks we ever got to see were internet pranks of the "yellow ''Binaltech'' Tracks in photoshopped Hasbro box" variety. Which, of course, didn't help matters at all.
{{-}}

{{anchor|AltWindchargerbarrel}}
*'''Hasbro omitted ''Alternators'' Windcharger's gun barrel for safety reasons.'''
[[File:WindchargerOverdrive.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Castrated at the request of Honda.]]
: When the first stolen [[Prototype|test shots]] of ''[[Transformers: Alternators|Alternators]]'' [[Windcharger (G1)#Alternators|Windcharger]] surfaced in 2004, the toy sported an extraordinarily long gun barrel (which doubled as the [[Alternate mode|vehicle mode]]'s drive shaft). The toy was ultimately released without the barrel, which was not shown or mentioned anywhere on the packaging or in the instructions. Indeed, Windcharger's weapon accessory was officially identified as a "shield" on the back of the packaging (in addition to the actual, ragtop roof shield). [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], on the other hand, later released their own ''Binaltech'' version of the toy (named [[Overdrive]]) with the full barrel, prominently shown in the official promotional photos.

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

: Despite this official statement by Hasbro, the myth still persists, and has actually since evolved into a conspiracy theory, which postulates that Hasbro ''deliberately lied'' to its fans in order to shift blame to Honda rather than admitting to have made that decision themselves in order to conform to safety standards. Which is mindbogglingly absurd.
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====''Transformers Collection''====
[[File:G1 Vol.1 Issue2 1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.55|A solicitation of then upcoming Takara reissues? Not really.]]
*'''Takara's ''Transformers Collection'' had something to do with Dreamwave.'''

:In 2002, Takara launched their series of [[Generation 1 reissues]] named ''[[The Transformers Collection|Transformers Collection]]'', also commonly referred to as "bookbox reissues" or even "Dreamwave reissues" among fans. The reason for that is simple: The [[package art]], especially for early releases such as [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Transformers Collection|Meister]] or [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Transformers Collection|Prowl]], was often directly taken from the covers of and promotional posters for [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave's]] first ''[[Prime Directive|Generation One]]'' mini-series drawn by [[Pat Lee]]. A common misconception among fans at that time was that Takara was coordinating their reissues with Dreamwave. Some even tried to predict upcoming reissues based on the existing Dreamwave covers. Yet [[Mirage (G1)#Toys|Mirage]] and [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Sunstreaker]] reissues never materialized.

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

===Fiction===
====''The Transformers cartoon''====
*'''The original ''The Transformers'' series was redubbed anime which originated in Japan, just like ''Battle of the Planets'', ''Voltron'', ''Robotech'' and other such shows screened in the '80s.'''
[[File:TFG1.JPG|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Toransufōmā!]]
: Although most moderate-to-hardcore fans are well aware that this is a fallacy, there are those more casual fans (or those who have not rewatched the original ''Transformers'' cartoon since childhood) who are under the misconception that [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''The Transformers'']] was an anime.

: Although the original toyline and thus the characters' basic visual designs were taken from Japanese-originated products, the original characters, names, factions and entire story premise of the whole ''Transformers'' franchise were developed in the United States by [[Hasbro]], [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] and eventually [[Sunbow Productions|Sunbow]]. Although the animation was farmed out to [[Toei|Japanese]] (and later also [[AKOM|Korean]]) [[TMS Entertainment|studios]], the writing and original voice recording of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|all four seasons of the original series]] plus ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|The Movie]]'' was entirely done in America.

: This misconception probably stems from distant childhood memories of the cartoon, the fact that shows like the aforementioned ''Robotech'' were redubbed anime and the ''Transformers''' obvious Japanese influences. This ''may'' also be due to passing exposure to [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|the 2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon]] and the [[Unicron Trilogy]] shows which, viewed as an adult, are ''very'' obviously redubbed anime.

: This is in part related to the misconception that '''all''' ''Transformers'' toys are ''solely'' designed, developed and manufactured by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]], and all [[Hasbro]] ever does is to put them in new packaging and distribute them in the Western market (see above). Because this is true for other Japanese robot toylines, and therefore it must also apply to ''Transformers''.

: However, there's actually a ''little'' bit of truth to this misconception; since the G1 cartoon is an animated series made by Japanese studios, one could feasibly call it an anime; as "anime" is only a word to describe any form of animation in Japan, much like the word "cartoon" is here in the West, and ''not'' a term for a specific genre.

{{-}}{{anchor|NemesisVictory}}
[[File:G1 cartoon Decepticon underwater base.JPG|upright=1.33|thumb|This wrecked ''Victory'' was never the ''Nemesis''.]]
*'''The Decepticons' undersea base in the Generation 1 cartoon was the ''Nemesis'', the ship that originally brought them to Earth.'''

: In the [[More than Meets the Eye (mini-series)|three-part pilot mini-series]] of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], the Decepticons traveled to Earth aboard a starship that, years later, would be given the name of ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' by the [[Nemesis Part 1|final two]] [[Nemesis Part 2|episodes]] of the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]]. For the rest of the Generation 1 cartoon's first two seasons, the Decepticons were stationed on Earth in an [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Earth)|underwater headquarters]] that was originally another spacecraft that they had constructed on Earth during the pilot mini-series. The ship was supposed to take the Decepticons back to Cybertron, but it crashed into the ocean after a battle aboard its bridge. This ship would later be named ''[[Victory (G1)|Victory]]'' in [[2009]].

: However, a combination of faulty memories, lack of proper access to the full G1 cartoon during the early 2000s, and the ''Nemesis'' being found at the bottom of the sea in ''Beast Wars'', led a good number of fans to misremember the Decepticons' underwater base as having originally been the ''Nemesis'' instead of the ''Victory''. It certainly didn't help that the ''Victory'' originally had no name for twenty-five years, and that its design was always rather similar to that of the ''Nemesis''. Nonetheless, the ''Nemesis'' eventually did show up in the second season episode "[[Microbots]]" as a completely separate vessel from the undersea base, buried inside a mountain in [[South America]], complete with Megatron confirming it to be the very same ship that originally brought him and his Decepticon crew to Earth.

: And yet, this misunderstanding persisted just long enough to influence a few pieces of ''Transformers'' media of the 2000s. Namely the [[Transformers: Generation 1 (Dreamwave)|Generation 1 comics]] published by [[Dreamwave Productions]], and [[Redemption Center|one story]] from the ''[[Transformers Legends (book)|Transformers Legends]]'' anthology book featured the ''Nemesis'' as the Decepticons' Earth-based undersea headquarters.

{{-}}{{anchor|JazzDeath}}
*'''Jazz was written out of the series due to the death of his voice actor.'''

: [[Jazz (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Jazz]] conspicuously survives the events of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', yet went on to make no speaking appearances in the third season of the cartoon. As his voice actor, [[Scatman Crothers]], passed away of lung cancer in 1986, it is common for fans to assume that the latter caused the former. This isn't hurt by the fact that fellow Autobot and film survivor [[Cliffjumper (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cliffjumper]] also vanished due to issues involving [[Casey Kasem|his own voice actor]], nor by the fact that one of Jazz's only appearances involved him seemingly being referred to as "[[Munka Spanka]]."

: However, the dates simply don't match up: Crothers's death happened on November 22, long after the third season had begun airing. In fact, by that point, the only remaining episodes were the two parts of "[[The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1|The Return of Optimus Prime]]", both of which aired months after the rest of the season. Add in the fact that any dialogue for the episodes would have been recorded months in advance, and the idea that Crothers dying affected the writing process becomes borderline impossible. The more likely answer is that Jazz stopped appearing, like much of the Season 1 and 2 cast, because his toy was no longer on shelves.

{{-}}{{anchor|HeadmastersUSADub}}
*'''''The Headmasters'' was going to be dubbed into English and shown in America.'''

: In America, "Season 4" consisted of "The Rebirth", a 3-episode mini-series. In Japan, "The Rebirth" was ignored, and a full-fledged series titled ''The Headmasters'' continued the story instead. Rumors once swirled in the fandom of an American-led dub of ''The Headmasters'' series; the dub was largely finished, goes the story, till the materials were lost in a warehouse fire.

: Given the meandering, continuity-heavy pace of the series (common for Japanese shows but anathema to American sensibilities of the time), the presence of numerous characters who had no toy equivalent on US shelves, the incompatibility with the "[[Nebulan]]" head characters, the number of Japanese cultural references, and the very existence of "[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The Rebirth]]", this rumor seems unlikely on the surface.

: More to the point, no official confirmation or other evidence has ever surfaced to back it up. In all likelihood the rumor was probably a {{w|Chinese whispers|Chinese Whisper}} from the fact that the laughably-bad English language [[Omni Productions]] dub was screened on UK satellite TV during the 1990s.

{{-}}{{anchor|Genderless}}
*'''Transformers were meant as a "genderless" race. Arcee and the other female Transformers were added to the brand because feminists complained about the Transformers all being male.'''

: When [[Bob Budiansky]] was assigned to work out the character details for the toys, he initially intended some of them to represent female characters, like [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]. However, he was not given permission by [[Hasbro]] to include females because the company feared it would have a negative impact on the sales of those toys.<ref>[http://rustingcarcass.yuku.com/topic/954 Rusting Carcass interview]</ref> Budiansky complied, and in later years, would even pen [[Recipe for Disaster!|a story]] for the Marvel comic in which the Transformer race was stated to have no concept of gender.

:[[The Transformers (cartoon)|The cartoon]] was a different story. Since television requires a bigger investment than comics, but also offers the potential for a much better payoff, it is of interest for a TV network to broadcast material that reaches the highest possible demographic. To this end, very early in its development, writer [[Jeffrey Scott]] penned a [[production bible]] which included original female Transformer characters as part of an effort to sell the series to TV Network [[CBS]]. When it was decided to produce the series for syndication rather than for a network, new story editors [[Bryce Malek]] and [[Dick Robbins]] dropped this idea, and the series went on to star an exclusively-male cast of robots. However, in late 1984, while working on the early story development for ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', writer [[Ron Friedman]] argued for the inclusion of a female Autobot in the story, on the basis that he "had a daughter who love[d] this stuff." Friedman won his argument, Arcee was added to the movie, and in 1985, female Autobots were incorporated into the series in advance of the film's release, with the introduction of [[Elita One]] and her [[Female Autobots]] in the episode "[[The Search for Alpha Trion]]."

:In other Transformers cartoons, [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari Sumdac]] and the English dub gender flip of [[Override (Cybertron)|Override]] have also been added to their respective series because of network demands, whereas [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]], [[Strika (BM)|Strika]] and [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]] were a request from the writers to Hasbro.

: Despite persistent stories, there is no documented instance of feminists demanding the inclusion of female Transformers (and likely, they've got something better to do than complain about another generic boys show like there are hundreds of). There is, however, a comic story called "[[Prime's Rib!]]" which presents Arcee's introduction to the Autobot ranks as an attempt by Optimus Prime to appease [[Feminist mob|human feminists]]. While the story is obviously satire, through hearsay it has become believed by some that it is what actually happened.
{{-}}

====''The Transformers: The Movie''====
{{anchor|TFTMextreme}}
[[File:TFTM dead gray Prime.jpg|upright=1.33|thumb|Traumatizing enough as it is, frankly.]]
*'''There exists an "uncut version" of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' containing all sorts of non-kid-friendly content.'''

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|BrawnKilled}}
[[File:TFTM - Brawn's death.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Brawn can't shoulder the blame on this one.]]
*'''Brawn was killed in the movie by a single shot to the shoulder.'''

:A long-running joke in the fandom is that the tough-as-nails Brawn was killed by taking a single shot to his shoulder. While it's true Brawn was killed by a single shot from Megatron in gun mode, there is a single frame showing the shot actually hitting him in the upper flat portion of his chest, with the massive explosion that follows obscuring exactly where he was hit. In the following shot as he falls, a entry wound can be seen lower on his chest, with a large exit wound seen on his back.

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

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

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

{{-}}{{anchor|GutUltraMagnus}}
*'''Scourge was the one who asked Galvatron "You want me to gut Ultra Magnus?"'''

: During the Decepticons' second attack on [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]], [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] rode inside [[Cyclonus (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Cyclonus's]] cockpit, piloting him in vehicle mode. At one point, [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] flew up alongside them, also in vehicle mode, and his robot mode head popped up when the line "You want me to gut Ultra Magnus?" was spoken to Galvatron. Ever since the movie's release, fans have debated over who said this line, with the majority insisting it was Scourge.<ref>The fact that Scourge's sole line in the movie ("But remember, we belong to ''[[Unicron/Generation 1|him]]!'') was spoken in a much higher-pitched voice than the deeper-pitched voice Scourge would have during Season 3 of the cartoon also led many to mistakenly believe that that line was spoken by a [[Sweep (G1)|Sweep]] instead of Scourge himself.</ref> The [[Transformers: The Animated Movie|IDW adaptation of the movie]] even gave the line to Scourge in its [[To the Death—and Beyond!|second chapter]]. However, a closer examination of the voice that spoke the line reveals it was actually [[Roger C. Carmel]] (Cyclonus's actor), not [[Stan Jones]] (Scourge's actor): The voice is similarly guttural to how Carmel sounded when voicing the [[Quintesson Prosecutor]] later in the movie, and to how he would sound when voicing Cyclonus in certain episodes of the subsequent third season of the cartoon (such as when Cyclonus spoke the line "Your contributions will not be in vain, brothers," in "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2]]"). The movie's [https://www.tfraw.com/p/transformers-movie-dialog-script.html final dialogue script] even confirms that it was Cyclonus who spoke the line.

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

: It is true that ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was not released in Japan at the same time it was released in [[Hasbro]]'s markets, with Japanese fans instead getting the ''[[Scramble City: Mobilization]]'' OVA prior to the release of the third season of the show (second for Japan). But ''The Movie'' ultimately made it to Japanese theaters in August 1989. The various discrepancies between it and subsequent Japan-only Generation 1 fiction (such as who [[Prowl (G1)#The Headmasters cartoon|didn't]] [[Wheeljack (G1)#Victory cartoon|survive]] the movie) are largely a matter of the Japanese animators and writers being unaware of the precise details of the film. This also led to a similar rumor that ''Scramble City'' was an out-and-out ''replacement'' for the film, similar to how ''The Headmasters'' replaced "The Rebirth." Actually viewing the OVA reveals that it has nothing to do with the events of ''The Movie'', other than that both feature [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] and take place between the second and third seasons; at no point does it significantly contradict the film, and pretty much the only third-season change the film explains is where [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]] came from. There were indeed attempts to summarize what had happened in the movie, including a narration added to "Five Faces of Darkness" and scans in ''[[TV Magazine]]'', but ''Scramble City'' served much more as an advertisement for its subline than a major turning point of the continuity.<ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&postid=216153#post216153</ref><ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?s=&postid=216478#post216478</ref><ref>http://tfarchive.com/community/showthread.php?threadid=30800</ref>

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

: "[[The Transformers: The Movie - Apocalypse: Be Eternal, Matrix|Matrix Forever]]" is actually the shortened and slightly mistranslated title of a 20-minute video created to promote the Japanese release of ''The Transformers: The Movie'', but some Western fans have been confused into thinking that ''The Transformers: The Movie'' itself was renamed "Matrix Forever".<ref>http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/a5d29844863d2c29</ref>
{{-}}

====Japanese Generation 1 fiction====
{{anchor|PlanetDestron}}
*'''In Japanese continuity, the Destrons (Decepticons) were invaders from a planet called Destron.'''

: The [[Autobot]]s were renamed "Cybertrons" in the Japanese translation, resulting in a misconception that the Destrons ([[Decepticon]]s) must hail from somewhere other than the planet [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. However, the Japanese translation also used slightly different spellings for the faction, "Cybertron" (literally: サイバトロン, "Sa-i-ba-to-ro-n"), and the planet, (literally: セイバートロン, "Se-i-baa-to-ro-n"), commonly interpreted as "Seibertron" by Western fans, in order to avoid confusion, even though both words originally started out based on the English name "Cybertron".<ref name="tfa522">[http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=522 The Transformers Archive essay about various urban legends surrounding the Transformers franchise]</ref>

: This rumor presumably originates from an article a Thomas Wheeler had written for ''Attic's Collectible Toys and Values Monthly'' during the hiatus between the [[The Transformers (toyline)|G1]] and [[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|G2]] toylines. According to that article, Hasbro chose not to follow this element of the story because of the similarity between the term "Destron" and ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]''{{'}}s "[[Destro]]" character. Of course, seeing as the story originated in America to begin with and was only dubbed into Japanese later on, this doesn't make a lot of sense. In later years, Wheeler wrote toy reviews for Master Collector's website, which occasionally also display a certain lack of knowledge about various toys and the ''Transformers'' brand's overall history, so it doesn't seem entirely out of place for him.

: Interestingly, an earlier draft for "[[Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2]]" ''would'' have established the Decepticons as "evil machines from another world"<ref name="dotd2draft">{{citesocial|quote=the original script for 'Desertion Of The Dinobots' had the Decepticons described as coming from another planet other than Cybertron. (1985) https://t.co/FJcCqm5Gdl|link=https://twitter.com/TF_Moments/status/1561586703265153024|name=TF_Moments|site=Twitter|year=2022|month=08|day=22|(defunct=)}}</ref>, but this was not used in the final episode, which simply stated that "Decepticons, lusting for power, began a terrible war". "[[Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4]]" then established the ''true'' origin of the Cybertronian race, which was kept unchanged for the Japanese dub.

{{-}}{{anchor|MegatronNotGalvatron}}
*'''In Japanese continuity, Megatron and Galvatron are two separate characters.'''

: There are a few instances of Japanese fiction (and advertising) that would seem to support this notion, all of which can be attributed to a lack of communication between [[Hasbro]] and [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] prior to the release of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''. All of them were ultimately ignored by the "primary" fiction, namely the (dubbed) third season of the cartoon (named ''Transformers: 2010'' in Japan) and the accompanying manga, which followed the Western story concept of Galvatron being a reformatted [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]].

: The [[The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers issue 2|second issue]] of ''[[The Story of Super Robot Lifeforms: The Transformers]]'' [[manga]] depicts [[Galvatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Galvatron]] commanding [[Megatron Corps|a legion of automatons]] created in [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]]'s image, which some non-Japanese-speaking fans misinterpreted as depicting Galvatron and Megatron co-existing. This even extended into ''[[The Battlestars]]'', where the appearance of Super Megatron solidified the idea to those fans; after all, surely if he were upgraded from Galvatron, he would be named Super Galvatron, right? One particularly sturdy rumor claimed that he was trying to hunt Galvatron down (possibly conflating him with [[Gilthor]]).<ref>http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=179</ref>

{{-}}{{anchor|MarsExplodes}}
[[File:ExplosionMarsMegaZarak MarsExplodes.jpg|upright=1|thumb|"What will you do?" "Rebuild it. Just the way it was, brick for brick."]]
*'''Mars was destroyed in ''The Headmasters''. Therefore, all of its later Japanese G1 appearances are continuity errors.'''

: The planet [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] was blown up by the Decepticons in the [[Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears|fifteenth episode]] of the ''[[Transformers: The Headmasters (cartoon)|Transformers: The Headmasters]]'' cartoon. Yet, it made later appearances in both the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Victory]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' cartoons as a fully-intact, definitely-not-destroyed planet. For decades, fans in the West took these later appearances of Mars following its destruction to be, well, a glaring continuity error. However, it actually isn't.

: In the [[The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)|final episode]] of ''The Headmasters'', the Autobots succeeded in finally driving the Decepticons off the Earth for good, and prepared to leave the planet themselves. When saying goodbye to the [[Witwicky (surname)|Witwicky]]s, the Autobot leader [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]] stated that, among many other tasks ahead of them, the Autobots planned to rebuild Mars as part of their efforts to bring peace to the universe. Evidently, they succeeded, given Mars's aforementioned later appearances.

: The Western fandom's perception that Mars's appearances post-''The Headmasters'' were in error stemmed from the fact that, in all official ''and'' unofficial English-subtitled releases of ''The Headmasters'', Fortress's line about rebuilding Mars was completely overlooked and left out of the subtitle translations. It ''was'', however, mentioned in the English dub produced by [[Omni Productions]], but for the longest time, that was believed to have been an invention of the dub, rather than a (surprisingly) accurate translation of the Japanese dialogue.

: In truth, Mars being rebuilt was mentioned in the Japanese dialogue from the very beginning, and the Western fandom at large simply failed to notice.

{{-}}{{anchor|SpaceMafia}}
*'''Black Shadow and Blue Bacchus are both members of a "Space Mafia".'''

: [[Black Shadow (G1)|Black Shadow]] of ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Victory|Victory]]'' has his function listed as "Space Gangster". An early fan translation of his on-package [[bio]] misinterpreted the Japanese word for "gangster" to mean "Mafia", hence the belief that a "Space Mafia" exists in the Japanese Generation 1 universe. This was naturally extended to his partner, [[Blue Bacchus]], whose function is "Space Gunman."

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[[File:Roadfire1.jpg|upright=1|thumb|Maybe it's the way [[Ban Magami]] drew his mouth?]]
*'''Metrotitan is a zombie of Metroplex.'''

: [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]] was a Destron [[redeco]] of [[Metroplex (G1)#Toys|Metroplex]] from the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Zone]]'' portion of the [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|original Japanese toyline]]. In the earliest years of the online fandom, some Western fans propagated the idea that Metrotitan was a "zombified" version of Metroplex, who had died somehow, sometime. (The details have never been specified.) A stranger variation on this rumor holds that Metrotitan was somehow "regrown" from one of Metroplex's legs.<ref name="tfa522" />

: This has long since been debunked, as Metrotitan is just a big Decepticon who showed up one day, as big Decepticons are wont to do. It is... ''unclear'' how the zombie rumor got started, but given the general sparsity of both reliable translations of Japanese material at the time, and of ''Zone'' fiction overall, it's kind of easy to see how it stuck around as long as it did.

{{-}}{{anchor|Robotmasters}}
[[File:RobotMasters relation chart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Only those from the Beast Era and ''Victory'' travel through the Blastizone.]]
*'''''Robotmasters'' is a multiversal crossover with characters dimension-hopping into Generation 1 from other universes.'''

: Takara's ''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]'' series was released in [[2004]] to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' brand. As such, it featured a big crossover storyline that brought together several famous characters from across the brand's history: Characters from ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]'', ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (franchise)#Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory|Victory]]'' and ''[[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers#Beast Wars II|Beast Wars II]]'' traveled through time and space across a dimensional fissure known as the [[Blastizone]], arriving on Earth in the year 2004 to team up with Generation 1 characters. This all happened around the same time as Hasbro's ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Universe]]'' series, which similarly featured its own big crossover story that saw characters from across the [[multiverse]] coming together from different universes to fight a [[Universe War|war]] over Unicron's return.

: Since the toylines of both ''Robotmasters'' and ''Universe'' consisted primarily of redecos of existing toy molds, and because both series were big crossover events that brought together different characters from different series across time and space, fans in the West considered ''Robotmasters'' to be the Japanese equivalent of ''Universe'', and so initially mistook the events of ''Robotmasters'' for a multiversal conflict analogous to that of ''Universe'', with some of its characters crossing over from other realities. Namely, both [[Tow-Line (RID)|Wrecker Hook]] and [[Sideways (RM)|Double Face]] were key suspects of ''Robotmasters'' characters speculated to have come from other universes (but that is a whole other [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)#The continuity kerfuffle|can]] of [[Circular reporting#Sideways|worms]]).

: However, a closer examination of the ''Robotmasters'' fiction reveals all this to have ''not'' been the case at all. Unlike ''Universe'', ''Robotmasters'' did not actually feature any dimension-hopping whatsoever. Both the [[Robotmasters (comic)|comic series]] and the relation chart (pictured right) found on [https://web.archive.org/web/20070618040111/www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/robotmasters/main2.htm Takara's official website] specified which particular characters did and did not travel through the Blastizone, and the only ones who did were just time-travelers: [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], [[Psycho-Orb]], [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]], [[Ginrai (robot)|Victory Leo]], [[Gigant Bomb]], and [[Lio Convoy]]. None of the other ''Robotmasters'' characters were ever indicated to be anything but native to the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Japanese Generation 1 universe]] in the years 2004–2005 (''including'' the aforementioned Wrecker Hook and Double Face).

: Oddly though, the [[Robotmasters (3D diorama comic)|''Robotmasters'' 3D diorama comics]] didn't even feature the Blastizone or any other signs of spacetime travel. All of the time-displaced warriors from ''Beast Wars'', ''Victory'', and ''Beast Wars II'' were just already there in the present, with no explanation given for how any of them got there. Even the [[Robotmasters Vol. 11|final chapter's]] guest appearance of ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]]—the sole anomalous instance that ''could'' have been considered a universe-hop in ''Robotmasters'' fiction—was completely unexplained: He just showed up without any kind of portal or means of arrival, as if he, bizarrely, was also just a native to the ''Robotmasters'' world (From a real-world standpoint, his appearance was simply to advertise his then-new ''[[Hybrid Style]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys#Hybrid Style|toy]]).
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====European Generation 1 fiction====
*'''Starscream and Shrapnel are female characters in the French dub of Generation 1.'''
: This rumor is only partly true. The [[The Transformers (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon]] used three different dub teams for the French version: one for the TV show's dub broadcast in Quebec, one for the TV show's dub broadcast in France and one for the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 movie]] used in both countries. Neither of the TV show's dubs depict [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream]] as a female as he uses a distinctively male voice;<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhOCYZRxypM YouTube: Doublage de France: Combaticons et Égo]</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMXCeXw5Vdo Doublage Québécois: Égo et Dr. Croc-en-ville]</ref> however, the movie's dubbing team used a female voice for Starscream, and at one point [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] calls Starscream "une imbécile" (articles in French are gender-specific), clearly cementing Starscream's movie status as a female.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20080612225831/http://www.bigbot.com/mp3/transformers_mp3.shtml#Femmes</ref> All the same is also true for [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], who is even referred to as "Mademoiselle Shrapnel" by [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] in the movie.
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*'''The German version of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' was edited and didn't depict Starscream's death scene.'''
: German TV didn't air a dubbed version of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original ''The Transformers'' cartoon]] until 1989. ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' was aired for the first time on German TV in 1994, with only one repeat. For unknown reasons, a rumor was circulating for several years claiming that [[Starscream (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Starscream's]] death was considered too "violent" for German TV standards for children's programs and had therefore been edited out.<ref>[http://www.ofdb.de/view.php?page=fassung&fid=7489&vid=38680 German movie database ''still'' listing the rumor about Starscream's "edited death" in TF:TM]</ref> However, recordings of the TV airing still exist, which don't feature any obvious edits other than [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike's]] infamous "swear" line. Furthermore, a German DVD edition of the movie released in 2004 that features an entirely different dub also depicts Starscream's death in all its glory.
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====Other====
* '''Cliffjumper dies in every ''Transformers'' series he appears in, or is part of a franchise-wide running gag where he is killed over and over again.'''

[[File:Transformers2-Cliffjumper.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|I lived, bitch!]]

: The [[Darkness Rising, Part 1|series premiere]] of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' is well-remembered for its opening act, in which [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] brutally kills [[Cliffjumper (WFC)|Cliffjumper]]. Several years later, [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]] made a prominent appearance in 2018's ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' film, where he is tortured and killed by the Decepticons [[Shatter]] and [[Dropkick (Movie)|Dropkick]]. By sheer coincidence, [[Cliffjumper (G1)#2005 IDW continuity|Cliffjumper]] had recently perished in [[IDW Publishing|IDW]]'s concurrent ''[[Transformers: Unicron|Unicron]]'' miniseries; from these data points (sometimes adding in the fate of his [[Cliffjumper (SG)|mirror-universe self]] in ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' and a brief cameo in ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy (cartoon)|Siege]]'' that leaves his fate uncertain), some fans have extrapolated the idea that Cliffjumper must "always" die in ''Transformers'' stories, or that writers have somehow singled him out to die over and over again for the sake of comedy, not unlike the perpetually unlucky [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]].

:The truth of the matter is a bit more nuanced. Named ''Transformers'' characters die all the time—across different works of ''Transformers'' fiction, characters named "[[Wheeljack (disambiguation)|Wheeljack]]" and "[[Blurr (disambiguation)|Blurr]]" have died just as often as Cliffjumper, and Bumblebee himself has died or otherwise suffered terminal damage onscreen just as often as Cliffjumper! Some of Cliffjumper's deaths were part of climactic "massacre" storylines that killed off dozens of named characters; his appearances in ''Bumblebee'' and ''Siege'' probably came down to the fact that it was easier to finagle another pre-existing character from their limited pool of robot parts by simply recoloring Bumblebee's pre-existing CGI model, rather than any kind of ulterior commentary on the character.

: In contemporary comics, Cliffjumper spent years as the POV character in [[Fun Publications]]' ''Shattered Glass'' comics; more recently, he got an entire two-part adventure to himself in 2020's ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' series, where he turned out just fine. As of {{CURRENTYEAR}}, he's received a starring role in [[Skybound Entertainment|Skybound]]'s [[Energon Universe]] comics, taking the usual "human ally" role from ... ''Bumblebee'', who died in [[Transformers (2023) issue 1|the very first issue]]. (See what we mean?)
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==Beast Era misconceptions==
===Toys===
*'''Beast Wars didn't originally have the Transformers branding.'''
[[File:BW Waspinator packaging variants.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Let's play the "spot the ''Transformers'' logo" game.]]
:While the early design of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toy packaging had the ''Transformers'' brand name in a smaller typeface than the main ''Beast Wars'' logo, the toy range was ''always'' officially titled ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' in the United States from day one (while the back of the packaging typically added a definite article, ''Beast Wars: '''The''' Transformers'', presumably in order to keep the [[trademark]] for the original toyline). The ''Beast Wars'' name was first reduced in size with the shift from rock bubble to smooth bubble cards, and again in 1998 with the release of the [[Transmetal]]s and [[Fuzor]]s subranges, which also saw the order of the two parts reversed to ''Transformers: Beast Wars'', thus considerably increasing the prominence of the ''Transformers'' title.

:In Canada and Latin America, the use of [[multilingual packaging|trilingual packaging]] necessitated that the triple ''Beast Wars/Guerre des Bêtes/Guerra de Bestias'' title was rendered in a smaller font than on United States packaging to begin with, resulting in the ''Transformers'' name being more prominent as well. The order of the two parts was switched analogously with United States packaging.

:In Europe, things were a little less cut-and-dry: Initially, early production runs of trilingual English/Spanish/Italian packaging featured only the ''Beast Wars'' title in around the same size featured on United States packaging at the time, while the ''Transformers'' branding was placed in the lower right corner of the packaging. In the case of carded figures, that meant it was hidden far away from the ''Beast Wars'' title, while on boxed figures, it was simply much smaller than, and not at all aligned with, the main title. On top of that, it was rendered in red on an already red background (and, for some reason, also included a ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''-style [[Autobot]] [[insignia]]!). The same was done with early trilingual French/Dutch/German packaging, which featured the double title ''Beast Wars/Ani Mutants''.

:Eventually, English/Spanish/Italian also adopted a second title, becoming ''Beast Wars/Biocombat'', and the ''Transformers'' name was placed directly below it, with the color changed from red to white and the ''Generation 2'' Autobot insignia dropped, just like on American packaging. Unlike English/Spanish/Italian packaging, this packaging design was continued all the way through 1997. Finally, the introduction of the Transmetals and Fuzors subranges in 1998 also saw another change: While English/Spanish/Italian packaging simply reduced the size of the entire title on Basic and Deluxe blister cards, but still kept the ''Transformers'' portion as the secondary title for the remainder of the toyline's run, French/Dutch/German packaging followed the example of American packaging and moved the ''Transformers'' name on top, while keeping the title itself in the same font size also featured on each packaging's English/Spanish/Italian counterpart.

:Lastly, when British commercial broadcaster ITV aired the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' television series]] on their morning show (GMTV), the ''Transformers'' name was edited out of the title sequence entirely.
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===Fiction===
====Japanese ''Beast Wars''====
*'''Preface'''
:To give a better idea of how the following misconceptions came about, many of them stem from how little access the Western fandom had to understandable forms of the Japanese ''Beast Wars'' media at the time. After all, when the series were first released, the internet was still a relatively "new" thing, where [[alt.toys.transformers|USENET forums]] were still a major outlet for fan information and websites were... rudimentary. For about two decades since that time, the most that the West had access to were a small number of fan-subtitled episodes of ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', a fansubbed version of the theatrical feature segment ''[[Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!]]'', a translation of the first ''Beast Wars II'' [[Catalog#Beast Wars II|toy catalog]], and second-hand accounts from those who had seen the untranslated episodes of either series or had read each's respective [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (manga)|manga]] [[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (manga)|series]]. Over time, those who lacked an understanding of the Japanese language would misinterpret much of these series' specifics. The following are a few of the most well known misunderstandings.
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[[File:Optimusx2.JPG|thumb|Well, that's just Prime.]]
*'''In Japanese ''Beast Wars'' continuity, Optimus Primal and Megatron were the same characters as their Generation 1 namesakes.'''
:In hindsight, it sure seems like this was originally going to be the case. When the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toyline first debuted in the West, both [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] were identified in their earliest toy bios as being new iterations of Generation 1 [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], respectively. This was most evident in the bios of the very first toys of the two: the Basic class bat Optimus Primal and crocodile Megatron toys. But when the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]] started up later, it did away with that idea entirely, by firmly establishing that the two leaders were instead completely separate individuals from their Generation 1 namesakes.

:When ''Beast Wars'' was first brought over to Japan, Takara evidently thought that the original notion was still in effect: Optimus Primal was renamed "Convoy", the same Japanese name as Optimus Prime, and the [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] factions were given the same Japanese names as those of the Autobot and Decepticon faction—"Cybertron" and "Destron", respectively. Optimus and Megatron's Ultra and Basic class toys were each given Japanese bios loosely based on their respective Basic class toys' English bios, with their Ultra class toy bios even giving them the same functions as their Generation 1 namesakes ([[Supreme Commander]] and [[Emperor of Destruction]], respectively); the one for Optimus even indicated him to be the very same Optimus of old. Both of their Basic class toys were even given special redecos with new bios that ''explicitly'' claimed the two had previously been a tractor trailer and a Walther P-38, the very same altmodes of the Generation 1 Optimus Prime and Megatron.

:When the first season of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon began airing in Japan, it was initially ambiguous on the matter, never actually saying one way or the other if Optimus and Megatron were meant to be new characters like their English counterparts, or the same characters as their Generation 1 namesakes. This was because, despite the ''many'' adlibs that were added to the Japanese dub, it was still largely dubbed in accordance to the English version, which rarely ever touched upon the subject in its first season (because it never ''needed'' to, since it was abundantly clear in that version that Optimus Primal and Megatron were not their G1 namesakes). This initial ambiguity would later prove to be the Japanese dub's saving grace from what all came next.

:When Takara made the first Japanese-original spin-off series, ''Beast Wars II'', Optimus Primal made a few guest appearances in both its [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (manga)|manga]] and its [[Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!|movie]]. A short bio for him was printed at the end of the [[Free the Captured Matrix!|third chapter]] of the manga, which described Optimus as "A fierce fighter who has fought against the Destron army for thousands of years."<ref>数千年にわたり、デストロン軍と戦いつづけで猛者。コンボイの称号を与える軍の評議会の一員でもある。エネルゴン探索の任務遂行中に消息をたったともいわれていたが...!?</ref> The same chapter also depicted him as a sitting member of [[Convoy Council|council]] that oversaw the military operations on Cybertron, presenting Primal in a lofty position of authority. Then, three months later, Optimus made a big-screen animated appearance in ''Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!'', in which he was presented as a "legendary Supreme Commander", complete with his own [[Matrix (disambiguation)|Matrix]]; a ''stark'' contrast to his American cartoon depiction as merely the young and untested captain of a lowly science vessel. Likewise, the Predacon leader [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] referred to a "Megatron" as "the greatest and most vicious legendary Transformer in history." But, it was never clarified if this grandiose description was in reference to Generation 1 or ''Beast Wars'' Megatron... likely because, at the time, the movie treated the two as if they were the same person, just as it seemed to do for Optimus.

[[File:G1Megatron MasterBlaster stasislock.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|left|Hello there, past self who is a completely different individual.]]
:Despite this initial impression, however, new information would come to light in ''Beast Wars Metals'', the Japanese dub of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon's second and third seasons. These two seasons had been held back from airing on Japanese television until after both had been completed by [[Mainframe Entertainment|Mainframe]], and thus did not reach Japanese audiences until after ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo'' had come and gone. In short, ''Metals'' remained consistent with the original English version by treating the Generation 1 and ''Beast Wars'' namesakes as separate characters: The Japanese dub of "[[The Agenda (Part 2)]]" even had ''Beast Wars'' Megatron refer to Generation 1 Megatron as "My ancestor Megatron" (我先祖のメガトロン, ''Waga senzo no Megatron'') when relating the history of the Golden Disk to Ravage.

:Consequently, ''Metals'' choosing to remain faithful to the English version on this matter suddenly rendered all of the above Japanese-original media that had previously linked ''Beast Wars'' Megatron and Optimus Primal to their Generation 1 counterparts no longer applicable for the cartoon's continuity. The first-year toy bios were relegated to a [[micro-continuity]], while the ''Beast Wars II'' manga was always its own continuity separate from its counterpart cartoon to begin with. Though, both it and the subsequent [[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (manga)|''Beast Wars Neo'' manga]] were followed by a [[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals (manga)|''Beast Wars Metals'' manga]] whose [[Beast Wars Metals issue 6|final chapter]] would link it back to the ''Beast Wars II'' manga, while also retaining the American cartoon's depiction of the ''Beast Wars'' and Generation 1 Optimuses and Megatrons as separate individuals, despite all the aforementioned implications made previously about Optimus Primal in the ''Beast Wars II'' manga. So... it's not perfect.

:As for the "legendary" status of ''Beast Wars'' Optimus and Megatron in the animated movie, that can easily be brushed aside as merely an aspect of long-running Japanese children's series that have multiple shows (e.g. – ''Kamen Rider'', ''Super Sentai'', etc.), in that the main hero of a previous series is treated with awe and reverence by the cast of the next series in any crossover team-ups. Optimus Primal was the leader of the good guys from the series preceding ''Beast Wars II'', so the cast of that series revered him with due respect. Later, the cast of ''Beast Wars Neo'' did the same for Lio Convoy of ''Beast Wars II'', calling him a "legendary warrior" in [[Illusion? Lio Convoy|Episode 29]]. Heck, even [[Big Convoy]] was called a "legendary warrior" multiple times in ''Neo'', even as early as the [[Big Convoy, Move Out|first episode]]. To put it simply, being "legendary" in Japanese ''Beast Wars'' fiction isn't as special as it sounds.

:Incidentally, it would later be confirmed that the ''Beast Wars II'' cartoon actually took place eons ''after'' the later-made ''Beast Wars'' sequel series ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' (see below for more). This meant that ''Beast Wars'' Optimus Primal and Megatron actually ''were'' figures of the distant past from the ''Beast Wars II'' cast's point-of-view. In hindsight, this legendary status of the two in the movie fits rather well with how, in ''Beast Machines'', Megatron singlehandedly conquered all of Cybertron and "viciously" captured the sparks of its entire population, while Optimus "legendarily" saved the whole planet from Megatron at the cost of his own life. As Japan would not receive that series until [[2004]]—six years after the movie's release—this all proved rather fortuitous in the end.
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*'''Optimus Primal was sent to Planet Gaia in the ''Beast Wars II'' movie when he flew into the alien machine at the end of "Other Voices, Part 2".'''
:The ''Beast Wars II'' feature film, ''[[Beast Wars Special Super Lifeform Transformers]]'', was initially released in Japanese theaters before the second season of the American ''Beast Wars'' cartoon first aired in Japan. During the ''Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!'' segment of this film, Optimus Primal made a guest appearance to team up with the cast of ''Beast Wars II''. At the end of the segment, he declares that he must "return to Energoa"; this was the name given to prehistoric Earth in the Japanese dub of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon, before its true identity as Earth was revealed. This meant that he had been transported to Planet [[Gaia]]—future Earth—from prehistoric Earth during the time of the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]].

:The final episode of the first season of ''Beast Wars'', "[[Other Voices, Part 2]]", ends with Optimus Primal flying up into the [[Vok]]'s [[Planet Buster|planet-destroying weapon]], sacrificing himself to save the planet. [[Aftermath|Three]] [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)|episodes]] [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)|later]], he is restored to life after a difficult resurrection process. Since Primal's appearance in the movie was screened in Japan between the Japanese airings of Seasons 1 and 2 of ''Beast Wars'', some took this release order as a literal chronology for Optimus Primal's Japanese cartoon appearances, thinking that his final moment in "Other Voices, Part 2" was the exact moment he was pulled into the future and brought to Gaia. A statement given in the ''[[Beast Wars Special Super Lifeform Transformers Film Book]]'' even seemed to confirm this theory.<ref>Page 7: エイリアンマシンに激突した際、時空を超えて惑星ガイアにやってきた。("When he crashed into the [[Planet Buster|Alien Machine]], he crossed space-time and came to the planet Gaia.")</ref>

:Some even took his presence in the movie as an explanation for why the Maximal [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] had great difficulty locating Primal's [[spark]] within "the other side of the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]]" in "[[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)]]", as if to mean that it ''wasn't'' there at the time. ''Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!'' is even bookended by sequences that recap the events of Primal's death and rebirth in ''Beast Wars''. And most of all, when Optimus is brought to Gaia, he initially appears in a glowing, yellow, ghost-like form, which ''wasn't'' the case for the story's main antagonist, [[Majin Zarak]], who had arrived on Gaia through the exact same means as Optimus. He even returns to this glowing, yellow, spectral form upon his departure near the end of the movie.

:However, despite the longevity of this theory, the opening narration of the very next part of the movie—the Japanese dub of the ''Beast Wars'' season 2 episode "[[Bad Spark]]"—actually seems to debunk it by essentially reiterating what was true of Primal's fate in the English version of ''Beast Wars''. In this narration, Rhinox and [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]] claim that Optimus Primal did indeed die in the [[unspace|transwarp]] explosion at the end of "Other Voices, Part 2", and that Rhinox had brought his spark back from the dead in "Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)".

:While this apparently renders the ''Film Book''{{'}}s statement in error, it does seem like there was originally ''some'' intention for it to be true, given Primal's arrival and departure in the movie depicting him in his aforementioned ghostly form. But, while a neat idea, it raises too many questions and relies on too many assumptions in order for it to sensibly fit with Primal's onscreen resurrection. And since Rhinox and Rattrap claim otherwise, this would mean that Optimus was brought to the future from a different point during the Beast Wars, ''before'' the end of Season 1 due to Primal having his Season 1 body in the movie. Exactly when during Season 1, however, has never been disclosed.
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{{anchor|JBWchronology}}
[[File:PrimalLioConvoyCatalog01.jpg|thumb|Everything you know is a lie!]]
*'''The characters of the ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo'' cartoons hail from the same time-period as the cast of ''Beast Wars'', at a point set prior to ''Beast Machines''.'''

:It's barely even correct to call this a misconception; by all appearances, this ''was'' the intent for the Japanese-original ''Beast Wars'' series. The first catalog packed in with the ''Beast Wars II'' toys presented Lio Convoy and Galvatron as contemporaries of ''Beast Wars'' Optimus Primal and Megatron, and this scenario was reflected in both the ''Beast Wars II'' manga and [[Duel Fight Transformers Beast Wars: Beast Warriors' Strongest Decisive Battle|handheld video game]].

:But in the course of their run, the ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo'' cartoons introduced a few notable inconsistencies with the original ''Beast Wars'' series. ''Beast Wars II'' would [[Emissary of the Fourth Planet|introduce the idea]] that it took place at a point in time when humans hadn't lived on Earth for tens of thousands of years, when ''Beast Wars'' had [[Dark Designs|previously established]] that its cast hailed from only three centuries after a time when Earth was still populated. ''Beast Wars Neo'' would also depict the Maximals and Predacons as having been at war for some time, which contradicted the American series, in which the two factions had been at peace for centuries. ''Neo'' also featured the computer [[Vector Sigma]] in a way that would go on to be completely contradicted by its appearance in the ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' cartoon (though that one's more forgivable, as the Japanese staff could hardly predict the future).

:These discrepancies were likely unintentional, rather than actual, intentional deviations from continuity; the "three centuries" statement from ''Beast Wars'' had even been omitted from the Japanese dub, so there was originally no issue there. But when TakaraTomy published a massive [[Source:Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Generation 1/Beast Era timeline]] between 2006 and 2007, they chose to acknowledge and lean ''into'' the English version's "three centuries" statement, and used it to "correct" the ''other'' discrepancies by plainly stating that the wartime era of ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Beast Wars Neo'' did indeed take place tens of thousands of years into the future, long ''after'' the peacetime era of ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' that was set only three centuries into the future. This caused a bit of consternation among English-speaking fans at the time, as they hadn't even been aware of the continuity issues, due to the two series having not yet been translated in full.

:This tactic did create a ''new'' discrepancy, though: In ''Beast Wars Neo'', Cybertron was depicted with its traditional appearance as a metallic planet, while, at the end of ''Beast Machines'', it was converted into a [[technorganic]] form. This last gap in the timeline was finally plugged in [[2019]], when a ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Transformers Legends]]'' [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Blue Big Convoy)|pack-in comic]] explained how and why Cybertron was turned back into a metallic world eons after its [[Great Transformation|technorganic reformatting]].

:While these efforts have helped to tidy things up, the original understanding of the timeline has influenced several pieces of American media over the years, with the characters and events of the Japanese series often being presented as contemporaneous with the original ''Beast Wars'' cast, perhaps most notably in the [[IDW Publishing]] comic series ''[[Transformers, Beast Wars: The Gathering|Beast Wars: The Gathering]]'' and its sequels and spin-offs. Even after the release of the Japanese Generation 1/Beast Era timeline, new media set in other continuities have knowingly chosen to continue depicting characters from the Japanese series as existing side-by-side with the American cast, with such series as ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'', ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Transformers Legends]]'', and even IDW's second ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars|Beast Wars]]'' comic series each presenting all of them living together in societies and scenarios unique to those series.
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*'''The characters in ''Beast Wars II'' travel forward in time to the future just like how the characters of ''Beast Wars'' travel back in time to prehistoric Earth.'''
:Seemingly an offshoot of the above misconception, this appears to have been born out of a misinterpretation of a scene in the [[The New Forces Arrive!|first episode]]. When the Maximal starship ''[[Yukikaze (BW)|Yukikaze]]'' takes off into space, there is a shot where it vanishes in a flash of light and reappears elsewhere within the vicinity of Gaia. Some have mistaken this flash of light to mean that the ''Yukikaze'' traveled through [[unspace|transwarp space]] forward in time to arrive in the future, as if to echo the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''{{'}}s own time-jump to the past in ''Beast Wars''.

:This feels like an attempt to hold on to the belief of the ''Beast Wars II'' cast originating from the same home-time of the ''Beast Wars'' cast, while also aligning with the revelation of Gaia being Earth several tens of millennia after humanity left the planet.

:In truth, however, what really happens during the scene in question is that the ''Yukikaze'' simply travels to Gaia with no time travel involved. The ship's disappearance and reappearance in a flash of light was merely the ship going to warp speed, just like many other spacecraft of science fiction.
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{{anchor|Drunk Apache}}
*'''In ''Beast Wars II'', Apache is a drunkard as part of a Native American stereotype.'''
:[[Apache]] did indeed get drunk in the first episode of the ''Beast Wars II'' cartoon, but only in grief, erroneously believing that his earlier actions had caused the death of [[Lio Convoy]]. He did not get drunk again for the duration of the cartoon, nor did he ever do so in the manga. Outside of that, the Native American stereotype "common" to Japanese fictions is a stoic, silent, and often mystical warrior—none of which could be used to accurately describe Apache at all.

:Amusingly enough, in the sixth installment of the ''Beast Wars II'' manga, ''Lio Convoy'' gets drunk for no apparent reason and ends up trashing Apache's room.
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[[File:BWNeo Unicron.JPG|thumb|Looks can be deceiving.]]
*'''In ''Beast Wars Neo'', Unicron was resurrected by possessing the corpse of Galvatron.'''
:This misunderstanding is pretty understandable. In [[Illusion? Lio Convoy|Episode 29]], the coveted [[Angolmois Energy]] is revealed to be the lifeforce of [[Unicron]], who is successfully resurrected in [[Unicron Revived!?|the very next episode]]. Yet, when he makes his debut, he appears in the form of Galvatron, who had seemingly perished in the [[Farewell! Lio Convoy|final episode]] of ''Beast Wars II''. At first glance, it looks as though Galvatron's corpse had been recovered and used as a vessel to house Unicron's Angolmois Energy, and those who did not understand the Japanese dialogue simply assumed this to be the case.

:However, the Japanese dialogue actually states otherwise. Unicron's resurrected form is not Galvatron's physical body, but is actually a body made of Angolmois Energy that Unicron has deliberately shaped into Galvatron's likeness in an attempt to trick Magmatron into thinking that he ''is'' Galvatron, before revealing his true identity. After which, Unicron simply decided to keep using Galvatron's likeness as his default appearance, even using Galvatron's name when transforming between dragon and robot mode.

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

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

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

:Notably, the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|series]] [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family|immediately]] [[Movie (franchise)|following]] ''Beast Machines'' did return to classic hand-held gun use among both heroes and villains. However, the later ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Animated]]'' series once again eschewed guns, probably because of its younger target audience.
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==2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' misconceptions==
===Toys===
[[File:TF-Car-Robots-Logo.png|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Do you see a "2000" anywhere in this logo?]]
*'''The ''Robots in Disguise'' toyline was known as "Transformers 2000" in Japan.'''
:As information about the then-new [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)|''Car Robots'' toyline]] began to trickle out of Japan in 2000, early rumors purportedly from Japanese sources indicated that it was officially named "Transformers 2000".<ref name="Transformers 2000">http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/browse_frm/thread/e6436b92178f0c0a</ref> It's possible those Japanese sources were also going by early, inaccurate rumors or perhaps a soon-to-be-discarded working title for the line. The idea persisted with many Western fans well after the true name of the show was revealed, encouraged by online import retailers (who were equally misinformed) using the title to promote pre-orders on their sites.
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===Fiction===
[[File:RID Megatron toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|He's got only one voice in his head, not six.]]
*'''Unlike the English version, Gigatron (Megatron) has multiple personalities, a different one for each of his modes.'''
:This originates from a statement given in the first ''Car Robots'' toy catalog, wherein text describing [[Megatron (RID)|Gigatron's]] six-mode transformations speculates that he has developed multiple personalities from transforming too much. However, this was only loosely reflected in the Japanese version of the cartoon, in that Gigatron's bat and dragon modes each had their own unique-sounding voice and mannerisms. The Gigabat voice was higher-pitched, a bit dim-sounding, and spoke like how older people used to speak during Japan's Edo period, ending most of its dialogue with "deansu" (であんす). For the Gigadragon mode, Gigatron's voice became much deeper, angrier, and overall more aggressive-sounding. Both of these differed from his much calmer and more "normal" sounding voice in robot mode (which he also used in each of his other modes), and were most noticeable in the first episode, in which Gigatron made heavy use of both his Gigabat and Gigadragon modes. But without the necessary context provided by the catalog, the notion of his having multiple personalities doesn't come across as clearly by Gigatron's cartoon portrayal alone, as only his voice changes between those two modes rather than his entire persona. And ''only'' for the bat and dragon modes rather than all of his modes; when he later becomes Devil Gigatron, his new modes likewise all retained the same ordinary voice used for his robot mode.

:By contrast, the English ''Robots in Disguise'' version gave Megatron one voice for all of his modes, and rewrote his personality to be much more theatrical and ill-tempered. This in turn made his English voice sound like a combination of the two unique Japanese voices, combining the over-the-top aspects of the Gigabat voice with the seething aggression of the Gigadragon voice. But despite both having unique ways of speaking in the Japanese version, neither form had its own separate personality. All of Gigatron's forms in ''Car Robots'' had the same single personality, just as Megatron did in ''Robots in Disguise''.

:Interestingly, the later ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]'' cartoon ''would'' go on introduce the concept of a multi-changer with multiple personalities in the form of [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]], who had [[Triple Changer|three modes]] and three personalities: His "Icy" persona controlled his jet mode, his "Hothead" persona controlled his tank mode, and his robot mode was shared more equally between those two and his third "Random" persona.
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==Live-action film series misconceptions==
====''Transformers'' (2007)====
[[File:Japaneseflowchart.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|Look! No 2007 movie!]]
*'''The movie series takes place in the Generation 1 timeline in Japan.'''
: This is another one of those instances where one TakaraTomy thing, very early in the life cycle of a new ''Transformers'' [[franchise]], will say one thing about said franchise, and then literally ''everything else ever'' will say another.

: When the live-action movie series was getting started, TakaraTomy went live with their "World of Transformers" website. The website timeline appeared to make the rather bizarre claim that the 2007 live-action movie also somehow took place in the Japanese Generation 1 continuity, between ''The Transformers: The Movie'' and ''Transformers 2010'' in the year 2007. However, this was ''not'' reflected by the site's accompanying flow-chart, and was established to not be the case by the [[Source:Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|''Kiss Players'' timeline]] (which noted that the movie-verse Autobots and Decepticons came from another universe when they appeared in [[Transformers: Beast Wars Diorama Story|''Beast Wars Diorama Story'']]). And of course, nothing else ever attempted to make the connection.
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*'''''Transformers'' was nearly rated R by the MPAA.'''
: In the spring of 2007, it was reported that ''{{w|Disturbia (film)|Disturbia}}'', a then-upcoming [[DreamWorks]] film starring [[Shia LaBeouf]] and produced by [[Steven Spielberg]], had received an R rating from the {{w|Motion Picture Association of America}}. That film's rating was eventually lowered to PG-13 on appeal, but in the meantime some ''Transformers'' fans became confused and believed that it was ''[[Transformers (film)|Transformers]]'' that had been rated R, leading to some heated discussion on ''Transformers'' message boards.
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[[File:MovieCreditsNoBrawl.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|Invisible credit.]]
*'''Brawl is named in the credits.'''

: The Decepticon tank, who was named "Devastator" in a subtitle in the movie, ended up being named "[[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]" in [[Hasbro|Hasbro's]] [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|toy line]]. Both Hasbro and the screenwriters, [[Alex Kurtzman]] and [[Roberto Orci]], have expressly favored the toy's name, referring to the name in the movie as an "error".

: Since the character has a "speaking" line in the movie, some fans claim that the voice actor is named in the ending credits, and the character's name is stated as "Brawl" there. In fact, however, there's no credit ''at all'' for the character, under either name, as he has no voice actor, his "speaking role" being little more than echo-y electronic gibberish.
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[[File:BanachekMustacheMan.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|One of these is not like the others.]]
*'''The Decepticons' hologram is Tom Banachek.'''

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

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

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

*'''Decepticon [blank space] popsicle!'''
[[File:ROTF Skids Mudflap popsicle.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|Our ice cream is uncensored.]]
:This rumor claims that a censored version of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' exists in which the rude "[[File:Symbol decept reg.png|15px]] suck my popsicle!" decal on the side of [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]'s ice cream truck [[alternate mode]] is edited to remove the words "suck my", resulting in the somewhat nonsensical version "[[File:Symbol decept reg.png|15px]]           popsicle!" This version was supposedly shown in some theaters in several countries, even though other theaters in the those very same markets apparently showed the "uncensored" version.<ref name="popsicle">[https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/decepticon-popsicle.254257/ Contemporary discussion] of the allegedly "censored" decal on the ice cream truck seen in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' at TFW2005.</ref>

:In reality, the most likely explanation for this is much more mundane: Whereas the Decepticon insignia and the word "popsicle" are both rendered in white, resulting in a high color contrast with the dark background of the decal, the words "suck my" are instead kept in dark red. Depending on the specific brightness and color contrast settings of a particular theater, this, combined with the overall darkness of the scene (which was shot "day for night"), could easily lead to those two words becoming pretty much "invisible" by pure coincidence, with no actual intention of "censorship" behind it.
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====''Bumblebee''====
*'''''Bumblebee''''' '''and''' '''''Rise of the Beasts''''' '''are reboots that are separate from the rest of the "Bayverse"'''.
: ''[[Bumblebee (film)|Bumblebee]]'' was initially conceived as a straight prequel to the ''Transformers'' films, chronologically falling between the [[World War II]] flashback sequences seen in ''[[Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight]]'' and the 2007 ''Transformers'' film. However, the movie was hastily retooled relatively late into production, tweaking the film's opening to show Bumblebee arriving on Earth in the 1980s, and, as a result, became more-or-less irreconcilable with both the information given by the ''The Last Knight'' and the various prequel comics that had gone before. Due in part to these reshoots—which were almost certainly added as a way to distance the film from the financial and critical failure that was ''The Last Knight''—some fans jumped on the idea that ''Bumblebee'' was now a "hard reboot" of the film series as a whole, similar to the {{w|Marvel Cinematic Universe}}'s interpretation of [[Spider-Man]] vs. his prior two cinematic outings. Around the time of ''Bumblebee''{{'}}s release, both [[Hasbro]] and [[Paramount Pictures]] were fairly mum on just how it and the five prior Bay films would fit together moving forward: the closest we were given to a conclusive answer was that the film represented the start of a "new storytelling universe," <ref>[https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2467064/looks-like-bumblebee-is-officially-the-start-of-a-new-transformers-movie-universe "Looks Like Bumblebee is Officially The Start Of A New Transformers Movie Universe]</ref>, but Di Bonventura explained that this only meant that the creators had freedom to tell new stories that didn't necessarily follow the rules of the other films. Other fiction, such as the ''[[Sector 7 Adventures: The Battle at Half Dome]]'' comic included with the home media release of the film, continued to tie the events of ''Bumblebee'' to the rest of the live-action film series, putting another notch in the "prequel" column.

: The vaguery only continued in the lead-up to the subsequent film, ''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (film)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]'', which is set in 1994. Producer [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] was fairly adamant about its prequel status, claiming that ''Rise of the Beasts'' charts Optimus's growth into the character seen in the 2007 film.<ref>[https://collider.com/transformers-rise-of-the-beasts-michael-bay-movies-producer-comments/ 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' Producer on How It Differs From Michael Bay's Movies — Collider]</ref> Director [[Steven Caple Jr.]] was more on the fence; in one interview, he called it a "reboot for sure," only to moments later backpedal and instead call it a "refresher" and a "new direction," adding that you "could call it a reboot" but that that there were still aspects of it that could be tied to the existing films.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MfMFxvT_-Q&t=2446s Steven Caple Jr. interview on The Alfonso Nation]</ref> The film itself splits the difference, with several allusions made to the other films, but the whole "[[Unicron]] is Earth" thing from ''The Last Knight'' going wholly unaddressed, despite Unicron playing a major role.

: When asked point-blank about this after the film released, Caple stated that while they tried to hew as close as they could to not mess up the Bay movies' events, knowing ''Bumblebee'' had previously taken its own liberties meant that he felt okay changing things in service of telling a better story and helping the prequels find their own way, something which Hasbro and Paramount fully agreed with.<ref>[https://www.insider.com/transformers-rise-of-the-beasts-director-timeline-inconsistencies-2023-6 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' producers cared more about telling 'the best story' than keeping the timeline consistent, says director — Insider]</ref> In particular, Caple stated he largely treats the original trilogy as gospel when it comes to continuity, but less so with ''Age of Extinction'' and ''The Last Knight'', feeling like the creative teams behind those movies had less idea where they were actually going with their stories at the time.<ref>[https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/rise-of-the-beasts-director-confirms-that-continuity-is-not-a-concern-within-the-transformers-film-franchise/47813/ Extract from an interview with Caple Jr. on the ''Empire Spoiler Specials'' podcast, via Seibertron.com]</ref> So basically, despite all the incongruities, Hasbro and Paramount are still treating ''Bumblebee'' and any subsequent films as being in continuity with the preceding entries, which makes total sense, as it means not alienating the audiences who ''did'' enjoy those movies. Plus, by continuing to set films before 2007, it not only minimizes the amount of prior knowledge the audience requires to enjoy the movie, but it means that they simply don't have to deal with the implications of the prequel timeline and the Bay movies' timeline intersecting.<ref>[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/transformers-rise-of-the-beasts-director-steven-caple-jr-1235484272/ ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Director Steven Caple Jr. on Michael Bay’s Support, ’90s Rap Soundtrack and Reuniting with ‘Creed’ Directors — The Hollywood Reporter]</ref> Indeed, di Bonoventura has described continuing to use the prequel setting as "kicking the can down the road" when it comes to confronting the pre-existing continuity, acknowledging that they've "maybe" contradicted things despite their best efforts.<ref>[https://www.fandom.com/articles/transformers-rise-beast-wars-optimus-prime Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Shows a Different Side of Optimus Prime" on Fandom.com]</ref> Ultimately, it's best just to enjoy the films on their own and not to sweat the continuity hiccups; after all, it's not like the Bay movies' stories were internally consistent with each other anyway. (If anything, just [[personal canon|ignoring]] ''The Last Knight'' pretty much fixes most of the issues on its own.)
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====''Rise of the Beasts''====

*'''All of the generic Terrorcons are named "Freezer".'''

:When [[Freezer]] was first revealed during the marketing campaign for ''Rise of the Beasts'', it was initially believed that he was simply a type of mass-produced drone, similarly to the various types of [[Vehicon (disambiguation)|Vehicon]] from past Transformers series, with the name belonging to both the two smaller [[Terrorcon (ROTB)|Terrorcons]] deployed by [[Scourge (ROTB)|Scourge]] and the vast horde of generics seen in the final battle. This was seemingly supported by a note in Scourge's character profile on social media<ref>{{citesocial|quote=Helping him in his relentless pursuit, Scourge keeps a collection of six-legged Terrorcon Freezers — mechanical insectoids he can send out to sniff out his prey.|link=https://www.facebook.com/transformersmovie/photos/pcb.6313444875357573/6313441462024581/|name=Transformers|site=Facebook|year=2023|month=05|day=12}}</ref> and was generally believed to be the case for the first few weeks after the film's release. However, when the film was released on home media, it was revealed in the "Villains" behind-the-scenes featurette that all of the generic Terrorcons were actually named "[[Sweep (ROTB)|Sweeps]]", in a homage to the [[Scourge (G1)|original Scourge]]'s [[Sweep (G1)|minions]], and that the name "Freezer" actually only belonged to one of Scourge's smaller minions, with the second being named "[[Novakane]]".

:This misconception may have also been the result of an animation error regarding the Sweeps' designs. The CGI models indicate that Freezer and Novakane were meant to have unique head designs, with Freezer having two scars on his forehead and Novakane having his left antennae cut off. However, for one reason or another, the two designs wound up being used interchangeably, not only between the two smaller Sweeps, but also between many of the larger Sweeps as well.

:Interestingly, the tie-in book "[[Mission at the Museum]]" actually referred to the pair as Sweeps, but this was initially dismissed as a preliminary working name for Freezer, especially with the next book, "[[The Search Is On]]", using his finalized name instead. However, the difference between the two Sweeps was later confirmed by the aforementioned featurette, a set of Chinese trading cards, and the eventual release of Novakane's ''[[Studio Series]]'' toy, long after the reveal of Freezer. Based upon this information, it can be deduced that Freezer is the Sweep who chases the humans and dies in the Peruvian cave, while Novakane is the Sweep who survives until the final battle before meeting his end in the lava.
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==''Animated'' misconceptions==
===Toys===
*'''Hasbro can't make new toys based on Animated characters without Cartoon Network's approval.'''
[[File:WMTheLegacyOfBumblebee.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.2|This set should not be possible.]]
: While not rooted in any specific source, there has been a longstanding misconception that because they produced the cartoon and collaborated with Hasbro on the toy designs, [[Cartoon Network]] maintains partial (if not complete) ownership over the character designs in ''Transformers Animated'', and is thus the reason why no new toys of the characters were released for almost 15 years.

: In truth, Hasbro owns ''Animated'' lock, stock, and barrel. A quick glance at the legal jargon on the back of any ''Animated'' toy packaging will show Hasbro as the sole [[copyright]] holder listed. In fact, the only legalese mentioning Cartoon Network is the [[trademark]] for their own name and logo, due to printing "AS SEEN ON CN!" on the box. A handful of ''Animated'' toys were also released after the show ended via [[Fun Publications]], which also listed Hasbro as the sole copyright holder. Furthermore, toys of several ''Animated'' characters were also sold under different ''Transformers'' toylines concurrently with the ''Animated'' line itself, such as the [[Legends Class (2005)|Legends Class]] [[Optimus Prime (Animated)/toys#Universe (2008)|Optimus Prime]], [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#Universe (2008)|Bumblebee]], [[Prowl (Animated)#Universe (2008)|Prowl]] and [[Starscream (Animated)#Universe (2008)|Starscream]] sold under the [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|2008 ''Universe'' line]], or the Deluxe Class [[Bumblebee (Animated)/toys#Transformers (2007)|Bumblebee]] sold as part of the [[Transformers (2007 toyline)|2007 ''Transformers'' movie toyline]]'s "The Legacy of Bumblebee" three-pack. Again, Cartoon Network is mentioned nowhere on the packaging. Similarly, Cartoon Network goes unmentioned in the copyrights for other merchandise like DVDs and tie-in comics. In Japan, the [[Blackarachnia (Animated)#Toys|''Animated'' Blackarachnia toy]] was even retooled years after ''Animated'' ended to create the [[Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Legends|''Legends'' toy for ''Beast Wars'' Blackarachnia]], again with no mention of Cartoon Network anywhere.

: The only place you'll find a Cartoon Network copyright is in the credits of the episodes themselves, but Hasbro appears to have long since bought out whatever rights Cartoon Network retained, hence their ability to freely upload ''Animated'' episodes for streaming alongside their other ''Transformers'' cartoons on services like YouTube and [[Tubi]] (very much unlike [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)#Production|the one show we know they ''don't'' have all the rights to]]). And in either case, as mentioned above, it wouldn't prevent them from making new toys using those characters or designs. A much more likely explanation is Hasbro simply wanting new toys to fit a certain aesthetic, one that ''Animated''{{'}}s designs don't quite fit. So instead, they simply choose to adapt the characters to fit the new medium, such as with [[Bulkhead (Prime)|''Prime'' Bulkhead]] or [[Clobber (Cyberverse)|''Cyberverse'' Clobber]]. The most overt case of this is the [[2015]] Japanese release of the [[Slipstream (Animated)#Legends|''Legends'' Slipstream toy]], retooled by TakaraTomy from the non-''Animated'' [[Windblade (G1)#Generations|''Generations'' Windblade toy]] to be more ''Animated''-like, and ''explicitly'' spelled out to be the ''Animated'' character via the [[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. 16|accompanying issue]] of the [[Transformers Legends (comic)|''Legends'' comic]], which itself likewise featured multiple cameos by ''Animated'' characters.

: At [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2022, Hasbro designer [[Evan Brooks]] confirmed that any rumors of ''Animated'' characters not being available for Hasbro's use are incorrect, and that Hasbro has all rights to all Transformers characters.<ref name="evansdcc">[https://news.tfw2005.com/2022/07/25/sdcc-hasbro-kotobukiya-show-floor-qa-461912 "SDCC Hasbro & Kotobukiya Show Floor Q&A"] at TFW2005</ref> This was proven pretty definitively with the release of [[Prowl (Animated)#Legacy|Prowl's ''Legacy'' toy]] the following year, once again absent any sort of Cartoon Network related branding, and thankfully seems to have put the misconception to rest for good.
{{-}}

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

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

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

: While TakaraTomy chose to use the movie-style branding for ''Animated'' products, rendering the "Transformers Animated" logo in the gray steel look used for the movies, this appears to simply be a matter of wanting to associate the brand with the big successful money-making movie franchise rather than any reflection of fictional details.

{{-}}

==Aligned Continuity misconceptions==
===Toys===
*'''''Transformers: Prime'' was not initially planned to have any toys.'''
:The [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|toy line]] for ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]'' was ''very'' delayed, debuting roughly a year after the associated cartoon had premiered. Previously, at a [[BotCon 2010]] panel about the then-upcoming ''Prime'' cartoon, a Hasbro representative had made a statement that they weren't talking about toys just then. ''Transformers'' fandom being [[Red Alert (G1)|what]] [[Breakdown (G1)|it is]], a widespread belief developed that Hasbro was never going to make ''Prime'' toys ''at all.'' As additional information gradually surfaced, this evolved into a rumor that ''Prime'' would only have a small number of toys, with some further speculating that they would also be limited to the Deluxe [[size class]] (since initially only Deluxes had been seen). The eventual revelation of a full ''Prime'' toyline caused the belief to evolve once more, with the new theory being that there wasn't ''originally'' going to be a ''Prime'' toyline, but Hasbro changed their minds due to demand.

:The reality, as usual, was much less apocalyptic. The statement from the Hasbro Studios panel was never intended to refer to anything except the panel itself—the people ''in that room'' weren't going to be discussing toys ''at that panel''. (In fact, [[Eric Siebenaler]] expressed excitement about [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]]'s toy at the very same panel.) As for the delay in the line's launch, put simply, this was for appearance's sake. Hasbro wanted to establish ''Prime'' as a strong ''fictional'' franchise, rather than merely [[To sell toys|a glorified toy commercial]], and reasonably concluded that launching a toyline immediately would detract from that goal. There ''was'' a point when a few ''Prime'' toys were planned to be released under the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Transformers: Generations]]'' banner, but since ''Generations'' was at that time exclusively Deluxes, the aforementioned Bulkhead (a Voyager) indicates that this idea had already been abandoned when the rumors started.

:In short, this is just a matter of fans jumping to conclusions based on misinterpreted statements.
{{-}}

===Fiction===
*'''The High Moon Studios games are part of G1.'''
{{quote|We really did look very closely at Generation 1 stuff and tried to capture what for us was the essence of the characters.|[[Sean Miller]], Director Character and Animation|[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/21/transformers-art-video.aspx Gameinformer interview]}}
[[File:FOC-GameInformerPrimeBumblebee.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1.1|It's the prequel to that version of G1 which never existed!]]
:With its designs aiming at a video gamer audience who grew up with [[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]], the development team for ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron (360/PS3/PC)|War for Cybertron]]'' took a great deal of inspiration from the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|original cartoon]] for such things as characters and the design aesthetic for [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]].<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2009/12/21/transformers-art-video.aspx Gameinformer interview]</ref> A [[Commercial#War for Cybertron|commercial]] even depicted Shockwave ordering Soundwave to play [[The Touch|a song]] made famous by the [[The Transformers: The Movie|original animated movie]]. Furthermore, War for Cybertron toys were sold as part of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toyline that featured Generation 1-styled characters. These factors led many to believe the game was actually part of Generation 1.

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

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

:[[High Moon Studios]] often described the games as prequels to the G1 cartoon. More savvy fans would recognize that the game is generally irreconcilable with the cartoon (or any other Generation 1 continuity for that matter): the circumstances of [[Optimus Prime (WFC)|Optimus Prime]]'s rise to power would contradict "[[War Dawn (episode)|War Dawn]]", and Optimus's [[Sentinel Zeta Prime|predecessor]] does not possess the Matrix, unlike his [[Sentinel Prime (G1)#The Transformers cartoon|cartoon counterpart]]. The Autobots left Cybertron because the [[Core]] shut down, not because energy sources were depleted, and characters like [[Jetfire (WFC)|Jetfire]], [[Breakdown (WFC)|Breakdown]], [[Cyclonus (WFC)|Cyclonus]], the [[Aerialbot (WFC)|Aerialbots]], and [[Trypticon (WFC)|Trypticon]] wouldn't be on Cybertron or even ''exist''. Additionally, the game draws inspiration from other continuities, including characters not from Generation 1 like [[Slipstream (WFC)|Slipstream]] and [[Demolishor (WFC)|Demolishor]]. The game does share a lot of similarities with Dreamwave's ''[[War Within (franchise)|War Within]]'' series (where Jetfire and Trypticon are present), but it cannot take place in that continuity either.
{{-}}

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

===TakaraTomy===
*'''Takara was taken over by Tomy.'''
[[File:Takaratomy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|We are one.]]
:In 2005, it was announced that Takara, longtime Japanese manufacturer/distributor of Transformers toys, and former competitor Tomy would merge into a new company, named [[TakaraTomy]], as of [[March 1]], 2006. Some fans misinterpreted the media coverage, believing that Takara had been bought out by rival Tomy. This was not helped by official press releases declaring Tomy the "surviving company", Tomy having the majority of shares, and the merged company simply going by the name "Tomy" outside Japan.

:The name issue is easily explained, as it was done for purely pragmatic reasons. "Tomy" is an internationally established brand, since the company already had divisions in many other countries prior to the merger, and distributed their toys under their own name there. Takara, meanwhile, had mostly abandoned its ventures into international markets years ago, and had its products distributed through other companies (such as [[Hasbro]]) instead. Therefore, the merged company decided to use the better-known name for its international business, while it would continue as "TakaraTomy" within Japan itself.

:Now, as for the specifics of the merger... Although the merger ratio was set at 0.356 of a Tomy share for each Takara share (including a split of Tomy's stock), and the companies announced a layoff of 15% of their combined workforce mostly on the Takara side, the term "merger" (as compared to "take-over") was prominently used in all the official announcements by the two companies, and twisting tiny details into a de facto "takeover" of Takara by Tomy is effectively splitting hairs.

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

:The online store ''directly'' owned by TakaraTomy, meanwhile, is [[TakaraTomy Mall]] (formerly Toy Hobby Market).
{{-}}

===IDW Publishing===

*'''The [[Hasbro Universe]] was pushed on IDW by Hasbro.'''
:While Hasbro is mostly hands-off with IDW's comics, one of the terms of the license is that IDW needs to work with Hasbro to do [[To sell toys|occasional promotion]] for new and upcoming toys; this most obviously took place with events such as [[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]], [[Combiner Wars (comic)|Combiner Wars]] and [[Titans Return (comic)|Titans Return]] — and, if we're being honest, has resulted in some of the less popular arcs from "phase 2" of IDW.<ref>[[James Roberts]] has apologised on multiple occasions for Dark Cybertron, which says a lot.</ref> As such, when IDW announced that they were bringing [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|several]] [[Rom|other]] [[Action Man|Hasbro-]][[M.A.S.K. (franchise)|owned]] [[Micronauts|franchises]] into their [[2005 IDW continuity|acclaimed Transformers universe]], a lot of fans assumed that this was the result of another Hasbro mandate, especially given their stated desire to have a "Transformers {{w|Marvel Cinematic Universe|Cinematic Universe}}." It also bore a startling resemblance to the shuttered plans to use the [[Aligned continuity family]] to launch a shared universe, even sharing the name of [[Unit:E]]. However, the creative teams involved were open from the start about the decision being an internal one that IDW had to ask Hasbro for permission to do.

:Reportedly, the decision stemmed from IDW obtaining multiple additional Hasbro licenses, and [[Chris Ryall]] and [[Christos Gage]] suggesting that G.I. Joe appear in their ''ROM'' comic; this led to [[John Barber]] bringing up [[Andrew Griffith]]'s suggestion that IDW's ''G.I. Joe'' universe could fit "between" big ''Transformers'' events, which led to all of them suggesting to [[Cullen Bunn]] that the Earth that the [[Micronaut]]s visited be the ''ROM''/''Transformers''/''G.I. Joe'' one... and, well, it all spiralled from there. Hasbro were apparently very on board with the idea, but it was far from something that they pushed onto unwilling creators.

*'''The Hasbro Universe comics are responsible for the ending of the 2005 IDW continuity.'''
:Given that IDW announced that they were concluding their [[2005 IDW continuity|main continuity]] less than two years after the VERY controversial Hasbro Universe was first announced, a lot of fans were under the impression that the shared universe, and the relaunch of [[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|''The Transformers'']] and [[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|''More than Meets the Eye'']] into ''[[Optimus Prime (comic)|Optimus Prime]]'' and [[The Transformers: Lost Light|''Lost Light'']], were responsible for tanking sales to the point that IDW decided that it would be more profitable to reboot.

:However, the reason that those titles were relaunched in the ''first'' place is that their sales were on an unsustainable downwards spiral; and, other than a brief sales spike for the [[Dissolution Part 1: Some Other Cybertron|first]] [[New Cybertron Part 1: To Walk Among the Chosen|issues]] of the relaunched series, the relaunch did pretty much nothing to the sales trends, which continued to decrease at the same level as they had from around the 51st issues to the relaunch.<ref>[https://www.allspark.com/forums/topic/670-general-comics-discussion/page-60#entry3661883 Sales chart of the Phase 2 IDW ongoings]</ref> While the Hasbro Universe titles generally didn't sell ''great'', they didn't affect the sales of the ongoing ''Transformers'' series.
{{-}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20121116134912/http://tfarchive.com/creative/showentry.php?s=522 Ten popular but incorrect rumors about Japanese Transformers, retrieved November 16, 2012] (archived)

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

Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook

2024-06-22T14:17:59Z

Guy in a Box:

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook''
|prev=
|next=Field Guide to Action and Adventure
|image=Transformers Roleplaying Game cover art (Preorder).jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|written by=[[Ryan Costello]], [[Gabriel Hicks]], [[JF Sambrano]], [[Bryan C.P. Steele]], [[Elisa Teague]] & [[Eddy Webb]]
|date=[[August 22]], [[2022]]
|pagecount=288
|price=$55.00 USD 
|ISBN=ISBN 978-1-7368843-3-1 
}}

The '''''Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook''''' is a rulebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]. It was released digitally on [[August 2]], [[2022]], followed by a physical release on [[October 11]].

The book contains rules for players and Game Masters, with a focus on creating fun stories and engaging combat, as well as tools for creating characters, an extensive library of weapons and equipment, and a dossier full of potential enemies. It also contains the introductory adventure "[[Troubled Waters]]".

==Contents==
===Chapter 1: Introduction===
{{collist|2|
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Prime]]'s War Journal
* [[Autobot]]s vs. [[Decepticon]]s
**''Earth Time Units and Their Interrelation with Cybertronian Perception'' by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
* Transcript of an interview with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]
* The War for [[Energon]]
* [[Earth]]: Our New Home
** ''Autobot Lexicon''
* Autobot Data Files
* The Transformers Roleplaying Game
* The Game Master
* Playing the Game
}}

===Chapter 2: Character Creation===
{{collist|2|
* Creating Your Character
* Step 0: Discuss with your GM & Other Players
* Step 1: Character Concept
* Step 2: Essence Score Increases and Skill Point Investment
* Step 3: Select Influences
* Step 4: Select an Origin
* Step 5: Select a Role
* Step 6: Describe your Character
* Step 7: Form a Team
}}

===Chapter 3: Influences===
{{collist|2|
*Hang-Ups
*Background Bonds
*Having Multiple Influences
*Customizing an Influence
*Bureaucrat
*Cube Player
*Experiment
*Former Senator
*Gladiator
*Hunter
*Inventor
*Machinist
*Racer
*Scavenger
*Security
*War Veteran
*Hang-Ups
}}

===Chapter 4: Origins===
{{collist|2|
*Choosing Your Origin
*Converting Between modes
*Origin Traits
**''Fitting In''
*Bot Mode Statistics
*Alt Mode Statistics
**''Filling in the Driver's Seat''
*Defining Your Alt Mode
**''What About Beast Modes?''
*Chassis Selection
*Champion
*Cutter
*Lookout
*Monolith
*Outrider
*Rainmaker
*Seeker
**''Cool Your Jets''
*Support
}}

===Chapter 5: Roles===
{{collist|2|
*Role Out
*Role Overview
*For the Allspark!
*Analyst
*Field Commander
*Gunner
*Modemaster
**''Defining Your Mini-Con''
*Scientist
*Scout
* Warrior
**''Losing a Limb''
}}

===Chapter 6: Essence Scores and Skills===
{{collist|2|
*Essence Scores - The Four 'S's
*Skills and Specializations
*Skills Ranks and Skill Tests
*Unskilled Rolls
*Specializations
*Gaining Skills and Specializations
*Essences & Skills
*Strength
*Speed
*Smarts
*Social
*Using Skills
*Step One: Choose Skill
*Step Two: Skill Dice Shifts
*Step Three: Edge, Snag, or Both?
*Step Four: Determine Difficulty
**''Edge and Snag versus Upshift and Downshift''
*Step Five: Roll Skill Test
**''Skill Tests are Meaningful''
*Step Six: Determine Results
*Story Points - The Great Equalizer
*Energon Points
}}

===Chapter 7: General Perks===
*Picking General Perks
**''Who is your Companion to You?''
*Mini-Con Perks

===Chapter 8: Equipment===
{{collist|2|
*Hardpoints
*Assignment and Requisition
*Equipment Properties
*Weapons
*Weapons List
*Upgrades
*Armor
*Kits
*Support Equipment
*Vehicles
*Non-Cybertronian Vehicles
}}

===Chapter 9: Combat===
{{collist|2|
*The Flow of Combat
*A Combat in Steps
**''Creatures in Disguise''
*Types of Actions
**''Decepticons, Attack! Group Initiative''
*Free Actions
*Movement
*Combat Actions
*Types of Attacks
*Melee Attacks
*Ranged Attacks
*Blast Attacks
*Multiple Targets
*Multi-Weapon Attacks
*Making an Attack
*Character Size and Scale
**''Scale and Size on the Table''
*Damage and Repairing Damage
**''Discuss Defeat with your Table''
**''Optional Rule: Human Engineers''
*Vehicle and Alt Mode Combat
*Aerospace Combat
*Space Combat
*Operating Vehicles
*Other Forms of Combat
}}

===Chapter 10: Exploration===
{{collist|2|
*Time
*Movement
**''A Bulldozer As Fast As A Motorcycle?''
*Special Types of Movement
*The Environment
*Recharging
*Diseases
*Conditions
*Interactions with Humans
*Between Missions and Downtime
}}

===Chapter 11: Locations===
{{collist|2|
*Cybertronian Bases
*Decepticon Headquarters
*Other Bases
*Interesting Places
*Potential Attack Sites
*Common Earth Biomes
}}

===Chapter 12: Threats===
{{collist|2|
*Playing Threats
*Non Combat Adversaries
*Loot
*Combining Threats
*Specific Decepticons
}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Specific Decepticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Demolisher (G1)|Demolisher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Detour (G1)|Detour]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mega-Octane|Mega-Octane]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Drones'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Insecticon clone|Insecticon Drone]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sweep (G1)|Scourge Drone]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seeker Bomber]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''General Decepticon Threats'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Annihilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Assassin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Commando]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon Seeker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Seeker Rookie]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Seeker Scout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Sniper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Soldier]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Spy]]}}
</ul>
|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Unaligned Cybertronians'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Cybertronian Brawler
*Cybertronian Trader
*Heat Seeker Drone
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Human Threats and NPCs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Human Civilian
*Human Military Pilot
*Human Scientist
*Human Soldier
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Vehicle Threats'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Armored Tank
*Combat Jeep
*Combat Jet
*Compact Car
*Military Helicopter
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
*Mini Sub
*Motorcycle
*Pickup Truck
*Race Car
*Speed Boat
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===Chapter 13: Running an Adventure===
{{collist|2|
*Adventure Balance
*Adventure Breakdown
**Gaming Terms: Campaign vs. Session vs. Part vs. Scene
*[[Troubled Waters]]
*Preparing the Game
*Beginning the Adventure
*Part 1: The Abandoned Energon Facility
*Part 2: The Bridge is Falling Down!
*Part 3: YOU ARE NOT TO BE TRUSTED, STARSCREAM!
}}

==Notes==
===Errors===
* Some of the Decepticon statistics block have mistakes in them:
** Kickback is listed as having a Social Essence score of 8 and a Cleverness of 13. The rules state that a character's base Cleverness is 10 + the character's Social Essence score. This means that Kickback should have either a Social of 3, or a Cleverness of 18.
** The Decepticon Sniper states that it has a Strength Essence score of 4 and a Toughness of 13, but according to the rules, a character's base Toughness is 10 + the character's Strength Essence score. This means that the Sniper should have either a Strength of 3, or a Toughness of 14.

===Transformers references===
*In his introduction, Optimus Prime explains that he was once a file clerk, a clear nod to how Orion Pax is often portrayed as having worked as an archivist before the war and him taking up the mantle of Prime.
* In an effort to consolidate the differences in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] and [[Earth]]ling [[units of time]] [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] present a handy reference sheet for any Autobot recruit concerned with such things. According to them; one ''nano-klik'' equals one second; a ''klik'' is comparative to a minute; a ''cycle'' is roughly the same as an hour; a ''solar cycle'' is naturally a day; an ''orbital cycle'' equals one month; a Cybertronian ''stellar cycle'' matches up with a human year; and a ''vorn'' is likened to a century.
* The interview with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] indicates that he was once a Decepticon, a common narrative surrounding the character. Jetfire also notes how he was the one who gave Optimus Prime the heads-up regarding Earth as a viable source of Energon. Him being one of the first Transformers to learn of or to visit Earth is also something that dates back to [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the early days]] [[Fire in the Sky|of the character]].
** The interview itself is conducted by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] who was the Autobot's chief chronicler in the pages of [[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|IDW's ''More than Meets the Eye'' comic]]. He even notes that the camera attached to the side of his head is "always recording", something that he was prone to do in the comic as well.
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], of all people, is left in charge of explaining the ''Autobot Lexicon'' to the reader. He explains that he was "encouraged" by his "great friend" Optimus Prime to write his memo in bot mode, as his alt mode "sometimes leaves [him] less articulate." This is a clear reference to [[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock's incarnation]] from the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|''Cyberverse'' cartoon]].
* Among the terminology explained in said lexicon are a lot of common words like "[[Alternate mode|alt mode]]", Cybertron, and [[Energon]]. Less common, however, are phrases like [[Functionism|Functionalism]] {{sic}}, [[NAIL]], and [[Rite of the Autobrand]].
*Shockwave's report to Megatron regarding the lack of sustainable Energon reserves was handed to Optimus Prime by an operative codenamed "[[Doubledealer|Dealer]]".
*In his report, Shockwave mentions that he had to "dispatch" a crazed prisoner - "Prisoner D-322". D-322 was the ID number for [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]], leader of the [[Dinoforce]] in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Transformers: Victory]]''.
* Among the "Influences" you can choose for your ''Transformers'' character is "Cube Player". [[Cube (sport)|Cube]] was first introduced as a popular Cybertronian sport in the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|''Cyberverse'' cartoon]].
* Another Influence is that of "Gladiator", with [[gladiatorial combat]] being another favorite of many a Cybertronian in a slew of different continuities.
*The "Racer" Influence makes mention of [[Velocitron]], a Cybertronian colony world concerned almost entirely with racing.
*The metal [[Durabyllium]] is mentioned in the "General Perks" section, and a character can equip themselves with "[[Rook (CW)|Durabyllium Super-Alloy]]".
* [[Chip Chase]] is used as the example for the "Human Companion" General Perk.
* The General Perk "Mayhem Attack" is named after the Decepticon strike force, [[Mayhem Attack Squad]].
* The "Remove & Rebuild" General Perk gets its name from a line of dialogue from [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in the G1 episode "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*The "Threats" chapter contain an collection of other randomly assorted tidbits such as:
**[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] speaks German, a likely nod to his [[Blitzwing (Animated)|''Transformers: Animated'' counterpart]].
**[[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]'s bio mentions that she may be "an advanced clone of Starscream", a clear reference to [[Slipstream (Animated)|her original counterpart]] in [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|''Animated'']].
**[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown's]] profile, while just as limited as the rest of the Cons', hints at a partnership with [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]], and Knock Out's cheekily refers to Breakdown as his "assistant". This seemingly springs from the popular [[personal canon|fan theory]] that Breakdown's [[Breakdown (WFC)|''Transformers: Prime'' namesake]] and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] were more than just allies, something that [[IDW Publishing]] built upon once the duo had been introduced in first the 2005 continuity, and then again in [[2021]].
***As a further nod to ''Prime'' Breakdown, ''this'' Breakdown is shown with his hand transformed into a large hammer, a weapon favored by the former.
*The [[Autobot Road]] originates in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (manga)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' manga, but Wheeljack's technical name for it, the [[Global Space Bridge]], comes from 2001's ''Robots in Disguise'', essentially blending the two similar concepts into one. The Autobots' use of a world-spanning network of [[Unspace|transwarp]] portals also called to mind the [[GroundBridge]] from [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']].
*The energy-producing black stone pyramid in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] ''might'' be based on the [[Black Pyramid]] from ''Robots in Disguise'', both being underwater pyramids made of a black stone used to generate power of a Cybertronian origin.

===Trivia===
*This book was originally slated for release in early [[2022]], but several delays saw it waylaid for months until the digital edition finally released in August, followed by physical copies in October. Players who pre-ordered the physical version also received the digital PDF for free.
*The rulebook was initially solicited with a cover by [[Dan Khanna]] and [[Evan Gauntt]], featuring Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream (all in their "evergreen" designs), Windblade, Chromia, and Jazz. This was replaced in the final version.
*Aside from art produced specifically for this book and the art from Hasbro's various [[Evergreen]] design documents, the artwork provided within borrows a lot of material from [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[2005 IDW continuity|two]] [[2019 IDW continuity|runs]] as hosts for the ''Transformers'' comic book license. As such, a number of prolific ''Transformers'' artists have their work featured within the book, including [[Brendan Cahill]], [[Casey Coller]], [[Andrew Griffith]], [[Guido Guidi]], [[Marcelo Matere]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]], [[Livio Ramondelli]], [[E. J. Su]], [[Priscilla Tramontano]], and many more. One artist who ''doesn't'' get mentioned in the book's credits, despite his covers to both ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer]]'' #1 and ''[[Spotlight: Cliffjumper]]'' being found inside, is [[Don Figueroa]]. This isn't the [[Don Figueroa#Stealth bomber Megatron controversy|first time]] Don's work has gone unrecognized by Hasbro or its affiliates. Poor guy can't catch a break.
*Much of the Hasbro-produced art from this book sees character sporting their [[Evergreen]] designs, a standard for Hasbro-licensed products and auxiliary media since [[2016]]. Notable exceptions to this rule include:
** [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], who's based on his appearance in IDW's first continuity. Although, that iconic design has gone on to inspire his apperance in the Cyberverse cartoon, meaning that it's basically his Evergreen design by this point.
** Similarly, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] is based on Guido Guidi's designs from ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]''.
** [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] who looks like his incarnation from the G1 cartoon.
** [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Mega-Octane]] are in their ''Unite Warriors'' designs.
** [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] who shares his design with the character's incarnation from the [[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]] mobile game, itself a G1-ified version of his [[Hubcap (TF 2010)|Movieverse counterpart]].
*The "Autobot Data Files" found in the first chapter, as well as the Decepticons found in the chapter "Threats", present a who's who of famous and infamous characters, including the ever-present [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], but also a whole slew of B- and C-list characters, some of whom we rarely see represented in any type of media, including:
** Veritable newcomers such as [[Anode]], [[Rubble]], and [[Gauge]] from the comics of [[IDW Publishing]].
** [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Mega-Octane]] from ''[[Transformers:_Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise/Car Robots]]''.
** The G1 incarnations of [[Demolisher (G1)|Demolisher]] of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Transformers: Armada]]'' fame, and [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] and [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] who both originally appeared in ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]''.
** A few random combiner team members; [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], and [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]].
**Strangest of all, however, might be the inclusion of [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], who hasn't had a toy out since [[1989]], and whose appearances are so rare that his "Notes" section on this very wiki is about as long as the rest of his page combined. His most recent appearance, and one of his most prominent at that, was in issues [[Storm Horizon Part 1|10]] and [[Storm Horizon Part 2|11]] of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' in [[2020]].
*While there exist five Decepticons who are mentioned as being able to become parts of a larger [[combiner]] (Armorhide, Breakdown, Dead End, Mega-Octane, and Tantrum), there are no actual rules in the book detailing how combiners work gameplay-wise. <s>Though the safe bet is Renegade will make use of mechanics similar to those for the combined Zords featured in their ''[[Power Rangers|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'' roleplaying game.</s> [[The Enigma of Combination|Called it!]]
* The statistics block for the "Scourge Drone" describes these space-faring threats as "flying warriors cloned form the maniacal and loyal Cyclonus". Cyclonus' own bio confirms that Unicron created him as a template for [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron's]] primary forces. This is at odds with the usual depiction of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] being the template on which these warriors are based. As of September 2023, the PDF has been updated to rename "Scourge Drones" to "Sweep Drones" and their stat block now describe them as copies of Scourge, however Cyclonus remains referred to as the template for Unicron's forces in his own stat block.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}}
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]
[[Category:Generation 1 books]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]

Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook

2024-06-17T22:00:15Z

Guy in a Box: /* Transformers references */ forgot to clarify a thing

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook''
|prev=
|next=Field Guide to Action and Adventure
|image=Transformers Roleplaying Game cover art (Preorder).jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|written by=[[Ryan Costello]], [[Gabriel Hicks]], [[JF Sambrano]], [[Bryan C.P. Steele]], [[Elisa Teague]] & [[Eddy Webb]]
|date=[[August 22]], [[2022]]
|pagecount=288
|price=$55.00 USD 
|ISBN=ISBN 978-1-7368843-3-1 
}}

The '''''Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook''''' is a rulebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]. It was released digitally on [[August 2]], [[2022]], followed by a physical release on [[October 11]] release.

The book contains rules for players and Game Masters, with a focus on creating fun stories and engaging combat, as well as tools for creating characters, an extensive library of weapons and equipment, and a dossier full of potential enemies. It also contains the introductory adventure "[[Troubled Waters]]".

==Contents==
===Chapter 1: Introduction===
{{collist|2|
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Prime]]'s War Journal
* [[Autobot]]s vs. [[Decepticon]]s
**''Earth Time Units and Their Interrelation with Cybertronian Perception'' by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
* Transcript of an interview with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]
* The War for [[Energon]]
* [[Earth]]: Our New Home
** ''Autobot Lexicon''
* Autobot Data Files
* The Transformers Roleplaying Game
* The Game Master
* Playing the Game
}}

===Chapter 2: Character Creation===
{{collist|2|
* Creating Your Character
* Step 0: Discuss with your GM & Other Players
* Step 1: Character Concept
* Step 2: Essence Score Increases and Skill Point Investment
* Step 3: Select Influences
* Step 4: Select an Origin
* Step 5: Select a Role
* Step 6: Describe your Character
* Step 7: Form a Team
}}

===Chapter 3: Influences===
{{collist|2|
*Hang-Ups
*Background Bonds
*Having Multiple Influences
*Customizing an Influence
*Bureaucrat
*Cube Player
*Experiment
*Former Senator
*Gladiator
*Hunter
*Inventor
*Machinist
*Racer
*Scavenger
*Security
*War Veteran
*Hang-Ups
}}

===Chapter 4: Origins===
{{collist|2|
*Choosing Your Origin
*Converting Between modes
*Origin Traits
**''Fitting In''
*Bot Mode Statistics
*Alt Mode Statistics
**''Filling in the Driver's Seat''
*Defining Your Alt Mode
**''What About Beast Modes?''
*Chassis Selection
*Champion
*Cutter
*Lookout
*Monolith
*Outrider
*Rainmaker
*Seeker
**''Cool Your Jets''
*Support
}}

===Chapter 5: Roles===
{{collist|2|
*Role Out
*Role Overview
*For the Allspark!
*Analyst
*Field Commander
*Gunner
*Modemaster
**''Defining Your Mini-Con''
*Scientist
*Scout
* Warrior
**''Losing a Limb''
}}

===Chapter 6: Essence Scores and Skills===
{{collist|2|
*Essence Scores - The Four 'S's
*Skills and Specializations
*Skills Ranks and Skill Tests
*Unskilled Rolls
*Specializations
*Gaining Skills and Specializations
*Essences & Skills
*Strength
*Speed
*Smarts
*Social
*Using Skills
*Step One: Choose Skill
*Step Two: Skill Dice Shifts
*Step Three: Edge, Snag, or Both?
*Step Four: Determine Difficulty
**''Edge and Snag versus Upshift and Downshift''
*Step Five: Roll Skill Test
**''Skill Tests are Meaningful''
*Step Six: Determine Results
*Story Points - The Great Equalizer
*Energon Points
}}

===Chapter 7: General Perks===
*Picking General Perks
**''Who is your Companion to You?''
*Mini-Con Perks

===Chapter 8: Equipment===
{{collist|2|
*Hardpoints
*Assignment and Requisition
*Equipment Properties
*Weapons
*Weapons List
*Upgrades
*Armor
*Kits
*Support Equipment
*Vehicles
*Non-Cybertronian Vehicles
}}

===Chapter 9: Combat===
{{collist|2|
*The Flow of Combat
*A Combat in Steps
**''Creatures in Disguise''
*Types of Actions
**''Decepticons, Attack! Group Initiative''
*Free Actions
*Movement
*Combat Actions
*Types of Attacks
*Melee Attacks
*Ranged Attacks
*Blast Attacks
*Multiple Targets
*Multi-Weapon Attacks
*Making an Attack
*Character Size and Scale
**''Scale and Size on the Table''
*Damage and Repairing Damage
**''Discuss Defeat with your Table''
**''Optional Rule: Human Engineers''
*Vehicle and Alt Mode Combat
*Aerospace Combat
*Space Combat
*Operating Vehicles
*Other Forms of Combat
}}

===Chapter 10: Exploration===
{{collist|2|
*Time
*Movement
**''A Bulldozer As Fast As A Motorcycle?''
*Special Types of Movement
*The Environment
*Recharging
*Diseases
*Conditions
*Interactions with Humans
*Between Missions and Downtime
}}

===Chapter 11: Locations===
{{collist|2|
*Cybertronian Bases
*Decepticon Headquarters
*Other Bases
*Interesting Places
*Potential Attack Sites
*Common Earth Biomes
}}

===Chapter 12: Threats===
{{collist|2|
*Playing Threats
*Non Combat Adversaries
*Loot
*Combining Threats
*Specific Decepticons
}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Specific Decepticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Demolisher (G1)|Demolisher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Detour (G1)|Detour]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mega-Octane|Mega-Octane]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Drones'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Insecticon clone|Insecticon Drone]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sweep (G1)|Scourge Drone]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seeker Bomber]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''General Decepticon Threats'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Annihilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Assassin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Commando]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon Seeker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Seeker Rookie]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Seeker Scout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Sniper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Soldier]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Spy]]}}
</ul>
|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Unaligned Cybertronians'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Cybertronian Brawler
*Cybertronian Trader
*Heat Seeker Drone
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Human Threats and NPCs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Human Civilian
*Human Military Pilot
*Human Scientist
*Human Soldier
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Vehicle Threats'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Armored Tank
*Combat Jeep
*Combat Jet
*Compact Car
*Military Helicopter
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
*Mini Sub
*Motorcycle
*Pickup Truck
*Race Car
*Speed Boat
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===Chapter 13: Running an Adventure===
{{collist|2|
*Adventure Balance
*Adventure Breakdown
**Gaming Terms: Campaign vs. Session vs. Part vs. Scene
*[[Troubled Waters]]
*Preparing the Game
*Beginning the Adventure
*Part 1: The Abandoned Energon Facility
*Part 2: The Bridge is Falling Down!
*Part 3: YOU ARE NOT TO BE TRUSTED, STARSCREAM!
}}

==Notes==
===Errors===
* Some of the Decepticon statistics block have mistakes in them:
** Kickback is listed as having a Social Essence score of 8 and a Cleverness of 13. The rules state that a character's base Cleverness is 10 + the character's Social Essence score. This means that Kickback should have either a Social of 3, or a Cleverness of 18.
** The Decepticon Sniper states that it has a Strength Essence score of 4 and a Toughness of 13, but according to the rules, a character's base Toughness is 10 + the character's Strength Essence score. This means that the Sniper should have either a Strength of 3, or a Toughness of 14.

===Transformers references===
*In his introduction, Optimus Prime explains that he was once a file clerk, a clear nod to how Orion Pax is often portrayed as having worked as an archivist before the war and him taking up the mantle of Prime.
* In an effort to consolidate the differences in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] and [[Earth]]ling [[units of time]] [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] present a handy reference sheet for any Autobot recruit concerned with such things. According to them; one ''nano-klik'' equals one second; a ''klik'' is comparative to a minute; a ''cycle'' is roughly the same as an hour; a ''solar cycle'' is naturally a day; an ''orbital cycle'' equals one month; a Cybertronian ''stellar cycle'' matches up with a human year; and a ''vorn'' is likened to a century.
* The interview with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] indicates that he was once a Decepticon, a common narrative surrounding the character. Jetfire also notes how he was the one who gave Optimus Prime the heads-up regarding Earth as a viable source of Energon. Him being one of the first Transformers to learn of or to visit Earth is also something that dates back to [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the early days]] [[Fire in the Sky|of the character]].
** The interview itself is conducted by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] who was the Autobot's chief chronicler in the pages of [[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|IDW's ''More than Meets the Eye'' comic]]. He even notes that the camera attached to the side of his head is "always recording", something that he was prone to do in the comic as well.
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], of all people, is left in charge of explaining the ''Autobot Lexicon'' to the reader. He explains that he was "encouraged" by his "great friend" Optimus Prime to write his memo in bot mode, as his alt mode "sometimes leaves [him] less articulate." This is a clear reference to [[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock's incarnation]] from the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|''Cyberverse'' cartoon]].
* Among the terminology explained in said lexicon are a lot of common words like "[[Alternate mode|alt mode]]", Cybertron, and [[Energon]]. Less common, however, are phrases like [[Functionism|Functionalism]] {{sic}}, [[NAIL]], and [[Rite of the Autobrand]].
*Shockwave's report to Megatron regarding the lack of sustainable Energon reserves was handed to Optimus Prime by an operative codenamed "[[Doubledealer|Dealer]]".
*In his report, Shockwave mentions that he had to "dispatch" a crazed prisoner - "Prisoner D-322". D-322 was the ID number for [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]], leader of the [[Dinoforce]] in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Transformers: Victory]]''.
* Among the "Influences" you can choose for your ''Transformers'' character is "Cube Player". [[Cube (sport)|Cube]] was first introduced as a popular Cybertronian sport in the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|''Cyberverse'' cartoon]].
* Another Influence is that of "Gladiator", with [[gladiatorial combat]] being another favorite of many a Cybertronian in a slew of different continuities.
*The "Racer" Influence makes mention of [[Velocitron]], a Cybertronian colony world concerned almost entirely with racing.
*The metal [[Durabyllium]] is mentioned in the "General Perks" section, and a character can equip themselves with "[[Rook (CW)|Durabyllium Super-Alloy]]".
* [[Chip Chase]] is used as the example for the "Human Companion" General Perk.
* The General Perk "Mayhem Attack" is named after the Decepticon strike force, [[Mayhem Attack Squad]].
* The "Remove & Rebuild" General Perk gets its name from a line of dialogue from [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in the G1 episode "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*The "Threats" chapter contain an collection of other randomly assorted tidbits such as:
**[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] speaks German, a likely nod to his [[Blitzwing (Animated)|''Transformers: Animated'' counterpart]].
**[[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]'s bio mentions that she may be "an advanced clone of Starscream", a clear reference to [[Slipstream (Animated)|her original counterpart]] in [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|''Animated'']].
**[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown's]] profile, while just as limited as the rest of the Cons', hints at a partnership with [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]], and Knock Out's cheekily refers to Breakdown as his "assistant". This seemingly springs from the popular [[personal canon|fan theory]] that Breakdown's [[Breakdown (WFC)|''Transformers: Prime'' namesake]] and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] were more than just allies, something that [[IDW Publishing]] built upon once the duo had been introduced in first the 2005 continuity, and then again in [[2021]].
***As a further nod to ''Prime'' Breakdown, ''this'' Breakdown is shown with his hand transformed into a large hammer, a weapon favored by the former.
*The [[Autobot Road]] originates in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (manga)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' manga, but Wheeljack's technical name for it, the [[Global Space Bridge]], comes from 2001's ''Robots in Disguise'', essentially blending the two similar concepts into one. The Autobots' use of a world-spanning network of [[Unspace|transwarp]] portals also called to mind the [[GroundBridge]] from [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']].
*The energy-producing black stone pyramid in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] ''might'' be based on the [[Black Pyramid]] from ''Robots in Disguise'', both being underwater pyramids made of a black stone used to generate power of a Cybertronian origin.

===Trivia===
*This book was originally slated for release in early [[2022]], but several delays saw it waylaid for months until the digital edition finally released in August, followed by physical copies in October. Players who pre-ordered the physical version also received the digital PDF for free.
*The rulebook was initially solicited with a cover by [[Dan Khanna]] and [[Evan Gauntt]], featuring Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream (all in their "evergreen" designs), Windblade, Chromia, and Jazz. This was replaced in the final version.
*Aside from art produced specifically for this book and the art from Hasbro's various [[Evergreen]] design documents, the artwork provided within borrows a lot of material from [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[2005 IDW continuity|two]] [[2019 IDW continuity|runs]] as hosts for the ''Transformers'' comic book license. As such, a number of prolific ''Transformers'' artists have their work featured within the book, including [[Brendan Cahill]], [[Casey Coller]], [[Andrew Griffith]], [[Guido Guidi]], [[Marcelo Matere]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]], [[Livio Ramondelli]], [[E. J. Su]], [[Priscilla Tramontano]], and many more. One artist who ''doesn't'' get mentioned in the book's credits, despite his covers to both ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer]]'' #1 and ''[[Spotlight: Cliffjumper]]'' being found inside, is [[Don Figueroa]]. This isn't the [[Don Figueroa#Stealth bomber Megatron controversy|first time]] Don's work has gone unrecognized by Hasbro or its affiliates. Poor guy can't catch a break.
*Much of the Hasbro-produced art from this book sees character sporting their [[Evergreen]] designs, a standard for Hasbro-licensed products and auxiliary media since [[2016]]. Notable exceptions to this rule include:
** [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], who's based on his appearance in IDW's first continuity. Although, that iconic design has gone on to inspire his apperance in the Cyberverse cartoon, meaning that it's basically his Evergreen design by this point.
** Similarly, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] is based on Guido Guidi's designs from ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]''.
** [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] who looks like his incarnation from the G1 cartoon.
** [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Mega-Octane]] are in their ''Unite Warriors'' designs.
** [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] who shares his design with the character's incarnation from the [[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]] mobile game, itself a G1-ified version of his [[Hubcap (TF 2010)|Movieverse counterpart]].
*The "Autobot Data Files" found in the first chapter, as well as the Decepticons found in the chapter "Threats", present a who's who of famous and infamous characters, including the ever-present [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], but also a whole slew of B- and C-list characters, some of whom we rarely see represented in any type of media, including:
** Veritable newcomers such as [[Anode]], [[Rubble]], and [[Gauge]] from the comics of [[IDW Publishing]].
** [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Mega-Octane]] from ''[[Transformers:_Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise/Car Robots]]''.
** The G1 incarnations of [[Demolisher (G1)|Demolisher]] of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Transformers: Armada]]'' fame, and [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] and [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] who both originally appeared in ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]''.
** A few random combiner team members; [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], and [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]].
**Strangest of all, however, might be the inclusion of [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], who hasn't had a toy out since [[1989]], and whose appearances are so rare that his "Notes" section on this very wiki is about as long as the rest of his page combined. His most recent appearance, and one of his most prominent at that, was in issues [[Storm Horizon Part 1|10]] and [[Storm Horizon Part 2|11]] of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' in [[2020]].
*While there exist five Decepticons who are mentioned as being able to become parts of a larger [[combiner]] (Armorhide, Breakdown, Dead End, Mega-Octane, and Tantrum), there are no actual rules in the book detailing how combiners work gameplay-wise. <s>Though the safe bet is Renegade will make use of mechanics similar to those for the combined Zords featured in their ''[[Power Rangers|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'' roleplaying game.</s> [[The Enigma of Combination|Called it!]]
* The statistics block for the "Scourge Drone" describes these space-faring threats as "flying warriors cloned form the maniacal and loyal Cyclonus". Cyclonus' own bio confirms that Unicron created him as a template for [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron's]] primary forces. This is at odds with the usual depiction of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] being the template on which these warriors are based. As of September 2023, the PDF has been updated to rename "Scourge Drones" to "Sweep Drones" and their stat block now describe them as copies of Scourge, however Cyclonus remains referred to as the template for Unicron's forces in his own stat block.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}}
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]
[[Category:Generation 1 books]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]

Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook

2024-06-17T21:59:25Z

Guy in a Box: /* Transformers references */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook''
|prev=
|next=Field Guide to Action and Adventure
|image=Transformers Roleplaying Game cover art (Preorder).jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[Renegade Game Studios]]
|written by=[[Ryan Costello]], [[Gabriel Hicks]], [[JF Sambrano]], [[Bryan C.P. Steele]], [[Elisa Teague]] & [[Eddy Webb]]
|date=[[August 22]], [[2022]]
|pagecount=288
|price=$55.00 USD 
|ISBN=ISBN 978-1-7368843-3-1 
}}

The '''''Transformers Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook''''' is a rulebook for the [[Transformers Roleplaying Game]]. It was released digitally on [[August 2]], [[2022]], followed by a physical release on [[October 11]] release.

The book contains rules for players and Game Masters, with a focus on creating fun stories and engaging combat, as well as tools for creating characters, an extensive library of weapons and equipment, and a dossier full of potential enemies. It also contains the introductory adventure "[[Troubled Waters]]".

==Contents==
===Chapter 1: Introduction===
{{collist|2|
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Prime]]'s War Journal
* [[Autobot]]s vs. [[Decepticon]]s
**''Earth Time Units and Their Interrelation with Cybertronian Perception'' by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
* Transcript of an interview with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]]
* The War for [[Energon]]
* [[Earth]]: Our New Home
** ''Autobot Lexicon''
* Autobot Data Files
* The Transformers Roleplaying Game
* The Game Master
* Playing the Game
}}

===Chapter 2: Character Creation===
{{collist|2|
* Creating Your Character
* Step 0: Discuss with your GM & Other Players
* Step 1: Character Concept
* Step 2: Essence Score Increases and Skill Point Investment
* Step 3: Select Influences
* Step 4: Select an Origin
* Step 5: Select a Role
* Step 6: Describe your Character
* Step 7: Form a Team
}}

===Chapter 3: Influences===
{{collist|2|
*Hang-Ups
*Background Bonds
*Having Multiple Influences
*Customizing an Influence
*Bureaucrat
*Cube Player
*Experiment
*Former Senator
*Gladiator
*Hunter
*Inventor
*Machinist
*Racer
*Scavenger
*Security
*War Veteran
*Hang-Ups
}}

===Chapter 4: Origins===
{{collist|2|
*Choosing Your Origin
*Converting Between modes
*Origin Traits
**''Fitting In''
*Bot Mode Statistics
*Alt Mode Statistics
**''Filling in the Driver's Seat''
*Defining Your Alt Mode
**''What About Beast Modes?''
*Chassis Selection
*Champion
*Cutter
*Lookout
*Monolith
*Outrider
*Rainmaker
*Seeker
**''Cool Your Jets''
*Support
}}

===Chapter 5: Roles===
{{collist|2|
*Role Out
*Role Overview
*For the Allspark!
*Analyst
*Field Commander
*Gunner
*Modemaster
**''Defining Your Mini-Con''
*Scientist
*Scout
* Warrior
**''Losing a Limb''
}}

===Chapter 6: Essence Scores and Skills===
{{collist|2|
*Essence Scores - The Four 'S's
*Skills and Specializations
*Skills Ranks and Skill Tests
*Unskilled Rolls
*Specializations
*Gaining Skills and Specializations
*Essences & Skills
*Strength
*Speed
*Smarts
*Social
*Using Skills
*Step One: Choose Skill
*Step Two: Skill Dice Shifts
*Step Three: Edge, Snag, or Both?
*Step Four: Determine Difficulty
**''Edge and Snag versus Upshift and Downshift''
*Step Five: Roll Skill Test
**''Skill Tests are Meaningful''
*Step Six: Determine Results
*Story Points - The Great Equalizer
*Energon Points
}}

===Chapter 7: General Perks===
*Picking General Perks
**''Who is your Companion to You?''
*Mini-Con Perks

===Chapter 8: Equipment===
{{collist|2|
*Hardpoints
*Assignment and Requisition
*Equipment Properties
*Weapons
*Weapons List
*Upgrades
*Armor
*Kits
*Support Equipment
*Vehicles
*Non-Cybertronian Vehicles
}}

===Chapter 9: Combat===
{{collist|2|
*The Flow of Combat
*A Combat in Steps
**''Creatures in Disguise''
*Types of Actions
**''Decepticons, Attack! Group Initiative''
*Free Actions
*Movement
*Combat Actions
*Types of Attacks
*Melee Attacks
*Ranged Attacks
*Blast Attacks
*Multiple Targets
*Multi-Weapon Attacks
*Making an Attack
*Character Size and Scale
**''Scale and Size on the Table''
*Damage and Repairing Damage
**''Discuss Defeat with your Table''
**''Optional Rule: Human Engineers''
*Vehicle and Alt Mode Combat
*Aerospace Combat
*Space Combat
*Operating Vehicles
*Other Forms of Combat
}}

===Chapter 10: Exploration===
{{collist|2|
*Time
*Movement
**''A Bulldozer As Fast As A Motorcycle?''
*Special Types of Movement
*The Environment
*Recharging
*Diseases
*Conditions
*Interactions with Humans
*Between Missions and Downtime
}}

===Chapter 11: Locations===
{{collist|2|
*Cybertronian Bases
*Decepticon Headquarters
*Other Bases
*Interesting Places
*Potential Attack Sites
*Common Earth Biomes
}}

===Chapter 12: Threats===
{{collist|2|
*Playing Threats
*Non Combat Adversaries
*Loot
*Combining Threats
*Specific Decepticons
}}
{| style="margin-left:1em;" width="100%"
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Specific Decepticons'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Barricade (IDW)|Barricade]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Demolisher (G1)|Demolisher]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Detour (G1)|Detour]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Mega-Octane|Mega-Octane]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Decepticon Drones'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Insecticon clone|Insecticon Drone]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Sweep (G1)|Scourge Drone]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seeker Bomber]]}}
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''General Decepticon Threats'''
<ul class="iconlist">
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Annihilator]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Assassin]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Commando]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Seeker (body-type)|Decepticon Seeker]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Seeker Rookie]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Seeker Scout]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Sniper]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Soldier]]}}
{{Bp-d1|[[Decepticon Spy]]}}
</ul>
|
|-
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Unaligned Cybertronians'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Cybertronian Brawler
*Cybertronian Trader
*Heat Seeker Drone
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Human Threats and NPCs'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Human Civilian
*Human Military Pilot
*Human Scientist
*Human Soldier
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"|'''Vehicle Threats'''
<ul class="iconlist">
*Armored Tank
*Combat Jeep
*Combat Jet
*Compact Car
*Military Helicopter
</ul>
|
|width="20%" valign="top"| 
<ul class="iconlist">
*Mini Sub
*Motorcycle
*Pickup Truck
*Race Car
*Speed Boat
</ul>
|}
{{-}}

===Chapter 13: Running an Adventure===
{{collist|2|
*Adventure Balance
*Adventure Breakdown
**Gaming Terms: Campaign vs. Session vs. Part vs. Scene
*[[Troubled Waters]]
*Preparing the Game
*Beginning the Adventure
*Part 1: The Abandoned Energon Facility
*Part 2: The Bridge is Falling Down!
*Part 3: YOU ARE NOT TO BE TRUSTED, STARSCREAM!
}}

==Notes==
===Errors===
* Some of the Decepticon statistics block have mistakes in them:
** Kickback is listed as having a Social Essence score of 8 and a Cleverness of 13. The rules state that a character's base Cleverness is 10 + the character's Social Essence score. This means that Kickback should have either a Social of 3, or a Cleverness of 18.
** The Decepticon Sniper states that it has a Strength Essence score of 4 and a Toughness of 13, but according to the rules, a character's base Toughness is 10 + the character's Strength Essence score. This means that the Sniper should have either a Strength of 3, or a Toughness of 14.

===Transformers references===
*In his introduction, Optimus Prime explains that he was once a file clerk, a clear nod to how Orion Pax is often portrayed as having worked as an archivist before the war and him taking up the mantle of Prime.
* In an effort to consolidate the differences in [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertronian]] and [[Earth]]ling [[units of time]] [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] and [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] present a handy reference sheet for any Autobot recruit concerned with such things. According to them; one ''nano-klik'' equals one second; a ''klik'' is comparative to a minute; a ''cycle'' is roughly the same as an hour; a ''solar cycle'' is naturally a day; an ''orbital cycle'' equals one month; a Cybertronian ''stellar cycle'' matches up with a human year; and a ''vorn'' is likened to a century.
* The interview with [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] indicates that he was once a Decepticon, a common narrative surrounding the character. Jetfire also notes how he was the one who gave Optimus Prime the heads-up regarding Earth as a viable source of Energon. Him being one of the first Transformers to learn of or to visit Earth is also something that dates back to [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the early days]] [[Fire in the Sky|of the character]].
** The interview itself is conducted by [[Rewind (G1)|Rewind]] who was the Autobot's chief chronicler in the pages of [[The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|IDW's ''More than Meets the Eye'' comic]]. He even notes that the camera attached to the side of his head is "always recording", something that he was prone to do in the comic as well.
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]], of all people, is left in charge of explaining the ''Autobot Lexicon'' to the reader. He explains that he was "encouraged" by his "great friend" Optimus Prime to write his memo in bot mode, as his alt mode "sometimes leaves [him] less articulate." This is a clear reference to [[Grimlock (Cyberverse)|Grimlock's incarnation]] from the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|''Cyberverse'' cartoon]].
* Among the terminology explained in said lexicon are a lot of common words like "[[Alternate mode|alt mode]]", Cybertron, and [[Energon]]. Less common, however, are phrases like [[Functionism|Functionalism]] {{sic}}, [[NAIL]], and [[Rite of the Autobrand]].
*Shockwave's report to Megatron regarding the lack of sustainable Energon reserves was handed to Optimus Prime by an operative codenamed "[[Doubledealer|Dealer]]".
*In his report, Shockwave mentions that he had to "dispatch" a crazed prisoner - "Prisoner D-322". D-322 was the ID number for [[Goryu (G1)|Goryu]], leader of the [[Dinoforce]] in ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (cartoon)|Transformers: Victory]]''.
* Among the "Influences" you can choose for your ''Transformers'' character is "Cube Player". [[Cube (sport)|Cube]] was first introduced as a popular Cybertronian sport in the [[Transformers: Cyberverse (cartoon)|''Cyberverse'' cartoon]].
* Another Influence is that of "Gladiator", with [[gladiatorial combat]] being another favorite of many a Cybertronian in a slew of different continuities.
*The "Racer" Influence makes mention of [[Velocitron]], a Cybertronian colony world concerned almost entirely with racing.
*The metal [[Durabyllium]] is mentioned in the "General Perks" section, and a character can equip themselves with "[[Rook (CW)|Durabyllium Super-Alloy]]".
* [[Chip Chase]] is used as the example for the "Human Companion" General Perk.
* The General Perk "Mayhem Attack" is named after the Decepticon strike force, [[Mayhem Attack Squad]].
* The "Remove & Rebuild" General Perk gets its name from a line of dialogue from [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] in "[[Divide and Conquer]]".
*The "Threats" chapter contain an collection of other randomly assorted tidbits such as:
**[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] speaks German, a likely nod to his [[Blitzwing (Animated)|''Transformers: Animated'' counterpart]].
**[[Slipstream (G1)|Slipstream]]'s bio mentions that she may be "an advanced clone of Starscream", a clear reference to [[Slipstream (Animated)|her original counterpart]] in [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|''Animated'']].
**[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown's]] profile, while just as limited as the rest of the Cons', hints at a partnership with [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]], and Knock Out's cheekily refers to Breakdown as his "assistant". This seemingly springs from the popular [[personal canon|fan theory]] that Breakdown's [[Breakdown (WFC)|''Transformers: Prime'' namesake]] and [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] were more than just allies, something that [[IDW Publishing]] built upon once the duo had been introduced in first the 2005 continuity, and then again in [[2021]].
***As a further nod to ''Prime'' Breakdown, ''this'' Breakdown is shown with his hand transformed into a large hammer, a weapon favored by the former.
*The [[Autobot Road]] originates in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (manga)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' manga, but Wheeljack's technical name for it, the [[Global Space Bridge]], comes from 2001's ''Robots in Disguise'', essentially blending the two similar concepts into one. The Autobots' use of a world-spanning network of [[Unspace|transwarp]] portals also called to mind the [[GroundBridge]] from [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|''Transformers: Prime'']].
*The energy-producing black stone pyramid in the [[Gulf of Mexico]] ''might'' be based on the [[Black Pyramid]] from ''Robots in Disguise'', both being underwater pyramids made of a black stone used to generate power of a Cybertronian origin.

===Trivia===
*This book was originally slated for release in early [[2022]], but several delays saw it waylaid for months until the digital edition finally released in August, followed by physical copies in October. Players who pre-ordered the physical version also received the digital PDF for free.
*The rulebook was initially solicited with a cover by [[Dan Khanna]] and [[Evan Gauntt]], featuring Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream (all in their "evergreen" designs), Windblade, Chromia, and Jazz. This was replaced in the final version.
*Aside from art produced specifically for this book and the art from Hasbro's various [[Evergreen]] design documents, the artwork provided within borrows a lot of material from [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[2005 IDW continuity|two]] [[2019 IDW continuity|runs]] as hosts for the ''Transformers'' comic book license. As such, a number of prolific ''Transformers'' artists have their work featured within the book, including [[Brendan Cahill]], [[Casey Coller]], [[Andrew Griffith]], [[Guido Guidi]], [[Marcelo Matere]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]], [[Livio Ramondelli]], [[E. J. Su]], [[Priscilla Tramontano]], and many more. One artist who ''doesn't'' get mentioned in the book's credits, despite his covers to both ''[[The Transformers: Stormbringer]]'' #1 and ''[[Spotlight: Cliffjumper]]'' being found inside, is [[Don Figueroa]]. This isn't the [[Don Figueroa#Stealth bomber Megatron controversy|first time]] Don's work has gone unrecognized by Hasbro or its affiliates. Poor guy can't catch a break.
*Much of the Hasbro-produced art from this book sees character sporting their [[Evergreen]] designs, a standard for Hasbro-licensed products and auxiliary media since [[2016]]. Notable exceptions to this rule include:
** [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]], who's based on his appearance in IDW's first continuity. Although, that iconic design has gone on to inspire his apperance in the Cyberverse cartoon, meaning that it's basically his Evergreen design by this point.
** Similarly, [[Drift (G1)|Drift]] is based on Guido Guidi's designs from ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]''.
** [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] who looks like his incarnation from the G1 cartoon.
** [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Mega-Octane]] are in their ''Unite Warriors'' designs.
** [[Hubcap (G1)|Hubcap]] who shares his design with the character's incarnation from the [[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]] mobile game, itself a G1-ified version of his [[Hubcap (TF 2010)|Movieverse counterpart]].
*The "Autobot Data Files" found in the first chapter, as well as the Decepticons found in the chapter "Threats", present a who's who of famous and infamous characters, including the ever-present [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], but also a whole slew of B- and C-list characters, some of whom we rarely see represented in any type of media, including:
** Veritable newcomers such as [[Anode]], [[Rubble]], and [[Gauge]] from the comics of [[IDW Publishing]].
** [[Armorhide (RID)|Armorhide]] and [[Mega-Octane]] from ''[[Transformers:_Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Robots in Disguise/Car Robots]]''.
** The G1 incarnations of [[Demolisher (G1)|Demolisher]] of ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Transformers: Armada]]'' fame, and [[Airachnid (G1)|Airachnid]] and [[Knock Out (G1)|Knock Out]] who both originally appeared in ''[[Transformers: Prime (franchise)|Transformers: Prime]]''.
** A few random combiner team members; [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]], [[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]], and [[Tantrum (G1)|Tantrum]].
**Strangest of all, however, might be the inclusion of [[Erector (G1)|Erector]], who hasn't had a toy out since [[1989]], and whose appearances are so rare that his "Notes" section on this very wiki is about as long as the rest of his page combined. His most recent appearance, and one of his most prominent at that, was in issues [[Storm Horizon Part 1|10]] and [[Storm Horizon Part 2|11]] of ''[[Transformers: Galaxies]]'' in [[2020]].
*While there exist five Decepticons who are mentioned as being able to become parts of a larger [[combiner]] (Armorhide, Breakdown, Dead End, Mega-Octane, and Tantrum), there are no actual rules in the book detailing how combiners work gameplay-wise. <s>Though the safe bet is Renegade will make use of mechanics similar to those for the combined Zords featured in their ''[[Power Rangers|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'' roleplaying game.</s> [[The Enigma of Combination|Called it!]]
* The statistics block for the "Scourge Drone" describes these space-faring threats as "flying warriors cloned form the maniacal and loyal Cyclonus". Cyclonus' own bio confirms that Unicron created him as a template for [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron's]] primary forces. This is at odds with the usual depiction of [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] being the template on which these warriors are based. As of September 2023, the PDF has been updated to rename "Scourge Drones" to "Sweep Drones" and their stat block now describe them as copies of Scourge, however Cyclonus remains referred to as the template for Unicron's forces in his own stat block.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook}}
[[Category:Transformers Roleplaying Game]]
[[Category:Generation 1 books]]
[[Category:Reference texts]]