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User talk:Maruihs

2025-01-16T15:04:36Z

Maruihs: i'm sorry

{{welcome}}
{{tagyourpics}}
Also, PLEASE be careful not to leave elements of the video window in your screenshots like you did in the Terran image. -- [[User:Cyberlink420|Cyberlink420]] ([[User talk:Cyberlink420|talk]]) 21:42, 15 January 2025 (EST)

I'm sorry! I'll try to avoid that in the future... - M

Protoform

2025-01-16T02:30:13Z

Maruihs: /* Rescue Bots cartoon */

[[File:Protoforms2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|TeH Nekkid [[Airazor (BW)|AiRrazzer]]!1! L@@K]]

'''Protoforms''' are [[Transformer|Cybertronians]] broken down into their most basic form: an blank slate comprised of raw, free-flowing [[living metal]].<ref>Protoform states seen in "[[The Spark]]".</ref> In many universes, a protoform is the first stage in a Transformer's [[Transformer#Transformer life cycle|life cycle]]. These protoforms only await a life-giving [[spark]] and the alt-form information necessary to transform them into fully functional, living Transformer beings.

Cybertronians can often return to their protoform state for various purposes, shedding their current [[alternate mode]]. Assuming protoform is common especially on intergalactic journeys, travelling within [[stasis pod]]s or by a specialized [[transition form]].

In some universes, existing Transformers can place their sparks in a newly created protoform in order to assume a new form, or to recreate their old one. This is one way of rapidly repairing even the most extreme damage, by virtue of totally replacing the body.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[File:Stasispod.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Six canisters washed ashore on a golden beach, and new and powerful legends were - wait, wrong franchise!]]
Protoforms are often contained within [[stasis pod]]s and dropped into unexplored worlds. The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' carried many such stasis pods for exploration reasons, and also [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]], a failed attempt to create an immortal spark, which was intended for dumping somewhere barren. When the ship was shot down over prehistoric [[Earth]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] ordered the protoforms on board ejected into space. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} A while later, when the first stasis pod crashed to the ground, [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] was able to use a laser link to activate the pod's [[DNA scanner]], allowing it to scan for compatible life-forms and reformat the protoform inside into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

While [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was in her protoform state, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] was able to install a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[shell program]], turning her against the [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} On a later occasion, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] worked frantically to save another protoform and the [[spark]] it contained, ultimately succeeding and bringing forth [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} Another attempt on Tarantulas's part to create a third spider Predacon failed when it turned out that the stasis pod had already scanned a life form, and metamorphosed the protoform into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

The destruction of the [[Vok]] [[Planet Buster]] knocked the remaining stasis pods out of orbit. Two were damaged on impact, reformatting the protoforms within into [[Fuzor]]s. A third pod found by the Maximals contained a "[[blank]]" — a protoform with no spark. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Rhinox was able to bring back Optimus Primal from the dead using the blank protoform. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Protoform X also turned up, crashed in a swamp, and was able to be converted into a Predacon by [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} One protoform was twisted by a badly malfunctioning pod into the being which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

A blank protoform was used by Megatron in a grand experiment, the ultimate fruit of which was a [[Transmetal 2]] recreation of [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

====3H comics====
When [[Primal Prime]]'s team awoke [[Ramulus]], Ramulus was furious to discover that [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] had left him and the other ''Axalon'' protoforms behind on Earth. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 2}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
Tasked by the [[Tripredacus Council]] with apprehending [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] in where [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] had failed, [[Magmatron]] made a secret plan to gather an army by reprogramming the remaining protoforms from the ''Axalon'' into Predacons via a shell code in an activation signal sent to each pod by a transmitter array. After the protoforms had each scanned a compatible lifeform template, their [[Living metal#Beast Era|protomatter]] began to coalesce, their sparks integrated, and their reanimator plugs fired, completing the nano-regeneration process. However, this plan was only partially successful as undercover Maximal [[Razorbeast]] sabotaged the shell signal to allow some of the protoforms to retain their Maximal allegiance. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}} Later, Magmatron's team recovered Ravage's intact spark and implanted it into a blank protoform, which had already been affected by the Transmetal 2 Driver. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 2|The Gathering #2}}

After the Beast Wars ended, the Vok revived [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] by giving her spark a new, Transmetal body by utilizing a blank protoform. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #1}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Protoforms were the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals were sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. {{Storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

====''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''====
A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?" {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
{{see also|Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity}}

Protoforms are formed from [[Living metal#2005 IDW continuity|sentio metallico]], the living metal of Cybertron. Newborn protoforms are masses of liquid metal that resemble simple geometric shapes such as circles or cones; through a process known as "deep-coding", they follow the "genetic instructions" within their [[spark]]s, to quickly develop more humanoid features. Beginning with simple limbs and facial features, it only takes a few hours for a newborn protoform to grow the [[Kibble|extra features]] that will relate to their natural [[alternate mode]]s. {{storylink|Silent Light}}

In the event that a protoform fails to read its natural instructions and assume a healthy shape, a specialized medical professional known as a "[[blacksmith]]" –essentially a Cybertronian midwife– will help the protoform along by sculpting the metal into its most natural form. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

Protoforms are generally formed in groups, or "batches", and an entity known as a "batch proto-initiator" may be responsible for either beginning the maturation process or nurturing the developing protoforms.{{storylink|Infiltration issue 3|Infiltration #3}}

Though a young protoform can usually develop a shape for itself independent of any outside intervention, the same cannot be said for the psychology of the nascent Transformer. After "cooling" — developing a solid metal form capable of independent movement — the young Cybertronian imprints on its surroundings to develop the necessary synaptic connections, learning to walk, talk, interact with others, and [[Transformation|transform]]. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} {{storylink|Silent Light}} {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} Transformers spend very little time as a protoform; on average, it takes two to five days for a healthy protoform to develop into an adult Transformer. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

In the mid-19th century, the colony of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] loaded a collection of protoforms onto a ship for reasons unknown. Ignorant of the hatred that their Cybertronian ancestors had incurred, the ship unknowingly entered the [[Gray Area]] where it was shot down by the [[Galactic Council]]. Witnessing the act, the [[Space Knight]] [[Rom]] investigated the wreckage and found that all aboard had perished save [[Stardrive|one protoform]]. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

A crashed P-6 [[Worldsweeper]] on the planet [[Clemency]] contained malformed and warped protoforms inside tanks. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}} A mass of [[Scraplet]]s attempted to sneak onto the ''[[Lost Light]]'' disguised as a helpless protoform, although [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] was able to deal with the infestation before anyone was injured. {{storylink|Silent Light}}

[[Anode]] was able to combine a "snowflake" of ''sentio metallico'' with the last lingering spark energy of the deceased [[Lug (IDW)|Lug]], harvested from one of the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]]'s "flowers", creating a protoform that was a clone-resurrection of Lug. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[File:Salvation - Trypticon's Protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|Protoforms Rising.]]
Sparks harvested by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] from the [[Alyon]] [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] were rescued by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], the beast-Titan submerging himself in Cybertron's crust to allow the sparks to draw on his metal as he replenished it from the planet itself, allowing a sea of living metal to form inside him, from which protoforms began to emerge before the Dinobots' wondering eyes. {{storylink|The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation}}

Going for a walk, [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] made the acquaintance of the Dinobots and discovered the protoforms, sending word of them to [[G.B. Blackrock|Blackrock]] who relayed their existence to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]. After confronting [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] about concealing the existence of the protoforms, the Seeker lent them [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] to track down the Dinobots and locate the protoforms, {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} with the intent that they be turned over to Starscream. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}}

Using the [[Void Scepter]] however Bludgeon commanded [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] to attack his allies, {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} prompting [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] to withdraw from the battle to check on the protoforms. [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] followed him and was attacked by [[Sideswipe (G2)|one of the protoforms]]. Aiming her sword at the attack caused Trypticon to rise up onto the surface where he demanded the fighting stop. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] appealed to Trypticon that the Titan become Earth's embassy on Cybertron so that the protoforms could be under the Prime's protection. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}}

Eventually, "[[Onyx Prime]]" returned to Cybertron, but when the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] was unmasked as none another than a time-travelling [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], Iacon quickly collapsed into anarchy, culminating in [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]] fatally wounding [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. Trypticon was unwilling to risk his protoforms by entering the battle against his taciturn sibling, and, over the protests of his crew, he promptly generated a spacebridge to Earth to protect the protoforms exactly as Shockwave had predicted. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

When Trypticon entered the battle against [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], his complement of protoforms and sparks was unloaded for safety's sake. Though Trypticon perished in the battle against the Chaos Bringer, {{storylink|Ceremony}} he was survived by his protoforms who grew up alongside [[human]] and [[Elonian]] children under the tutelage of [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]. {{storylink|Post}}
{{-}}

====''Classics''====
[[Scylla]], [[Autolauncher]], and [[Autojetter]] were stored as protoforms in [[stasis pod]]s aboard the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]'' but were ejected when the ship crashed on Earth of [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|an alternate universe]]. The Autobots tried to retrieve the stasis pods, but [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] beat the Autobots and converted the trio into Decepticons. {{storylink|Shattered Expectations (BWSG)|Shattered Expectations}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
[[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s were born as protoforms. For that reason, they were frequently referred to as "'''proto-races'''" {{storylink|Intersectionality}} or "'''proto-formers'''", {{storylink|Safe Spaces}} distinguishing them from the archaic [[Builder of Cybertron|Builders of Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} By the time of the [[Grand Uprising]], the Builders kept the remaining protoforms under heavy guard inside the [[Grand Mal]]. Four years into the war, there were but one hundred and seventeen protoforms left, two-thirds of which were blanks.

As part of the experiments in the Beast Upgrade, Autobot scientist [[Leatherhide (Universe)|Leatherhide]] figured attempting the process on a protoform would be easier than attempting to reconfigure an already-developed form. Megatron hired the eccentric [[Bisk (BWU)|Bisk]] to break into the Grand Mal and grab one. Leatherhide's prediction proved correct, and [[Inferno (BW)|Formikon]] became the first proto-former to successfully take on a beast mode. {{storylink|Not All Megatrons}}

====''Wings Universe''====
When [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] was a protoform, he was told stories about [[Cheetor (BW)|Alpha Trizer]] once being a member of a team of ancients whose [[Beast Wars (event)|battles crossed time in space]].

In the late 30th century C.E., a Cybertronic reference text was [[Land Powered's King Atlas for Protoforms]]. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

====2021 IDW ''Beast Wars'' comic====
The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' was tasked with delivering a cache of protoforms to [[H'nkshanaar-4]] before being redirected to engage the stolen ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. When this resulted in both ships crash landing, the ''Axalon'' ejected its protoforms into a stable orbit. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} When the Predacons attacked the ''Axalon'', [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] attempted to upload a [[shell program]] to the protoforms. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Tarantulas' coding managed to infect one pod, birthing Blackarachnia, {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} who sought to complete Tarantulas' work. She managed to infect 51% of the protoforms before [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] stopped her, though Blackarachnia forced all of the stasis pods to make planetfall. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

Eventually growing tired of Cybertronian meddling in their experiments, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] stole from [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s mind the knowledge needed to reprogram a protoform, {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}} turning ninteeen of the protoforms into the [[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]. {{storylink|Children of the Vok}} {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
Autobots (and possibly Predacons) can change into a protoform state during long journeys, presumably to conserve energy. Attributes of an Autobot's original form remain in whatever new form the being takes. For instance, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] retained the ability to detect [[O-Part]]s.

A downside to the protoform process is that it leaves the Autobots vulnerable to tampering. [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] was able to use his [[spark]]'s energy to turn Autobot protoforms into [[Decepticon|malevolent entities]]. {{storylink|The Decepticons}}

===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by [[primary programming]].

===Live-action film series===
[[File:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|thumb|[[T-800|I gotta find some clothes!]]]]

Protoforms grow and survive by feeding inside [[energon]] wombs. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} Protoforms are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists inside each robot. Protoforms are formed of an [[Living metal#Live-action film series|ultra-dense liquid metal]] and are extremely hard to damage.

In the rare case they are not actively practicing their natural proclivity for chameleon-like disguise (usually only when engaged in interstellar travel), Transformers shed their exo-structure and return to their protoform state. This protoform is capable of transforming into its [[transition form]]: an armored, cometary shape capable of interstellar travel. Upon landing on a new world and transforming back into a protoform, the Transformer immediately begins [[scanning]] for new alternate forms to adopt. When one is chosen, the protoform draws on its own ultra-dense substance and any extraneous matter nearby to generate a new exostructure disguise. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}}

[[File:ROTF Protoform with weapon.jpg|thumb|left|In Decepticon culture, it is customary for new recruits to fight completely naked.]]
[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s attempts to breed a new army were met with failure because of low energon supplies, and the "[[hatchling]]s", as they were affectionately termed, were dying. When many Decepticons arrived on Earth with [[The Fallen]] to claim the [[Sun]], most did not bother assuming [[alternate mode]]s, and remained in their protoforms. They assisted in attacking NEST forces in Egypt where many were killed in a fire fight with the Autobots and Human troops. The remaining ones were killed by a U.S. military air strike. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

Many Decepticon protoforms were hidden on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], and came to [[Earth]] via the [[space bridge]] activated by [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]].

When Sentinel gave the command for the Decepticons to isolate [[Chicago]], many protoforms (some [[Orbital Assault Carrier|airborne via crafts]]) assisted in the occupation. One particular protoform pilot came and fired upon [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Robert Epps]] and the other [[NEST]] soldiers, but they were saved when the protoform's ship was shot down by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. The [[Wreckers]] came along and ripped the pilot apart, telling him that it would hurt a lot. ''Ouch. (Owie!)''

[[File:Dotm Protoform.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|He shoots at point blank range yet still doesn't kill Que!]]
Later, under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], another protoform aided in rounding up several Autobots that had infiltrated the city. At the advice of the human collaborator [[Dylan Gould]], Soundwave ordered the Autobot prisoners executed, starting with [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] pushed the Autobot scientist forward despite his pleas for mercy, and the protoform delivered the first shot while Barricade killed Que by shooting him in the back, laughing derisively as his victim fell. He then looked on as Soundwave prepared to execute Bumblebee, but before Soundwave could kill him, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] caused Decepticon [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighter]]s, as well as some of the Decepticon crew, to crash down from a Decepticon [[mothership|battleship]]. This caused a distraction that allowed Bumblebee and the other captive Autobots to break free, resulting in Soundwave's and the protoform's death. The remaining protoforms were pushed back by the joint Autobot/NEST attack, and Optimus Prime downed many when he charged down the main battle field, including two very large protoforms. Nearly all of the troops present in the city were defeated, while many remained active around the Earth. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

Footage of several Decepticon protoforms during the Battle of Chicago was used by the government as anti-Transformer propaganda. {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

Many Decepticon protoforms returned to Cybertron under the command of [[Quintessa (TLK)|Quintessa]] and Megatron, and attempted to defend the former's [[Ignition chamber|control center]], but were killed by the Autobots, backed up by the [[Transformers Reaction Force]] and the [[Guardian Knight|Knights of Iacon]]. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}

{{Note|"Protoform" is used as a term for the movie continuity Transformers' Cybertronian forms, although this is also a chosen appearance for the [[Living metal#Live-action film series|self-regenerating molecular armor]] formed by the protoform.}}

===''Animated'' continuity family===
====''Animated'' cartoon====
[[File:Ani42 protoformblank.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[John DiMaggio|"When I grow up, I wanna be a steam shovel!"]]]]
Protoforms are created from "[[Living metal#Animated|protomatter]]", mined from Cybertron's [[Sonic Canyons]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} In their pre-life state, they resemble featureless grey mannequins, and are stored in pods that line the walls of the secret [[Matrix Chamber]] hidden in the dojo of their assigned protectors, the venerable Autobot [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]]. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} Customarily, prior to being brought on line, protoforms are placed into "moulds", pre-built robot shells, which their protomatter expands to fill. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} Following this, either the [[AllSpark#Animated|AllSpark]] or the mega-computer [[Vector Sigma]] is used to bestow them with a [[spark]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} It is possible, however, to forego the use of a mould and place a spark in a protoform directly. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} The same basic mould can be used for multiple protoforms, leading to [[Retool|similarities]] in [[body-type]] and transformation schemes; the [[65356-9292-346]] type is particularly popular and widely used. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} Where humans would describe themselves as being "born", Transformers are "protoformed". Additionally, "protoform" is sometimes used pejoratively in Cybertronian society as a mocking name for the young or inexperienced.

In the closing stages of the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], Cyber-Ninja sensei [[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]] revealed the Matrix Chamber and its legion of protoforms to his student [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], lamenting that while they should be Cybertron's next great generation, they would wind up being used as an army of last resort if [[Project Omega]] failed to bring the war to an end. Subsequently, while Prowl was absent on a quest to commune with the AllSpark, [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], another former student of Yoketron's, attacked the dojo and stole nearly all of the protoforms for [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} As luck would have it, Project Omega ''did'' succeed in ending the war, and when the Decepticons were exiled from the planet, they secretly took the stolen protoforms with them. However, without the AllSpark (which had been launched into space by the Autobots to keep it out of his clutches), Megatron had no means of bringing the protoforms to life, and so they remained in storage aboard the space cruiser ''[[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]'' for millions of years. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

[[File:TransWarpedProtoform.jpg|thumb|left|225px|My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!]]

Some time in the 22nd century, a protoform which had been granted a spark through means unknown, in a highly atypical foetus-like form, somehow materialized on [[Earth]], in the laboratory of human scientist [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]]. When Sumdac touched the protoform, it scanned his DNA, and reconfigured itself into a techno-organic form resembling a human baby. Sumdac "adopted" the strange little creature, naming it [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]], and raising her as his daughter, never telling her of her true origins. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

Eight years after Sumdac found Sari, the quest for the AllSpark brought the Transformers' war to Earth, and Sari and her father became allies of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots. To forge a power base for himself, treacherous Decepticon lieutenant [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] set up base in the ''Nemesis'' (which he had crashed on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]]), using the protoforms that still remained in its hold to create an army of clones of himself. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}} Starscream himself had previously died, but was being sustained through a sliver of the AllSpark wedged in his forehead, and so by breaking off tiny chips of it, he was able to give his clones—[[Skywarp (Animated)|Skywarp]], [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]], [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]], [[Thundercracker (Animated)|Thundercracker]], and [[Ramjet (Animated)|Ramjet]]—the spark of life. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Later, Megatron followed Starscream's example, using three protoforms and three AllSpark fragments to create giant cross-breed clones of [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] and [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], the [[Lugnut Supreme]]s. While Megatron readied his new war machines, Starscream—who had by this point spent a protracted period of time as a decapitated head—used a protoform to create a new body for himself, but it didn't last long: to prevent Starscream from betraying him again, Megatron destroyed his new body, and all the remaining protoforms, save three. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} These three protoforms were then recovered by Optimus Prime's Autobots during their battle with the Lugnut Supremes. Sari believed that she was originally one of the protoforms who had been aboard the ''Nemesis'', but her unusual shape and form while in protoform state, and the unanswered question of how she wound up in her father's lab, left the matter lacking in a definitive resolution. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

====''Shattered Glass Animated''====
In [[Shattered Glass Animated|another universe]], a protoform managed to find its way to Earth {{storylink|Transformers I.Q. issue 16|Transformers I.Q. #16}} into the possession of a different [[Isaac Sumdac (SG Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]]. Instinctively, it attacked him and ripped out his eye. Having assimilated his DNA, the protoform grew into [[Sari Sumdac (SG Animated)|Sari Sumdac]]. Isaac would subsequently use his daughter as a lab rat; experiments in AllSpark shard implantation would cause Sari to [[reformatting|reformat]] into a battle mode. {{storylink|The 'Bots and The 'Cons|The 'Cons}}

===Aligned continuity family===
====Aligned novels====
Protoforms were created by the [[AllSpark]] in the [[Well of All Sparks]]. In the past, protoforms would escape from the [[Underworld]] to the Cybertronian surface, but in the era of the [[Functionism|caste system]], they would be taught to transform, assume their most natural alternate mode, and be put to work. Protoforms remained the standard name for one's [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[File:Armada-protoforms.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67]]
Five protoforms were stored in a laboratory aboard the ''[[Harbinger]]''. When [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] found them, he turned them into [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clones of himself]]. These clones, linked to Starscream's very spark and will, were sent on a mission to assassinate Megatron. Of the five, only one escaped, and was later killed by Starscream himself when the clone attempted to terminate him. {{storylink|Armada (episode)|Armada}}
{{-}}

===''Knights of Unicron''===
[[Vector Prime]] saw the [[Knights of Unicron (band)|Knights of Unicron]] perform at the [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] stop of their 2014 ''Till All Are One'' tour. He was not impressed although he recognized that the protoforms in the audience were. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/13}}

===''Rescue Bots'' cartoon===
[[File:rescue_bots_protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Fresh off the block.]]
When the Rescue Bots first emerge from their ship after having been in stasis for an extended period of time, they are initially blank, protoform-like states that only differentiate by color and some minor features. It's only after they scan various emergency vehicles that they acquire their trademark colors and designs.
{{-}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' comic===
When the Autobots travelled to Earth for its [[Rarified Energon]], they brought with them a supply of protoforms. Though [[Ratchet (SG)|Ratchet]] was initially unconvinced of the need for them, they proved their worth when he used a protoform to repair the critically damaged Bumblebee into [[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 4|Shattered Glass #4}}

===''EarthSpark'' cartoon===
[[File:terrans_protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|225px|The Terrans' protoforms.]]
After taking over as [[Decepticon leader]], [[Shockwave (ES)|Shockwave]] planned to bring to life a protoform army with which to conquer Earth before the Autobots stole the [[AllSpark]]. {{storylink|Warzone}}

The [[Terran]]s were born in a protoform state. {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 1}} {{storylink|Age of Evolution, Part 1}} {{storylink|Home, Part 1}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2007)===
[[File:TF07-Protoform-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Munkytrukk feet!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Protoform [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]''' (Deluxe Class, [[2007]]), later [[redeco]]rated as Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition and ''Movie Advanced Series'' Protoform Optimus Prime. This form is usually Optimus Prime's pre-Earth body in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics.}}</ul>

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Protoform [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]''' (Deluxe Class, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Starscream Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Starscream's pre-Earth body in IDW's ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics.}}</ul>

{{-}}
[[File:TF2007-Trans-Scanning-Protoforms.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The Protoform of your nightmares.]]

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Trans Scanning [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]''' ([[2008]])}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Trans Scanning Optimus Prime''' (2008)}}</ul>

:Both Trans-Scanning Bumblebee and Optimus Prime feature a highly articulated protoform robot mode that can transform into its comet-like transition mode. Snap-on armour based on their Earth [[robot mode|robot]] and [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s represent the characters after they have trans-scanned vehicles.
{{-}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' [[Jazz (Movie)|Protoform Autobot Jazz]] vs. [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]] (Two-pack, 2007)}}</ul>

===''Titans Return''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Diac.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"200,000 units are ready, with a million more well on the way."]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Diac & Optimus Prime''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
{{note|[[Diac]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]]'s protoform soldiers in "[[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge 2)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX]]".}}

:Available with ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#TRVoyager|Optimus Prime]], Diac can transform from a small robot into a head compatible with any Deluxe-or-larger ''Titans Return'' figure.

:Although digital renders showed that Diac has a blue head and unpainted legs, the final product has his head painted silver and his legs blue.

:Diac was [[redeco]]ed into [[Refractor#Generations|Refractor]] and the head stage of ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Scourge (RID)#Voyager|Black Convoy]] and [[retool]]ed into [[Murk#Generations|Murk]]. He would've been redecoed as Titan Master [[Rad (G1)|Rad]] for the BotCon 2017 "Action on Hydrus Four" set and into [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] for the BotCon 2017 exclusive Titan Master 6-pack that never came to be. This toy was also later redecoed into [[Ryu]]'s head.
{{TRDiacMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s Cybertronian form depicted in movieverse comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance.
* In ''Beast Wars'', [[nanite]]s are the fundamental component of a protoform.<ref name=BWU>Page 99, ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' Glossary, ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]'' ISBN 978-4766938005</ref>
* In the [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars II'' cartoon]], a [[generic]] type of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] known as a [[Combatant]] appears. While similar to what protoforms would develop into later in the brand's history (a metallic 'blank' form that precedes the acquisition of a normal body gained from scanning an alternate mode), they are contextually a separate concept.
* Early in ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'', the term "protoform" is used with its conventional definition as a developmental stage for Cybertronians, sometimes used analogously to "child", or more clinically as the basic form of Maximals and Predacons. "[[Intersectionality]]" introduced the phrase "Proto-races" to refer collectively to these groups, which entered regular usage in "[[Not All Megatrons]]". "[[Cultural Appropriation]]" briefly used the phrase "Proto-Cybertronian". In "[[Safe Spaces]]", the term "proto-formers" first appeared, which by "[[Derailment]]" had become the most common term used to refer to the Maximals and Predacons; presumably to match this new term, "proto-races" was no longer capitalised. Often, "proto-" can just be used as a prefix, as in "proto-sized" (in "[[Trigger Warnings]]"), "Proto point one percenter" (in "Cultural Appropriation"), "proto-scale", "proto-nations", "proto-soldiers", "proto-punks", and the "[[League of Autonomous Proto-States]]" (all in "Derailment").

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Prototype''' (プロトタイプ ''Purototaipu''), '''Protoform''' (プロトフォーム ''Purotofōmu'')<ref>The various Japanese ''Transformers'' media have been somewhat inconsistent regarding the Japanese name for protoforms. Originally, "Prototype" was the term used in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers|Japanese dub]] of the first season of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''. But then, for both the [[Beast Wars Special Super Lifeform Transformers#Part 3: Beast Wars Metals|Japanese theatrical release]] of the episode "[[Bad Spark]]" and the rest of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals|Beast Wars Metals]]'', the English name "Protoform" was used instead. Then, [[The Decepticons|Episode 14]] of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Car Robots]]'' reverted back to "Prototype" for the [[Commando (RID)|Combatrons]] in their pre-[[scanning|scan]] forms. Beginning in [[2007]] with the [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|first movie franchise]], mainstream Japanese ''Transformers'' toylines and media adopted the English "Protoform" term generally across the board, with it continuing to see use in the [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)#Japanese release|Japanese]] [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)#Japanese release|dubs]] of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]''. However, more niche media like the ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Legends]]'' and ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' manga both continued to use "Prototype" instead (with the sole exception of "[[The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 2]]" using "Protoform" instead).</ref>
*''Mandarin'' '''Yuánshēngtǐ''' (原生体, "Protoform")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Stub}}

[[Category:Age of Extinction Decepticons]]
[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Classics]]
[[Category:Cybertron franchise]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001)]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Decepticons]]
[[Category:Wings Universe]]

Protoform

2025-01-16T02:27:49Z

Maruihs:

[[File:Protoforms2.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|TeH Nekkid [[Airazor (BW)|AiRrazzer]]!1! L@@K]]

'''Protoforms''' are [[Transformer|Cybertronians]] broken down into their most basic form: an blank slate comprised of raw, free-flowing [[living metal]].<ref>Protoform states seen in "[[The Spark]]".</ref> In many universes, a protoform is the first stage in a Transformer's [[Transformer#Transformer life cycle|life cycle]]. These protoforms only await a life-giving [[spark]] and the alt-form information necessary to transform them into fully functional, living Transformer beings.

Cybertronians can often return to their protoform state for various purposes, shedding their current [[alternate mode]]. Assuming protoform is common especially on intergalactic journeys, travelling within [[stasis pod]]s or by a specialized [[transition form]].

In some universes, existing Transformers can place their sparks in a newly created protoform in order to assume a new form, or to recreate their old one. This is one way of rapidly repairing even the most extreme damage, by virtue of totally replacing the body.

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 continuity family===
====''Beast Wars'' cartoon====
[[File:Stasispod.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|Six canisters washed ashore on a golden beach, and new and powerful legends were - wait, wrong franchise!]]
Protoforms are often contained within [[stasis pod]]s and dropped into unexplored worlds. The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' carried many such stasis pods for exploration reasons, and also [[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]], a failed attempt to create an immortal spark, which was intended for dumping somewhere barren. When the ship was shot down over prehistoric [[Earth]], [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] ordered the protoforms on board ejected into space. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} A while later, when the first stasis pod crashed to the ground, [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] was able to use a laser link to activate the pod's [[DNA scanner]], allowing it to scan for compatible life-forms and reformat the protoform inside into [[Tigatron]]. {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}}

While [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] was in her protoform state, [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] was able to install a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[shell program]], turning her against the [[Maximal]]s. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} On a later occasion, [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] worked frantically to save another protoform and the [[spark]] it contained, ultimately succeeding and bringing forth [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]]. {{storylink|The Spark}} Another attempt on Tarantulas's part to create a third spider Predacon failed when it turned out that the stasis pod had already scanned a life form, and metamorphosed the protoform into [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]]. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}

The destruction of the [[Vok]] [[Planet Buster]] knocked the remaining stasis pods out of orbit. Two were damaged on impact, reformatting the protoforms within into [[Fuzor]]s. A third pod found by the Maximals contained a "[[blank]]" — a protoform with no spark. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Rhinox was able to bring back Optimus Primal from the dead using the blank protoform. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Protoform X also turned up, crashed in a swamp, and was able to be converted into a Predacon by [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} One protoform was twisted by a badly malfunctioning pod into the being which became known as [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]]. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}}

A blank protoform was used by Megatron in a grand experiment, the ultimate fruit of which was a [[Transmetal 2]] recreation of [[Dinobot II|Dinobot]]. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}}

====3H comics====
When [[Primal Prime]]'s team awoke [[Ramulus]], Ramulus was furious to discover that [[Optimus Primal (BW)|Optimus Primal]] had left him and the other ''Axalon'' protoforms behind on Earth. {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 2}}

====2006 IDW ''Beast Wars'' continuity====
Tasked by the [[Tripredacus Council]] with apprehending [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] in where [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] had failed, [[Magmatron]] made a secret plan to gather an army by reprogramming the remaining protoforms from the ''Axalon'' into Predacons via a shell code in an activation signal sent to each pod by a transmitter array. After the protoforms had each scanned a compatible lifeform template, their [[Living metal#Beast Era|protomatter]] began to coalesce, their sparks integrated, and their reanimator plugs fired, completing the nano-regeneration process. However, this plan was only partially successful as undercover Maximal [[Razorbeast]] sabotaged the shell signal to allow some of the protoforms to retain their Maximal allegiance. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 1|The Gathering #1}} Later, Magmatron's team recovered Ravage's intact spark and implanted it into a blank protoform, which had already been affected by the Transmetal 2 Driver. {{storylink|The Gathering issue 2|The Gathering #2}}

After the Beast Wars ended, the Vok revived [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] by giving her spark a new, Transmetal body by utilizing a blank protoform. {{storylink|Transformers: Beast Wars Sourcebook|Beast Wars Sourcebook #1}}

====Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity====
Protoforms were the first step in most (if not all) Transformer life. Convicted criminals were sometimes reduced to Protoform state, such as the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]]s. {{Storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

====''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers''====
A traditional Cybertronian song features the lines "Protoform/ Protoform/ What will you be?" {{storylink|Black Horizon, Part 1 of 2}}

====2005 IDW continuity====
{{see also|Reproduction#2005 IDW continuity}}

Protoforms are formed from [[Living metal#2005 IDW continuity|sentio metallico]], the living metal of Cybertron. Newborn protoforms are masses of liquid metal that resemble simple geometric shapes such as circles or cones; through a process known as "deep-coding", they follow the "genetic instructions" within their [[spark]]s, to quickly develop more humanoid features. Beginning with simple limbs and facial features, it only takes a few hours for a newborn protoform to grow the [[Kibble|extra features]] that will relate to their natural [[alternate mode]]s. {{storylink|Silent Light}}

In the event that a protoform fails to read its natural instructions and assume a healthy shape, a specialized medical professional known as a "[[blacksmith]]" –essentially a Cybertronian midwife– will help the protoform along by sculpting the metal into its most natural form. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 3: A World Misplaced|A World Misplaced}}

Protoforms are generally formed in groups, or "batches", and an entity known as a "batch proto-initiator" may be responsible for either beginning the maturation process or nurturing the developing protoforms.{{storylink|Infiltration issue 3|Infiltration #3}}

Though a young protoform can usually develop a shape for itself independent of any outside intervention, the same cannot be said for the psychology of the nascent Transformer. After "cooling" — developing a solid metal form capable of independent movement — the young Cybertronian imprints on its surroundings to develop the necessary synaptic connections, learning to walk, talk, interact with others, and [[Transformation|transform]]. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}} {{storylink|Silent Light}} {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 1: Surfeit of Primes|Surfeit of Primes}} Transformers spend very little time as a protoform; on average, it takes two to five days for a healthy protoform to develop into an adult Transformer. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}} {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

In the mid-19th century, the colony of [[Caminus (planet)|Caminus]] loaded a collection of protoforms onto a ship for reasons unknown. Ignorant of the hatred that their Cybertronian ancestors had incurred, the ship unknowingly entered the [[Gray Area]] where it was shot down by the [[Galactic Council]]. Witnessing the act, the [[Space Knight]] [[Rom]] investigated the wreckage and found that all aboard had perished save [[Stardrive|one protoform]]. {{storylink|Shining Armor issue 1|Shining Armor #1}}

A crashed P-6 [[Worldsweeper]] on the planet [[Clemency]] contained malformed and warped protoforms inside tanks. {{storylink|Rules of Disengagement (issue)|Rules of Disengagement}} A mass of [[Scraplet]]s attempted to sneak onto the ''[[Lost Light]]'' disguised as a helpless protoform, although [[Nautica (G1)|Nautica]] was able to deal with the infestation before anyone was injured. {{storylink|Silent Light}}

[[Anode]] was able to combine a "snowflake" of ''sentio metallico'' with the last lingering spark energy of the deceased [[Lug (IDW)|Lug]], harvested from one of the [[Mortilus|Necrobot]]'s "flowers", creating a protoform that was a clone-resurrection of Lug. {{storylink|Dissolution Part 6: This Machine Kills Fascists|This Machine Kills Fascists}}

[[File:Salvation - Trypticon's Protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|Protoforms Rising.]]
Sparks harvested by [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] from the [[Alyon]] [[hot spot (phenomenon)|hot spot]] were rescued by the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]], [[Sandstorm (G1)|Sandstorm]], and [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], the beast-Titan submerging himself in Cybertron's crust to allow the sparks to draw on his metal as he replenished it from the planet itself, allowing a sea of living metal to form inside him, from which protoforms began to emerge before the Dinobots' wondering eyes. {{storylink|The Transformers: Salvation|Salvation}}

Going for a walk, [[Centurion (IDW)|Centurion]] made the acquaintance of the Dinobots and discovered the protoforms, sending word of them to [[G.B. Blackrock|Blackrock]] who relayed their existence to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]]. After confronting [[Starscream (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Starscream]] about concealing the existence of the protoforms, the Seeker lent them [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] to track down the Dinobots and locate the protoforms, {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} with the intent that they be turned over to Starscream. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}}

Using the [[Void Scepter]] however Bludgeon commanded [[Slag (G1)|Slug]] to attack his allies, {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 1 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 1}} prompting [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] to withdraw from the battle to check on the protoforms. [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]] followed him and was attacked by [[Sideswipe (G2)|one of the protoforms]]. Aiming her sword at the attack caused Trypticon to rise up onto the surface where he demanded the fighting stop. [[Optimus Prime (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Optimus Prime]] appealed to Trypticon that the Titan become Earth's embassy on Cybertron so that the protoforms could be under the Prime's protection. {{storylink|The Dead Come Home, Part 2 (of 2)|The Dead Come Home, Part 2}}

Eventually, "[[Onyx Prime]]" returned to Cybertron, but when the [[Prime (rank)|Prime]] was unmasked as none another than a time-travelling [[Shockwave (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Shockwave]], Iacon quickly collapsed into anarchy, culminating in [[Nemesis (BW)|Nemesis]] fatally wounding [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]]. Trypticon was unwilling to risk his protoforms by entering the battle against his taciturn sibling, and, over the protests of his crew, he promptly generated a spacebridge to Earth to protect the protoforms exactly as Shockwave had predicted. {{storylink|The Falling, Chapter 4: The Hallowing|The Hallowing}}

When Trypticon entered the battle against [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], his complement of protoforms and sparks was unloaded for safety's sake. Though Trypticon perished in the battle against the Chaos Bringer, {{storylink|Ceremony}} he was survived by his protoforms who grew up alongside [[human]] and [[Elonian]] children under the tutelage of [[Arcee (G1)/2005 IDW continuity|Arcee]]. {{storylink|Post}}
{{-}}

====''Classics''====
[[Scylla]], [[Autolauncher]], and [[Autojetter]] were stored as protoforms in [[stasis pod]]s aboard the ''[[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]'' but were ejected when the ship crashed on Earth of [[Primax -408.24 Epsilon|an alternate universe]]. The Autobots tried to retrieve the stasis pods, but [[Megatron (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Megatron]] beat the Autobots and converted the trio into Decepticons. {{storylink|Shattered Expectations (BWSG)|Shattered Expectations}}

====''Beast Wars: Uprising''====
[[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s were born as protoforms. For that reason, they were frequently referred to as "'''proto-races'''" {{storylink|Intersectionality}} or "'''proto-formers'''", {{storylink|Safe Spaces}} distinguishing them from the archaic [[Builder of Cybertron|Builders of Cybertron]]. {{storylink|Broken Windshields}} By the time of the [[Grand Uprising]], the Builders kept the remaining protoforms under heavy guard inside the [[Grand Mal]]. Four years into the war, there were but one hundred and seventeen protoforms left, two-thirds of which were blanks.

As part of the experiments in the Beast Upgrade, Autobot scientist [[Leatherhide (Universe)|Leatherhide]] figured attempting the process on a protoform would be easier than attempting to reconfigure an already-developed form. Megatron hired the eccentric [[Bisk (BWU)|Bisk]] to break into the Grand Mal and grab one. Leatherhide's prediction proved correct, and [[Inferno (BW)|Formikon]] became the first proto-former to successfully take on a beast mode. {{storylink|Not All Megatrons}}

====''Wings Universe''====
When [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] was a protoform, he was told stories about [[Cheetor (BW)|Alpha Trizer]] once being a member of a team of ancients whose [[Beast Wars (event)|battles crossed time in space]].

In the late 30th century C.E., a Cybertronic reference text was [[Land Powered's King Atlas for Protoforms]]. {{storylink|Tornado - Decepticon Saboteur|Apelinq's personal logs}}

====2021 IDW ''Beast Wars'' comic====
The ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' was tasked with delivering a cache of protoforms to [[H'nkshanaar-4]] before being redirected to engage the stolen ''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''. When this resulted in both ships crash landing, the ''Axalon'' ejected its protoforms into a stable orbit. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 1}} When the Predacons attacked the ''Axalon'', [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]] attempted to upload a [[shell program]] to the protoforms. {{storylink|Savage Landing Part 6}}

Tarantulas' coding managed to infect one pod, birthing Blackarachnia, {{storylink|Pod Part 1}} who sought to complete Tarantulas' work. She managed to infect 51% of the protoforms before [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] stopped her, though Blackarachnia forced all of the stasis pods to make planetfall. {{storylink|Pod Part 2}}

Eventually growing tired of Cybertronian meddling in their experiments, the [[Vok]] [[Pakak]] stole from [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]'s mind the knowledge needed to reprogram a protoform, {{storylink|The Speedway of Central Consciousness}} turning ninteeen of the protoforms into the [[Children of the Vok (group)|Children of the Vok]]. {{storylink|Children of the Vok}} {{storylink|The End (BW)|The End}}

===2001 ''Robots in Disguise'' cartoon===
Autobots (and possibly Predacons) can change into a protoform state during long journeys, presumably to conserve energy. Attributes of an Autobot's original form remain in whatever new form the being takes. For instance, [[Scourge (RID)|Scourge]] retained the ability to detect [[O-Part]]s.

A downside to the protoform process is that it leaves the Autobots vulnerable to tampering. [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] was able to use his [[spark]]'s energy to turn Autobot protoforms into [[Decepticon|malevolent entities]]. {{storylink|The Decepticons}}

===''Cybertron'' cartoon===
Protoforms are the first stage of Transformer life, which is usually followed by [[primary programming]].

===Live-action film series===
[[File:Movie OptimusPrime protoform.jpg|thumb|[[T-800|I gotta find some clothes!]]]]

Protoforms grow and survive by feeding inside [[energon]] wombs. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}} Protoforms are more than just the first stage of a Transformer's life, they are the "base" form that exists inside each robot. Protoforms are formed of an [[Living metal#Live-action film series|ultra-dense liquid metal]] and are extremely hard to damage.

In the rare case they are not actively practicing their natural proclivity for chameleon-like disguise (usually only when engaged in interstellar travel), Transformers shed their exo-structure and return to their protoform state. This protoform is capable of transforming into its [[transition form]]: an armored, cometary shape capable of interstellar travel. Upon landing on a new world and transforming back into a protoform, the Transformer immediately begins [[scanning]] for new alternate forms to adopt. When one is chosen, the protoform draws on its own ultra-dense substance and any extraneous matter nearby to generate a new exostructure disguise. {{storylink|Transformers: The Movie Guide}}

[[File:ROTF Protoform with weapon.jpg|thumb|left|In Decepticon culture, it is customary for new recruits to fight completely naked.]]
[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s attempts to breed a new army were met with failure because of low energon supplies, and the "[[hatchling]]s", as they were affectionately termed, were dying. When many Decepticons arrived on Earth with [[The Fallen]] to claim the [[Sun]], most did not bother assuming [[alternate mode]]s, and remained in their protoforms. They assisted in attacking NEST forces in Egypt where many were killed in a fire fight with the Autobots and Human troops. The remaining ones were killed by a U.S. military air strike. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

Many Decepticon protoforms were hidden on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], and came to [[Earth]] via the [[space bridge]] activated by [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]].

When Sentinel gave the command for the Decepticons to isolate [[Chicago]], many protoforms (some [[Orbital Assault Carrier|airborne via crafts]]) assisted in the occupation. One particular protoform pilot came and fired upon [[Sam Witwicky]], [[Robert Epps]] and the other [[NEST]] soldiers, but they were saved when the protoform's ship was shot down by [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]. The [[Wreckers]] came along and ripped the pilot apart, telling him that it would hurt a lot. ''Ouch. (Owie!)''

[[File:Dotm Protoform.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|He shoots at point blank range yet still doesn't kill Que!]]
Later, under the command of [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], another protoform aided in rounding up several Autobots that had infiltrated the city. At the advice of the human collaborator [[Dylan Gould]], Soundwave ordered the Autobot prisoners executed, starting with [[Wheeljack (Movie)|Que]]. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] pushed the Autobot scientist forward despite his pleas for mercy, and the protoform delivered the first shot while Barricade killed Que by shooting him in the back, laughing derisively as his victim fell. He then looked on as Soundwave prepared to execute Bumblebee, but before Soundwave could kill him, [[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] and [[Brains]] caused Decepticon [[Orbital Assault Carrier|fighter]]s, as well as some of the Decepticon crew, to crash down from a Decepticon [[mothership|battleship]]. This caused a distraction that allowed Bumblebee and the other captive Autobots to break free, resulting in Soundwave's and the protoform's death. The remaining protoforms were pushed back by the joint Autobot/NEST attack, and Optimus Prime downed many when he charged down the main battle field, including two very large protoforms. Nearly all of the troops present in the city were defeated, while many remained active around the Earth. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}

Footage of several Decepticon protoforms during the Battle of Chicago was used by the government as anti-Transformer propaganda. {{storylink|Transformers: Age of Extinction (film)|Age of Extinction}}

Many Decepticon protoforms returned to Cybertron under the command of [[Quintessa (TLK)|Quintessa]] and Megatron, and attempted to defend the former's [[Ignition chamber|control center]], but were killed by the Autobots, backed up by the [[Transformers Reaction Force]] and the [[Guardian Knight|Knights of Iacon]]. {{storylink|Transformers: The Last Knight (film)|The Last Knight}}

{{Note|"Protoform" is used as a term for the movie continuity Transformers' Cybertronian forms, although this is also a chosen appearance for the [[Living metal#Live-action film series|self-regenerating molecular armor]] formed by the protoform.}}

===''Animated'' continuity family===
====''Animated'' cartoon====
[[File:Ani42 protoformblank.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|[[John DiMaggio|"When I grow up, I wanna be a steam shovel!"]]]]
Protoforms are created from "[[Living metal#Animated|protomatter]]", mined from Cybertron's [[Sonic Canyons]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} In their pre-life state, they resemble featureless grey mannequins, and are stored in pods that line the walls of the secret [[Matrix Chamber]] hidden in the dojo of their assigned protectors, the venerable Autobot [[Cyber-Ninja Corps]]. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} Customarily, prior to being brought on line, protoforms are placed into "moulds", pre-built robot shells, which their protomatter expands to fill. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} Following this, either the [[AllSpark#Animated|AllSpark]] or the mega-computer [[Vector Sigma]] is used to bestow them with a [[spark]]. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} It is possible, however, to forego the use of a mould and place a spark in a protoform directly. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} The same basic mould can be used for multiple protoforms, leading to [[Retool|similarities]] in [[body-type]] and transformation schemes; the [[65356-9292-346]] type is particularly popular and widely used. {{storylink|Autoboot Camp}} Where humans would describe themselves as being "born", Transformers are "protoformed". Additionally, "protoform" is sometimes used pejoratively in Cybertronian society as a mocking name for the young or inexperienced.

In the closing stages of the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], Cyber-Ninja sensei [[Yoketron (Animated)|Yoketron]] revealed the Matrix Chamber and its legion of protoforms to his student [[Prowl (Animated)|Prowl]], lamenting that while they should be Cybertron's next great generation, they would wind up being used as an army of last resort if [[Project Omega]] failed to bring the war to an end. Subsequently, while Prowl was absent on a quest to commune with the AllSpark, [[Lockdown (Animated)|Lockdown]], another former student of Yoketron's, attacked the dojo and stole nearly all of the protoforms for [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|Five Servos of Doom}} As luck would have it, Project Omega ''did'' succeed in ending the war, and when the Decepticons were exiled from the planet, they secretly took the stolen protoforms with them. However, without the AllSpark (which had been launched into space by the Autobots to keep it out of his clutches), Megatron had no means of bringing the protoforms to life, and so they remained in storage aboard the space cruiser ''[[Nemesis (Animated)|Nemesis]]'' for millions of years. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}}

[[File:TransWarpedProtoform.jpg|thumb|left|225px|My Meebas live inside this tube, we grow and change with help from you!]]

Some time in the 22nd century, a protoform which had been granted a spark through means unknown, in a highly atypical foetus-like form, somehow materialized on [[Earth]], in the laboratory of human scientist [[Isaac Sumdac (Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]]. When Sumdac touched the protoform, it scanned his DNA, and reconfigured itself into a techno-organic form resembling a human baby. Sumdac "adopted" the strange little creature, naming it [[Sari Sumdac (Animated)|Sari]], and raising her as his daughter, never telling her of her true origins. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

Eight years after Sumdac found Sari, the quest for the AllSpark brought the Transformers' war to Earth, and Sari and her father became allies of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]]'s Autobots. To forge a power base for himself, treacherous Decepticon lieutenant [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]] set up base in the ''Nemesis'' (which he had crashed on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]]), using the protoforms that still remained in its hold to create an army of clones of himself. {{storylink|A Fistful of Energon}} Starscream himself had previously died, but was being sustained through a sliver of the AllSpark wedged in his forehead, and so by breaking off tiny chips of it, he was able to give his clones—[[Skywarp (Animated)|Skywarp]], [[Slipstream (Animated)|Slipstream]], [[Sunstorm (Animated)|Sunstorm]], [[Thundercracker (Animated)|Thundercracker]], and [[Ramjet (Animated)|Ramjet]]—the spark of life. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}}

Later, Megatron followed Starscream's example, using three protoforms and three AllSpark fragments to create giant cross-breed clones of [[Lugnut (Animated)|Lugnut]] and [[Omega Supreme (Animated)|Omega Supreme]], the [[Lugnut Supreme]]s. While Megatron readied his new war machines, Starscream—who had by this point spent a protracted period of time as a decapitated head—used a protoform to create a new body for himself, but it didn't last long: to prevent Starscream from betraying him again, Megatron destroyed his new body, and all the remaining protoforms, save three. {{storylink|Endgame, Part I}} These three protoforms were then recovered by Optimus Prime's Autobots during their battle with the Lugnut Supremes. Sari believed that she was originally one of the protoforms who had been aboard the ''Nemesis'', but her unusual shape and form while in protoform state, and the unanswered question of how she wound up in her father's lab, left the matter lacking in a definitive resolution. {{storylink|Endgame, Part II}}

====''Shattered Glass Animated''====
In [[Shattered Glass Animated|another universe]], a protoform managed to find its way to Earth {{storylink|Transformers I.Q. issue 16|Transformers I.Q. #16}} into the possession of a different [[Isaac Sumdac (SG Animated)|Isaac Sumdac]]. Instinctively, it attacked him and ripped out his eye. Having assimilated his DNA, the protoform grew into [[Sari Sumdac (SG Animated)|Sari Sumdac]]. Isaac would subsequently use his daughter as a lab rat; experiments in AllSpark shard implantation would cause Sari to [[reformatting|reformat]] into a battle mode. {{storylink|The 'Bots and The 'Cons|The 'Cons}}

===Aligned continuity family===
====Aligned novels====
Protoforms were created by the [[AllSpark]] in the [[Well of All Sparks]]. In the past, protoforms would escape from the [[Underworld]] to the Cybertronian surface, but in the era of the [[Functionism|caste system]], they would be taught to transform, assume their most natural alternate mode, and be put to work. Protoforms remained the standard name for one's [[robot mode]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[File:Armada-protoforms.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.67]]
Five protoforms were stored in a laboratory aboard the ''[[Harbinger]]''. When [[Starscream (WFC)|Starscream]] found them, he turned them into [[Starscream clone (Prime)|clones of himself]]. These clones, linked to Starscream's very spark and will, were sent on a mission to assassinate Megatron. Of the five, only one escaped, and was later killed by Starscream himself when the clone attempted to terminate him. {{storylink|Armada (episode)|Armada}}
{{-}}

===''Knights of Unicron''===
[[Vector Prime]] saw the [[Knights of Unicron (band)|Knights of Unicron]] perform at the [[Lithone (planet)|Lithone]] stop of their 2014 ''Till All Are One'' tour. He was not impressed although he recognized that the protoforms in the audience were. {{storylink|Ask Vector Prime#Facebook|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/05/13}}

===''Rescue Bots'' cartoon===
[[File:rescue_bots_protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Fresh off the block.]]
When the Rescue Bots first emerge from their ship after having been in stasis for an extended period of time, they are initially blank, protoform-like states that only differentiate by color and some minor features. However, after they scan various emergency vehicles, they acquire their trademark colors and designs.
{{-}}

===IDW ''Shattered Glass'' comic===
When the Autobots travelled to Earth for its [[Rarified Energon]], they brought with them a supply of protoforms. Though [[Ratchet (SG)|Ratchet]] was initially unconvinced of the need for them, they proved their worth when he used a protoform to repair the critically damaged Bumblebee into [[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]. {{storylink|Shattered Glass issue 4|Shattered Glass #4}}

===''EarthSpark'' cartoon===
[[File:terrans_protoforms.jpg|thumb|right|225px|The Terrans' protoforms.]]
After taking over as [[Decepticon leader]], [[Shockwave (ES)|Shockwave]] planned to bring to life a protoform army with which to conquer Earth before the Autobots stole the [[AllSpark]]. {{storylink|Warzone}}

The [[Terran]]s were born in a protoform state. {{storylink|Secret Legacy, Part 1}} {{storylink|Age of Evolution, Part 1}} {{storylink|Home, Part 1}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===''Transformers'' (2007)===
[[File:TF07-Protoform-Optimus-Prime.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Munkytrukk feet!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Protoform [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]''' (Deluxe Class, [[2007]]), later [[redeco]]rated as Protoform Optimus Prime Fusion Cluster Edition and ''Movie Advanced Series'' Protoform Optimus Prime. This form is usually Optimus Prime's pre-Earth body in [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics.}}</ul>

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Protoform [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]''' (Deluxe Class, 2007), later redecorated as Protoform Starscream Fusion Cluster Edition. This form is usually Starscream's pre-Earth body in IDW's ''Transformers'' movie prequel comics.}}</ul>

{{-}}
[[File:TF2007-Trans-Scanning-Protoforms.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|The Protoform of your nightmares.]]

<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Trans Scanning [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]''' ([[2008]])}}</ul>
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Trans Scanning Optimus Prime''' (2008)}}</ul>

:Both Trans-Scanning Bumblebee and Optimus Prime feature a highly articulated protoform robot mode that can transform into its comet-like transition mode. Snap-on armour based on their Earth [[robot mode|robot]] and [[alternate mode|vehicle mode]]s represent the characters after they have trans-scanned vehicles.
{{-}}

===''Robot Heroes''===
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1d1|''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'' [[Jazz (Movie)|Protoform Autobot Jazz]] vs. [[Brawl (Movie)|Decepticon Brawl]] (Two-pack, 2007)}}</ul>

===''Titans Return''===
[[File:TF-Generations-Titans-Return-Diac.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|"200,000 units are ready, with a million more well on the way."]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Diac & Optimus Prime''' (Voyager Class, [[2016]])}}</ul>
{{note|[[Diac]] was [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Scourge (RID)|Black Convoy]]'s protoform soldiers in "[[Legends Comic: Bonus Edition Vol. EX (Scourge 2)|Bonus Edition Vol. EX]]".}}

:Available with ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#TRVoyager|Optimus Prime]], Diac can transform from a small robot into a head compatible with any Deluxe-or-larger ''Titans Return'' figure.

:Although digital renders showed that Diac has a blue head and unpainted legs, the final product has his head painted silver and his legs blue.

:Diac was [[redeco]]ed into [[Refractor#Generations|Refractor]] and the head stage of ''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Legends]]'' [[Scourge (RID)#Voyager|Black Convoy]] and [[retool]]ed into [[Murk#Generations|Murk]]. He would've been redecoed as Titan Master [[Rad (G1)|Rad]] for the BotCon 2017 "Action on Hydrus Four" set and into [[Crossblades (G1)|Crossblades]] for the BotCon 2017 exclusive Titan Master 6-pack that never came to be. This toy was also later redecoed into [[Ryu]]'s head.
{{TRDiacMold}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s Cybertronian form depicted in movieverse comics and toys greatly resembles a protoform, presumably because it was Hasbro's only reference for an alien Autobot appearance.
* In ''Beast Wars'', [[nanite]]s are the fundamental component of a protoform.<ref name=BWU>Page 99, ''Beast Wars: Transformers'' Glossary, ''[[Beast Wars Universe]]'' ISBN 978-4766938005</ref>
* In the [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars II'' cartoon]], a [[generic]] type of [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] known as a [[Combatant]] appears. While similar to what protoforms would develop into later in the brand's history (a metallic 'blank' form that precedes the acquisition of a normal body gained from scanning an alternate mode), they are contextually a separate concept.
* Early in ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'', the term "protoform" is used with its conventional definition as a developmental stage for Cybertronians, sometimes used analogously to "child", or more clinically as the basic form of Maximals and Predacons. "[[Intersectionality]]" introduced the phrase "Proto-races" to refer collectively to these groups, which entered regular usage in "[[Not All Megatrons]]". "[[Cultural Appropriation]]" briefly used the phrase "Proto-Cybertronian". In "[[Safe Spaces]]", the term "proto-formers" first appeared, which by "[[Derailment]]" had become the most common term used to refer to the Maximals and Predacons; presumably to match this new term, "proto-races" was no longer capitalised. Often, "proto-" can just be used as a prefix, as in "proto-sized" (in "[[Trigger Warnings]]"), "Proto point one percenter" (in "Cultural Appropriation"), "proto-scale", "proto-nations", "proto-soldiers", "proto-punks", and the "[[League of Autonomous Proto-States]]" (all in "Derailment").

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Prototype''' (プロトタイプ ''Purototaipu''), '''Protoform''' (プロトフォーム ''Purotofōmu'')<ref>The various Japanese ''Transformers'' media have been somewhat inconsistent regarding the Japanese name for protoforms. Originally, "Prototype" was the term used in the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers|Japanese dub]] of the first season of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''. But then, for both the [[Beast Wars Special Super Lifeform Transformers#Part 3: Beast Wars Metals|Japanese theatrical release]] of the episode "[[Bad Spark]]" and the rest of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals|Beast Wars Metals]]'', the English name "Protoform" was used instead. Then, [[The Decepticons|Episode 14]] of ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Car Robots]]'' reverted back to "Prototype" for the [[Commando (RID)|Combatrons]] in their pre-[[scanning|scan]] forms. Beginning in [[2007]] with the [[Transformers (2007 franchise)|first movie franchise]], mainstream Japanese ''Transformers'' toylines and media adopted the English "Protoform" term generally across the board, with it continuing to see use in the [[Transformers Animated (cartoon)#Japanese release|Japanese]] [[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)#Japanese release|dubs]] of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Animated]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Prime]]''. However, more niche media like the ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Legends]]'' and ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]'' manga both continued to use "Prototype" instead (with the sole exception of "[[The Road to Legends' Revival Chapter 2]]" using "Protoform" instead).</ref>
*''Mandarin'' '''Yuánshēngtǐ''' (原生体, "Protoform")

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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[[Category:Age of Extinction Decepticons]]
[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Beast Wars]]
[[Category:Beast Wars: Uprising]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Classics]]
[[Category:Cybertron franchise]]
[[Category:Dark of the Moon Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Movie]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise (2001)]]
[[Category:The Last Knight Decepticons]]
[[Category:Wings Universe]]